NASA looks down onto a Tar Sand Oil Field

A great image from space adds a clear perspective on the Canadian “oil fields” of Northern Alberta.

“The tailing ponds are one of the environmental risks of these mines,” explains NASA in the November 5, 2009 web post. “The ponds replace natural wetlands and because they contain toxic chemicals, they are a threat to wildlife. In April 2008, hundreds of migrating ducks died after landing on a tailing pond, said news reports. Local residents worry that the toxic water may be leaking into the ground water or the Athabasca River, which, as the image illustrates, is very near many of the ponds.”

See the full size image and article HERE

Senior Canadian Tory MP denies Climate Change

Canada’s Conservative – and  Governing – party MP Maxime Bernier has done something publicly that few Tories have; Cast Doubts on Climate Change. This writer highly suspects that this opinion is a common one – but a private one – among members of a political party deeply longing to take full control of power in Canada’s minority Parliament.

The Story:

Bernier urges skepticism on climate change CBC

Harper’s sincerity on global warming questioned after ex-minister assails climate ‘alarmism’ Winnipeg Free Press

Forbes ranks America’s 20 Most Miserable Cities

Forget the local chamber of commerce’s glitzy travel brochure. This is America down and dirty.  The one that this traveller can’t resist. Forbes looks a variety of indicators and offers a quick snapshot of urban America.

See the story here: America’s 20 Most Miserable Cities