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  Predictions for 2007

A general weather forecast for the four seasons throughout the U.S. and a forecast for the stock market in 2007 follows the monthly political and social predictions.

THE YEAR 2007

We are rapidly approaching a critical stage in U.S. history that will begin in 2009. Please read my article The Inflation Threat under "articles" for more information regarding the economy, the war in Iraq and elsewhere, the coming oil peak, and the consequences of the war on terrorism. This is a must read for those who want to be in-the-know for the real reasons for the U.S. led war on terrorism. The future of our nation for the next two decades is outlined in this important article.

2007 is a relatively normal and quiet year. The astrological cycles to the U.S. Declaration of Independence chart are not unusual. There are exceptional months like January, March, July, November, and December when significant events are likely to occur. But on the whole, 2007 is a growth year. Great emphasis will still be placed overseas but a focus on internal affairs (social issues) continues from the legacy started last year. The public desire for a change in strategy regarding Iraq and completion of social reforms such as raising the minimum wage, immigration, congressional ethics, stem cell research, and Social Security solvency will be highlighted throughout the year. The November election was a clear symbol of the growing public unrest. A change of course, a new direction, is fervently needed. This we will have - and successfully, I believe.

JANUARY

This is an eventful month of social reform, scientific breakthroughs, political reform, and a change in strategy and leadership regarding Iraq. The social agenda of the Democratic controlled House and Senate will intensify as the 7-year retrograde cycle to the Moon peaks on the 20th. The other major, monthly, cycle of the month is a 3-year cycle to the U.S. natal Uranus that peaks on the 4th. This signals dynamic shifts in policy, dangerous international developments, and scientific breakthroughs. New ideas will abound. The first half of the month is very violent - expect unusually high war casualties. Financial good news near the 24th. Many of the reforms and domestic agenda initiated by the Democratic controlled Congress will either be delayed, watered down, vetoed, or fail to pass. July is when several unpassed bills will finally be approved.

Jan. The government started the year reform-minded. The House acted to eliminate pork-barrel earmarks on bills. Anti-terror legislation in the House, inspired by the 9-11 commission, speeds through the approval process. Cargo aboard airplanes and on ships bound for the United States will be inspected along with all the other 9-11 commission unfulfilled recommendations. Social reforms also are passed by the House including: an increase in the minimum wage, and a reduction of interest rates on student loans. The House also voted to let the government negotiate with drug companies in an effort to lower prices for Medi-care recipients. An enhancement of stem-cell research was also passed. But these measures lack the two-thirds majority needed to override a threatened White house veto. The Senate, meanwhile, voted to deny pensions to convicted lawmakers - other ethic reforms such as lobbying were also submitted. Immigration reform is also back on the burner.

The U.S. airforce, navy, and special-operations team providing military advice joined transitional Somalian government forces and Ethiopian allies in attacking al-Qaeda fighters. The country had been controlled by radical Muslim forces that drove the government from the capital of Mogadishu. This is a dangerous development as Somalia is a Muslim country that has fought several wars with Ethiopia. The government, however, was thrown from power and asked Ethiopia for support in regaining its authority over rebel forces in charge of most of the country.

Two major health discoveries were reported on the 13th and 15th: Patient DNA samples will soon tailor drug dosages to individuals; and, a gene appears to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The Bush administration takes no time in issuing a new strategy in Iraq - send in as many as 20,000 new troops, press president Al-Maliki to combat Shitte militias loyal to his administration that have resisted U.S. forces and waged a civil war against Sunni militias, double reconstruction and economic development efforts, and bring Kurdish forces to Baghdad to join the additional American and Iraqi units there battling the insurgents. Securing the splintered Iraqi seat of government in Baghdad is central to Bush's strategy. But the al-Mahdi Army, which is run by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the prime minister's key political backer, must be tamed in the process. The al-Mahdi Army fought off the American Army several times already. It is now stronger than before. Al-Maliki must, therefore, put pressure on al-Sadr or risk losing American support.

The Uranus cycle of Jan. 4 symbolizes the rapid and radical technological developments taking place around the world this month. It is also a sign of rising international tensions. The U.S. considers investing $100 billion on a new nuclear upgrade of weapon systems. This would entail testing however; a provocative act in light of the fact that Iran, Jordan, Egypt, and Arab Gulf countries are seeking nuclear programs - not to mention North Korea. China also successfully shoots down an aging satellite. This puts China with the U.S. and Russia as the only nations capable of nuetralizing intelligence and communication satellites in space.

President Hugo Chavez moves to cement his power by nationalizing the power industry and telecommunications companies. He declaired in a speech on the 10th that the central aim of his term in office that runs until 2013 will be "to build Venezuelan socialism."

Bush seeks $83 million for forces loyal to Abbas to counter the government's control by Hamas. Israel likewise releases funds to aid the embattled president.

The new attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, is grilled by senators on the U.S. spying policy. Bush concedes a little by letting an independent count monitor the spying program - but the court will be a secret one. At least warrants for electronic surveillance will now be made by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to target internaitonal phone calls into or out of the United States involving persons affiliated, or suspected of being, with al-Qaeda or assiciated terrorist groups.

President Bush's State of the Union speech on the 23rd pledges to reduce U.S. gasoline use by up to 20% by 2017. Fuel-economy standards are to rise and alternative fuels will be increased. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is to be doubled by 2027. He also proposed to make health insurance more affordable, pass immigration reform (temporary-worker program), improve the No Child Left Behind Act, balance the yearly deficit by 2012, cut in half the number of "earmarked" congressional projects, reform Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and increase the military by 92,000 soldiers in five years. Expect most of these proposals to come up in July.

The military unveils its latest weapon technology on the 24th, a nonlethal ray-gun that makes a person feel they are on fire. The weapon would be ideal for crowd control.Bush appoints a new commander in chief for U.S. forces in Iraq - Lt. Gen. David Petraeus - author of the Army manual on counterinsurgency warfare.

Tensions mount with Iran as President Bush accuses Tehran of smuggling arms to Iraqi insurgents. Iran announces on the 27th that they are installing 3,000 centrifuges in their nuclear program.

The Attorney General on the 31st okayed the release of secret documents detailing the government's domestic spying program. This and the following news are clearly related to the Moon cycle of public matters. The Government Accountability Office added food safety to its list of critically flawed federal programs. The EPA announced that pollution puts women at higher cardiac risk by creating inflammation deep within the lungs and blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack.

FEBRUARY

The president and other national leaders will be in the news within 10 days of the 3rd with favorable economic forecasts. The president gains popularity and/or successfully promotes a bill. A military leader and a philanthropist make headway against poverty, inefficient networks, command structures, and inadequacies. Atomic weapons and nuclear plants are much discussed near the 22nd. Commerial instability and frightening news between the 18th and 22nd. Negotiations with a nuclear power (or a budding one like Iran) fail. High technology isssues at play within ten days of the 22nd. Changes in policy and decision-making arise near the 18th. Information that was secret is revealed near the 18th. Important data or information is either recovered or revealed at this time. Alternative energies, micro technology, and nuclear issues become news in the latter half of the month.

