EXOPOLITICAL DISCLOSURE: Titan - NASA Scientists Discover Evidence "That Alien Life EXISTS on Saturn's Moon"!

Researchers at the space agency believe they have discovered vital clues that appeared to indicate that primitive aliens could be living on the moon.  Data from NASA's Cassini probe has analysed the complex chemistry on the surface of Titan, which experts say is the only moon around the planet to have a dense atmosphere. 

Artist's impression of a mirror-smooth lake on the surface of Saturn's smoggy moon Titan.  Photo: NASA

They suggest that life forms may have been breathing in the planet’s atmosphere and also feeding on its surface’s fuel.  Astronomers claim the moon is generally too cold to support even liquid water on its surface. The research has been detailed in two separate studies.  The first paper, in the journal Icarus, shows that hydrogen gas flowing throughout the planet’s atmosphere disappeared at the surface. This suggested that alien forms could in fact breathe.  The second paper, in the Journal of Geophysical Research, concluded that there was lack of the chemical on the surface.  Scientists were then led to believe it had been possibly consumed by life.  Researchers had expected sunlight interacting with chemicals in the atmosphere to produce acetylene gas. But the Cassini probe did not detect any such gas. 

Chris McKay, an astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Centre, at Moffett Field, California who led the research, said: “We suggested hydrogen consumption because it's the obvious gas for life to consume on Titan, similar to the way we consume oxygen on Earth.  "If these signs do turn out to be a sign of life, it would be doubly exciting because it would represent a second form of life independent from water-based life on Earth.”  Professor John Zarnecki, of the Open University, added: “We believe the chemistry is there for life to form. It just needs heat and warmth to kick-start the process.  “In four billion years’ time, when the Sun swells into a red giant, it could be paradise on Titan.”  They warned, however, that there could be other explanations for the findings.  But taken together, they two indicate two important conditions necessary for methane-based life to exist. - Telegraph.

MAJOR ALERT: Dangerously High Radiation Levels Reported in Indiana and Michigan - Up to 100 Times Higher Than Safe Levels! UPDATE: Nuclear Cover-Up - DHS, Hazmat, Military Helicopters and Explosions Near Blacked Out Radiation Zone?!

According to RadNet, the United States' radiation monitoring network, Northern Indiana is experiencing extremely high levels of radiation -- up to 100 times higher than safe levels.

Live records for a radiation monitoring station near the border of Indiana and Michigan have shown radiation levels as high as 7,139 counts per minute (CPM). At 1:55 a.m., Eastern time, the radiation level was at 2,558 CPM. The level has varied between 2,000 CPM and 7,000 CPM for several hours. Normal radiation levels are between 5 and 60 CPM, and any readings above 100 CPM should be considered unusual and trigger an alert, according to information listed on the RadNet website. RadNet has not yet issued an alert regarding this issue. The online geiger counter monitoring network operated by Black Cat Systems is also reporting unusually high radiation levels in the same region, which may rule out the possibility that the elevated readings were simply caused by a monitor malfunction. All other radiation monitors across America appear to be reporting normal levels at this time, which could indicate that this radiation spike is due to a localized event. This article will be updated as more information becomes available. UPDATE: As of 2:45 a.m. Eastern Time, the radiation level for the station in Northern Indiana had risen to 3,989 CPM. RadNet has yet to issue a statement in response. - Digital Journal.

UPDATE: Nuclear Cover-Up - DHS, Hazmat, Military Helicopters and Explosions Near Blacked Out Radiation Zone?!

Eyewitnesses on the ground near the media-blacked-out elevated radiation zone near the border of Indiana and Michigan, where radiation levels hundreds of times higher than normal were quickly removed from public viewing by the EPA, are now sending in a large number of photos and videos documenting massive explosions accompanied by unmarked helicopters, A-10 Thunderbolts, and military personnel. These reports come after a Department of Homeland Security hazmat fleet was sent out to the location after ‘years’ of inactivity. Those on the ground report that the explosions are ‘loud and deep’, sounding like fireworks with a kick. The explosions are oftentimes followed up with a squadron of helicopters or other aircraft, oftentimes black and unmarked. One Michigan resident reports the following, and is then backed by dozens of organic comments which confirm the findings: “EXPLOSIONS EVERYWHERE! Also, Large helicopter heading away from Local Air Force base flying toward scene of explosions! These explosions are seriously consistant, loud booms for the last hour or more.”  After generating much interest, the poster was able to capture some of the explosions on tape. While he would be the first to do so, many more videos began to pop up recording both the explosions and the onset of military aircraft flying through the area into the radiation zone.  Further comments went on to document the increased presence of unmarked choppers and strategic military aircraft.  A number of photos have begun to surface from eyewitnesses in the tri-state area of the event, reporting that the helicopters and other crafts were traveling towards the center of the incident. Thousands of comments on articles, discussion boards, and twitter posts are surfacing regarding this event. Explosions are still reportedly being heard in rapid secession, often a large number over the course of only a few seconds. - Intel Hub.

LISTEN: Explosions in Michigan.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL & UFO MEMES: Update on The Baltic Anomaly - Researchers Find "Something Unusual Hiding at the Seabed"?!

Last summer, while on a treasure hunt between Sweden and Finland, a pair of Swedish scientists and their research associates made headlines worldwide with the discovery of a 200-foot wide unidentified object at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Several days ago, Peter Lindberg and Dennis Asberg, a team of oceanographers, engineers and deep sea divers returned to the site for a 6 to 10 day trip. The following constitutes the latest updates, what has become known as the "Baltic Anomaly".

Team Ocean Explorer said this image shows 300m "drag marks" around an unidentified --
possibly flying -- object. (Ocean Explorer/Peter Lindberg)

2012-06-04: The expedition started Friday 1st from Norrtälje harbor when Ocean X-Team took their crew out for this exciting adventure trying to find out what the mysterious disc-shaped object is. Unfortunately the weather conditions have been really bad the last days, but now they are on a roll.  Stay alert for more updates within shortly.

