Yesterday the NHK reported that temperatures are at record highs this year. They have been recording temperatures for 113 years. This year so far temperatures are 1.64 deg C higher than the 30-year average, and they experienced the longest, hottest heat wave on record in August. They displayed a graph, which I am looking for, which shows that most of the hottest years have been in the last 10 years.
Here is an AP report that Russia is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave; 17 other countries report record high temperatures; and ocean water temperatures are at record highs: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5js4g4MowwfxLsx5e9D8Q9jqsZ-CQD9HVOEMO0 In Japanese: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/fnn?a=20100901-00000664-fnn-soci Temperatures are measured in 115 locations in Japan, or 154 locations depending on which news source you believe. The Nikkei reports that tomatoes and lettuce are selling about 30% higher than normal, and the heat wave in Tokyo is now in its 48th day, exceeding the previous 37 day record set in 1994. In other news from Japan, the ruling Democratic Party is undergoing a slow-motion train wreck. Ozawa is trying to seize power and take over as P.M., which would be the third change in administration in one years. Or, as Plan B, he wants extra-Constitutional veto power over the administration. Ozawa enjoys a heartwarming 15% approval rating among voters. His secretary is presently in prison for taking the rap on corrupt money contribution scandal that Ozawa says he knew nothing about. He says he has been proved innocent but the prosecutor's office (D.A. equivalent) says they don't have enough evidence to charge him, but they may yet. That's not quite an exoneration. He is not what I would consider a promising candidate for P.M. but he seems determined to either seize power or split the party. And you thought U.S. politics were dysfunctional! Former P.M. and space-cadet Hatoyama says he supports Ozawa out of "personal loyalty" (giri) which would be a fine sentiment in Edo-period but it is passe in the 21st century. He tried to arrange a compromise between P.M. Kan and the Ozawa faction, running back and forth between them. For the benefit of our Japanese readers here (who have probably already read this), here is how another M.P. characterized his efforts: 「宇宙語しか話せない伝書バトはダメだ」 (That's pretty much untranslatable. It is pun on Hatoyama's name, which means "pigeon mountain" and the fact that he was flapping back and forth all day between the factions. This means, roughly, "A carrier pigeon who only speaks Martian is not up to the job.") - Jed
