Monday, April 27, 2009

They had to be F2 tornadoes. Severe Flooding in Kansas. (Video - click title - thank you)


A yard in west Wichita near 119th street and Maple is flooded by Sunday rains.

Heavy rain drenches state (click here)
...He said an automated gauge near Andover had recorded 6.87 inches of rain as of 3 a.m. Monday, and as much as 2 more inches may have fallen since then....
...The slow-moving storm system also spawned at least two tornadoes in the Wichita area, injuring two people in a camper at Afton Lake on Sunday night....

Monday, April 27, 2009 (from article at title)
...Emergency Response Crews have kept busy over the past 24 hours, after storms brought several inches of rain to parts of KAKEland.
The Wichita Fire Department responded to more than 200 water rescues. One of those rescues happened near 2nd and Bleckley where several cars got stranded.
A few blocks away, both a mother and daughter, who were in separate vehicles, were nearly swept away while the mother was trying to rescue her daughter....


Tornadoes hit Oklahoma for 2nd straight day (click here)
Associated Press - April 26, 2009 10:35 PM ET
CRAWFORD, Okla. (AP) - A mobile home and frame home were damaged when a tornado touched down in far western Oklahoma today, but no one was hurt.
State emergency management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten says the two homes were damaged in Ellis County but no injuries were reported from the second batch of storms in as many days.
Three people were hurt when twisters struck Enid and Kremlin in northwestern Oklahoma overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
Numerous roads and bridges have also been closed due to high water in northwestern Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. reports about 3,000 customers without power in the Shattuck area in northern Ellis County.


Tornadoes Rip Through State (click here)
4/27/2009 (Undated) -- Tornadoes ripped through western Oklahoma during a weekend of severe weather. According to weather officials, two homes were leveled by a twister in Ellis County. Another tornado touched down in Roger Mills County over the weekend, but didn't cause any damage. A twister in Garfield County tore the roof off an expo center and destroyed a home. No serious injuries were reported.


April 26, 2009
Roll, Oklahoma
Photographer states :: Tornado touchdown north of Roll, OK earlier this afternoon!


It's Sunburn weather in the Arctic Circle. The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:


During the winter, winds and currents push some of the thick, multi-year ice out of the Arctic Ocean. In the past, that thicker ice was replenished by new ice that survived several summer melt seasons. (click here for animation)




The 340 residents of Newtok, Alaska (click title to entry - thank you) will soon be among the first “climate refugees” in the United States. Global warming has battered the tiny coastal town: As average yearly temperatures rise, coastal ice shelves melt as does the permafrost on which the town sits. The Ninglick River has overtaken the town as the ground level simultaneously sinks [Backpacker blog]. As a result, the town’s scattered buildings are connected by a network of boardwalks across the mud....


Webcam Northeast view.


From the webcam Southeast view. Yep.

April 27, 2009

2:42 PM AKDT (GMT -08)

Lat/Lon: 58.8° N 137.0° W

Temperature :: 55 F

Conditions :: Clear

Humidity :: 41%

Dew Point :: 32 F

Wind :: 4 mph from the West

Pressure :: 30.42 in (steady)

Visibility :: 10.0 miles

UV :: 6 out of 16

Clouds :: Clear (Above the Ground)

Elevation :: 33 feet

I will not be seeking a vaccine for the Swine Flu. There are others that may need it. I do not. I am healthy.


It's interesting, I just had an annual physical. I am a healthy person. Not perfect heath, but, healthy.

If I had a lung or heart condition, I would definately ask my health care provider for recommendations.

There are going to be people that might want to consider a vaccine and their physicians or nurse practioners should be making recommendations, but, I would much rather rely on avoiding the infection and listening to recommendations while making wise decisions.

If anyone is feeling ill and unsure of their wellness in regard to any illness, I would encourage them to seek assessment.

I would expect any emergency room has areas for potential Swine Flu diagnosis. Remember, a hospital and emergency room is where illness can be found, so I would be careful about where to be assessed if it weren't a sincere emergency. There may be many questions regarding an illness and exposure to others, so patience is important.

As Vaccine Development Kicks Off, Caution Urged (click title to entry - thank you)
by Liz Halloran
Treatment Options
In most cases, the swine flu can be treated and prevented using the same anti-viral drugs that fight the seasonal influenza strains....

The Stimulus Funds were supposed to assist the economy, but, were also an introduction to the "New" USA.

The Republicans aren't doing so good. They aren't making the best decisions for the country or their particular states.

I didn't know Collins did this. I am rather surprised actually. I think we have a right to be outraged.

Why? I don't get it. Why would anyone eliminate preparedness?

