We live in Belgium, a little country right in the heart of Europe. The country is in many ways a small version of Europe. Most have heard of Brussels, which is not only the capital of Belgium, but of the whole of Europe. Belgium is becoming a divided country, with the two largest communities – the Flemish (Dutch speaking) and the Walloons (French speaking) – opposing to each other on different levels, but mostly about financial issues.
Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts
Monday, 4 April 2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Getting Technical: Weekend Update
Here's the latest weekend update from Serge Perreault, a Chartered Accountant and market technician located near Montreal, Canada. Serge has been following the U.S. market in a series of weekly charts. Here is his update on the S&P 500. The S&P 500 continued to improve but remains inside a sideways trading range showing a volatility of 5.7% for the year and on 13.9% below-average volume for the week.
Note: In his email accompanying the chart, Serge explains his reference to 5.7% volatility as the highest close divided by the lowest close from the beginning of the year minus 1.
Getting Technical: Weekend Update
Here's the latest weekend update from Serge Perreault, a Chartered Accountant and market technician located near Montreal, Canada. Serge has been following the U.S. market in a series of weekly charts. Here is his update on the S&P 500. The S&P 500 continued to improve but remains inside a sideways trading range showing a volatility of 5.7% for the year and on 13.9% below-average volume for the week.
Note: In his email accompanying the chart, Serge explains his reference to 5.7% volatility as the highest close divided by the lowest close from the beginning of the year minus 1.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Fukushima Japan, Meltdown Update
Arnie Gundersen of Fairewinds Associate Inc., has provided several video-opinion updates regarding the Fukushima-Japan nuclear power plant disaster. Given his credentials (listed below), his practical and straight-forward demeanor, I find it beneficial to hear what he has to say. So much so that I’m writing this short post regarding his most recent update that he posted today.
The main stream media has not dedicated much of its time to covering this disaster as it continues to unfold, which is probably one of the reasons why I feel more compelled to stay on the general topic given that this site is about ‘modern survival’. This situation certainly presents a big time threat to survival there in Japan, while so far it has not ‘apparently’ escalated to the point of other nations. Even if it never goes beyond Japan’s borders in a big way, we can all learn valuable lessons from what has happened, and what may be still to come.
None of this is fear mongering whatsoever. Instead it is highlighting, examining, and commenting on a real-time disaster, it’s effects on the local region, and the possible effects outside of the region in the time to come. Becoming educated about a given disaster scenario will only empower you to take better control of yourself and your actions, without entirely relying on outside organizations for information (e.g. government, corporation spokespeople, main-stream-media, etc..).
The following are the notes that I wrote down while watching Arnie’s latest video:
Plutonium has been found at 5 different locations on site (all 5 soil samples), which implies that no doubt there will be more discovered – probably outside the nuclear plant location.
Plutonium detection is not detected or picked up with traditional Geiger counters.
Belief that plutonium coming from fuel pool no. 4, but can’t rule out the other reactors.
Highly radioactive water found outside in ‘trenches’, means the container building isn’t ‘containing’.
Radioactivity in the water is over 100 Rem/h (anyone standing near it for 3 or 4 hours receives a lethal dose of radiation).
Believes the trench water is leaking into the ocean.
Damage inside of the core is enormous (fuel rods used for 4 years – built up ‘decay heat’, exposed without cooling for days).
70 – 80 percent of core is probably damaged.
Molten slag drops to the bottom of the reactor, damaging seals and gradually eating its way through the reactor.
Quote: “Frankly, I don’t see how it’s going to be stopped in the short term.”
About:
Arnie Gundersen is an energy adviser with 39-years of nuclear power engineering experience. A former nuclear industry senior vice president, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in nuclear engineering, holds a nuclear safety patent, and was a licensed reactor operator. During his nuclear industry career, Arnie managed and coordinated projects at 70-nuclear power plants around the country.
If you enjoyed this, or topics of preparedness or current events risk awareness, consider our survival blog RSS feed, new posts by E-mail, or bookmark us at Modern Survival Blog
fukushima updates meltdowndaiichi meltdownFukushima japan blogfukushima nuclear power plant meltdownfukushima prediction meltdownmedia blackout fukishimaupdates on Japan meltdown todayTuesday, 29 March 2011
Radiation and Jetstream update USA/Europe - March 27, 2011
URGENT - USA / Europe - Radiation and Jetstream FORECAST UPDATE - march 27, 2011 Plumes of Cesium 137, Iodine 131, and Xenon 133, have reached the United States as of March 23, 2011.
Higher plumes, reaching 5000 meters (15,000 feet) are forecast to reach Portugal, Spain, and central europe.
All animations are from professional forecasting services. Links are below.
http://www.woweather.com/
http://www.woweather.com/weather/news/fukushima?LANG=us&a...
