Tag: SNOW

What to Watch Before The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

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The upcoming movie “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is a screen adaptation of the Suzanne Collins book of the same name. The story is a prequel to the main Hunger Games series, but you might be wondering what movies you should watch before seeing this blockbuster (and why).

Do be aware that this article will contain spoilers for the main Hunger Games movie and book series. Consider this your first and last *Spoiler Warning*.

Do You Need to Watch the Hunger Games Movies Before Seeing Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? Answered

The first movie adaptation of the Hunger Games book series came out over a decade ago, meaning even the most die-hard Hunger Games fans from the early 2010s have probably forgotten a few details regarding the story and world.

Since ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ is a prequel, viewers will likely be expected to remember basic details about the world of Panem. If you want to brush up on your Hunger Games knowledge before going into the new movie, rewatching the old ones is a great way to make sure you catch every detail and essential piece of story-building from the new film.

Every Hunger Games Movie in Order

The original Hunger Games book series has three books that were adapted into a total of four movies: The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. If you’re thinking about rewatching some of the movies but aren’t sure which ones will be the most helpful, here’s a breakdown of each film in the series and why it may be a good idea to watch it again before seeing the prequel.

The Hunger Games (2012)

Image Source: IMDb

As the first movie adaptation of the book series, the original Hunger Games movie is a must-watch before Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

While the main cast of Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and the rest of this movie’s tributes obviously don’t make their appearance in the prequel, this movie also serves to introduce the character of Coriolanus Snow. Played by Donald Sutherland here, his character acts as the star of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with his younger self Tom Blyth in the new prequel.

It’s also perfect if you feel like you’ve forgotten all of your Hunger Games facts, as it sets the stage and introduces the viewers to the world of Panem. All of the basics of the series’ premise, from the Games to Tributes and the conflicts bubbling beneath the surface.

It’s a great place to start and will give your brain a quick refresh on the world and characters that are key to the series’ premise.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Source: Lionsgate

The second movie adaptation follows Katniss and Peeta after their explosive victory in the 74th Hunger Games, their forced involvement in the next 75th Hunger Games, as well as the rapidly growing rebellion in Panem.

This movie also follows President Snow, exposing an even crueler side of him as he attempts to suppress the rebellion with any means necessary. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will likely explore many aspects of Panem’s society that made the future rebellion inevitable—as well as how Snow interacted with the world and how that shaped how he eventually led the nation—so.

The interactions between Katniss and Snow during this movie likewise give fascinating insight into Snow’s character, allowing viewers to learn much more about him than they did in the first movie.

If you’re binging the entire Hunger Games series before going into The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, then this movie is essential viewing and will give you a great reminder as to some of the details on Snow’s characters that will be nice to know when going into the prequel.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

Source: IMDb

Following her rescue from the Quarter Quell in the previous movie, the first part of the final book’s movie adaptations focuses on Katniss after the destruction of District 12.

The movie follows the protagonist’s struggles to adjust to life after the games, her new life in District 13, and her new role as the symbol of the Rebellion. Peeta, meanwhile, has been captured and brainwashed by President Snow.

While this movie focuses on significant plot points regarding Snow, it focuses more on introducing the character of Alma Coin, who serves as the leader of District 13.

It’s also important to note that while Snow is undoubtedly an important character in Mockingjay Part 1, his role is mostly reserved for scenes where he’s seen trying to suppress the rebellion, and character exploration moments stay focused more on the former tributes, residents of District 13, and Alma Coin.

If you want to watch the rebellion unfold, you’ll want to watch this movie. But if you’re more interested in content focusing on Snow as a character, this movie could probably be skipped.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)

Source: IMDb

Mockingjay Part 2 was the last Hunger Games movie released before the upcoming Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

The final movie follows Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick, and other characters as they attempt to overthrow President Snow and his regime once and for all. It also focuses on Katniss’ final actions as a symbol of the rebellion and the choices she makes for the betterment of the future of Panem. As a finale to the series, this movie wraps the story up nicely, depicting both the end of Panem as we knew it and President Snow himself.

If The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is going to show audiences the beginning of Snow’s character arc, then watching this movie is essential for seeing the end of his arc. The interactions between Snow, Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the game survivors in this movie are exciting and give some great insight into how the events of the series have impacted all the characters and their values.