2012-06-06: Ocean X Team on site The ship Ancylus, carrying the Ocean X Team, is now anchored above the circle-shaped object. They started to scan the seabed and they are taking samples for analyses. Due to really bad weather conditions the operation took a little bit longer than scheduled. But they are working hard and prepare to dive down there for further investigations today.

2012-06-07: The divers are now down and investigating the circle and reports from the ship say they are really amazed. There is definitely something unusual hiding at the seabed – a Mystery Beneath. More information and pictures will be released next week.  - Ocean Explorer.

WATCH: Baltic Sea anomaly.

GEOLOGICAL UPHEAVAL: Land Subsidence Continues in China - Explosion Dislodges Massive Boulders in Chongqing; Flattening Cars Below as Hundreds Evacuate Area!

It looks like the scene from a deadly earthquake. But miraculously no one was killed, after two rocks weighing a combined 300 tons rolled down a cliff and flattened two parked cars in Chongqing, southwest China.  The rocks smashed a seven-foot wide and three-feet deep pit in the road, and created a huge crack in the paving.  Despite hitting a number of cars, no one was killed, although there were several lucky escapes. One of the vehicles - a delivery truck with 2,500 boxes of beer on it - was hit while moving.  The smaller of the two rocks fell further down the mountain, but the larger boulder- weighing 200 tons - remained on the road, crushing two cars.

Safety measures: the falling rocks have led to hundreds of people being evacuated from the mountain area.

One of the lucky drivers, named Sun, was driving behind the truck and was about to overtake it before he saw a car coming the other way that potentially saved his life.  'The beer lorry was only four metres ahead of me, when two rocks, a big one and a small one, rolled down fast one after another,' said Sun.  'The first smaller rock missed the lorry. After smashing a parked car on the roadside, it continued to roll down the valley.  'Then a bigger rock rolled down, and hit onto the rear part of the beer lorry. With two explosions, the beers exploded and broken glass shot out in all directions. And the beer bubbles covered my windscreen, which was quickly smashed by shooting beer bottle glass.'  Sun got out of his vehicle to see two parked cars flattened by the boulder, just a few feet away from him. 

Experts believe the rocks fell from a point 200 metres higher up in the mountains, and that they could only be removed with explosions.  The local government has had to evacuate residents living 1,000 metres below the road for fear of more rocks falling..  The beer lorry driver, Li, felt his vehicle grind to a halt when the back end was crushed by the boulder. 'I didn't hear anything until I heard a loud explosion and my vehicle stopped going forward,' he said.  Li did not let the shock affect his work however: He was still picking up unbroken beers from the ground and waiting for repairmen to fix the vehicle at the end of the day.  One driver, with five people in his car had overtaken the beer truck as he was driving quickly to make time. They passed the point on the road just before the rocks fell.  'Scrap glass was shooting into our car like bullets, and our rear window was all smashed. The glass also shot into the car, and cut two of us. The left front tyre was also shot flat,' said Xu, the driver.  'We quickly ran out of the car for our lives.'  A pedicab driver also escaped death. He was almost hit by the 2nd falling giant rock but immediately changed direction and tipped over on the road. He had slight injuries and went to the hospital alone. - Daily Mail.

WORLD WAR III: The Syrian Passage to Iran and the Countdown to Armageddon - Russia Prepares For War in Syria, Launches Intensive Training Units For Operations Abroad!

Russian Defense Ministry launched an intensive training units for operations abroad, including in Syria. Preparation for combat operations in this country, may lead Pskov 76th air assault division of Airborne, the 15th Brigade combined arms in Samara, as well as special units staffed by the Chechens, who had previously served in the GRU spetsbatalonah "West" and "East" writes, "Nezavisimaya Gazeta", citing anonymous sources in the military. 

Pskov Airborne Division - one of the most combat-ready connections in the Russian army, the newspaper notes. Its officers, NCOs and men participated in the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo in 1999-2001, in both Chechen wars in 1994-1996 and 1999-2007, and in the war with Georgia in August 2008. In 2004, the first division in the Russian army was fully contracted.  As for the Chechen soldier, then in 2006-2007 they were initiated by then-Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has successfully carried out peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, reminiscent of "NG". They distinguished themselves in combat operations against Georgia in South Ossetia in August 2008.  In addition, preparation for possible action in the Syrian special forces have already passed from the separate brigade of marines Black Sea Fleet. They were present at the patrol ship "Smetliviy", which in May, before returning from almost two months of the watch in the Mediterranean Sea, visited the Syrian port of Tartus, where the point of logistics of the Russian Navy.  "A clever," he returned to Sevastopol on May 31, as reported by Ukrainian news agency UNIAN. At the same time Head of Information Management BSF captain Vyacheslav Trukhachev agency said that security is "Sharpness" with the passage of the Straits, and docked in the Syrian port provided a group of anti-terror - a separate brigade of marines BSF. 

A day earlier from the Mediterranean returned to the Russian tanker "Iman," which in Tartus fueling ships of the Russian Navy. In March, nearly burst into an international scandal, when the Syrian opposition in the Arab media rumors spread that the tanker are special forces and attack aircraft the Marine Corps. Europe, even Russia has warned against landing in Syria of its military.  With the denial made by press service of the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. They explained that "Iman" performs only the task of logistics and staffed by civilian personnel on board is only a guard unit. But Lavrov added that such "fairy tale" The Syrian opposition - is a clear provocation aimed at disrupting peace in the country to plan a special envoy of UN / LAS General Kofi Annan.  "Kosovo precedent" and "brilliant initiative" wards of Dmitry Medvedev  The representatives of the Russian government claimed that no troops to send to Syria is not planned. But amid the worsening situation around the country began to fear the Russian press that Russia and the West will be on the verge of armed conflict - as was the case in Kosovo. 

