Three things in life are certain, for those of us who call South Florida home: death, taxes and hurricane season.
Unforgetable Past
Some years, like in 2005, we were peppered with hurricanes all season long. That was the year we went “camping” for a few weeks after Hurricane Wilma took a right turn after hitting the Yucatan Peninsula and cut electric, cable and phone lines as well as a wide swath across South Florida. If you remember, that was also the year we ran out of, what the National Hurricane Center calls, Tropical Cyclone Names (there are only 21) and had to transition to the Greek alphabet. We ended that season with a Tropical Storm Zeta on Christmas week.
"that was also the year we ran out of ... Tropical Cyclone Names" - Spero Canton
Mental Fist Pumps
But there are other years when we watch these storm systems from afar. For the past 4 years we’ve seen various tropical systems dip south, turn north or die out due to wind shear. Every time that happens we all, at least subconsciously, do a little fist pump. We celebrate that we dodged the wrath of Mother Nature once again and quickly go back to our daily routine.
After four years of doing those mental fist pumps, all of us here in South Florida have become complacent; they call it hurricane amnesia, a condition that worries Emergency Management Directors and the folks at the National Weather Service.
Be Hurricane Prepared
Getting ready for hurricane season should be a yearly ritual for everyone in the “tropic cyclone” corridor, but, face it, we have a habit of procrastinating and waiting until “chicken little time” to get the provisions we need to ride out a storm.
Keep in mind, we all need three days worth of water, medication, food (freeze dried stuff is perfect), lots of batteries and a radio. I would also suggest a battery operated fan, a charcoal or gas grill and a good book along with lanterns for nighttime illumination. I just tell people up north that after a hurricane, we go camping in South Florida until electricity is restored.
I know you’re saying “we’ve been lucky for the past 4 years, why would things change this year?” And in reply, I’d say “the Atlantic Ocean is warm.”
Storm Science
Our newsmaker expert, Meteorologist Robert Molleida of the National Weather Service, tells us this month that the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean is the warmest it’s been in many years and La Niña, which was responsible for knocking down several storms last year with her wind shear, is taking a vacation this year. We think she’s either in Hawaii or Tahiti, so the conditions are ripe for some major hurricane activity right here in our back yard.
Hurricanes can be deadly and are always a hardship. You owe it to yourself, your family and loved ones to be prepared. Form a family plan. Gather all you need before the crowds clear off all the shelves at the local supermarket.
This year, let’s hope for the best, but prepare for worst.
It’s getting to the point where I can’t watch another news report on the uncontained oil gusher one mile beneath the Gulf of Mexico because it’s all bad news. To compound that sense of foreboding of what may come, and, in a way, mocking our inability to stop it, we have an ever-present fixed camera focused on the underwater gusher so we can all helplessly keep tabs on how fast and how much oil is leaking uncontained out of the pipes.
Spero's daughter married at the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter
Heartwrenching Horror
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast hold a special place in the hearts of both me and my family. My wife, Chris, went to college at Springhill in Mobile, Alabama and has fond memories of spring parties on pristine Dauphin Island; two of my children obtained undergraduate degrees from Loyola, New Orleans, and I walked my daughter down the aisle at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. We all got to know the Gulf Coast very well over the years, so to some degree every person in my immediate family is in some phase of mourning over this situation.
Spero's sons graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans
What adds to our frustration is that even though we can see what’s happening, the environment one mile beneath the Gulf, appears to be more hostile than the surface of the moon. Even though we have ways to walk in the weightless vacuum of a lunar crater, we don’t seem to have any technology that would permit a human being to submerge to that depth. So like a page from a Marvel comic book; remote control robots have been given the responsibility of saving the areas ecosystem. Where is Aquaman when you need him?!
What’s Next?
We couldn’t reach the Superhero, but on this month’s Newsmakers we interview the next best thing and approach this issue from a “where do we go from here” perspective. Associate Dean of Research at the UM Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science , Dr. Robert Cowen, looks at probable scenarios on how all the oil and dispersants will affect fish, wildlife, and where it may go. He’s worried, not because of what we know, but because of what’s unknown. He is trying to keep track of where the all the spewing oil is going, but because of its depth (one mile beneath the surface) influences like currents going in different directions at various levels are making the plumes hard to track.
Since the earliest days of the spill UM's Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (C-STARS) has been involved in monitoring the spill. This is an aerial view of the oil slick taken June 23, 2010.
After talking to him, it’s clear that all the speculation going on now gives us only the possibilities of what may happen, but everything, from the severity of the spill to where the oil travels, will most likely change weeks and months from now. One thing that is for certain that the repercussions of this disaster will be felt in our region for years, maybe even decades, to come.
