Hurricane Jimena

Hurricane Jimena

Hurricane Jimena, off mainland Mexico, has intensified overnight and is classified as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of about 135 mph. At 8 a.m. Sunday its center was located 515 miles south-southeast of Cabo and was tracking to the northwest (see graphic below) at about 9 mph. The National Hurricane Center predicts it will skirt the Baja California peninsula before making landfall Tuesday night in the Magdalena Bay area. It will deliver plenty of much-needed rain, but might also cause extensive flooding.

The region desperately needs rain. Cattle are perishing and some residents in Los Cabos and throughout Baja California Sur are being given running water only once or twice a week. (Running water is not an issue for hotel guests.) The storm might also lead to temporary port closures. Eric Bricston, who runs Gordo Banks Pangas out of San Jose del Cabo, said via e-mail: "This storm does look dangerous and most likely on Monday morning we will have to haul all of the pangas [skiffs] out of the marina docking area up to the houses. A lot of heavy work, but it is better to be safe than sorry."

Jimena was located about 305 miles south of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and about 550 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja, California. The storm’s winds increased to near 115 mph (185 kph) with higher gusts. It was moving northwest at 12 mph. Forecasters expected the center of the storm to move parallel to the west coast of Mexico. Hurricanes of Category 3 or higher on the five-step Saffir-Simpson intensity scale are considered “major” and are the most destructive type.

Japan election

Japan election

Japan's ruling party conceded a crushing defeat Sunday after 54 years of nearly unbroken rule as voters were poised to hand the opposition a landslide victory in nationwide elections, driven by economic anxiety and a powerful desire for change. The left-of-center Democratic Party of Japan was set to win 300 or more of the 480 seats in the lower house of parliament, ousting the Liberal Democrats, who have governed Japan for all but 11 months since 1955, according to exit polls by all major Japanese TV networks.

"These results are very severe," Prime Minister Taro Aso said in a news conference at party headquarters, conceding his party was headed for a big loss. "There has been a deep dissatisfaction with our party." Aso said he would have to accept responsibility for the results, suggesting that he would resign as party president. Other LDP leaders also said they would step down, though official results were not to be released until early Monday morning.

The loss by the Liberal Democrats – traditionally a pro-business, conservative party – would open the way for the Democratic Party, headed by Yukio Hatoyama, to replace Aso and establish a new Cabinet, possibly within the next few weeks. The vote was seen as a barometer of frustrations over Japan's worst economic slump since World War II and a loss of confidence in the ruling Liberal Democrats' ability to tackle tough problems such as the rising national debt and rapidly aging population. The Democrats have embraced a more populist platform, promising handouts for families with children and farmers, a higher minimum wage, and to rebuild the economy.

Ironman Louisville 2009

Ironman Louisville 2009

Almost 3000 athletes from over 20 different countries are taking on Ironman Louisville 2009 triathlon today. The 2.4 mile swim, followed by the 112 mile bike, followed by the marathon run will test them to the extreme. You can watch the Ironman Louisville 2009 race live HERE and keep up with the athletes HERE. And you can get full results of both the professional and amatuer race HERE as well as track the athletes progress.

Australian Luke McKenzie, a two-time Ironman champ South Africa's Raynard Tissink with five Ironman titles are favorite to win on the men's side. Kramer-Postma Nina Kraft, Fernanda Keller will battle Lisbeth Kristensen as she tries to defend her title on the women's side of the race Well… Getting to this day has been a year long process. I first came here a year ago with my tri friends to cheer on other tri friends as they raced away in Ironman Louisville. The next day 15 of us signed up together.

Little did I even realize how much I would change in a years time. The up’s and down’s in life both personally and professionally all the while I had Ironman as my goal. So as you read this I’m well into the race and I’m really thankful for all your well wishes and prayers. Thank you Randy and Chris Elrod for walking with me through this entire process. Randy… our runs together mean more to me than any other time we have to hang and talk….Well besides all the wine, food and good porch time:) Dan Perkins, who is racing as well in Ironman Louisville, thanks for all the advice and encouragement. This is Dan’s 10th Ironman! Thanks to my co-workers for putting up with me, especially my boss, Steve- not only is he a great boss but his friendship never fails and his guidance is always solid.