Service Restored Following 9 Day Power Outage

From The Editor's Desk
Skywatch Media News

AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE GUSTAV

Hurricane Gustav has left countless headaches and substantial misery to millions of Louisianans in the aftermath of this most powerful hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast of Louisiana on September 1st. Many have endured the sweltering heat as lights went out across the state, leaving some 1.5 million homes without power. Those lucky enough to afford generators fared better, able to keep their air conditioners running and the refrigerators cold.

I was fortunate to have had a generator for most of the 8+ days that my area went without power, but many still remain in the dark after nearly 10 days since the devastation began. Some 220, 000 meters are still silent across the state, and many are scratching their heads wondering when the lights will return, or when things will return to normal.

This is but a taste of what we can expect as our climate continues to change and our world continues to heat up. Those who have experienced the tremendous force of a major hurricane, know first hand what they can do to disrupt our normal way of life, and the storms we are now experiencing are much larger and stronger than they have ever been.

Hurricane Gustav was one for the books in Louisiana, and especially for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area. This storm has now been classified as the most destructive and damaging storm to hit this part of Louisiana in its recorded history, even exceeding that of Katrina and Rita which also affected this area in 2005. Gustav is the third major hurricane to hit Louisiana in the past 3 years. Thousands of large trees were completely uprooted or torn in half, and many homes were destroyed or sustained considerable damage by falling trees.

With Ike looming in the Gulf of Mexico, all eyes are pointing towards Texas, but those in Louisiana are keeping a watchful eye, and for good reason. With lives disrupted and people displaced, we are picking up the pieces and starting over. Life goes on as usual, but things just aren't what they used to be for many folks down here.

How much more can the average person endure in these troubling times? While governments cope with the insurmountable disaster assistance, insurance companies go bust trying to deal with overwhelming damage claims. Its a vicious merry-go-round that keeps spinning faster with no slow down in sight.

Now that I have been living like a 19th Century Pioneer these past 8 days, I can express to you with sure certainty how wonderful it is to have modern day electricity at our disposal. A luxury that many of us take for granted, myself excluded.

Skywatch-Media News and its affiliate websites will resume normal activities on September 11th, which is also the anniversary of the disaster that befell New York City in 2001. Let's pray that this nation should remain safe and secure from any great calamity in our immediate future. We will continue to hope for the best as a people and nation, but must be prepared for the worst as we venture into uncertain times.

Steve Shaman
Skywatch-Media News

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Obama's Elitist Remarks Are An Insult To Rural Americans

From the Editor's Desk
Skywatch-Media News

Voters across the country are questioning why Obama, a candidate that many looked up as a person who could bring 'Change' to America, could be so careless as to make inflammatory and insensitive remarks about 'small town' rural Americans. His now 'infamous' remarks being heard across the country are not exactly being received with open arms, by those same people that Obama refers to.

With the Pennsylvania Primary now just days away, his remarks could not have come at a worst time. With recent polling in Pa. showing a tightening race, rural Americans must now decipher Obama's regrettable words before going to the polling booth on April 22. His remarks could not only jeopardize his opportunities in Pa, but could also resonate with voters in the upcoming primaries in Indiana, N.C. West Virginia and Kentucky. These are states with many 'small town' voters who will not appreciate the remarks rendered by Obama.

Furthermore, Obama must now explain to the Superdelegates who will decide on the next Democratic nominee, why he made these controversial remarks, and how he can alleviate the hurt feelings of those he has infuriated by his unthoughtful comments. It is especially important to consider the notion that Sen. McCain, who has already jumped on these remarks by calling Obama, "Out of Touch With America" will certainly use the comments repeatedly during the general election, if the Democratic superdelegates should decide to favor Obama in the national campaign.

Now we can all sit back and observe how the comments made by Obama in San Francisco will play out with voters in the upcoming states, as well as across America in the upcoming days and weeks. Obama has much explaining to do between now and June 7 when the last primary is scheduled. He can't just come out and tell Americans as he did the other day, "I'm sorry if I offended anyone, I didn't mean it in that context." Saying your 'sorry' is one thing, but actually believing it is another. We must all ask ourself this very important question, who is Barack Obama...do we really know him well enough.....and can he really deliver on his promises to bring change to America? When you look down on certain groups of Americans, as he suggested in his rather "elitist' comments, then your not ready to live up to your promises to be the better candidate to lead America.