The radiation flow, forecast and shown by these several models... tells the tale of the isotopes coming our way... .. it will be up to you to decide if you should go outside during the time these clouds are over the USA, Canada, and Mexico...
radiation forecasting links:
http://www.woweather.com/weather/news/fukushima?LANG=us&a...
thanks to youtube user androdameia for the below EUROPE radiation monitoring link:
http://eurdeppub.jrc.it/eurdeppub/home.aspx#
spain radiation link:
http://www.csn.es/index.php?option=com_maps&view=mapp...
http://www.jaif.or.jp/english/
http://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/dossier/meetnetten/radio...
http://www.radiationnetwork.com/
http://www.blackcatsystems.com/RadMap/map.html
http://www.epa.gov (click on radiation update)
http://www.irsn.fr/EN/Pages/home.aspx
http://www.nucleartourist.com/
http://www.stuk.fi/index_en.html
http://www.mext.go.jp/english/radioactivity_level/detail/...
http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english/index.html
http://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/dossier/meetnetten/radio...
http://www.yle.fi/tekstitv/html/P867_02.html
http://www.mapion.co.jp/topics/genpatu/
http://strahlenbelastung.wo-wann-wer.de/
dutch radiation monitoring:http://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/dossier/meetnetten/radio...
swiss radiation monitoring:
https://www.naz.ch/en/aktuell/zeitverlaeufe.html
Finland radiation monitoring:
http://www.yle.fi/tekstitv/html/P160_01.html
www.yle.fi/tekstitv/html/P867_02.html
French radiation monitoring: (thanks to youtube user: RehKurts ! )
http://sws.irsn.fr/sws/mesure/index
http://www.irsn.fr/FR/Documents/france.htm
jet stream forecasting:
http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html
http://arctic.atmos.uiuc.edu/CT/animate.arctic.color.0.html
http://nowcoast.noaa.gov/
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/tropicalwx/satpix/nwpac_ir4_l...
http://www.stormsurfing.com/cgi/display_alt.cgi?a=glob_250
http://www.woweather.com/weather/news/fukushima?LANG=us&a...
Monday, 28 March 2011
Update for Smug Co-Conspirator Mothers
The news that Guido has been in sole charge of Miss & Ms Fawkes (since Thursday) produced much Twitter cackling from female co-conspirators. Whilst Mrs Fawkes has been supping cocktails in the Hamptons, Guido has dealt single-handedly with potties.
Miss Fawkes (5 going on six) was helpful, mostly, Ms Fawkes (3 going on 13) has exploited the situation to the max. Guido can report that food has been easy to produce and included a nutritional 5-a-day (assuming ketchup counts). Fashion choices have been anarcho-infanto, fortunately the weather has been good.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
US Naval Update: CVN 65 Enterprise Abandons Libya, Reinforces CVN 70 Vinson In Straits Of Hormuz
Wonder why the administration made such a stink of reducing the US airborne presence around Libya, and handing it off to France, Italy, Canada and Turkey? Here's the answer: the CVN65 Enterprise which last week was within striking distance of Libya, has quietly left the Red Sea and is now virtually swimming in the wake of CVN 70 Vinson in the Strait of Hormuz. Because obviously whatever is about to happen in the Persian Gulf will need not one but two aircraft carrier formations. And meanwhile in Japan the Washington is doing all it can to put radiation free miles between itself and Fukushima, even as the Essex, chock full of marines is sitting on the coast waiting for orders.
Source: Stratfor
Your rating: None Average: 5 (12 votes)Saturday, 26 March 2011
Urgent Market Update on Gold, Silver, Oil, Dollar!
Today was a landmark day in market history. Before late-session corrections …
Gold futures surged to the highest level in world history — $1,449 an ounce.
Silver hit $38.18, the most since the Hunt Brothers cornered the silver market in 1980.
Crude oil touched $106.69, a few nickels short of the highest level since September 2008 … corn jumped more than 3% a bushel … and cattle futures jumped to $1.16 a pound, just shy of the highest level on record.
Meanwhile the dollar continues to plunge, losing ground again against the euro … the Swiss franc … plus the Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian dollars. The broad Dollar Index is now within a whisker of a fresh 15-month low.
What’s going on?
Exactly what we’ve warned you would happen: The mad monetary scientists at the Federal Reserve are trashing the value of your dollars, driving up the price of commodities, and completely ignoring the rampant inflationary pressures each and every one of us can see in our daily lives!
I hope and pray …
That Washington will finally wake up to the urgency of our budgetary lunacy …
That Ben Bernanke will stop destroying the value of your hard-earned savings …
That America can somehow avoid a financial Armageddon.
But hopes and prayers alone are not enough. We also must heed the FACTS, and those facts point to a financial disaster of biblical proportions.
For precisely how to protect yourself — and profit — I urge you to see Martin Weiss’ amazing video, American Apocalypse.
The place is here and the time is now. That’s what today’s markets are telling you. And they’re right.
Click here, and it will begin playing on your screen without further ado.
Best wishes,
Mike
Mike Larson graduated from Boston University with a B.S. degree in Journalism and a B.A. degree in English in 1998, and went to work for Bankrate.com. There, he learned the mortgage and interest rates markets inside and out. Mike then joined Weiss Research in 2001. He is the editor of Safe Money, Interest Rates Profits and LEAPS Options Alert. He is often quoted by the New York Sun, Washington Post, Reuters, Dow Jones Newswires, Orlando Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel, and he has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg Television and CNBC.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Tisdale: update on ocean heat content
October to December 2010 NODC Ocean Heat Content (0-700Meters) Update and Comments
Guest post by Bob Tisdale
INTRODUCTION
The National Oceanographic Data Center’s Ocean Heat Content (OHC) data for the depths of 0-700 meters are available through the KNMI Climate Explorer Monthly observations webpage. The NODC OHC dataset is based on the Levitus et al (2009) paper “Global ocean heat content(1955-2008) in light of recent instrumentation problems”, Geophysical Research Letters. Refer to Manuscript. It was revised in 2010 as noted in the October 18, 2010 post Update And Changes To NODC Ocean Heat Content Data. As described in the NODC’s explanation of ocean heat content (OHC) data changes, the changes result from “data additions and data quality control,” from a switch in base climatology, and from revised Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT) bias calculations.