If you want to make sure you’re not missing out on any foreshadowing during The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, you’re going to want to ensure you watch the final movie of the main series before diving in.

About the author

Lina Hassen

Lina is a freelance news writer for Twinfinite. She loves JRPGs, slice-of-life simulator games, rhythm games, and playing Tekken with friends. She is currently receiving her degree in International Relations-Political Science with a minor in Media Studies at Wellesley College.

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November 18, 2023
Datadog Stock Skyrockets 30% on Upbeat Outlook and Customer Growth

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Datadog stock surged Tuesday after the security software provider generated more profit than expected in the quarter and raised its sales outlook for the full year.

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November 7, 2023
The Best Ski Wear for the Cutest Ski Outfits [Winter 2023]

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Princess Polly

Are you planning a fun ski trip with your friends or family this year? If so, then you might want to consider what outfits you will want to be wearing on the ski slopes.

If you have gone skiing before, I am sure you know exactly the kind of clothing that you need to purchase for the sport. However, if you are new to skiing, you may be wondering what kind of clothing you should be shopping for before you hit the slopes.

Also, if you’re looking for cute ski gear to upgrade your ski looks this year, we’ve got you.

A major thing to remember when shopping for your ski gear is that you will want to make sure that you have a lot of layers to keep you warm. You will also want to make sure that you buy functional pieces that will protect you from the elements.

You can also make shopping for your ski clothes fun by shopping for a specific look. For example, if you want to look classic on the slopes, I recommend an elegant, monochromatic ski look. Or you could always go for a sportier feel if you want to be more modern.

So, if you are curious about the types of ski looks you can put together for your next ski trip, read on to see our favorite ski gear and outfit ideas!

Classic Ski Look

Classic Puffer Jacket

If you want to go for the classic ski/winter look while you are on your next ski trip. I definitely recommend starting with a simple black puffer jacket like this one.

A puffer jacket is a must if you want to have that classic winter look while on the slopes. And, of course, it will help you stay warm and protected from the elements.

Ski Boots

Also, you will want to ensure you have the perfect pair of boots to go with your winter outfit, so I recommend checking out a simple, neutral-toned pair of ski boots like these!

These boots will help to keep you warm while also being perfect for pairing with all of your winter outfits if you live in a cold climate.

Thermal Layers

Thermal layers are also an absolute must when going skiing! If you have never purchased thermal layers before, you need them. These light, insulated layers are the perfect thing to wear underneath your clothing to make sure you stay warm!

So, check out this classic thermal layers set. These black insulated basics can be worn under any outfit to keep you toasty.

Ski Goggles

You will also need a good pair of ski goggles for the slopes. And, if you are going for a classic ski look, I recommend getting these white ski goggles. They are available in tons of different lens colors, but the pink is adorable and the perfect way to rock Barbiecore on the slopes.

Black Ski Pants

Of course, you will also need some ski pants to help you complete your look, so if you are looking for the perfect pair of ski pants to go with your classic ski outfit, I recommend these.

These simple black ski pants will go with any ski look and will be especially chic with the black parka and layers linked above.

Sporty Ski Look

Waterproof Boots

If you want to give off more of a sporty vibe with your ski outfits, you should check out these cool cream, gray, and white Timberland snow boots. These boots not only look super sporty, but also they will be perfect for those of us who treat skiing as a sport.

These boots are waterproof and pull-on, which makes them perfect for the ski slopes.

Ski Suit

Another type of ski clothing item that you may not have thought of but should definitely consider is a ski suit.

With a ski suit like this one, you will definitely be giving off a sporty vibe, and you will ensure that you have some extra warmth while skiing! Plus, it’s only one piece, so you can just pull it on over your layers and go.

Moisture-wicking thermal layers

Another really great option if you want to be a bit more sporty with your ski looks are these moisture-wicking thermal layers.

These layers will provide you with all the warmth you need while skiing and will also give you the advantage of moisture-wicking technology.

Sporty Ski Helmet

Another must for those of us who want to look and feel sporty while on the slopes is a good helmet and ski goggles combo!

This helmet will make sure that you look sporty while on the slopes and will give you all the protection you need while downhill skiing.

Also, with this helmet, you will get a matching pair of goggles to complete your look.

Waterproof Ski Gloves

You will also want to ensure you have the proper gloves for skiing.

With gloves like these, you will not only give off a sporty vibe with your outfit, but you will also have waterproof gloves that will give you all the heat you need.

