Wisconsin Weather Update

Wisconsin Weather Update for February 28, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:56 PM GMT on February 28, 2006 +0
Good Tuesday morning!

Scattergories Tuesday
Another week of games starts right now! Against better judgement, we're going to play Scattergories one last time this Winter regular season. Give me one answer to each topic below that begins with the starting letter, but make it unique as all duplicated entries receive no credit! A recent Scattergories poll suggested I should stay strict with any possible adjectives, so use caution if you're submitting an answer that's more than one word long!

Starting Letter: L
Topic #1: A Domestic Movie from 2005 (aka, the title of any non-foreign film released last year)

Topic #2: Cooking Utensil(s)

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


How many days would you like to have to play each of my games?
--One day is fine.
--Two days would be better.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 6am with a mostly cloudy sky east and more sunshine west, temps are in the low to mid- teens central and the mid- to upper teens south.

Synopsis: A very weak area of high pressure sits just off to our east, which will bring the area one more dry day. A new frontal boundary is revving up in the Plains states, and will bring warmer temperatures along with the chance of a mixed bag of precipitation tomorrow. I know April showers bring May flowers, but what will March showers bring? The end of February, that's what! Hooray! The best part about February is that it's usually only 28 days long!
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif

Today: Partly sunny, high of 29 central, low to mid- 30s south.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, lows near 20 central, lower 20s south.

Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy, breezy and warmer with rain showers developing, perhaps turning to light snow showers late. Highs low to mid- 30s central, but lower 40s south. Chance of precip 45%.

Extended:
Thursday: Partly sunny, maybe some morning drizzle or flurries, highs low to mid- 30s central, upper 30s to near 40 south.
Friday: Partly cloudy, highs near 30 central, mid- 30s south.
Saturday: Increasing clouds with a chance of light snow late, highs 28-33. Chance of snow Saturday night 30%.
Sunday: A chance of light snow, but high pressure to the north will try to deflect it south of us before the main event gets here. Highs 27-32. Chance of snow 30%.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Scattered showers, breezy, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, breezy, highs near 60 but breaking 70 inland.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy and breezy. Highs mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy, highs near 60.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 28
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 28
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 28

High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 38
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…. 58

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 75 (trace)
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 54
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 72


Top News:

Carnival crowds thinner as Fat Tuesday dawns
Mardi Gras comes to New Orleans six months after Katrina
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- Sunshine and mild temperatures helped bring the crowds out Monday as New Orleans' first post-Katrina Mardi Gras neared, but a stroll through the French Quarter is a lot easier now than it was this time last year.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/28/mardi.gras.ap/index.html


Weather in the News:

I guess I'm not the only one who does personal forecasting from their house!
Hot on climate
Meteorologist harvests crop data for farmers and speculators
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=404115
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 27, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:00 PM GMT on February 27, 2006 +0
Happy Monday,
This is Lisa with our weekend and baby update and I hope you all had a great weekend. We were able to relax at home for most of the weekend. In fact, on Saturday we never even left the house! It was really nice to have a day where we could just relax at home as a family.

Chili and Auction:
Our friends Jason and Nicole joined us at church on Sunday, and following the service we attended the annual Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction fundraiser. All of the money raised benefited the Youth Summer Intern Program. We all enjoyed taste-testing lots of different chili recipes, and then voting for the best tasting chili and the best decorated booth. We had a good time, and it was fun visiting with our friends from church. We also each won some auction items. Steve and I won private ballroom dance lessons from Adagio Dance Club, and Nicole won some table linens. After the auction, we went back to our house and Jason and Steve installed the dual tuner for our TiVo, so now we can watch one program from the TiVo and have two other live programs recording at the same time. It will come in very handy with American Idol on seemingly over the same time as most of the other shows we watch! We finished up the weekend with dinner at Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant.

Baby Update: Bryce now has almost 4 teeth. His 2nd top tooth on top is starting to come in. It's not quite all the way erupted yet, but you can see the white.

Blowing Bubbles: Bryce has now begun the phase where he has started blowing bubbles. We woke up to him blowing bubbles into the baby monitor on Sunday morning! It's really cute when he does it, and of course he thinks it's really funny. He probably thinks it's funny because we laugh whenever he does it, so it makes him do it more. He's also now able to get anything he wants from the coffee table. We used to have a magic area in the middle of the table where he couldn't reach it, but now everything is fair game. Bryce also thinks it's funny when he pushes things off the coffee table and onto the floor, and it goes double when it's our set of remote controls or Steve's other stuff. Well, that wraps up our update. Have a great week.

And finally, as promised, here are 22 pictures from Bryce over the last three weeks! View them at the link below:
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/pictures


Today’s forecast grade: B-


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with clouds and scattered light snow showers across parts of Wisconsin, temps are in the upper teens central and lower 20s south.

Synopsis: A frontal boundary stretching from an area of low pressure in the north-central Plains is developing a few light, scattered snow showers across parts of Wisconsin this morning. Look for these to end shortly as high pressure begins to build into the northern Great Lakes from Canada. Mild temperatures will begin to move in by midweek, but this round will likely only last a couple days before colder temperatures move back in for next weekend.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif

Today: Mostly cloudy with a few morning light snow showers. Just a dusting of accumulation is expected in most areas. High of 28 central, low to mid- 30s south. Chance of snow 30%.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, lows lower teens.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny, highs upper 20s central, low to mid- 30s south.

Extended:
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with light rain developing, perhaps mixing with light snow. Highs mid- 30s central, near 40 south. Chance of precip 30%.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, highs mid- 30s central, near 40 south.
Friday: Partly cloudy and colder, highs upper 20s central, lower 30s south.
Saturday: Increasing clouds with a chance of light snow late. Highs 25-30. Chance of snow Saturday night 25%.
Sunday: A chance of snow. Highs 28-33. Chance of snow 30% for now.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Mostly cloudy, breezy and warmer, highs mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, becoming breezy, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Sunshine, a little breezy, highs lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy, a little breezy, highs upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 29
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 27

High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 34
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…. 40

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 70
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…………... 56 (0.51")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 66


In Case You Missed It:

Actor Don Knotts dies at 81
Griffith: 'Don was special. There's nobody like him'
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Don Knotts, who kept generations of TV audiences laughing as bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" and would-be swinger landlord Ralph Furley on "Three's Company," has died. He was 81.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/02/25/knotts.obit.ap/index.html


Microsoft to offer six versions of Vista
Says the new operating system will feature improved security, simplified search across the desktop and a cleaner interface.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. plans six core offerings of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, targeting how people use computers instead of PC hardware specifications, the company said Monday.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/27/technology/microsoft_vista.reut/index.htm?cnn=yes


Earth Lights on Google Maps
http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/~pesti/night/
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 24, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:12 PM GMT on February 24, 2006 +0
TGIF!

Wheel of Fortune Results

Puzzle #1 (27/27):
A
C H I L L
I N
T H E
A I R
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE CDPO
Point Value: 2

Puzzle #2 (25/27):
T H A N K
Y O U
F O R
N O T
S M O K I N G
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE BCFU
Point Value: 2


Winter 2006 Regular Season Point Standings (30 people played this week)
The regular season will run through March 10 and the playoff week will be the week of March 13-17. March 7-10 will be a double point week.
The top player at the end of the playoff week will win a lovely weather-related prize (if not a previous winner).
Red text indicates the best player of the week. Green text indicates a perfect week, if applicable.
Please verify your point total for accuracy.
* = received a bonus point for Outburst.
^ = moved above the cut line this week.
-- = moved below the cut line this week.

Only one more regular week of games remain before a three-game double points week to end this winter regular season!

Brian, Madison WI: 52 (+6)
Dan, Henderson, NV: 49 (+8)
Becky T. and Parents: 48 (+6)
Nia, Appleton, WI: 48 (+7)
Jordan, Little Chute, WI: 47 (+9)*
Katie/Bart, Mukwonago, WI: 47 (+5)
Sheila, Appleton, WI: 47 (+6)
Mary, Berlin, WI: 44 (+7)
Tammy, Madison, WI: 44 (+4)
Karl, Appleton, WI: 43 (+6)
--------Preliminary Playoff Cut Line--------
Mom: 41 (+7)
Barb, Berlin, WI: 40 (+6)
Sharon, Kaukauna, WI: 40 (+7)
Lisa, Appleton, WI: 39 (+6)
Bethany: 38 (+5)
Mary, Appleton, WI: 38 (+6)
Max M., Cut 'n Shoot, TX: 38 (+4)
Sue, De Pere, WI: 37 (+5)
Clair, Fremont, WI: 36 (+4)
Greg, Madison, WI: 36 (+2)
Jan, Berlin, WI: 35 (+5)
Jodi, Hilton Head Island, SC: 35 (+4)
Steve L.: 34 (+5)
Diane Sm.: 31 (+6)
Sally: 31 (+6)
Kelley: 27 (+4)
Jason, De Pere, WI: 25
Chris Ke.: 22
John/Shelley, Oshkosh, WI: 19
Nicole, Madison, WI: 19
Al, Germantown, WI: 15 (+1)
John E., Madison, WI: 14
Harry: 12 (+1)
Linda Ha.: 11
Chad, Cleveland, OH: 9 (+5)
Max C.: 8 (+5)
Jen: 6
John S.: 2
Lori: 2


Today’s forecast grade: B-


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with a mostly cloudy sky and light, scattered snow showers developing across parts of western and southern Wisconsin, we have cold temperatures in the single digits central and teens south.

Synopsis: An area of high pressure is centered just to our southeast, which gave us the sunshine we saw yesterday afternoon. A new, weak area of low pressure is centered in the northern plains states, and its associated warm front will begin to move through Wisconsin later today. Ahead of the warm front, look for the winds to increase and scattered snow showers to develop soon if they haven't already. And FYI, Shamrock Shakes are back at McDonald's. There goes my "diet!"
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif

Today: Mostly cloudy and becoming breezy with scattered light snow showers developing across Wisconsin, but eventually becoming more focused on northern Wisconsin where 5+" are expected. I would expect an inch or less across central Wisconsin and barely a dusting south. High of 30 central, mid- to upper 30s south. Chance of snow 40% central, 20% south.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy and windy with snow showers, mostly north. Some clearing south. Lows upper teens to near 20.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and colder, highs mid- to upper 20s central, upper 20s to near 30 south.

Sunday: Partly sunny, highs mid- 20s central, upper 20s south.

Next Week:
Monday: Mostly cloudy, highs 25-30.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, highs 26-31.
Wednesday: Breezy with a chance of a rain/snow mix. Highs 31-36. Chance of precip 40%.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs near 70 today and lower 70s this weekend.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs lower 60s. Rain Saturday and breezy sunshine Sunday, highs dropping into the mid- 50s by Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Scattered thundershowers through Saturday, breezy, highs lower 60s. Sunshine, mid- 60s Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Sunshine and breezy through this weekend, highs upper 50s today, near 50 Saturday and only lower 40s Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 31
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 28
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 33 (0.1" snow)
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 36 (trace of snow)

High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…....... 43
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)….. 59

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)… 67
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…… 66 (0.01")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)…80 (0.04")


In Case You Missed It:

Fox Creates My Network TV
News Corp. Wednesday unveiled a new weblet called My Network TV that will offer original prime-time programming for the 10 local TV stations that were to be left out in the cold after UPN closes shop this fall.
Launching Sept. 5, the network will program two English-language telenovelas that are to run weekdays from 8-10 p.m., with a one-hour recap of both strips to air on Saturdays. Both the 8 p.m. series, Desire, and the 9 p.m. strip, Secrets, are repurposed properties "that were developed in anticipation of putting them on prime on UPN," said News Corp. president and COO Peter Chernin.
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/tvstations/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002073253
http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/23/news/companies/mynetworktv/
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,18416,00.html

Scientists: Internet, Chat Rooms Good for Teenagers
The sullen teenager who lurks in his room surfing the Internet for hours on end is not being antisocial and withdrawn. He is actually building his social skills and civic awareness, according to research.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,185823,00.html
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 23, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:41 PM GMT on February 23, 2006 +0
Good Thursday morning!