Sami diplomats, who are still afraid, "the Libyan scenario" in Syria is increasingly remembered the "Kosovo precedent" in 1999, when NATO began bombing Yugoslavia without UN authorization. This provoked an acute crisis between Russia and the West, which nearly resulted in a direct conflict, when Russian paratroopers occupied the Pristina airport.  Now, after 13 years in the West once again talked about the possibility of military operation, bypassing the United Nations, where Russia and China have veto power as permanent members of the Security Council, will block any resolution with this scenario.  For the participation of Russian troops outside the country, including in Syria, in addition to the UN resolution, you need a political solution to the Russian leadership. Last week, Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Bordyuzha said that part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces in dealing with the Syrian conflict, "it is theoretically possible."  However, he stressed that the military in Syria will fall into this hell, because there are fighting with heavy weapons, and any interference with the goals of peacekeeping would mean keeping active hostilities. "In Syria, apparently, you need to carry out an operation to enforce peace, first of all militias - said Bordyuzha. - That is, those who are trying to solve political problems by force of arms, not in the constitution of the state." Therefore, he concluded that the initiative to send CSTO forces in Syria - "bright only for politicians." - Newsland [Translated].

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report - New Activities and Unrest From May 30th - June 05th; For Fuego, Galeras, Manam, and Nevado del Ruiz!

The following constitutes the new activity and unrest report from the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program.

FUEGO Guatemala 14.473°N, 90.880°W; summit elev. 3763 m

INSIVUMEH reported that on 1 June hot lahars traveled SE down Fuego's Las Lajas and El Jute drainages carrying blocks 2 m in diameter. During 3-5 June explosions produced ash plumes that rose 500-1,000 m above the crater and drifted W and S. Pulses of incandescence from the crater was observed as well as avalanches on the W flank. Lava flows traveled 700 m down Taniluyá Canyon drainage and 1 km down Las Lajas. During 4-5 June seismicity increased and the lava flow in Las Lajas reached 1.2 km long. Explosions produced ash plumes that rose 600-800 m above the crater and drifted 7 km SW. Shock waves were detected up to 7 km away. Map

GALERAS Colombia 1.22°N, 77.37°W; summit elev. 4276 m

INGEOMINAS reported that on 17 May ash emissions originating from an area N and W of the cone within Galeras's main crater rose 200 m above the crater rim. During 26-27 May ash plumes rose 800 m above the crater; ashfall was reported in Sandona (13 km NW). Ash emissions occurred on 2 June, and on 5 June plumes rose 1 km and drifted W. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity"). Map

MANAM Northeast of New Guinea (SW Pacific) 4.080°S, 145.037°E; summit elev. 1807 m

RVO reported mild activity from Manam's Southern Crater during the first two weeks of May. Emissions consisted of diffuse white vapor, with diffuse blue plumes observed during 5-6 and 13-14 May. Gray and gray-brown ash clouds rose from the crater on 7, 9, and 12 May. Incandescence was visible at night during 6, 8, 10-11, and 13-14 May, and incandescent tephra was occasionally ejected from the crater.

Activity increased on 16 May, marked by a change in emissions from gray and gray-brown ash clouds to gray-to-black ash clouds, and an increase in ejected incandescent tephra. On 27 and 30 May Strombolian activity was observed, and for periods lasting 1-2 hours incandescent tephra was continuously ejected from the crater. On 30 May two vents in Southern Crater produced lava fountains. Rumbling was heard, and ash plumes rose 100-400 m above the crater and drifted NW. Most of the ejected tephra fell back into the crater but some was channeled into the SE and SW valleys. Emissions from Main Crater were milder and mostly characterized by white plumes. Gray-to-gray-brown ash plumes were noted during 6, 10-11, 13, 26, 28-29, and 31 May. Fluctuating incandescence was intermittently observed. Ash fell in the NW part of the island. Map

NEVADO DEL RUIZ Colombia 4.895°N, 75.322°W; summit elev. 5321 m

According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported that on 4 June observations of Nevado del Ruiz during an overflight and through web cameras located in the vicinity of Arenas Crater revealed that gas-and-ash plumes rose at most 1 km above the crater and drifted W and NW. The next day seismic signals indicated that ash emissions continued. Field observers noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were significant. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that an ash plume drifted 40 km W. The VAAC also noted that the Bogota MWO reported ash emissions drifting NNW at an altitude of 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. The Alert Level remained at II (Orange; "eruption likely within days or weeks"). Map

 For the complete list of ongoing volcanic activity and additional geological summary, click HERE or select the specific volcano name below for additional details:

ONGOING ACTIVITY: Batu Tara, Komba Island (Indonesia) | Cleveland, Chuginadak Island | Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) | Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) | Popocatépetl, México | Rabaul, New Britain | Sakura-jima, Kyushu | Sangay, Ecuador | Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia) | Tungurahua, Ecuador | Ulawun, New Britain

EXTRATERRESTRIAL & UFO MEMES: Project Bluebeam, Alien Invasion or False Flag Attack - Former MoD UFO Expert Warns of UFOs During the 2012 Olympics Games in London?!

One of the UK's top UFO experts has given his views on the likelihood of aliens suddenly appearing in our skies - and how the international community would respond.  Nick Pope, who has more than two decades under his belt at the Ministry of Defence, said mass summer events - like the Olympic Games in London - would be a prime time for crafts from otherworlds to present themselves to mankind.  He warned: 'With the summer of mass events we are all on high alert for terrorism. But we must also cast our eyes further afield and be prepared for even the most seemingly unfathomable.''  Pope's duties at the MoD included investigating reports of UFOs between 1991 and 1994, and says he began his research as a sceptic, before becoming convinced that the sightings raised important defence for national security and air safety issues.  He was particularly interested in cases where the witnesses were pilots, or where UFOs were tracked on radar, and said there were other believers among his former colleagues. 

