Monthly Archives: September 2011

Dead Sea Scrolls Online

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Dead Sea Scrolls Get New Life Online

Charles Choi, LiveScience Contributor
Date: 26 September 2011 Time: 05:45 PM ET
digitized image of the Dead Sea Scroll called the Temple Scroll

 
The Temple Scroll consists of 18 sheets of parchment, each of which has three or four columns of text; the lengthy scroll, spanning 26.74 feet (8.15 meters) and considered the largest scroll ever discovered in the Qumran caves, is now digitized online with English translations.
CREDIT: Israel Museum

The oldest known biblical manuscripts in existence, the Dead Sea Scrolls, are now online to everyone in the world with the aid of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and Google.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were written between the first and third centuries B.C. They were hidden in 11 caves in the Judean desert on the shores of the Dead Sea in 68 B.C. to protect them from approaching Roman armies. They were not unearthed again until 1947, when a Bedouin shepherd of the Ta’amra tribe threw a rock in a cave and realized something lay inside.

Most of the scrolls are parchment, or specially prepared animal skins, although some are papyrus. Most are written in Hebrew, although some are in Aramaic or Greek

Since 1965, the scrolls have been on exhibit at the Israel Museum. They have offered critical insights into life and religion in ancient Jerusalem, including the birth of Christianity.

“They are of paramount importance among the touchstones of monotheistic world heritage,” said James Snyder, director of the Israel Museum.

Nearly all the books of the Hebrew Bible are present, with the exception of Nehemiah and Esther. Copies of works that are not part of the biblical canon were discovered as well — some of these had previously been known only in ancient translations, such as Tobit, Jubilees, and 1 Enoch, while others were completely new to researchers, such as the Genesis Apocryphon or the Temple Scroll. [Gallery of Dead Sea Scrolls]

“They are really foundation stones to modern Western thought in the Judeo-Christian world in the same way that the ‘Mona Lisa’ was to development of art,” Snyder told LiveScience. “If you think of certain phrases that we all know, such as ‘turning swords to plowshares,’ meaning ‘to not go to war anymore,’ that comes from the Book of Isaiah, which we have in the Dead Sea Scrolls.” [Science as Art: A Gallery]

Now, as the new year approaches on the Hebrew calendar, anyone can view, read and interact with five digitized Dead Sea Scrolls, the most complete of the eight the Israel Museum has in its collection. These five include the Great Isaiah Scroll, the only completeancient copy of any biblical book in existence, and the Temple Scroll, the thinnest parchment scroll ever found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Snyder noted the museum has also digitized the other three scrolls, and is now working on making them available in an easily readable form.

“What we’ve just done with Google is to bring these treasures to as broad an audience worldwide as might possible be interested in tapping into them,” Snyder said.

The project involves ultra-high-resolution photographs that include up to 1,200 megapixels in detail, nearly 200 times more than the average consumer digital camera. As such, viewers can see even the most minute features of the material they are written on. Readers can also click on the text and get an English translation, and leave a comment for others to see.

“All this was accomplished in just six months,” Snyder said.

to read more, go to:    http://www.livescience.com/16240-dead-sea-scrolls-life-online.html

Sikkim Earthquake Update 9/27

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Nepal / Sikkim Himalaya earthquake – extended September 27 overview – slow rescue due to bad weather

Last update: September 27, 2011 at 11:08 am by By 

With thanks to Ashish Khanal (Nepal)

The overview below is compiled from many different sources in all the 5 countries (Tibet, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan)

 

Image courtesy and copyright chinadaily.com.cn

Nepal September 27 update
The inhabitants of Olangchungkhola and Ghunsa ( epicenter area, Nepal)  haven’t received any relief yet.
Actual destruction report from that area is not yet received ( till Tuesday morning). The Nepal government has managed the relief distribution from Lelep for that very two areas. Lelep is in one day walking distance from Olangchungkhola and Ghunsa one and half day. Both places are remote areas of Nepal. The main reason that people aren’t coming to grant relief amount may be due to the erosion. Due to which the roads are blocked and even bridges are collapsed. Nepal Police and rescue teams are unable to go to these areas.

