A matter of degrees

Brrrr, red wine is not the only item that is around 12 degrees in France

Video from last night’s typhoon in Hong Kong

Typhoon Koppu Blasts Hong Kong – James Reynolds Insane Storm Chaser Footage

T4 as in “Terminate the pollution” ;)

A message from Avaaz.Org:

EUROPE: LEAD ON EFFICIENCY!

Europe is one of the biggest sources of the world’s climate pollution — and half of Europe’s emissions come from boilers, fridges, TVs and other energy-using products in homes and other buildings.

Strong energy efficiency standards have been proposed for these products that would massively reduce climate emissions, save money on electricity, and set a strong example of what’s possible for the rest of the world. But out of sight of the public, some vested industrial interests are pushing hard to water down the proposals.

A public, worldwide outcry can still defeat the industry lobbyists, but time is short! Sign the petition below, and it will be delivered this week to EU decision-makers in Brussels.

Sign the petition now!

World Toilet Day 08 – “We Deserve Better”

Did you know that WTO not only meant “World Trade Organization”, but also meant “World Toilet Organization”?

This is NOT a joke. The World Toilet Organization (WTO) is a global non- profit organization committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. WTO is a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur and an Ashoka Global Fellow. WTO was recently appointed to the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Water Security.

And today, Wednesday November 19th, they are celebrating World Toilet Day 08!

You can also check the World Toilet Organization entry on Wikipedia and support the group Toilet for All and the cause World Toilet Organization on Facebook.

Typhoon NURI – 22 August 2008 Morning

Location: (21.4 N, 115.5 E)

And now for a closer look:

This new Typhoon is headed straight towards Hong Kong, so “fasten your seat belts, Dorothy, ’cause Texas is going bye bye” (The Matrix).

Previous typhoons hitting Hong Kong this year were Kammuri (early August) and Fengshen (late June), although their path was a little further away from Hong Kong, so they were technically only “Severe Tropical Storm”, rather than full blow typhoons.

The Typhoon signal was raised from level 8 to “Storm Signal 9″ early on Friday afternoon, meaning that winds are expected to increase significantly as Nuri moves closer to Hong Kong.

Precautionary Announcements:

1. Do not go outside. If you are reasonably protected, stay where you are and keep well away from all windows. Close all interior doors and make sure children are confined to the least exposed part of your home. On no account should you touch electric cables that have been blown loose;
2. If the eye of the typhoon passes directly over Hong Kong, there may be a temporary lull lasting from a few minutes to several hours. This will be followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds from a different direction. Remain where you are if protected and be prepared for destructive winds and the change in wind directions. Listen to broadcast warnings;
3. Since seas are very rough, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports;
4. Flights at Hong Kong International Airport may be affected by the weather. Please contact your airline for the latest flight information before departing for the airport.