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As global mean temperatures continue to rise moving the Earth into its warmest period in 10 million years, New York City has begun to feel an immediate impact. While rising ocean levels have not inundated and converted the metropolis into a new Atlantis, precipitation levels have increased and winter temperatures have risen, an early indicator of global warming.

While heat waves and periods of unusually warm weather, ocean warming, arctic warming, melting glaciers and shrinking ice caps, gradual rises in the sea-level, and even the historic hurricane season of 2005 have received significant publicity, harbingers such as spreading disease, earlier thaws, acceleration of evolution including adaptations seen in some insect and plant species, coral reef bleaching, along with an increase in extreme weather have only begun receiving press coverage. Yet two symptoms of global warming have quietly been present in New York City since 1971 and 1950.

Since 1971, fueled by a rising number of severe downpours and heavy snowfalls, New York City has undergone a shift in precipitation patterns. Since official record keeping began in 1869 through 1970, a 102-year period, New York City had 12 years in which 50 or more inches of precipitation had fallen. From 1971 through 2006, even though the year is not finished yet, New York City has already experienced 15 years with 50 inches or more of precipitation. Accordingly if one extrapolated the 36-year period from 1971-2006 over 102 years, it would result in an astonishing 42.5 years of 50 inches or more of precipitation versus the 12 year figure for the period ending in 1970.

Not surprisingly, the period from 1971-2005 has a mean precipitation figure that is 7.22 inches or 16.8% higher than the mean precipitation figure from 1869-1970. It is likely to rise even higher when 2006, which has already seen more than 55 inches of precipitation through November 21st is factored in.

Likewise, considering the higher precipitation figures since 1971, it is also not surprising that nine out of the 12 monthly precipitation records have occurred subsequent to the transition to wetter weather as illustrated by the below table:

New York City Monthly Precipitation Records

January: 10.52 Inches 1979
February: 6.87 Inches 1869
March: 10.54 Inches 1983
April: 14.01 Inches 1983
May: 10.24 Inches 1989
June: 10.27 Inches 2003
July: 11.89 Inches 1889
August: 12.36 Inches 1990
September: 16.85 Inches 1882
October: 16.73 Inches 2005
November: 12.41 Inches 1972
December: 9.98 Inches 1973

With the elevated precipitation levels fueled by an increase in severe downpours that often leave in excess of 2 inches of rain and heavy snowfalls, it is not surprising that the 59 year-old snowfall record fell earlier this year when New York City received a record 26.9 inches of snow from February 11-12 versus the old record of 26.4 inches that had fallen during the Blizzard of 1947 from December 26-27. In addition, New York City has seen two 20+ inch snowstorms in the last 11 years (20.2 inches in 1996 and 26.9 inches in 2006) versus the 59 years it took for the last two (21.1 inches in 1888 and 26.4 inches in 1947). Furthermore three out of New York Citys top five snowstorms since record keeping, have occurred since 1996: 26.9 inches (2006), 20.2 inches (1996, which also saw a record 75.6 inches of snow for 1995-96 winter since modern record keeping, eclipsing the 63.2 1947-48 mark) and 19.8 inches (2003) and five out of the Citys top ten have occurred since 1978.

New York Citys Top 10 Snowstorms[1]

26.9 Inches February 11-12, 2006
26.4 Inches December 26-27, 1947
21.0 Inches March 12-14, 1888
20.2 Inches January 7-8, 1996
19.8 Inches February 16-17, 2003
18.1 Inches March 7-8, 1941
18.0 Inches December 26, 1872
17.7 Inches February 5-7, 1978
17.6 Inches February 11-12, 1983
17.5 Inches February 4-7, 1920

Even more astonishing, since 2000 there have been five snowstorms that have dumped at least a foot of snow on New York City. Aside from the two listed in the above table, 14.0 inches fell from December 5-6, 2003, 13.8 inches from January 22-23, 2005, and 12.0 inches on December 30, 2000.