President Bush radically changes policy by introducing his 2008 budget on the 5th. He proposes to eliminate the deficit by 2012 partly through higher medicare premiums for wealthier participants, by reducing medicaid benefits, and by raising a variety of user fees and co-pays. Bush also wants to increase the nation's use of ethanol to 35 billion gallons a year - substancially boosting the 2005 National Energy Policy Act mandate. Bush also is using ethanol to court a strategic partnership with Brazil to expand bio-fuels and create goodwill in South America to thwart Hugo Chavez. Ethanol is made from grain. The fructose sweetener industry found that they could turn corn into ethanol to make better use of their expensive processing plants. So several large companies installed ethanol refineries at or near sweetener plants. Ethanol got another push when pollution from a noxious chemical the petroleum industry was using to enhance the octane ratings of gasoline was discovered. By 1991, fuel injectors started replacing carburetors to supply engines with fuel and, thus, reduced the carbon-monoxide problem and the need for exygenated fuel. These developments have opened the way for more ethanol production.

Additional troops are to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Negotiations are underway with North Korea to trade money and raw materials for a dismantling of their nuclear weapons program.

President Bush's move to clean the environment moved ahead on the 9th with news that the EPA will tighten rules to reduced toxic fumes (benzene) from cars and gasoline.

China is helping South Africa and other African nations in an effort to increase trade and gain oil and natural resource consessions. Washington counters by setting up a military command in Africa. Africa Command will oversee security, build parnership, supply defense support to nonmilitary operationss and, if needed, military support to the African continent. Russian President Vladimir Putin berates the U.S. in a major European speech for fostering global instability.

Fourteen EU nations were accused by the European Parliament of allowing CIA flights to secret prisons in Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries. The U.S. had kept the way terror suspects were abducted, held, and allegedly tortured secret.

Russia, angered by a U.S. led expansion of NATO to old U.S.S.R. satellite countries but excluding Russia from membership, threatens to leave the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed by Mikhail Gorbachev and President Reagan. The U.S. has just completed plans and agreements to deploy a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic - a clear and present danger to Russia that President Putin recently challenged in a major European speech.

Five probes are launched into space to explore remaining questions about the aurora borealis. Rocks from Mars offer more evidence of water once on the Red Planet.

The House votes on the 16th in a historic, nonbinding resolution disapproving of the President's plan to raise troop levels in Iraq.

On the 18th, North Korea agrees to dismantel its plutonium-producing nuclear facilities in exchange for economnic aid and security assurances from the U.S. and four other regional powers. Military action against N. Korea is for now off the table.

Important data or information is either recovered or revealed: Major news organizations write about the Dec. 2006 Bush administration decision to allow the EPA to raise the threshold of pollutants that companies can release into the environment. The administration has been keeping this policy and its data secret. Also: Health experts downplay cancer-vaccine side effects for teenage girls; herpes drug seems to help control HIV;ADHD drugs given to children will now include guides about possible mental and heart problems associated with the medication; the fur trim on many coats is made from dog hair.

An improvement in the meat and poultry industries, the first in ten years, will increase federal scrutiny of plants for germs. On the 24th news of a mysterious disorder among honeybees has caused thousands of the nations hives to vanish.

A U.S. appeals court ruled on the 20th that Guantanamo prisoners do not have a right as noncitizens held in a foreign country to American court justice.

Iran says it is ready to negotiate about its nuclear development but it will only talk if the U.S. shuts down its nuclear-fuel-cycle program. In other Middle Eastern news, Pakistani President Musharraf gathers leaders from key Sunni nations in a possible plan to establish a Sunni alliance to confront Shiite Iran.

A previous prediction published in my book EARTH CHANGES continues to come true. The prediction is that a grass-roots movement will take place in the United States involving organizations, cities, counties, and states who will adopt measures to solve energy needs, financial waste, pollution, and immigration issues not addressed by Congress. Minnesota pledges to produce 25% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2025.

Iran snubs U.N. nuclear-freeze deadline on the 22nd.

Britain declares that it will begin pulling its troops from Iraq this summer. Denmark will do the same. Lithuania is weighing whether to withdraw its troops. Other allies, including Italy, Spain, and Ukraine, have long since called their forces home.

Venezuela has spent more than $4 billion over the past two years on weapons. Venezuela is now the largest weapons buyer in South America, surpassing Pakistan and Iran in purchases.

More revealing news that has been hidden: Iraq death toll leaves out nearly 800 contractors killed and 3,300 injured. More revelations concerning information turnarounds appears on the 28th with a new Danish study declaring antioxidant supplements offer no benefits. Another study also backs the controversial anti-viral vaccine for females before they become sexually active.

In a major reversal of policy, the Bush administration on the 27th announces that it agrees to hold talks with Iran and Syria.

MARCH

Allies, alliances, peace overtures, and a focus on foreign nations will dominate the month as the solar eclipse of the 18th falls close to the U.S. Descendant. Popular support for an Iraqi led effort to curb their civil war will be strong especially between the 18th and 28th. A female will propose or lead a major peace initiative. Debate will rage over the environment, public health and welfare, the national infrastructure, agriculture and the food industry - all within 10 days of the 28th. Generally more peaceful conditions will prevail. The nation prospers and important new trade (mostly agricultural in nature) arrangements are made with other nations. Celebrities and philanthropists will help people in need of housing.

Pakistan arrests a high-level aide to the Taliban chief in Afghanistan.

Doubts about North Korean and Iranian capabilities to build nuclear weapons surfaces.

President Bush will visit Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay in mid March to reaffirm our commitment to furthering political, economic, and social advancement in these countries. This is a major bid by Bush to align with democratically elected leaders in Latin America.

Shoddy wounded soldier care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center creates major embarrassment for the Bush administration.

The Sudanese government is escalating oil exploration inside the Darfur region. Some political analysts think untapped oil reserves might have been an underlying factor in the Darfur conflict all along, explaining why a seemingly barren wasteland of western Sudan would spark such a bitter tug of war between government forces and rebels.

Russia urges the U.S. to enter more missile-defense talks. Tehran, in the meantime, stalls in answering questions about its nuclear program.

The new director of the national intelligence agency said there are funds coming from Saudi Arabia to help Sunni insurgents in Iraq, while Iran is supporting the Shiite militias. The U.S. in turn is secretly backing Shia groups in Lebanon to thwart Syrian aid to Sunni terrorists.

Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's closest adviser, is found guilty of lying and obstructing the investigation into leaked information revealing a CIA operative's identity in an attempt to silence her husband from criticizing the Iraq war.

Unchecked airport workers caught smuggling guns at Orlando International Airport highlights weakness of security gaps.

Mexican president promises plan to slow migration to U.S. Britain aims to slash greenhouse-gas emissions. More news that others nations are coming to the forefront during the eclipse to the U.S. Descendant.

NATO launches a massive offensive in southern Afghanistan to root out Taliban insurgents.

Democrats attempt to withold money for Iraq and Afghanistan unless guarantee of troop pullout begins in 2008. The bill is also laced with lavish domestic spending projects.

U.S. holds secret hearings on 14 Guantanamo prisoners to determine if they can be prosecuted as enemy combatants and not terrorists.

Attorney General Gonzales is in the "hotseat" for replacing eight U.S. attorneys, allegedly for political reasons. Leading Democrats want him to resign.

The House votes to halt billions of dollars wasted in unfair contracting. Three other open-government measures were included in the bill. In the Senate, the Democratic anti-war bill to pressure President Bush to bring our troops home in 2008 failed to pass.