 

Continuous rain since Sunday is turning the living conditions of the homeless into a hell in the hilly districts of Panchthar, Taplejung, Ilam, Terhathum and Sankhuwasabha.
Additionally a lot of buildings are unstable (badly damaged) and can eventually collapse with a serious aftershock.
People are now mainly living in sheds.
There are also fears that continuous rains may trigger landslides, forcing them all to leave their birthplace for good.

India – Sikkim  September 27 update
Authorities are saying that part of the slow response is due to the very bad weather making aerial relief operations very difficult.
On Monday helicopters could not fly to the badly damaged and sometimes still inaccessible North Sikkim villages.
Authorities are claiming that any connection in between the earthquake and the Teesta hydro-electric project is untrue.

for more, go to:    http://earthquake-report.com/2011/09/27/nepal-sikkim-himalaya-earthquake-extended-september-27-overview-slow-rescue-due-to-weather/

 

 

 

 

Geomagnetic Storm

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GEOMAGNETIC STORM: A strong-to-severe geomagnetic storm is in progress following the impact of a coronal mass ejection (CME) at approximately 12:15 UT on Sept. 26th. The Goddard Space Weather Lab reports a “strong compression of Earth’s magnetosphere. Simulations indicate that solar wind plasma [has penetrated] close to geosynchronous orbit starting at 13:00UT.” Geosynchronous satellites could therefore be directly exposed to solar wind plasma and magnetic fields. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for Northern and Southern Lights after nightfall.

fr/spaceweather.com

Winter Forecast fr/Storm Central

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2011-2012 Winter Weather Forecast (NEW)

Posted: September 25, 2011 by Storm Central in Uncategorized

:…

Storm Central is predicting a big year once again. This years winter will include both the Moderate and Weak Blocking Pattern with timing being forecast later. The La Nina pattern will be in full force this year.

Here are the Monthly Forecasts:
Important Key You Need To Know!
Precipitation Graphical Forecast: 
-Dark Green= Way Above Average Precipation
-Light Green= Above Average Precipation
-Gray= Average Precipitation
-Light Brown/Orange=Just Below Average Precipation
-Dark Brown=Way Below Precipitation

Temperatures Graphical Forecast:
-Dark Blue=Below Average Temperatures
-Light Blue=Just Below Average Temperatures
-Gray=Average Temperatures
-Light Brown/Orange=Just Above Average Temperatures
-Dark Brown= Way Above Average Temperatures 

 November^ (Precipitation)- November was a fairly east month to do with this years winter forecasts. The La Nina pattern will begin to get it’s act together greater starting in November. With the Greenland Blocking situation in November, Models consitanly to show weak blocking which would keep the cold air and moisture to the north where the Jet Stream is. That means most of the United States would be dry. Drier than a usual November in Texas and the South as November will not be providing relief to you guys down south. The Jet Stream would stretch into the upper North East so some areas would see rain but just above average rainfall. November is not looking like a major month for big winter storms but Alberta Clippers would produce precipitation to the North.

November (Below) Temperatures- Since the Blocking will be up north, Only those areas will see slightly below tempertures. Other areas to the south will see normal to way above average temperatures for the Month of November. The Southeast will contie to stay warm and areas that are not normally warm or average in November will be this year.

December ^ (Precipitation)- Oddly enough I am forecasting December to be allot like November. Cool pool only coming a bit farther south with the blocking to IL and some moisture to those areas. Texas and other areas will still be way below average with Tempatrues and so will California. As for Seattle the main machine begins to kick in for the rest of the Winter. Alberta Clippers will be the main threat for December with their little moisture.

December (Below) Temperatures- As you can see the cool pool is to the north and spreading just into the northern portions of the North East. Nebraska and Kansas will be above average and California and New Mexico will be Way Above Average for the Temperatures.