Consistent with New York Citys snowfall records, seven out of the top ten annual precipitation records have also occurred since 1971:

New York Citys Top 10 Yearly Precipitation Totals

80.56 Inches 1983
67.03 Inches 1972
65.11 Inches 1989
61.21 Inches 1975
60.92 Inches 1990
58.56 Inches 2003
58.32 Inches 1903
58.00 Inches 1913
57.23 Inches 1973
57.16 Inches 1889

Last, prior to 1971, the record of consecutive years for 50 or more inches of precipitation was two, which occurred twice (1888 and 1889 with 53.32 inches and 57.16 inches, respectively and 1902 and 1903 with 52.77 inches and 58.32 inches, respectively). Since 1971, the record is currently four consecutive years (2003-2006 with 58.56, 51.97, 55.90 and 55.83 inches through November 21, 2006) followed by three consecutive that had been set from 1971-1973 when 56.77, 67.03, and 57.23 inches, respectively had fallen. Not coincidentally, with the increased precipitation totals, New York City is currently experiencing a record four consecutive years with 40 or more inches of snowfall (Winter 2002-03 through Winter 2005-06).

Aside from increased precipitation, New York City has also experienced a dramatic decline in extreme cold sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures. Since 1950, New York City has seen the temperature drop below zero with a low of -2 Fahrenheit on only a handful of occasions, a far cry from the early years (1869-1949) when readings fell far deeper below zero including -15 Fahrenheit in 1934. Below is a comparative table of extreme sub-zero readings as measured in Central Park from 1869-1949 and 1950-2006:

New York City Below Zero Temperature Readings

1869-1949:

-15 Fahrenheit February 9, 1934

-13 Fahrenheit December 30, 1917

-8 Fahrenheit February 15, 1943

-7 Fahrenheit December 31, 1917 and February 8, 1934

-6 Fahrenheit December 30, 1880, January 24, 1882, February 10, 1899, December 29, 1917, February 5, 1918, and December 30, 1933

-5 Fahrenheit February 17, 1896 and January 14, 1914

1950-2006:

-2 Fahrenheit February 2, 1961, February 8, 1963, January 17, 1977, January 21, 1985, and January 19, 1994

-1 Fahrenheit January 9, 1968, January 23, 1976, and December 25, 1980

Since the start of the 21st century, the mercury has yet to fall below zero in New York City. With the Big Apples growth and expanding heat-island effect, it is possible that until global warming is effectively addressed, New York City may have seen its last sub-zero reading for decades and even centuries to come.

Another sign of New York Citys warming is the absence of annual snowfall records since 1950 despite the rise in precipitation. While the 1971-2005 mean precipitation totals for November, December, January, and March run 30.3%, 16.7%, 24.6%, and 21.3% higher, respectively than the 1869-1970 figures (February is an exception in which the 1971-2005 mean actually runs 6.8% lower than the 1869-1970 figure), only three winters from that period rank in the top eleven as far as snowiest seasons go. Below is a table of the eleven snowiest seasons:

Top 11 Snowiest Seasons:

1. 75.6, 1995-96
2. 63.2, 1947-48
3. 60.4, 1922-23
4. 60.3, 1872-73
5. 55.9, 1898-99
6. 54.7, 1960-61
7. 53.4, 1993-94
8. 53.2, 1906-07
9. 52.0, 1933-34
10. 51.5, 1966-67
11. 50.7, 1915-16, 1916-17, 1977-78

However, despite the adversity of warmer weather and wetter winter precipitation, the 1971 transition has had an impact when it comes to consecutive winters with 40 or more inches of snow. The old record of two consecutive winters set on four different occasions has been broken as illustrated below:

Consecutive 40 or More Inch Snowfall Seasons:

1882-83: 44.0 Inches
1883-84: 43.1 Inches

1895-96: 46.3 Inches
1896-97: 43.6 Inches

1915-16: 50.7 Inches
1916-17: 50.7 Inches

1947-48: 63.2 Inches
1948-49: 46.6 Inches

2002-03: 49.3 Inches
2003-04: 42.6 Inches
2004-05: 41.0 Inches
2005-06: 40.0 Inches

