Science

Could A ‘Solar Maximum’ Event Spark Food Riots And Meltdowns? (One Respected Scientist Says ‘Yes!’)

Could A Huge Solar Flare Knock Out Our Entire Grid?

Image: NASA

If Earth is struck by a large solar flare, some in the scientific community believe:

  • The planet will be hit with a widespread loss of power.
  • Air travel would be grounded.
  • Nuclear plants would be crippled and without sufficient back-up power, dozens could meltdown.
  • Satellites would be disabled, causing a serious loss of communication in all areas (military and civilian).
  • Food and medicine would be in short supply, setting up the potential for food riots within days of an outage.

The same scientists who believe thatΒ a large solar strike could lead to a very rapid societal breakdownΒ say that steps to avoid the problem are available and at a relatively low cost to all of us. What is a “relatively low cost?” They estimate the amount of money needed to insulate the power grid (and ourselves) from trouble to be less than one dollar per American. But Congress said “no” to their proposal.

Is there really cause for concern?

Over the next fourteen months Earth will be on high alert for a huge burst of electromagnetic energy from the sun. This powerful pulse is known as a “Solar Maximum” – an event that could cause catastrophic damage to power grids and communications systems. The peak time for the next big flare is sometime between now and the end of 2013. This possibility has scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on alert. Tom Bogdan, the director of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, is monitoring the situation as closely as possible.

β€œWe now know how powerful space weather can be and how events that begin on the surface of the Sun can end up wreaking havoc here on Earth.Β This is why NOAA has a Space Weather Prediction Center β€” to forecast when space weather is coming our way, so we can avoid or mitigate damages.”

When Bogdan talks about “mitigating damages” he sounds calm, but the effects of a large, direct hit by a solar flare on our power grid would be substantial. One study from 2008 puts the damage estimate in the $1-2 trillion rage. (Hurricane Katrina was a $125 billion disaster.) Why is the cost so high? In the event of a direct hit from a “Solar Maximum,” much of our everyday lives would be altered or affected. Consider how many things are tied directly to electricity and satellites.

  • Power grid
  • Cell phones /Β GPS
  • Airline communications and guidance
  • Military

As pointed out by notable American physicist and co-founder of the string theory, Dr. Michio Kaku:

“Solar flares are like bullets fired into space, so far we’ve dodged the bullets.”

Dr. Kaku and NOAA’s Bogdan both point to “The Carrington Event,” a massive solar flare that hit Earth in 1859. This was long before electricity and telephones were part of everyday life. The only real form of national communication that spanned the country was the telegraph, and those systems were hit hard. NOAA reports what happened when that flare struck:

On a summer day in 1859, a silent surge of power from a major geomagnetic storm fueled by a solar eruption hit telegraph offices around the world. Some telegraph operators got electric shocks. Papers caught fire. And perhaps most amazing, many telegraph systems still sent and received signals even after operators disconnected batteries.

Could A Huge Solar Flare Knock Out Our Entire Grid?

Image: NASA

Could another flare the size of the “Carrington Event” be headed our way? If this is possible (or inevitable as Dr. Kaku believes), what would happen to our basic communication and power systems? Is there anything we can do to prepare to be hit by a “Solar Maximum?”

Dr. Kaku and other members of the American Physical Society (APS) think America should take a more aggressive stance on preparing for a major solar flare. And when it comes to protecting our power infrastructure, these thinkers believe a relatively small investment of $150 million to $300 million would guarantee that power would continue to flow across the country during such an event.Β Last year, a group of physicists from APS spoke to Congress and presented their pitch for the money. They were turned away.

Dr. Kaku appeared on aΒ national radio showΒ to discuss what might happen to our systems if we get a direct hit. His concerns and clarity on the subject are explained in language easily understood by even the most un-scientific among us.

The solar flares also produce a stunning celestial light show. Last summer, a very large flare gave the planet some spectacular images that NASA has shared.

(H/T:Β Zero Hedge)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (315)

  • Micmac
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:54pm

    There are many great articles on this subject. The electrical grid is arcane, having been constructed over many years, many years ago, before they knew what they know now.

    The “Theys” have been trying to get congress to protect the grid for years at a relatively small cost, but congress keeps saying no and then sends money to the likes of Egypt. It is true that the nuke power plants could be utterly and permanently destroyed. The consequences really could be catastrophic, and I just can’t understand. for the life of me, why congress won’t act on this.

    All it is is an insurance plan for America. Even a small failure could cascade if placed correctly. I just don’t get it. I’m glad it is getting some press, albeit very little.

    Report this comment

    Micmac  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:17pm

      Because they need a crisis, that they can’t let go to waste….It’s not a right left thing, it is a globalist thing.

      “Hey… we could take advantage of that situation!”

      Report this comment

      Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • Hoax And Chains
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:36pm

      Since when have you ever known the government to be proactive?

      Report this comment

      Hoax And Chains  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:44pm

      Why should the government be REGULATING our PRIVATE SECTOR? Why don’t we yell at Con Ed to protect the grid? It’s their grid isn’t it?

      Shouldn’t the Private Sector know how to manage their own product? You want to tax the people to help big business even more? Give me a break.

      Report this comment

      VoteBushIn12  
    • KevINtampa
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Interesting that these are the same symptoms that would occur with an EMP strike.

      Report this comment

      KevINtampa  
    • John 1776
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:37pm

      But the chances of this happening are very small!
      It would be as if a hurricane came all the way north and then suddenly made a bee-line for the Jersey Shore!

      Report this comment

      John 1776  
    • rangerskippy
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:47pm

      VoteBush

      You and the huffpo sorts insinuate that the right does not believe in science, and it is all a big farce.

      The right/ conservatives/ Christians…. believe in science as much or more than anyone else.

      Much of the business world is run by people on the right, and it is science that drives new technology, medicine, engineering……
      When we do not buy into malarkey, you want to accuse us of not believe in science. False claims on evolution (there are countless times when evolutionists make up science, and get found out). When folks do not buy into moving toward globalism and socialism do to made up claims MAN MADE global warming.

      You will find that some of the top scientists in history, and still living today happen to be Christians.

      Report this comment

      rangerskippy  
    • Mulder1
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Yes, the society would be just liike the one on the TV show Revolution; a very entertaining show! It’s a good idea to stock up on food, water, and weapons anyway because the Obama riots are coming before his term is up.

      Report this comment

      Mulder1  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:34pm

      VoteBushIn12

      Since when do you Blaze Bangers believe what scientists think?
      ***

      Oh we believe in science. We even listen to scientists. We just don’t listen to or believe the same group of scientists that you do & in your tormented mind that means we are anti-science.

      Who am I going to believe. Al Gore or myself? Al Gore got a D in the science course he took in college. I took many more courses in science & had much better grades then Al Gore.

      So many scientists like Michael Mann are not only afraid of losing tenure or getting tenure never mind losing government $$$$$ for research. So I am sure they can be impartial especially when a Vice President like Al Gore had power of the purse.

      Just because a scientists has a PHD in some scientific field instead of an art degree or an MBA, it means that they have less of a tendency to be “rent seeking”?