The candidate of "change" in America now looks more like a candidate that thumbs his nose to 'small town' working people, a candidate not for all of America, but for some of America. An elitist in the true sense of the word.

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'No Sun link' to climate change

Breaking Earth News
Scientists: Sun is not a factor in our climate change

Story: Scientists have produced further compelling evidence showing that modern-day climate change is not caused by changes in the Sun's activity. The research contradicts a favoured theory of climate "sceptics" that changes in cosmic rays coming to Earth determine cloudiness and temperature. The idea is that variations in solar activity affect cosmic ray intensity. But Lancaster University scientists found there has been no significant link between them in the last 20 years. Over the last 20 years, solar activity has been rising, which should have led to a drop in global temperatures if the theory was correct.



From the Editor's Desk
Skywatch-Media News

Once again, Scientists have laid to rest the notion by climate skeptics that our climate change is caused by changes in the Sun's activity. The skeptics, who have argued that advocates of global warming are using climate change as an excuse to further their agenda to raise a carbon tax, is both ludicrous and erroneous at the same time. Rather it is the climate skeptics that are carrying the torch of falsehood. They seem to believe that everything that occurs on the earth is natural, and should have no bearing on how we prepare for natural disasters or cataclysmic events. I wonder what excuse they will conjure up now to discredit the scientists in their continual quest to disprove the facts and findings presented in climate research. We can only gaze in amazement as to why they reject scientific findings, and ponder just exactly what planet they are all living on!

Steve Shaman
Skywatch-Media News

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World warming despite cool Pacific and Baghdad snow

The Impact of Global Warming
Climate change is still nudging up temperatures in the long term even though the warmest year was back in 1998, and 2008 has begun with UNUSUAL weather such as a cool Pacific and Baghdad’s first snow in memory, experts said. “Global warming has not stopped.” Last year, parts of the northern hemisphere were having a record mild winter with even Alpine ski resorts starved of snow. Climate change will bring bigger swings in the weather alongside a warming trend that will mean more heatwaves, droughts, floods and rising seas. “The more frequent occurrence of extreme events all over the world — floods in Australia, heavy snowfall in the Middle East — can also be signs of warming.”

From the Editor's Desk
Skywatch-Media News




The claims of climate skeptics have become ludicrous in recent years. Some of the more notable remarks they insist on using include the following:

1) Global Warming is a hoax
Maybe they should take their blinders off, they may actually see things as they really are

2) Climate Change is just a natural event, nothing more.
Who taught them to say that

3) Man is not responsible for the Earth's decline
This statement/phrase is a misnomer or misleading at best

4) Global Warning is "left-wing propaganda" :)
If you believe that statement you really are naive

5) Global Warming is a ploy to raise 'carbon taxes'
SAY WHAT! Good Golly Miss Molly

6) Snow and Ice: "so much for the GW theory"
The article posted above explains the climate fluctuating for those who care to learn

7) Solar Activity is causing Climate Change
Most scientists actually disagree with this notion

There are more slogans they continue to use, but I think you get the message, at least I hope you do. The bottom line is that these folks can't handle any negative news, especially news that jeopardizes their lifestyle. So they resort to vicious tactics that attempt to discredit those who report these less than desirable events.

This is a dangerous practice, especially coming from those who claim to be "loving Christians," or "champions of the environment." Words alone cannot describe who these people really are or what they really stand for, but the truth often comes back to haunt those who use every means at their disposal to suppress news of a meaningful nature.

In the words of George Santayana a Spanish born American Philosopher, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”

Americans have a short memory, but are quick to react when it threatens them. I'm hopeful that America will wake up to the reality of what is happening on a grand scale across the globe, otherwise I am fearful that our inaction will surely lead to dire consequences for all.

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Global warming causing China's glaciers to melt quickly

BREAKING EARTH NEWS
CHINA
Image: Mount Everest as seen from Rongbuk Temple, in April 2007

BEIJING (AFP) - Global warming has caused some of China's glaciers -- a source for many of Asia's greatest rivers -- to have melted by more than 18 percent over the past five years, state media reported Friday.

