Man v. Nature: A Case in Point

A 20-hr snow emergency was just declared for the city, as mandatory after 3" or more of snowfall.

We are hardy folks and well prepared to deal with the white stuff. All the heavy equipments are going to, if not already, be rolled out to salt and sand the roads and to shove the snow off within the time frame. The roads will be kept open, and traffic flowing.

It all sounds good, dosen't it? Except for the folks who happen to park their vehicles on the wrong street sides and won't learn of the emergency in time--the vehicles will be tagged and towed, incurring hefty fines. And except for the folks who live in the city, that is, everyone, as the roads will be littered with sands and salts, which not only are immediate eye sores but also may as pollutants and corroders leave more permanent scars.

In contrast, how does nature take care of snow? Just send in some warm air sweeping through, and the snow will leave no trace whatsoever.

If the forecast turns out to be right, that will happen in two or three days, right after man's work, along with its potential harm, is done.