      People who major in STEM subject are never, ever subjected to the pressures of dailing living& would never rent seek!

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:44pm

      VoteBushIn12
      I believe even Newt Gingrich has said we should harden out electrical grid against EMP attacks. If we did that then we would also be protected against solar storms too.

      http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/us/politics/gingrichs-electromagnetic-pulse-warning-has-skeptics.html?pagewanted=all

      http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2012/07/13/newt-gingrich-emp-power-outtage/

      So here we are apprehensive about solar storms. Meanwhile Sandra Fluck has her free birth control, because ya know a girl has to have fun.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:48pm

      AT least one troll,VoteBushIn12, posted on this story. The other were not given marching orders as it does not concern public money for abortion, public money for birth control, etc.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • WarMunger_Al
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 5:14pm

      they would rather spend the money on turtle tunnels, and mars trip menus. Or funding terrorists in Syria and Palestine.

      Report this comment

      WarMunger_Al  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 5:24pm

      @WALKABOUT
      The scientists predicting this universal storm also believe in Evolution, Big Bang Theory, and Global Warming. It’s the same math.

      You can’t accept the letter C and denounce the letter D. They are both part of the same alphabet.

      Report this comment

      VoteBushIn12  
    • sasquatch08
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 5:37pm

      @votebushin12:

      You do know that electric companies are government controlled monopolies right?

      Report this comment

      sasquatch08  
    • QuincySmith
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 5:56pm

      Vote12;

      “The scientists predicting this universal storm also believe in Evolution, Big Bang Theory, and Global Warming. It’s the same math.” ~~~ Your spell checker isn’t working, I’m sure you meant to say it is the same MYTH.

      Report this comment

      QuincySmith  
    • Dr Vel
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 6:16pm

      So tired of the doom saying science geeks. We lived with the same threat from 1960 to 2012. Nothing yet. So now it is important we all live in terror? This problem and every single power outage during severe weather would not exist if utilities were replacing overhead lines with buried shielded cable. They could have started years ago. Every time lines were torn down by storms upgrade the grid. This would save them from having to do it all at once. Had they been doing this over the years the threat from the sun as well as storm outages would be reducing mile of line by mile. Yet they do nothing. Hundreds of millions to study and warn us of a disaster they could not stop anyway? If that money was spent on underground cable the problem could not occur period. Scenery would be improving year by year and electrical interference to communications would also be dwindling. Enough of this pointless fear mongering crap. Fix it and shut up.

      Report this comment

      Dr Vel  
    • VerySeniorCitizen
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 7:22pm

      Hey guys, I would suggest that you buy Glenn’s ‘Emergency Food packages’ and bury yourselves in the cellar for a while.

      Why??

      Because it would make Glenn a lot of money so he could laugh all the way to the bank – which, by the way, will stay open so he can REALLY enjoy his wealth!

      Report this comment

      VerySeniorCitizen  
    • rangerskippy
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 7:57pm

      vote bush

      Yep, and those same scientist got caught fudging the numbers and data, trying to prove the MAN MADE global warming.

      Those same scientists over the years have also lied, and made up hoaxes like Piltdown man, Nebraska man, Neanderthal man, pinned moths to trees…..

      They also try to lie, and show us micro evolution, and then claim it to be macro evolution.

      they also struggle with the 2nd law of thermodynamics and biogenetics.

      Once again, we (Christian Conservatives) believe in science, we also know the difference between a theory and a law.

      Report this comment

      rangerskippy  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 8:37pm

      I am “reasonably” ready for a non-nuclear/biological disaster. I’ve got enough food to feed a family of 5 for a year, without resupply, enough water for a month but with a river nearby and a filtration system this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. I’ve got enough weapons, ammunition, and combat effective family members to hold off about 10 trained, maybe twice that untrained.

      Any more than that, we’ll be bugging out. The problem is time and expense. To really do it right and really be prepared, you need alot of money and alot of time. This is pretty hard when your trying to pay off a mortgage, get completely out of debt, invest, save up to help your kids (the ones who really want it, and are capable), go to college.

      Report this comment

      RANGER1965  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 8:48pm

      I WOULD NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS SAYS ABOUT ANYTHING

      I trust in God’s sun being around for a long time. The only thing this Government deserves is our pent up hate. This Government is no longer legitimate and is being ruled by a fake who happens to now have more guns then us.

      Report this comment

      muffythetuffy  
    • Keatonc333
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 9:40pm

      ” COULD A β€˜SOLAR MAXIMUM’ EVENT SPARK FOOD RIOTS AND MELTDOWNS? (ONE RESPECTED SCIENTIST SAYS β€˜YES!’) ” every other scientist says NO

      Report this comment

      Keatonc333  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 10:37pm

      @DR VEL
      Couldn’t agree more. The Power companies just wanted to pocket the profits, instead of constantly upgrading/reinforcing their grid.
      The NOAA & NASA are the same people who believe in MMGW, what would keep them honest? How do we know they aren’t using CGI and showing us an illusion? With all the liars and wolf-criers like Al Gore and such, how do we know who to believe anymore?
      I know a good bit about science, so I’m no pushover. We have so many threats to worry about, asteroids, comets, solar flares, terrorists, storms, ect., but our biggest, most direct and present threat is the unlawful Obama Administration, and they just got a four year pass from the uneducated, the lazy, who didn’t get out to vote, and the dishonest.
      I’ll just live my life one day at a time, try to be ready and keep preparing.

      Report this comment

      Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • SendTheMeteors
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 12:23am

      Listen, I love the Blaze because it is an truly American website, who freely allow the exchange of ideas from both the right and the left, without censoring people simply because they may or may not agree with the editors. We have differences, and let freedom ring with the debate in the marketplace of ideas! God bless the Blaze and their promotion of the 1st Amendment rights.

      One thing upon which we can all agree is the need to protect our children and ourselves from threats. I thought, as did many of my brethren here on the Blaze, that Obama would assume dictatorial and prevent the 2012 election. I freely admit that I was wrong, although I still say he’ll declare Marshall Law and become absolute dictator in the near future, and fulfill the UN mandated Agenda Area 51 or whatever.

      But that’s not my point. My point is that we can all come together, both the left and the right, as far as protecting ourselves from the coming apocalypse, be it a solar flair, Obama dictatorship or a virus that wipes out most of mankind. We all need insurance against catastrophe, be it from Democrats or natural disasters.

      Where would that security come from? Good question! After the apocalypse, as prepared as you are, you’ll need something you can barter. The simple answer? Gold, something which never loses value. You can buy gold lots of places, but having searched around, my choice would be Godline. They have some limited edition Lincoln coins that could spell the differen

      Report this comment

      SendTheMeteors  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 12:41am

      @Bush

      If only the science of today held such high standards.

