I have listed some resources below to help the cause. It does not matter if you choose from this list of resources or help in some other way, the important thing is that we all pull together for the people of Haiti.

This is one of the great powers of blogging and social networking, we can connect globally, particularly during times of crisis.

You may click on any of the links below:

AmeriCares

Care

Habitat For Humanity

Red Cross

Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund

World Concern

You may also text the word “Haiti” to 90999 and a $10.00 donation will appear on your cell bill.

Donate to reputable sources like those listed here. The profiteers and scammers are working overtime.

Thanks and may God Bless!

Global warming is real and on this Blog Action Day with the focus on “Climate Change”, I can think of no larger contributor to climate change than global warming.

We’ve heard the term for years, but what is global warming really?

Planet earth is surrounded by what is known as the ozone layer, a layer of the atmosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone and protects life on earth from the Sun’s potentially damaging ultraviolet rays. Scientist tell us that between 93% and 99% of the Sun’s high frequency ultraviolet light is absorbed by this layer.

The problem is that this protective layer has been eroding away because of mankind’s continued use of fossilized fuels and the resulting emissions. There have been large holes in this atmospheric layer identified by world renowned scientist and climatologist.

Since there are more and more rays of ultraviolet light penetrating the atmosphere, the result is an ever warming climate. As the average measured atmospheric temperature rises, there is a corresponding effect on the climate.

When you really think about this, it all makes sense. Anytime you apply heat to anything, some measurable change occurs. There is always an effect of some sort.

Combine the Sun’s rays with carbon dioxide (CO2) and you have what is known as the Greenhouse effect. This is the heating of the earth’s surface due to the presence of an atmosphere that contains gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation (Wikipedia). This is causing the globe to warm.

With global warming the changes in temperatures are subtle, but the continued escalation of the average temperature has effects on many things. You see, as we go about our daily lives most of us hardly notice what’s going on around us geologically or atmospherically.

The changes are very slow, but there are signs of change everywhere. These signs are harbingers of things to come.

Now before we get all worked up and start claiming that the sky is falling, let’s consider some of the signs that are directly related to the long-term rise of global temperatures.

• Polar ice caps and glaciers melting
• Ocean waters warming
• Sea levels rising which will lead to coastal flooding
• Weather that is unusually warm
• Heat waves

Coincidence you say?

Aren’t these things happening now?

Here are some other effects that you may have noticed in recent years.

• Earlier than usual Spring
• Milder than usual Winter
• Droughts and wild fires
• Heavier than usual downpours
• Flooding

These are documented events that seem to occur with increasing frequency. Look around the globe, not just your own backyard. There is the spreading of diseases, famine and heavier than usual accumulations of snow in many areas.

It can certainly be argued that these events cannot be absolutely tied to global warming, and many have made just that argument, but something is going on with the climate on this planet.

The number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes has doubled in the last 20 years and climate related disasters seem to be steadily increasing.

More data from weather extremes during the past several years.

• There has been snow in South Africa
• Texas had rain for 20 plus days, receiving more than 14 inches in a single day
• Have you forgotten Rita and Katrina?
• In 2006, St. Louis Missouri recorded the single strongest thunderstorm in the history of recordkeeping.
• Australia experienced a horrible drought, one of the worst on record
• California wild fires are becoming commonplace

I could go on and on.

Many will say that we don’t know these things to be related to what we humans are doing to the atmosphere for sure. That would be a narrow view in my opinion and surely ignores the fact that we continue to pollute big time.

The earth is much like our bodies, if we continue to abuse and ignore, only bad things will come about as a result.

Will we as a global society confront ourselves and begin the process of changing our ways?

Will we become good stewards of the planet and leave something decent behind for future generations?

The answers to these and many other questions related to global warming and climate change will be uncovered with absolute certainty in the not so distant future.

Let’s hope our descendants don’t look back upon us and frown, wondering how we could have been so intelligent and so naive simultaneously.

This is a wonderful planet that we live on. Let’s do our part to preserve it as best we can. Regardless of your beliefs, you have to admit that we can do better.

Today’s focus has been on global warming and climate change, but this should not be just an annual event, but rather a daily reminder that there is serious need for newer, cleaner technologies and the associated lifestyles that manage them for future generations.

HAPPY BLOG ACTION DAY!

Having grown up during the Jackson 5 era, Michael and the group were always a part of my life. You develop a connection of sorts with certain people in the entertainment industry when you grow up during the same span of time, although you’ve never met them.

Michael Jackson’s story is one of two opposing views. On the one hand, we’ve enjoyed THE top entertainer of our generation who appealed to people around the world. While on the other hand, we witnessed the dark side of his character as he was always embroiled in controversy.

The fact of the matter is this, he was an all-time great dancer and entertainer in his public life, but the private life seemed so tortured. Although I didn’t know him personally, it just seemed that he was always trying to escape something in his private life, even going so far as to try to escape his own body with all of the cosmetic surgeries.

I think history will be kind to his legacy, as the dark side will be allowed to fade somewhat into the background, although never to be forgotten. His many troubles will always remain a part of his life’s story, but people will always gravitate to the more positive aspects of his public life.

Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking showmanship, particularly during the early days of music videos, will always be historic and grandiose.  He broke many barriers, allowing other young entertainers to enter some of the doors that he opened to the music industry.

Anyone who has followed his career has likely felt a wide range of emotions over the years. Love, hate, confusion, shame and sorrow all come to mind when you think of how his life unfolded before you. But in the end, he will remain “The King of Pop” forever.

Such a strange twist for a legendary figure with a very troubled life. Many will find it impossible to understand how a person with such a high level of talent could find himself in such horrific situations throughout his adult life.

As a performer, he took everything to another level. The ultimate perfectionist is how he will be remembered. He was truly a great talent. The world has lost an icon, never to be repeated on this level.

Sure some future superstar will rise up and thrill people around the world, but that will be in another era.

The loss of this legendary figure has driven a rediscovery of just how great he was in the music industry. Amazon and iTunes have been bombarded with sales of everything Michael.

It’s too bad that he did not get the opportunity to do that much talked about “Comeback Tour” because you just know it would have been something great.

Instead, the world is left to mourn the loss of an icon.

Strangely, he perhaps has found in death what he could not seem to find in life.

Michael Jackson – Rest in Peace.

One of my all-time favorite Michael Jackson videos from back in the day: Beat It! Written by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.