A rose by any other name would smell as sweet
July 26, 2010 (Monday)
The latest Gulf storm weakened and came ashore in Louisiana. “Bonnie” was her name. She didn’t last long. We tried to give Bonnie’s name to a Tropical Depression a couple of weeks ago, but she never would get strong enough to merit the name. This “Bonnie,” however kept it for only a short period and hardly deserved a name. Who knows but what the next “Bonnie” in 2016 will be a “stem winder.” Names for storms from 2006-2025 can be found by clicking here.
The most terrible storms have come to Texas during the month of September. This is not to say they can’t arrive any time during the six-month hurricane season. The fierce winds of Hurricane Celia on August 3, 1970, in the Coastal Bend of Texas is strong evidence of that.
Ever notice how we revert to slang terms to describe some weather events? “It’s so muggy today,” means it’s hot and humid. An unusually bad snowstorm earlier this year in the Northeast was branded, “Snowmageddon.” Hurricane Ike was a “booger.” Camille was “no lady.” Allison was “Rainzilla.” A huge thunderstorm is a “monster.” We we give something a name, we have added a new dimension to our understanding and handling it. For instance, your dog is “a dog” but mine is “Fido.” He has a name. I can relate to him somehow. Maybe our naming weather events tames them in our minds. Or makes them more terrible. Whatever.
Anyway, Bonnie was out there and now she’s gone. The next one should be named, “Clyde,” right? But no, it will be Colin. “Bonnie and Colin” doesn’t do it for me. I’ve heard “Bonnie and Clyde” too many times in my life. Silly me.