Weather predictions way off
By Rose Panieri rpanieri@stmedianetwork.com February 27, 2012 6:36PM
Sammy the miniature pinscher may have been "adopted" by someone in the Joliet area. | SUBMITTED PHOTO
Updated: March 29, 2012 8:03AM
Heads are rolling all over the country, but one group appears to be amazingly immune to downsizing: meteorologists. For folks who are wrong more than half the time, you never hear of mass meteorologist layoffs.
Take the fine folks at Accuweather. Way back on Oct. 13, the organization’s meteorologists made the following predictions for winter: “Chicago, which endured a monster blizzard last winter, could be one of the hardest-hit cities in terms of both snow and cold in the winter ahead,” and “People in Chicago are going to want to move after this winter.”
It turned out to be one of the mildest winters in history.
Fast forward to predictions of Thursday evening’s “Saskatchewan Screamer.” According to the weather wizards, Will County was slated to be buried under
6 to 8 inches of wet snow and travel would be “extremely treacherous.”
I woke up Friday morning and gazed out upon a back yard that resembled nothing more threatening than a pan of brownies delightfully sprinkled with powdered sugar.
I visited Accuweather’s website, seeking (in vain) a headline that read, “Saskatchewan Screamer evolves into Toronto Tickler.” Despite ample proof to the contrary, the mystic meteorologists still were swearing up and down that Will County had been all but obliterated.
It’s not that I want to see hundreds of humbled meteorologists on the dole, but wouldn’t it be nice if they’d at least apologize for causing commuters unnecessary stress? But, it seems that not only are meteorologists resistant to layoffs, they’re allergic to admitting when they’re wrong.
Desperately seeking Sammy
On Feb. 14, I told you about Lynn of Joliet and her lost dog, Sammy. Despite searches and repeated calls to shelters and police, Sammy has not been found.
Lynn feels compelled to offer a reward to increase the odds he will be returned.
Sammy was lost
Feb. 8 near Caton Farm Road and Interstate 55. He’s a black and tan miniature pinscher with one lazy ear and a docked tail. Sammy is microchipped.
I suspect someone “adopted” the friendly fellow. As appealing as the mini-pinscher may be, he belongs to someone else. If you’ve spotted a neighbor who recently acquired a dog that resembles Sammy, give Lynn a call at 815-325-1110.
If you work in a veterinary office and a new client shows up with a dog resembling Sammy, please scan the pup for a microchip.
Honda keys lost
Angela of Joliet lost her extra set of keys Feb. 21. The key ring holds a remote unit and key for a Honda, a red house key, a blue office key, Honda logo charm and several discount cards, including a Jewel card.
She may have lost the keys in or near stores at 127th Street and Route 59 in Plainfield.
If you’ve lost — or found — something, call 815-773-7178 or e-mail rpanieri@
stmedianetwork.com.
