Weathering TV Weather

I did it. I did it. I got through a snowstorm without watching TV; and do you want to know something? It was so easy. Watching some reporter risking life and limb pointing out a snow plow on a major highway or another sticking a ruler into snow to reveal, " yes there is accumulation of 6 inches and getting worse" is pointless, let alone dangerous. Good for the ego of the reporter and the TV station but no excitement for me.

When there is foul weather the TV weatherperson is in his element. "My exclusive forecast - better than anyone else's of course - is a service to the community and all the bells and whistles that help me look good help you understand the forecast. "It's the proclamation of exclusivity that irks me. It becomes their storm, their responsibility and their god given right to say, "I'll be able to give you some sunshine next week," or,"stay tuned to see how my golf sized hail stones may affect you." But no more. This time I left it to my friends and family to keep me abreast.

I love how interpretation goes hand in hand with exaggeration. Some say they heard four inches of accumulation and another heard twelve inches. Probably end up with nine . Some road will be closed means most will be open and when when your panicked friend who never drives in the snow is confronted with that possibility because of a developing storm then take the opportunity to comfort and console. I love to walk throughout the office at this time and eavesdrop on all the different conversation about the weather. From the cavalier, "nothing to worry about" to the stricken voice, " my car will be buried." All these wonderful people have been transfixed by the radio, TV and the Internet and their version of the forecast intermingled with their personalities is simply precious. I love serious Sid say, "go home and take care of your family", as if this is my last night on earth, or Gladyne whooping it up; shouting, " Yippee, a snow day. Anyone want to go snowboarding?"

It's natural to have snow on the East Coast. The weatherperson wants to make you fell unnatural about it. Well don't listen, just tune into those around you.

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