      You’re correct when we’re talking about subatomic particles, or the orbital mechanics of a comet along the ecliptic. It’s a beautiful thing to see scientists take their knives out and rip into the meat of another scientist’s peer reviewed work. It might take years, and hundreds of revisions, but after going through the meat grinder a couple of times, solid work tends to become somthing akin to a fact, and is generally accepted by the scientific community at large. But it’s never, Never, NEVER!….settled. As new information emerges the entire thing can be beaten down again, revised, or even discarded as wrong. And nothing is ever concluded by a consensus. Now that’s real science.
      But when science brushes up against political behemoths like man-made caused global warming, macro species mutational evolution, the genetics of homosexuality, or anytime money is involved, science gets thrown out the window, and real scientists won’t touch this stuff with a ten foot pole. Then we start to see the science of political consensus, and bullying tactics to make science say what it should not.

      So I’m afraid I’ll disagree with you, not because science is misguided or wrong, but because many of the people that are in the field are failures or cowards when it comes to some of the politcal hot buttons out there.

      Report this comment

      RANGER1965  
    • Shoot2Stop
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 2:44am

      @VOTEBUSHIN12: “Why should the government be REGULATING our PRIVATE SECTOR? … It’s their grid isn’t it?…”

      Because in this modern era the grid is as much a national resource is as drinking water. Without electricity most folks wouldn’t be able to draw a glass of water, let alone flush their toilets.

      @KEVINTAMPA: “Interesting that these are the same symptoms that would occur with an EMP strike.”

      Not quite. An EMP has three components to the effect; E1, E2, and E3. The fast rise-time E1 pulse will cause damage to most semiconductors, and permanently take out most of our computers and other microprocessor based devices. The E3 component, which can be up to several minutes after the E1 pulse, pushes the earth’s magnetic field, when the field springs back it induces high currents in long wires, which may cause major damage to transformers, and other components of the grid. The effects of an EMP E3 and a solar CME are nearly identical, but a CME won’t take out semiconductors.

      @RANGERSKIPPY: “You will find that some of the top scientists in history, and still living today happen to be Christians.”

      In general about 80 to 85 percent of the non-scientific public claims to be religious, where the nearly the opposite is true for working scientists; about 80 to 85 percent claim to be atheists, or at least agnostics.

      Report this comment

      Shoot2Stop  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:22am

      A Carrington Event could cause EMP-like symptoms, like the destruction of electronic components. You should have a Faraday Cage to protect emergency electronics against a man-made EMP event anyway. The Faraday Cage could protect against both. They’re easy to make. An old popcorn tin lined with newspaper or an old microwave can be used as a Faraday cage.

      Report this comment

      Brooke Lorren  
    • ThriCeSLewis
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:30am

      Ranger1965 for the win. Epistemological presuppositions are the wind in science’s sails…they determine the ships course. Science is not above the twisted motives of men…

      The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPeyJvXU68k&sns=tw via @youtube

      Report this comment

      ThriCeSLewis  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:34am

      @SHOOT2STOP
      No I agree. I was playing devils advocate.

      @RANGER1965
      The only reason anyone perceives the topics of Evolution or Global Warming as being “political” is because right wing nut jobs dismiss it and thereby make it political. You think scientists care what party disagrees with them? Not a chance. They only care that SOMEONE disagrees.

      It’s unfortunate that our law makers are not learned enough to understand the scientific findings. Would they be, we might see more rapid change in the areas that mattered most.

      These things you consider politically divisive shouldn’t be because the answers are so obvious. There is literally no debate.
      How did humans get here? That’s been determined.
      How old is the earth? We know that too.
      What’s the effect of increased emission of CO2 into the atmosphere? Obvious to anyone in the domain.

      The problem arises when non experts – fueled by blind faith – butt heads with the experts and begin to mislead the masses. All this talk of evolution being micro only and not macro is absurd. It’s misinformation propagated by uneducated religious fanatics desperately trying to sway public opinion against the grain. And you mindless trash receptacles just eat it up and regurgitate it without care or concern for what is truth.

      If I sound flustered it is because I am. I defend this topic very passionately because I consider it so fundamentally important to our progress as a nation. You are a part of the problem.

      Report this comment

      VoteBushIn12  
    • antiprogressive
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:35am

      I’ve seen a lot of History / Discovery shows with this scientist. I’ve always respected his opinion on any given subject matter. However, it is his “job” to look at probabilities and possibilities.

      SURE the event will happen again. That’s a no brainer. I hope we are all adult enough to know that. The likelihood is the question. So, just for the sake of argument, let’s say it WILL happen within the next 10 years.

      The problem I have with the government getting involved is that they SAY it will cost say 100 Million dollars to protect us from it. But we all know that 100 BILLION dollars later, it will still be unprotected and another “Al Gore” will be rich.

      Further – another giant asteroid/meteor WILL someday hit – should/can we protect ourselves from that?

      Another giant hurricane will soon hit – what are we doing about that?

      Tornados, forrest fires, viral outbreaks – whatever the case, we can’t STOP them.
      But the government CAN take our money and claim to TRY.
      They will never SOLVE the problem, and they wll never stop taking money, citing better, newer ways to attack it. It WILL be a never ending TAX.

      Let’s face it. if the government could do ANYTHING in a fiscally responsible way, and finish the job/tax quickly, the people would back more of these proposals.

      But that will NEVER happen and we will NEVER trust them.

      Solving the TRUST issue would be money better spent.

      Report this comment

      antiprogressive  
    • ThriCeSLewis
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:36am

      @shoottostop “In general about 80 to 85 percent of the non-scientific public claims to be religious, where the nearly the opposite is true for working scientists; about 80 to 85 percent claim to be atheists, or at least agnostics.”

      Yes..they curse the foundation on which their house is built…

      Report this comment

      ThriCeSLewis  
    • November26
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 5:42am

      Where does Glen find these “experts” who are willing to feed his Armegedon fantasies. Read fresh political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/

      November26  
    • paladin252
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 8:09am

      I followed this videos instruction and made my own faraday cage. cost me about $15 at home depot. well worth it.

      http://youtu.be/EoQZY1FtI3c

      Report this comment

      paladin252  
    • LaBelle
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 8:14am

      Let’s put it this way..THIS is what history will TELL everyone even if it were an EMP strike.

      Report this comment

      LaBelle  
    • Fubared
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 8:41am

      Bush12
      Man take a laxative- you are brimming over with it. Hahaha. Peer review. Sure. Do you write grants?

      Report this comment

      Fubared  
    • rangerskippy
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 9:23am

      Bush,

      Darwin believed blacks to be less evolved than white people. Do you agree with him on that claim?

      Once again, evolution is a crock. We can show micro evolution, but not macro. After 100 years of internal, and external pressure, and every experiment imaginable done to the fruit fly, it is still just a fruit fly. It has never experienced macro evolution.

      Mutations in nature generally kill the host. Adaptation outside of what the DNA allows does not happen, and win out.

      the evolutionists over the years have lied, made up false claims from fossils, and created hoaxes.

      The fossil record does not show evolution, it shows an explosion of life, and then something killing it all off at one time.

      One can just look at the complexity of the eye, and rule out random mutations as to how it got here.

      Try again.

