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Are fall colors fading due to global warming?
It appears that the sharp, beautiful colors of autumn are slowly being blurred out across parts of Europe and the Northeast United States and some scientists are blaming global warming.
According to the Telegraph article, the Italian Meteorological Society has observed less gold, red and copper colored foliage across the nation's woodlands. Similar developments have been noted elsewhere in Europe and in the northern Hemisphere.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just started funding a study into claims that the northern states fall colors are also fading away with climate change.
"Something is clearly happening to make the colours less vivid. The wood is a living organism that tries to adapt to the climate, and change in climate is the cause. We really need to study and understand what's happening, said Dr. Giustino Mezzalira, an Italian forest expert. "But I think that, as in the United States, the colours are fading because the temperature difference between night and day is getting smaller and smaller."
Botanists believe that brilliant leaf colours associated with autumn are promoted by cold nights followed by warm, sunny days; in the absence of such conditions, the trees probably continue to produce the green pigment chlorophyll as if it were still summertime.
How would you rate the fall foliage over the past few seasons compared to normal? Assuming you live in an area where there is annual color change. It appears that the sharp, beautiful colors of autumn are slowly being blurred out across parts of Europe and the Northeast United Sta... more -
First Signs of Autumn 2008 in England (photos)
Photographs from Somerset and London on Thursday, October 9, 2008.
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Top 10 Wired.com Fall Photos
Being based in San Francisco has its advantages, but having seasons is not one of them. Our readers were kind enough to share their fantastic fall photos with those of us who are seasonally challenged. These are the top 10 photos, according to your votes. Javier Echaiz takes home the gold with his photo "Gate to the fall" at left. Mr. Echaiz will be receiving a subscription to Wired magazine and a digital picture frame for his desk.
Since we had so many great photos that we thought should've received more votes, we've also compiled a Wired.com Editor's Choice Fall Photo Gallery.
**MORE PHOTOS AT THE LINK Being based in San Francisco has its advantages, but having seasons is not one of them. Our readers were kind enough to share their fa... more -
You-pick chilis, not pumpkins in New Mexico
Popular farm bustles in autumn with lovers of this sweet and spicy pepper
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America's best cider mills
From Washington to New England, the best apple cider around the U.S.
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Best places to travel to for fall value
The best places to travel for seasonal value
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Fall foliage season is longer than you think
Where and when to see fall foliage in five parts of the country
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Leaf-peeping in Vermont: An expert's guide
An expert's guide for having a great time in the Green Mountain State
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Alternative Autumn: foliage for active travelers
Ahhh, fall foliage. The perfect backdrop for a puttering along a winding two-lane, strolling the grounds of a harvest festival or Zzzzzz ... Ahhh, fall foliage. The perfect backdrop for a puttering along a winding two-lane, strolling the grounds of a harvest festival or Zzzz... more
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Autumn escapes in Europe
Ten reasons to fall for travel in the Old World this season
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Most awesome autumn drives
From the Deep South to Canada, the 15 most scenic foliage drives
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Cringe Diary: Bad Summer Fashion Recap
Your dear old Auntie may have told you that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The Cringe Diary would like to think that the road to hell is paved with bad taste. Of course we think fashion should be fun, daring, and expressive, but there is a big fat line between the stylish and the tawdry. The following is a recap of the most cringe-worthy summer fashion trends for 2008. Let's hope they don't rear their ugly little heads ever again, and in the meantime, tell us...
Which 'trend' makes you cringe the most?
A. Shutter shades- these must come with magical powers like x-ray vision. That would explain their popularity.
B. Fitflop gladiator sandals- I love the gladiator footwear trend, but the Fitflop's spin on the idea suddenly makes Crocs look appealing.
C.The peach backpack- this did not become a summer must-have, but is the perfect example of how the recycling trend has gone too far.
D. Ripped denim- there is something instantly skanky about a pair of torn ripped denim shorts. Your dear old Auntie may have told you that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The Cringe Diary would like to think that ... more -
Why Democrats Should Turn Their Backs on John Edwards
Democrats have a responsibility to turn their backs on Edwards. As a person, I forgive Edwards. But as a representative and a spokesman for the party and its issues, I expect more. As a man who held his marriage, implicitly or otherwise, as an example of his integrity, credibility, and character, John Edwards failed his cause. Democrats have a responsibility to turn their backs on Edwards. As a person, I forgive Edwards. But as a representative and a spokesma... more
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Japanese escalator takes out 20 people
It's times like this when waiting for the elevator would have been a good option.