Wheel of Fortune

Puzzle #1:
_
C _ _ L L
_ N
T _ E
_ _ R
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE CDPO
Point Value: 2

Puzzle #2:
T _ _ N _
_ _ U
F _ R
N _ T
S _ _ _ _ N _
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE BCFU
Point Value: 2

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


Weather Update Poll Results:
When should I tally up the weekly point standings? [13 votes total]
Fridays - I like knowing the results before the weekend. (8) 62%
Mondays - I like having the weekend to play the second set of games. (5) 38%
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847
Archive:
http://vote.sparklit.com/archive.spark?archiveID=334188


Today’s forecast grade: B


NowCast: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Southern Wisconsin:
Scattered snow showers will affect the Fond Du Lac...Sheboygan... Portage...Reedsburg...Prairie Du Sac...Waunakee and Dodgeville areas from 630 am through 8 am...and will begin to affect Madison around 8 am. The snow showers may become heavy for a time... reducing the visibility to around one half mile. Rapid accumulation of snow from one quarter inch to three quarters inch could occur in one hours time. These snow showers will continue to the southeast and affect the area from Port Washington to West Bend...Madison...Jefferson and parts of the Milwaukee Metro area from 8 am through 9 am. If the snow showers hold together...they will affect the area from South Milwaukee to Janesville...Racine and Kenosha from 9 am through 11 am. All morning commuters across south central and southeast Wisconsin should be prepared for rapidly changing visibilities in these scattered snow showers along with the possibility of rapid...light snow accumulation.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with clouds and scattered light snow showers, mostly in south-central Wisconsin, temps are pretty much in the mid- to upper 20s.

Synopsis: A weak area of low pressure is passing by this morning, centrally located in eastern Lake Superior. It's developing a few light snow showers across Wisconsin this morning ahead of a cold front passing through central Wisconsin, but only small amounts of accumulation are expected. We might even see a bit of sunshine later today after this system passes through.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif

Today: Mostly cloudy with scattered light snow showers possible this morning. Less than 1" of accumulation is expected. Maybe some sunshine this afternoon. A little colder and breezy with a high of 31. Chance of snow 25%.

Tonight: Increasing clouds, lows lower teens.

Tomorrow: Cloudy and breezy with light snow developing. Highs upper 20s central, lower 30s south. Chance of snow 40%. Maybe 1-2" of snowfall, especially north.

Extended:
Saturday: Becoming partly cloudy, highs mid- to upper 20s.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, highs low to mid- 20s.
Next Week's Outlook: The upper-air jet stream looks to keep any significant storm systems to our south, and temperatures look to fluctuate a bit, but average out to around 20-25, which is slightly below-normal for this time of the year.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Scattered showers, mostly this morning, highs mid- 60s.
Through 930 am...patchy light rain associated with the cold front will continue move east across southern South Carolina. Rainfall amounts of a couple hundredths is possible.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Mostly cloudy, breezy and cooler, highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Morning fog, then sunshine, highs mid- 50s.
... Patchy dense freezing fog across the area this morning...
Patchy dense freezing fog will reduce visibility to under a half
mile at times throughout the quad state region this morning. The dense
fog will be most widespread near rivers and lakes. In addition to
the poor visibility... with temperatures below freezing... some
icing is possible... especially on bridges and elevated surfaces.
Conditions should improve by 9 am. Drivers are urged to exercise
caution this morning and be prepared for sudden loss of visibility
and the potential for icy bridges.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 34 central, 36 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 36
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 39
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 37

High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 46
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…. 45 (0.03")

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 62
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 73
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 80 (0.04")


Top News:

Heist cash haul may be record $70M
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Detectives on Thursday launched a huge manhunt for an armed gang who posed as police officers to steal what could be up to Ł40 million (nearly $70 million) in what would be Britain's biggest-ever cash robbery.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/02/23/uk.robbery/index.html

Meat plant workers now lottery millionaires
LINCOLN, Nebraska (CNN) -- Eight meat processing workers came forward Wednesday to claim the $365 million Powerball jackpot, the largest lottery prize in U.S. history.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/22/powerball.winners/index.html


Energy in the News:
(Additional news research provided by Chad.)

SA solar research eclipses rest of the world
In a scientific breakthrough that has stunned the world, a team of South African scientists has developed a revolutionary new, highly efficient solar power technology that will enable homes to obtain all their electricity from the sun.
This means high electricity bills and frequent power failures could soon be a thing of the past.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20060211110132138C184427

City wants to harness the power of dog waste
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- City officials are hoping to harness the power of dog waste in this dog-friendly city where animal feces make up nearly 4 percent of residential waste.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/22/dog.waste.power.ap/index.html
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 22, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:46 PM GMT on February 22, 2006 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Outburst Results

Topic: Hobbies
Players: 27

Official Answers: (each response is worth one point each)
Stamp Collecting (19)
Saving String (13) (Note: I included Sewing/Knitting/Quilting in this one)
Rare Coins (9)
Model Cars (7) (Note: Model trains and planes were also accepted)
Bird Watching (5)
Collecting Rocks (1) - Bonus Point Awarded to Jordan - Least most popular answer with at least one vote
Miniature Sailboats (0)
Ham Radio (0)
Collecting Seashells (0)
Ant Farm (0)

Other Answers:
Gardening (7), Fishing (6), Reading (6), Scrapbooking/crafts (5), Golfing (4), Photography (4), Playing Sports (3), Butterfly collection/Bug collecting (2), Woodworking (2), Baseball cards, Comic books, Doll collecting, Setting puzzles, Horsebackriding, Beekeeping, Music, Movies, Playing an instrument, Antiquing, Genealogy, Travelling, Hunting


When should I tally up the weekly point standings? (last day to vote)
--Fridays - I like knowing the results before the weekend.
--Mondays - I like having the weekend to play the second set of games.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B+


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with sunshine central and south and some clouds north, temps are in the upper teens to lower 20s. And now that I finally have a new car battery, I won't have to cross my fingers before starting up my car this morning! I needed three jumps over the last week and a half before finally forking over the cash for a new one.

Synopsis: A weak warm front is moving through today, associated with an area of low pressure to our north. We might see a few flurries from this system later today and tonight, but otherwise, look for some sunshine and warmer temperatures today.

Today: Sunshine this morning with increasing afternoon clouds and perhaps a flurry around sunset. High of 34 central, and all four weather models say 36 south.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a few flurries. Big deal. Lows near 20.

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, highs near 30 central, lower 30s south.

Extended:
Friday: Becoming mostly cloudy with light snow developing. Colder, highs low to mid- 20s.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy and breezy with more light snow. Highs 27-32.
Sunday: Partly sunny and colder, highs 21-26.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, a little breezy, highs lower 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Morning fog and scattered showers, highs mid- 60s.
Areas of fog will continue across southern South Carolina through mid morning. A few spots can expect visibilities lowering to 1/2 mile or less at times through 9 am...but most areas should see visibilities from 2 and 4 miles. Motorists should allow a little extra travel time this morning.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Fog most of the day; becoming breezy with isolated showers, highs near 70.
Dense fog advisory in effect until noon CST today...
Widespread dense fog is expected to persist as warm moist air
overrides cooler air at the surface. Visibilities around 1/4 mile
will persist.

Motorists should drive with extreme caution and allow additional
travel time. Use low beams... reduce driving speed... and allow for
plenty of room between you and other cars. You can overtake
another vehicle quickly in poor visibilities... so slow down and
drive defensively.

Mariners are also urged to use extreme caution across the bays and
nearshore waters this morning.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Decreasing clouds late, highs upper 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 27 central, upper 20s to near 30 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 27
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 28
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 28

High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…........ 37
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…... 45 (0.03")

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)….. 55
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…….. 69 (0.04")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)…. 59


In Case You Missed It:

Predators 'drove human evolution'
The popular view of our ancient ancestors as hunters who conquered all in their way is wrong, researchers have told a major US science conference.
Instead, they argue, early humans were on the menu for predatory beasts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4729050.stm

Man dies months after waking from 10-year coma
(CNN) -- Less than a year after awaking from a decade-long coma, a brain-injured firefighter from Buffalo, New York, has died, fire officials told CNN.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/21/coma.death/index.html

Police: Man killed over toilet paper
MOSS BLUFF, Florida (AP) -- A man was arrested and accused of fatally beating his roommate with hammers because there was no toilet paper in their home, police said.
http://www.cnn.com/rssclick/2006/LAW/02/21/toilet.paper.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 21, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:35 PM GMT on February 21, 2006 +0
Good morning and Happy Tuesday,
This is Lisa with our weekend and baby update and I hope you all had a great weekend. Road Runner was being slow with sending emails Monday morning, so our weekend blog is being published today instead of yesterday. We had a busy but very fun weekend. On Saturday, we travelled to Madison with Bryce to visit several of our friends. We mostly hung out at our friends Phil and Nicole's house. Phil and Nicole have a 13-month-old son Adam, and it was fun watching the boys play together. They played pretty well together, as long as they were a small distance away from each other. For some reason, if Adam touched Bryce, Bryce would start to cry. We aren't sure why, except that he's not used to other children. Bryce also didn't like to share his toys, but he's never had to before so that's something we'll have to work on. We also had a tasty dinner at a new and unique restaurant called Quaker Steak and Lube. On Sunday morning, we went out to breakfast at the Pancake Cafe with our friends Chris and Allison. We haven't seen them in quite a while so it was nice to spend some time with them. Afterwards, we headed home, but are planning another trip to Madison in April so we can see a few more of you whom we didn't see this time around.

Pre-Weekend Activities: Valentine's Day,
Last Tuesday, we, along with my mom and Karl, went to see one of mine and my mom's favorite country artists, John Berry, at the SC Grand in De Pere. John Berry put on an awesome Love Songs concert, and since it was a small venue it was very romantic and intimate, and we couldn't think of a better way to spend Valentine's Day. It included dinner before the show, which was okay, but we all agreed that we have had better dinners.

Baby Update: Stair Adventure
Bryce had another first on Sunday. Phil and Nicole have a quad-level house and they have some carpeted stairs going up from their living room to their kitchen. Bryce was able to climb up the stairs on his hands and knees! It took him a few minutes, but with me standing behind him so he wouldn't fall, Steve video taping the adventure, and lots of encouragement from everyone, he made it to the top.

Well I guess that wraps up our update. I hope you all have a great week.


Outburst Tuesday
Another week of games begin right now! Give me four different answers to the topic below, and for each one that's also listed on the official Hasbro card, you get one point. There is a new Outburst rule going into effect starting today. A bonus point will be awarded to those whom respond with the least popular answer, that is still listed on the card. As you may have noticed during the first two games, the first bunch of answers on the card are pretty common, but the last few tend to be a little more "out there." If you want to go for the bonus, make at least one of your answers a little more unusual, and if it's on the list and the least most popular response (that still gets at least one answer), you'll get a bonus point out of the deal, for a total of five possible points. Have fun!

Outburst Topic: Hobbies

Rules (updated)
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


When should I tally up the weekly point standings?
--Fridays - I like knowing the results before the weekend.
--Mondays - I like having the weekend to play the second set of games.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with sunshine, temps are mostly around 10-15 above zero.

Synopsis: A weak cold front moved through last night, and while most of the light snow showers stayed to our north, it is still trying to push colder temperatures back into the state. It's not going to be that successful, though, as temperatures will remain near our normal for this time of the year.

Today: Mostly sunny, high of 27 central, upper 20s to near 30 south.

Tonight: Increasing clouds, lows mid- teens.

Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy, maybe a flurry, highs lower 30s central, mid- 30s south.