      Report this comment

      rangerskippy  
    • SocialistSlayer
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 9:28am

      In this case it is not a matter of what scientist “think” – This is no theory like the ridiculous big bang theory. This has happened before and will happen again!

      Report this comment

      SocialistSlayer  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:18am

      @VoteBush

      You need to seriously consider reading a few books, maybe take a few courses on critical thinking. It’s obvious to me, and anyone else with a science background that you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.

      You are…like most lefties i’ve met, utterly ignorant of science and how it works. You attempt to use it like a club on those that believe in God, have an alternate view or dare to question your conclusions. The irony is that foundational principles of Science demand this type of argument, the constant questions, and conflict. Nothing is ever settled. The debate is never over. True science is the art of never ending exploration, and when properly applied, it is a beautiful thing.

      When anyone tells me that somthing in science is settled, or the debate is over, or promises retaliation for a differing viewpoint, then it’s no longer about science, just ego’s and politics. Much like your statement.

      You should educate yourself about science. It would be enlightening for you.

      Report this comment

      RANGER1965  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:21am

      I’ve seen so many doom predictions that I am quite cynical on their actual occurrence. If you have a kit prepared for general disasters (hurricane, tornado, floods, civil unrest, etc) you’re better off and don’t need this odd ball stuff to concern you. I think it unlikely to happen.

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
    • Zipit
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:28am

      VERYSENIORCITIZEN! If something like this does happen, I might share some of my food storage with you, when meals on wheels fails to show up at your door! Just give me a call. Oh that’s right, your Obamaphone won’t be working either!

      Report this comment

      Zipit  
    • rangerskippy
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:34am

      Ranger 65

      Wow, awsome comments to VoteBush. That was very well stated.

      RLTW.

      Report this comment

      rangerskippy  
    • Xiccarph
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:40am

      Actually the politicos hope such a thing will happen. Crisis means an excuse to crack down. No doubt the Greenies would see this as a blessing…think of the windmill sales afterwards! The best blessing is that we would not have to hear from the morons in Gov’t spouting nonsense about how they would be there “for the people”. Perhaps what we need is a “Revolution” TV-show type scenario. Natural selection would provide both positive and negative outcomes, probably with a slight slant towards the positive in the long term. If they aren’t smart enough to plan for it, then they are certainly useless enough to be selected out afterwards.

      Report this comment

      Xiccarph  
    • kadster01
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 11:03am

      @RANGER1965

      “When anyone tells me that somthing in science is settled, or the debate is over, or promises retaliation for a differing viewpoint, then it’s no longer about science, just ego’s and politics. ”

      Exactly. People like VoteBush think if they are sufficiently insulting and offensive and can make their opposition look ridiculous enough then everyone else will agree with them. They can offer no valid arguments against what you’re saying, but try to humiliate you into believing what “everybody with a half a brain already knows” and you’re just a right-wing nutjob if you don’t just accept it on blind faith. (Ironically, that’s what he’s also accusing the opposition of doing.) When one, or both, parties result to insults and accusations of political biases, true scientific discourse is over.

      Report this comment

      kadster01  
    • skimmer57
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 12:41pm

      If this happens we all need to purchase some of Beck’s $129.99 pairs of blue jeans he’s hocking! There is no excuse not to look fashionable when the world comes to an end. Also make sure to buy plenty of dried food Glenn is selling and let’s not forget the gold! If it doesn’t happen you could always open up some cans of blow beans and break in those $129.99 pairs of blue jeans by expelling copious amounts of flatus while waiting for Beck’s next doomsday conspiracy theory!

      Report this comment

      skimmer57  
    • CobraBill
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:02pm

      The sky is falling the sky is falling.

      Report this comment

      CobraBill  
    • nonofmybiznez
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:52pm

      There haven’t been enough bodies yet for the government to act or enough public outcry.

      Report this comment

      nonofmybiznez  
    • georgette
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:53pm

      How soon we forget—–it isn’t that hard for God to start over..

      Report this comment

      georgette  
    • ObserverOnTheHill
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 6:14pm

      in my opinion, Glenn is in denial about the “reasons why” on many of these things and this is a perfect example – only $ 300 Million to fix and they won’t do it ?

      Before dismissing as a conspiracy theory I would ask that when wondering “why” on many of these situations – ask yourself if it could tie in to the globalists desire to reduce the world population. Could or Would the action in question cost countless lives ? In the terms of a giant solar flare / EMP blast and breakdown of the grid that’s a big yes. Many other situations can follow to that same conclusion.

      Read the book Newt Gingrich recommends – “One Second After” about what the country would become after a grid failure.

      Report this comment

      ObserverOnTheHill  
    • Wolfgang the Gray
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 8:47pm

      This is no different than Iran launching 3 nukes over the US & detonating them in space. Whether the source is the Sun, Iran, or Russia, the EMP effect would be the same. Of course, is a REALLY powerful blast hit the Earth, it could tear the atmosphere off one side of the planet. That would be a game stopper there.

      Individuals can protect their gear without too much expense. I have two faraday cages at my house that all of my emergency gear is stored inside. It won’t save my HDTV, but I can still watch DVDs on my laptop.

      I’m a Prepper, He’s a Prepper, She’s a Prepper, We’re a Prepper
      Wouldn’t you like to be a Prepper too?

      Report this comment

      Wolfgang the Gray  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 11:33pm

      @RANGERSKIPPY
      Hitler drank water, you drink water, do you believe Hitler was right to execute Jews? That’s called a Strawman, please try and avoid it.

      “Mutations in nature generally kill the host.”
      Yeah Generally… but sometimes they offer an advantage. AKA Evolution.

      What about the eye?
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwew5gHoh3E
      Even the eye is not irreducibly complex. There is nothing you can point to

      @RANGER1965
      I hold a Masters of Science degree. I co-authored published research findings (granted on the topic of Version Control Systems and not evolutionary biology, but published scientific literature nonetheless).

      I understand nothing in science is ever “settled”. But the problem with the argument being put forth is that it presumes “never being settled” to mean “not understood”. And this is simply not the case. In order for something to be a scientific theory it must have had its tenants and hypothesis tested time and again. AND -this is the important part- never have yet to be proven wrong. That means whatever claim YOU are making about why you THINK or BELIEVE or FEEL Evolution is wrong; whatever current evidence you want to point to or contemporary scientists you want to quote – NONE OF IT does anything to dismiss Evolution. Those counter claims have already been dealt with. There is no evidence currently known that disproves evolution and there is literally TONS of evolution that suggests the theory correct.

      Report this comment

      VoteBushIn12  
    • closetotheedge
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:00am

      With our grid fried, nothing moving where you are is it. Remember that 72 hr.bag? Seems virtuallty everythng is affected, We will get hit, that’s a given but where and how strong? Know your neighbors yet? When it says anytime, Are we? The riots alone everywhere for whatever ya can grab,chaos ,describe what’s seen in your mind’s eye? The way and the options are both short and long term if your situation deems it cuz everyone’s on their own.Control fear, yea,i know,rest along the way for recon’spot travel,rds, n sky,RxR Chokepoints n checks’ With no grid soon in sight may we pray the Father sends His angels to care for His Kids and keep them so safe invisable as You desire what is right then.we’re int. Pray for the peace of Jerusalam,Israel and here at home inthe USA while we can.