Based on New York Citys transition to a wetter climate starting in 1971 and to a warmer winter commencing in 1950, the imprint of global warming is already present from a microcosmic meteorological standpoint. Thus global warming is not a theory. It is a scientifically proven fact that must be dealt with. Until carbon-based fuels are replaced with clean alternatives such as hydrogen or a catastrophic natural event such as a significant or even super volcanic eruption occurs, the latter which can be equally as devastating, the Earths warming will continue threatening not only the mild repercussions that New York City has seen to date, but significant climactic changes that will not only adversely affect the global economy through famine, disease and increased storm-related damage to such a level that it could devastate [it] on a scale of the two world wars and the depression of the 1930s,[2] but also to accelerating mutations and the extinction of rising numbers of species that cannot adapt to the changing conditions or fall prey to other migrating species originally alien to their habitats as competition for food and other scarce resources heightens.

_____

[1] The National Weather Service.

[2] Warming may cause economic chaos. CNN.com. 30 October 2006. 19 November 2006. http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/10/30/warming.report/index.html

_____

Additional Sources:

Blaine P. Friedlander, Jr. Winter season clobbered the region with 147 billion tons of the white stuff. Mother Nature's pounding left 18 freshly fallen records. Cornell University Science News. 18 June 1996. 19 November 2006. http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/June96/snowweight.bpf.html

Don Sutherland. NYC Continues Push Toward 50" Annual Precipitation: Some Thoughts." 17 October 2006. 30 October 2006. http://www.easternuswx.com/

Global Warming: Early Warning Signs. 2001. 4 November 2006. http://www.climatehotmap.org/

William Sutherland is a published poet and writer. He is the author of three books, "Poetry, Prayers & Haiku" (1999), "Russian Spring" (2003) and "Aaliyah Remembered: Her Life & The Person behind the Mystique" (2005) and has been published in poetry anthologies around the world. He has been featured in "Who's Who in New Poets" (1996), "The International Who's Who in Poetry" (2004), and is a member of the "International Poetry Hall of Fame." He is also a contributor to Wikipedia, the number one online encyclopedia.

There are all sorts of things to do in Florida in the summer, making it a great time for a visit. The kids are out of school, the adults are longing for a break from the everyday routine, and you can factor in the many great Florida events that are going on throughout the season to enhance your vacation.

June - Florida Events to Start the Summer Season
Every year in June in Coconut Grove, Florida, the Goombay Festival delights people of all ages and is one of the more interesting things to do in Florida. Known as the largest black heritage festival in the United States, the Goombay Festival has been running strong since 1977. The festival includes displays of Bahamian history, authentic arts and crafts, plus music and Junkanoo dance. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend each day, making this a delightful stop for any family.

Another of the unusual Florida events for the whole family is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, held in Fort Walton Beach. Pirates and pirate-related activities abound throughout this three-day festival, which includes a block party featuring performances by musical groups of various genres, as well as a torchlight parade and a treasure hunt that has participants scrambling to find two rare silver coins (one for adults, one for children). If you're hoping for pirate-related things to do in Florida, you shouldn't miss this.

For those looking for things to do in Florida that are more historical, for over 50 years, the Fiesta of Five Flags has been held in Pensacola to celebrate the city's founding as the first European settlement in the United States. This week of great Florida events includes treasure hunts, boat parades, and a sand sculpture contest. Don't forget to make time for the Grand Fiesta Parade, which includes pirates, clowns, and other colorful characters.

Still need more things to do in Florida in June? Other great Florida events include the Monticello Watermelon Festival in Jefferson County (a 50-year-old festival celebrating the juicy fruit with beauty pageants, dances, a parade, and more); Beethoven by the Beach in Fort Lauderdale (featuring activities celebrating the life of the great composer, including performances of his symphonies by various musical acts); and the Downtown Venice Craft Festival (a juried craft show featuring exhibits by over 100 artisans showing everything from jewelry to photography).