Extended:
Thursday: Morning flurries, then becoming partly cloudy, highs near 30 central, lower 30s south.
Friday: Cloudy and breezy with light snow early in the day. Maybe an inch of accumulation. Highs mid- 20s central, upper 20s south. Chance of snow 30%.
Saturday: Partly cloudy and windy. Highs 23-28.
Sunday: Partly sunny and colder, highs 16-21.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Mostly cloudy, patchy morning drizzle, highs upper 50s.
A few locations in southern South Carolina and southeast Georgia will experience a little light rain or drizzle this morning. Rainfall amounts will be no more than one hundredth of an inch.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Morning fog, otherwise cloudy and warmer with isolated showers. Highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs lower 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 24 central, mid- 20s south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 27
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 28
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 28
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 33

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 54
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 54
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 49 (0.01")
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 30


Top News:

Winner silent as prank call claims lottery jackpot
LINCOLN, Nebraska (CNN) -- Nebraska Lottery officials said Monday they believe they were the victims of a hoax after a call from a potential winner of a $365 million Powerball prize turned out to be from a Colorado radio station.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/20/powerball/index.html

Segway creator unveils his next act
Inventor Dean Kamen wants to put entrepreneurs to work bringing water and electricity to the world's poor.
San Francisco (Business 2.0) - Dean Kamen, the engineer who invented the Segway, is puzzling over a new equation these days. An estimated 1.1 billion people in the world don't have access to clean drinking water, and an estimated 1.6 billion don't have electricity. Those figures add up to a big problem for the world—and an equally big opportunity for entrepreneurs.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/16/technology/business2_futureboy0216/index.htm

Semi Lands in Lake Butte des Morts
Southbound Highway 41 in Winnebago County is open after a two-vehicle accident left a semi in Lake Butte des Morts Saturday.
http://www.wbay.com/global/story.asp?s=4522046


Weather in the News:

Cold weather's grip freezes on area
Lake ice still not safe; snowmobiler falls in
Procrastinators who didn't get around to shoveling out from last week's snowstorm and then figured it was too cold to venture outside to do the job won't get a break until midweek.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=402810


In Case You Missed It:

Are chocoholics' dreams coming true?
Company promises 'healthy' chocolate; experts skeptical
ALBANY, Georgia (AP) -- It's every chocolate lover's wish that their favorite indulgence could somehow be healthy for them. Now, chocolate makers claim they have granted that wish.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/diet.fitness/02/20/healthy.chocolate.ap/index.html

'Sleeping on it' best for complex decisions
Complex decisions are best left to your unconscious mind to work out, according to a new study, and over-thinking a problem could lead to expensive mistakes.
The research suggests the conscious mind should be trusted only with simple decisions, such as selecting a brand of oven glove. Sleeping on a big decision, such as buying a car or house, is more likely to produce a result people remain happy with than consciously weighing up the pros and cons of the problem, the researchers say.
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8732&feedId=online-news_rss20
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3756

Microsoft Hopes Prizes Will Attract New Searchers
Remember the long-running e-mail hoax that had Bill Gates testing an "e-mail tracing program" and offering to pay recipients big bucks if they passed his test e-mail along to all their friends? Well, the offer is true, sort of. Microsoft wants you to use its search engine, and it's got $1 million worth of prizes up for grabs for those who nibble at the offer.
http://www.msnsearchandwin.com
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3745
http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2006/mft06021518.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/14/AR2006021401604.html


Teen girl's prosthetic leg stolen for second time
Thieves break into softball player's room and take $16,000 'sports leg'
TEMPLE CITY, Calif. - For the second time in recent months, somebody broke into a 16-year-old girl’s home and stole her prosthetic leg — including one that had been donated following the first crime, authorities said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11363842/from/RSS/

Virginia turns down road memorials to hogs
NORFOLK, Va. Virginia officials have rejected two proposed markers near the sites of fatal crashes involving pigs.
The Norfolk-based animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals proposed the signs. They would memorialize hogs that were killed on the way to slaughter at Smithfield Foods.
The state says memorials are allowed for human victims of fatal highway crashes, but not pigs.
PETA wanted the signs to say: "99 pigs died here because of driver negligence" and "Please drive with caution. PETA."
http://www.WBAY.com/Global/story.asp?s=4517527
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 20, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:14 PM GMT on February 20, 2006 +0
Good Monday morning!

Due to issues with Road Runner, I never received Lisa's update text this morning. Seeing as how she already sent it, I'm hoping I'll get it later today and will include it with tomorrow's update. I've got game results and point standings below, so it's still a good-sized intro.


Mad Gab Answers

Mad Gab #1 (28/31): I Since Know =
Ice and Snow

Mad Gab #2 (30/31): Hose Ache Hen Use He =
O, say can you see...

Mad Gab #3 (27/31): Signs Hex Pier Omit =
Science experiment

Bonus Points:
3: Kelley (9:18am, Thursday)
13: Katie/Bart (12:06pm, Thursday)
23: Jodi (8:38am, Friday)


Winter 2006 Regular Season Point Standings (34 people played this week)
The regular season will run through March 10 and the playoff week will be the week of March 13-17. March 7-10 will be a double point week.
The top player at the end of the playoff week will win a lovely weather-related prize (if not a previous winner).
Red text indicates the best player of the week. Green text indicates a perfect week, if applicable.
Please verify your point total for accuracy.
* = received a bonus point for Mad Gab.
^ = moved above the cut line this week.
-- = moved below the cut line this week.

Brian, Madison WI: 46 (+7)
Becky T. and Parents: 42 (+6)
Katie/Bart, Mukwonago, WI: 42 (+8)*
Dan, Henderson, NV: 41 (+4)
Nia, Appleton, WI: 41 (+5)
Sheila, Appleton, WI: 41 (+5)
Tammy, Madison, WI: 40 (+6)
Jordan, Little Chute, WI: 38 (+6)
Karl, Appleton, WI: 37 (+5)
Mary, Berlin, WI: 37 (+6)
--------Preliminary Playoff Cut Line--------
Barb, Berlin, WI: 34 (+4)
Greg, Madison, WI: 34 (+6)
Max M., Cut 'n Shoot, TX: 34 (+5)
Mom: 34 (+4)
Bethany: 33 (+6)
Lisa, Appleton, WI: 33 (+6)
Sharon, Kaukauna, WI: 33 (+4)
Clair, Fremont, WI: 32 (+7)
Mary, Appleton, WI: 32 (+3)
Sue, De Pere, WI: 32 (+3)
Jodi, Hilton Head Island, SC: 31 (+8)*
Jan, Berlin, WI: 30 (+5)
Steve L.: 29 (+6)
Diane Sm.: 25 (+0)
Jason, De Pere, WI: 25 (+5)
Sally: 25 (+5)
Kelley: 23 (+7)*
Chris Ke.: 22 (+1)
John/Shelley, Oshkosh, WI: 19
Nicole, Madison, WI: 19 (+3)
Al, Germantown, WI: 14 (+3)
John E., Madison, WI: 14 (+1)
Harry: 11
Linda Ha.: 11
Jen: 6
Chad, Cleveland, OH: 4 (+1)
Max C.: 3 (+3 - New Player!)
John S.: 2
Lori: 2 (+2)


When should I tally up the weekly point standings?
--Fridays - I like knowing the results before the weekend.
--Mondays - I like having the weekend to play the second set of games.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with sunshine and cold temperatures, we're mostly around 0-10 above zero.

Synopsis: An area of high pressure centered in far southern Illinois should keep the new area of low pressure, currently just north of North Dakota, to our north. Look for breezy conditions as we get between these two systems, but warmer temperatures as well.

Today: Sunshine this morning with a few afternoon clouds. Breezy and warmer with a high of 24 central, mid- 20s south.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, lows in the lower teens.

Tomorrow: Becoming mostly cloudy, highs mid- 20s.

Extended:
Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries during the day, light snow at night, highs lower 30s central, mid- 30s south. Chance of snow Wednesday night 30%.
Thursday: Light snow or flurries early, then decreasing clouds. Highs lower 30s central, mid- 30s south.
Friday: Windy with snow showers, maybe a couple inches of accumulation, highs mid- 20s central, upper 20s south. Chance of snow 40%.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, windy and a little colder, highs 20-25.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, breezy, colder yet, highs 17-22.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Partly cloudy, a little warmer, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Isolated showers, highs lower 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Drizzle, a little breezy, highs upper 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Mostly cloudy, highs lower 30s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 16
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 14
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 12
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 20

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 49 (0.01")
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…………... 52 (0.13")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 40 (0.01")
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 20
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 17, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:35 PM GMT on February 17, 2006 +0
TGIF!

Mad Gab Day Two
Because of yesterday's snowstorm, I am accepting answers for yesterday's Mad Gab through this weekend. And of course, with all of the weather-related hubbub, I forgot to put the bonus point numbers in yesterday's update. I posted them on the Web site right away, which is a nice advantage for people that read my update online, but I didn't want to send out another email with the game update. The weekly point standings will appear within Monday's update. Have a great weekend!

Mad Gab #1: I Since Know

Mad Gab #2: Hose Ache Hen Use He

Mad Gab #3: Signs Hex Pier Omit

Bonus Points: 3, 13, 23

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


Today’s forecast grade: D


Important Weather Statement: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Fox Cities:
Wind chill warning in effect from 6 PM this evening to 12 PM CST Saturday...
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a wind chill
warning... which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 12 PM CST
Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to plummet tonight... ranging from
around 25 below zero over northern Wisconsin to 15 below over
east-central Wisconsin. The bitter cold temperatures will combine
with west winds of 10 to 15 mph to produce dangerous wind
chills... ranging from 45 below over northern Wisconsin to around
35 below over east-central Wisconsin.

A wind chill warning means the combination of very cold air and
strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This
will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia or death if
precautions are not taken.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=GRB&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Appleton

Southern Wisconsin:
Wind Chill Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to 12 PM CST Saturday...
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a
Wind Chill Advisory... which is in effect from 6 PM this evening
to 12 PM CST Saturday.

Some of the coldest weather will affect southern Wisconsin tonight
into Saturday morning. Temperatures dropping below zero along with
northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph will result in very cold wind
chills of 20 below to 34 below zero.

A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when very cold air
temperatures... and winds of 10 mph or greater... will create
hazardous wind chill values of between 20 below to 34 below zero.

These conditions will result in frost bite... and could lead to
hypothermia... if precautions are not taken. If you must venture
outdoors... wear several layers of clothing. If clothes become
wet... they should be changed for dry ones.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with sunshine and bitter-cold wind, temps are not where you'd like them to be, around 5-10 above zero.

Synopsis: You know what's great about snowblowing over 13" of snow with drifts up to 3 feet high? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You have to shovel the top half of the drift before the snowblower can get the rest! I believe this storm is going to end up ranking #6 in the record books for Green Bay since 1900, and #2 for the month of February. The all-time record is 17.5", set on March 14, 1997. But even better is that Green Bay is now above normal for seasonal snowfall! I think this storm gave Meteorologists a good name, since we were crying wolf for days now and the beast actually arrived and brought the hype! Even Thrivent Financial and HumanaDental closed at noon yesterday, which happens about once every ten years!
As for today, we go from one warning to another with bitterly cold air coming in behind yesterday's storm. Wind chills could drop to -40 tonight and -20 tomorrow night.

Today: Mostly sunny, windy and quite cold. Early morning high of 16 central, 18 south, with temps in the upper single digits to lower teens for most of the day.

Tonight: Clear and very cold. Lows -10 to -20 with wind chills near -30 south, -40 central!

Saturday: Mostly sunny, very cold and a little breezy, highs around 5 above zero central, 10 above zero south.

Sunday: Partly cloudy, warmer, highs upper teens to lower 20s.

Next Week:
Monday: Partly sunny, highs 27-32.
Tuesday: Cloudy with flurries, highs 28-33.
Wednesday: Cloudy with light snow, highs 30-35. More light snow is expected Thursday and Friday.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Decreasing clouds, highs upper 50s. Chance of showers Saturday night and Sunday, highs low to mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Partly cloudy, areas of morning fog, highs mid- 60s. Scattered showers Saturday, isolated showers Sunday, highs in the low to mid- 50s.
Through 10 am...areas of fog with isolated dense fog will persist across much of south coastal South Carolina. The thickest fog has settled in between the edisto and Savannah rivers where visibilities have been reduced to two miles or less with isolated spots reporting one quarter mile or less. North of the edisto river...visibilities have been reduced to around 4 miles. Visibilities look to steadily improve through the rest of the morning. Motorists are urged to use extra caution by reducing speed and allowing extra room between vehicles.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Breezy with scattered showers through this weekend, highs upper 60s today but only mid- 40s this weekend! You'll get no sympathy from us in Wisconsin, though.
... Record high temperature set at Houston intercontinental...
a record high temperature of 81 degrees was set at Houston
intercontinental yesterday. This ties the old record of 81 set in
1982.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy, a little breezy, and much colder, highs upper 30s. Same thing this weekend, but colder highs mid- 20s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 25 central, upper 20s south-central and lower 30s southeast
High Yesterday (Green Bay).…….. 23 (13.1"!)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 24 (6.1")
High Yesterday (Milwaukee).......... 33 (0.57" rain, 2.0" snow)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 37 (1.09" rain, trace of snow)
Other snowfall totals:
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/wi/climate.html
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/img/climate/research/snow/1-dayaccum.gif

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 50
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 66
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 78
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 67 (0.63")


Weather in the News:

Winter storm among the worst
Subzero wind chills to follow big snowfall
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060217/APC0101/602170595/1003
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=401972
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/index.php?ntid=73008

Hundreds feared dead in Philippine mudslide
(CNN) -- A mudslide buried hundreds of houses and an elementary school in an eastern Philippine village Friday, killing an estimated 300 people and leaving another 1,500 missing, a Red Cross official said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/philippines.landslide/index.html

Greenland glaciers dumping ice into Atlantic at faster pace
ST. LOUIS, Missouri (AP) -- Greenland's southern glaciers have accelerated their march to the Atlantic Ocean over the past decade and now contribute more to the global rise in sea levels than previously estimated, researchers say.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/02/16/greenland.glaciers.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest


1-ClickWeather 1.1.1
Weather in your Firefox browser from The Weather Channel
https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/moreinfo.php?id=1035

Weather Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar
http://addins.msn.com/addins_category_toolbar.aspx#weather
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 16, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:39 PM GMT on February 16, 2006 +0
Good Thursday morning!

