Track Hurricane Ike

If you have friends or family in one of the hurricane zones, then chances are they’re not able to track the path of the storms themselves, being to busy boarding up, or moving out to a place of shelter. Most people will have radio and perhaps TV, however satellite services are affected by heavy weather and so can digital television signals as well. If you know of people in those situations, there is a way you can track storms online using various websites. It is possible then for you to update relatives or friends who may not have access to information on that level.

Although we would expect that in those areas, the local authorities will keep their citizens informed of what is happening and whether there may be a need to evacuate. Certainly in places like Louisiana and especially in New Orleans last week, we saw that the lessons of Katrina have been learned and the Mayor ordered the city to evacuate with a good amount of time to spare.

Today we found this site from a former television meteorologist which show’s pictures of the path of the current threat Hurricane Ike. In light of what we’ve written above, maybe this type of information is more for our own comfort, rather than those who may be in the path of the storms.

Sarah Palin Hits Obama Where It Hurts

Just a few moments ago, Governor Sarah Palin accepted the Republican Party nomination for Vice President of the United States of America, and delivered a forty minute speech in which she praised her running mate John McCain, and made scathing attacks on the Democrat party nominee Barack Obama.

During her speech to the convention, Sarah Palin highlighted what we believe to be the biggest obstacle Barack Obama will to face during the last days of the 2008 US election campaign, “Small Town” America. They and their citizens stand between Barack Obama and the keys to the White House.

To liberals who live in the big cities and large states of the Union, this fact may give them sleepless nights over the coming weeks. To foreign observers who are watching closely the latest twists and turns in the US Presidential race, thing just got really really interesting.

Over the past 5 days, since Palin was announced as John McCain’s running mate, the media has gone about making big headlines asking who is Sarah Palin, and how can this women, Governor of the smallest US state (population density), can possibly run for the No. 2 Job. Palin turned this around and proudly claimed her status as a small town resident. She successfully ran through her CV and in stark contrast to that of Obama, she made sure everyone watching was aware that as Mayor, and as Governor, she had made and carried out decisions, and enacted laws, something that Obama lacks.

“I guess being Mayor of a small town is sort of like being a community organizer”

Palin quipped, to the partisan crowd who laughed and jeered as she added that the difference between the two is that as Mayor, she actually had the executive powers and the mandate to make a difference in her town. In fact between Palin and ex New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani John McCain managed to deliver a warm up act that served to wet the appetites of the right, by sticking it to Obama, belittling his record and his experience in turn contrasting the wealth of experience, military service and senatorial experience of their candidate.

Governor Palin did much in her speech to make clear the difference between the two parties. Her right wing credentials were very much on show tonight. If there are any un-decided’s left in America, they cannot complain that it’s because both parties are preaching the same message.

McCain and Palin have appropriated Barack Obama “time for Change” message, but the change that each speak about couldn’t be more different. As outside observers, it is hard to understand how McCain and Palin claim maverick status, when their policies and rhetoric sound much like the established Republican norm. Talk of Jesus, guns, taxes, sounds much the same to us.

Whilst we await the nominee for President of the USA, John McCain’s speech tomorrow, we can contrast what we heard tonight with what was said last week. What is clear is that Palin at least, believes in small government, and reducing taxation. She believes terrorists have no rights, and that first and foremost America should seek remove their dependancy on foreign fuel. She believes in family and Jesus. What was missing tonight was any reference to helping those who are in need, there was no mention of improving education, health reform or welfare reform.

Whilst Palin praised former POW McCain, and others who served and continue to serve in America’s armed forces, there was no mention of help for veterans who return from conflict and find themselves destitute and in despair.

What is also clear, Governor Sarah Palin is no push over. Her timing, delivery and rhetoric in what is surely her most important speech to date, as well as her current position of Governor of Alaska show that she’s in the fight. Joe Biden, feel free to can take off the gloves. Sarah Palin just bloodied your man’s nose in front of small town America, and this fight is going to get down and dirty before someone crosses the finish line, you can be sure of that.

Watch Sarah Palin Speech Video

It’s Not About Me Claims Obama

Did you watch Senator Barack Obama’s Democratic National Convention acceptance speech last night? If you didn’t catch it you can see Barack Obama’s acceptance speech video right here.

Obama VP Announcement Imminent

Or so speculators would have us assume, The game of who’s to be Senator Barack Obama’s running mate in the forthcoming US election is one that nobody has yet been able to answer as Barack Obama is not letting on who he wants to be his vice president of the United States of America.

Speculation as I said is rife, and the potential vice presidential candidate names that are being bandied about include Senator Joe Biden, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine

Tropical Storm FAY Could Become Hurricane

Tropical storm Fay which has been causing major problems and evacuation orders over the weekend could become near Hurricane level before it reaches land according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The National Hurricane center says that Fay, which past Cuba Monday morning is heading towards the Florida Keys before moving our to the Gulf of Mexico, could pick up strength and speed by Tuesday morning.

