The weather.  The climate. The environment.  Here I sit in Broward County, Florida.  I'm watching the weather predictions closely.  So is everyone else around here. 

The stores are out of bread, and milk is running short.  Gasoline is plentiful, says the media.  The gas stations have no gas, or lines stretch for blocks with one to three hour wait times. Purchases are limited. Somebody is either lying, or living in a dream. 

Generators rumble as neighbors test them.  No rain yet.  No wind, either.  The threat is a small tropical storm that just might, at worst become a category two hurricane, likelihood probably around 10 percent.  Gov. Bush has declared a state of emergency.  A little boy cried wolf and no one listened, then the wolf ate them all. 

Underreaction. Overreaction. Who will be the first to criticize?  No matter what is done, there will be things that should have been done. No matter what isn't done, there will be things that should not have been done.

Folks, it is up to us to analyze the situation using all the resources we can bring to bear to make the best possible decision as to our course of action for ourselves and our loved ones.  Use the information presented wisely, and remember that the media will make a story just to sell advertising space.  That's their business model, but we don't have to buy the hype.

But, you have to prepare for possibilities that seem remote when your very life might depend on your choices.  I'm prepared for a hurricane.  Even though I hope I'm overreacting.

BalD - Guitar Players Rock