Mad Gab Thursday
Note that due to the snowstorm and the fact that many readers only receive my update at work and may not be going to work today, I will accept answers through Friday night. However, to make up for this, I'm posting three topics instead of two, bringing the possible points up to four, which is the standard for Tuesday's games. I'll have the updated point standings on Monday. You know, I could get used to having the whole weekend to count up all the points...

Mad Gab #1: I Since Know

Mad Gab #2: Hose Ache Hen Use He

Mad Gab #3: Signs Hex Pier Omit

Bonus Points: 3, 13, 23


Winter Road Conditions - Wisconsin DOT
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/road/winter-roads.htm


Today’s forecast grade: F (which does not stand for flurries!)


Important Weather Statement: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Fox Cities:
Winter Storm Warning in effect until midnight CST tonight...
Snow will become heavy and northeast winds will increase into the
15 to 30 mph range today and continue into the evening. Snow
accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected. The strong winds
will also produce considerable blowing and drifting of the snow.
Near blizzard conditions are possible in open areas and areas
toward Lake Michigan this afternoon and evening.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow can be
expected. Strong winds will generate plenty of blowing and
drifting snow which will make travel very hazardous or
impossible.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=GRB&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Appleton

South-Central Wisconsin:
Winter Storm Warning in effect until midnight CST tonight...
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has cancelled
the Snow Advisory. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until
midnight CST tonight.

Moderate to heavy snow will fall from middle to late morning
through mid afternoon. Total storm snowfall will range from 6 to
11 inches... with the highest amounts in Sauk... Columbia... Marquette
and Green Lake counties. Increasing winds will produce
considerable blowing and drifting snow late this afternoon and
tonight.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when snow... sleet..or
freezing rain is expected to combine with strong winds of 20 mph
or more. This will make travel dangerous or impossible and power
outages may result.

Widespread precipitation...including thunderstorms are developing across the state of Iowa. This precipitation will quickly spread from west to east across southern Wisconsin between 7 am and 10 am. Snow...heavy at times will fall north of a line from Janesville...to Jefferson to Port Washington. South of that...snow...sleet and freezing rain will fall. The heavy precipitation will diminish in the afternoon. Motorist and pedestrians should be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions this morning.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison

Southeast Wisconsin:
Winter Weather Advisory in effect until midnight CST tonight...
A mixture of snow... sleet and freezing rain will begin by mid to
late morning over far southeast Wisconsin. Snow accumulations of
2 to 5 inches are expected today. Snow amounts will be lower near Lake
Michigan and higher toward Jefferson and Janesville. Increasing
winds may produce blowing and drifting snow tonight with some
minor additional snow accumulation as well.

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when a mixture of snow...
and/or sleet... and/or freezing rain will cause difficult travel.
Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities. Use
caution while driving.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with, you guessed it, snow, temps are in the lower 20s central and south-central and in the upper 20s to near 30 southeast.

Synopsis: One of the main things Meteorologists look for when predicting major weather events such as today's snowstorm is model run consistency. If it's Friday morning and the medium-range weather models are predicting a snowstorm across Wisconsin for the following Thursday, then on the next model run Friday night, the weather models have the storm well away from us, weakened, or even gone altogether, then back again on Saturday morning, that tells us that there is a large degree of uncertainty regarding the storm. For today's snowstorm, the weather models have been unusually consistent and have pretty much nailed this thing since Friday - thus our large degree of certainty that this was the real thing. Light snow and strong winds this morning will increase in intensity later this morning and this afternoon, creating near-blizzard conditions. With all this snow falling in such a short amount of time, snow plows will have a very hard time keeping up, so if you're actually braving the roads today, be very cautious, especially driving home from work.

Today: Snow, becoming heavy by later this morning and this afternoon. Snow may mix with sleet or freezing rain in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Strong winds will create plenty of blowing and drifting of the new snow, and near-blizzard conditions are expected later this morning through early this evening. High of 25 central, upper 20s south-central and lower 30s southeast.

Tonight: Heavy snow early this evening, then diminishing to light snow or flurries before you go to bed tonight. Total snow accumulations according to the National Weather Service are 9-14" central, 6-8" south-central, and 3-5" southeast. Lows around 5-10 above zero.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny and much colder, highs only in the lower teens. Lows Friday night could approach -20!

This Weekend:
Saturday: Mostly sunny but bitterly cold. Highs only around 0-5 above!
Sunday: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs in the mid- to upper teens.

Next Week's Outlook: In case any of you care, high temperatures are expected to moderate into the 20s with some areas even back up to near 30. Maybe some light snow on Wednesday with perhaps another panhandle-hook storm on Friday. We'll see if the following model runs show consistency or if it's disappeared off of tomorrow's maps!


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine and cooler, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs lower 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Mostly cloudy and breezy, highs upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Mostly cloudy, windy, scattered thunderstorms developing (some perhaps severe). Highs upper 60s.
Wind Advisory in effect from 11 am this morning to 8 PM CST this evening...
A few spotty showers will be possible across southeast Illinois... western Kentucky and southwest Indiana early this morning. This activity was racing off to the northeast at around 40 mph. Rainfall amounts will be light...and only range a couple hundredths of an inch.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 29 central, lower 30s south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 34 (0.6" snow in Green Bay as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 34 (4.0" snow as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 36 (1.0" snow in Milwaukee as of midnight)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 42 (0.1" rain, trace of snow)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 61
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 64
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 79
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 61 (0.02")


Top News:

Powerball Jackpot Soars to Record High
Millions of tickets were sold, but none of them correctly matched the six winning numbers in the multi-state Powerball lottery game. As a result, Wednesday's $300 million jackpot went unclaimed, hiking the jackpot to an estimated $365 million for Saturday's drawing.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=4511109
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060216/APC0101/60216010

Former Packers coach Sherman joins Texans' staff
The patience of Houston Texans rookie coach Gary Kubiak paid off handsomely on Wednesday as he was finally able to secure former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman to complete his staff.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2331634

Dog missing after Westminster Kennel Club show
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A canine contender from this week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is missing after escaping from a travel cage at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, authorities said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/16/missing.dog/index.html


Weather in the News:

Dust storm causes highway havoc in Arizona
PHOENIX, Arizona (AP) -- A dust storm caused four separate car accidents on an interstate Wednesday, leaving two people dead and 12 injured and closing the highway for hours, authorities said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/02/15/dust.storm.ap/index.html

Titanic lightning storm on Saturn
PASADENA, California (AP) -- Researchers are tracking a gigantic storm on Saturn that is unleashing lightning bolts more than 1,000 times stronger than those found on Earth.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/02/15/saturn.storm.ap/index.html


In Case You Missed It:

Study: Babies know a little math
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Even before babies learn to talk they have a bit of a grasp of math, according to new research concluding that infants may have an abstract sense of numerical concepts.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/02/14/babies.math.reut/index.html

Woman sues over bloody Happy Meal
Blood on bag of fries came from employee's cut, suit says
GASTONIA, North Carolina (AP) -- A woman who said she found blood smeared inside her container of french fries is suing McDonald's Corp. for at least $10,000.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/02/15/mcdonalds.sued.ap/index.html
Updated: 3:21 PM GMT on February 16, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 15, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:50 PM GMT on February 15, 2006 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Feud Results

Topic #1: Name something every woman wants for her very own
A valentine! (Husband/Man/Prince Charming) (11) - 2 points
A baby/child (8) - 1 point
Diamonds (4)
Bathroom (2)
A personal chef and trainer
A checking account
A car
Personality
Shoes
A wardrobe. (And by wardrobe, I don't mean the furniture. I mean the massive amount of clothes to choose from.)
A home

Topic #2: Something that you split
Wood/Logs (14) - 2 points
Banana (5) - 1 point (tie)
Bills/Check (5) - 1 point (tie)
Ice Cream Sundae/Dessert (4) Note that I did not combine this with banana, as you can split a banana without it being a dessert.
Watermelon
Atom
Hairs
Pins (as in bowling)


Scattergories Adjective Poll Results:
In Scattergories, how should I treat answers that could be considered adjectives? [16 votes total]
Be strict - no adjectives should be allowed. (10) 63%
Be lenient - only obvious adjectives should be declined points. (6) 38%
Comments:
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847
Archive:
http://vote.sparklit.com/archive.spark?archiveID=334188


Today’s forecast grade: B (which does not stand for blizzard...yet)


Important Weather Statement: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Fox Cities:
Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening...
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning
through Thursday evening.

Heavy snow and increasing northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph are
expected to develop by Thursday morning and continue into Thursday
evening. Depending on the track of the storm system... potential
snow accumulation will range from 6 to 12 inches by Thursday
evening. The strong winds will also produce considerable blowing
and drifting of the snow.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow accumulations and blowing or drifting of the snow that may
impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=GRB&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Appleton

South-Central Wisconsin:
Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening...
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning
through Thursday evening.

Heavy snow with accumulations of 6 to 10 inches is expected along
and north of a line from Darlington in LaFayette County... to
Madison... to Sheboygan. The heaviest accumulations will be in
Sauk... Columbia... Marquette and Green Lake counties. In
addition... a mixture of sleet... snow and freezing rain will exist
over much of southeast Wisconsin.

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when heavy snow... sleet... or
freezing rain is expected to accumulate to levels that will cause
major impacts to Commerce and society. Continue to monitor the
latest forecasts for updates and possible warnings.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison

Hazardous Weather Outlooks:
Green Bay
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/product.php?site=GRB&product=HWO&issuedby=GRB
Madison and Milwaukee
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/ghwo/mkx-ghwomain.php


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with clouds across the southern half of Wisconsin and sunshine to the north, temps are in the mid- 20s central and the upper 20s to near 30 south.

Synopsis: Yesterday kind of fooled everyone with just how warm it got in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, with 50s the common theme, even though it never broke out of the 30s in central Wisconsin. You can consider today the calm before the storm, as a developing panhandle-hook low pressure system will shoot north from Oklahoma tonight and deliver near blizzard conditions tomorrow. And "blizzard" is a word Meteorologists don't throw around lightly!

Today: Becoming cloudy if it hasn't already. Much colder today, particularly if you live in southern Wisconsin or northern Illinois. High of 29 central, lower 30s south.

Tonight: Becoming windy with light snow developing. Maybe 1-2" by the time you wake up. Lows in the mid- teens central, near 20 south.

Tomorrow: Windy with heavy snow, mixing with sleet or freezing rain south-central and southeast. Near blizzard conditions are possible during the morning and afternoon. 3-6" of total snow accumulation is expected by Thursday evening in southeastern Wisconsin, 6-10" south-central, and 6-12" in central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service. If you decide to go to work tomorrow, you may have a wicked time getting home! Highs mid- 20s central, upper 20s to near 30 south. Windy with light snow diminishing to flurries Thursday night.

