THE WEATHER

An Unnecessary Freezing of Water
Friday December 02, 2005 11:00AM PT

When someone brings up the weather, it's usually because they can't think of anything else to say. However, with snow and sleet hovering over much of the United States, Mother Nature has become a familiar topic of discussion, even among those with superior conversational skills. So, let's put our tea and cucumber sandwiches aside, retire to the study, and delve into that most sophisticated of subjects -- the weather

Now that old man winter has officially arrived, a slew of snowy terms are scaling Mt. Search. Snowboards are on the rise among thrill-seeking athletes, while pragmatists have pushed searches on "snow tires," "snow blowers," and "snow boots" well above absolute zero. "Snow reports" and "snow forecast" are also currently in vogue. Apparently, being prepared is the newest thing. And finally, on a sad but unsurprising note, searches on the reggae rapper known as "Snow" (remember him?) were nonexistent for the 847th week in a row. Maybe next time… Fella.

DECEMBER

It's hard to think of anything
But Christmas in December.
There's so much to look forward to
and so much to remember.

Outside there's a pine tree standing straight and tall.
It needs no decorations--nature's done it all.
Pinecones on its branches with icicles glistening bright,
Snow upon its needles and birds at rest from flight.
I see it from my window, and take the time to say,
Thank you for your beauty, tree, on this Christmas day