Snow flakes!

The snow has arrived. It's 2:40 PM and I just noticed the flakes flying.
Local Doppler Radar

New feature

Please be patient with my template changes. I'm trying to find the "right one". In the meantime, I've added a new feature to the bottom. I will be chronicling Grand Forks snow events. I am using the measurement taken at the NWS office. I could use the airport, but I prefer to pick the measurement closest to town.

In case you aren't paying attention to the weather forecast, we're gonna get some snow Monday. I had predicted 4 inches during my most recent shift, and that still looks on track. So, be sure to check the Snow Total Diary at the bottom of the blog throughout the winter. I am considering adding snow depths.

Taking one for the team

One of my favorite sports cliches is "taking one for the team". This phrase is commonly used in baseball in a situation where a pitcher is having a bad game. The manager leaves him in there to eat up innnings and save the bullpen, even though he's allowed 15 runs in 4 innings. It is pretty humiliating, but it is a sacrifice the pitcher understands and accepts.

The cool thing is, even though the pitcher screwed up big time, his teammates don't ride him about it. They still want the guy to come back the next time and pitch lights out. They want him to see him succeed because they want the team to be successful.

Of course, there are clubhouses where this wouldn't be the case. It's like the kicker who misses the chip-shot field goal to win the game. Do you blame HIM for the loss or do you look back to the 3rd-and-goal incomplete pass that the QB threw? But wait, the QB was rushed to throw by a defensive blitz not picked up by the offensive line. See, it's a team effort. A loss is a loss for everyone, not just the kicker.

Wanting to be wanted

Is it a bad thing to want to be needed? I don't think so. If my abilities are not wanted or noticed, then why not go somewhere where they would be?

Bush speech on TV now

TPIR vs. President Bush statement? Give me The Price is Right any day!

Snow and cold looming

Any takers on guessing how much snow we'll get with the first Arctic blast of the Fall due this Wednesday? I'm thinking perhaps an inch, because it looks like a STRONG front that will zip through, and some snow showers behind with the upper-level low lingering for a day or two afterwards. It will be a shock to the system after that great 78 degrees yesterday to drop down to lows in the 20s. Yeah, baby... Fall in North Dakota!

Problem Drivers

Have you ever wanted to say something downright mean? Well, tonight's one of those nights where I feel the need to rip on local drivers. I don't suppose a disclaimer would soften the glaring ridicule I am about to spew forth, but yes, I am aware that not ALL drivers in this region or in this town are inadequate. This rant is intended towards the GUILTY.

Just once, could you please get in the freakin' right lane instead of hogging the left lane with your 30mph driving in a 40mph zone!!!

Ever learn about signaling your intentions? You might want to get acquainted with that little plastic piece of machinery dangling from your steering column!

Maintaing lane discipline when executing turns? Just a common practice that you must have slept through during Driver's Ed.

And no, I'm not sorry I honked at you this afternoon. I do like steak, but that kind of T-bone is not what I'm looking for, and you should never repeat that delicious maneuver. Next time it might be a drunk, or worse yet, one of the aforementioned stellar drivers we all know and love.

Now it's time to rant on the stretch of road known as 32nd Ave. This little gem of a thoroughfare is sinking slowly into the depths of hell... it's an incident of road rage just WAITING to happen.