The Hamas led Palestinian government came to agreement with the moderate Fatah party but Israel and the United States still refuse to negotiate with the new government - the European Union may or may not continue to isolate the Palestinians.

Former CIA agent Valerie Plame testifies before a congressional committee intent on discovering if White House officials disclosed her identity. This is the first time Plame has shared her side of the possible cover-up. In other news a few days later (20th) lawmakers warn the FBI to discontinue widespread misuse of civilian surveillance or risk losing its broad power to collect telephone, e-mail, and financial records to hunt terrorists.

Cleric al-Sadr revokes his support of the U.S. led security crackdown in Baghdad. It is uncertain if the cleric's Mahdi militia will rise up in arms as a result.

Russia puts greater pressure on Tehran by removing 2,000 workers at a Iranian nuclear site. Russia also told Iran that it would not make good on pledges to deliver nuclear fuel for the unfinsihed reactor unless Tehran complies with the U.N. demand for an enrichment freeze.

The FDA moves to curb outside experts that advise the agency if a conflict of interest is suspected.

The al-Mahdi Army of cleric al-Sadr has splintered into several groups; one is being trained and equipted in Iran by the elite Quds Force. The breakup is an ominous development at a time when U.S. and Iraqi forces are working to defeat militias and secure Iraq under government control. This is another sign of foreign groups forming alliances under the eclipse to the U.S. Descendant.

A historic vote by the House of Representatives sends a defiant message to President Bush insisting on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq beginning September 2008. The President has vowed to veto the bill.

APRIL

A weekly cycle to Uranus peaks on the 17th followed by Saturn turning stationary direct. Technological advances in health, foodstuffs, domestic concerns, and helping the homeless and storm victims will be prominent. New ideas will be presented for the public to consider. Revolutions, strikes, and protests near the 17th. An upsurge in war casualties causes more widespread public disfavor for the war. Safety concerns about air travel, water, and food are also likely to be in the news.

The journal Science published research predicting that the Southwest is returning to "dust bowl" drought conditions. The area has been in a drought since 2000 but permanent dry weather is expected by 2050.

A budget crunch is widening in Washington as NASA sets to cut major space projects including a robotic mission to the Moon.

A major blow to the Bush administration occurred on the 3rd when the Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide gases are pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act; therefore, the EPA must regulate these emissions widely believed to be the cause of rising global temperature.

The U.N. released a grim climate report based on a network of 2,000 scientists and more than 120 governments. Among the findings are species at risk - polar bears, frogs, and cod. Ticks spreading disease will move north. Coral is bleaching and eroding its ability to build reefs. In the coming years, millions will abandon low water areas as the seas rise. Food and water will become scarce especially in developing countries. Another study found large Atlantic sharks vanishing due to overfishing. If the sharks go, large predator fish controlled by sharks will begin killing off the food chain fish.

Saudi king slams U.S. presence in Iraq and urges Arabs to unite. The Democrats seek a united front to force Bush to pull troops out of Iraq.

North Korea misses deadline to close nuke-fuel facility after $25 million in frozen funds to the North released.

Stem-cell experimental therapy in Brazil successful in keeping diabetics off medication.

Six Iraqi ministers loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr quit their government posts. Government instability results.

Army lengthens troops' tours of duty. Manpower shortages lead to more money bonuses and incentives for re-enlistment.

Poisoned pet food from China draws attention to mounting food safety concerns. China's Health Ministry is unable to inspect all of their vast food supplies produced and exported.

In what may appear to be an end-run by the Republican National Committee to by-pass the Hatch Act the Committee created nongovernmental e-mail accounts for White House staffers who regularly have political duties. Communications gear was given to these aides and separate hard-line phones were installed at the White House. The Hatch Act bars federal employees from engaging in political activities like arranging events, raising money for condidates, and talking with political organizations using government resources (communications gear) or on government time. A substantial number of e-mails on these political accounts have been lost, supposedly erased. Congress is demanding that the White House produce copies of all e-mails on these accounts.

A deranged student kills 32 staff and fellow students at Virginia Tech. This is the worst mass killing in U.S. history.

The Kurds in northern Iraq wants their former city of Kirkuk, the center of Iraq's northern oilfields, back. The U.S. is worried that the Kurds may splinter from the government or foment a new surge of internal warfare. Raids into Turkey held Kurdish territory have raised concerns that Turkey will retaliate into Iraqi. In other unstabling events, the U.S. general says that many weapons used by the Taliban in Afghanistan are being made in Iran.

Outpatient-care reform is on the way for the VA after inadequacies were widely reported.

The 18th is the bloodiest day in Iraq since the build-up and the second deadliest day of the insurrgency.

The House and Senate pass war-funding bill that requires troop withdrawal from Iraq beginning Oct. 1. President Bush has vowed to veto.

A major breakthrough in genetics research is made on the 26th with genetic risks for Type 2 diabetes discovered. An earthlike planet is found that could hold water and sustain life.

The Supreme Court upholds the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that critics claim is vague.

The plan to wall-off a Sunni district of Baghdad draws criticism to the U.S. and Iraqi military.

Vladimir Putin threatens to stop following an unratified NATO treaty limiting the deployment of troops and equipment in Europe in retaliation for U.S. plans to place radar and interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic.

New government report on status in Iraq reveals that most construction projects are not being properly maintained by the Iraqis; in addition, many buildings were poorly built. Contractor fraud and lack of oversight was to blame for the high expense and shody workmanship of a majority of the projects.

MAY

Manufacturing mistakes, recalls, or fraud likely near the 3rd. A covert military action is begun. This is widespread and results in many deaths, often innocent victims. The military, construction industry, and security forces - one or all - face scrutiny due to ineptiduce and dishonest actions. Waste abounds in the military and special civilian constractors causing a public outrage. Contagious diseases are causing many deaths and much suffering near the 5th. The military blunders. Secrets, lies, and distortions are made about the war on terrorism. The killing goes on in the ramp-up that began near April 17. A nation threatens to use chemical weapons if attacked. More peaceful conditions exist near the 19th and 23rd. This is a time of new peace hopes, financial prosperity, increased trade and partnerships. Good news about tourism, entertainment, and entertainers. A foreign nation allied with us makes a peace deal with her enemy. Expensive jewelry or art is talked about within 10 days of the 19th-23rd.

Labor Day protesters took to the streets in several major U.S. cities in support of legalization efforts for immigrants.

Bush signed his second veto and sent the emergency supplemental appropriations bill back to Congress. The Democrats had added a clause to the funding bill stipulating that troops begin leaving Iraq in Oct. 2007. The combined spending requests of this bill added to what has already been spent since 9/11 totals $564 billion (see my article Inflation Warning: The War in Iraq for more information).

President Hugo Chavez socializes the last privately run oil field in Venezuela. He needs foreign oil companies to extract and refine the tarlike crude of the world's largest-known petroleum deposit. BP, PLC, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp., France's Total SA and Norway's Statoil ASA remain locked in a struggle with the Chavez government over the terms and conditions under which they will be allowed to stay on as minority partners.

A class F-5 tornado (the biggest) destroys 95% of a Kansas town.

A new study links alcohol consumption with a decrease in cognitive function. The more one consumes on a regular basis the worse the damage over time. Even light drinkers consuming only 1-7 oz. a week were at some risk. Heavy drinkers are considered to consume 14 or more oz. a week.

