The week that was 2/28-3/6/2010
Posted on | March 7, 2010 | 4 Comments
Before and after the flooding in La Faute sur Mer (France). Source: Spot Image. The SPOT 4 satellite acquired an image on March 2nd that reflects the extent of the flooding on the coast and the island of Ré. Click on the photos to be taken to Spot Image.
“We have winds this strong every year, but what wasn’t emphasized by the French government, or weather services, was the fact that the winds would be combined with a high tide.” — French hotelier Mario Hamelin, “Atlantic storm Xynthia kills dozens in Western Europe,” Los Angeles Times, March 1, 2010
“We have to ask how in France, in the 21st century, families can be surprised in their sleep and drown in their homes.” — French President Nicolas Sarkozy, “Europe storm death toll at 62; France hardest hit,” Associated Press, March 1, 2010
“High tides are higher today.” — Chris Bergh, director of the Florida Keys program, the Nature Conservancy, “As Florida Keys residents confront rising sea levels, what lessons?” Christian Science Monitor, March 4, 2010, via Aquafornia
“… the climate system is changing in a number of ways which follow the pattern of climate change predicted by computer models. The only plausible explanation is that changes are happening as a result of human activity, including man-made greenhouse gas emissions. — News release, “Climate change and human influence,” The UK Met Office, March 5, 2010
Notes on a skirmish
Posted on | March 5, 2010 | 5 Comments
Goliath wasn’t really trying, didn’t really want to win and it never really was a contest. That’s the upshot of the response from the Southern Nevada Water Authority after a proposed amendment to do with its massive haul of water awards out of central Nevada failed to pass during the special session of state legislature, which closed early Monday.
Those opposing the amendment along with the SNWA’s proposed pipeline into the heart of the state claimed a huge victory. Dozens of Vegas lobbyists turned away! A great day for justice, the small man, everything good!
The Las Vegas water authority shrugged it off, saying that it had been working for the amendment in Carson City simply to help a beleaguered state natural resources agency protect thousands of water awards threatened as a byproduct of a nuisance suit brought by the pipeline protestors.
“Upper level low”
Posted on | March 4, 2010 | No Comments
Call me Timon, but I love it when it rains on the Oscars, second only to when it rains on the Rose Parade. Soaked joggers in the marathon are a poor substitute for bedraggled floats and movie stars. The misanthropists among us will need to cross our fingers that rains predicted for Saturday will extend into Sunday. Click on the map to be taken to the National Weather Service, then fill in your zip code for your exact local forecast. Or click here to be taken to Ken Clark’s AccuWeather forecast. “Rain and snow will gradually develop Friday and Friday night across California,” he writes, “and as the upper-level low moves inland Saturday across the southern third of California, thunderstorms could occur as well.”
The ghost of Leo Politi
Posted on | March 3, 2010 | 5 Comments
Click on the cover to be taken to a gallery of Leo Politi's publications.
STRANGER things have happened, but not on this website. The night after attending Leo Politi Elementary School to take part in the March 2, 2010 Read Across America Day, a story posted itself on Chance of Rain while I slept.
As a reporter and science writer, never mind editor of this website, I can only assure readers that an investigation is under way. I take mystery postings very, very seriously.
In the meantime, those interested in Read Across America Day and other country-wide school programs should contact the National Education Association. Or for information about Pen in the Classroom programs, click here.
8.8 Chilean quake opens “Red Cross Month”
Posted on | March 1, 2010 | No Comments
MARCH has been known as “National Red Cross” month since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued the declaration in support of Red Cross efforts to raise funds for World War II services. On the event’s 67th anniversary, the earthquake in Chile underscores the importance of emergency relief services. Nothing is more urgently required following an earthquake than fresh, potable water. To help get it to Chilean quake survivors, click here to be taken to the American Red Cross. Donations of $10 or more are as easy to make as a purchase on Amazon.
Chileans line up for fresh water in the aftermath of Saturday's 8.8 quake. Photo: Roberto Candia, AP via the Los Angeles Times. Click on the image to be taken to LA Times' quake coverage.
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