Extended:
Friday: Mostly cloudy, breezy and cold, highs lower teens central, mid- to upper teens south.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and very cold, highs only 7-12.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, slightly warmer but still cold, highs 12-17.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine and very windy, highs mid- 60s. And the joke that never gets old - watch out for flying pool covers!
Wind Advisory in effect from noon today to 8 PM PST this evening...
Strong southwest winds over 30 mph and gusts over 40 mph will
develop across much of southern Nevada... northwest Arizona and
the San Bernardino County deserts from noon today through late
this evening. Dry conditions over the past several months combined
with the strong winds will create the potential for widespread areas
of blowing dust and sand... possibly reducing visibility to near
zero at times in wind prone areas... such as along Highway 95 just
south of Henderson and Interstate 15 near the Nevada and
California state line at Primm.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult or even dangerous in
areas where visibility is reduced by blowing dust and sand. People
traveling on area roads today... especially high profile vehicles
should use extra caution in the advisory area.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Becoming partly sunny and breezy with a chance of showers. Highs upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 34 central, but near 40 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 37 (0.06" rain, trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 53
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 52
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 56

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 66
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 55
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 73
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 58
Updated: 1:50 PM GMT on February 15, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 14, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:18 PM GMT on February 14, 2006 +0
Good Tuesday morning and Happy Valentine's Day, Lisa! (and everyone else too )

Family Feud Tuesday

Topic #1: Name something every woman wants for her very own

Topic #2: Something that you split

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


Scattergories Poll: (last day to vote)
In Scattergories, how should I treat answers that could be considered adjectives?
--Be strict - no adjectives should be allowed.
--Be lenient - only obvious adjectives should be declined points.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with a mostly cloudy sky and scattered light snow showers or flurries, particularly across west-central Wisconsin, temperatures are in the low to mid- 20s. And this has nothing to do with the current conditions, but we got our Sony 42" HDTV yesterday and let me just say that the Olympics look amazing in high definition!

Synopsis: A weak area of low pressure just north of Minnesota will develop scattered light snow showers across Wisconsin today. Consider this the appetizer. A very consistent set of model runs over the last few days have pegged what could be the biggest snowstorm of the season so far right over Wisconsin on Thursday. And behind that, the coldest temperatures of the season begin to move into the western Great Lakes from Canada. For once it's actually looking like an interesting weather forecasting week.

Today: Mostly cloudy with scattered light snow showers, perhaps mixing with drizzle south. Less than an inch of accumulation. High of 34 central, but near 40 south. Don't get used to that warmth. Chance of snow 40%.

Tonight: Variably cloudy with a good chance of really long lines at local restaurants. Lows low to mid- 20s.

Tomorrow: Cloudy with snow developing after sunset. Highs upper 20s to near 30 central, low to mid- 30s south. Chance of snow Wednesday night 75%.

Extended:
Thursday: What, have you been living in a cave? We're getting a snowstorm! Blustery with a bunch of snow, then blowing snow Thursday night. Word from the National Weather Service is that later today or early Wednesday they will be issuing a Winter Storm Watch for Thursday, unless the weather models make an about-face in the next run or two. It looks like the snow is going to end around sunset, and if I had to guess right now, I'd say 5-8" of total accumulation. Highs mid- to upper 20s. Snow chance 90%.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, breezy and cold. Highs only in the lower teens.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, breezy and cold. Highs 9-14. Yeah that's right - I said nine.
Sunday: Partly sunny, warmer, highs 18-23.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Decreasing clouds, highs lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs lower 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy, becoming a little breezy, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Sunshine and breezy, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 27 central, just above 30 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 30 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 37 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 34 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 39 (trace of snow)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 70
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 46
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 60
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 38 (trace)


In Case You Missed It:

'Hulk' Lou Ferrigno now a sheriff's deputy
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- The Incredible Hulk is now a county sheriff's department reserve deputy.
Lou Ferrigno, 54, who played the green-skinned monster on the CBS-TV show from 1977 to 1982, was sworn in during a ceremony Monday night.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/14/deputy.hulk.ap/index.html

Netflix sends frequent renters to the back of line
Policy designed to reduce number of films rented for monthly fee
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Manuel Villanueva realizes he has been getting a pretty good deal since he signed up for Netflix Inc.'s online DVD rental service 2-1/2 years ago, but he still feels shortchanged.
That's because the $17.99 monthly fee that he pays to rent up to three DVDs at a time would amount to an even bigger bargain if the company didn't penalize him for returning his movies so quickly.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/10/netflix.renters.ap/index.html
  Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 13, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:53 PM GMT on February 13, 2006 +0
Good Morning, this is Lisa and Steve with our weekend and baby update, and I hope you all had a great weekend. Our weekend was fairly busy and we didn't have much time at home.

Friday evening, we went ballroom dancing at the Crystal Ballroom with our friends Jason and Nicole. It had been awhile since we've out dancing, and we a little rusty, but we had a great time. It was nice to get out dancing again.

Saturday evening, we went bowling with our 20/30's couples/singles group from church and had a good time. I didn't bowl very well, with only a 101, but it was more for fun anyway. We were also bowling at The 10th Frame, an alley where we'd never bowled before, so the lanes took some getting used to. Steve bowled very well with a 214. We only got a chance to bowl one game, as league bowling started sooner than we anticipated and required all the lanes.

Sunday, after church, I ran a couple errands and then we finally had some time to spend at home as a family.

I don't have too much of a baby update, except that Bryce may be getting his 4th tooth very soon. He already has 2 teeth on the bottom and one on the top, and I think he's getting a second tooth on the top. He's been a little fussier than usual the last couple of days, and he's been chewing and drooling a lot. He also hasn't eaten as much this weekend, and I think it may be due to his sensitive gums with the teething. Otherwise, Bryce is getting faster and faster with his crawling, and scoots less and less every day. When he wants you to pick him up, he'll crawl over to you and crawl up your leg - it's very cute. Steve also discovered that he has such a strong grip when being held, that he can hold onto your shoulder and hang on for a few seconds all by himself. Well that wraps up our update, and with Bryce crying, I think I should finish this up and save the pictures for tomorrow. Have a great week.


Scattergories Poll:
In Scattergories, how should I treat answers that could be considered adjectives?
--Be strict - no adjectives should be allowed.
--Be lenient - only obvious adjectives should be declined points.
Please vote using the link below!
http://vote.sparklit.com/web_poll.spark/773847


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with clouds and a few flurries here and there, temps are in the teens.

Synopsis: The low pressure that buried the east coast with 27" of snowfall has moved off the coast of Nova Scotia, and a new weak area of low pressure hovers over North Dakota. This one I'm not really concerned with, but a new area of low pressure currently building in the Pacific Northwest could provide us with a lot of "entertainment" this Thursday.

Today: Mostly cloudy and breezy, high of 27 central, just above 30 south.

Tonight: Clouds, maybe a flurry, lows upper teens to near 20.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny and breezy, maybe some light snow or flurries, highs in the lower 30s central, mid- to upper 30s south. Little if any accumulation is expected. Chance of snow 35%.

Extended:
Wednesday: Partly sunny during the day, light snow possible late, highs near 30 central, mid- 30s south.
Thursday: Windy and colder with snow likely. Significant accumulations are possible, but not 27" like they had in Central Park yesterday. Highs in the low to mid- 20s.
Friday: Partly cloudy, breezy and much colder. Highs 12-17.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, breezy and cold. Highs 10-15.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, a little warmer, highs 18-23.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, a little breezy, highs upper 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Sunshine, highs lower 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs upper 30s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25 (0.1" snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 28 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 27
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 30 (trace of snow)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 65
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 48
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 59
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 32 (snowfall n/a)


Top News:

Northeast Digs Out From Record Snowstorm
The storm blanketed the Eastern Seaboard from North Carolina to Maine over the weekend, dropping 26.9 inches of snow Central Park — the heaviest snowfall since record keeping began in 1869. The old record was 26.4 inches in December 1947, the National Weather Service said.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&u=/ap/20060213/ap_on_re_us/snowstorm_46
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/02/13/northeast.snow/index.html

Plane crashes into California home
ROSEVILLE, California (AP) -- A single-engine plane that appeared to have been performing an aerobatic stunt lost control and crashed into a suburban home Sunday, killing at least two people and sparking a fire that gutted the house, police said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/12/plane.crash.ap/index.html

Cheney accidentally shoots fellow hunter
Texas lawyer struck in face, chest with birdshot
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a campaign contributor during a weekend quail hunt on a friend's South Texas ranch, local authorities and the vice president's office said Sunday.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/12/cheney/index.html


In Case You Missed It:

Did Jesus exist? Case dismissed
ROME, Italy (AP) -- An Italian judge has dismissed an atheist's petition that a small-town priest should stand trial for asserting that Jesus Christ existed, both sides said on Friday.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/02/10/italy.christ.ap/index.html

Communion grape juice tainted
DARIEN, Conn., Feb 10, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Police in Connecticut say that the grape juice that sickened communicants at a Baptist church was deliberately contaminated.
Investigators are still unsure what was in the juice, the Stamford Advocate reports. Five people who drank the juice during a communion service Sunday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Darien were treated at local hospitals after they began throwing up.
http://www.lutheransonline.com/lutheransonline/spframes/frames.html?http://sites.stockpoint.com/thrivent/newspaper.asp?s=lutheransonline&f=20060210/20060210Communiongrapejuicetainted.xml&p=-1
Updated: 1:17 PM GMT on February 14, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 10, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:01 PM GMT on February 10, 2006 +0
TGIF!

Would You Rather Results

Game #1:
Category: Sports
Would you rather...
A. Go to the Super Bowl (17) - 2 points
B. Go to the Winter Olympics (14)

Game #2:
Category: Pain/Fear/Discomfort
Would you rather...
A. Make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for surviving the most shark attacks (2)
B. Make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for surviving the most lightning strikes (29) - 2 points
This being a weather update, I should have known it would be that lop-sided!


Scattergories Challenge Results
I had some tough decisions to make! Here are the decisions that made it into the point standings below - if you still would like to debate, go ahead and post on the message board and I might reconsider. Note that anytime you submit an answer with more than one word in it, you run a big risk of it being labeled as an adjective!

Combination Answers Explained:
Raisin bagels/Raisin bread - I will separate these as different answers. However, Raisin is used as an adjective in both cases, describing the type of bagel or bread. Thus, no points are awarded.

Rhubarb/Rhubarb pie - I will separate these as different answers. Two points are awarded to Rhubarb. However, Rhubarb Pie is used as an adjective, as rhubarb is describing the type of pie. No points are awarded for Rhubarb pie.

Ron Wood/ Richards,Keith/ Ryan Hannam - Challenges denied, two points awarded. However, in the future, only last names will count for the starting letter, and going forward, people will not count as "things." I did a search through previous Weather Updates and this rule was not specifically mentioned, so I will accept these today and adjust the rules for next time.

Radio/Radio Row - I'm separating Radio Row from Radio, as this is quite different from a radio, so Radio Row receives two points, but the two people that just said Radio still will not receive credit.

Points Awarded:
Rent-a-cop - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Rubber - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Rubbish - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Relics - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Ragout - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Rusks - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Rarebit - Challenge denied, two points awarded.
Razors - Challenges denied, two points awarded.

Points Not Awarded:
Rotunda - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Not present at the site)
Ring-sizer - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Not likely present at the game)
Red liquorice - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Adjective)
Rock cakes - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Adjective)
Raised donuts - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Adjective)
Reggae hairdo - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Adjective)
Rice Chex - Challenges accepted, no points awarded. (Adjective. Note that brand names also will not be accepted going forward)


Winter 2006 Regular Season Point Standings (35 people played this week)
The regular season will run through March 10 and the playoff week will be the week of March 13-17.
The top player at the end of the playoff week will win a lovely weather-related prize (if not a previous winner).
Red text indicates the best player of the week. Green text indicates a perfect week.
Please verify your point total for accuracy.
^ = moved above the cut line this week.
-- = moved below the cut line this week.