July - Things to Do in Florida on Independence Day and Beyond!
As the summer really gets going, there are even more fun Florida events during month of July. Of course, there are many celebrations for the 4th that you may want to attend, depending on where you and your family are staying. If you're looking for things to do in Florida near Jacksonville, you won't want to miss the "Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks" event. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July! If you're in Clearwater, check out "Clearwater Celebrates America," a multi-day festival of music, food, and fun, leading up to the 4th. And of course, if you're in Orlando, you will probably want to go to Walt Disney World to enjoy the grand show that the park puts on for the nation's birthday - although bear in mind that a lot of other families may have the exact same idea!

For music lovers seeking things to do in Florida in July, check out the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. This is one of the more remarkable Florida events. It features musicians performing - you guessed it - underwater! You can also dive down to visit an undersea art gallery while exploring the coral reef that makes the area famous. If you're lucky, you might even see a mermaid singing backup.

Toward the end of the month, the Hemingway Days Festival in Key West is one of the best Florida events for fans of literature. Make sure you check out the lookalike contest, where men compete to look the most like Ernest. There are also fishing tournaments and a short fun run for visitors to watch or participate in.

August - Celebrate the End of the Summer with Great Florida Events
The month of August means summer is winding to a close and it's time to take one last big vacation before school starts up. For memorable things to do in Florida in August, visit Wausau, which is the "Possum Capital of the United States," to participate in the annual Possum Festival and Funday. It's hard to describe, but it's worth checking out if you are seeking unique Florida events to tell people about when you get home.

If you prefer things to do in Florida that are a bit more mainstream, August is Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Restaurants throughout the city offer specially priced three-course meals at lunch and dinner for all to enjoy. It's a great way to sample some of the fare that this bustling city has to offer for a great price.

In addition, the entire month is devoted to Boca Festival Days in Boca Raton. Throughout the month, enjoy music, fun, and food in over 40 different locations around the city. Other Florida events that are a part of this festival include a three-day trade fair and a juried art exhibit that you won't want to miss. If you are looking for things to do in Florida at any time during the month, make Boca a stop on your journey and you'll find something to do that will delight every member of your family.

Conclusion
This is just a small sampling of the many things to do in Florida during the summer months. Make sure you take the time to investigate the Florida events taking place in your specific destination before you leave for your journey. Why settle for the same-old-same-old when you can explore a new festival or party every night of the week?

About the Author
Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly. He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com, an online Florida vacation guide, now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

Relaxing in Style: Florida Investment Properties

In Florida, relaxing in the sun and sand is a way of life. Theres no better way to experience a slice of Florida living than buying your own space. Florida Investment Property provide just thata place that you can return to year after year for the perfect vacation. One of the pleasures of living and vacationing in this peninsula state is that no matter where you go, the warm, inviting beach is nearby. Floridas attractions can also be in your neighborhood when you decide on a Florida Investment Property.

Inland, youll find Florida Investment Properties in every city and vacation destination. From tiny beachfront flats to grand sky-scraping apartment homes, youll find a range of choices and prices to consider. Florida Investment Properties can be just about any property with a Florida style that becomes your home away from home.

A condominium gives you and your family easy access to Floridas unparalleled beaches and attractions. A comfortable space where you can come and go as you please, Florida Investment Properties offer a way for visitors to get a taste of Florida living. Many of the most affordable condos lie near attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Florida Investment Properties allow families to split their time between the excitement of theme parks and the relaxing calm of the waves.

Finding Florida Investment Property

There are plenty of perfect locations for Florida Investment Properties. From the historic sands of St. Augustine to the urban shores of Miami Beach, the beautiful Gulf of Mexico to the roaring surf of the Atlantic in Daytona. At any of these spots you can find a wealth of properties for sale in central Florida. Below are the hot spots for Florida investment property. In these locations, Florida Investment Properties describe a certain way of living and can be right beside the waves or a few miles inland. In Orlando Florida, a condo near the attractions is still a short car ride away from the beach. As the saying goes, what matters is location, location, location.

