In a recent article entitled "From Minnesota to North Carolina and New England, States Brace for Winter Storm" written by Erin McClam and Matthew Deluca from NBC News, the authors inform readers about a major storm that has recently hit the U.S. The storm left damage and large amounts of snowfall across the region.
The storm that swept across the Great Plains on Thursday and Friday has made roads slippery, causing many accidents. Erin and Matthew wrote "an Oklahoma teenager was killed when his pickup truck skidded across a slushy road." Several inches of snow was reported in many states. Road conditions became hazardous in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Witchita, Kansas reported about 14 inches of snow, recorded as the second largest and the most the city seen in about 50 years.
As the snow was falling, cities attempted to clean it up as it accumulated. The authors reporting on the story stated "Kansas and Missouri declared states of emergency as plows struggled to keep up." As the storm swept across the country, it was reported that there as much as 3 inches of snow falling per hour. The Kansas Govener warned people to stay inside and to avoid travel. Not only did some areas recieve a lot of snow, many states had ice accumalated, making roads very dangerous.
The snow left many roads and airports closed. McClam and Deluca claimed "United, Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, American Airlines and American Eagle said they had canceled hundreds of flights for Thursday and Friday." The large amount of snowfall made it very hard for airports to operate. The rate of the snowfall was proving difficult to remove the snow, even with their best capabilities of getting rid of the snow. Advisories and warnings for ice, snow, rain, and wind stretched from Minnesota to Texas and as far east as North Carolina.The police had to close a 90 mile section of Interstate 70.
When the storm hit Arkansas, I was expecting snow. There was ice covering the grass and trees. The increasing amount of ice on tree branches caused some of them to break. The backyard now has large branches scattered throughout the yard. Luckily, none of the large limbs hit the house, which would have made huge holes in the roof.
The storm has left some damage and knocked out power all over the U.S. Hazardous road conditions caused car accidents and canceled flights. Even with snow removal equipment working its fastest, crews struggled to keep road ways clear. Stretching across the U.S., the storm covered the land with snow and ice. How bad are storms going to get in the future?
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Article of Choice-C7 Corvette
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was debuted at the Detroit Auto Show on January 13, 2013. The new shiny Corvette was the most anticipated sport cars of the year. This years 'Vette starts a new generation of the Corvette family. The previous model of the Corvette was introduced in 2005 as a C6 generation. The C7 will replace the C6 later this year.
On January 13, 2013, GM released the car that everyone has been waiting for. The time for a new generation of Corvette has come. The previous C6 had been around for some time now, and badly needed advancements in technology and build quality. For the new 'Vette, GM installed a new engine that will make approximately 450 Hp. The new engine is a LT1 6.2L V8 and is supposed to be more efficient. Mated to the engine is a new 7 speed transmission. The new transmission offers better efficiency in fuel usage and power transfer. Options do offer a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, but what is the fun in that.
Build quality is important when there is a super car traveling at 190 mph. However, comfort is a key component in daily driver cars. GM wanted to make the new Corvette an authentic driving experience on the inside of the car. Where there should be metal in the interior, GM put real aluminum in those spots. Several cars have plastic carbon fiber inlays, but the Stingray has real carbon fiber on parts in the interior. Chevy is using grade A leather inside as well. The new interior looks sharp and very clean.
When racing on a closed circuit, performance is everything. The 2014 'Vette uses a new aluminum space frame that is light and very stiff. In efforts to reduce weight, GM used a lightweight Carbon-Nano Composite structure underbody panels that will bond to the aluminum frame. To improve performance and driving confidence, there are five driving modes that can calibrate up to 12 variables to help the handling of the car. Working with GM, Michelin developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport Zero Pressure tires for the new Corvette that will improve the handling characteristics, grip, and ride quality.
The new Corvette is introducing new technology in the new generation. Improving performance and build quality while reducing weight is remarkable. The 450 Hp V8 engine and a 7 speed manual transmission sounds like a fun car. The beautifully sculpted car looks great and shows an aggressive Corvette that will certainly be fun to drive. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this car in person.
On January 13, 2013, GM released the car that everyone has been waiting for. The time for a new generation of Corvette has come. The previous C6 had been around for some time now, and badly needed advancements in technology and build quality. For the new 'Vette, GM installed a new engine that will make approximately 450 Hp. The new engine is a LT1 6.2L V8 and is supposed to be more efficient. Mated to the engine is a new 7 speed transmission. The new transmission offers better efficiency in fuel usage and power transfer. Options do offer a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, but what is the fun in that.