A survey of nearly 20,000 square kilometres (8,000 square miles) of China's glaciers showed they were on average 7.4 percent smaller than five years ago, Caijing magazine said, citing a government-funded survey.

A glacier along the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River on the Tibetan plateau had shrunk by more than 18 percent, the survey found.

Two other glacial areas in China's far northwest Xinjiang region had also melted by more than 18 percent.

"Global warming is causing grave loss to glaciers and it has become a burning need to monitor changes of glacial reserves," the researchers from the China Academy of Sciences said as they released their findings.

The survey, covering roughly one third of China's glaciers, was conducted to trace the impacts of global warming.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK AT SKYWATCH-MEDIA
Dec 21, 2007
I felt compelled to enlighten all who visit this website on a regular basis about some rather ridiculous and unsubstantiated statements being published from high profile individuals about the status of global warming. Quite frankly I am sick and tired of reading comments from self-righteous doubters about this extremely important subject. The facts are out for all to read and photos have been published which clearly show how the environment and the topography is drastically changing due to severe climate change brought on by a warming planet.


The Pope has recently commented that Global Warming is a made up word, brought on by alarmists for monetary gain.

[Pope Benedict XVI has launched a surprise attack on climate change prophets of doom, warning them that any solutions to global warming must be based on firm evidence and not on dubious ideology

The leader of more than a billion Roman Catholics suggested that fears over man-made emissions melting the ice caps and causing a wave of unprecedented disasters were nothing more than scare-mongering.

The German-born Pontiff said that while some concerns may be valid it was vital that the international community based its policies on science rather than the dogma of the environmentalist movement.]




OK! Wait just a minute, who is the Pope trying to fool? Maybe he should venture out of his cocoon more often and take better notice of his surroundings. Does a picture of Polar Bears on a Melting Iceberg resemble Dubious Ideology or Scare Mongering? Furthermore, I thought much of the reports concerning climate change and global warming were based on scientific data and policies? I believe the Pope is a bit confused. Maybe it is better that he keep his lips zipped and stay at the Vatican, since every time he ventures out and opens his mouth, he seems to create more controversy.

Now when it comes to the skeptics, their mission is to spread false propaganda about the actual facts being published by environmental messengers, and also to deceive the public at every turn. I have some bad news for all of them, it isn't working. Try taking your fraudulent claims to the Republicans on Capital Hill. I am sure they will accept your ideals with open arms, certainly they will not be obstructionist as they have with the Democratic Congress this past year. It all plays out in the end, but this is one game that the GW skeptics will not win.

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An Interview with James Hoggan of DeSmogBlog

From the Editor's Desk
Skywatch-Media News
October 25, 2007


Last Night James Hoggan, Chairman of the David Suzuki Foundation and PR Executive for Hoggan and Associates of Vancouver, B.C. spoke out on the most important issue of our day, climate change and global warming. During his interview on the Earth Frenzy Radio Show he emphasized the importance of exposing the climate change skeptics (doubters, as he calls them)who are twisting the truth about the reasons for the extreme weather in an attempt to keep the public confused, primarily for monetary gain. Mr Hoggan, through his website, DeSmogBlog has successfully educated and informed the general public about the environment and what can be done to save our planet.

You can hear the entire broadcast(podcast)at the following links:

Earth Frenzy Radio

RSS Feeds

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Skywatch-Media Update

From the Editor's Desk
June 12, 2007

Hello to Everyone. I'm back from my glorious trip to the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. What a wonderful and beautiful part of the world it is! This region along with the upper midwest will be pivitol to the survival of mankind as the world continues to progress into climate change and a shifting of the poles. Mass migration will follow along these routes as millions will eventually be forced to leave the sun belt and the Southwest due to drastic storms, drought and sea level rise in the years ahead.

I know you have been missing your daily updates as there is so much to report on these days and so little time.

I'm glad to be back to providing your daily dose of earth news.

