The Calgary Sun - Weather stems advance of tree-killing beetles

EDMONTON -- Frigid temperatures this winter have killed off more than 90% of the mountain pine beetles in Alberta forests, scientific data suggests.

Biodiesel backers push mandate to 'save industry' | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register

Kibbie said opposition is from petroleum marketers, who stand to lose the income tax deduction, and truckers who are wary of biodiesel because of its propensity to gel in cold weather.

"They have a biodiesel mandate in Minnesota, and there's been plenty of trouble with it there," said Bob Kohlwes, president of BTI Special Commodities trucking company in Des Moines.

More about spring | CharlotteObserver.com

The "creeping" of the seasons has been noticed by meteorologists. They note that the average warmest and coldest days of the year are about two days earlier than about 20 years ago.

Some scientists say this is actually a result of global climate change, and that the real change is the shortening of winter and lengthening of summer. Other scientists disagree, saying the uneven orbit of the earth is causing the seasons to slip slightly.

If that's true, summer could be in December, January and February in another century or two -- but none of us will be around to worry about that.