I just can't believe the priorities Republicans boast. Wow. Oh, well. I guess Collins will have a lot of questions to answer. I hope her answers are good. If she states, emergency measures can always be passed into law, then why wait until the emergency arrives? That isn't preparedness, that is neglect. What the heck goes on? When it comes to the public/the Middle Class, their importance is always dead last. Over and over again, the Republicans prove they are the worst possible people to influence laws in this country.

Swine Flu Outbreak Revives Controversy Over Stimulus Funds (click title to entry)
By Ben Pershing
The Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee announced today it will hold a hearing this Wednesday on the federal government's response to the swine flu outbreak, even as a controversy is brewing over the role a senior member of the panel played in blocking funds for just this kind of public health emergency.
The liberal blogosphere has been percolating this morning with criticism of Sen.
Susan Collins (Maine), the top Republican on HSGAC, for having helped to strip close to $900 million for pandemic influenza preparedness from the economic stimulus package back in February. That bill passed with the crucial support of Collins and just two other Republicans after a handful of controversial or arguably non-stimulative items were removed, including the pandemic funding....

Calm is necessary. I remind the WHO did a magnificent job with SARS within China a country of over a billion people. Follow their recommendations.


Wash the hands with soap. Bar soap is fine. Any kind of soap and GOOD HAND WASHING technique of at least 15 SECONDS will provide enough friction to remove any microbs.


Hand washing cannot be understated. While a sanitizing hand cleaner is nice it is NOT necessary. Washing hands with soap and water is as effective as using a waterless product that sanitizes. The advantage to a product such as Purell is that it is handy, easy to use and waterless which means it can go anywhere and be effective.


N95 Mask is effective, but, the fit of the mask has to be taken as seriously as the need for travel.







Corporate Airline Rises to the Occassion. Leadership showing caution and reassurance will provide a 'huge economical edge' to any slow down due to concerns regarding the new swine flu.

Airlines, tourism officials watching swine flu (click title to entry - thank you)
By Jefferson George

jgeorge@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Monday, Apr. 27, 2009
US Airways is going "above and beyond normal cleaning measures” but hasn't canceled any flights in relation to swine flu cases and travel advisories in other countries.
Charlotte's dominant carrier, US Airways operates three daily nonstop flights to Cancun and one to Mexico City. The airline also has weekend flights to Cozumel, Mexico.
Two Cancun flights and the Mexico City flight departed as scheduled this morning. Return flights for those routes don't arrive in Charlotte until this afternoon and evening.
In response to the swine flu cases, US Airways cleaning crews are giving airplane cabins – especially the lavatories – more thorough cleanings between flights, airline spokesman Michelle Mohr said. In addition, she said, flight attendants are frequently using hand sanitizer and wearing rubber gloves during beverage and meal service.
While the carrier – which operates about 90 percent of flights in Charlotte – hasn't canceled any flights because of the swine flu cases, Mohr said some customers have changed travel plans. US Airways said this morning it will waive the normal fees for changing flights to various cities in Mexico for travel from now through Thursday night.
Passengers can move their itinerary up to seven days before or after the original date of travel. Another option is to apply the value of unused tickets toward a ticket to another destination, provided the new travel begins within seven days of the original date. For more information, call 800-428-4322.
Among countries that send visitors to the Charlotte region, Mexico ranks fifth for spending by visitors and fourth for total visitors, local tourism officials said.
Officials at the Charlotte airport met this morning on making any changes to operations related to the swine flu cases in other countries, airport spokeswoman Haley Gentry said. At this time, she said, the airport's role is to support the airlines and follow the directions of federal, state and local health officials....

I hope the USA is monitoring the 'progress' in the area of human rights and peace. Why not India?

Brown: Afghan border a terror 'crucible' (click here)
..."There is a crucible of terrorism in the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan," Brown said. "Our approach to both countries is different but must be complementary. Our strategy for dealing with the breeding ground of terrorism will mean more security in the streets of Great Britain."...

The monthly meeting of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran is a good sign, but, with the 'unequal' national 'wealth of power' the talks could bring pressure on Afghanistan or the newly elected government in Pakistan that would be adverse to a peaceful outcome. The USA has an active interest in these meetings with troops on the ground and demands for the capture or death of Osama bin Laden and Mulla Omar; it should have a place at the table to insure human rights are upheld in these countries as Iran demonstrates its own inability to 'capture the understanding' of the concept.

I sincerely believe India, involved in Kashmir, is a vital partner to these talks as well.


"...the people accept or not accept, we never care there....beaten 20 times by the Taliban...I didn't feel humiliated, I just thought I'm going to die."



When the Taliban or any other terrorist organization CANNOT supply a stable homeland, food and water their influence will erode REGARDLESS of the oppressed posture of the people in their willingness to passively accept Sharia Law.