Build quality is important when there is a super car traveling at 190 mph. However, comfort is a key component in daily driver cars. GM wanted to make the new Corvette an authentic driving experience on the inside of the car. Where there should be metal in the interior, GM put real aluminum in those spots. Several cars have plastic carbon fiber inlays, but the Stingray has real carbon fiber on parts in the interior. Chevy is using grade A leather inside as well. The new interior looks sharp and very clean.
When racing on a closed circuit, performance is everything. The 2014 'Vette uses a new aluminum space frame that is light and very stiff. In efforts to reduce weight, GM used a lightweight Carbon-Nano Composite structure underbody panels that will bond to the aluminum frame. To improve performance and driving confidence, there are five driving modes that can calibrate up to 12 variables to help the handling of the car. Working with GM, Michelin developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport Zero Pressure tires for the new Corvette that will improve the handling characteristics, grip, and ride quality.
The new Corvette is introducing new technology in the new generation. Improving performance and build quality while reducing weight is remarkable. The 450 Hp V8 engine and a 7 speed manual transmission sounds like a fun car. The beautifully sculpted car looks great and shows an aggressive Corvette that will certainly be fun to drive. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this car in person.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
CC 3-Snow Storm
In a recent article entitled "Northeast Slowly Digs Out; 14 Dead From Storm," MSN News, authors Bob Salsberg and David Klepper explain the aftermath of a deadly snow storm that hit the northeast part of the United States. The snow storm left record setting snowfall amounts and is proving hard to get rid of.
New England was shut down over night while a major storm entered the region. The authors wrote the storm "slammed into the region with up to 3 feet of snow [and] was blamed for at least 14 deaths." Many cities in the area reported record snow fall that knocked out electricity with the help of hurricane force winds. The Red Cross had to step in and provide shelter for victims that lost power and heat. The emergency shelters were set up in schools or any other place that was available. The weight of the snow on the roofs of homes is also striking concerns and the threat of rain is on the way.
Meanwhile, electricity is out for many costumers and crews are trying to fix it. Struggling to get power back, utility crews were "brought in from as far away as Georgia, Oklahoma and Quebec." Power crews are working to restore power to as many as 300,000 costumers. At the height of the storm, there was 650,000 people across eight states without power. Officials believe power outages could linger until Tuesday. Many of the driving bans were lifted and airports reopened, however, many flights are still canceled.
On the other hand, the snow storm has left many schools no choice but to shut down. Bob and David wrote "Boston public schools were among many in the region that had already decided to cancel classes." The city of Boston recorded about 25 inches of snow. Many of the roads are clogged with piles of snow and the city is requesting that more equipment is sent to Boston to help with snow removal. There are reports of rain and warmer weather that is on the way. Officials hope that will help melt some of the snow but worry that the added weight will cause roofs to collapse.
The snow storm has brought back memories I had when I lived in Michigan. I loved going out and playing in the snow. However, we did not get storms and bad as the one the Northeast just had. The schools in Michigan almost always continued even if there was a major snow storm. We were lucky to have a snow day.
The snow storm in New England has left many people without power. Roads and airports were shut down and now are starting to reopen. Record snow fall forced many schools to cancel and utility crews were needed to restore power and clear roads.
New England was shut down over night while a major storm entered the region. The authors wrote the storm "slammed into the region with up to 3 feet of snow [and] was blamed for at least 14 deaths." Many cities in the area reported record snow fall that knocked out electricity with the help of hurricane force winds. The Red Cross had to step in and provide shelter for victims that lost power and heat. The emergency shelters were set up in schools or any other place that was available. The weight of the snow on the roofs of homes is also striking concerns and the threat of rain is on the way.
Meanwhile, electricity is out for many costumers and crews are trying to fix it. Struggling to get power back, utility crews were "brought in from as far away as Georgia, Oklahoma and Quebec." Power crews are working to restore power to as many as 300,000 costumers. At the height of the storm, there was 650,000 people across eight states without power. Officials believe power outages could linger until Tuesday. Many of the driving bans were lifted and airports reopened, however, many flights are still canceled.
