Winter and Climate Change fka Global Warming

In the past, I've posted on Global Warming and referenced Dr. Joe Bastardi over at Accuweather. I see Dr. Bastardi as a meteorologist that is more concerned with studying the data and observing patterns than wholeheartedly believing the output from climate models.

Years ago, his column and videos were freely available on Accuweather. Because of the value that Dr. Bastardi offers, Accuweather realized that there was revenue to be gained from making his opinions part of their Pro site only. Sadly, non-subscribers can no longer regularly read his views and opinions. While some may disagree with his style, I doubt many can argue with his methodology which relies on pattern observation, historical data and empirical data.

Recently, I came across this column he wrote over on one of the European sites. I think you might find it interesting (emphasis added):

December 23rd

SEVERE COLD WAVE TO HIT EUROPE

The development of a major blocking high pressure system over the north Atlantic and its subsequent backing west is about to throw most of Europe into the coldest winter weather pattern in many a year. In fact, temps over the next month or so are liable to average 6-10 degrees F below normal over the center part of the continent with the northwest coldest last, but still getting into the games. Intuitive with this is the likelihood of more-than-normal snow and ice. As the upper block backs west, arctic discharges from the north and east are liable to bring shots of severe cold back into England and with it enhanced snowfall.

While it has been "chilly" so far, what is about to come is the worst in many a winter, perhaps the sign that the warm AMO is reaching its maturity. The U.S winter has been much like those around 1950 which was the benchmark winter in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and was the warning shot that the warm cycle of the '30s, '40s and '50s was starting its end game. It should be comforting to people worried that we are pushing our planet over the edge that things that happened before are happening again, though the discomfort caused by cold is a big problem.

I wish to point out, with no malice intended, that the two countries who have major scientific organizations that have been pushing the global warming idea, Britain and the UKMET and the US with NOAA have been burned by the cold that has developed here. NOAA had a December forecast for a warm central U.S. for November that they were forced to revise and the UKMET forecast for a rather bland winter for Europe speaks for itself. It's anything but bland, whether it averages out near the average or not, because what is coming has not been seen in years.

Now that could mean that its testimony to how warm it is... it hasn't been seen in years. But the fact it hasn't disappeared completely, the fact it is coming back and catching people offguard (hopefully not you) means there is no rout on, but plenty of doubt. If an enemy is vanquished, it should not be able to launch attacks of this magnitude.

I urge you to draw your own conclusions, but I urge you to dig deeper and read opinions from qualified sources that interpret the data differently.

Now Playing: "Serial Sleepers" by House of Heroes

CNN Meteorologist Downplaying Man's Role in Global Warming

I came across this video clip a while back but I've just gotten around to posting it. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I don't buy into all of the Global Warming hype. Noticeably, the term "Global Warming" has been steadily replaced with "Climate Change". Regardless of the term being used, I'm still not convinced about the theory.

What surprised me was that CNN actually allowed opinions differing with the "Global Warming is happening stance" to appear on their network.



Now Playing: "Invincible" by Skillet

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope your Christmas was filled with wonderful times with family and friends remembering the reason for Christmas. As you look toward the new year, I pray that 2009 will be filled with Hope!

Now Playing: "Anchors" by Secret and Whisper

Christmas Gift That Will Save Your Marriage

For all of you that snore (well, your spouse says you do, but you've never heard yourself), have I got the gift for you. According to my beautiful wife, I snore quite a bit these days. It's a combination of sinuses, age and weight. Unfortunately, I believe that weight is the heaviest part of that equation . There are times that I get sent to the couch and others she just goes and doesn't bother trying to wake me up. Well, here's the best gift you can give yourself (or she can give you)!



Out of desperation, my wife bought a box of these and I've tried them. She said this is the first time I haven't snored that bad in a long time. YEA!!!

So...if you're looking for a snoring solution. I would highly recommend the Breathe Right Snore Relief Throat Strips.

Now Playing: "Big Star Machine" by Superchic[k]

Linus Couldn't Have Said it Better

I posted this video clip last year, and I'll probably post it again next year! :-D

Tonight, at 8 PM on ABC, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" will be on. We watch it EVERY year. Like I stated last year, I'm surprised ABC still runs this without editing the content or wanting to create some "balance".

A big thank you goes out to the late Charles Shulz and "Linus" for providing such a simple, clear presentation of what Christmas is all about.

Do you remember?



Now Playing: "The Night That Christ Was Born" by Kirk Franklin

Do You Have the Christmas Story Backwards?

It is now December. Christmas isn't far away. The hectic pace of the "holiday season" sometimes distracts us from the true meaning of Christmas.

I came across this over at Pace Hartfield's blog Creative Worship and challenge you to be sure you don't have the Christmas Story Backwards.


Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Now Playing: "It's Christmas Time" by KJ52

God Alone

As some of you may know, the last week has been really tough. My grandmother on my Dad's side had a severe stroke early in the week of Thanksgiving. Although her health had been declining for some time and although she had already been in a nursing home for expanded care, this was still a tough blow. She has lived a very full life and has blessed so many. Because of the severity of the stroke, her age (she's 95) and the rapid decline of her health, she will be leaving us soon to go be with God.

Prior to all this, I had been asked to put together a video for church. The song was "You Are God Alone" by Phillips, Craig & Dean. I had been having a hard time with the creative process. If you've ever done anything creative before, and we ALL have to some extent, unless you can see it in your mind's eye, it's hard to get started. That's where I was. But, spending this past weekend sitting with my grandmother at the hospital gave me a new perspective on the song. Although she was unaware (at least to us) of our presence, we as family were able to talk about what we remembered. We were celebrating the family that this beloved matriarch birthed and nurtured.

One thought before you watch the video. No matter the circumstances, God is God Alone.

As for my grandmother? Where she is going to is far better than what she has been through.



Now Playing: "You Are God Alone" by Phillips, Craig & Dean