Betting on sea ice: $10,000 : Stoat

there are models of sea ice volume, which show much sharper decline than the decline in sea ice extent indicates. These models indicate that Arctic sea ice is getting thinner and thinner, to the point where (as Dr. Maslowski pronounced) it will "just melt away quite suddenly" in some summer, possibly as early as 2013.

Mount Rainier has lost 14 percent of its ice and snow - The Washington Post

Researchers arrived at that figure by comparing the estimated thickness and extent of ice seen in a 1970 aerial survey with those measured in 2007 and 2008.  [Why not use more recent data?]

Value of solar power far exceeds its cost | Grist

Solar power has a monetary value as much as 10 times higher than its energy value

Chill drives rug search | Australia

AS CHILLY temperatures keep Bundaberg huddled under the winter warmers, Lifeline is desperately struggling to find blankets for those less fortunate.
...
Mr Armstrong said demand for blankets was the highest he had seen in the past eight years.

“Mainly because it's so cold everywhere,” he said.

“Every centre across the state is experiencing cold weather.”

Each year the charity puts out a plea for blankets but this year the situation is more desperate, with rugs and spreads leaving the shop almost as soon as they come in.