Fires in south Georgia and north Florida are the largest ever recorded.

The Senate blocks prescription-drug imports and imposes safety and quality measures on the pharmaceutical industry

The House submits a revised war-funding bill that proposes a timeline for withdrawal and a series of measures that the Iraqi government needs to address before more money is released.

The National Guard is depleted with nearly half of their required equipment overseas. The massive tornado that leveled Greensburg, Kansas brought to light the weakened State reserves.

Congress is on the verge of passing a major free trade bill with Peru and Panama, raising the chances of similar legislation with Colombia and South Korea. The agreements would boost the economy and be a counterweight to the growing influence in Latin America of Venequela's Hugo Chavez.

Besides an increase in violence (May is the third most costliest month for U.S. in the war), three American soldiers are taken prisoner in Iraq after their patrol is ambushed killing five others. In other war news: The Army's Stryker troop-carrying vehicle is found vulnerable to roadside bombs.

U.S. ally Pakistan is under civil pressure as protests turn violent in the wake of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's suspension of an independently minded supreme court chief March 9. Ethnic fighting might break out in Karachi, Pakistan's economic hub.

World Bank leader resigns in wake of scandal. Wolfowitz was a U.S. architect of the Iraq war but his arranged pay increase for his girlfriend cost him this prestigious position.

The ocean absorbs a quarter of human-generated carbon emissions. A new study finds that the ocean's ability to do this successfully is diminishing. Another study found seven bird species are declining by up to 45% probably as a result of the West Nile virus..

A new "war czar" is chosen by President Bush to coordinate the various agencies fighting interrostis.

Evangelist Rev. Jerry Falwell dies.

Congress revamps the war-buget bill without a timeline for troop withdrawal, and adds $2.10 to the minimum wage.

Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps are accused of being terrorist training bases. One of the camps has recently become a battleground as Lebanonese military forces assault rebels.

Red-tide toxic blooms spread along Florida's west coast causing large fish kills and sickening humans living near the beach.

Bush orders sanctions against Sudan for their policies in Darfur.

JUNE

The president is severely criticized and his popularity goes way down near the 4th. A prominent leader dies. News about buildings, government accountability and down-sizing, the elderly and welfare, and the national infrastructure withing 10 days of the 4th. Important legal issues are talked about. New government rules and laws apply to businesses after the 4th and near to the 16th. Trade reversals with a foreign nation possible near the 18th. Decisions and policy are changed regarding a country. Disagreement and lack of cooperation abound. Threatening words but new ideas concerning peace will be generated. Another nation advances into space or makes technological (nuclear, nano-technology, energy conversion) advances.

President Bush considers basing troops in Iraq indefinitely. Iraq would become a staging area for potential conflicts in the region. Protecting our oil interests in Iraq is yet another significant reason for posting a large force in the country.

A key plot to blow up the oil holding facilities and pipes at JFK international airport is thwarted by an informant.

A major blow to the Bush administration comes as a ruling by a military judge who dismissed terror-related charges against a Gitmo detainee. As a result, it may not be possible to try all Guantanamo detainees in military courts as the administration wants to do.

A breakthrough on the 7th will soon allow cell phones and other devices to be recharged without being plugged-in - sending power wirelessly.

Immigration reform dies in the Senate but may be resurrected in the near future.

President Bush's approval rating sinks to the lowest ever - 32% according to the latest AP-Ipsos poll.

Changes are brewing in the executive branch as President Bush hires lawyers to fight congressional inquiries into his executive power. Secretary of Defense Gates also announces a change in the chairmanship of the joint Chiefs of Staff from a marine general to a navy admiral. U.S. commanders in Iraq also have a new strategy to turn Baath Party loyalists against al-Qaeda by supplying them with weapons.

Solar panels are delivered to the space station causing temporary shutdown of onboard computers. The problems are solved.

Civil war in Palestine forces the president and his Fatah party to the West Bank while rival Hamas controls Gaza and the former government buildings.

Flocks of U.S. birds have been disappearing since 1967 due to suburban sprawl, climate change, and other invasive species.

N. Korea promises to allow U.N. inspectors to check reactor before it is scheduled to close down. The question is: will they renege.

President Bush vetoes a 2nd stem-cell bill.

Makers of dietary supplements will have to test ingredients for safety says the FDA.

Five years ago, Congress passed the McCain-Feingold Act that prevents election ads that mention a candidate's name thirty days before an election. The Supreme Court ruled against this Act saying it violates the 5th Amendment.

European leaders agree on a new treaty that strengthens the EU's trading ability.

Central Texas experiences the worst flooding ever; city after city underwater.

Two blows to President Bush: the Senate kills the Immigration Bill for the last time. Immigration reform will likely have to wait for the next administration to take office. Congress does not renew fast-track trade authority for Bush. Fast-track authority gives the president the right to negotiate international trade agreements that Congress can accept or reject but not amend. This authority has been a significant diplomatic tool wielded by presidents since its inception during the Ford administration in 1975.

JULY

A seven year Moon cycle peaks on the 9th with a weekly Moon on the 27th. Social concerns dominate the month. Women are making the news. Housing and the stables of life will be debated. General prosperity. Public health, immigration, land use and city planning are key issues of the month. A great calling for caregiving and peace is heard throughout the land.

Georgia advances immigration reforms of its own after the Federal government fails to do so.

Bush commutes former White House aide, "Scooter" Libby, jail term but not his probation or fine.

Stronger ethic law fails in House.

Half of the Hurricane Center staff calls for their controversial new boss to be fired; four days later he is removed from office.

32 nuclear devices that could be used to make a "dirty bomb" are lost says the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

For the first time 22 Arab countries will go to Jerusalem to recognize Israel and press for a return of all lands captured in the 1967 Six-Day War, and the creation of a Palestinian state.

Drought conditions continue across much of the nation as huge wildfires consume large areas of the west, particularly in South Dakota, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. The heat-wave responsible for these blazes is heading east.

Boeing unveils its first all-new airliner since 1995. The 787 Dreamliners may revolutionize flying since they consume far less fuel than standard jets. The planes are made mostly of carbon-fiber composites, which are lighter, more durable and less prone to corrosion than aluminum.

A dementia skin patch to deliver Alzheimer's patients medicine wins FDA approval. The anti-smoking drug varenicline (Chantix) may also help problem drinkers stop.

History shows that when a single party controls the Presidency, the House, and the Senate (as has been the case during parts of the Bush administration) more hard-line totalitarianism. President Bush invokes executive privilege for the second time to prevent lawmakers from fully investigating the firing of federal prosecutors for possible political reasons. In other developments: the ex-surgeon general who served his four-year term and, then, was not reappointed, testified before a congressional committee that his speeches were censored to match administration political positions. He said the administration was trying to distort scientific evidence in order to support policy decisions.

Al Gore promotes his global warming agenda through an international music concert - Live Earth. Plastic bottled water gets a bad rap for creating energy and environmental waste. Governor Crist of Florida joins eleven other states initiating environmental improvements; appearing at the summit was California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and statesman Robert F. Kennedy among others.