Properties for sale in Central Florida

Orlandos central location makes it a perfect fit for vacationers who want it all. In the midst of attractions, beaches and the arts, Orlando is more of an area than just a city. Youll find luxury Caribbean inspired condos central to Disney and the renewed Cypress Gardens. These villas offer families a place to settle near exciting theme parks with a relaxing residence to call home.

Families can find a diverse spread of activities to suit teens and toddlers. Apart from the theme parks, Orlando is home to upscale malls and outlets, museums and clubs. Because Orlando is smack in the middle of Florida, it is an easy place to launch a day or weekend trip. Kennedy Space Center is only an hour away, as well as Tampa Florida and Daytona Beach. When you decide to make Orlando your spot for a Florida Investment Property purchase, there are plenty of choices for your home away from home. Properties located close to the theme parks are a great choice because of their centralized location. One property close to Walt Disney World in Davenport Florida, called the Bimini Bay Resort, gives owners a cool, Caribbean style bungalow complete with all the comforts of home.

Florida Investment Properties like the Bimini Bay Resort are unique in the quiet retreat they offer. Unlike hotels near the theme parks that are often crowded with other visitors, your own Florida Investment Property lets your family relax in a comfortable place thats all your own. Davenport is also minutes from Cypress Gardens, a newly constructed adventure park.

Kissimmee, another Central Florida town close to the theme parks is home to family resorts at discount rates. Kids and parents can both find fun in the Kissimmee area. In the middle of outlet malls, amusement parks and exciting dining experiences like Medieval Times, this is one of Central Floridas best vacation deals.

If you decide on a beachside condominium, New Smyrna, Daytona and Cocoa Beach are Orlandos hotspots. These Florida Investment Properties will still keep you close to Orlandos attractions. A home beside the Atlantic Ocean gives families a true taste of the Florida lifestyle.

4. South Florida Investment Property Purchases

Apart from Orlando, there are plenty of beachside towns to house your perfect Florida Investment Property. Below youll find a snapshot of beautiful beachside cities spread throughout the state. Consider what your family needs in a Florida Investment Property ;a place to get away in a quiet corner of the state or a thriving town with plenty of activities for everyone.

One beach destination in Florida is Sarasota. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is an artsy town home to a lot of condominiums owned by retired men and women. These Florida Investment Properies tend to be in high price ranges though they are beautiful. Sarasota is home to quaint shopping areas by the beach as well as cozy marinas and restaurants. Along the Gulf of Mexico is a saint of a beach perfect for a condominium purchase. St. Petersburg, just below Tampa is another quiet place to own a Florida Investment Property. St. Pete is a relaxed beach town dotted with bed and breakfasts, family owned restaurants and ritzy hotels.

If a spicier place is where you want your Florida Investment Property, then cruise on down to Miami. This non-stop town is the place for a jet set young couple ready to party. Just on the tip of the sunshine state, Miami is a Latin hub filled with nightlife and hot beaches.

5. North Florida Investment Property Purchases

On the opposite tip of the state than Miami is Destin beach. Located in what Floridians call the panhandle, Destin is known for snow-white beaches and quiet vacation destinations near the capital of Tallahassee. Here, Florida Investment Properties are close to the border states of Alabama and Georgia; perfect for border hopping if you so choose. Destin also offers places where you can camp right on the Gulf (that is, if you want to leave your comfy condominium for a night).

St. Augustine is also an exciting place to vacation in a Florida Investment Property. For history buffs, this is the place to find the oldest settlements in Florida. From the Spanish fort made of shells to the oldest schoolhouse, St. Augustine surrounds visitors with nostalgia. There are also plenty of opportunities for golf and tennis at the nearby resort town of Ponte Vedra Beach.