Brian, Madison WI: 39 (+6)
Dan, Henderson, NV: 37 (+8)
Becky T. and Parents: 36 (+6)
Nia, Appleton, WI: 36 (+6)
Sheila, Appleton, WI: 36 (+6)
Katie/Bart, Mukwonago, WI: 34 (+4)
Tammy, Madison, WI: 34 (+6)
Jordan, Little Chute, WI: 32 (+4)
Karl, Appleton, WI: 32 (+6)^
Mary, Berlin, WI: 31 (+4)
--------Preliminary Playoff Cut Line--------
Barb, Berlin, WI: 30 (+2)--
Mom: 30 (+4)
Mary, Appleton, WI: 29 (+4)
Max, Cut 'n Shoot, TX: 29 (+2)--
Sharon, Kaukauna, WI: 29 (+4)
Sue, De Pere, WI: 29 (+6)
Greg, Madison, WI: 28 (+4)
Bethany: 27 (+6)
Lisa, Appleton, WI: 27 (+4)
Clair, Fremont, WI: 25 (+6)
Diane Sm.: 25 (+6)
Jan, Berlin, WI: 25 (+4)
Jodi, Hilton Head Island, SC: 23 (+0)
Steve L.: 23 (+4)
Chris Ke.: 21 (+6)
Jason, De Pere, WI: 20 (+4)
Sally: 20 (+0)
John/Shelley, Oshkosh, WI: 19 (+4)
Kelley: 16 (+4)
Nicole, Madison, WI: 16 (+4)
John E., Madison, WI: 13 (+2)
Al, Germantown, WI: 11 (+0)
Harry: 11
Linda Ha.: 11 (+2)
Jen: 6 (+2)
Chad, Cleveland, OH: 3 (+0)
John S.: 2


Today’s forecast grade: C


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with light scattered snow showers across much of Wisconsin, temps are in the 20s.

Synopsis: An area of low pressure in northwestern Wisconsin is developing the scattered light snow showers we're seeing this morning. Look for these to become more scattered and diminish to flurries later today. Behind the cold front, look for colder temperatures with flurries from time to time.

Today: Cloudy with scattered light snow showers diminishing to flurries. 1-2" of total accumulation is expected by the time this thing ends. High of 28 central, just above 30 south. Snow chance 80%.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, maybe a few flurries, lows upper teens. And in case you've been living in a cave over the last week, you should know that the Winter Olympics begin tonight. Then again, if you're living in a cave, what are you doing reading my Weather Update?

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, breezy, more flurries, highs mid- to upper 20s.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, yes, more flurries, highs low to mid- 20s.

Next Week:
Monday: Partly sunny, highs 26-31.
Tuesday: Light snow showers developing late, highs 26-31. Chance of snow Tuesday night 30%.
Wednesday: Breezy and colder with a chance of snow. Highs 22-27. Chance of snow 40%. Highs only in the upper teens to near 20 are currently projected for the second half of next week.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs lower 70s today and mid- 60s this weekend.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Partly cloudy, highs mid- to upper 50s. Scattered showers tonight and tomorrow, breezy, highs low to mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Showers and thunderstorms today, some perhaps severe, highs upper 60s. Breezy and cooler this weekend with sunshine, highs mid- to upper 50s.
Scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm will continue to push north-northeast at 20 to 25 mph. Rainfall amounts in areas that receive rain will average between a tenth and a quarter inch.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Scattered rain showers turning to snow showers, maybe 1", highs upper 30s. More scattered snow showers this weekend, highs low to mid- 30s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 27 central, just above 30 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25 (0.1" as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 30 (1.0" as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 32 (0.3" as of midnight)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 32 (0.3" as of midnight)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 75
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 54
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 62
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 34
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 9, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:45 PM GMT on February 09, 2006 +0
Good Thursday morning!

Would You Rather...

Game #1:
Category: Sports
Would you rather...
A. Go to the Super Bowl
B. Go to the Winter Olympics

Game #2:
Category: Pain/Fear/Discomfort
Would you rather...
A. Make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for surviving the most shark attacks
B. Make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for surviving the most lightning strikes

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


Scattergories Challenge Message Board
The challenges were flying everywhere yesterday! Read the challenges, post your own, or debate your challenged answer today! I'm going to post a recap of the challenges thus far on the board later today along with my initial decisions, giving you guys some time to debate before they appear "final" in tomorrow's update. Have fun!
http://guestbook.sparklit.com/entries?gbID=119493


Today’s forecast grade: B-


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with sunshine along with a few high cirrus clouds ahead of our next storm system to the west, temps are mostly in the upper single digits or lower teens!

Synopsis: Like I just mentioned, we have one more day of dry weather to look forward to, but clouds will be on the increase later today as a swiftly-moving area of low pressure develops some light snow over Wisconsin tonight and tomorrow. This Alberta Clipper-type system won't dump a foot of snow over us or anything, but 1-2" is certainly possible.

Today: Morning sunshine with increasing clouds through the day. High of 27 central, just above 30 south.

Tonight: Cloudy with light snow developing. Lows upper teens. Chance of snow 65%.

Tomorrow: Morning light snow diminishing to scattered flurries. 1-2" of accumulation is expected by lunchtime. Highs near 30 central, lower 30s south. Chance of snow 30%.

Extended:
Saturday: Cloudy and breezy, maybe a few flurries, highs mid- to upper 20s.
Sunday: Cloudy, breezy and colder with more flurries. Highs low to mid- 20s.
Next Week's Outlook: Maybe some light snow Tuesday night, then another chance of light snow late in the week. The jet stream looks like it will still be keeping any major storms south of our area, but this flow will also bring cold air into the Midwest. High temperatures in the 20s look to be the general pattern, although southern Wisconsin might break 30 on Tuesday and Wednesday.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs low to mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy and becoming breezy, highs upper 60s. A chance of showers late.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy, highs mid- 30s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday….....… 25 central, mid- to upper 20s south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25
High Yesterday (Madison)............ 30 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Milwaukee)......... 31 (1.3" snow)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 30 (0.5" snow)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 73
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 57
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 71
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 37 (0.14")


Top News:

U2 the big Grammy winner
Mariah Carey may have received much of the pre-show attention, but U2 was the big winner Wednesday night at the Grammys, taking five awards -- including album of the year and song of the year. U2 won song of the year, a songwriter's award, for "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," as well as best rock album for "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb." John Legend was named best new artist.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/08/grammy.awards/index.html


In Case You Missed It:

Has BYU prof found AIDS cure?
Compound could be long-sought breakthrough
Researchers, including a BYU scientist, believe they have found a new compound that could finally kill the HIV/AIDS virus, not just slow it down as current treatments do.
And, unlike the expensive, drug cocktails 25 years of research have produced for those with the deadly virus, the compound invented by Paul D. Savage of Brigham Young University appears to hunt down and kill HIV.
http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_3482712
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3560

Super Vision Sans Bionics
Before he became an inventor and businessman, Ron Blum was a practicing opthalmologist. About twice a year, he would encounter a patient whose eyesight was better than 20/20. Such cases of super vision were a phenomenon that Blum and the science of opthalmology couldn't explain.
"I would just say to the person: Consider yourself blessed," says Blum. "I never would have believed that I would be running a company 20 years later that was developing a product that could give supervision to anyone."
That company, PixelOptics of Roanoke, Virginia, just won a $3.5 million Department of Defense grant to refine its "supervision" technology, which Blum claims could double the quality of a person's eyesight. "Theoretically, this should be able to double the distance that a person can see clearly," he says.
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70181-0.html
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3568

Nano Technology may make cleaning Toilets a thing of the Past
Researchers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, are developing a coating that may make cleaning bathrooms less of a chore.
The lead researchers, Professors Rose Amal and Michael Brungs of the ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, are hoping to apply a tiny coating of titanium dioxide particles to keep the toilets clean. Currently titanium dioxide is being used on outdoor items like self-cleaning windows.
http://www.bestsyndication.com/Articles/2006/Nicole-WILSON/WhatsNew/02/020706-nano_technology_self_clean_bathroom.htm
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3561


Britney defends driving with son on lap
Pop star: 'Horrifying, frightful encounter with paparazzi'
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Authorities were investigating an incident in which Britney Spears was photographed driving with her infant son on her lap, but didn't intend to pursue charges against the pop star, officials said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/07/people.britney.spears.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
Updated: 1:46 PM GMT on February 09, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 8, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:50 PM GMT on February 08, 2006 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Scattergories Results
30 people played yesterday, and unlike last week, there won't be a lot of perfect weeks this time around as many answers were duplicated! Plus with "Would You Rather..." tomorrow, the standings should be nice and mixed by Friday morning. Scattergories challenge information follows the results below.

Starting Letter: R
Topic #1: Thing(s) at Super Bowl XL
Rolling Stones (x5: Jodi, Linda, Al, Mom, Lisa)
Roof/Retractable roof (x3: Greg, Sharon, Mary Be.)
Radios/Radio Row (x3: Jordan, John E., Katie/Bart)
Running Backs
Ring-Sizer (the guy who measures everyone's fingers for their Superbowl Ring)
Red Zones
Ron Wood (guitarist for the Rolling Stones)
Rotunda
Rubber
Richards, Keith (from the Rolling Stones)
Ring
Ryan Hannam (TE Seattle)
Rockers
Rock Band
Rubbish
Razors (in the commercials)
Reggae Hairdo
Risers
Referee
Routes (i.e. wider receiver routes)
Rent-a-cop
Relics

Topic #2: Breakfast Food(s)
Raisin Bran (x6: Chris Ke., Jodi, Steve L., Al, John E., Mom)
Rice Krispies (x3: Chad, Linda, John/Shelley)
Raisins (x3: Greg, Lisa, Bart/Katie)
Rice Cakes (x3: Jordan, Mary Be., Bethany)
Raspberries (x2: Karl, Nicole)
Rhubarb/Rhubarb Pie (x2: Becky T., Barb)
Raisin bagel/Raisin bread (x2: Clair, Tammy)
Red liquorice (because black liquorice for breakfast is just WRONG!)
Rolls (cinnamon--orange--pecan)
Ragout (maybe in some countries)
Rusks
Rock cakes
Raised donuts
Rugelach (pastry they sell at Sam's, like a danish)
Rarebit
Rice Chex


Scattergories Challenge Message Board
You have until 8pm Thursday to get in your challenges. Remember to check the boards regularly to counter-challenge anyone attacking your answer, and even if an answer has been challenged, don't hesitate to double-challenge something, as numbers are quite influential when tallying the results Thursday night or Friday morning!
http://guestbook.sparklit.com/entries?gbID=119493


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with scattered clouds and breezy conditions, temps are in the upper teens to near 20.

Synopsis: A weak cold front moved through yesterday, not that we really noticed much, but southern Wisconsin will see a small drop in high temperatures today as colder, Canadian air moves in ahead of an area of high pressure to our northwest. Central Wisconsin already saw that temperature drop-off yesterday with highs of only 23 in Appleton and 25 in Green Bay.

Today: Partly cloudy, a little breezy, high of 25 central, mid- to upper 20s south.

Tonight: Mostly clear, lows near 10 above.

Tomorrow: Increasing clouds and breezy with light snow developing later in the day. Highs upper 20s to near 30. Chance of snow tomorrow night 40%.

Extended:
Friday: Cloudy with light snow diminishing to flurries. Maybe 1" of total accumulation. Highs upper 20s to lower 30s. Chance of snow 30%.
Saturday: Cloudy, breezy and a little colder with flurries, highs mid- to upper 20s.
Sunday: Cloudy, highs near 30.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs near 70.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs mid- to upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: A light rain/snow mix, highs upper 30s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 27 central, just above 30 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 23
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 31
High Yesterday (Waukesha)......... 28
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 33

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 68
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…………... 53 (0.07")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 62
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 41


Weather in the News:

U.S. had warmest January on record
WASHINGTON (AP) -- January was a fair-weather friend.
Recording the warmest January on record allowed Americans to save on their heating bills. But like all good things, last month's mildness seems to have been too good to last.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/02/07/warm.january.ap/index.html

Using Barges to Fight Global Warming
Dr. Peter Flynn, Poole Chair in Management for Engineers in the University of Alberta Department of Mechanical Engineering, has developed what he would like to consider a fall back plan to help combat the effects of global warming, in northern Europe. Flynn proposes using 'more than 8,000 barges moving into the northern ocean in the fall, speeding the initial formation of sea ice by pumping a spray of water into the air, and then, once the ice is formed, pumping ocean water on top of it, trapping the salt in the ice and reaching a thickness of seven meters. In the spring, water would continue to be pumped over the ice to melt it, forming a vast amount of cold, salty water that sinks and adds to the down-welling current to re-strengthen it.'
http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/02/07/0017221&from=rss
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/thousands_of_barges_could_save_europe_from_deep_freeze_9961.html


In Case You Missed It:

Do cell phones in hospitals save lives?
Despite ban, medical personnel who use them see a 22% reduction in risk of errors, according to industry study cited in report.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Instead of interfering with medical equipment and putting lives at risk as was previously thought, a new study says cell phones in hospitals may actually save lives, according to a report published Monday.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/07/technology/personaltech/cell_phones/index.htm?section=cnn_topstories

Steve Fossett trying to break airplane distance record
Adventurer's goal is to fly nearly 27,000 miles
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) -- Aviation adventurer Steve Fossett shot down a three-mile runway in an experimental aircraft Wednesday and took off on an attempt to break the airplane flight distance record.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/02/08/fossett.flight.ap/index.html

Kiss of life makes Boo Boo the chicken better
ARKADELPHIA, Arkansas (AP) -- This chicken had lips, just not her own.
A retired nurse saved her brother's chicken, Boo Boo, by administering mouth-to-beak resuscitation last week after the fowl was found floating face down in the family's pond.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/08/chicken.ap/index.html
Updated: 2:32 PM GMT on February 08, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 7, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:26 PM GMT on February 07, 2006 +0
Good Tuesday morning!