Way Above Average for the Temperatures.
January ^ (Precipitation)- This is where things begin to take a turn for the worse as the greenland block shifts to Moderate and the storms begin to move more southerly that could pick up moisture come the middle to end of January. That could spread snow into KY, IL, IN, OH and up the east coast come January. Clippers won’t be as big come January as mild to big storms will be more of an inportance. We could see 1 or 2 blizzards or big storms out of this pattern that could dump snow on areas that are not used to it. As for the West it will stay dry and so will the south as this pattern will not bring a huge amount of moisture to the south or the west.

January (Below) Temperatures- With this pattern comes the cold weather which could very well be strong in Wisconsin and Minnesota along with New York State and Portions of the North East. As for the middle of the Country, Normal to just below depending on your location. All depends on this moderate blocking I am expecting in January. West will stay warm and at times very warm.


February ^ (Precipitation)- This is when I am expecting to get hit with a rock so to speak with system after system. Still a moderate blocking pattern so the precipation train will as followed through the center of the country. A big point to notice in Feburay as Wisconsin and Minnesota will be just below average for Febuary. I am forecasting the major storms to stay south of their and the clippers will be sporadic.  West will contuie to be warm but a little more precipation with the more active moderate blocking pattern. Note how Texas could get some precipation from the southerly storm tracks that choose to make a run and grab mositure and pull northward. This would be the month where many big storms could be an affect to the country from Iowa to as far south as Tennesse with Wintery Precipitation.

February (Below) Temperatures- February will also be the most extreme month for cold tempartures as the cool pool with be a bit farther south. Chicago will be cold from Late January to Feburary. Cool air could even get into MS and AL as a brief spell of a Strong Blocking Pattern could take effect and send some coolrer than average temperatures or just around average to those areas. West will stay warm as the block will have virtully no affect on them.

PLEASE NOTE SOME AREAS OF LARGE STATES WILL HAVE DIFFERENT CLIMATES IN DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE STATE
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Overall Storm Central Winter Forecast (For the Ones that Don’t Like to Read) :) 
The above is official to Storm Central along with all the other outlook graphics. Note the key on the side, it’s very basic. Let me do some more explaining.
-Dark Blue: South and North Dakota as well as the U.P. Of Michigan along with other areas will be very cold this winter. Snow will be a big deal come December and January but should lay off a bit over February when storm tracks should stay south or a stray one could go northward. 
-Light Blue: Looks like the worst of winter could actually be in this area at one point in time as that will be the average area per month for the Storm Tracks. A few Blizzards and big storms could affect these areas in light blue that could produce massive storm fall precipitation all the way to the East Coast. Temperatures will be from average to just below average for most of these areas through the months of November through February (Check Monthly Forecast Above).
-Red: Ice Storms could make an impact to these areas as the block will shift south. Snowfall could also occur if location is cold enough.
-Light Brown/Orange: Above average winter for most of these areas as well as below average precipitation (Depends on month). 
-Dark Brown: A really dry and warm winter for you. 

Overall: This winter will be a harsh one. One that will be a cold one for some areas or could be a warm one in others.

to read more and see more maps, go  to:    http://centralstorm.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/2011-2012-winter-weather-forecast-new/

Static from the Sun

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SOLAR STATIC: Active sunspot 1302 has turned the sun into a shortwave radio transmitter. Shock waves rippling from the sunspot’s exploding magnetic canopy are exciting plasma oscillations in the sun’s atmosphere. The result: Bursts of static are issuing from the loudspeakers of shortwave radios on Earth. Amateur radio astronomer Thomas Ashcraft recorded this sample from his backyard observatory in New Mexico on Sept. 24th:


Dynamic spectrum: The horizontal axis is time (h:m:s), the vertical axis is frequency (MHz). Image credit: Wes Greenman

“Saturday was a super-strong solar day with near continuous flaring and radio sweeps,” says Ashcraft. “The sound file (above) corresponds to an M3 flare at 1918 UTC. It was the strongest radio sweep of the observing day.”

