Blogpost 6: How They Manipulate Weather

Man is naturally interested on experimenting things. They have a very curious brain that wants to know more or find out what will happen when they do this and that. One of the things that man has been experimenting on is what they call a weather modification. Weather modification is basically trying to manipulate or alternate the weather. Cloud seeding is one good example of it. Experts use cloud seeding to increase rain so that water supply will not run low. Another use of weather modification is by provoking or damaging an enemy's or rival's weather as a tactic or weapon for military warfare. 

A lot of people say that the U.S., China and Russia are trying to control the weather system. And that the extreme storms we are experiencing are the results of the tests that these countries make. They believe that they change the path of the storms to counter another country's tactic.

In an article by T. Stokes entitled, "Weather Manipulation?" He said and I quote, "The challenge is in guiding the typhoon or cyclone to the opponents central warfare  programme; to this end scientists are now using under the A.W.M guidelines ( artificial weather manipulation ) deflection shielding, and solar flares can be deflected to the eye of the cyclone and drag it to the desired path, and electromagnetic guiding seems the desired methodology." Different government agencies are actually funding this kind of project that are nonsense. We pay taxes just to manipulate weather conditions? And they are still actually denying this fact.

But why do they do it? According to an article entitled, "Global Warming: An Effect of Weather Manipulation" posted by the EU Times, they said and I quote, "Many countries are mastering the science of weather control. As a matter of fact many experts predict that a war game is being played by major powers in the world to demonstrate their capabilities of weather control." Countries are now using this kind of method to show how strong and capable they are; or even show that they can actually control the world. 

Weather modification can actually have a positive effect on us, but the dangers of it can also bring a very negative effect to a particular country. Some consider this as the new weapon of mass destruction. It may not be a big deal to us right now, but watch out. Be observant. You never know if the next storm approaching is actually a product of weather modification.

Blogpost 5: They're Different

Each storm is different. From their characteristics up to the area they effect, each of them are created uniquely. I am not going to complicate things or give you a nosebleed on this, so I will just be discussing about different types of storms that are familiar to most of us. Living in a country where we receive more than 20 storms each year, we are very much knowledgeable when it comes to flood and monsoons. But have you tried thinking what other people are experiencing?

In the Middle East, the weather is typically hot and dry that you can't even stand to be outside for a very long time. In some parts, especially along the mountains of Saudi Arabia, the temperature can drop and the cold weather can be very severe. In Europe, winter and tornadoes are the common weather there. While in Asia, most of the time it is a wet and dry season.

In an article entitled "The Temperature In Different Places Varies On The Basis Of Weather Conditions" by Linden Walhard, he explained why weather conditions in some areas differ. He said and I quote, "Since the weather systems move across the globe, predicting the weather of one place depends on the knowledge of present conditions in the adjoining areas."  He further explained that countries are closely working together to share information about weather.


But how can a specific weather condition in a particular place affect a person's mood or lifestyle? In an article entitled "Weather's Influence On People" by Monique Barb, she gave different examples on how weather conditions affect a person's mood. She said and I quote, "Mood can also be affected by weather, making good or bad moods' hence the common scene of heavy downpour in soap operas when a person cries."  Our lifestyle is also actually connected with how the weather is in our area. For instance, people like us, who lives in Asia are more used to wear clothing that aren't thick. Unlike in Europe where people there are more likely to wear sweaters and jackets.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable. It may be sunny in the morning and the next thing you know, heavy rains are starting to pour in. It may be just an ordinary winter snow, later on, snowstorm is already being broadcasted. We prepare differently, but no one is exempted to feel nature's wrath. Yes, storms differ from each other, and that doesn't mean that one is less harmful than the other. 

Blogpost 4: Why Name It?