He said: 'It has been a widely held belief in Ministry of Defence circles that "aliens" have been able to detect us for decades via TV and radio broadcasts.  'What once seemed like science fiction is steadily being realised by central governing bodies as distinctly real.  'If aliens have studied our psychology, they may choose to appear in our skies on a significant date – the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games is one date being widely circulated by conspiracy groups.  'The atomic bombs detonated in the 1940s, and the rocket technology since developed would unquestionably have alerted nearby alien civilisations to our existence.  'On their arrival it is difficult to say what they would do: explore, help or destroy. Our resources make us quite a special threat.' Hopefully, if aliens do come and introduce themselves to us, they come in a spirit of warmth, friendship and shared learning - but Pope said the government was also prepared for the worst scenarios.  He said: 'The government must - and has planned - for the worst-case scenario: alien attack and alien invasion.  'Space shuttles, lasers and directed-energy weapons are all committed via the Alien Invasion War Plan to defence against any alien ships in orbit.  'If UFOs came into our atmosphere, RAF jets such as the Eurofighter Typhoons, and missiles such as the Rapiers guarding the Olympic Games would be well equipped to enter the fray.  'And if the aliens landed, in an unprecedented move, I am in doubt that the entire Army would be join the fight.  'The TA and the Reserves would be called out and conscription potentially introduced. ' 

Speaking about the cultural impact of aliens since the first widely-reported cases in the 1940s, he said: 'It is interesting to note that we are all in some ways equipped to deal with alien invasion - games such as Resistance: Burning Skies on PlayStation Vita help acclimatise people to the reality of extraterrestrial life - and in particular that they might be hostile.  'It is a widely held belief that classified information about weapons and tactics useful in combating alien occupation are embedded into such gameplay.  'The primary flaw is our lack of knowledge - we are limited in the extent of what we know about the alien species.'  Pope's role in the government was once described as 'working on the the X-Files of the UK', and he has since published Sunday Times top ten non-fiction bestsellers, such as Open Skies, Closed Minds.  His final role at the MoD, held until 2006, was Directorate of Defence Security, and since leaving he has given lectures and TV interviews about his views on the existence of UFOs.   He added: 'Aliens may possess weapons or advanced technology we’ve no idea of. Aliens may have invisibility, a death ray, teleportation, force fields and other things we can't even guess at.  'Beyond this, unity is key, but as history dictates, this is not so easy.  'The logical course is to unite the world against the alien threat, combining our military strength and fighting under the United Nations. But some countries might not fight.  'We saw this type of treachery and cowardice in the Second World War. Though some brave people joined the Resistance, much of France accepted Nazi occupation.  'The final and perhaps biggest flaw is preparation. With the summer of mass events we are all on high alert for terrorism. But we must also cast our eyes further afield and be prepared for even the most seemingly unfathomable.' - Daily Mail.

WATCH: Surreal and symbolic closing ceremony at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

EXTREME WEATHER ANOMALIES: Unusual Precipitation Patterns - U.S. Experienced Second Warmest May and Warmest Spring on Record!

According to NOAA scientists, the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. during May was 64.3°F, 3.3°F above the long-term average, making it the second warmest May on record. The month's high temperatures also contributed to the warmest spring, warmest year-to-date, and warmest 12-month period the nation has experienced since recordkeeping began in 1895.

The spring season's (March-May) nationally averaged temperature was 57.1°F, 5.2°F above the 1901-2000 long-term average, surpassing the previous warmest spring (1910) by 2.0°F.  Precipitation totals across the country were mixed during May, with the nation as a whole being drier-than-average. The nationally averaged precipitation total of 2.51 inches was 0.36 inch below average. The coastal Southeast received some drought relief when Tropical Storm Beryl brought heavy rains to the region late in the month. This monthly analysis from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.

U.S. climate highlights -- May

• Warmer-than-average temperatures occurred across the contiguous U.S. except the Northwest in May. Twenty-six states had May temperatures ranking among their ten warmest.
• Precipitation patterns across the contiguous U.S. were mixed during May. The Eastern Seaboard and Upper Midwest were wetter than average. North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, New Hampshire and Minnesota had May precipitation totals among their ten wettest. Dry conditions prevailed across the Mid-Mississippi River Valley, Southern Plains and the Interior West with Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nevada and Utah having a top ten dry May.
• Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall near Jacksonville, Fla., on May 28, bringing beneficial rainfall to parts of the drought-stricken Southeast. Beryl occurred on the heels of Tropical Storm Alberto, which occurred offshore the Carolinas, marking the third time on record that two tropical cyclones reached tropical storm strength during May (prior to the start of June 1 hurricane season) in the North Atlantic basin.
• Ongoing drought, combined with windy conditions, created ideal wildfire conditions across the Southwest. The Whitewater-Baldy Fire complex in the Gila National Forest of western New Mexico charred over 210,000 acres by the beginning of June. It surpassed 2011's Las Conchas Fire as largest wildfire on record for the state.
• According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of May 29, 37.4 percent of the contiguous U.S. experienced drought conditions, a slight decrease from 38.2 percent at the beginning of May. Drought conditions improved across the coastal Southeast, the Southern Plains, Northeast and Upper Midwest while they deteriorated for parts of the Mid-South and Southwest.

U.S. climate highlights -- spring (March-May)

• The nationally averaged temperature of 57.1°F during spring was 5.2°F above the long-term average. With warmest March, third warmest April and second warmest May, spring 2012 marked the largest temperature departure from average of any season on record for the contiguous United States.
• Spring was drier-than-average for the contiguous U.S. as a whole, with a national precipitation total of 7.47 inches, 0.24 inch below average.
• Record and near-record warmth dominated the eastern two-thirds of the nation during spring. Thirty-one states were record warm for the season and 11 additional states had spring temperatures ranking among their ten warmest. Only Oregon and Washington had spring temperatures near normal.
• Wetter-than-average conditions prevailed from the West Coast through the Northern Plains and into the Upper Midwest. Oregon was record wet and Minnesota and Washington were third wettest. The Intermountain West, Ohio Valley, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic were drier than average. Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Indiana, and Delaware had a top ten dry spring.
• The U.S. Climate Extremes Index (USCEI), an index that tracks the highest and lowest 10 percent of extremes in temperature, precipitation, drought and tropical cyclones across the contiguous U.S., was a record-large 44 percent during the March-May period, over twice the average value. Extremes in warm daytime temperatures (81 percent) and warm nighttime temperatures (72 percent) covered large areas of the nation, contributing to the record high value.