This update includes the data through the quarter of October to December 2010. There has been an upswing in the Indian Ocean OHC data. And in the tropical Pacific, there’s been a delayed response to ENSO or a downward shift. Other than those, there are no other major changes with the latest 3 months on which to report.
GLOBAL
The Global OHC data through December 2010 is shown in Figure 1. It continues to be remarkably flat, considering the rise that took place during the 1980s and 1990s.
Figure 1
In an upcoming post, I’ll present only the post-2003 data, the era when ARGO floats dominated OHC data.
A CHANGE OF COORDINATES
I’ve changed the coordinates of the Indian Ocean and South Pacific data. The coordinates I was using for the Indian Ocean (60S-30N, 20E-145E) caused too much overlap with the North Pacific and Tropical Pacific data. So I’ve shifted the coordinates so that the Indian Ocean is now represented by 60S-30N, 20E-120E. This required that I shift the South Pacific; it’s coordinates are now 60S-0, 120E-90W.
TROPICAL PACIFIC
Figure 2 illustrates the Tropical Pacific OHC data (24S-24N, 120E-90W). The major variations in tropical Pacific OHC are related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Tropical Pacific OHC drops during El Niño events and rises during La Niña events.
Figure 2
At least it should. Figure 3 compares tropical Pacific OHC to NINO3.4 SST anomalies (a commonly used ENSO proxy) where the NINO3.4 SST anomalies have been scaled and inverted (multiplied by a scaling factor of -0.15) to help show the relationship. The drop in the tropical Pacific OHC during 2010 is unusual. It should be rising (recharging) during this period. It’s impossible to tell at this time if this is a delayed response or a downward shift.
Figure 3
The equatorial Pacific, on the other hand, Figure 4, is responding as one would expect.
Figure 4
We’ll have to keep an eye on the tropical Pacific OHC data.
INDIAN OCEAN
Figure 5 illustrates the Indian Ocean OHC data. Note the sudden upswing since 2006. It’s odd when we consider the trends for most of the other ocean basins since 2003 are flat or negative. (I’ll illustrate this in an upcoming post.)
Figure 5
The Tropical Pacific OHC dropped and the Indian Ocean OHC rose; one might think warm water has migrated from the Tropical Pacific to the Tropical Indian Ocean. If we combine the Tropical Indian and Pacific subsets and compare it to the Tropical Pacific, Figure 6, we can see the two datasets mimic one another and that the recent drop is suppressed. It’s possible (and likely) there has been some migration of warm water from one subset to the other (likely because the current known as the Indonesian Throughflow does flow between the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans).
Figure 6
In fact, this transport appears to take place in the animation of NODC OHC from 2005 to 2010, Animation 1, which was taken from the video that’s included in the post The Electric Kool-Aid Ocean Heat Content Animation.
Animation 1
And here’s the YouTube video from that post. (The animation with music starts around the 2 minute mark, so check your volume setting if you’re at work.)
YouTube Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUONorBCcxU
But the recent rise in Indian Ocean OHC is not limited to the tropics. Figure 7 compares Indian Ocean OHC to the OHC of the Indian Ocean South of 24S. The OHC of the mid-to-high latitudes also has the sudden surge.
Figure 7
And yes, that rise and fall in the OHC of the Indian Ocean South of 24S during the late 1990s does look odd. In fact, if we smooth those two datasets, Figure 8, we can see how unusual that spike appears.
Figure 8
THE HEMISPHERES AND THE REST OF THE BASINS
(9) Northern Hemisphere
#####
(10) Southern Hemisphere
#####
(11) North Atlantic (0 to 75N, 78W to 10E)
#####
(12) South Atlantic (0 to 60S, 70W to 20E)
#####
(13) North Pacific (0 to 65N, 100 to 270E, where 270E=90W)
#####
(14) South Pacific (0 to 60S, 120E to 290E, where 290E=70W)
#####
(15) Arctic Ocean (65 to 90N)
#####
(16) Southern Ocean (60 to 90S)
SOURCE
All data used in this post is available through the KNMI Climate Explorer:
http://climexp.knmi.nl/selectfield_obs.cgi?someone@somewhere
UPDATE on Mayor Dhimmi* Bloomberg’s sell-out to Shari’a Finance
Posted: March 16, 2011 | Author: barenakedislam | Filed under: Islam in America | 20 Comments »
*Dhimmi: .The word “dhimmitude” comes from dhimmi, an Arabic word meaning “protected” and is the Islamic system of governing populations conquered by jihad wars, encompassing all of the demographic, ethnic, and religious aspects of the political system. Dhimmi was the name applied by the Arab-Muslim conquerors to indigenous non-Muslim populations who surrendered by a treaty (dhimma) to Muslim domination. Islamic conquests expanded over vast territories in Africa, Europe and Asia, for over a millennium (638-1683)
American Thinker-(H/T Bob C) -In case you were wondering why Mayor Bloomberg refused to meet with 9/11 families protesting the Ground Zero Victory Mosque, and why he reviled them and other patriotic opponents as “un-American,” the mystery is now officially solved: money. Bloomberg, the richest man in New York, has brilliantly maneuvered his position as public guardian of Ground Zero into a priceless asset for his personal fortune.