Casual & Cozy

Fuzzy Socks

Another option for those who want to be a bit more comfy while skiing is to go for a casual & cozy type of ski look!

For this type of ski look, you will want to make sure that you have some cozy socks to give you all of the warmth that you need. For example, these fuzzy socks will be perfect to wear with your boots while skiing.

Knit Scarf & Hat Set

You will also want the perfect accessories for your cozy ski outfit to keep you warm and complete your look.

For example, this set of gloves, scarf, and hat with ear muffs will be the perfect accessories to add to your ski outfit to make you look and feel really comfy and cozy!

Faux Fur Boots

For a more casual and cozy ski look, you will also want to get boots that give off this vibe and are also comfortable to wear while skiing.

For example, these faux fur boots may be exactly what you need to complete your casual and cozy ski look.

Faux Fur Ski Jacket

To pair with your faux fur boots, you should also consider getting a faux fur jacket like this one! This jacket will be the perfect addition to your casual and cozy ski look.

This jacket will help to complete your look and keep you comfy while on the slopes.

Puffer Pants

Also, if you are looking for ski pants that are a bit more comfy than the usual ski pants, you may want to go for these puffer pants.

These pants will be comfier than the usual ski pants you may find, and they will also give you more of that casual and cozy vibe that you are going for with your ski look!

Elegant Ski Look

Long Puffer Jacket

You can also totally be fashionable while skiing and put together some stylish ski outfits! If this is what you are going for for your ski outfits, then I recommend trying out a more elegant ski look.

With an elegant ski look, you will want to have a puffer jacket, but I recommend getting a puffer jacket that is longer to give you more of an elegant/stylish feel.

This cream-colored long puffer jacket will be exactly what you are looking for if you want something to keep you warm but also stylish while lounging slope-side.

Faux Fur Mittens

You will always need gloves when skiing, but you can totally switch up your gloves for something more stylish like these faux fur mittens.

These mittens will definitely give you the elegant ski look that you are going for! Just make sure to add them to any of your ski looks to keep you extra warm.

Ski Jumpsuit

If you are looking for something that looks a bit more stylish than the usual ski suit, I recommend going for this sleek jumpsuit instead.

This jumpsuit will give you more of an elegant look and will go perfectly with any jacket or boots that you want to add to your more stylish ski look. You can also wear it under traditional ski pants for extra warmth.

Faux Fur Headband

You should also consider getting a headband like this one when putting together your stylish ski look. These types of headbands are really popular and will definitely make sure that you look elegant while skiing.

So, make sure to add this accessory to your look to really give off more of a fashion girl style vibe.

Moon Boots

Lastly, don’t forget about your boots! There are also some fun ways that you can make your boots add more of a stylish look to your ski outfit.

For example, you can get these moon boots which are really popular right now not only for skiing but also in fashion.

These boots will be exactly what you need to complete your elegant/stylish outfit for skiing, and they will make sure that you stay warm on the slopes!

Which ski outfit style is your favorite?

What outfits do you like to wear while skiing? Which ski outfit vibe will you be going for this winter?

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Ashlyn – University of Florida

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November 7, 2023
The 15 Best Snow-Filled Movies, From “The Polar Express” to The Chronicles of Narnia

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Winter is filled with traditions galore, and there are endless ways to spend a chilly day. Design a decadent hot-cocoa charcuterie board (best enjoyed by a roaring fireplace), plan an ice-skating date with friends on a snow day, or just stay snuggled in bed with heaps of blankets and a movie to match the winter snow storm outside.

If you’re a fan of stepping outside to a freshly blanketed world of glistening white and hearing that satisfying crunch of snow under your boots, you’re going to love what we have in store for you. Whether snow is currently falling or not, these 15 movies will make you feel like you’re in your own snow globe from the comfort of your couch.

A well-rounded collection of animated comedies, fantasy worlds, and even a few darker movies lie ahead. So bundle up and settle in for a movie marathon. Who doesn’t love a good movie about snow on a snow day?

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Jada Welch Olson

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November 5, 2023
Nvidia, Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, and More to Watch

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The majority of second-quarter earnings season is over, with a handful of major technology and retail names left to report this week. Economists will be focused on any news from an annual gathering of monetary policy thinkers and practitioners in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

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August 20, 2023
Jury finds Amsterdam violated law by firing worker with medical marijuana RX for failed drug test – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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FONDA — An Amsterdam wastewater treatment plant worker has been awarded $191,762 by a jury in state Supreme Court in Montgomery County, which found the city violated state law when officials terminated the man with a medical marijuana license for failing a drug test.