Year-to-date (January-May)

• The January-May months totaled the warmest such period on record for the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 49.2°F, 5.0°F above the long-term average. Twenty-nine states, all east of the Rockies, were record warm for the five-month period and an additional 14 states had temperatures for the period among their ten warmest.
• The year's first five months also brought dry conditions to much of the East. The Southwest was drier than average while wetter-than-average conditions persisted for the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest and the western Gulf Coast. The national precipitation total for the five-month period was nearly 1.0 inch below average.

12-month period (June 2011-May 2012)

• The June 2011-May 2012 period was the warmest 12-month period of any 12 months on record for the contiguous United States. The nationally averaged temperature of 56.0°F was 3.2°F above the long-term average, surpassing the previous warmest 12-month period set last month by 0.4°F. The 12-month period encapsulated the second warmest summer, fourth warmest winter, and the warmest spring on record. Every state across the contiguous U.S. had warmer than average temperatures for the period, except Washington, which was near normal. - Science Daily.

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE: Stores Are Now Selling "Zombie Bullets" - Police Warn Against New Cloud Nine Drug Following Two More Horrifying Cannibal Attacks?!

A growing number of stores across the nation are stocking their shelves with an unusual item – Zombie Bullets.  After the recent stream of disturbing news reports of people eating others' flesh, Hornaday Manufacturing has released bullets that promise to ‘make dead permanent.’

The Walking Dead: Hornady Manufacturing has started selling Zombie bullets, 'just in case'; it is live ammunition.

The ammunition, branded as Zombie Max offers Proven Z-Max bullets, is live ammunition, but is actually only intended for use on targets – not people. Hornaday spokesman Everett Deger told WWJ Newsradio 950 that the company’s president has a love of zombie culture – including popular shows like the Walking Dead – and was inspired to make the bullets in honour of the cultural phenomenon.  ‘We decided just to have some fun with a marketing plan that would allow us to create some ammunition designed for that…fictional world,’ he told the radio station. 

Mr Deger noted that the bullets are some of the ammunition company’s most popular products.  The news comes as two more cannibal attacks have been reported in the US as police warn of a dangerous new mind-altering drug called Cloud Nine.  Last week Rudy Eugene - who is believed to have taken the over-the-counter ecstasy-like drug - growled at officers as he chewed off most of a homeless man's face before being shot dead by Miami police.  Since then two further incidents have been linked to the substance, which is part of a new line of 'bath salts'. - Daily Mail.

WATCH: Introducing Zombie Max from Hornady.

MONUMENTAL EARTH CHANGES: NASA Scientists Have Discovered an Unprecedented "Mega-Bloom" of Ocean Plant Life Under the Arctic Sea - Growth Rates Are Among the Highest Ever Measured!

Scientists have made a biological discovery in Arctic Ocean waters as dramatic and unexpected as finding a rainforest in the middle of a desert. A NASA-sponsored expedition punched through three-foot thick sea ice to find waters richer in microscopic marine plants, essential to all sea life, than any other ocean region on Earth.  The finding reveals a new consequence of the Arctic's warming climate and provides an important clue to understanding the impacts of a changing climate and environment on the Arctic Ocean and its ecology. The discovery was made during a NASA oceanographic expedition in the summers of 2010 and 2011. The expedition called ICESCAPE, or Impacts of Climate on EcoSystems and Chemistry of the Arctic Pacific Environment, explored Arctic waters in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas along Alaska's western and northern coasts onboard a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker. Using optical technologies, scientists looked at the impacts of environmental variability and change in the Arctic on the ocean biology, ecology and biogeochemistry.

"Part of NASA's mission is pioneering scientific discovery, and this is like finding the Amazon rainforest in the middle of the Mojave Desert," said Paula Bontempi, NASA's ocean biology and biogeochemistry program manager in Washington. "We embarked on ICESCAPE to validate our satellite ocean-observing data in an area of the Earth that is very difficult to get to," Bontempi said. "We wound up making a discovery that hopefully will help researchers and resource managers better understand the Arctic."  The microscopic plants, called phytoplankton, are the base of the marine food chain. Phytoplankton were thought to grow in the Arctic Ocean only after sea ice had retreated for the summer. Scientists now think that the thinning Arctic ice is allowing sunlight to reach the waters under the sea ice, catalyzing the plant blooms where they had never been observed. The findings were published today in the journal Science.  "If someone had asked me before the expedition whether we would see under-ice blooms, I would have told them it was impossible," said Kevin Arrigo of Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., leader of the ICESCAPE mission and lead author of the new study. "This discovery was a complete surprise."  During the July 2011 Chukchi Sea leg of ICESCAPE, the researchers observed blooms beneath the ice that extended from the sea-ice edge to 72 miles into the ice pack. Ocean current data revealed that these blooms developed under the ice and had not drifted there from open water, where phytoplankton concentrations can be high.  The phytoplankton were extremely active, doubling in number more than once a day. Blooms in open waters grow at a much slower rate, doubling in two to three days. These growth rates are among the highest ever measured for polar waters. Researchers estimate that phytoplankton production under the ice in parts of the Arctic could be up to 10 times higher than in the nearby open ocean. 