Scattergories Tuesday
Another round of Scattergories is upon us all! Two topics are below, along with your mandatory starting letter. Come up with a unique answer to each topic below for two points each, but remember, it can't be an adjective and it has to be relevant to the topic as all answers that are too far-fetched are challengeable!

Starting Letter: R
Topic #1: Thing(s) at Super Bowl XL

Topic #2: Breakfast Food(s)


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with scattered snow showers in Minnesota but sunshine across most of Wisconsin, temps are much like yesterday morning, around 10-15. It could be worse - Eagle River is -8 right now.

Synopsis: The low pressure system that gave us the wind yesterday now has moved way to our northeast. An area of high pressure to our south will give us more sunshine over the next two days and an upcoming jet stream trough will eventually bring cold, winter-like temperatures back to Wisconsin by this weekend. Just admit it - you've missed winter.

Today: Sunshine this morning with a few afternoon clouds. High of 27 central, just above 30 south.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, lows near 10 above.

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, highs mid- 20s central, upper 20s south.

Extended:
Thursday: Increasing clouds and winds with light snow developing, probably late in the day. Highs lower 30s central, mid- 30s south. Chance of snow 40%.
Friday: Cloudy and windy with light snow diminishing to flurries. Highs upper 20s.
Saturday: Do you remember what the first three weeks of December were like? Besides the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it was also mighty cold. Well, your nostalgia has come to an end! Cloudy and breezy with flurries, highs 19-24. For once, that's below normal!
Sunday: Cloudy with flurries, highs 23-28.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Morning showers, then decreasing clouds and breezy, highs mid- 50s.
Rain showers will continue to move offshore through 9 am. Showers will remain light across the area with accumulations less than a tenth of an inch. Most of the showers are concentrated along the coast. Communities affected include Darien...Sapelo Island...South Newport...Halfmoon Landing...Ossabaw Island....Savannah and Tybee Island.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Sunshine, highs lower 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly sunny, highs mid- 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 29 central, lower 30s south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 25
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 32
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 32
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 36

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 60
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 55
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 67
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 41


In Case You Missed It:

Pending Law Would Require Child Booster Seats
Governor Doyle says he plans to sign legislation that will require the use of booster seats in vehicles for children up to eight years old, or until the child reaches 80 pounds or is 4'9" tall, when they'll be required to wear seat belts.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?s=4453753

Message in a bottle: Don't litter
NAPEAGUE, New York (AP) -- A boat captain who sent a message out to sea in a bottle says he received a reply from Britain -- accusing him of littering.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/06/message.bottle.ap/index.html

'Lost world' found in jungle
OSLO, Norway (Reuters) -- Scientists say they have found a "Lost World" in an Indonesian mountain jungle, home to dozens of exotic new species of birds, butterflies, frogs and plants.
"It's as close to the Garden of Eden as you're going to find on Earth," said Bruce Beehler, co-leader of the U.S., Indonesian, and Australian expedition to part of the cloud-shrouded Foja mountains in the west of New Guinea.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/02/07/papua.species.reut/index.html
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 6, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:54 PM GMT on February 06, 2006 +0
Happy Monday morning,
This is Lisa with our weekend update, and I hope you all had a great weekend. Our weekend was mostly enjoyable but very busy.

Saturday we celebrated my sister-in-law Kelley's birthday a few days early with a bowling and pizza party with family. We had a good time and bowled pretty well, even though I haven't been bowling since before Bryce was born (my high game was a 131 and Steve's worst game was a 191), then everyone came back to our house for ice cream cake and Kelley's gift opening.

Sunday after church we went to visit my mom, who is in the hospital after having thyroid cancer surgery on Thursday. She's in good spirits and seems to be feeling better. She will hopefully be coming home today. After the hospital visit, we travelled to Genesee to watch Super Bowl XL at Steve's dad's house. We had a good time and ate way too much snack food!

Birthdays:
We also wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to my mom, who's birthday is today. Happy Birthday Mom.
Also, Happy Birthday tomorrow to my sister-in-law Kelley.

Not too much is new with Bryce this week outside of his 7-month birthday on Friday. He's a little travelling man and even crawled into his toy bucket (see picture below)!


Bryce Photos of the Week
Bryce climbed into his toy bin!
http://home.new.rr.com/wiweather/P1090221.JPG
Bryce is a Wheel-Watcher.
http://home.new.rr.com/wiweather/P1090237.JPG
Bryce's Seven-Month Birthday.
http://home.new.rr.com/wiweather/P1090249.JPG


Today’s forecast grade: B-


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with sunshine and wind, temps are in the teens with wind chills near zero.

Synopsis: A strong area of low pressure well to our northeast is still creating a windy situation this morning, but the lack of any other significant storm systems in the region is keeping our sky sunny today with temperatures near or just above normal.

Today: Mostly sunny and windy. A cold morning will turn into a semi-pleasant afternoon. High of 29 central, lower 30s south.

Tonight: Mostly clear and less breezy, lows lower teens.

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, highs upper 20s to near 30.

Extended:
Wednesday: Partly sunny, highs upper 20s.
Thursday: Becoming windy with a chance of light snow late. Highs near 30 central, lower 30s south. Chance of snow Thursday night 25%.
Friday: Windy with light snow showers possible. Highs lower 30s. Chance of snow 30%.
Saturday: Breezy and colder with flurries. Highs 22-27.
Sunday: Cloudy, highs 23-28.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Increasing clouds with showers late, highs mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Decreasing clouds and breezy, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs lower 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 28 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 31 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 30 (trace of snow)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 34 (trace of snow)

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 64
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 54
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 75
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 34


Top News:

Steelers bank on big plays for fifth Super Bowl win
http://story.news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060206/sp_nm/nfl_superbowl_dc
http://www.cnn.com/si/2006/football/nfl/specials/playoffs/2005/02/05/bc.fbn.superbowl.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/series?series=seapit

Muslim unrest over cartoon leaves one dead
(CNN) -- Angry protests over cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in European newspapers has turned deadly in central Afghanistan, news agencies have reported.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/02/06/cartoon.protests/index.html

Crowd trashes Egypt ferry office
Hopes fade for vessel's estimated missing 800
SAFAGA, Egypt (AP) -- Hundreds of relatives of passengers drowned on a Red Sea ferry attacked the offices of the owners Monday, throwing its furniture into the street and burning the company's signboard.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/06/egypt.ferry.fire.ap/index.html

Group: 'New car smell' includes toxins
Environmental group contends drivers, passengers are breathing dangerous chemicals found in car interiors; calls for new regs.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - A Michigan environmental group is charging that at least part of the so-called "new car smell" is toxic, and that the interior of an automobile has dangerous levels of various chemicals.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/01/31/toxic_cars/index.html
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 3, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:09 PM GMT on February 03, 2006 +0
TGIF!

Bryce Seven Months Old
Today is Bryce's seven-month birthday! It's amazing how fast time flies and the new things he learns to do every week! I have even started looking at pictures from his birth and thought, wow, he looks so young! We'll have more pictures on Monday.


Wheel of Fortune Results

Puzzle #1 (19/22):
A N
O F F E R
Y O U
C A N ' T
R E F U S E
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE BHMO
Point Value: 1

Puzzle #2 (18/22):
G I V E
M E
A
H I N T
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE CFPA
Point Value: 2


Winter 2006 Regular Season Point Standings (34 people played this week)
The regular season will run through March 10 and the playoff week will be the week of March 13-17.
The top player at the end of the playoff week will win a lovely weather-related prize (if not a previous winner).
Red text indicates the best player of the week. Green text indicates a perfect week.
Please verify your point total for accuracy.
^ = moved above the cut line this week.
-- = moved below the cut line this week.
* = received a bonus point for Mad Gab.

Brian, Madison WI: 33 (+7)
Becky T. and Parents: 30 (+7)
Katie/Bart, Mukwonago, WI: 30 (+6)
Nia, Appleton, WI: 30 (+7)
Sheila, Appleton, WI: 30 (+7)
Dan, Henderson, NV: 29 (+7)
Barb, Berlin, WI: 28 (+7)
Jordan, Little Chute, WI: 28 (+6)
Tammy, Madison, WI: 28 (+7)
Mary, Berlin, WI: 27 (+7)
Max, Cut 'n Shoot, TX: 27 (+7)
--------Preliminary Playoff Cut Line--------
Karl, Appleton, WI: 26 (+7)
Mom: 26 (+7)
Mary, Appleton, WI: 25 (+7)
Sharon, Kaukauna, WI: 25 (+4)
Greg, Madison, WI: 24 (+5)
Jodi, Hilton Head Island, SC: 23 (+4)
Lisa, Appleton, WI: 23 (+5)
Sue, De Pere, WI: 23 (+7)
Bethany: 21 (+4)
Jan, Berlin, WI: 21 (+4)
Sally: 20 (+4)
Clair, Fremont, WI: 19 (+6)
Diane Sm.: 19 (+7)
Steve L.: 19 (+7)
Jason, De Pere, WI: 16 (+4)
Chris Ke.: 15 (+3)
John/Shelley, Oshkosh, WI: 15 (+4)
Kelley: 12 (+4)
Nicole, Madison, WI: 12 (+4)
Al, Germantown, WI: 11
Harry: 11 (+3)
John E., Madison, WI: 11 (+4)
Linda Ha.: 9
Jen: 4 (+1)
Chad, Cleveland, OH: 3 (+0)
John S.: 2


January 2006 Forecast Stats:
Forecasts 21
Error Points 46
Average 2.19
Error > 4 1
% Within 4 95%
Bulls-Eye 2
% Bulls-Eye 10%


Today’s forecast grade: C


NowCast: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Fox Cities:
A few sprinkles or light rain will be seen over parts of central and east central Wisconsin through 8 am. Though temperatures remain at or slightly below freezing...little or no icing problems are expected as the precipitation is expected to remain very light.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=GRB&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Appleton

Southern Wisconsin:
Rain was spreading across south central into southeast Wisconsin this morning. Look for the rain to reach the Milwaukee metropolitan area between 7 and 8 am. Some light snow may mix in with the rain west and north of Madison. Temperatures are also hovering close to the freezing mark which could lead to pockets of freezing rain early this morning. Watch for slick spots on area roads this morning. Some dense fog is also being reported around the Waukesha area...but that should be improving by 8 am. As colder temperatures funnel into the area later this morning and afternoon...all the precipitation should mix with then change over to light snow.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX&StateCode=WI&SafeCityName=Madison


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with clouds covering the state, a few areas of fog, and scattered light rain or snow showers over southeastern Wisconsin and more snow showers over northwestern Wisconsin, temps are mostly around 30-35.

Synopsis: An area of low pressure remains over Tomah, Wisconsin this morning, generating clouds, areas of fog, and scattered rain or snow showers over parts of Wisconsin. Look for colder temperatures to follow behind the cold front attached to this system as the low slowly moves to the east. Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie predicted an early spring yesterday, but even though Jimmy has been right ten of the last 14 years, that doesn't exactly mean the warm weather we've had over the last six weeks will continue!

Today: Cloudy and breezy with areas of morning fog and scattered light snow showers throughout the day. High of 34 central, mid- to upper 30s south. Chance of snow 60%, except 100% where it has already snowed this morning.

Tonight: Cloudy and breezy with more light snow showers. Maybe 1" of accumulation. Lows lower 20s. Chance of snow 50%.

Saturday: Cloudy, breezy and colder with morning snow showers. Decreasing clouds late in the day. Highs mid- to upper 20s. Chance of morning snow 30%.

Super Bowl XL: Partly sunny, highs mid- to upper 20s central, near 30 south. I like both teams but will be pulling for the Seahawks on Sunday.