“Try listening to the radio bursts in stereo,” he advises. “I was recording on two separate radios at 21.1 MHz and 21.9 MHz, and I put each one into its own channel of the audio file. This gives a spatial dimension as the bursts sweep down in frequency.”

fr/spaceweather.com

Spontaneous Human Combustion

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Coroner Concludes Irishman Died of Spontaneous Human Combustion

Benjamin Radford, Life’s Little Mysteries Contributor
Date: 25 September 2011 Time: 03:54 AM ET
burning candles
Credit: Dreamstime

Can people suddenly and inexplicably explode into a ball of fire?

It sounds like something in a horror film, but some people believe it happens. It’s also what an Irish coroner recently concluded about the death of Michael Faherty, a 76-year-old Irishman who burned to death in his home in December 2010. There were scorch marks above and below the body, but no evidence of any gasoline, kerosene, or other accelerant. The coroner, Ciaran McLoughlin, reported: “This fire was thoroughly investigated and I’m left with the conclusion that this fits into the category of spontaneous human combustion, for which there is no adequate explanation.”

Usually, of course, fires do not start on their own. When investigators are searching for the cause of forest fires they don’t assume that the flame ignited itself, but instead that it was probably caused by a careless camper or a lightning strike. Though rare, spontaneous combustion has long been known to occur. Under the right circumstances many things can self-ignite on a hot day, including used rags containing oil or gasoline and piles of compost. Coal dust can also spontaneously ignite, one of many dangers that miners face.

But the claim that people can suddenly burst into flames for no apparent reason is a whole different matter. The best-known case of spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is actually fictional: in Charles Dickens’s 1853 novel “Bleak House” a character explodes into fire. The phenomenon has also appeared in movies and on TV shows like “The X-Files.”

But are there any confirmed real-life cases?

to read more, go to:    http://www.livescience.com/16215-spontaneous-human-combustion-real.html

Sunspot Report

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fr.spaceweather.com

GEOMAGNETIC STORM WARNING: A pair of closely-spaced CMEs propelled by explosions of sunspot AR1302 on Sept. 24th are heading not-quite directly toward Earth. A significant glancing blow to our planet’s magnetic field is possible on Sept. 26th around 14:00 UT (+/- 7 hours). NOAA forecasters estimate a ~25% chance of geomagnetic storms when the clouds arrive. [CME forecast track] Aurora alerts:text, voice.

STRONG SOLAR ACTIVITY: Having already unleashed two X-flares since Sept. 22nd, sunspot AR1302 appears ready for more. The active region has a complex “beta-gamma-delta” magnetic field that harbors energy for strong M- and X-classeruptions. Flares from AR1302 will become increasingly geoeffective as the sunspot turns toward Earth in the days ahead.

Marko Posavec of Koprivnica, Croatia, photographed the behemoth sunspot between flares on Sept. 24th:


Photo details: Olympus E-510, Sigma 50-500mm lens (at 500mm), 1/640 sec. exposure, f/18, ISO 100

“Sunspot complex 1302 is incredibly easy to spot at sunrise or sunset,” says Posavec. “Be careful, though. Even the low-hanging sun is bright enough to damage your eyes if you look at it through optics of any kind.”