Here’s the sick news, folks, about the mother of all conflicts of interest.
B
loomberg launches Islamic Finance Platform:Bloomberg Professional® service executives have announced the launch of a Bloomberg Islamic Finance Platform (ISLM), a solution for Shariah-compliant products and services… The Islamic marketplace is growing rapidly and there is high demand for a wide range of resources,” Dan Doctoroff, President of Bloomberg L.P, said from Kuala Lumpur. “Bloomberg is delighted to increase its commitment to serve this dynamic market….”The new Bloomberg ISLM platform has resources for investing in fixed income, equities and money markets that comply with Shariah…”.
Well, you get the picture. It all makes sense now, doesn’t it? Bloomberg, the famous cold fish, shedding hot tears for “religious freedom” in front of the Statue of Liberty, surrounded by a pride of brain-dead rabbis — ah, what a lovely photo op it made. Bloomberg’s tears were real, all right. He was weeping at the thought that patriotic Americans might derail his ability to close the deal on his beloved Sharia platform.Recall, if your stomach can bear it, how Imam Rauf, the project’s so-called “spiritual leader,” let slip that he would use the 15-story, $100 million Ground
Zero Victory Mosque to house his lifelong dream — the Shariah Index Project. There, every morning, after the Muslim call to prayer finished echoing across the 9/11 killing field, Rauf planned to calibrate the state of Sharia compliance around the globe, and diligently labor to spread it.And how delightfully easier his task of spreading Sharia will be, thanks to Bloomberg’s Islamic Finance Platform! After all, the whole point of the $1 trillion market of “Sharia-compliant products and services” is to maximize compliance with Sharia — and not just on money matters. To understand Sharia Finance’s true nature, consider that Iran is its market leader, and was the first country to adopt Sharia Finance as its financial system, back in 1978-1983 when the Ayatollah Khomeini took over. Khomeini eradicated all secular law and replaced it with Sharia law, including the banking system. Khomeini’s prize creation, the Sharia police, continue to enforce Sharia in the banks and on the streets, where women are savagely beaten for showing a strand of hair and 14-year-old gays are publicly hanged.
I find it fascinating that Bloomberg’s official announcement makes no attempt to disguise Sharia-Compliant Finance as “green” or “ethical”, which is the current fashionable pretense of Sharia-pushing financial institutions like Citibank, Goldman Sachs and General Electric. No, Bloomberg’s announcement is all about the power of his proprietary tools to speed up the harried investors’ search for “fatwa endorsements,” and “transparency into more than 250 Sharia scholars,” so they can get on with making obscene piles of Sharia-backed money.
In case you’re wondering about the tilt of these “Sharia scholars,” look no further than Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Muslim Brotherhood honcho dubbed “the theologian of terror” by the ADL, who just showed up in Tahrir Square, calling for “the reconquest of Jerusalem.” Qaradawi is the big expert on Shariah Financ, which he cheerfully calls “jihad with money.”
Now, you and I remember that 9/11 took place on the day of the mayoral primary, an election Bloomberg eventually won. We remember that he began his term in office by attending countless funerals and memorial services for New York’s heroes, and we still get choked up thinking about the sacrifice they made. But let’s give credit where it’s due: Bloomberg is a canny calculator. Maybe he’d already figured out back in 2001, while we were still wrapping ourselves in flags and weeping over God Bless America, that the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 would be presided over by some guy named Hussein, who bowed to the Saudi king — so why not go for the main chance?
RELATED STORIES/VIDEOS:
follow-the-money-sharia-finance-is-why-bloomberg-is-in-bed-with-radical-islamists
now-we-know-why-mayor-dhimmi-bloomberg-sold-his-soul-for-the-ground-zero-victory-mosque
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Thursday, 17 March 2011
UPDATE: Nuke Pills For $200 on eBay; Desperation at Nuke Plants; Suicide Mission for Workers; Radiation Reaches Alaska; Real-Time US Radiation Map
UPDATE: March 16, 2011 11:00 CST
…Potassium iodide prices go through the roof… Bidders drive prices to over $200 a pack! (link)
…Desperation: Officials us anti-riot water cannon to try and cool spent nuclear fuel (link)
…180 workers, rotating in groups of 50, are working on reactors…physicist calls it a suicide mission
…We’re very close now to the point of no return
…Tokyo radiation levels 20 times higher than normal…no serious health effects (link)
…Russia’s Nuclear Chief warns all six reactors could meltdown, but no nuclear explosion will result (link)
…US Military Shuts Down Portion of Internet on ‘*.mil’ computer systems to open up bandwidth for emergency response…high traffic sites like Yahoo.com, Amazon.com, eBay.com not available. (link)
…radiation reaches Alaska (link)
…Real time US radiation map
UPDATE: March 16, 2011 01:45 CST
…Japanese officials suspend emergency operations at Fukushima facility because of high radiation levels
…International Atomic Energy Agency: dose rates at reactors 3 and 4 up to 400 millisieverts-per-hour, equivalent to about 2000 chest x-rays per hour (IAEA Website - site may be down due to extremely high traffic volume)
…Workers evacuated to safe area
…Japan’s Chief Cabinet Minister says that they cannot “rule out the possibility of a meltdown at all three troubled reactors at the plant” (link)
…US Military said to have been asked to assist. No details provided.