      Report this comment

      closetotheedge  
    • mr.marine87
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 5:12am

      well after watching black friday clips this could be gods way of cleaning house.

      Report this comment

      mr.marine87  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 10:39am

      @KEATONC333

      A massive solar flare caused havoc on telegraph infrastructure in the late 19th century. Furthermore, the sun has large flares and Coronal Mass Ejections all the time. So far none have been pointed at Earth, but that’s just blind luck.

      Various disasters in this country in recent years have demonstrated that without electricity and basic services, society will start breaking down within three days or so. You can’t rebuild a fried electric grid in three days.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:52pm

      @ annonymous t. irrelevant

      “The Power companies just wanted to pocket the profits, instead of constantly upgrading/reinforcing their grid.”

      While I will agree with you that the power companies would rather have you and I pay for this protection of the grid (we’ll pay for it one way or another anyways as the cost of doing business must get passed along), we must understand what a lengthy loss of power in today’s society would do to our nation, our people and whatever sanity remains.

      “The NOAA & NASA are the same people who believe in MMGW,”

      Assuming MMGW is not true in any degree, if those ‘same people’ are wrong on one thing, that does not necessarily mean they are wrong on another.

      “With all the liars and wolf-criers like Al Gore and such, how do we know who to believe anymore?”

      Very true … but we also need to recognize that while some people who believe in MMGW are liars, others are mere profiteers … something that most reading here would be OK with — making money.

      “…but our biggest, most direct and present threat is the unlawful Obama Administration, …”

      Agreed. That said, past occurances as well as science tells us that a huge solar flare aimed at earth is a real possibility … one we can do something about. The devastation that could occur with one is unimaginable. Watch “The Road”. … very bleak but realistic view of what could happen to society.

      Report this comment

      jhrusky  
    • Salamander
      Posted on April 13, 2013 at 11:16pm

      They would rather waste it on solar panels for their friends!

      Report this comment

      Salamander  
  • cancerman
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:52pm

    12-21-12; need I say more??

    Report this comment

    cancerman  
    • JMadison
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:18pm

      Bet this guy tracks Santa on NORAD’s web site.

      Report this comment

      JMadison  
    • ugottabekidding
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:45pm

      Rrreeeaaalllyyy

      Report this comment

      ugottabekidding  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:46pm

      12/21 is my birthday. Look out libs! {:

      Report this comment

      TRONINTHEMORNING  
    • Dr Vel
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 6:23pm

      Need you say more? Yes you need. Just because the Mayans could not count any higher in their calendar does not mean the world will end. What do you expect they were savages ripping hearts out in ritual sacrifices, and none of them owned a calculator. If they had maybe their calendar would have ended down the road during the dictators third or fourth term who knows.

      Report this comment

      Dr Vel  
    • skippy6
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 8:48pm

      Get a blanket, popcorn and a six pack of beer or your favorite beverage and watch … OOOOOHHHH AAAHHHHH….The end is just the beginning of the Calendar……Won’t get fooled again…..

      Report this comment

      skippy6  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 10:30pm

      It’s not that they couldn’t count that high, and it doesn’t just end….It is a circle, and circles are cycles, just as a watch hits 12:00 it is not the end, it is just a new cycle…They were not dumb, they were astronomically smart.

      Report this comment

      Ballot_Box_Revolution  
  • workathomer
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:27pm

    $300 million = amount spent by the federal government every 44 minutes or the amount borrowed every every hour & 48 minutes. PLUS THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO PAID FOR BY THE GOV’T. We can all just pay it through a one time fee to the utility companies. $1 per person is a great bargain. I will gladly pay for all 15 members of my immediate family right now. THIS MUST BE DONE.

    Report this comment

    workathomer  
    • THERAPTURCOMES
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:51pm

      Revelation 16:8-9

      The resurrection/rapture 1 Thes 4:13-18 & 1 Cor 15:50-55 is at the door and if you are left behind Rev 16:8-9 is just a part of what the left behind world will face as direct wrath of God upon an unbelieving world.

      The only escape is Romans 10:9-10 because if you believe you will be raptured away from this world Rev 3:10 http://youtu.be/ahEVxIzlxwo

      Report this comment

      THERAPTURCOMES  
    • Polarized America
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:58pm

      .
      Now that’s a ” petition ” i would gladly sign ..Please someone, start one ..call your criminals in D.C. and getter done !!!!

      Report this comment

      Polarized America  
    • Mike Opelka
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:24pm

      Nicely done.

      Report this comment

      Mike Opelka  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:32pm

      @workathomer,

      I don’t get it. That would only take care of 44 minutes worth of spending for one day.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Monk,
      That’s the estimated cost of protecting our power grid from a solar flare.

      Report this comment

      grayling646  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:54pm

      Sorry Monk. I think I missed your point. I’m a little slow but I understand now.

      Report this comment

      grayling646  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:25pm

      Hi grayling646,

      My fault on this on. I saw Dr Kapu do this report on TV and not the radio. So I just skimmed the article. I missed the “protection” part of the story. It wasn’t on Dr Kaku’s TV interview.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • LB
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:32pm

      How about congress/senate give a portion of their saleries (paid by us) to pay for the well being of the country

      Report this comment

      LB  
    • OlderCowGirl
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 9:13pm

      I live in the middle of a forest in Oregon. We lose power often due to trees falling onto power lines. We have a wood stove to keep warm, and stored food ..long ways from a grocery store. Scariest part of this article is the thought of: nuclear meltdowns regarding giant sun bursts? World wide?

      We are prepared as much as anyone can be…simply because we know that anything is possible: earthquakes, forest fires, EMP from terrorists, Sun flares/emp, floods, riots causing city-dwellers to flee, severe winters, etc.. Anything can happen at anytime to anybody.

      We’re just about ready enough to live with out electricity. We’re making plans for a hand pump for our well, and a compost toilet and and “Outhouse”. We have cloudy winters so we cannot go solar. Our goal: learn to live w/out electricity. This takes some serious planning.

      I live for the day I don’t have to pay for electricity, or satellite internet. We turned off the satellite TV 2 years ago. We’ve learned to grow and make everything ourselves: soap, candles, ethanol, and processing our own livestock (beef, chicken, lamb). We save seeds. Tip: don’t put your canning (jars) on a tall shelf…put in a box on the floor.

      Most Americans have no idea what it’s like to be very hungry. Proof: look around at all the fat people. Preparation has given me peace. I can relax now, knowing I’ve helped my family in case of an emergency. Don’t kiss and tell, though. Keep a low profile.

      Report this comment

      OlderCowGirl  
  • NDPINDNT
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:25pm

    Didn’t Gore or the UN say the reason for the “solar maximum” would carbon fuel emissions? It’s man’s fault. I’m sure there’ll be some spin if it happens. Like “if there hadn’t been so high of CO2 earth would have been protected from this.”