Sikkim Earthquake

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Deadly earthquake Himalaya : 20 minutes news compilation video

Last update: September 26, 2011 at 12:47 am by By 

September 26, 2011 By 

The 20 minute video shows the many faces of the earthquake, the damage inflicted to buildings, the landslides, interviews with local people and specialists.  The CNN-IBN video is the best we have seen so far.
Watch how the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Sikkim on September 18 changed lives there

here is the link to the video on youtube:     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcBriFR3KEQ&feature=player_embedded

to read more, go to:    http://earthquake-report.com/2011/09/26/deadly-earthquake-himalaya-30-minutes-news-compilation-video/

 

 

 

 

September 25-October 1

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Overall Color for the Week:    Fire Engine Red

What’s the hurry?  What’s the emergency?  The energies of the week will make you feel as though everything is so important, however before you accept the overall importance of this or that, it is really, really important that you first know what it is that you are wanting for yourself.  Take some time this week to look around you are recognize the stuff that really does not mean much to you, the people who are there out of habit, the situations that constantly repeat.  There is much to be learned by a critical and impersonal analysis of these things.

Sunday, September 25:    Light Lavender

The morning is not going to be at all what you expected, so be ready for anything.  There is a message coming your way that has something importnat for you.  Do not discredit synchronicites or serendipity in this regard. Perhaps all you need is just to know that things are okay.  There is a lot of movement right now in your life, and sometimes you can feel like you are walking on a conveyor belt through a swamp, not having the time to focus or complete anything that you want to do.  This is a good time to look at priorities.  Pick out one, make that your folcus for the day, and get it done.  Get some kind of feeling of resolution about it.  Then you can put that aside and move on.  Tonight is a good time and a good energy for relaxing and just feeling what it is that you enjoy doing.  Make a little celebration of things.  Look out on the natural world around you and feel yoru connectedness.  This is a great exercise for calming the heart.

Crystal energy:    Albite—-The energies of this stone assist within flow, particularly in terms of cellular hydration.  Resonates with all chakras.

Monday, September 26:    Slate Grey

You will be finding that things are kind of oozing up from your memories and your past today.  The energy is such that there can be emotion around a lot of these.  Do not fight it, rather let the feelings come, take a look at them, honor them, and let them move on.  This is not a time to become stuck in things that are not helping you to move forward in what it is that you are truly wanting to do and be at this time.  We all have a past, and we can recognize that, but it is important tot to get stuck in it.  The new challenges and opportunities that are here in front of you today need your complete and conscious focus and attention.  Take time to center within your heart and know what it is that will be best for you at this time.  Stay focused on the essential WHO of you, and things will begin to flow more easily.  Moreover, you will start to see things and people for what they are.  This can cause a bit of upheaval, but sometimes upheaval is good..

Tuesday, September 27:    Cloudy White

This is a good day for taking care of yourself, honoring how you feel, doing what you want, and not worrying about all the other stuff.  Sometimes the other stuff has to take care of itself, and today you need to take care of you.  Take some time out to center.  Then treat yourself to something you love, a small (or large) indulgence, but it must come from your heart.  You know that if the indulgence is out of proportion with the other stuff going on in your life, you will regret it.  You are NOT to regret this indulgence.  It is something that will get you through some of the crazy times that are on the horizon.  This is also a good day for making a call that you have been putting off.  You can be very surprised at how they had looked forward to hearing from you.  There is not a lot of clarity in the air, but remember that miracles can come out of the clouds.

Crystal Energy:    Lavender Aventurine—-The energy of this stone assists those who are struggling with depression to let go of worries and achieve some calm.  It also is good for people who work with those in need, particularly counselors.  Resonates with the Third Eye and Crown Chakras.

Wednesday, September 28:     Grainy White

This is a day for remembering all the good things, and that is because there is a lot of turmoil, anger, and uncertainty in the air.  While it may not be coming from you, it is so much in the atmosphere that you will be noticing it.  This is a good time to step back (way back, today) and take a look at what is going on around you,.  You can find that there are those who will be revealing their true personalities and opinions.  Some of that might just surprised you. Do not plan to start or finish anything today because it all is going to take a lot more effort than it should.  This can leave you feeling frustrated and testy.  In this kind of energy also, it is good to take care in traffic and let that other guy go.  Sometimes the ride there is more rewarding and enlightening than the actual destination.  Tonight, take time to relax, do a little journaling or creative work, something that will allow you to come to grips with how you are feeling at this time.  And then, a good dinner, a glass of wine, a great conversation or a comfort movie.

