Philosophy
Do you think TV weather segments are science or entertainment?
Science...0
Entertainment...1 [33%]
Both...2 [66%]
Neither...0
Everybody talks about the weather. It's an integral part of local news programs. This city caters to all four major networks and has very competitive weather forecasting systems. All the channels have invested heavily in equipment: Sophisticated computer models and cameras throughout the city. Helicopters are frequently used, especially as we are moving into the severe weather season. High drama indeed to witness ominous clouds and the actual formation of a tornado and even better to follow it on the ground as it destroys terrestrial structures. Hollywood could not even compete. Strong words of caution and concern emanate when the roads are covered with ice and snow and we have the visuals to prove it. We have "chief" meteorologists, "subordinate" meteorologists, and weekend "lackeys". The big guns are pulled in wearing casual clothes and shirt sleeves rolled up to tell us, allegedly, when the violent weather will strike my block...and that it is raining--the computer model says so. The sets are elaborate--chock full of scientific goodies and the graphics are spectacular...There's the "hook" echo on that red blotch--head for the basement. I am sure these are qualified weather geeks and all look impressive but lets face it, the science is minimal and the drama and showmanship are high. Everybody talks about the weather...and we are entertained.
- Does God Hate Right-wing Christians Or Is Global Weirding Real?
We've had a lot of significant weather events lately from flooding along the Mississippi and in the Dakotas to tornadoes through the South and Midwest. What is interesting is that the places where these weather events are occurring are also the places...
- Soccer Hooliganism
Let me say up front that this is not an anti-soccer post. Yes, it is a slow game and I have no problem with that. There is an ebb and flow and like watching the weather channel there is a drama in seeing things maybe develop and then dissipate waiting...
- The Superbowl, Fair Play, And Moral Luck
The NFL announced the location of the 2014 Superbowl. It will be in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the first time the Superbowl was played someplace that is not warm or a domed stadium. Is this a good idea? On the one hand,...
- Hurricane Irene...it's Show Biz For News Organizations
George Carlin on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show as Al Sleet "The Hippy Dippy Weatherman"--1966 In the local 40 plus year old television industry, the whole news broadcast was given in about 15 minutes with about one minute for weather. How things...
- "computer/internet" Poll
Could you live without a computer/Internet? Yes...1 No...7 I must admit that I could not function as good without the computer and Internet. I suppose it is a social phenomena. I depend on it for daily information, breaking news, local severe weather...
Philosophy
"TV weather" poll
Do you think TV weather segments are science or entertainment?
Science...0
Entertainment...1 [33%]
Both...2 [66%]
Neither...0
Everybody talks about the weather. It's an integral part of local news programs. This city caters to all four major networks and has very competitive weather forecasting systems. All the channels have invested heavily in equipment: Sophisticated computer models and cameras throughout the city. Helicopters are frequently used, especially as we are moving into the severe weather season. High drama indeed to witness ominous clouds and the actual formation of a tornado and even better to follow it on the ground as it destroys terrestrial structures. Hollywood could not even compete. Strong words of caution and concern emanate when the roads are covered with ice and snow and we have the visuals to prove it. We have "chief" meteorologists, "subordinate" meteorologists, and weekend "lackeys". The big guns are pulled in wearing casual clothes and shirt sleeves rolled up to tell us, allegedly, when the violent weather will strike my block...and that it is raining--the computer model says so. The sets are elaborate--chock full of scientific goodies and the graphics are spectacular...There's the "hook" echo on that red blotch--head for the basement. I am sure these are qualified weather geeks and all look impressive but lets face it, the science is minimal and the drama and showmanship are high. Everybody talks about the weather...and we are entertained.
- Does God Hate Right-wing Christians Or Is Global Weirding Real?
We've had a lot of significant weather events lately from flooding along the Mississippi and in the Dakotas to tornadoes through the South and Midwest. What is interesting is that the places where these weather events are occurring are also the places...
- Soccer Hooliganism
Let me say up front that this is not an anti-soccer post. Yes, it is a slow game and I have no problem with that. There is an ebb and flow and like watching the weather channel there is a drama in seeing things maybe develop and then dissipate waiting...
- The Superbowl, Fair Play, And Moral Luck
The NFL announced the location of the 2014 Superbowl. It will be in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the first time the Superbowl was played someplace that is not warm or a domed stadium. Is this a good idea? On the one hand,...
- Hurricane Irene...it's Show Biz For News Organizations
George Carlin on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show as Al Sleet "The Hippy Dippy Weatherman"--1966 In the local 40 plus year old television industry, the whole news broadcast was given in about 15 minutes with about one minute for weather. How things...
- "computer/internet" Poll
Could you live without a computer/Internet? Yes...1 No...7 I must admit that I could not function as good without the computer and Internet. I suppose it is a social phenomena. I depend on it for daily information, breaking news, local severe weather...