    Report this comment

    NDPINDNT  
    • DIgnified
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 9:50pm

      What do you mean ‘spin’? Ozone filters radiation. Less filter means more or equal filtration ability? Or are sunburns and radiation a leftist figment too?

      Report this comment

      DIgnified  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 9:15am

      Yes Ozone does filter UV but it is not a total filter(there were sunburns before Industrial age). The total drop in ozone would not cause a significant increase in damage. I believe you are thinking the Ozone layer is like plastic wrap protecting us from water. It is in fact closer to several layers of loose fabric. In the case we do get hit we will be dropped over the side of a boat into the Atlantic instead of the slow drizzle we usually get. It doesn’t take much to interrupt an electronic signal some cases it just takes a cross signal in unprotected lines. UV Radiation fluxes such as normal sun flares are known to cause minor disruptions a major event like this would almost completely flood our atmosphere with EM Disruptions . The drop in the level of Ozone wouldn’t be a significant factor whether it’s man made or not. What NDPINDNT is saying that people will try to claim a factor that would not in fact change much was the main cause of so much chaos and damage and use that for their own personal gain.

      Report this comment

      goahead.makemyday  
  • Lori
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:22pm

    This guy seems to have an interesting handle on space and terrestrial weather: http://www.youtube.com/user/Suspicious0bservers?feature=watch

    Report this comment

    Lori  
    • pigsarei
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 6:29pm

      I love SO. I’ll watch his video each morning with my first cup of coffee .

      Report this comment

      pigsarei  
    • dogday
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 1:30am

      If nuclear power plants are going to meltdown during this fun solar flare fad, does it really matter how much food and water we have stored? I’m tired of worrying. Most events are out of our control–one day at a time Sweet Jesus.

      Report this comment

      dogday  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 12:59pm

      @ dogday

      While the events themselves may be out of our control, survival is not. That is why many people are stocking up on food, gun, bullets and barterable items. People just ‘feel’ that something is going to happen. Many of us believe governments know something is going to happen and that is what they are preparing for — underground building and tunneling, purchasing of millions of MREs, bullets, etc. That ‘something’ could be a sun event, or it could be the collapse of our economy, or an asteroid or comet headed for earth. In any of those scenarios, it probably makes total sense to NOT alarm the public.

      Report this comment

      jhrusky  
  • marine249
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:21pm

    duck sucker

    Report this comment

    marine249  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:20pm

    We have our solar maximum event….it’s called obama.

    Report this comment

    ares338  
  • Uechi
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:05pm

    EMP whether man made or solar is not bunk but very real. The question is how stong it is and how much it would effect our electronic world. Computer chips ( which are in just about every piece of electronics ) are particualry sensitive to being fried by EMP. One thing is for sure if it ever happens and has an effect all the moron Marxist Progresssives that enjoy posting on this site will be the first to starve. Come on EMP time to take out the trash.

    Report this comment

    Uechi  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 6:26pm

      Those in power don’t care, thier place and that of their families has been prepared in some self-contained, self-sufficient multi-million dollar shelter, well shielded and underground. Meanwhile the rest of us unwashed masses will be out here to fight it out. Once we have all died off they can emerge from their hidy-holes and create that utopian society they have all been dreaming of without interference from “we the people”.

      Report this comment

      AxelPhantom  
    • OlderCowGirl
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:19pm

      It is time for a “Reset”. You’re right…time to take out the trash. I would not want to be one of those high handed elites when they do come out of their holes. It won’t be pretty. Do they know how to bring back everything on-line/rebuild again? I think not. And we will not want them in charge anymore.

      Report this comment

      OlderCowGirl  
    • Shoot2Stop
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 3:47am

      @AXELPHANTOM, Should doomsday occur, and our fearless leaders sequester themselves away in underground bunkers, I’ll make it my life’s work to fire-up some concrete plants and seal their doors and vents closed.

      Don’t thank me now, but I’ll probably go down in history right next to patriot founders. ;-)

      Report this comment

      Shoot2Stop  
  • BasketFullOfPuppies
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:01pm

    It’s very telling that our government won’t spend $300 million to harden our infrastructure against a proven threat, while wanting to tax us billions on an unproven one… i.e. global warming.

    Report this comment

    BasketFullOfPuppies  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:46pm

    According to this graph from NASA the Sun Stop intensity is getting less and less every 11 years.

    That is if I am reading it correctly…..

    http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/SunspotCycle.shtml

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:53pm

      Conservative bunk!

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • garylee123
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:57pm

      daily report

      http://www.solar-storm-warning.com/solar_storm_warning_milky_way_galaxy_earth_sun.html

      Report this comment

      garylee123  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:59pm

      MONK – That’s how I read the charts as well but what I want to know is…
      How do I get the job and a paycheck forecasting something that I can do nothing about and can not really be accurate on?
      Never mind, I’ll just go be a weather man or a election advisor…

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:08pm

      Hi DadRocked,

      I’ll take that job. Hell, I’d take almost any job I can get presently!

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:08pm

      GaryLee – The running banner reads:
      Doomsday Preppers 2012 – National Geographic Special. BREAKING NEWS: Effective Immediately Until Further Notice: June of 2010, NASA reinforces their March 2006 global warning telling the world to prepare for a once in a life time super solar storm event. The National Academy Of Sciences says, “The solar storm can start at anytime.” Note: Once the { Emergency Impact Warning } is given by NASA, there should be a narrow 8 to 12 hour window to final impact. Unless you prepare in advance like NASA continues to warns you to, 8 to 12 hours is not enough time to fully prepare. Citizens should be prepared to supply their own food and water for at least 12 months or longer as there are a lot of unknowns here. Power failures world wide are expected and will take 1 to 3 years to get all power back up experts say. Some experts say closer to 3 to 5 years before all power world wide is restored. The general public should take this Solar Storm WARNING seriously and at the very least be prepared just in case it turns out to be a really bad solar storm. *See our Comprehensive Solar Storm Guide for greater insight. . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:13pm

      GaryLee123 – From that site… Basic Solar Storm Emergency Preparedness Guidelines

      Suggestion two of four says, “If you have a small bike you can do without for a while, you might want to carefully place it in your car’s trunk or backseat, this way, should your car suddenly stop working, you will at least have a bike you can use to get the rest of the way home. You’ll be kicking yourself in the ass should you find yourself wishing you had followed this simple advice. Can’t say you were not warned.”

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Hi DadRocked,

      I have a question for you about Fairfax County.

      Have you ever seen the Islamic Academy on Rt. 1 (Richmond Hwy)?

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:25pm

      Forgot the link;

      http://www.saudiacademy.net/History.htm

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:29pm

      It’s in the news about twice a year, then CAIR gets involved and two-three days later it’s swept under the carpet.

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:43pm

      MONK – and what is interesting is its location… I pass it when I go down to Mt Vernon, it’s just 2Β½ miles north of Mt Vernon and the Army’s Ft Belvoir.

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:45pm

      Hi DadRocked,

      I don’t know how long you’ve lived there but, there is a story about that building.

