New federal map for what to plant reflects warming

In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 photo, Manager Jerry Holub looks at seed packages on display at the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The USDA announced Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 new maps for plant hardiness zones, a key to determine which plants can survive in what parts of the country. The government's official guide of colorful planting zones is being updated for a warmer 21st century. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 photo, Manager Jerry Holub looks at seed packages on display at the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The USDA announced Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 new maps for plant hardiness zones, a key to determine which plants can survive in what parts of the country. The government's official guide of colorful planting zones is being updated for a warmer 21st century. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Map shows the USDA's new plant zone map

This Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 photo shows a tag on a tree on display at the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The USDA announced Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 new maps for plant hardiness zones, a key to determine which plants can survive in what parts of the country. The government's official guide of colorful planting zones is being updated for a warmer 21st century. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 photo, Manager Jerry Holub looks at trees on display at the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The USDA announced Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 new maps for plant hardiness zones, a key to determine which plants can survive in what parts of the country. The government's official guide of colorful planting zones is being updated for a warmer 21st century. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The government's colorful map of planting zones is being updated for a warmer 21st century.

The official guide for 80 million gardeners and a staple on seed packets reflects a new reality: The coldest day of the year isn't as cold as it used to be. So some plants that once seemed too vulnerable to cold can now survive farther north.

It's the first time since 1990 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated the map and much has changed. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are in warmer zones.

The new guide, unveiled Wednesday at the National Arboretum, also uses better weather data and offers more interactive technology.

"It truly does reflect state of the art," said USDA chief scientist Catherine Woteki.

Gardeners can register their zip code into the online map and their zone will pop up. It shows the exact average coldest temperature for each of the 26 zones, even though zones are based on five degree increments.

For example, Des Moines, Iowa, used to be in zone 5a, meaning the lowest temperature on average was between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Now it's 5b, which has a coldest temperature of 10 to 15 degrees below zero.

"People who grow plants are well aware of the fact that temperatures have gotten more mild throughout the year, particularly in the winter time," said Boston University biology professor Richard Primack. "There's a lot of things you can grow now that you couldn't grow before."

He uses the giant fig tree in his suburban Boston yard as an example.

"People don't think of figs as a crop you can grow in the Boston area. You can do it now," he said.

An earlier effort to update the planting map caused a bit of an uproar when the USDA in 2003 decided not to use a map it commissioned that reflected warmer weather. The Arbor Day Foundation later issued its own hardiness guide that had the toastier climate zones. The new federal map is very similar to the one the private plant group adopted six years ago, said Arbor Day Foundation Vice President Woodrow Nelson.

In Des Moines, Jerry Holub, a manager for the Earl May Nursery chain, doesn't think the warmer zone will have much of an impact on gardeners. But he said this may mean residents can even try passion flowers.

"Now you can put them in safely, when you couldn't before," he said.

___

AP Writer Michael J. Crumb contributed to this report from Des Moines.

___

Online:

Plant map: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-01-25-Planting%20Zone%20Map/id-224a385175e24e8c8fdecfb6fdfc21d0

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Tim Cook says Apple TV is still 'a hobby,' can't live without it

Looking forward to an update to your beloved Apple TV? It seems the company still fancies the device as well. On the quarterly numbers call today, Tim Cook quipped that "we still classify this as a hobby, but we continue to add things to it." He went on to say that the company will "continue to pull strings and see where we can take it." This comes on the heels of Cupertino seeing a record 1.4 million units sold last quarter.

Tim Cook says Apple TV is still 'a hobby,' can't live without it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/9oHl_LqzEkk/

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PSP games get ESRB rating for PlayStation certified devices, coming soon to Sony phones and tablets?

It looks like Sony's been reading our daily email missives, bemoaning the state of its PlayStation certified gaming selection. The message appears to be getting through, with several PSP titles getting spotted over at the Entertainment Software Rating Board with PlayStation certification. Ahead of any official fanfare, there's no big hitters here just yet, but titles like Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and Daxter are likely to be more resonant with gamers than the pitiful offering we've seen so far from its PS Store app. Alongside Syphon Filter and Daxter, PS3 port Fl0w and Pinball Heroes were also spotted getting their contents okayed by the ESRB. Unsurprisingly, there's no detail here on release dates or technical requirements -- something that we reckon could be important, given the technical gap between the Xperia Play and the dual-cored innards of Sony's tablets. It's also worth noting that Pinball Heroes is already available on the Tablet P. Sorry Sony, but we'd still trade all of what's been leaked here for a portable version of the original Metal Gear Solid -- without hesitation.

PSP games get ESRB rating for PlayStation certified devices, coming soon to Sony phones and tablets? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/TfUmjnZ_qVo/

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The nation's weather (AP)

Weather Underground Forecast for Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012.

