I seem to
remember that in January I complained about the lack of snow. Well, so far during the month of February (the
last thirteen days) we have had four major snow storms and a blizzard predicted
for this weekend.
Our local
Maine WCSH weatherman has posted predictions of twelve to sixteen inches
accumulation along with high wind over a thirty-six hour period beginning
Saturday morning. He hedged these
predictions stating they are taken from the National Weather Service’s computer
projections, and that the European Weather computer projections show a
possibility of twenty-four to thirty inches accumulation.
The thing
that astounded me is not the depth of snow and blizzard predictions (this is
Maine,) but that the weatherman said the European computer predictions are
usually more accurate than the National Weather Service’s, because
Europe has the most updated software and the latest high-tech computers, whereas
our government funded programs are out of date and in serious need of
upgrade.
So, why does
Europe has better weather prediction facilities than the U.S.? Why does Europe and Asia have more modern
railway facilities and infrastructure than the U.S.? Why of the thirty-three developed nations is
the U.S. the only country that does not offer universal health care? And, why does the United States spends more
on its military than the next ten highest militarized nations combined?
I think I
just answered my own questions. It is a
matter of priorities.
A link to
military expenditures posted by the International Institute for StrategicStudies (2013.)
Note, military
expenditure does not include Homeland Security, CIA, NIS, private security
firms employed by the government, military foreign aid and covert operations
etc. etc. etc.
fecking republicans
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteO'B
Makes me wonder why we put up with this crap.
ReplyDeleteWe have no choice
DeleteIt is what it is
O'B
We are talking about The United States Of America... Follow The Money.
ReplyDeleteOnly about thirty percent of the eligible voters vote; therefore we are easily bought.
DeleteO'B
The military-industrial complex has done a nice job of turning us into a nation of cowards who are convinced we've got to have the biggest, shiniest ships/tanks/fighters/drones/whatever or the bogeyman of the week is going to kill us all. So we put up with crappy roads, lousy schools, poor healthcare, etc.in order to keep Al Qaeda from sending suicide bombers into Podunk, Kansas, to blow up grain elevators. I laugh every time I hear some "expert" talk about how the U.S. tricked the Soviet Union into destroying itself by suckering them into an arms race that bankrupted the country. Well, the arms race is supposed to be over but no one in D.C. seems to have gotten the memo.
ReplyDeleteIt's typical winter weather here, too. White-out conditions on the highway today (and naturally some idiots with death wishes were running around with their lights off) and a high of minus 2 predicted for tomorrow. They're talking subzero with wind gusts of up to 45 mph so the S.O. and I are planning to go nowhere and do nothing except keep the woodstove fueled.
Similarities to 1984 are astounding.
DeleteYou have sent your weather over to us - it is just arriving 2-14-15 at 6;30 pm
O'B
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more to be said.
ReplyDeleteExcept maybe I detest the position my country has taken in the World politic. Imperialism is alive and well. Long live Imperialism. Our leadership has its collective head up its collective ass.
........... Take a breath Mike
We don't have leadership. We have lower middle management trying to please their bosses.
DeleteO'B
Still the greatest country in the world and I am proud to be an American! People keep electing the same people to run the country and then blame whoever is President for all the problems. Never learn and never get tired of complaining!
ReplyDeletethere are other great places in the world. But it doesn't matter - I'm here, I'm old, and I don't give a fuck because there is nothing I can do to effect change. Nations are its people and a good percent of the American population suck - they are ignorant and they like it that way. I would live in Canada if I were younger - but Maine is my next choice.
DeleteO'B
O'B
Amen, if I knew 50 years ago what I know now, I'd be speaking Canadian, eh??
DeleteYou poor Eastern Seaboard bastards are getting hammered.
ReplyDeleteHow did you know? If you have any idea who my father was let me know... and yes we are just beginning a nor-easter. But I love it.
DeleteO'B
You're getting our snow this year! (I'm in Wisconsin, bitter cold and little snow here.) Love the picture.
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was better predictions available! Wonder if it's possible to sign up for that, from here? When I lived in Colorado, the weather once predicted six inches of snow and we got six FEET.
Yes, tis sad we don't put our priorities elsewhere.
Just found your blog and I like it.
I accessed your blog and would like to add comments; but it asks too much personal information in order to allow a comment. I don't do social media - unless you count this blog. I will check you out regularly.
Deletethe Ol'Buzzard
Check this out!!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=600215553412230&fref=nf
Hope it works.