Pakistan's president Musharraf vows to root-out all extremists after a bloody Mosque siege and multiple street demonstrations against his regime. Violence against the military spreads as troops deploy to seal off militant bases in the North-West Frontier Province. The Taliban had signed a peace agreement with the government, which is now broken. In other news: Pakistan's Supreme Court reinstates the chief justice Musharraf had previously suspended.

More consumer good news about China as the nation cracks down on food safety flaws. A new system to monitor food safety will soon go into effect; this on the heals of the execution of the former head of the drug-regulation agency for taking bribes. The globalization of the food industry has been shaken by revelations of impure foods from China, but more foodstuffs have been rejected from India and Mexico than from China.

After analysts warn that al-Qaeda has restructured itself and grown in Pakistan, its ranks swelled by independent groups worldwide, the people voice their opinion and the House votes to begin pulling troops from Iraq in 120 days. The measure is sure to meet a Bush veto.

Good news: North Korea has shut-down its nuclear reactor. Bad news: Russia to suspend in 150 days an arms-limitation agreement in response to U.S. plans to deploy a missile shield in Eastern Europe.

The Supreme Court issues a close decision striking down the decades old race-based way to desegregate schools. A more reliable way to ensure racial balance should be based on income proponents argue. The socioeconomic plans produce a fair amount of racial diversity and also tend to improve student achievement.

On the heals of Iraq's government failure to draft laws to regulate the oil industry and, thus, distribute oil revenue fairly, the Senate stays in session all night on the 18th to vote for pulling our troops from Iraq.

The FDA closed seven of its thirteen laboratories and comes under criticism for lack of food safety testing. Bush's new panel will try to ensure imports' safety.

The federal minimum wage will rise each summer for the next two years.

The aging infrastructure of the U.S. bursts in New York City from a deadly steam-pipe explosion.

Russia to boost military spy capability in retaliation for U.S. European missile-defense plans.

Senate votes for a revival of Mexican border security measures. The House also approves an updated homeland-security bill.

The U.S. is to sell Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states $20 billion of military hardware in the next decade. Israel's share will be increased to $30 billion up from $2.4 to offset any strategic superiority.

DOW drops over 500 points in two days; the 27th is the worst day on Wall Street since 9/11.

Scientists crack genetic link of MS; hope for cure before it starts is in the making. Women make the news: India gets its first female President.

A rare category 5 hurricane (Dean) crosses Jamaica and slams into Mexico and Belize leaving a wide swath of destruction. Mexican offshore oil workers evacuated.

 

AUGUST

Sudden violence occurs within 10 days of the 21st. Technological advancements and new ideas surface at this time too. Instability and social unrest. Demonstrations against the war are likely. New initiatives are needed but the government lacks the ability to act. Inventors and social activists do much to catch the headlines. Airline accidents, unusual happenings, and scientific breakthroughs make this a very stressful, yet exciting month. A spectacular triple conjunction involving the superior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury on the 15th, Mercury conjunction Venus on the 17th, and Venus superior conjunction Sun on the 18th (plus all in conjunction with Saturn from the 13th - 21st) foretells of the death or downfall of a stabilizing world leader; the failure of diplomatic efforts, and failure of the Iraq government; a new Arab/Israeli leader and historic breakthrough; dreaded alliances between old enemies; trade problems and economic worries.

Congress votes for bills likely to face a presidential veto. The bills include cuts in payments to Medicare while insuring 6 million poor children; an Army Corps water project over budget; an ethics-reform bill aimed at congressional gifts, earmark projects (porkbarrel spending), and lobby fund raising efforts.

Lead pain on toys from China prompts worldwide recall.

The nations infrastructure continues to age - a major bride over the Mississippi in Minnesota collapses killing and injuring scores of people.

Bush wins wider wiretapping powers without a court order under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act update bill. Certain types of physical searches of persons and business records are also allowed. Congress also passes new taxes on the oil industry, and creates incentives for renewable energy and conservation.

NASA's Phoenix spacecraft was launched to Mars to look for life.

After Russia plants a flag deep under the North Pole to place a claim, Canada plans to build an army training center and a deep-water port there. The U.S. and Norway also have competing claims to the vast seabed and its riches. Denmark said scientists would embark this month on an expedition of an Arctic ridge attached to their Greenland territory.

The federal government cracks down on illegal migrant hiring with stepped-up workplace raids.

Iraqi prime minister calls crisis summit to save his crumbling government. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has lost support in parliament. About half of his Cabinet ministers have quit in protest.

An earthquake rocks Peru (see weather predictions below).

The stock market tumbles sharply again on the 15th possibly signalling the beginning of the next expected recession (see stock market predictions below and in article "Inflation Warning").

FDA drops plan to shut down seven public-health labs.

A Southeast and Midwest heat wave continues into a second week killing 47. Floodwaters kill residents in MN, OK, and TX. Floods continue to spread weeks later into Ohio, which was last enundated like this in 1913.

The space shuttle returns a day early from the space station to avoid massive hurricane; it sustained damage to its underbelly tiles upon liftoff but NASA deems it safe to re-enter the atmosphere.

World rivals in the news: Russia continues to flex her resolve to become a world power again with aviation prowess. North Korea, weakened by massive flooding, wecomes U.N. food aid. Iran issues "double-speak" on use and inspection of nuclear sites. Chavez's allies pave the way to extend his length of rule indefinately.

U.S. helicopter crashes in Iraq killing all 14 aboard. This is one of the worst air disasters of the war making Aug. 22 the worst single day of U.S. military losses since 25 died Jan. 20. In other war news, the Pentagon announced that it will only be able to supply half of the 3,500 armored personnel carriers required by year's end.

In a major blow to the environment, the White House proposed new regulations that would ease restrictions on surface-mine operations allowing mines to damage streams, fish, and wildlife - and repair the harm done later.

A combined 16 agency report on Iraq concluded that the Maliki government will become more unstable in the next six months to a year.

Government wants all cargo in foreign ports destined for the U.S. to be screened for nukes.

Cracks in all three of the Shuttles' fuel-tanks discovered - repairs ordered

A deep sea remote vessel will explore ancient, Byzantine wrecks in the Black Sea opening the way for similar explorations worldwide.

The secular government in Turkey may end with a newly elected Islamist-rooted President. The military has ousted four governments in 1960 that steered away from the secularism that began in the 1930s.

Home prices drop to the steepest levels in 20 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas meet to iron out differeneces.

Iran offers information on its nuclear arms program.

Attorney General Gonzales resigns from the Bush administration. Chief aid Karl Rove also quit.

The U.N. nuclear agency said Iran was producing less nuclear fuel than expected and had come clean on its past atomic ambitions. The Bush administration is skeptical. Iran, however, used the U.N. report to argue against a third round of U.S.-led U.N. Security Council sanctions.

Shiite cleric al-Sadr ordered a 6-month cease-fire of his Mahdi Army against U.S. and coalition forces in order to reorganzie. Splinter groups have formed recently from the Mahdi army that refuse to cooperate with al-Sadr. The U.S. asserts that the Mahdi Army is being trained and armed by elite Iranian troops.

A toxic barnacle and algae agent used by all of the world's commercial ships has been banned.

Pakistan President Musharraf is under more pressure to maintain his leadership position as former prime minister Nawaz Sharif vows to re-enter the country after a 7-year exile.

NASA warns that global warming will produce more intense droughts and major lightning and hail storms.