A winter storm was expected to continue affecting the eastern U.S. on Saturday, while rain and snow persisted across the Northwest. A low pressure system moved into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. This was expected to push a series of frontal boundaries through the eastern U.S. As these systems pulled moisture onshore from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, this was expected to kick up a wide area of precipitation from the Gulf coast through the Appalachians, and into the Northeast. Areas of snow were expected to develop to the north and behind this system, while rain and freezing rain showers developed along this system and to the south. New York city may see up to 3 inches of snow, while the Washington D.C. area may see early morning flurries and freezing rain showers.

Meanwhile, in the West, a low pressure system was expected to move from the West Coast into the Northern Rockies, Great Basin, and Central Rockies. However, strong onshore flow was expected to persist, pushing ample moisture in from the Pacific Ocean. Moderate to heavy snow showers were expected to move into Utah and Colorado, while lighter and more widespread showers persisted in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and northern California. Snowfall accumulations were expected to range from 3 to 7 inches in northern Utah, while 6 to 12 inches were likely in the Colorado Rockies. Meanwhile, another 3 to 6 inches were likely in the Sierra Nevadas.

Between these two systems, a ridge of high pressure was expected to build over the Plains and Midwest. This system was expected to move into the Great Lakes and Midwest throughout the day, allowing for dry and calm weather to return. However, the back side of this system was expected to see strong winds as the high pressure moves to the east and low pressure approached from the West. Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a morning low of -25 degrees at Tomahawk, Wis. to a high of 89 degrees at Brady, Texas.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/weather/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120121/ap_on_re_us/us_weatherpage_weather

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Video: MTP Political Minute: David?s analysis

South Carolina Analysis

High stakes in South Carolina, where Republicans there have picked the party?s eventual nominee for the last 32 years. We?ll have complete analysis of the crucial contest and breakdown the results, including what they will mean for the road ahead. Joining us: Host of MSNBC?s ?Morning Joe,? Joe Scarborough, Republican strategist Mike Murphy, the BBC?s Katty Kay, and NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/vp/46072388#46072388

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Cuche wins record 5th WCup downhill; Miller 29th

Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, celebrates on the podium after winning an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Didier Cuche won the classic World Cup downhill on the Streif course for a record fifth time on Saturday. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, celebrates on the podium after winning an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Didier Cuche won the classic World Cup downhill on the Streif course for a record fifth time on Saturday. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, center, winner of an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, celebrates on the podium with second placed Austria's Romed Baumann, left, and third placed Austria's Klaus Kroell, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Bode Miller, of the United States, gets to the finish area after completing an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, celebrates on the podium after winning an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Didier Cuche won the classic World Cup downhill on the Streif course for a record fifth time on Saturday. (AP Photo/Shinichiro Tanaka)

Switzerland's Didier Cuche is airborne on his way to win an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill, in Kitzbuehel, Austria, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Didier Cuche won the classic World Cup downhill on the Streif course for a record fifth time on Saturday. (AP Photo/Shinichiro Tanaka)

KITZBUEHEL, Austria (AP) ? Didier Cuche of Switzerland used his last visit to the Streif on Saturday to earn a record fifth victory on one of the World Cup's most challenging downhill courses.

Bode Miller nearly crashed on an icy bump and finished 29th.

Cuche, who announced his retirement at the end of the season two days ago, overtook Austrian great Franz Klammer, who won the Hahnenkamm downhill four times in the 1970s and 80s.

"That record was my final thought before I left the start gate," Cuche said. "Somehow it helped me to relax a bit and to enjoy my run."

Cuche went down the mountain in 1 minute, 13.28 seconds in heavy snowfall to beat Austrian pair Romed Baumann and Klaus Kroell by 0.24 and 0.30 seconds, respectively.

In the finish area, Klammer was among the first to congratulate his Swiss successor.

"Cuche is now the Emperor of Kitzbuehel, I can live with that," said the 58-year-old Klammer, before joking, "I think he should have quit already before this season."

The snowfall became heavier during the race and slowed late starters. Many of the pre-race favorites battled with the conditions.

Cuche's teammate Beat Feuz finished 0.45 back in sixth to stay on top of the discipline standings with 300 points, leading Cuche by 23.

Miller barely avoided a crash in the icy lower section of the course, finishing 1.35 seconds behind the winner.

"These were less than ideal conditions," Miller said. "But it's no fluke that Didier won. For me, I was pushing pretty hard, I knew I had to take some risks."

Miller was relieved by his quick reactions.

"It feels good to make a save like that," he said. "Those are life-savers. One hundred points is great, but I always try to be at the finish with all my parts intact."

Cuche did not post the fastest intermediate times but chose the right line at the Hausbergkante for his trademark fast finish, which has earned him victory in four of the past five years.

"I lost the line several times but I got it just right in the final section," he said.