…Japan’s ambassador to international organizations requests assessment team from IAEA
…What happens next?
…Jacqueline Williams, program director for radiation medicine at the University of Rochester, says the chance for a radiation plume reaching US is “close to zero” (link)
…scientist at India’s Department of Atomic Energy says “10 percent probability” of worst-case complete meltdown and radiation exposure (link)
…Japan’s Nikkei 225, which lost upwards of 2000 points since Thursday of last week, recovers 500 points (5.68%) on Wednesday
…Europe not convinced as markets tumble.
UPDATE: March 15, 2011 11:45 CST
…Japanese stock market down 2000 points in less than a week.
…World financial markets in panic – commodities, stocks, precious metals all down significantly in single day trading
…situation in Japan is escalating
…Over half a million evacuated. Prime Minister of Japan urges residents within 19 miles of reactors to flee or bug in
…Princeton Physicist: “It’s way past Three Mile Island already.”
…Tokyo radiation levels rising (200 miles from reactor site)… Live Geiger Counter
…Radiation levels around Japanese cities in real time (Link) *Note, due to an extremely large volume of traffic, this web site may not be accessible.*
…Secondary source: Latest real-time radiation level screen capture (source):
…While earlier posted fallout map showed innaccurate “RAD” level count, wind patterns remain intact… Radiation set to cross Pacific
…Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman David McIntyre: “Right now it’s quite possible that there could be some radiation floating over the United States“
…Radiation threatens California agricultural region (Map)
…Perspective on Radiation Levels:
Here’s a chart showing the range of radiation levels in milli sieverts (mSv). Currently up to 400mSv per hour are being recorded in the immediate vicinity of Fukushima. Remember, although these figures may suggest that the level of radiation being recorded at Fukushima is not extremely high, the danger is constant exposure over a period of time. For this reason, people within the 20km evacuation zone are at high risk of serious harm.
7,000-10,000mSv – Person dies from radiation poisoning. (Full body exposure).
1,000mSv – Nausea and vomiting (Full body exposure).
500mSv – Decrease of lymphocytes in peripheral blood (white blood cells that defend your body) (Full body exposure).
200mSv – No clinical conditions confirmed below this number
10mSv – 1 year’s worth of natural radiation (Brazil)
6.9mSv – CT scan
2.4mSv – 1 year’s worth of natural radiation (world average)
1mSv – Limit of one’s year’s exposure to non-natural radiation (excluding medical examinations)
0.6mSv – Stomach X-ray
0.2mSv – A return air trip from Tokyo to New York
0.05mSv – Chest X-ray (or the level of radiation expected around a nuclear power plant – in practice it is much lower than this)
…more updates to come as information becomes available
UPDATE: March 12, 2011 15:30 CST
…Japanese officials say nuclear disaster averted; but new reactor is now in danger
…Millions currently without power, gas
…Report from Mito, Japan:
In Mito, another town in the area, long lines formed outside a damaged supermarket as hundreds waited for medicine, water and other supplies. Supplies ran low as people stocked up, not knowing how long it would take for fresh goods to arrive.
“All the shops are closed, this is one of the few still open. So I came to buy and stock up on diapers, drinking water and food,” Kunio Iwatsuki, 68, told Reuters.
…Tour of grocery store in earthquake/Tsunami stricken area – Shelves just about empty:
…Grocery store in Tokyo – supplies of basic goods, non-perishables dwindling:
UPDATE: March 12, 2011 12:06 CST
…Status of nuclear plant is unconfirmed… Reports vary… some suggest plant has melted down… others suggest plant is intact
…Tens of thousands missing in Japan
…Thousands being evacuated in potential nuke fallout zone… 12 mile radius
…Explosion in building housing reactors (video)
…Chernobyl-like meltdown possible (video)
…Fuel rods may have melted
…West coast residents on alert in the event of a nuclear meltdown
…Wind may carry radiation across Pacific to West coast of North America…. 180 Hour Wind Forecast Model
…Unofficial fallout map (Note that this map has not yet been legitimately sourced, thus the estimated “Rad” levels are as of yet unconfirmed, though the wind patterns match those of the 180 hour forecast above):
***This Nuclear Fallout Map below has been identified as a hoax. As mentioned in our original posting, the source was not confirmed. We chose to publish this map to demonstrate the fallout pattern in the event high levels of radiation were released in Japan. ****
…As of yet, the estimates for radiation release levels in the event of meltdown as measured in Rads/Greys is unknown, therefore Rem/Microrem biologically effective doses cannot be measured accurately…
…radiation level outside the reactor became elevated to 1,015 microsievert—the equivalent of being exposed to the maximum allowable level for a full year in a single day. The level has since come down sharply.
…Survival / Alternative News forums go ballistic
…General Radiation Absorption ESTIMATES (source):
0-50 rads – No obvious short-term effects
80-120 rads – You have a 10% chance of vomiting and experiencing nausia for a few days
130 -170 rads – You have a 25% chance of vomiting and contracting other symptoms
180-220 rads – You have a 50% chance of vomiting and having other severe physical effects
270-330 rads – 20% chance of death in 6 weeks, or you will recover in a few months.