Next Week:
Monday: Partly cloudy, highs 26-31.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, highs 26-31.
Wednesday: A chance of snow. Highs 27-32. Chance of snow 30%.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine this weekend, like you would expect, highs lower 70s today and tomorrow and breezy, upper 60s Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Showers and thunderstorms today, partly cloudy this weekend, highs upper 60s today, lower 60s tomorrow and only mid- to upper 50s Sunday.
... Slight risk of severe thunderstorms across south coastal South
Carolina and north coastal Georgia through tonight...

A warm front will remain north of the area through tonight while a
cold front slowly approaches from the west. Deep southwesterly
flow will usher in warm moist air today ahead of the cold front.
By late this afternoon... showers and thunderstorms will develop
over southern Georgia and northern Florida that will push
northeast... becoming widespread across south coastal South
Carolina and north coastal Georgia by tonight.

Some of the thunderstorms may become strong to severe... mainly
late this afternoon through this evening. The main threat from
these storms will be damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and large
hail. However... due to the proximity of the warm front and strong
winds aloft isolated tornadoes may also occur.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Decreasing clouds and windy, highs lower 70s today and near 70 this weekend.
Wind Advisory in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM CST this evening...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Clouds, highs lower 50s. Light snow tomorrow, highs mid- to upper 30s this weekend.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 37 central, just above 40 south
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 37
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 43
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 43
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 43

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 70
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…………... 62 (0.95")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 81
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 51 (1.20")


Breaking News:

Ferry sinks in Red Sea; survivors spotted
An aging ferry loaded to near capacity with more than 1,400 people and dozens of vehicles sank today in the Red Sea, an official said. State-run television said 12 survivors had been found, and 14 victims. "The latest information is that this vessel has sunk," said Egyptian Minister of Transport Mohamed Loutfy Mansour about the Al Salam Boccaccio 98. "Our understanding now is that there are survivors," he said, citing reports from helicopter pilots. "There are lifeboats."
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/03/egypt.ship/index.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,183665,00.html


Weather in the News:

New system for calculating a tornado's strength
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- The government is changing how it categorizes tornadoes after finding that it doesn't take 300 mph winds to disintegrate homes and turn cars into missiles -- a 200 mph twister can do just as much damage.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/02/02/tornado.ranking.ap/index.html
Updated: 1:26 AM GMT on February 04, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 2, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 1:51 PM GMT on February 02, 2006 +0
Happy Groundhog Day!

Wheel of Fortune

Puzzle #1:
_ N
O _ _ E R
_ O _
_ _ N ' T
R E _ _ S E
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE BHMO
Point Value: 1

Puzzle #2:
_ _ _ E
_ E
A
_ _ N T
Category: Phrase
Used Letters: RSTLNE CFPA
Point Value: 2

Rules
http://www.lutheransonline.com/weather/rules


Today’s forecast grade: B


Forecast:
Now: At 7am with clouds and a few areas of fog, temps are in the upper 20s.

Synopsis: We're in-between weather systems right now, but a looming jet stream trough (shift to the south) will begin to bring colder temperatures to our area, along with gloomy clouds and occasional rain or snow showers. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which usually means six more weeks of winter. However, in our case, I think you can throw out the word "more," since winter has yet to really arrive! Six weeks of winter is fine with me, since it usually lasts six months around here!

Today: Mostly cloudy, maybe some patchy drizzle, high of 37 central, just above 40 south. Chance of drizzle 20%.

Tonight: Cloudy with occasional drizzle or flurries, lows upper 20s. Chance of precip 30%.

Tomorrow: Cloudy, breezy and a little colder with scattered light snow showers or flurries. Highs lower 30s central, mid- 30s south. Chance of snow 35%.

Extended:
Saturday: More the same - clouds, breezy, occasional light snow showers, maybe an inch of accumulation. Colder highs mid- to upper 20s. Chance of snow 40%.
Super Bowl XL: Partly cloudy, highs mid- to upper 20s.
Next Week's Outlook: The next major storm system is not expected until at least Wednesday night or Thursday, but more seasonable temperatures return (which is a bad thing since it hasn't been seasonable for a long time!). Look for highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Partly cloudy, highs near 70.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Breezy with showers and thunderstorms developing late. Highs low to mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Becoming mostly sunny and breezy, highs mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Rain and bleh, highs upper 40s.
A widespread swath of rain should cover the remainder of southwest Indiana...southern Illinois and the pennyrile region of west Kentucky by 830 am...with the entire quad state region blanketed in rain by 9 am. Although most locations should see hourly rainfall amounts around one tenth of an inch or less...some locations may see rainfall totals between one quarter to one half inch. Through 9 am...look for the heaviest rain to stretch from Puxico Missouri and Paducah Kentucky...northward to Perryville Missouri and Shawneetown Illinois. Ponding of water on roadways and in ditches will be likely through the morning.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 41
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 37 (0.2" snow)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 40 (trace of rain)
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 41 (trace of rain)
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 48

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 69
High Yesterday (Hilton Head Island, SC).. 61
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 73 (0.19")
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)…………. 61


Weather in the News:

Punxsutawney Phil predicts ...
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, but it was hard to find a complainer in the crowd at Gobbler's Knob, where the morning temperature was well above freezing and the Groundhog Day high was expected to hit 48 degrees.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/02/02/groundhog.day.ap/index.html
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/feb06/389336.asp

Milwaukee's mild winter heats up the record books
Randy Schumacher probably hit upon the best way to describe this six-week run of winter weather by simply saying, "It never happens."
But then, the state fisheries supervisor wasn't around in 1880, the last time Milwaukee had a January this warm.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/feb06/389281.asp


In Case You Missed It:

New Planet Is Bigger Than Pluto (AP)
Scientists say they have confirmed that a so-called 10th planet discovered last year is bigger than Pluto, but that likely won't quell the debate over what makes a planet.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060201/ap_on_sc/new_planet

Credit information used for newspaper wrap
BOSTON, Feb 1, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Credit information for some 240,000 subscribers of two Massachusetts newspapers was mistakenly included on paper used to wrap newspaper bundles.
Credit and bank card numbers were printed on wrappings used Sunday by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and delivered to 2,000 retailers and 390 carriers, the Boston Globe reported Tuesday. The information was from subscribers of both the Globe and the Telegram & Gazette. Both papers are owned by The News York Times Co. and share a computer system.
http://www.lutheransonline.com/lutheransonline/spframes/frames.html?http://sites.stockpoint.com/thrivent/newspaper.asp?s=lutheransonline&f=20060201/20060201Creditinformationusedfornewspaperwrap.xml&p=-1

The IRS must have had to switch from PC's to Macs just for Gates.
Bill Gates' Taxes Require Special Computer
MICROSOFT founder Bill Gates, the world's richest man, said today the tax office in the US has to store his financial data on a special computer because his fortune is so vast.
http://rss.slashdot.org/slashdot/eqWf?m=3426
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18005181-13762,00.html
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Wisconsin Weather Update for February 1, 2006.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:06 PM GMT on February 01, 2006 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Outburst Results
Here are the answers to yesterday's outburst. 32 people played, and most of you got all four points. I was going to throw in a rule change but I forgot to mention it before I sent out the update, so I will make that adjustment when we play again in three weeks. The idea - giving the people who submitted the least popular answer one bonus point each. So in today's case, the three people who said "Eat It" would have gotten a bonus. I think this will encourage creativity and more unique answers, especially with easier topics such as this one. As you may have noticed, several "off-the-wall" answers usually show up at the bottom of the list!

Topic: Fun Things to Do with Snow

Answers:
1. Build a Snowman (31)
2. Make Snowballs (30)
5. Sled on It (20)
6. Ski (18)
4. Make a Snow Angel (14)
3. Build a Fort (or Igloo) (8)
8. Eat It (3)
7. Toboggan
9. Write Your Name in It
10. Make Snowcones

Other answers: Snowmobiling (2), Shovel, Snow shoe.


Today’s forecast grade: B+


Forecast:
Now: At 8am with snow across far northern and eastern Wisconsin and clouds and wind elsewhere, temps are mild once again, around 35-40.

Synopsis: A strong area of low pressure is centered over Eau Claire this morning, spreading a swath of snow and some rain to its east. Most of this came through overnight but northern and far eastern Wisconsin are still seeing the remnants of the storm. Otherwise, look for decreasing clouds and more mild temperatures today. In case you've forgotten, the average high temperature is 25 central, 27 south.

Today: Morning snow showers moving over Lake Michigan shortly, then decreasing clouds. Breezy and mild once again, high of 41 central, lower 40s south.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, lows mid- 20s.

Groundhog Day: Mostly cloudy and still mild, maybe some drizzle or flurries at times, highs near 40 central, lower 40s south. Chance of precip 20%. Chance of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow 50%.

Extended:
Friday: Cloudy and breezy with light snow, flurries or drizzle. Highs mid- 30s central, upper 30s south. Chance of precip 30%.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, colder and breezy, highs 24-29.
Super Bowl XL: Remember yesterday when I said there's a big storm system to keep an eye on for Sunday? Well, scratch that, as the newest data has it well to our east now. Partly cloudy with a good chance of amusing advertisements developing later in the day, highs 26-31.


Today in Las Vegas, Nevada: Partly cloudy, highs upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNV0040

Today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USSC0155

Today in League City and Pearland, Texas: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, some perhaps severe, breezy, highs lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USTX1029

Today in Evansville, Indiana: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs upper 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IN/Evansville/KEVV.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIN0190

Vernon, Connecticut Forecast Link:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Vernon.html
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USCT0236


Yesterday’s Climate Data: (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
My Forecast for Yesterday……..… 34
High Yesterday (Appleton)……….. 30 (trace of snow as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Madison)............. 35 (trace of rain as of midnight)
High Yesterday (Waukesha).......... 34
High Yesterday (O’Hare, IL)…...... 38

High Yesterday (Las Vegas, NV)………... 66 (trace)
High Yesterday (Beaufort, SC)…………... 62 (0.48")
High Yesterday (League City, TX)……….. 69
High Yesterday (Evansville, IN)……….…. 47


Top News:

Bush: Decisions This Year Will Determine the Future of the U.S.
WASHINGTON — The future and character of the United States will be largely determined in the next year by getting over a longtime dependency on foreign oil, progress in Iraq, the growing threat from Iran and concerted efforts to take care of America's own, President Bush said Tuesday night during his fifth annual State of the Union address.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,183360,00.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/31/bush.sotu/index.html

Transcript: State of the Union
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,183390,00.html

'Mountain' looms among Oscar nods
The nominations for the 78th annual Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning.
http://www.cnn.com/rssclick/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/31/oscar.nominations/index.html?section=cnn_topstories


In Case You Missed It:

Internet Explorer 7 for XP SP2 Beta 2 Released
Microsoft's IE 7 beta shows improved security, tabbed browsing.
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,124542,pg,1,RSS,RSS,00.asp
http://reviews.cnet.com/Internet_Explorer_7_for_XP_SP2_Beta_2/4505-3514_7-31454661.html?tag=nl.e404
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/default.mspx

'New car smell' includes toxins, group claims
A Michigan environmental group is charging that at least part of the so-called "new car smell" is toxic, and that the interior of an automobile has dangerous levels of various chemicals.
http://www.cnn.com/rssclick/2006/AUTOS/01/31/toxic_cars/index.html?section=cnn_topstories

Oslo beats out Tokyo as priciest city
New York, the priciest American city, fell to No. 27 on world list.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - For the first time in nearly a generation, Tokyo no longer ranks as the world's most expensive city, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Economist Group.
The biannual survey, which covers 130 countries, found Oslo, Norway as No. 1 in terms of cost of living. Tokyo fell to No. 2. The last time Tokyo did not lead all other cities was in 1991 when, due to an overvalued official currency exchange rate, Tehran briefly led the charge.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/31/real_estate/world_cities_most_expensive/index.htm?cnn=yes
Updated: 3:07 PM GMT on February 01, 2006   Permalink | A A A
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About HaleStorm
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree from UW-Madison: 1998. Former broadcast Meteorologist for NewsRadio 1310 WIBA in Madison. NWS Storm Spotter.

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Appleton, WI
Elevation: 735 ft
Temperature: 72.7 °F
Dew Point: 50.7 °F
Humidity: 46%
Wind: Calm
Wind Gust: 1.6 mph
Updated: 11:48 AM CDT on June 19, 2013
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