Fast-growing phytoplankton consume large amounts of carbon dioxide. The study concludes that scientists will have to reassess the amount of carbon dioxide entering the Arctic Ocean through biological activity if the under-ice blooms turn out to be common.  "At this point we don't know whether these rich phytoplankton blooms have been happening in the Arctic for a long time and we just haven't observed them before," Arrigo said. "These blooms could become more widespread in the future, however, if the Arctic sea ice cover continues to thin." Previously, researchers thought the Arctic Ocean sea ice blocked most sunlight needed for phytoplankton growth. But in recent decades younger and thinner ice has replaced much of the Arctic's older and thicker ice. This young ice is almost flat and the ponds that form when snow cover melts in the summer spread much wider than those on rugged older ice.  These extensive but shallow melt ponds act as windows to the ocean, letting large amounts of sunlight pass through the ice to reach the water below, said Donald Perovich, a geophysicist with the U.S. Army Cold Regions and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., who studied the optical properties of the ice during the ICESCAPE expedition.  "When we looked under the ice, it was like a photographic negative. Beneath the bare-ice areas that reflect a lot of sunlight, it was dark. Under the melt ponds, it was very bright," Perovich said. He is currently visiting professor at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering.  The discovery of these previously unknown under-ice blooms also has implications for the broader Arctic ecosystem, including migratory species such as whales and birds. Phytoplankton are eaten by small ocean animals, which are eaten by larger fish and ocean animals. A change in the timeline of the blooms can cause disruptions for larger animals that feed either on phytoplankton or on the creatures that eat these microorganisms. "It could make it harder and harder for migratory species to time their life cycles to be in the Arctic when the bloom is at its peak," Arrigo said. "If their food supply is coming earlier, they might be missing the boat."  Bontempi believes the discovery also may have major implications for the global carbon cycle and the ocean's energy balance. "The discovery certainly indicates we need to revise our understanding of the ecology of the Arctic and the region's role in the Earth system," Bontempi said. - NASA.

WATCH: Massive Phytoplankton Bloom discovered under the Arctic Sea.     

GEOLOGICAL UPHEAVAL: Land Subsidence Continues in China - Huge Sinkhole Swallows Minibus in Guangxi Zhuang!

A sinkhole engulfed a minibus Thursday morning in Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, injuring the vehicle's driver.

Sinkhole engulfs minibus in Southern China, driver injured. Image: © CFP/Dong Hua.

Image: © CFP/Dong Hua.

The incident was a geological disaster that happened around 4 a.m. on Fuxing Road in the city's Qixing district. It left a big hole which is 4 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 2 meters deep. The driver, the only person in the minibus, was being treated in hospital. - People's Daily Online.

TERROR TWISTER: Massive Tornado Wreck Havoc in Perth, Australia - Flinging Shopping Trolleys; Over 100 Buildings Damaged; 5 Homes Destroyed; 5,000 Without Power!

The tornado that cut a swathe through Perth's northern suburbs on Thursday was strong enough to send shopping trolleys flying, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

A mini-tornado has slammed Dianella-Morley causing widespread damage.

Spokesman Neil Bennett said the tornado that hit Dianella and Morley brought wind speeds of at least 125km/h, so anyone in the area was lucky not to have been hurt by flying debris.  Estimates of wind speeds up to 180km/h were guesses and were probably too high, Mr Bennett said.  "We can't measure the winds directly, so a structural engineer goes off to look at the damage, then gives us an assessment of the type of wind speeds that may have caused that damage, so we're waiting on confirmation," Mr Bennett told AAP on Friday. Tornadoes were not particularly unusual, with a handful usually hitting the Perth metropolitan area and South West region during the cool season from May to October, he said.  The State Emergency Service (SES) on Friday said the tornado caused damage to around 100 homes and buildings.  The SES said eight homes sustained major damage, with five deemed uninhabitable.  Mr Bennett said a low-pressure frontal system was approaching the South West region, so it was at risk of wild weather on Monday. - 9 NEWS.

The tornado has ripped powerlines and trees down on Morley Drive between Alexander Drive and Camboon and Wellington Roads.  Western Power crews are on site and are currently assessing the damage.  Approximately 5000 thousand customers have been blacked out and Western Power will be seeking to restore their power as soon as possible.  People are urged to stay away from any fallen power lines and report any damage to 13 13 51.  Trees have also been brought down along Alexander Drive.   Police and emergency services are on site directing traffic.  Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible.  Other roads in and around the Dianella/Morley area may also have debris or water over the road so drivers are asked to reduce their speed and exercise caution through the area. - Courier Mail.

WATCH: Astonishing scenes from Perth as the tornado strikes.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Earthquake Swarm Reported at Chile's Tatara-San Pedro!

Quick report tonight brought to my attention by Eruptions reader GuillermoChile. Apparently, the SERNAGEOMIN has been monitoring an earthquake swarm at Chile’s Tatara-San Pedro (also known as San Pedro-Pellado), possibly numbering in the hundreds of small earthquakes over the last few days.

Tatara-San Pedro seen in February 2006. Image by Michael Dungan (Univ. Geneva).

The reports are a little scant and the information coming from different parts of the Chilean government are contradictory: the regional governor of the area was quoted as saying that “it is of volcanic earthquakes, so we are on alert” while the regional director from ONEMI said “at first thought that we were facing a volcanic earthquakes, but known reports of the analysis has led to the conclusion that we were facing tectonic type earthquakes“.

The article in La Tercera also mentions that the volcano hasn’t erupted in “decades” while the Global Volcanism Program’s entry for San Pedro says that the last eruption is “unknown”, likely in the Holocene (last 10,000 years). So, there seems to be lots of confusion (not to mention La Tercera calling the volcano “Catinao”). If this is renewed activity at the volcano, it is potentially the first in recorded history. Tatara-San Pedro has been a focus of a lot of petrologic study, so any new activity would get the geologic community’s attention quickly. I’ll keep this updated with any new information as it arrives, but hard to tell what exactly is going on at the Chilean volcano. - WIRED.

