Snow, Schmow

So, it has been brought to my attention that it's snowing outside. Not just snowing, but, we're talking Y2K-caliber, duck and cover snow here. The weather people said "If you go out today, bring a flashlight, radio and extra food," or something to that effect. Now, I'd like to think that cars are made the same all over the U.S., but, man, I don't know if I can take this driving around Cincinnati anymore.

I'm from Minneapolis. That's in Minnesota, for those of you who are geographically unaware. And, well, honestly, it's not that big of a deal. I didn't drive in Minnesota--I was 6 years old when I moved to Chicago, then to Cincinnati--but I've heard stories of unearthly cold. We're talking -80 degrees here. My dad told me one night, if you threw a bucket of water up into the air, it was ice before it hit the ground.

I drive a Honda Civic. Two-wheel drive. Manual transmission. Granted, second-gear starts are where it's at if you drive in the snow, it's not that hard. You want to get home, I want to get home, we all want to get home. Alive, at least.

I remember in my second year here at UC I saw a van try to merge onto the southbound 75 too fast, hit a snow bank, spin out then get completely destroyed by a semi truck that was flying down the rightmost lane. I seriously doubt anyone could be unscathed after that collision. Hell, I'd be surprised if they were alive after that. But, let's be honest, if we're going somewhere, we don't really want to die. And some of us have jobs that don't allow for snow stopping our work.

The news never sleeps. Actually, the snow makes more news than usual. So please, for the love of anything and everything you worship, drive carefully and with a little common sense if you want to read the paper in the morning.

-Gin