People flee across a bridge in Pakistan's Lower Dir district, where troops are confronting the Taliban. Photograph: Inam Khan/Reuters

This is such a 'flying' joke. The Taliban break the 'Swat Agreement' by NOT disarming, moving 'armed' into another region of Pakistan and now they are pouting because the Pakistan government has decided to defend the country's sovereignty from them.

Amazing. Poor little Taliban are losing their grip and they don't like it. What a shame.

Pakistan army assault strains Taliban peace deal (click here)
Army pounds militants in bid to break grip on region
Militant group's fighters told to 'prepare for jihad'
Declan Walsh in Islamabad
guardian.co.uk,
Monday 27 April 2009 16.52 BST
A controversial peace deal with the Taliban in Pakistan's Swat valley came under intense pressure today as the army continued its assault on guerrilla hideouts in a nearby district, bringing the reported death toll to nearly 50 after two days of fighting.
Thousands of villagers fled Lower Dir, a strategically located district along the Afghan border, as army helicopter gunships clattered overhead and artillery boomed across the hills.
A spokesman for Sufi Muhammad, a 78-year-old jihadi cleric who helped broker the February peace agreement between the government and the Taliban, announced he was suspending talks until the military offensive was over.
The army claimed to have killed 20 Taliban this morning on top of 26 yesterday. The Taliban claimed to have suffered just two fatalities and accused the army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, of taking American "blood money".
"He has asked money from Mr Obama to kill his own nation," Muslim Khan, a Taliban spokesman, told the Guardian by phone from Swat....


Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan to meet monthly (click here)
Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:55pm EDT

Qureshi stresses indigenous solution to regional issuesAfghanistan, Iran, Pak discuss trilateral cooperation (click here)
Kabul—Pakistan has presented a draft joint-declaration on the framework for trilateral cooperation between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
Speaking at the ministerial meeting underway in Kabul, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the draft framework can be placed before the second trilateral meeting of the heads of states of Economic Coordination Organization when they meet next month in Tehran. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are holding their first trilateral ministerial meeting in Kabul to discuss a number of regional issues, including strategies to counter terrorism, narcotics and enhance relations between the three countries.
In his inaugural address, Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan viewed the trilateral mechanism as an important plank of a holistic regional approach towards issues of development and stability in the region. Qureshi stresses the need for evolving indigenous prescription for lasting peace and stability in the region....

These meetings are a dream come true for Karzai. Immediately after the 2001 invasion into Afghanistan by the USA he asked for talks to open between the USA, Afghanistan and Iran.

The re-election bid by the current President Karzai is a wonderful chance at continuing stability. It will mean he should stay in the Presidency through the elections and occupy the vacancy that was to occur in May. It is wonderful news. President Karzai has managed to see Afghanistan through some very periless times. I doubt anyone else could.

Karzai confirms re-election bid (click here)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has confirmed publicly for the first time that he is going to stand for re-election in August.
Mr Karzai told a news conference in Kabul that he would register in a few days' time as a candidate.
The presidential election was to be held this month but was postponed due to security and logistics problems.
Mr Karzai has had a testing relationship with his Western allies over recent months.
There have been a number of high-profile differences....

Khartoum just doesn't 'get it.' The members of JEM would have died in Darfur anyway. Why stop now?

DO NOT KILL THOSE REBELS !!!!!!!!!!

5 in Congress arrested at Darfur protest (click here)
Members of Congress arrested were (Rep. Donna) Edwards; Jim McGovern, D-Mass.; John Lewis, D-Ga., a veteran of the civil rights movement in the 1960s; Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the only Muslim member of Congress, and Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif.
Also arrested were Jerry Fowler, coalition president; John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project, and Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
Anticipating arrest, Edwards and her colleagues hired a defense lawyer, Laura Rhodes, before the protest, the Edwards spokesman said....



Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.


Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass. is on the right.



Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-CA


Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)


Rep. Donna Edwards, D-MD

Darfur is about a lot of things when viewed from an international perspective. But, when looked through the eyes of American standards, it is about genocidal tendencies of a government to eliminate a populous within its borders.

To impoverish the people of Darfur is to marginalize them and force them into extremist postures.

To force them into extremist postures is to villianize them which allows the law to criminalize their RATIONAL acts of aggression, prosecute them, jail them and assassinate them.

Sooner or later the international community has to realize, the 'rebels' from Darfur represents the voice of the victimized people. A people victimized by their government. Sooner or later, the rebels of Darfur will have to be taken seriously and treated as a political entity and 'talks' will have to begin with the 'seated' government in Khartoum.



China has an interest in all this. They are a powerful international player. China can leverage the peace the people of Darfur need. They should consider their position seriously and stress the need for respect of human rights of the Darfurian people by their government in Khartoum.