400-500 rads – 50% chance of death
550-750 rads – Nausia within a few hours ; no survivors
Greater than 1000 rads – immediate incapacitation and death within a week or less.
…Japanese emergency officials are planning to distribute iodine to those in nuclear radiation zones:
Japanese authorities are making plans to distribute stable iodine, a treatment to prevent radiation poisoning, to residents near two damaged nuclear plants, the International Atomic Energy Agency says.
…FDA has historically recommended Potassium Iodide (KI) within 3 – 4 hours of radiation exposure
…Retail provider of KI
…Related SHTFplan articles:
The Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Survive Anything: Nuclear Attack
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 19:45 CST
…88,000 Reported Missing, Hundreds dead
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 17:00 CST
…California: 1 Confirmed Dead, 2 Swept out to sea as they watched incoming Tsunami
…Oregon: 4 Swept out to sea, rescued by Coast Guard
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 16:30 CST
…Reports that Fukushima nuclear reactor is at 2.1 times normal pressure
…Radiation reportedly at 1000 times normal and rising; no evacuations of plant or surrounding areas as of yet.
The following just released video from PBS Newshour documents just how powerful the Japanese Tsunami was. It completely demolishes an entire village in under a minute:
The Sakurajima Volcano on Southern Tip of Japan has begun erupting:
ORIGINAL STORY POSTED March 11, 2011 09:00 CST:
…An estimated 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Japan sent Tsunamis across the Pacific, striking Japan with waves reportedly as high as 33 feet.
…Other Southeast nations have also been struck.
…Hawaii was inundated with a Tsunami earlier this morning.
…Oregon closes schools…California on alert…expect waves potentially as high as 5 feet around 11am EST
…Canada on alert
Videos from Japan
Massive Tsunami wave races inland…tons of debris…burning fires atop waves…boats, cars, buildings uprooted:
Tsunami overwhelms Japan port city:
Tsunami causes whirpool:
Japan Tsunami: Cars, Debris thrown around by water like children’s toys:
Tsunami Reaches Hawaii:
Wave’s reportedly not unusually high. Officials warn waves may get as high as 6 feet:
The scene at a local grocery store in Hawaii as residents anticipate the Tsunami:
Tsunami in Open Sea – Headed towards other south east Asian countries…Almost all of Pacific Basin on alert:
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
UPDATE: New Maps; Radiation in Perspective; Tokyo Faces Fallout; US Under Threat; Live Gieger Counter; Financial Panic
UPDATE: March 15, 2011 11:45 CST
…Japanese stock market down 2000 points in less than a week.
…World financial markets in panic – commodities, stocks, precious metals all down significantly in single day trading
…situation in Japan is escalating
…Over half a million evacuated. Prime Minister of Japan urges residents within 19 miles of reactors to flee or bug in
…Princeton Physicist: “It’s way past Three Mile Island already.”
…Tokyo radiation levels rising (200 miles from reactor site)… Live Geiger Counter
…Radiation levels around Japanese cities in real time (Link) *Note, due to an extremely large volume of traffic, this web site may not be accessible.*
…Secondary source: Latest real-time radiation level screen capture (source):
…While earlier posted fallout map showed innaccurate “RAD” level count, wind patterns remain intact… Radiation set to cross Pacific
…Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman David McIntyre: “Right now it’s quite possible that there could be some radiation floating over the United States“
…Radiation threatens California agricultural region (Map)
…Perspective on Radiation Levels:
Here’s a chart showing the range of radiation levels in milli sieverts (mSv). Currently up to 400mSv per hour are being recorded in the immediate vicinity of Fukushima. Remember, although these figures may suggest that the level of radiation being recorded at Fukushima is not extremely high, the danger is constant exposure over a period of time. For this reason, people within the 20km evacuation zone are at high risk of serious harm.
7,000-10,000mSv – Person dies from radiation poisoning. (Full body exposure).
1,000mSv – Nausea and vomiting (Full body exposure).
500mSv – Decrease of lymphocytes in peripheral blood (white blood cells that defend your body) (Full body exposure).
200mSv – No clinical conditions confirmed below this number
10mSv – 1 year’s worth of natural radiation (Brazil)
6.9mSv – CT scan
2.4mSv – 1 year’s worth of natural radiation (world average)
1mSv – Limit of one’s year’s exposure to non-natural radiation (excluding medical examinations)
0.6mSv – Stomach X-ray
0.2mSv – A return air trip from Tokyo to New York
0.05mSv – Chest X-ray (or the level of radiation expected around a nuclear power plant – in practice it is much lower than this)
…more updates to come as information becomes available
UPDATE: March 12, 2011 15:30 CST
…Japanese officials say nuclear disaster averted; but new reactor is now in danger
…Millions currently without power, gas
…Report from Mito, Japan:
In Mito, another town in the area, long lines formed outside a damaged supermarket as hundreds waited for medicine, water and other supplies. Supplies ran low as people stocked up, not knowing how long it would take for fresh goods to arrive.
“All the shops are closed, this is one of the few still open. So I came to buy and stock up on diapers, drinking water and food,” Kunio Iwatsuki, 68, told Reuters.