Steve Shaman

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Sign This Petition

Skywatch-Media Public Announcement

From the Editor's Desk

March 20, 2007

Personal Message From Barbara Boxer

U.S. Senate

There may be no single person who has done more for our environment than Al Gore. That's why I'm so pleased that Vice President Gore has accepted my invitation to testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on March 21st! And I want you to help me give him the warmest welcome possible.
Please join 61,069 Americans and sign my online thank you card to Al Gore now -- so I can personally deliver it to him when he comes to testify later this month!

Please Sign This Petition

This is a public media announcment on behalf of U.S. Senator, Barbara Boxer

©2007, Skywatch-Media. All Rights Reserved

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Don't Blame Sun for Global Warming

Global Warming News

From the Editor's Desk

March 19, 2007

Sunspots alter the amount of energy Earth gets from the sun, but not enough to impact global climate change. Sunspot-driven changes to the sun's power are simply too small to account for the climatic changes observed in historical data from the 17th century to the present, research suggests. National Geographic News: Sept. 06

Ever since Al Gore's Documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" won an oscar for its exemplary coverage of the controversial issue of Global Warming, the skeptics have crawled out of the woodwork to contradict the indisputable findings of leading scientists across the globe. The debunkers have and will continue to dispute the facts surrounding climate change and greenhouse gases because it disrupts their ultimate purpose in this world, which is to get rich regardless of the consequences.

The skeptics new dig is to persuade the public and the media that Solar Energy or the Sun's activity is solely to blame for the extreme changes in the climate. What they fail to mention is a rational explanation regarding the sudden and drastic melting of the world's glaciers and the ice caps in particular. They also fail to provide a convincing explanation for the gradual and realistic increase in the earth's core temperature in the last 20 years. In addition they conveniently fail to mention that the ocean levels continue to rise and island nations are sinking as we speak. The Earth has been around for millions of years, but disastrous events are happening on an alarming scale now. A recent study conducted in September of 2006 refutes the Sun Worshipers concepts behind global warming. Who are we to believe, and who do the skeptics believe they are fooling?

A classic example of this would be the recent distribution of a poorly produced and documented movie,"The Great Global Warming Swindle,"which is being crusaded across the Internet, in a futile attempt to dispute the already proven facts behind the concept of global warming. If your going to keep your blinders on, then your never going to see the true light of day. For the naysayers, it is better to deceive and mislead the public, rather then lose one's pocketbook by pandering to the truth seekers.

Each of us has the freedom and the privilege to choose, but we also have an obligation to choose wisely. If we fail to make good decisions we eventually will pay with dire consequences. The same is true of our environment and how we choose to care for the future of our planet. Learn more about this contradictory movie, Global Warming Swindle and what they would want you to believe.

It is true that we shouldn't believe everything we hear and read, but we should seriously consider things that we do not have a firm understanding of. In so doing, we can better determine the cause and then a plan for action to resolve the matter.

There are those that do not want to know because it is not in their best interests. It is up to us to determine who those people and organizations are, and why they are so adamantly against speaking the truth on vital subjects such as global warming. Ultimately, there will always be an ulterior motive for their actions. The idea is that, 'for all actions in this world, there will be a reaction.' How true that is with respect to the subject of Global Warming.

This a hot issue, but it is authentic evidence not conjecture that fuels the debate. The naysayers can debunk to their hearts content, but the changes we are witnessing to this earth will continue and become even more pronounced, even while the debate becomes more heated.

Steven Shaman

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GRC has a New Look

From the Editor's Desk:
March 13, 2007

Skywatch-Media is pleased to announce that The Great Red Comet website has a new and improved look.

If you haven't yet checked it out, take a few minutes and go to our new site at Skywatch-media.com

Among the new features that can be found are as follows:

* A news ticker has been implemented just below the page title. If you hover your mouse over the new ticker it will change to the color red. You may then click on that news title and you will be immediately directed to that perticular news page while still remaining on our website.

* Directly below each news article you will see a Bookmark Icon. If you click on the Icon You will be directed to a series of social bookmarking services in which you can easily bookmark the news page to any of the listed Feeds. Give it a Try. It's a good way to hook up with other internet bloggers and webmasters.

* Also listed just below each news article is a Labels Button. Click on this button to be taken to a page that lists all GRC articles under these label headings. This is a good way to backtrack in case you have missed previous news publications.