 

SEPTEMBER

A reassessment of the nation's goals, policies, and international intentions will be made near the 16th. The war in Iraq intensifies and debate rages in the States for a new national direction. The solar eclipse of 9/11/07 falls within 7-degrees of the U.S. chart signaling a series of terrorist attacks. This month is mostly about the war and calls for change in policy. The people are heard in mass numbers. New agendas are set regarding environmental and health policies. The military devised a strategy for renewing the attack.

Bush announced steps to help homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments; he made it clear that he has no interest in bailing out lenders. Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke vowed to do all that is necessary to protect the national economy from the effects of a global credit crunch.

N. Korea vows to disable all nuclear facilities by the end of 2007 but U.S. refuses to take the country from its terrorist list. Iran has reached its uranium centrifuge goal, although Tehran is still a long way from producing nuclear warheads.

Senator Craig resigns over sex sting in men's room.

During the past 6 weeks, Taliban troops have driven government forces out of about half of a strategic area in southern Afghanistan that American and NATO forces had controlled.

Questions are raised about the widespread outsourcing of food. Companies are increasingly using ingredients from multiple brand names making it difficult for consumers to trace parts of a product back to a supplier.

Heat wave in CA leaves 14,000 without power, kills 25.

Lebanonese army finally crushes militant group at a Palestinian refugee camp.

Four out of five Americans think government is leading us in the best direction; meanwhile, activists for the surge in Iraq advertise their stance. The British start a major troop reduction in Iraq.

U.S. workers have longer hours than most other technological societies but produce more.

The first major expansion of the Panama Canal begins on the 3rd.

Germany captures major terrorist organization bent on attacking U.S. interests in Europe.

The second Category 5 hurricane slams Central America - the first time two have hit in one year.

One Iraq war study this month states the national police force should be disbanded; Iraq's security forces unable to take control of the country in the next 18 months.

Opera great Pavarotti dies.

Federal judge strikes down civil liberties portions of the Patriot Act.
A virus is apparently responsible for decimating half of the honeybees in the U.S.

Congress approves an increase in Pell grants and a cut to interest rates on federal student loans.

Business continues to globalize as U.S. companies outsource call centers in Caribbean nations.

Actor/politician Fred Thompson enters the 2008 campaign - a late Republican runner.

40% of the nation's total ethanol-production capacity is done by small businesses.

A small rebel group in Mexico blew up major pipelines that disrupted the financial markets in the U.S. and Mexico.

Musharraf defies the Pakistan Supreme Court by preventing elected prime minister Sharif from reentering the country after being exiled.

Bin Laden sends two video messages urging "a caravan of death" to America. Meanwhile, General Petraeus reports to Congress that the surge in Iraq is working but needs until next summer before large troop pullbacks can safely take place. More Sunni tribes have vowed to oust al-Qaeda from their provinces.

Weapons of mass destruction, small boats packed with explosives, and Islamic radicalization (especially on the web) are the greatest terrorist threats facing the U.S., say top security officials.

Japanese Prime Minister will resign over government instability. In Russia, Putin dissolves his government in order to make the sole decision about his predecessor. A new government must be appointed within two weeks according to the constitution. Putin’s choice for Prime Minister okayed by parliament.

President Bush broadcasts to the nation that the surge strategy in Iraq is working but needs another 10 months before withdrawing sizable portions of troops. The Iraqi government and police units, and some security forces are still inadequate to run the country without U.S. support. The latest government report on the progress in Iraq is based on 18 benchmarks. Since the last report in which the Iraq government had made satisfactory gains toward eight benchmarks, unsatisfactory marks on eight and mixed results on two. This report shows only one additional benchmark gain. Meanwhile, the killing continues, including a prominent leader who had joined with coalition troops against al-Qaida. The war has lasted four and a half years at a cost of half a trillion dollars and nearly 3,8000 American lives.

Sudan’s President declared that his government is willing to implement a cease-fire with rebel forces at the start of peace talks over the conflict in Darfur, scheduled for next month in Libya.

Inflation creeps higher. Now toy prices will rise due to safety concerns over Chinese imports. Fish prices are up substancially. And now wheat prices have sent Italian pasta costs up creating widespread European protests.

Pakistan vowed to step up its fight against terrorism after a high-security military base was attacked by Islamic militants. Pakistan may soon be next hotspot in the global hunt for terrorists.

A European court finds Microsoft guilty of monopoly abuse.
Thousands march in D.C. to protest the war in Iraq.
For the first time the Northwest Passage is open to more than big ice-breaker ships. The Arctic ice meltdown has been faster than expected.
Shiite sheiks in southern Iraq are showing the same kind of interest in joining U.S. paid patrol-parties to police their neighborhoods and drive out extremists.
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, in his new book, bashes President Bush for spending too freely and increasing the deficit. He warns about inflation.

Wholesale prices fall by 1.4% while U.S. home foreclosures soar in Aug.

The Iraqi government expels the private security firm Blackwater USA after company employees, who guard dignitaries and Westerners, killed 18 people and wounded dozens more. All contracts of foreign securities firms are to be reviewed. A few days later Blackwater is back guarding diplomats after Iraq realizes throwing them out of the country might not be feasible.

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut a key interest rate to spur growth and head-off a recession.

Problems persist in talks with North Korea over dismantling its nuclear program. Now accusations are that the North provided secret nuclear information to Syria.

China and Russia, according to a top U.S. intelligence official, are spying on us as much as they did during the Cold War. In other news, Congress debates renewing money to special services like the Navy Seals and Green Berets for counterinsurgency efforts.

Tensions rise in the Middle East as the U.S. calls for a new round of U.N. sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program. Iran has drawn up plans to bomb Israel if the Jewish state attacks. Israeli planes have crossed Syrian (Iran’s ally) airspace recently. Israel has threatened to cut off power and fuel supplies to Gaza, declaring the coastal strip an “enemy entity.”

NATO forces launch a new military operation in Afghanistan’s violent southern province where a shipment of weapons near Iran’s border was seized.

Osama bin Laden, on the eve of 9/11, released two videos in a propaganda campaign to ignite radicals around the world. Now al-Qaida is declaring war on Pakistani President Musharraf. The latest video promised more fighting in Afghanistan, North Africa and Darfur. In other Iraq news, only 7 of 18 provinces are in Iraq government control.

Lebanon presses ahead with presidential elections in spite of bombings, threats, and the killing of lawmakers. Anti-Syrian leaders vowed not to back down.

Democrats fail to pass anti-war bill to bring troops home in nine months.

Thousands of civil rights protesters meet in the streets of Jena, LA.

Bush tries to build international support for a Mideast peace conference this fall. Meanwhile, Iranian President Ahmadinejad visits the U.S. ahead of an unprecedented U.N. summit to combat rapid climate change; he is interviewed on 60-Minutes and answers questions at Columbia University amid resounding war-drums.

Musharraf arrests political opposition leaders as the Supreme Court dismisses two of his legal challenges to re-election bid.

Home prices post biggest drop in 16 years.

Congress votes to tighten sanctions against Iran.

The U.S. is lining up with China, India and the world’s other biggest polluters in opposition to mandatory cuts in Earth-warming greenhouse gases sought by the United Nations and European countries.

NASA launches a spacecraft that will attempt to circle two asteroids – Vesta and Ceres – using ion-propulsion engines.

Two provisions of the Patriot Act are unconstitutional ruled a federal judge.