PLANETARY TREMORS: 2 Quakes Shake Northern New South Wales, Australia - Unusual Magnitude "Overwhelmed Seismological Measuring Equipment"?!

Two earthquakes have struck in northern NSW, and have been felt in Tamworth, Gunnedah and Coonabarabran and in areas more than 100km away.  A 4.2 magnitude quake struck at Lake Keepit, northeast of Gunnedah, at 9pm (AEST) on Friday, Geoscience Australia says. 

It had a depth of 17km.  A similar sized earthquake nearby struck about two minutes earlier, the Australian Seismological Centre says.  The centre's director Kevin McCue said these were the first earthquakes greater than magnitude 4 to strike inland northern NSW since December 1969, when a magnitude 5 quake struck near Coonabarabran.  Mr McCue said the Friday night quakes were felt as far as Coonabarabran, 120km from the epicentre, as well as in Tamworth and Gunnedah.  "I was talking to people up there. All the glass was jiggling in cupboards," he told AAP.  "It's unusual to have an earthquake of this size." 

He said it's unlikely the quakes caused structural damage to homes in major towns, but some may have cracked walls or chimneys.  Twitter accounts have come in from Tamworth, Manilla and Gunnedah.  Seismologist Dr Michael Phillips, who lives 5km from Coonabarabran, said his wife Claire Milton, a doctor, and their eight-year-old son Max felt the earthquakes in their farmhouse.  "They heard and felt it," he told AAP.  "The china in the cabinet was rattling and my son's bunk bed was banging on the wall.  "The whole house was rattling and shaking - it lasted 30 seconds."  Dr Phillips, who is also a physicist, said the size of the earthquakes had overwhelmed his seismological measuring equipment.  "It was too much for the instrument," Dr Phillips said, adding it was likely that one of the earthquakes was an aftershock. - 9 NEWS.

Click HERE for additional Details, Summary, Maps and Scientific & Technical information from the USGS.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC MELTDOWN: The Euro Zone Crisis - Ratings Agency Fitch Downgrades Spain by Three Notches; Says European Nations Are Vulnerable to Bank Runs!

A serious mishandling of the debt crisis by European leaders led Fitch to axe Spain’s credit rating by three notches and issue a warnings on the stability of country’s banks, debt levels and economy. In a report that will be embarrassing for Berlin and Brussels, the credit rating agency said “policy mis-steps at the European level” and an “absence of a credible vision” for the euro had resulted in a “dramatic erosion of Spain’s sovereign profile.”  Spain’s credit rating was cut to BBB from A leaving the eurozone’s fourth biggest economy languishing just above junk status. 

Fitch said the cost of bailing out its banks is likely to cost around €60bn (£48.6bn) but could rise to as much as €100bn, the rating agency said, more than three times higher than the €30bn in its last “baseline estimate”.  Fitch hiked up its estimates of government debt levels from 82pc of GDP by 2013 made at the beginning of this year to 95pc by 2015. The rating agency said that it no longer expected Spain’s economy to return to growth next year but remain in recession for 2012 and 2013.  While Spain is at the centre of the storm, all sinner states have been effected, Fitch said. “The absence of a credible vision of a reformed [monetary union] and financial ‘firewall’ has rendered Spain and other so-called peripheral nations vulnerable to capital flight and undercut their access to affordable fiscal funding,” the report said.  It added: “The dramatic erosion of Spain’s sovereign credit profile and ratings over the last year in part reflects policy mis-steps at the European level that in Fitch’s opinion have aggravated the economic and financial challenges facing Spain as it seeks to rebalance and restructure the economy.

The intensification of the eurozone crisis in the latter half of last year pushed the region and Spain back into recession, exacerbating concerns over sovereign and bank solvency.”  Fitch said Spain would only retain its investment grade rating if the eurozone remained in tact and its institutions, including the ECB and bail-outs "will in extremis provide financial support to prevent a fiscal funding crisis."  The flight of capital looks set to continue as China’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, China Investment Corp, said it was cutting its exposure to Europe. Chairman Lou Jiwei told reporters: “There is a risk that the euro zone may fall apart and that risk is rising. Right now we find there is too much risk in Europe’s public markets.”  In another blow to Madrid, the deputy governor of the Bank of Spain, Javier Ariztegui, last night warned two more banks - Caixa Catalunya and Novagalicia, need a total €9bn state support. Madrid is determined to wait for the independent audits of its banks before announcing a rescue strategy. A leaked draft of the IMF audit, which is due to be published on Monday, will recommend that Madrid injects at €40bn into the ailing sector.  The euro dropped suddenly against the dollar when Fitch’s report was published; European stockmarkets had already closed. - Telegraph.

EXTREME WEATHER: Wild Tornadoes & Heavy Storms Leaves Many Residents in Wyoming and Colorado in Knee-Deep in Hail - Downed Power Lines and Damaged Several Structures!

Storms brought a tornado and golf-ball-sized hail to Wyoming that downed power lines, damaged homes and pushed some empty train cars on their sides Thursday, a day after thunderstorms pummeled parts of Wyoming and Colorado with 2-inch hail and heavy rain.  Five structures were heavily damaged by the tornado Thursday, and 10 to 12 other structures also have damage, said Kelly Ruiz of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.  One person was treated at a hospital for a cut on the head, said local radio station owner Kent Smith, speaking for the Platte County Sheriff's Office. 

Scenes from Wyoming and Colorado, following the onslaught of storms and tornadoes.

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crew reported the tornado struck a train that had stopped in the Wheatland area due to 55 mph winds and a tornado warning, BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said. Five empty train cars derailed onto their sides, and another was leaning over, he said. No injuries were reported.  Some power lines also were downed, Ruiz said.  The tornado touched down briefly near Wheatland, north of Cheyenne, in a sparsely populated area, officials said. One of the destroyed homes was vacant, Smith said.  Hail was reported in the Wheatland area and Laramie, National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Trudel said.  The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska through Thursday night. Forecasters said thunderstorms that can spawn tornadoes could develop and flooding was possible.  In Colorado, a tornado was spotted near Calhan in El Paso County on Thursday night. Meteorologists were trying to confirm a report of a tornado to the north in Elbert County near Simla. Elbert County officials reported damage to eight houses, including two that were missing roofs and others with broken windows. They also received a report of one minor injury and standing water on two roads, spokeswoman Kara Gerczynski said. Meanwhile 2.5-inch-diameter hail was reported in El Paso County near Peterson Air Force Base. 