      It used to be the pride of Northern Va. and named after George Washington’s adult home, Mt. Vernon. In an elaborate plot by the Saudi’s to take that building over they spent more money than it would cost to build a brand new building. What did this building, that was built for one purpose only, used to be?

      My old High School….. the pride of Northern Virginia. And now the Saudi’s train terrorist in it.

      http://mvhs-1960.com/home.html

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:56pm

      MONK – Here since ’02 – wife since ’74.
      Never knew that… Enhances why I felt the location was interesting.
      Thanks for the 411

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:13pm

      MONK – “And now the Saudi’s train terrorist in it. ”
      And that is, not in those exact words, why it is in the news, then CAIR jumps in.

      WMAL had release two radio hosts when they spoke openly about CAIR and at times about the Saudi Academy. Recently (MAR_’12) Fred Grandy, former IOWA Congressman and Michael Graham (AUG_’05)

      I would listen to both and all that you would hear is backed up, verified facts being spoken. CAIR, put pressure on all cases and now it’s as if CAIR doesn’t exist on local radio or print. Washington Times writes occasionally, but that’s it.

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:16pm

      Hi DadRocked,

      Not only was that building taken over but it also was a major move for the progressives to take over. They took the middle school, Walt Whitman Junior High and shipped all the students to other schools for 2 years. They spent millions of dollars converting it to the new Mt Vernon High School. The old high school was to become the new junior high. The new high school was built to progressive standards; no windows, no doors inside and new text books. The Constitution changed to being taught as a “living and breathing” doc-u-ment. The old high school was the junior high for a while and then it was taken over by the Saudi’s. The principle was even replaced with an ultra-liberal dirt bag.

      It was a major win for the Islamic’s and progressives and the parents never knew what was happening. Kind of like Agenda 21. The slow creeping take over of America.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:31pm

      Hey Monk…My grandfather used to work at that academy as a janitor back in the early 90′s, before America had a clue…

      Northern VA (Herndon, Reston area) is very heavily Islamic.

      Report this comment

      Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:51pm

      Hi Ballot_Box_Revolution,

      I had a clue but no one would listen. And as I posted earlier this week….

      I spent my entire 11th grade at my girlfriends High School and took her classes without ever being registered.

      Hey East; now you know….. “the rest of the story”.

      I wasn’t a “dog”; I was running from progressives.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:57pm

      MONK – Was out taking advantage of the time and daylight for CHRISTmass decorations.
      Next time I’m at my ol’ stompin’ grounds, St Pete Bch, I HAVE to look you up across the bay.
      Thanks for the history lesson.

      Ballot_Box_Revolution – Reston/Herndon has quite a bit of middle east but predominately illegal south of the border types as well. I’m next to Dulles (Rt 50/Rt 28 area) The true legals, I have NO issue with… They too want to assimilate but have BIG issues with the illegal and middle easterners.

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Dadrocked…that is true, I am glad i left the area, although it is where i was born and lived a big portion of my life…..I hear now that people call Herndon; Hernandez. I used to live in the area by World Center.

      Report this comment

      Ballot_Box_Revolution  
  • truthsurfer
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:32pm

    One thing for sure all of the liberals would be dead since none of them can fend for themselves they would not have anyone to save them from their own laziness and stupidity. This could be a good thing.

    Report this comment

    truthsurfer  
  • Betty_Rose
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:30pm

    I have three words for you: “One Second After.”

    It’s an incredible book written by William Forstchen that tells what really happens when we get hit with an EMP. Forstchen and Newt Gingrich have been sounding the alarm on this for years, even testifying before Congress.

    The US electrical system could be hardened for a mere $100 million (a small amount in Obama’s America). and yet our “leaders” refuse.

    Forstchen wrote his book in an effort to get the attention of the American people.

    “One Second After is, far and away, the scariest book I ever read, because it speaks the truth about what could well be in America’s future.

    Report this comment

    Betty_Rose  
    • Ruckus_Tom
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 10:32pm

      “The Road” is a pretty good movie too as a depiction of what might happen after an EMP or solar flare or something catastrophic that takes out all sources of power.

      Report this comment

      Ruckus_Tom  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:30pm

    Fortunately no one on Earth has any control over the Sun.

    And I hope no one ever does…..

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:39pm

      You mean Barry can’t be the sun god as well as the sea god? Darn dang darn darn darn it.

      Report this comment

      progressiveslayer  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:52pm

      Bet the farm Barry… Stop this now !
      Put the whole $16.3T in debt up as collateral to stop this menace.
      Hey Barry, the good side is that YOU saved humanity again, the bad side… Nothing changes, we’re ‘only’ deeper in debt… Collect from the rich!

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • DadRocked
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:55pm

      If it does occur than nobody will be around to say that YOU increased the national debt AGAIN!

      Report this comment

      DadRocked  
    • mpoconnor7
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:47pm

      You forgot George W. Bush, he is so diabolical that I know he has to be behind this solar flare. He was able to create a hurricane out of thin air and send it with pinpoint precision to hit the city of New Orleans; creating a giant solar flare is nothing to him.

      Report this comment

      mpoconnor7  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:23pm

    Our odds of a collapse of the worlds financial system is merely 100% and that could happen at almost any time.
    The odds of an EMP attack are 100% within the next fifteen years (based on a 2001 think tank study).
    Perhaps a solar maximum would actually level the playing field a bit allowing us the opportunity to correct our current problem. Not really, 90% of Americans would not survive one year later. Then again that alone will level the playing field.
    Read Brown’s book “Web of Debt..” and learn the truth about money and banking. The solution to America’s debt problem is actually fairly easy.
    Read Hale’s novel “Death of Civilization; the Apocalypse Begins” to see what just might happen if nothing is done.

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    historyguy48  
  • DZ-015
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:20pm

    Microwave ovens are Faraday cages designed to keep the radiation inside from leaking out, but will work just as well to keep small electronics stored inside from being harmed by a man made electromagnetic pulse or a natural one in the form of a severe solar flare. There was a story around about a “prepper” who was stocking his shelter with broken microwave ovens just to store electronic devices. Larger ones will hold a small laptop.

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    DZ-015  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:26pm

      A washer or drier will work well also. Actually any metal box will work, even an aluminum garage might work if it is far enough away from the EMP blast although your odds with that are better if the cars battery is disconnected entirely.

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      historyguy48  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Its of no use though, because there will be no web, no one to talk to because their stuff is fried as well.

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      ChiefGeorge  
    • Margaret Thatcher
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:06pm

      CHIEFGEORGE is correct. Everything would stop immediately. No broadcasting, no internet, your watch would probably stop. Also almost all vehicles (including airplanes in flight), all businesses, all refrigeration, everything electronic would permanently, instantly quit working.

      The “One Day After” book is an interesting read. At least the first 2/3′s of it. After that it descends into the standard doomsday novel with militia building, UN world takeover, etc. The first novel you read about that is OK, then it gets really repetitive.

      I would recommend the One Day After book though, It is very enlightening on what would happen in an EMP event. I’m kind of a prepper and thought I could manage most anything outside of some global nuclear event. Now I’m not so sure, and not sure I would want to.