- Spero Canton
Check out Dr. Robert Cowen’s full interviews available on Comcast On Demand > Get Local > Comcast Newsmakers
You can catch the Crime in Miami series on COMCAST ON DEMAND –> GET LOCAL –> COMCAST NEWSMAKERS. Search for MOBSTERS OF MIAMI and COURTROOM SHOCKERS.
Have you ever thought about the city or area we live in?
Miami is like a guy. Think about it. The sordid bad boy past, too many beautiful women, bad manners, and a little dirty. Miami was that guy you should never like and could never bring home to the family. A few years later, you have to see him at your high school reunion. You dreaded the idea of running into him, but when you did, you noticed a few changes. He’s cleaned up. He’s rich, not just financially; he’s rich in history. He’s cultured. Holy smokes, he’s suddenly hot! What started out as a dreaded reunion turns into a full-blow love affair.
The Magic City is like that guy you were totally disgusted by and then you run into him a few years down the line and you end up dating instead. It happened to me, and it can happen to you.
A Little Backstory
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a big fan of Miami. It’s ironic coming from a girl born in Miami-Dade County. It may be psychological, but I’ve always felt that once I cross the county line, all of a sudden traffic gets heavier, people get meaner, and things get more expensive for NO APPARENT REASON! Yes, I hated Miami. If it were a man, I would’ve never considered dating him.
That all changed after covering a story in downtown Miami, a piece called Crime in Miami.
The Reunion
When I first drove into Downtown, I realized how much Miami has changed and cleaned up. No longer did it seem dirty. Bayfront Park looked more like Central Park. I found many young professionals walking towards Starbucks on the corner of Flagler Street and Miami Court. People were sitting outside Jimmy Johns and other great eateries having a bite to eat and enjoying the day. Right across the street was the beautiful Dade County Courthouse. It seems like any old building when you drive by, but once inside you’ll find it’s a jewel full of historical secrets.
Did you know the Dade County Courthouse was once located 10 miles north of what is Palm Beach today? In 1904, the building was moved to its current location. Then 20 years later, because of the rapid growth of the city, the courthouse was turned into the magnificent structure you see today. One of the original courtrooms is 6-1. What makes it extraordinary? It’s hosted some of the most famous and fascinating cases in American history.
We interviewed 11th Circuit Court Judge Scott Silverman. He’s also the Dade County Courthouse historian. Silverman is a plethora of knowledge of the county’s law history. I could sit and listen to him for hours. (You can see him on Comcast OnDemand under Get Local – Newsmakers). From prohibition to a 1960’s Million-Dollar Murder to political turmoil, Miami has seen it all.
Suddenly, that sordid past was captivating and alluring. It gave Miami it’s depth.
Head Over Heels
Soon after, our videographer and editor Jess and I headed over to HistoryMiami (formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida). The museum is holding an exhibit now through August called, Crime in Miami, which is where we originally got the idea to do a series for Get Local on Comcast On Demand. The museum is tucked inside the Cultural Center – a Spanish-style courtyard – along with the Miami Dade County Library and the Miami Art Museum (MAM). Once we walked up the ramp, all I could think was, “What a beautiful area!” It was then and there that it happened. I fell in love with the city I once dreaded.
* Take a look at the top of the post to see one of the interviews left on the cutting room floor. You can also see the video on our Facebook page, hence why I say “Facebook friends.”
In the U.S. wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day has long been tradition. However, in Ireland, the color was long believed to be considered unlucky. Green was considered the color of the faeries and children wearing green were thought to be vulnerable to kidnappings by the faeries. Even more interesting, the color of the Order of St. Patrick isn’t green. It’s blue, and St. Patrick wasn’t originally Irish. He was first brought to Ireland as a slave captured from Britain, and later returned to Ireland as a missionary. Lastly, custom dictates that wearing green means you sympathize with Catholics and wearing orange means you sympathize with Protestants. The idea of wearing orange on St. Patrick’s comes from Protestants being known as “oranges” after Protestant William Orange defeated the Catholic King James in 1690. The actual wearing of orange on St. Patrick’s came later, though.
Friday, March 12, 2010 and Saturday, March 13th, 2010 Show begins at 8 p.m.
See a comedy show by the Jove at the Atlantic Center for the Arts. The show will include improv sketches and musical parodies based on audience suggestions. When is improv not a good time?
Saturday, March 13, 2010 Festival begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m. at Huizenga DDA Plaza Parade begins at 2 p.m. (Las Olas Blvd)
Cultural games, currach racing & hurling, & continuous live music, entertainment, dance performances, games, amusements, yummy Irish treats, & contests. Governor Crist will be there as the parades Grand Marshal. Heck, there’s even going to be SHEEP HERDING! To find out more about the Fourt Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day festival, go to OnDemand, Get Local, and select Newsmakers.