Cuche, who also won the first downhill of the season in November in Lake Louise, Canada, has 11 victories in the discipline and 19 overall.

After days of warm weather featuring heavy rain and wet snow, a 500-man crew worked through the night to get the fresh snow off the mountain.

But an hour before the start, an overhanging cloud cover and snowfall setting in again forced organizers to lower the starting gate to shorten the 3.3-kilometer course to 2 kilometers.

"It was not easy to race," Baumann said. "Your visibility was hampered by snow on your goggles. On such a shortened course, you can't allow yourself to make any mistake."

Baumann led Cuche by 0.25 at the last intermediate time but was not able to match the Swiss skier's outstanding finish, losing almost half a second there.

Kroell dropped behind Cuche earlier in the race, struggling in the middle part of the course.

"That's where I lost the race, but a podium in Kitzbuehel always makes you happy," Kroell said. "It's incredible what Cuche has done. It's maybe good for me, but a bummer for ski racing that he is not going to race here anymore."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-01-21-SKI-Men's-World-Cup/id-6e8d1a3cd1264c18b52a020791a17824

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Italy risks worst environmental disaster in 20 years (Reuters)

ROME (Reuters) ? Italy risks its worst environmental disaster in more than two decades if the 2,400 tonnes of thick fuel in the capsized Costa Concordia pollutes one of the Mediterranean's most prized and pristine maritime reserves.

Seven days after the 114,500 tonne liner capsized off the Tuscan coast, its vast wreck is shifting precariously on an undersea ledge, threatening to slide further and undermining plans to pump the oil out safely.

The ship keeled over after striking a rock and is now lying on its side on a shelf in about 20 meters of water off the little island of Giglio. Eleven people were killed and 21 are still unaccounted for.

With hopes of finding any survivors all but gone, experts warn that beyond the loss of lives, this could turn into Italy's worst maritime environmental emergency since the sinking of the Amoco Milford Haven, loaded with 144,000 tonnes of oil, off the coast of Genoa in 1991.

The clean up of that area was completed in 2008, 17 years after the accident, and the Haven shipwreck is still on the seabed, said Luigi Alcaro, head of maritime emergencies at ISPRA, Italy's government agency for the environment.

"If the Costa Concordia slides further down and the fuel begins seeping into the water, we could be talking years and dozens of millions of euros before it can be cleared up," Alcaro told Reuters.

The amount of fuel on board the Costa Concordia, 2,380 tonnes of heavy diesel fuel and lubricating oil, is comparable to that carried by a small oil tanker, Environment Minister Corrado Clini told parliament this week.

The fuel tanks appear to be intact for now.

HIGHLY TOXIC

Clini said even a contained leakage would be highly toxic for the flora and fauna in the area, a natural maritime park noted for its clear waters, varied marine life and coral.

The Giglio island is a renowned diving site and the surrounding archipelago is home to more than 700 botanical and animal species, including turtles, dolphins and seals.

Alcaro said the most optimistic scenario would be to stabilize the ship and pump the oil out through a technique known as "hot tap."

"The oil on the ship is very thick and sticky, so you'd have to drill a hole in the hulk and warm it up to make it more fluid and easier to extract," he told Reuters.

"That could be done in about a month for the 13 external tanks on the ship. There are another 10 tanks inside, and those are a lot more difficult to reach," he said.

But if the ship slips deeper underwater, it would actually be better if the tanks ruptured open and the fuel floated up to the surface, he said.

"There would be panic for a couple of weeks of course but a 'black sea' of fuel would make it visible and easier to recover. The very worst scenario is having oil slowly leaking out."

He pointed to the precedent of the cruise ship Sea Diamond, which sank off the Greek island of Santorini in April 2007, saying oil from the wrecked vessel kept seeping into the water for three years at the rate of 30 kg a day.

Tourism is the top industry on Giglio and locals are worried about the potentially devastating impact of pollution.

"If there's a massive fuel spill, we might as well close everything down, throw away the key and come back in 10 years," said Massimiliano Botti, 40, owner of the Porta Via restaurant along the Giglio quay. "Environmental damage is what concerns us most. If the oil pollutes the coast, we're ruined."

Giglio's mayor Sergio Ortelli said the recovery of the fuel was likely to start within the next 48 hours, but the wreck shifted further on Friday as the weather worsened, forcing a new suspension in the rescue work.

"We can only hope that the weather remains acceptable, that efforts to stabilize the wreck continue speedily, and that God gives us a hand to preserve what many consider a little Mediterranean paradise," Fulco Pratesi, founder of the conservation group WWF in Italy, wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

(additional reporting by Steve Scherer in Giglio; Editing by Philip Pullella and Janet Lawrence)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/environment/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120120/wl_nm/us_italy_ship_environment

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