On Wednesday, preliminary reports indicated about five tornadoes touched down in Colorado, including one near Denver International Airport. No serious damage was reported. Snowplows were called out in Douglas County, south of Denver, to clear hail up to 8 inches deep. About 40 people in Colorado Springs were rescued after cars became submerged in water and hail, including near Citadel mall, firefighters reported.  The rain provided some help to firefighters who fully contained a 227-acre wildfire in northern Colorado, but the weather initially hurt efforts to control a 6,000-acre blaze in Wyoming's Medicine Bow National Forest.  Storms passed close to the Wyoming fire but mostly brought gusty winds that fanned the flames. Rain and hail fell later but didn't make a significant difference, said fire spokeswoman Beth Hermanson.  Kyle Fredin, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Denver, said the beginning of June is the peak time for such severe weather in Colorado. Most of the state has been experiencing moderate-to-extreme drought conditions.  "It's game-on for this type of thing," he said.  Rob Cox with the weather service in Cheyenne said hail measuring 2 inches in diameter was reported about 18 miles northeast of the city. Cheyenne and areas to the east received from 1 to 2 inches of rain, he said.  Jim Elias, a city public works director, said the drainage system worked well considering that nearly 2 inches of rain fell in a little more than two hours in some areas.  Cheyenne has spent millions of dollars improving drainage around the city since a flood in 1985 killed 12 people.  Elias said crews were called to areas with deep water but most of the water had gotten into the drainage system and had been carried away. - AP.

WEATHER ANOMALIES: Unseasonable Wild Torrential Rains and Winds Batter the United Kingdom - Met Office Issues Severe Warnings; Flooding; Trees Uprooted; Crushed Cars; Power Outages!

Met Office issues severe weather warnings for Wales, southern England and Midlands as Atlantic storm moves north-east  The UK faces a day of horrendous weather, with winds of up to 65mph battering coasts and torrential rain threatening flooding.  Severe weather warnings have been issued for Wales, south-west England, the Midlands, London and the south-east and eastern parts of the country.

A waterlogged Edgbaston, where relentless rain prevented play on the first day of the third Test match
between England and the West Indies. Photograph: Sam Bagnall/AMA/Matthew Ashton/Corbis

The unseasonable weather has already seen a number of trees brought down, including one which crushed a car near Tavistock, Devon, on Thursday afternoon.  Crews from Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service used cutting gear to remove the roof of the vehicle and release a woman, who was taken to hospital.  A fallen tree also caught fire after it brought down power lines across the River Axe at Forde Abbey in Chard, Somerset, on Thursday night.  Rain affected many areas on Thursday, with the first day of the third Test between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston washed out.  A spokesman for the Met Office said the south coast would be battered by severe gales on Friday, while temperatures would be cool for the time of year, with the maximum expected to be 16C (61F).  Rain will also fall on much of the country with Wales expected to get the biggest drenching. 

A deep area of low pressure from the Atlantic is moving slowly north-east, touching north Wales before passing over the North Sea by evening - bringing heavy rain and wind with it.  Aisling Creevey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "What we are seeing is tight pressure gradients across the UK, meaning it is really windy.  "Winds could reach up to 65mph across exposed coastal areas of Wales and south-west and southern England.  Across northern England, where the low pressure is moving over, winds are a bit more slack, and they are moderate across southern and central Scotland.  But we could see winds of up to 50mph across northernmost Scotland, and about 40mph to 45mph across the Northern Isles."  The gusting winds will also bring large waves - possibly up to five-and-a-half metres in parts of the Channel.  And a day of heavy rain is a real possibility for much of the country.  Creevey said: "The heaviest rain will be across Wales, the Midlands and western and northern England.  "The south-west could see anywhere between 15mm and 25mm of rain."  A Met Office spokesman, Charlie Powell, said: "It is possible there could be up to three inches of rain in hilly and mountainous areas of Wales, with lower but still substantial rainfall in more low-lying areas."  The strong winds are expected to ease off throughout the day and fall significantly by 8pm or 9pm, though there may still be gusts of up to 55mph in some places. - Guardian.

EXTREME WEATHER: At Least 1500 People Hospitalized in Kuwait During Sandstorm!

At least 1,500 people needed medical attention for respiratory complications during the sandstorm that hit Kuwait Saturday and Sunday, according to statistics collected from hospitals and polyclinics around the state.

Dr Shujaa Al-Enizy, director of the Rashid Center for Allergies, indicated that 414 patients stopped by on Sunday alone, compared to only 120 during the sandstorm on Thursday. All these patients suffer from chronic respiratory diseases who came for treatment for complications as a result of the bad weather, Al-Enizy added.

Meanwhile, Al-Adan Hospital treated 445 children for respiratory problems on Saturday, according to head of the pediatric department Dr Marzouq Al-Azmi. Head of the emergency room at the same hospital Dr Ridha Janna indicated in the meantime that 34 men and 32 women received treatment the same day for the same reasons.

In Jahra, head of the governorate’s health directorate Dr Abdul-Aziz Al-Farhoud noted that 275 people headed to medical facilities as of Sunday afternoon; 226 of whom to the Jahra Hospital. And in Farwaniya, deputy director of the Farwaniya Hospital indicated that 409 people were treated at his hospital including 90 children. The Amiri Hospital reportedly treated 90 people including 44 children for respiratory problems, while 64 people including 34 children were treated at the Mubarak Hospital. - Kuwait Times.