Iran reaches out to another S. American country – Bolivia. The Iranian President will then visit Venezuelan leader Chavez.

The U.S. is finding it hard to get international agreement to continue Iranian sanctions. Russia and China refuse to discuss new sanctions until the International Atomic Energy Agency reports on Tehran at the end of the year.

NASA’s space rover is inside a Martian crater ready to carry out its first experiments.

Congress approved legislation to expand health care program to children; Bush to veto.

Scientists are extracting DNA from extinct mammoths in order to better understand them.

Bush signed a spending bill to prevent a government shutdown while Democrats fail to pass several bills that would add $23 billion for domestic programs.

Aging inmates are costing the prison system huge sums for medical care.

The U.S. agrees to pay N. Korea $25 million to purchase 50,000 tons of heavy fuel oil. Four other nations agreed to provide the North with additional fuel oil as part of its nuclear dismantlement.

President Bush acknowledged that human causes are behind global warming. He seeks a new image by talking with other nations about how to solve the problem.

OCTOBER

Peace, prosperity, and entertainment highlight this month. Typically a month of stock market lows, this month may improve the financial market's position for the remainder of the year. A major peace initiative occurs. A political joining of forces strengthens forerunners. Trade issues and growth overseas spells optimism. National and international celebrities make major news. Good news about the war will be dashed in November; but for now, agreement, successful ventures, and ambitious new plans prevail. Major concession in the Middle East is cause for celebration.

Rebel forces stormed a small African Union base in Darfur and killed 10 peacekeepers, an act that threatens the key peace talks set for October.

100 governments have proposed ideas to regulate the international gun trade. The NRA says the U.N. attempt to limit arms sales is also an attempt to curtail the civilian ownership of guns within nations. The U.S. has opposed such measures in the past.

Afghanistan President Karzai said there is serious debate among some Taliban groups to declare peace and join the government. This could be a major win for peace.The U.S. military has launched a “Most Wanted campaign in Afghanistan offering rewards for common terrorists and not just chiefs.

North Korea closer to deal on disarmament by end of year. North and South Korean leaders meet for a historic second summit. Deal is made - all nuke plants to be dismantled!

As Congress investigates the Blackwater scandal, congressional Democrats move to subject contractors to prosecution by U.S. courts, a loophole that does not exist now. The Bush administration issues its own restrictions and monitoring practices on independent contractors.

Bush vows to veto the children’s health insurance bill; this will only be his fourth veto.

U.N. says Afghan violence is up 30%.

Musharraf sweeps Pakistan election.

For weeks citizens of Myanmar (Burma), led by Buddhist monks, have staged demonstrations against the military dictatorship. Once a British colonial state, Burma enjoyed a few years of democracy before the military took over 45 years ago. The jailing and beating of monks, however, may be undermining the military ranks.

The Kurds in Northern Iraq are battling the age-old practice of “honor killings” of women who give birth out of wedlock. Similar “honor retributions” are a world-wide problem.

Costa Rica narrowly passes bill to join Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Palestinian President Abbas laid out specific borders, calling for a full Israeli withdrawal from all territories captured in the 1967 war.

U.S. warns Turkey not to invade Kurdish Iraq to chase rebels fearing regional instability. A congressional committee recognizes the historical fact that an Armenian genocide took place during World War I as the Ottoman Empire collapsed. Turkey, a key NATO ally, denies that genocide took place; political consequences may follow. Meanwhile, Turkish warplanes attacked Kurdish rebels near the Iraq border, and shelling their positions inside Iraq.

Afghanistan cracks down on unregulated security firms.

Gore receives Nobel Peace prize.

Stocks reach another record high.

Cancer death rates have been dropping.

Computer hard drives will be able to hold 4 terabytes or more of memory by 2011.

The Venus cycle this month is aligning many nations in peace deals: Israel and the Abbas Palestinians; and Russia’s Putin visiting Iran to support Caspian Sea nations. India is split over the controversial nuclear energy deal made with the U.S. Many in India oppose the deal (critics in America say it provides India with extra fuel for nuclear weapons) because it draws the countries closer together.

Commanders in Iraq have decided to begin a modest troop drawdown.

Turkey is expected to vote for Iraq incursion to hunt down Kurdish rebels.

U.S. gives visiting Dalai Lama a Gold Medal, infuriating the Chinese.

It appears that staph infections in hospitals will account for more deaths than AIDS.

Iraq war deaths in Sept. reached a yearly low. The Venus peace cycles of Nov. have started.

President Olmert of Israel visited Putin and told him point blank that if Iran had nuclear weapons and Syria has sophisticated weapons from Russia, Israel will have to act accordingly.

The president of Iraq’s Kurdish region vowed to retaliate if Turkey attacks rebels. A week later, Kurdish rebels ambushed a Turkish military unit near the border with Iraq.

Bush ordered for the second time in two months sanctions against Myanmar for cracking down on dissidents and Buddhist monks.

Cheney beats the war-drums by declaring that the U.S. will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. This threat comes after Iran’s moderate nuclear negotiator resigns.

Iraq war heats up as major raid in Baghdad’s Sadr City kills 49 after 13 died earlier. In Afghanistan 50 Taliban are reported killed.

IMF warns of rising inflation worldwide. See my article “Inflation Warning.”

A series of devastating storms kill 6 in the Midwest and Wash. State. 21 mega-cities worldwide, including New York and San Francisco, are termed threatened by rising sea. The southwestern U.S. and Georgia in particular, are experiencing unprecedented drought. Atlanta may soon run out of water.

Negotiations involving the U.S. and those between other nations continues to make the news (cycles to Venus and Jupiter in U.S. chart). The new Polish government wants out of Iraq and will negotiate a tougher deal with the U.S. regarding hosting a missile defense base.

Wildfires sweep across Southern California - a natural disaster declared. Fires have gotten historically larger than ever before in Western lands due to global warming and Forestry “non-burn” policies.

President Bush asked Congress for $46 billion to bankroll the wars. The fighting in Iraq, in its fifth year, already has cost more than $455 billion. Gold prices keep rising!

The U.S. is ready with a new package of sanctions levied against Iran.

Contractors come under greater monitoring but government backs off calls from the Sensate to have the military control all contractors.

China’s economy continues to grow – 11.5%. They also launch their 1st lunar probe.

NOVEMBER

Near the 8th all efforts to halt violence fail. A major escalation of fighting or a large-scale campaign are likely. An oil facility is attacked and/or oil prices rise. Discoveries in space and under the sea are made. Warfare spreads. The economy may stagger near the 15th although financial reports will show a strong underlying base. More FED help for the ailing economy may cause a short rally until Dec. Calls for money to be spent on the national infrastructure and a shoring up of medicare and other priorities is heard. Grand plans and optimistic talk from politicians.

The government projects that 36 states will face water shortages within five years due to rising temperatures, drought, and population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess.

The new banking sanctions placed on Iran seem to be having a negative effect on oil prices. The price of crude has sky-rocketed to over $96 a barrel.

More Venus overtures by the U.S. for a peace summit in the Middle East between Israel and Abbas led Palestinians. The last two forays by the U.S. led to increased violence.

Muslin extremists are expanding their control of northern Pakistan.

North Korea begins to dismantle its nuclear plants.