Have you ever wondered how storms get their names? According to my research, weather officials started naming storms more than a hundred years ago. Originally, the storm was named after saints and political figures. Today, the World Meteorological Organization, who had been assigned to name storms since 1953, now has a fixed lists of names that are arranged alphabetically. (excluding the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z) Each of these lists will then be reused every six years. But if the storm caused great destruction and was very deadly, it will be taken off the list or retired and will be replaced by another name that has the same letter.

But is it really necessary to name a storm? Well, for once, it makes it easier for people to communicate. For example, when typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) battered the country last year, people flocked to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Here, they posted pictures, videos and different messages that showed the world how fierce Yolanda was. Nowadays, when you mention the names or words such as 'Yolanda,' 'Katrina,' 'Pablo,' Sendong,' 'Ondoy,' etc., we easily then understand what it means. 


In an article entitled Reason to Name Hurricanes by the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Weather Service, they gave an example on why naming storms are important or vital. They said and I quote, "The use of easily remembered names greatly reduces confusion when two or more tropical storms occur at the same time." As compared to the naming pattern people used before, which uses the latitude-longitude system, the ones that they use currently are much easier to understand even by ordinary citizens. This is one way to show how effective government officials communicate to their people.

But not all storms are worthy to be given a name. According to an article entitled Naming A Storm? by Alana Semuels, she said and I quote, "If you start naming other storms, people will suddenly think this might be a hurricane.” Weather officials are very careful when giving out an advisory or a statement that involves having to name storm. Because people tend to panic and immediately think that it would be a deadly storm. This then may cause panic buying or other overly expressed reactions.

Names help us to remember. Names paint a picture in our mind. And there are a lot of factors when naming a storm. We may not fully understand how or where they get the names they used, but it still doesn't change the fact that a tropical depression could potentially be the world's next biggest storm in recorded history.  You never know, maybe your name would be part of the next lists of storms. Watch out!

Blogpost 3: Nature's Wrath: What Do We Do?

Tsunamis, earthquakes, snow storms, typhoons, volcanic eruptions etc., are all forms of natural disasters that cannot be prevented. Still in the state of shock, the survivors of this disasters are left to live with its aftereffects. With no access to clean water or first aid, the risk of  having a disease outbreak is very high. Adding also to the fact that there are decomposing bodies around that have yet to be buried makes it more difficult. In all these situations, do we really now what to do when we are faced by this great kind of devastation?

Nowadays, weather state bureau agencies can predict a looming possible storm even if it is still outside the country's area of responsibility. Because of modern technology and equipment, we are now able to adequately prepare on time. I believe that if we have enough knowledge of the danger that is ahead of us, then we would go the extra mile and start moving out of harm's way.

In an article by Carolee Colter entitled Preparing for Disaster, Ms. Colter gave us an insight on how important it is for us to prepare ahead of a disaster. She said and I quote, "Planning ahead for a disaster involves anticipating emergencies that disasters bring in their wake...many disasters arrive with less warning." Without a concrete plan, chaos and confusion will surely be the sight. People walking around not knowing what to do next or where to go. Once a disaster happens, the time you have to prepare is gone and all you can do is cope with it. And sometimes, coping means for the rest of your life. 

So how do we really prepare for this natural disasters? In an article entitled How To Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit - Disaster Preparedness by Janet Wickell, she gives us tips on how to organize our emergency kits. One of her tips are and I quote, "The trick is gathering them in one area and packing them so that items are easy to transport." Part of Ms. Wickell's article includes practical supplies that are needed in an emergency kit. Such as water, canned goods, flashlight, first aid, batteries, etc. She also said that it is better that the supplies we pack could last for more than three days. Be practical.

Living in a country that receives more than 20 typhoons each year and is very prone to different kinds of natural disasters, we have this certain attitude that we already know what to expect and try to make our predictions on how to survive this calamities. But let's try to be different. Let us start listening to authorities and people who have more knowledge about it. When they say evacuate, then do it. When they say to stay put at home, then just stay put. Because at the end of the day, they will still be the very same people who can save your life.