* In the Sidebar you will notice several changes. A new Language Translation Tool has been added near the top of the page. This tool can be used by all foreign visitors to translate the English content of this website into their native language.

* You can make GRC your chosen home page. Just click on the Icon listed on the sidebar to make this website your home page.

* You can email this page to a friend so that important people in your life can become better informed about our ever changing planet.

* Viewers using Internet Explorer may want to consider using or switching over to Firefox with Google Toolbar. An Icon has been placed in the Sidebar In the Item Search Space for you to conveniently and safely download the Firefox Browser. The updated Great Red Comet website which is hosted by Google is now fully compatible with Firefox Browser. Give it a try.

* Viewers wishing to do some online shopping or looking for a specific book or dvd/cd, may wish to visit our E-Store for a complete list of quality, affordable merchandise and essential items from Amazon.com. Skywatch-Media is a proud sponsor of Amazon products and recommends their merchandise to all our internet visitors.

* Also listed under Item Search is a list of Viewer's Choice book & video publications which can be purchased directly from our website. This is a unique and innovative alternative to internet shopping. Just hover your mouse over the link, and a message will pop up complete with images and information on the subject content. Merchandise content will change on a periodic basis.*Note: In order to properly use this shopping technique, you must first wait for the GRC website to fully download unto your internet browser.

NOTE: Skywatch-Media has a new email address for website communication. Please use the following address when submitting inquiries or suggested news links: skywatch.media@gmail.com An Email Icon has been placed on the Sidebar immediately before the links section. This is the only email that should be used for website feedback.

* The Blog Archives is a new website format being implemented by Blogger. By clicking the yellow/gold arrows, a dropdown list shows all the posted news articles for each month and year since our inception. You can choose to have the list remain open, or fold it up at your descretion.

* Your may subsribe to our Rss Feeds at any time by clicking the link Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) shown on the lower left hand side of the website, just below the last news post. You can also choose to easily subscribe to our feeds located in the Sidebar at any time. By subscribing to news feeds, you will receive the latest breaking earth news directly to your email or any personal home page.

Skywatch-Media would like your imput on our new design features, and will welcome any suggestion you may have on ways to further improve our site. We are committed to providing our viewers with fast breaking earth news that effects us all in these troubled times. As always, we desire to make your browsing experience more informative and viewer friendly.

Sincerely,

Steven Shaman

©2007, Skywatch-Media. All Rights Reserved

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Skywatch-Media: Important Announcement

Skywatch-Media Announcement
Jan 17, 2007

The Great Red Comet Blog has a new custom domain, but will continue being served by blogspot and google. If you haven't done so already, please bookmark the new address: skywatch-media.com

The blogspot address: sky-watch.blogspot.com will automatically forward to the new custom domain name Skywatch-Media. Nothing else will change on this site.






Copyright © 2007-Skywatch-Media

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Happy New Year (2007)

From the Editor's Desk at Skywatch Media:

Jan 01, 2007

As we welcome in the new year, may we pray for good health, safety and security for all the victims of the previous year's natural disasters and tradgedies. May our resolution be to provide service to those who are needy and downtrouden. Nothing in life can be more rewarding and meaningful then serving mankind, for therein lies the real test in each of us as to who we are and why we are here on this planet.

Best Wishes for a blessed New Year.

Steven Shaman

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Seasons Greetings From Skywatch Media in Cajun-land

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM SKYWATCH

December 25, 2006

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

From the Editor's Desk

I wish to thank each and every viewer who has diligently followed the Earth News provided by our media network during 2006. Although our climate and earth changes continue to speak out, and the world continues to ignore the signs, there has nevertheless been numerous significant and meaningful global events that have taken place during the course of the year. With the advent of a new beginning looming in our not so distant furture, we should now take the time to prepare for all things which the creator shall place before us, whether good or bad, joyful or evil in context and in meaning. May the new year (2007) bring you all peace and comfort even in the midst of chaos and turmoil. All things are not lost for those who believe and prepare!

Have a blessed Christmas & New Years

Steven Shaman

Editor/Publisher

Skywatch Media

Thoughts for Christmas

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do?The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners . Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

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