Where to Start Shopping for Florida Investment Property

According to Floridas official website for visitors, www.flausa.com, Florida welcomed 74.5 million visitors from around the world in 2003. Once you decide on Florida as the place for your vacation, the daunting task of finding the right condominium purchase lies before you. Flausa.com is a good starting ground for learning more about everything Florida has to offer. The official website for visiting the state, you can contact the Florida tourism bureau directly with questions. From the site you can also access booking calendars and even keep a list of your familys reservations. Here, industry leaders also keep up with the latest vacation specials. There are many sites which provide a detailed list of Florida Investment Properties with lists of virtually every city available. There are other sites to check out for lists of Florida Investment Properties or you can contact your realtor.

Florida Investment Properties are a unique and relaxing way to spend your vacations. Florida Investment Properties are unlike any other homes in their embrace of carefree Florida living. Whether you breathe in the ocean from your balcony or take in the sun on an inland patio, a condominium gives you a chance to make Florida your home for as long as you and your family can. Florida investment properties are one way to participate in the growing tourism and real estate prices.

All Rights Reserved 2005

Lisa Carson
Florida investment Properties expert
www.biminibayresortinvestment.com
Lcarson@biminibayresortinvestment.com

Seasonal fitness is very common with the general weekend warriors and serious fitness gurus. In fact, seasonal fitness provides variety as a host of new and exciting routines opens up to each and every one of us with changes in the weather. A great example is outdoor exercising. Not only is this influenced by the seasons but also geographically. In the west you can just about workout outside every day (some exceptions for rain of course). On the east coast you can certainly choose to run in sub 30 degree weather but most will choose not to do so. We like to think of this as the attraction factor. The attraction factor is critical as it helps to setup and thus manage ones enthusiasm towards repeatable exercising and adherence to your overall life fitness goals.

How often do you see the Television Ads where the healthy ads always seem to be on location somewhere near Los Angeles? Its not by chance its a fact that everyone thinks of California as the healthy state (Florida is right in there as well of course!). The land of the creative and fortunate to have been born/raised or moved to the sunshine have almost too many choices for outdoor activities year round. Sometimes this leads to being overwhelmed and it can create a failure to start or implement a fitness program.

Bike riding is probably one of the most misunderstood levels of exercising. People think they need a top of the line product to achieve maximum performance and results. Hardly, find yourself a solid bike within your budget. Then find a course around your neighborhood that offers challenges (hills) and enough soft landings to properly maintain 30 minutes of solid riding. Bike riding can achieve much better results than just walking. We recommend this above and beyond walking if its feasible.

So, what to do when we are less than fortunate to live in a year round warm climate? You can invest in a home gym for starters and we have lots of information on our corporate web site for ways to research these options. There are also the private gyms, local community centers and all offers some level of performance that should be a good enough fit for your needs. Swimming indoors is just as effective as outdoors. All across the US and Europe there are choices available to swim year round. Swimming is a great way to tone and maintain great body fitness with the least amount of muscle wear and tear.

In Todays world there just isnt an excuse not to exercise. Move that body and get yourself in shape to lead a healthy life style way into your later years of life. Todays retirees have an enomorous task as their once beloved pensions and healthcare solutions are not what they had hoped. We can all take a step in the right direction by getting ahead of the health curve and get in shape early in life. Its never too late! Make sure you combine a healthy eating plan as well. Exercise requires solid fuel intake and a well balanced meal plan. In addition we strongly believe is a good (twice a day) natural supplement program. We like adding almonds and Mona Vie Internationals acai berry juice to our daily plan. It provides a safe and healthy way to achieve 100+ percent of the RDA for our vitamins and antioxidant needs (and then some when it comes to the benefits of the Acai Berry!).

Irene has been servicing the Health and Wellness industry since graduating from Cal State Fullerton in 1982. Through her professional experiences in primarily the Physical Therapy field (presently working) she has gathered deep understandings on nutrition, exercise and overall healthy programs to share with her readers and clients of Planet Berry LLC. To learn more on Irene or Planet Berry please visit their corporate web site at http://www.planetberries.com or email at info@planetberries.com