…Tour of grocery store in earthquake/Tsunami stricken area – Shelves just about empty:
…Grocery store in Tokyo – supplies of basic goods, non-perishables dwindling:
UPDATE: March 12, 2011 12:06 CST
…Status of nuclear plant is unconfirmed… Reports vary… some suggest plant has melted down… others suggest plant is intact
…Tens of thousands missing in Japan
…Thousands being evacuated in potential nuke fallout zone… 12 mile radius
…Explosion in building housing reactors (video)
…Chernobyl-like meltdown possible (video)
…Fuel rods may have melted
…West coast residents on alert in the event of a nuclear meltdown
…Wind may carry radiation across Pacific to West coast of North America…. 180 Hour Wind Forecast Model
…Unofficial fallout map (Note that this map has not yet been legitimately sourced, thus the estimated “Rad” levels are as of yet unconfirmed, though the wind patterns match those of the 180 hour forecast above):
***This Nuclear Fallout Map below has been identified as a hoax. As mentioned in our original posting, the source was not confirmed. We chose to publish this map to demonstrate the fallout pattern in the event high levels of radiation were released in Japan. ****
…As of yet, the estimates for radiation release levels in the event of meltdown as measured in Rads/Greys is unknown, therefore Rem/Microrem biologically effective doses cannot be measured accurately…
…radiation level outside the reactor became elevated to 1,015 microsievert—the equivalent of being exposed to the maximum allowable level for a full year in a single day. The level has since come down sharply.
…Survival / Alternative News forums go ballistic
…General Radiation Absorption ESTIMATES (source):
0-50 rads – No obvious short-term effects
80-120 rads – You have a 10% chance of vomiting and experiencing nausia for a few days
130 -170 rads – You have a 25% chance of vomiting and contracting other symptoms
180-220 rads – You have a 50% chance of vomiting and having other severe physical effects
270-330 rads – 20% chance of death in 6 weeks, or you will recover in a few months.
400-500 rads – 50% chance of death
550-750 rads – Nausia within a few hours ; no survivors
Greater than 1000 rads – immediate incapacitation and death within a week or less.
…Japanese emergency officials are planning to distribute iodine to those in nuclear radiation zones:
Japanese authorities are making plans to distribute stable iodine, a treatment to prevent radiation poisoning, to residents near two damaged nuclear plants, the International Atomic Energy Agency says.
…FDA has historically recommended Potassium Iodide (KI) within 3 – 4 hours of radiation exposure
…Retail provider of KI
…Related SHTFplan articles:
The Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Survive Anything: Nuclear Attack
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 19:45 CST
…88,000 Reported Missing, Hundreds dead
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 17:00 CST
…California: 1 Confirmed Dead, 2 Swept out to sea as they watched incoming Tsunami
…Oregon: 4 Swept out to sea, rescued by Coast Guard
UPDATE: March 11, 2011 16:30 CST
…Reports that Fukushima nuclear reactor is at 2.1 times normal pressure
…Radiation reportedly at 1000 times normal and rising; no evacuations of plant or surrounding areas as of yet.
The following just released video from PBS Newshour documents just how powerful the Japanese Tsunami was. It completely demolishes an entire village in under a minute:
The Sakurajima Volcano on Southern Tip of Japan has begun erupting:
ORIGINAL STORY POSTED March 11, 2011 09:00 CST:
…An estimated 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Japan sent Tsunamis across the Pacific, striking Japan with waves reportedly as high as 33 feet.
…Other Southeast nations have also been struck.
…Hawaii was inundated with a Tsunami earlier this morning.
…Oregon closes schools…California on alert…expect waves potentially as high as 5 feet around 11am EST
…Canada on alert
Videos from Japan
Massive Tsunami wave races inland…tons of debris…burning fires atop waves…boats, cars, buildings uprooted:
Tsunami overwhelms Japan port city:
Tsunami causes whirpool:
Japan Tsunami: Cars, Debris thrown around by water like children’s toys:
Tsunami Reaches Hawaii:
Wave’s reportedly not unusually high. Officials warn waves may get as high as 6 feet:
The scene at a local grocery store in Hawaii as residents anticipate the Tsunami:
Tsunami in Open Sea – Headed towards other south east Asian countries…Almost all of Pacific Basin on alert:
Monday, 14 March 2011
Stratfor Update On The Saudi Invasion Of Bahrain
Stratfor has just issued the following Red Alert on the Saudi invasion of Bahrain:
Reports emerged on March 14 that forces from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will enter Bahrain to help the Bahraini regime quell unrest. The report was published by Bahraini Alyam Newspaper (known for its close links with the ruling al-Khalifa family), and came one day after clashes occurred between Shiite protesters and police in the capital, Manama. Troops from United Arab Emirates are reportedly expected to arrive in Bahrain March 14. Al Arabiya reported that Saudi forces have already entered Bahrain, but these claims have yet to be officially confirmed by the Bahraini regime. The only announcement so far came from Nabil al-Hamar, the former information minister and adviser to the royal family, who has written on Twitter that the Arab forces arrived in Bahrain. An unnamed Saudi official also said on March 14 that more than 1,000 Saudi troops from the Shield of Island entered Bahrain on late March 13, al-Quds reported, citing AFP. Meanwhile, Bahraini State News Agency reported that The Independent Bloc (a parliamentary bloc of the Bahraini parliament) asked Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa to enforce martial law to contain the unrest.