Attorneys for the city argued in court filings that the worker did not disclose his prescription, as required by employee policies, until he was suspended and then fired after failing a drug test in February 2020.

Thomas Apholz, represented by Luibrand Law Firm, accused the city of unlawful employment discrimination and failure to accommodate under state Human Rights Law in a lawsuit filed in February 2021.

State law recognizes individuals prescribed medical marijuana as having a disability, which makes them members of a protected class safeguarded from employment discrimination.

The case was presented to a jury last week during a five-day trial before Judge Rebecca Slezak. The jury found in favor of Apholz on June 30, according to a press release issued by attorney Kevin Luibrand.

The outcome of the trial was first reported by The Times Union.

Beyond the $191,762 monetary award, Apholz is entitled to reinstatement to his former job at the wastewater treatment plant and recovery of his legal fees from the city based on the decision, according to the release.

“The jury found that senior Amsterdam city officials refused to provide Mr. Apholz an accommodation for his medical condition after he…

Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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July 7, 2023
Unbelievable facts

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June 15, 2023
Silicon Valley Confronts the End of Growth. It’s a New Era for Tech Stocks.

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Silicon Valley could use a reboot. The biggest players aren’t growing, and more than a few are seeing sharp revenue declines. Regulators seem opposed to every proposed merger, while legislators push for new rules to crack down on the internet giants. The Justice Department just can’t stop filing antitrust suits against Google. The initial public offering market is closed. Venture-capital investments are plunging, along with valuations of prepublic companies. Maybe they should try turning the whole thing on and off.

The only strategy that seems to be working is to lay people off. Tech CEOs suddenly are channeling Marie Kondo, tidying up and keeping only the people and projects that “spark joy,” or at least support decent operating margins. Layoffs.fyi reports that tech companies have laid off more than 122,000 people already this year.

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March 3, 2023
Snow Shoveling and Health Hazards: How to Clear Snow Safely This Winter
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Jan. 4, 2023 — The winter stolstice passed on Dec. 21, ushering in a season of substantial snow, with thousands of Americans heading out to shovel their driveways in the coming months.

But snow shoveling can be dangerous: One study found it’s responsible for 11,500 serious injuries and almost 100 deaths annually. So before you reach for your shovel, or even your snow blower, familiarize yourself with the risks and take precautions.

How Strenuous Is Shoveling?

Snow shoveling places enormous stress on the heart, says Barry Franklin, PhD, professor of Internal Medicine at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, MI, who became interested in the impact of show shoveling on health early in his career after two close friends died of heart causes after shoveling snow.

A study conducted by Franklin and his colleagues focused on 10 healthy men, aged 35 or younger, who underwent a stress test to assess their heart rate, blood pressure, and fitness level at maximal exertion. On a different day, the same men shoveled snow for 10 minutes while wearing an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor, blood pressure monitor, and a device to measure energy expenditure.

“We found that the heart rate and blood pressure during snow shoveling were equal to or greater than maximal treadmill testing,” Franklin says. “Couple that with cold temperature, which decreases blood flow to the heart and increases blood pressure, and you’re causing a tremendous demand on the heart.”

Each shovelful of wet snow weighed about 16 pounds, and the men filled their shovels an average of every 5 seconds during the 10-minute period.

“That means close to 2,000 pounds were moved during the 10 minutes, [or] the equivalent weight of a midsize car,” Franklin says.

There are many reasons beyond the strain of heavy lifting that make shoveling so demanding to the heart.

“When you’re shoveling, you’re typically standing still, and your arms are doing all the work. Blood pools in your lower extremities because your legs aren’t moving, so there’s insufficient blood flow back to the heart at a time when the heart needs that oxygenated blood desperately,” Franklin explains.

Breathing cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and limits blood flow.

“When you put all of these factors together, and you add underlying heart disease, you have a ‘perfect storm’ for catastrophic events,” says Franklin.

Who’s at Risk?

Although we usually regard exercise as being good for the heart, physical exertion is a “double-edge sword,” notes Franklin, who is the co-author of the books Take a Load Off Your Heart and Prevent, Halt and Reverse Heart Disease.