...In October 2007, the JEM attacked the Defra oilfield in the Kordofan region of Sudan. The Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, a Chinese-led consortium, controls the field. The next month, a group of 135 Chinese engineers arrived in Darfur to work on the Defra field. Ibrahim told reporters, "We oppose them coming because the Chinese are not interested in human rights. It is just interested in Sudan's resources." The JEM claims that the revenue from oil sold to China funds the Sudanese government and the Janjaweed militia....

Rebels in Darfur have demanded that peacekeepers from China pull out of the Sudanese region just hours after the arrival of 135 Chinese engineers. (click here)

Fifty JEM members have already been sentenced to death over the attack on the city of Omdurman in 2008 (File)

Where is the international community to defend these freedom fighters? The violence is all that remains for them. They should be meeting with the government, not assaulting it, but, the Sudanese government is 'closed' to any discussions regarding 'the truth.'

Khartoum condemns 10 JEMs to death for 2008 attack (click title to entry - thank you)
Sudan sentences ten Darfur rebels to death

A Sudanese court on Wednesday sentenced to death 10 members of the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) for an unprecedented 2008 attack on the Sudanese capital.
The men were found guilty of involvement in the attack on the Khartoum twin city of Omdurman in May 2008. Three others were acquitted and will be freed, the court said.
Judge Mutasim Tajisir, who announced the verdict, said the men were found guilty of 12 charges, including treason, violence against the state and illegal possession of weapons
" God is Great! JEM is strong! Revolution, revolution until victory "Sudanese defendants, dressed in traditional long robes, after hearing the verdict.

Tajisir gave the defendants 10 days to appeal the verdict....

GEM authored a book entitled, "Black Book of Sudan: Imbalance of power and wealth in Sudan" (click here for an English analysis).

There is a reference on Wiki as well (click here). The book should be translated and sold in publication to support the people of Darfur.

Again, the Darfur rebels have absolutely nothing to lose. They have no reason to remain reasonable, they have no reason to stop. If this continues and the death toll keeps mounting, it will become a generational war without end.

Darfur rebels sentenced to death (click here)
A Sudanese court has sentenced 11 Darfur rebels to death for an attack on Khartoum in 2008.
The members of the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) were found guilty of involvement in the unprecedented assault on the Sudanese capital.
Some 80 Jem members have already been sentenced to death for the attack, which left more than 200 people dead.
The Jem fighters drove across the desert to reach Khartoum and were only stopped near the presidential palace.
On Sunday, Judge Hafez Ahmed at the court in Khartoum found the 11 rebels guilty of terrorism and illegal possession of weapons, the AFP news agency reported.
"For their actions in terrorising the people, and threatening the foundation of the state... aggressive sentences are required," the judge told the courtroom....


Saperstein, lawmakers arrested in Darfur protest (click here)
April 27, 2009
WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A top Reform Jewish leader and five U.S. Congress members were arrested for civil disobedience outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington....

Yemi Babalola
22 April 2009
Lagos — Amnesty International and twelve Nigerian civil society groups have called on President Umaru Yar'Adua to take a strong position on Sudan; over the recent expulsion of humanitarian aid agencies from Darfur and attacks against human rights defenders by the government.
The groups insisted that Nigeria must step in as a big brother to make the Sudanese government reverse its decision, while further steps should not be taken to aggravate the situation....

Mia Farrow to go on hunger strike over Darfur (click here)
Mia Farrow is to go on hunger strike as an "expression of outrage" over the ongoing Darfur crisis in Sudan.
By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor
Last Updated: 5:27PM BST 22 Apr 2009
The American actress and humanitarian campaigner will begin her fast on Wednesday next week and hopes her actions will spur US President Barack Obama and other world leaders into action.
Writing on her website, the 64-year-old star of Rosemary's Baby said: "I am preparing for a hunger strike. On April 27th I will begin a fast of water only in solidarity with the people of Darfur and as a personal expression of outrage at a world that is somehow able to stand by and watch innocent men, women and children needlessly die of starvation."...

Students bring Darfur into view (click here)
Leah Valencia
Issue date: 4/27/09
Eight student organizations are teaming up today to educate students on human injustices in Darfur.
The UNM community is invited to participate in Darfur Awareness Day from noon to 3 p.m. in Cornell Mall.
Junior Katrice Grant, who helped organize the event, said the genocide in Darfur has been going on since 2003.
"It started when rebel groups organized against the government because they were being oppressed," she said. "They were living in poverty and without food."
The government responded by slaughtering anyone associated with rebel groups, Grant said. Since 2003, 90 percent of the villages in the country have been looted or destroyed and more than 400,000 people have been killed.
"The killing is still ongoing, and people have been displaced and are now living in refugee camps," she said.
Senior Michaela Brown, a member of Hillel at UNM, was the lead organizer for the event. She said it is important that people understand the gravity of the situation in Darfur.
"We don't think many people know, and we want to educate and make people aware of what is going on," she said....