Saturday, March 13, 2010 Celebrations begin at 11 a.m. at Old School Square and end at 7:30 pm.
Parade begins at 2 p.m. (Atlantic Avenue from Gleason Street to Swinton Ave)
This parade has a funny history. According to Delray Beach legend, a man named Maury Power was a bit ticked off that there was no St. Patties Day festivities in South Florida. When he shared these frustrations with his friends, his buddies did what any good friends would do: Filled him with Irish whiskey and told him to start his own parade right then. Filled with liquid courage, Maury found a top hat and shilelagh (that cane looking thing leprechauns are usually pictured with), and he took a stroll up Atlantic Avenue while his friends enjoyed a good laugh. When someone asked what he was doing, he responded “I’m having a parade!”… and there you have it. Delray Beach’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Firefighters from all over the country have been invited to participate in this year’s parade, and firetrucks will be used as part of the parade’s decor. If you ask us, it sounds pretty cool! Did we mention that beer will be $3-4 througout the celebration? Wonder if it’ll be green.
Sunday, March 14 at 1 p.m.at John Martins Irish Pub in Coral Gables.
Yes, you read right: Whiskey for Brunch. John Martins Irish Pub will be hosting an Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey Brunch tasting. Guests will taste a 10 year single malt, 16 year single malt, 21 year single malt. The tasting will end with Bushmill’s Celebratory 1608. We promise not to call you a lush.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Street fair will take place on Salzedo & Aragon Ave. beginning at 5 p.m.
You’ve probably noticed that most of the celebrations are taking place on the weekend before St. Patrick’s. However, we found one celebration that will take place on March 17th. The Annual Irish St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, hosted by John Martins Irish Pub, the celebration will have a U2 tribute band and plenty of Irish food. John Martin’s will be serving a traditional Irish menu, and Irish street food, like corned beef sandwiches or fish and chips, will be available outdoors at the fair.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Island Queen Cruises (Bayside)
Boarding begins at 9 p.m.
Here’s something you probably haven’t done before. Instead of hanging out with a rowdy group of Irish and Irish-for-the-day in a bar, you can hang out with them on a boat! Unlimited beer and wine with Irish hors d’ouevres.
Much like the first St. Patrick’s Day parade, Corned Beef Hash originated in the U.S., not in Ireland. The traditional dish is actually Irish Bacon and Cabbage, but poor Irish immigrants began substituting corned beef hash into the dish because it was cheaper (a trick they learned from their Jewish neighbors in New York.)
We’d tell you to just “wear the green”, but seeing you dressed up as a leprechaun would be so much more fun! However, before you rent a costume, know the history of the Leprechaun. The image of a leprechaun as a happy, jolly, little fellow is, once again, an American creation. (Thanks Disney!) In Irish tradition, Leprechauns like to fly solo, are cranky, and mischievous. So if you feel like being antisocial on St. Patrick’s, you can just tell everyone you’re celebrating it as an authentic leprechaun.
This is my first blog! I’m very excited. I had to think for a while what I should write about. Then, it dawned on me while I was reading my “daily cup” of news this morning. In the Herald today, there was a story about the campaign to remove the r-word. The controversy is like the one over the n-word. The word itself has become taboo, and soon, I hope, the r-word will too.We recently had on Comcast Newsmakers 2 guests representing Best Buddies: Cynthia Gaye and Kristian Chima. Kristian is mentally disabled, but it has not stopped him from being an amazing student. He is a Buddy Ambassador and a Buddy Director at Mast Academy. When I met him at the studio, it seemed as if the room lit up. The day had been really long. I was a little tired because our taping days run from 7:30 in the morning to 6 in the evening. On those days, I get up at 5 in the morning to be at the studio by 7:00 am. I’m usually the first one to arrive and last one to leave. A typical day in a producer’s world. However, when I met Kristian, you can tell he was very excited about the show. It put the biggest smile on my face . It was refreshing to see someone so happy about a taping. Very often, we may get guests who are used to doing television interviews. They know the protocol, which, I won’t complain, is very helpful. But when I see a child like Kristian light up for his very first interview, it really does makes me feel that I am doing good in this world. Kristian did remarkably well. A little nervous, but none-the-less, very well. You can check out his interview with Cynthia Gaye of Best Buddies on Comcast Channel 29 on CNN Headline News throughout this month. If you watch it, let me know what you think of it.
It’s children like Kristian that made me rethink how I use the r-word. Kristian and others like him are everything but the r-word. They are smart, loving, cheerful and full of life.
I admit I’m guilty of using the word the wrong way, but since that interview I vowed to never use the word again. I hope you can make the same promise to SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD!