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55DSL FW08 Collection Video: Low Noise High Quality
The graphic story of 55DSL's Fall Winter '08 Collection was inspired by hi-fidelity stereo equipment and twisted references to the late 80's. Quirky audio cassette graphics, as well as old LP covers, are corrupted with our usual irreverence. Besides the main theme, we still haven't freed ourselves from our habitual obsession with dynamic and abstract geometric graphics- sometimes softened up by mimicking a hand drawn style.
To see more of the collection go to 55DSL.com The graphic story of 55DSL's Fall Winter '08 Collection was inspired by hi-fidelity stereo equipment and twisted references ... more -
Interfaith Blessing of the Garden: Native Plants are new lawn for 21st Century in ...
During 2008 a solar fountain will flow - and wild flowers will bloom - in a native plants garden that has replaced the lawn at the Lutheran Campus Ministry "Lothlorien" house for students at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
An interfaith "Blessing of the Garden" ceremony included chanting, incense and other religious traditions from several faith communities.
Earth Keeper Initiative volunteer media advisor Greg Peterson has the story.
The producers thank Lutheran Campus Ministry student leader Sarah Swanson, NMU sophomore from Rapid River, MI for her videography and photography talents that helped make this video possible
(Marquette, Michigan) - In the spring of 2008 a solar fountain will flow and flowers will bloom in a northern Michigan native plants garden nurtured by university students that was blessed by a Buddhist head priest and a Lutheran pastor
A "Blessing of the Garden" ceremony was held in October 2007 at Lothlorien - the Northern Michigan University Lutheran Campus Ministry house near Lake Superior.
A heavy rain poured the entire day almost causing the ceremony to be moved inside, but the sun came out for 20 minutes and the rain resumed just as the blessing and a tour were completed.
Performing the blessing was Rev. Jon Magnuson, director of Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, MI; and Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Zen Buddhist temple.
The Lothlorien lawn has been turned into a native plants garden that includes rocks from three of the Great Lakes.
The LCM house name, Lothlorien, comes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The garden includes Michigan plants and others from the Boreal border regions of the northern United States including Black Eye Susan, aster, dogbane, bluestem, and Sensitive fern.
Prayers, incense, bells, and chants were part of the ceremony that included a tour of the garden by NMU Student Michael Joko Rotter, a member of Lake Superior Zendo.
"Lothlorien is a magical kingdom part of what Tolkien called Middle-earth - where time passes differently," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, a Lutheran pastor, who founded the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team. Many of the campus ministry students belong to the interfaith NMU EK Student Team.
"Our natural native plants landscaping - our Lothlorien garden - is a sign of a new way of living with the world," Magnuson said. "It honors the indigenous and native plants of our region."
"Lothlorien came into being first as a song," Rev. Magnuson said. "The garden will be a haven for birds and other small creatures."
"The fountain represents the water of Lake Superior and the waters of our baptism," Magnuson said.
The Central Upper Peninsula Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans donated $1,600.
"Students are involved - and we like to support things that young people are going to be enthusiastically involved in like this native plants garden," said Judy Quirk, president of the Thrivent central U.P. chapter.
A fountain in the garden is going to be converted to solar power in the spring of 2008 and the sun will charge a battery allowing the water to flow in cloudy weather.
"We hope this will inspire people to learn the benefits that native plants have, such as requiring a third less water, and no pesticides or fertilizers," said Rotter.
Rotter said the "garden represents the hope of the future."
Cedar Tree Institute:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network:
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:
http://www.thrivent.com During 2008 a solar fountain will flow - and wild flowers will bloom - in a native plants garden that has replaced the lawn at the Lu... more -
Magic Mushroom Hunter
psilocybe semilanceata also known as Liberty Caps or Magic Mushrooms grow freely in the UK, although they are illegal. This documentary shows you how to find and identify the magic mushrooms by observing conditions,landscape and the local wildlife. Thomas Rowsell tracks stags during rutting season with a theory that the stags eat hallucinogenic fungi psilocybe semilanceata also known as Liberty Caps or Magic Mushrooms grow freely in the UK, although they are illegal. This documentar... more
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Fall Foliage Delayed by CO2
Wondering why autumn's riot of red, yellow and orange came late this year? It's not actually rising temperatures that are causing the shift in the color shift, but the rising levels of carbon dioxide. Wondering why autumn's riot of red, yellow and orange came late this year? It's not actually rising temperatures that are ca... more
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FASHION WEEK UPDATE Episode 1
Funny things happen when THE BEAUTIFUL come out in NYC
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Lady drives off cliff, falls 150 ft and lives
Two of these in one day?
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