Deadliest attack in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 occurs; five members of parliament and 23 others killed. 2007 is also deadliest year yet for U.S. in Iraq. The wars are estimated to cost $1.6 trillion – roughly double the amount the White House has requested thus far.

Bush suffers the first veto override of his seven-year presidency.

Bowing to pressure from the U.S., President Musharraf of Pakistan promises to step down as army chief by the end of November. The constitution bars him from holding a military position as president. The country remains under martial law until a court rules on his recent re-election.

More Venus news: leaders of North and South Korea meet for the first time in 15 years.

Bush, according to ex-Attorney General Gonzales, blocked a Justice Dept. inquiry into the government’s warrantless wiretapping program. The new Attorney General has given the security clearances previously denied so that the investigation can now continue.

Scientists have created the equivalent of embryonic stem cells from ordinary skin cells, a breakthrough that could someday produce new treatments for disease without the moral debates involving embryo cloning.

Mayors from around the country to meet to address the growing mortgage default problem. Meanwhile, crude oil prices hit $99 a barrel.

One of the most important Supreme Court cases ever will be decided. The case is over the District of Columbia’s ban on handguns. The Court will decide if the 2nd amendment of the constitution is an individual or a collective right to own a gun.

Senators on the Judiciary Committee believe Bush has abused the “state secrets” doctrine by using it to protect his wiretapping without warrants surveillance program.

Venus cycles are coming into play as Bush hosts a major Middle East peace conference.

Chavez of Venezuela, followed by Ecuador and Bolivia, are rewriting their nations’ constitutions to root out corruption, redistribute wealth to the poor, and in the case of Bolivia, to reverse centuries of discrimination against an Indian majority. But opponents call these measures powers grab by leftist presidents bent on limitless authority.

Iran continues to arm itself with a new missile capable of reaching Israel and U.S. bases across the Mideast. Iran launched an arms development program during its 1980-88 war with Iraq to compensate for a U.S. weapons embargo imposed after the Islamic Revolution. Since 1992, Iran has reportedly produced its own jets, torpedoes, radar-avoiding missiles, tanks and armored personnel carriers with assistance from Russia, China, and other countries.

The Federal Reserve is making available $20 billion in loans to banks to prevent a global credit crisis.

The Venus cycle continues with Secretary of State Rice issuing prospects of improved relations with Iran and North Korea if certain conditions are met.

DECEMBER

The economy shows more signs of slowing as holiday sales are sluggish until after Christmas discounts begin. Focus near the 11th is on the U.S. homeland. A relatively peaceful month with major agreements, aliances, and favorable news generally. A happy holiday with great entertainment and stars very much in the news. There are reservations to the happier times but prosperity and peace prevail. There are hopeful signs that allies like Israel and Iraq are making progress.

Thousands of lawyers protest President Gen. Musharraf’s decision to impose emergency rule of the country, essentially establishing a dictatorship. U.S. considers sanctions.

Musharraf steps down as chief of the military and embarks on a new five-year term as Pakistan’s civilian president. Musharraf still has not lifted emergency rule.

New international conference on global warming needs U.S. commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. U.S. is holding out for voluntary, not mandatory, reductions.

Chavez’s efforts to change the Venezuelan constitution and garner more control were narrowly defeated in a general election. He will have to run again for president to stay in office.

16 U.S. intelligence agencies conclude that Iran suspended its attempt to build a nuclear weapon four years ago. Bush insists on building a missile defense system on Czech territory. Russia has been against the missile program and now the Czech government is finding it hard to rationalize too.

House and Senate negotiators are working on an intelligence bill that would limit CIA interrogators to techniques approved by the military. The CIA and Bush dismiss the need for this oversight in spite of the fact that Bush issued an executive order allowing the CIA to use “enhanced interrogation techniques” that go beyond what’s allowed in the 2006 Army Field Manual and the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005.

Blackwater and other contractors in Iraq are now subject to more military control. Contractors will now be accountable for criminal acts under U.S. law.

Federal courts had prohibited the Bush administration from discarding evidence of detainee torture and abuse months before the CIA destroyed videotapes that revealed some prohibited interrogation tactics. A federal judge ordered Justice Department to answer questions about whether the CIA action violated a court order.

British hand over Basra to Iraqi control; they will soon be out of Iraq.

U.S. finally agrees at the Bali Climate Summit to adopt a blueprint for fighting global warming by 2009.

The Federal Reserve endorsed new rules that would give people taking out home a mortgage new protection against shady lending practices.

Congress passed an automobile fuel economy standard and other energy issues. President Bush has indicated that he accepts the legislation since it does not include additional taxes on the oil industry.

Russia makes the first nuclear shipment to Iran for its supposedly civilian usage. The Russians have helped the Iranians build the reactor but the U.S. and Israel worry that bomb grade material could be produced.

House passed a $70 billion budget for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that is part of a massive $555 billion bill.

President Bush approved the cutting of U.S. nuclear weapons to less than one-quarter its current size. Weapon storage will also be made more efficient and safe.

The House and Senate easily passed legislation to toughen the Freedom of Information Act and increasing penalties on agencies that don’t comply.

Pakistan opposition leader Bhutto is assassinated. The threat of wide-spread chaos and mass protests across this nuclear-armed, U.S. ally in the war on terrorism is now likely.

The long history of animosity between Japan and China is apparently ending as the two nations meet to iron out differences and agree on key global issues.

2007 was deadliest year for U.S. in Iraq since the 2003 invasion in spite of the year-end drop in violence.

.STOCK FORECAST

The stock market should head higher this year although most signs indicate a slower market and major downturns. Last year was the second year of drier weather (see Data link). This is an indication of a bear market. The major market indicator, Mars-Jupiter-Saturn aspects (see my book EARTH CHANGES), still shows a rising market until shortly after sunspots begin to rise. This is expected to take place in late 2007, or more likely in 2008. Three out of four other less significant indicators, however, point to a down market in 2007. Only one indicator points to an up market. The Saturn-Uranus aspect of 2008-2009 warns of a financial crisis. We are, therefore, very near to the next recession. I suggest being conservative this year and mindful that a sharp correction or a series of jagged ups and downs will make for nervous 2007 investing.

You can read more about the near and far-term economic forecast under Articles: "Inflation Warning and the War in Iraq."

WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE U.S.

The Winter of 2006-2007 will produce plenty of mild weather. The winter will be fair over the nation punctuated by sudden, hard snow storms and freezing rain. It will be warm, then cold, then warm and cold again. When storms come in they will be bitterly cold and windy with abundant snowfall. Strong snowstorms and/or flooding due to rain and warmer conditions are expected right after the super moon of Jan. 19.

Spring will be extreme. Torrential rains and flooding especially near the Solar Eclipse super moon of Mar. 19 and the super moon of May 16. A few prolonged, large storm systems will form. There will also be periods of warmth and dryness, and gentle rains. The eclipse passes through parts of Asia foreshadowing a natural disaster there.

Summer is another extreme season this year. Hot weather punctuated with hard, torrential rain will occur when large cold fronts reinforced with strong winds take place. The September 11 solar eclipse travels across South America foreshadowing a natural disaster.

Fall continues a pattern of heat - extreme in places. The hot conditions will be relieved by rain but too much at once. Expect flooding near the super moons of Oct. 26 and Nov. 24. A few large, windy cold fronts will form.