Crystal Energy:    Massive Cuprite—-The energies of this mineral assist in bringing relaxation to one, particularly in terms of digestive related issues.  It allows for release of certain toxins in these areas.  Resonates with the Root, Navel, and Solar Plexus chakras.

Thursday, September 29:    Red Flame

Getting rid of the old, bringing in the new, and acknowledging all that you have done are all part of the atmosphere today.  If things are upsetting you, it is time to let people know about it.  Even more so, it is time to accept for yourself that you have limits in terms of what you will allow from others, and to define clearly those limits.  This is a huge step in reclaiming your power and putting forth your declaration of self worthiness, honor, and ability.  You have worked for a long time to make things accommodate the truths that you feel within your heart.  The energies of the day allow you to become your own champion and stand up for what it is that is truly you.

Crystal Energy:    Peach Moonstone—-This stone vibrates to the true knowing of the heart, bringing a sense of peace, understanding, and compassion.  It resonates with the Heart Chakra.

Friday, September 30:    Lime Green

Things will be appearing out of the mists today, but be aware that other things can just as easily be lost in them.  This is true on all levels – physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental.  There may be some strongly held ideas that are being shaken up as evidence comes forth to make you question their validity.  In dealings with people, be certain inside yourself of their sincerity and of the importance of the things they are presenting to you. The Trickster loves these foggy days, and he can hide himself in many, many different ways.  Look around you and be certain of the paths you take, the decisions you make, and the situations you encounter.  Past stuff can confuse when dealing with present focus and desire.

Crystal Energy:    Astrophyllite—-The energy of this mineral assists one in bringing together many strands of mysteries, emotions, relationships, and making sense of the whole, but not without dedication and effort on one’s own part.  Resonates with the Root and Crown Chakras.

Saturday, October 1:    Orange Yellow

There is movement going on today, and even if your were planning a quiet time, you cannot help but feel; it.  Along with that can come a sense of restlessness and the feeling that things are not going the way you want them to.  When you feel this way, step back and think about how it is that you are wishing things to fall into place in your life.  These kinds of feelings are hints of the greater picture that you need to be aware of.  Everything is falling into new patterns, ideas, and ways right now.  Not much is for certain.  That is why it is so important to center, to ground, and always to be aware of WHO you are.  Today affords you an experience of being you in the midst of all that is shifting and changing outside of you.  There can be some laughter as the day closes.

Crystal Energy:    Zincite—-This mineral is a great stimulant.  It works with the positive energies of the body to remove what is no longer desired.  It asks for your communication and agreement, and with those can bring about amazing results.  Resonates with the Navel and Solar Plexus Chakras.

El Hierro Volcanic Risk

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El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) : volcanic risk alert increased to “yellow”

Last update: September 25, 2011 at 12:59 am by By 

The Canary Islands government has set the ‘yellow alert’ for the population of El Hierro as a lot of volcanic tremors are continuing to occur below the island since last July.
The ‘yellow alert’ decision bas been after consulting the PEVOLCA, and is based on the conclusions of the meeting of the Scientific Committee. The committee met on Saturday morning in El Hierro. Main reason for the alert increase where the increasing number of volcanic earthquakes as well as deformations (up to 30 mm change from the beginning).
The current ‘yellow alert’  phase does not mean that an eruption is eminent, but that the population will be informed on the risks and will be informed how to take certain protective action.
At this stage the ‘Cabildo de El Hierro’ will be responsible for informing the public of the practical aspects of the action plan including meeting points, shelters and evacuation plans.
The website is www.emergenciaselhierro.org.
The Canary Islands government will report weekly on the evolution.

 

Image courtesy ign.es

 

Interesting links
Map of El Hierro with the seismic activity projected on it
Graphic of the number of earthquakes and their depth since July 18
Deformation graphics (look at the stations HI01 to HI04)