On the other hand, the snow storm has left many schools no choice but to shut down. Bob and David wrote "Boston public schools were among many in the region that had already decided to cancel classes." The city of Boston recorded about 25 inches of snow. Many of the roads are clogged with piles of snow and the city is requesting that more equipment is sent to Boston to help with snow removal. There are reports of rain and warmer weather that is on the way. Officials hope that will help melt some of the snow but worry that the added weight will cause roofs to collapse.
The snow storm has brought back memories I had when I lived in Michigan. I loved going out and playing in the snow. However, we did not get storms and bad as the one the Northeast just had. The schools in Michigan almost always continued even if there was a major snow storm. We were lucky to have a snow day.
The snow storm in New England has left many people without power. Roads and airports were shut down and now are starting to reopen. Record snow fall forced many schools to cancel and utility crews were needed to restore power and clear roads.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Book Review-Ghost Recon by David Michaels
When America depends on the military to save the world quietly, they call in the Ghosts. In China, there are powerful men that want to stop a submarine sale. In an effort to prevent this, USSOCOM called in the Ghost team. Ghost Recon, written by David Michaels, is well written and very easy to get caught up in.
Captain Scott Mitchell, the main character, is the leader for Alpha Team and Ghost Team. Scott is the kind of person that leads. On pg. 11, David wrote "Master Sergeant Scott Mitchell, twenty six, took command of the ODA team." Before Mitchell was a Captain, he was a Master Sergeant. When his team leader died, he had to take command of the rest of the team. Scott had to lead them out of jungles of the Philippines, alive! Even as there were AK-47s shooting at them, Scott had to stay concentrated and issue orders to ensure survival. He handles any situation that he encounters professionally, a quality that all leaders should have.
Scott Mitchell cares about his friends and will do anything to make sure they are safe, even if his job could be at risk. In chapter 12, Scott issues an order to Ramirez and Brown, "You get him first." Scott wanted to make sure his friend, Rutang, got on board a helicopter. The two CIA agents that were with them did not like the idea, but the Captain made his call, and he wanted his friend safe and getting care. When they get back to base, the General wanted to speak to Mitchell about his orders. He knew his job was at risk, and he is glad his friend is getting better.
Meanwhile, Scott is a very smart man. On pg. 180, David wrote "Mitchell didn't need to review their TIP regarding the infiltration phase." Mitchell understood what is happening and how the situation was going to get taken care of. Mitchell became a captain because he is able to figure out battle plans very quickly, even under pressure. Scott did not need to read the TIP, target intelligence package, because he already knew how the general wanted the task completed.
Captain Scott Mitchell is a strong leader of the Ghost team. When something happens to one of his friends, he takes care of them. He handles difficult situations calmly and with ease. America depends on the Ghost team to save the world.
Captain Scott Mitchell, the main character, is the leader for Alpha Team and Ghost Team. Scott is the kind of person that leads. On pg. 11, David wrote "Master Sergeant Scott Mitchell, twenty six, took command of the ODA team." Before Mitchell was a Captain, he was a Master Sergeant. When his team leader died, he had to take command of the rest of the team. Scott had to lead them out of jungles of the Philippines, alive! Even as there were AK-47s shooting at them, Scott had to stay concentrated and issue orders to ensure survival. He handles any situation that he encounters professionally, a quality that all leaders should have.
Scott Mitchell cares about his friends and will do anything to make sure they are safe, even if his job could be at risk. In chapter 12, Scott issues an order to Ramirez and Brown, "You get him first." Scott wanted to make sure his friend, Rutang, got on board a helicopter. The two CIA agents that were with them did not like the idea, but the Captain made his call, and he wanted his friend safe and getting care. When they get back to base, the General wanted to speak to Mitchell about his orders. He knew his job was at risk, and he is glad his friend is getting better.
Meanwhile, Scott is a very smart man. On pg. 180, David wrote "Mitchell didn't need to review their TIP regarding the infiltration phase." Mitchell understood what is happening and how the situation was going to get taken care of. Mitchell became a captain because he is able to figure out battle plans very quickly, even under pressure. Scott did not need to read the TIP, target intelligence package, because he already knew how the general wanted the task completed.
Captain Scott Mitchell is a strong leader of the Ghost team. When something happens to one of his friends, he takes care of them. He handles difficult situations calmly and with ease. America depends on the Ghost team to save the world.
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