These reports suggest foreign intervention in Bahrain, or at least the possibility that the Bahraini military is taking over the security reins. Such moves mean the regime is getting increasingly concerned with Shiite unrest, which does not seem to be subsiding despite dialogue calls from Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa. The ongoing unrest is exacerbated by the split between Bahrain’s Shiite movement, which became clearer during protests on March 11. The more hardline faction of the Shiite movement, led by the Wafa and al-Haq blocs, has been increasing the tension on the streets in the hopes of stalling the talks between the Shiite al-Wefaq-led coalition’s negotiations with the regime. Military intervention from GCC countries means the situation is increasingly untenable for the regime. The paradox the Bahraini regime faces is that it cannot contain the unrest while trying to kick off talks with al-Wefaq. Al-Wefaq finds itself in a difficult position, since it risks losing ground against hardliners if it appears too close to the regime while Shiite protesters are beaten by the police.
The Bahraini regime has used a military option before. On Feb 17, the military deployed immediately after a police crackdown in Manama’s Pearl Roundabout and was able to calm down the situation for a while by encircling the area with tanks. If Bahrain indeed has called Saudi intervention this time, the implication is that the Bahraini military is not confident in its ability to contain the unrest now. Riyadh’s decision to send forces to Manama could be taken to this end, since wider spread of Shiite unrest from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia would aggravate the already existing protests among Saudi Arabia’s own Shiite population. Saudi military intervention in Bahrain is not unprecedented. Saudi Arabia sent troops to Bahrain in 1994 when Riyadh determined that Shiite unrest threatened the al-Khalifa regime.
Regional implications of the unrest in Bahrain became more obvious when U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited Manama on March 12 and urged the Bahraini regime to implement bold reforms. Gates said Iranian interference would become a greater possibility if Bahrain fails to do so. While Bahrain and Saudi Arabia seem to be coordinating to avoid that possibility, it is not without risks. Leader of hardliner al-Haq movement, Hassan Mushaima, who is believed to be increasing the Shiite unrest in Bahrain by Iranian support, said on Feb. 28 that Saudi intervention in Bahrain would give Iran the same right to intervene as well. A scenario of regional Sunni Arab forces cracking down on Shia would apply pressure on Iran to respond more overtly, but its military ability is limited and it is a very risky option given the U.S. 5th fleet is stationed in Bahrain. As of this writing, there is no sign that Iranian military is taking steps toward that end, however, the situation on the ground could escalate if Shia in Bahrain ramp up demonstrations.
Your rating: None Average: 4 (4 votes)Friday, 11 March 2011
Gulf Stream Update, March 2011
We have received a number of emails inquiring about the current state of the Gulf Stream conveyor. There had been (and still is) a great deal of concern regarding the health of the Gulf Stream following the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico where more than 5 million barrels of oil and an enormous amount of the chemical dispersant, Corexit, was ejected into the sea.
We put together the image above, which illustrates the ‘normal’ flow of the Gulf Stream and ocean conveyor as indicated by the RED arrows (surface current) and the PURPLE arrows (deep current), on top of an image obtained from the NOAA Ocean Prediction Center NCOM model for this date.
It appears that the Gulf Stream ocean currents are fairly on track up until half-way across the Atlantic Ocean. At that point, it appears that the NOAA image does not reveal much of any surface current flow up to the expected region north of the United Kingdom. Not saying it doesn’t exist, but as you can see for yourself, it’s not apparent like it is off of the east coast U.S.
There does appear to be surface current swirling at the location where the Gulf Stream typically dives down deep on its return trip, just north of the UK, but that’s about it.
Also, the Gulf Stream typically sends a branch to the northwest, just midway across the Atlantic Ocean towards Greenland, which then dives down deep and returns with the deep flow originating north of the UK. There appears to be some swirling currents at the ‘branch’, but that’s all that is visible.
The image above shows the sea surface temperature of the Atlantic Ocean as of this date. The warm water of the Gulf Stream is obvious immediately off the east coast U.S. as it turns eastward on it’s attempted journey northeast across the Atlantic.
Temperatures diminish as it travels further (as would be expected as it flows north), and the boundary between the dark blue (cold) and light blue (not as cold) is clearly visible.
The conclusion from this simple observation is that the Gulf Stream is still flowing. Some may say it has lost some of it’s gusto, or intensity, about halfway across the Atlantic Ocean. On the contrary, it may be a somewhat normal observation for this time of year.
This is not an attempt at an expert conclusion, instead we are simply pointing out publicly available data for your own viewing pleasure.
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US Naval Update: To The Shores Of Tripoli
Those who have been following our series of US naval updates will not be surprised to learn that US forces are amassing around Tripoli. The LHD-3 Kearsarge is now within striking distance, and certainly within No Fly Zone enforcement, while the CVN 65, which according to some prior reports had already passed the Suez, is waiting just on the Southern tip of the canal. This is somewhat odd as it indicates that Naval command is still split as to where the Enterprise may be needed more: Libya or off the Persian Gulf where the Vinson is keeping watch for a potential Iran escalation. Of course, should Iran flare up, it is likely that Pakistan, Afghanistan and even India could rapidly go downhill which is why the US will probably need two aircraft carriers before it considers a full on attack against Iran. But the most surprising development was the launch of all three San Diego based aircraft carriers which three weeks ago were all sitting peacefully, their crews binging in the Gaslamp District, and since moving on to new deployment areas, most of which in the Pacific theater. Which means that very soon, the US will promptly need to get the 7 aircraft carriers that are currently at home port back in commission as things are heating up faster than the US can appropriately cover.
Source: Stratfor
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