Reports from Jamaica which experience lightning storms and a deluge of rain over the weekend, leaving some residents on the north coast wondering whether the storm was passing closer to them than at first thought.

Evacuation orders have been sent out to areas in the Floriday Keys that are in the path of the storm as a precaution led to heavy traffic on the roads leaving Key West and other low lying areas of the Florida peninsula.

Christian Bale May Not Be Charged With Assault

Actor Christian Bale may not be charged with assault if he accepts a caution it was reported today in London Global Village News understands. The Dark Knight star was arrested last month in London on the eve of the Dark Knight London premier after he was accused of assaulting his mother and sister in a London hotel room. Christian Bale denied the charge and was released on bail to appear before the courts in London later this month.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has apparently said that he can be cautioned about the offence, rather than being charged with what is after all a criminal offense, but in order to escape the criminal charges he will have to admit to the assault.

The british tabloid press reported at the time that the row which led to the alleged assault by Christian Bale was as a result of his sister asking for money to help raise her three children. Bale has been estranged from his mother and family since his parents divorce. Bale opted to go live with his father in the United States.

Russia Invading Georgia Prompts Big Questions

Questions are being asked all over the world as to why Russia is invading Georgia. This former Soviet

Despite pleas from the Georgian leader over this weekend for the West to denounce Russia actions, the

Union territory is being bombarded by air strikes and Russian mechanized army troops in a bid (according to the Russians) to peg back Georgia’s attempts to take over territory it is not entitled to. In addition many news outlets and commentators allude to the current price of oil as a factor. The world’s second largest oil pipeline runs throguh Geoegia, which is a democratic republic.

bombardment continues, with rumours coming to the surface that Russia is about to launch an attack on Georgia’s civilian airport, effectively cutting communications with the countries capital.

President George W. Bush has just made a statement from the Whitehouse, strongly condemning Russia’s

actions and he outlined in his statement what he wants the Russians to do in order to bring the situation under control, this includes a return to the “military status quo of August 6th”.

The Russian president and prime minister have yet to respond, however it seems they have justified their actions, claiming the Georgians have been committing genocide in the area of South

and that they have taken this action simply to reverse Georgia’s encroaching attempts to gain more territory in the area.

We can only hope that some sort of ceasefire can be brokered in order to prevent this conflict escalating into another full scale war, which doubtless will increase the price of oil still further, but more than that will see yet another region of the world involved in bloody conflict that will cost even more innocent lives.

Legendary Soul Singer Isaac Hayes Dies

Legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes has died age 65 today at his home in Memphis Tennesee. The Shelby sheriff’s department does not suspect foul play. Isaac Hayes was found by relatives at some point this afternoon collapsed and unconcious beside a running treadmill at his home, he was attended to by paramedics who tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at hospital at around 2pm local time.

Isaac Hayes was a prolific writer for legendary soul recording labe Stax, and wrote hits for Sam and Dave including “Soul Man”, many say that his “Hot Buttered Soul” album was one which broke the mould and lay the foundation for his trademark sultry sexy lyrics, mixed with political messages, indicative of the times in which he was living at that point in his life. He is perhaps best remembered for writing the 1971 soundtrack for the Blaxploitation movie “Shaft” for which he won an Oscar.

Isaac Hayes, the legendary soul singer who died today, was better known by a younger generation when he took the role of Chef, in the series South Park. As well as his successes in music, Isaac Hayes continued to work within his community and was an active member of the Church of Scientology, as are other famous people such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

King Of Comedy Bernie Mac Dies

Much loved actor and comedian Bernie Mac (50) died this morning in a Chicago hostpital, USA. Bernie Mac was hospitalized a few weeks ago suffering from pneumonia and though the cause of death at this time is not confirmed, it is believed to be as a result of complications regarding this illness.

Bernie Mac’s death was reported in a Chicago newspaper this morning and was later confirmed by his publicist Danica Smith. In a statement she said

“Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family’s privacy continues to be respected.”-Danica Smith

Bernie Mac starred in his own comedy show “The Bernie Mac Show” and made numerous films during his career including appearing in Charlies Angels as Bosley, Oceans 11, 12 and 13, and The Original Kings of Comedy, which co-starred DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey and was directed by Spike Lee. Bernie Mac will be missed by all his fans.

Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony Triumph

The games of the twenty sixth Olympiad in the modern era, the 2008 Olympic Games got off to a triumphant start yesterday with an opening ceremony that was a spectacle to behold. We’re going to cover some of the highlights of these games as the World’s eyes are on China, a nation hitherto reluctant to allow non Chinese spectators in, and under tight security amidst fears of terror attacks on this nation whose suspect human rights record have commentators the world over talking and debating the relevancy and significance of holding the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.

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