      You can make a faraday cage out of a metal trash can and a cardboard box inside. But I really can’t see the benefit of an electronic device when no one else has one.

      Read the book though. It is an eye opener. A large solar eruption could have the same exact effect as the high-altitude nuclear explosion in the novel.

      Where I live (Denver area) there is a radio talk show host. His name is Michael Brown (of “Brownie, you’re doing a great job” fame during Katrina). While he worked for the Federal govt he was charged with writing a study about an EMP threat. This was many years ago. The threat is real (it is not some way-out – SciFi theory) and would be devastating.

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      Margaret Thatcher  
    • Margaret Thatcher
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:15pm

      Oops, should have been One Second After…

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      Margaret Thatcher  
    • tajloc
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 10:22am

      I can’t believe you would put a laptop into a faraday cage. Will that include some dvd’s for your kids during the boring times? How about an iron to press things?
      You will need power after an event. There will be no power. Radio will work. Solar power can work. Hand pumps not elec pumps.
      Think and never waste a crisis.
      Rom 8:28

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      tajloc  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on November 27, 2012 at 1:08pm

      @ tajloc

      Correct … a solar panel, charge controller, inverter and a battery, or a bicycle, car generator, inverter and battery. Very important items in case of an EMP or similar situation. My money goes for placing an inverter in the faraday cage — could be rather useful to power up a small refrigerator, or a home alarm system when there is no electricity.

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      jhrusky  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:07pm

    Y2k was a problem that destroyed the world as well and the odds of a solar flare like the one they describe are probably low as well. If it does happen and throw us into the dark ages the anarchists will love it,at least until they realize they won’t have internet access then they’ll freak out.

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    progressiveslayer  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:30pm

      There was a major event in 1859 but for the most part electricity wasn’t really used until the turn of the past century. We don’t really know how often this type of event happens because throughout our history mankind really wasn’t using electricity.

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      historyguy48  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:38pm

      Buttressing out electrical grid is a 2-fer. It would help protect us from man-made EMP attacks & from space storms.

      EMP attacks are much more likely. The probability of one of the 2 types of events taken together is not so low.

      Congress could get this done. Some political pundits & leaders have called for it. Meanwhile congress as whole has looked into steroid abuse by athletes instead of this. Mor/ns!

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      Walkabout  
  • Grace1798
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:04pm

    The Bible explains how why people have lost their senses. Look it up in 2nd Timothy Chapter 3.

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    Grace1798  
    • nacilbuper
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 1:04pm

      But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.

      3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

      3:3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,

      3:4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;

      Wow, simply wow. We are living in the end of days. When a good man, someone who truly loves God is chosen over by someone who slanders, promotes no self-control and promises of free stuff.

      Too much.

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      nacilbuper  
  • Gary_K
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:55am

    Well, a solar minimum event could do it too….

    I hate it when they say could and then act like it’s fact.

    Hell, ET COULD come tonight and take barry away to some far away planet.

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    Gary_K  
  • lordjosh
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:53am

    So congress will not fund a 150-300 million dollar public works project that would protect the infrastructure from this very real threat. I think that says it all, huh? How many hollow point bullets were purchased by DHS lately?

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    lordjosh  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:49am

    You got to have some sort of space program before you can monitor space weather effectively.

    And the execrable left tells us that we must solve world hunger before we can have a space program.

    Never mind that poverty & famine are man made & they won’t let us do anything effective to challenge Islamicists or Communists.

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    Walkabout  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:47am

    And all this time learned scientists like Al Gore and Frances Fox Piven tell us that carbon dioxide is the biggest problem facing humankind.

    Who you going top believe? Al Gore & Frances Fox Piven or Dr. Michio Kaku.

    After all Al Gore got a D in his college science course. That means he was so brilliant that the professors could not understand him, so they held it against him.

    In Al Gore we trust!

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    Walkabout  
    • lordjosh
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:54am

      Hey, ya think this “solar maximum” period has anything to do with the climate?

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      lordjosh  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 1:27pm

      LORDJOSH
      Aside from the effect of the cycles of the sun have on our atmosphere and weather cycles almost none. If you think of this in dependent and independent cause and effects. The sun is an independent cause while say ocean temperature is a dependent cause. Ocean temperature is effected by the sun and other outer lying independent factors and dependent factors. Which combined with other factors lead to the creation of hurricanes and to their severity. I intentionally did not mention climate change since I personally haven’t been pointed to any definitive proof, if any one has such I will rethink my position.

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      goahead.makemyday  
  • balrog25
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:44am

    Imagine, years of Barry’s socialist plans achieved in an instant! Ever since the proposal and denial, Barry has been praying to the gods of social justice for just such event.

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    balrog25  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:25pm

      balrog25
      ” Ever since the proposal and denial”…by a Republican-controlled Congress.

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      VanceUppercut  
    • balrog25
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 4:14pm

      When in the last 80 years has is not been a progressive controlled congress, regaredless of the R’s and D’s. Twain had it right even before the progressive movement crawled out of the dung heap.

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      balrog25  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on November 26, 2012 at 4:03pm

      Partisan mindset is passe at best, small-minded at worst.

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      The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:40am

    Is it possible? Yes.

    I can imagine such a ‘disaster’ makes Obama and the Democrats drool.

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    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:22pm

      @Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}

      Well, it was the Republican-controlled congress that refused to pony up the cash. I guess charging the Koch brothers another 0.1% in taxes to protect against the meltdown of our power grid.would’ve been Socialism. Oh, well, and at least millionaires and billionaires will get through it alright; it’s all the dumbass middle- and working-class people who acted as their lapdogs who will have to suffer the consequences.

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      VanceUppercut  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:38pm

      @Vance Since you seem to be enamored with republican controlled houses why not dwell on the republican controlled house that gave us welfare reform in the 90′s. They forced the POS Clinton into doing it and our economy was booming with low unemployment.

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      progressiveslayer  
  • lel2007
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:34am

    What are Las Vagas odds on this event ?

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    lel2007  
  • gyro
    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:30am

    solution is chunky soap
    keep lots in your basment
    AND it wouldnt hurt to have a gun to keep your soup safe !

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    gyro  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:53am

      Wouldn’t the soap make the soup taste bad? Or is it for all the bad words that we would be shouting when our toys no longer work?

      If you want to protect your personal stuff (no that anything else would be working) build a Faraday Cage to keep batteries and electronics you want to protect and keep your stuff there. You could actually do it to your entire house if you so desire. Most vacuum tube technology would probably still be working (who has that anymore) as it is considered “hardened ” or EMP resilient by most militaries.

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      JP4JOY  
    • lordjosh
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:57am

      Hey I’ve been throwing bars of Irish Spring in the basement for the last 20 minutes. Heading to the supermarket now to clear the shelves. Why the soap anyways? LOL

      Yes your right, Canned goods are important for preperation

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      lordjosh  
    • Eastinfection
      Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:00pm

      Dyslexics of the world untie!

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      Eastinfection  

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