Polar Vortex

Just when I thought I was familiar with all of the potential natural disaster we may face, the media had to come out and invent a new one. So if there isn't a hurricane or a tornado, now we might have to be concerned about a polar "vortex." While a technically accurate use of the term, the general public's primary cognitive association with vortexes (or vortices) is probably from science fiction movies. You have to admit it is pretty good marketing, from a media engine desperate for viewers' attention. It would be interesting to research who first coined the term in that context a few weeks ago.

The weather has been a bit unusual recently, but that is nothing new. Far wilder fluctuations have been recorded in the past. Humans just have a terrible memory of the past relative to the present. Our current problems always appear to dwarf the obstacles that we have previously overcome, regardless of the objective reality or the situation. For an easy illustration, just ask any teenager about their current problems.

A brief overview of the Old Testament will demonstrate that same human trend as a major theme. Do this, this, and this, so that you remember what the Lord your God has done, and they still constantly forget. The same people who had followed God as a physical pillar of clouds and fire, after he parted the sea for them, were so quick to despair when any potential issues arose.

So while we are experiencing a drought here, and other parts of the country are flooding, or surviving vortexes, the present isn't any more drastically abnormal than the past. Weather changes and fluctuates, and sometimes that sucks. There is basically no snow in the Sierras right now, which doesn't do lend itself to much skiing this year. But most of the fear driven paranoia about the change in climate is extremely shortsighted in viewing the past. And whenever you see something that is leveraging fear, pause and examine the answer to the question "who is benefitting from this?" And then go run and hide, because if you aren't careful, a polar vortex is coming your way. (Or maybe a "thermal wormhole.")