“Exercise can be protective to your heart if you’re physically active on a regular basis,” he says. But vigorous, strenuous exercise can trigger a heart attack or sudden cardiac death, especially if you’re not in shape.

And even if you’re in good shape, shoveling can still place you at risk, although your risk is probably lower, he notes. One study suggests that up 85% of U.S. adults over age 50 have plaques in their arteries even if they have no symptoms. Extreme exertion can cause plaque to rupture, leading to a heart attack.

People at highest risk for shoveling-related cardiac events are people over age of 45, people with hidden heart disease or known cardiac problems, people who are typically inactive, are overweight or obese, and people who have one or more cardiac risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes, Franklin says.

Protecting Your Back

Ken Hansraj, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at in Poughkeepsie, NY, says that show shoveling affects not only the heart but also the back.

“Lifting and carrying snow places strain on the back, so pushing or sweeping are better than lifting,” Hansraj says. “But if any lifting needs to be done, use a lightweight ergonomic shovel, which has a bend in the middle.”

Don’t lift too much at once, warns Hansraj, who is the author of the book Watch Your Back: Nine Proven Strategies to Reduce Your Neck and Back Pain Without Surgery. Instead, “take small ‘bites,'” he suggests.

He advises people to “move aside small chunks that are light and easy. You’ll get worn out more quickly if you move heavier loads, and the stress on your back and heart will be greater. This might seem slower but before you know it, you’re done.” And be aware of the “quality of the snow. Wet snow weighs more than dry snow, which is more like baby powder and is a pleasure to play with.”

Pace yourself by dividing the task into smaller units.

“You can divide your driveway into regions — the front of the driveway, the east side, the west side, and the back. Take your time clearing the regions and take a break between regions,” suggests Hansraj.

Before, During, and After

Hansraj recommends warming up indoors before going outdoors to shovel.

“Stretch out your neck, back, hamstrings, quadriceps, and Achilles tendon, pull the elbows in front of your chest, and stretch out your shoulders.” He recommends doing 10 squats, 10 pushups, and 30 seconds of planking.

The reason for these preliminary exercises is to “prepare your ‘shock absorbers’ — your thighs and your innermost and outer core,” he explains. “For example, there’s a point when you’re shoveling that you’re squatting and your thighs are engaged, and you want them rather than your back to carry the stress.”

He also recommends deep belly breathing before going outdoors and remaining conscious of your breathing throughout the shoveling.

“If your breath starts to change and become labored, then quit shoveling,” he says.

If you do lift snow, do it carefully, remaining aware of your posture. Keep your head upright, looking up, expand your chest, keep your shoulders behind you, contract your stomach muscles, and tuck your pelvis.

“The further away the shovel is from the body, the more the weight will exert pressure on your spine, so stand close to the shovel,” Hansraj says. Keep your feet spread shoulder-width apart for a strong base of support, and squat, bending your knees while keeping your back straight.

Listen to your body. If you’re getting tired or short of breath, or if you feel changes in your heart rhythm, stop shoveling. Stop if you feel your neck muscles or lower back begin to ache or if you have near misses when taking steps or placing the snow.

Hansraj suggests taking a long, hot shower after shoveling. You may want to do some more stretches while in the shower. If you experience mild muscle aches, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or use an over-the-counter cream.
But if you’re having chest pain or pain that goes up to your jaw or down your arms, or any type of difficulty breathing, get medical help because those could be signs of a heart attack.

Additional Safety Tips

Dress warmly, wearing layers, warm socks, warm gloves, and non-porous high-top shoes. The top layer should be light and breathable. Cover your nose with a scarf so you’re breathing in less cold air.

Stay hydrated since physical activity can cause dehydration, even in cold weather.

Don’t let your hat or scarf block your vision, and be sure to check for icy patches and uneven surfaces.

Don’t throw snow over your shoulder or to the side because the twisting motion can strain the back.

Snow Blowers Have Risks, Too

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has additional guidance for people using snow blowers.

Never stick your hands into the snow blower.

Don’t leave your snow blower unattended when it’s running.

Add fuel only before starting the snow blower.

Never add fuel or operate the machine in an enclosed area.

Don’t touch the engine.

Don’t remove safety devices, shields, or guards on switches.

Keep children away from snow blowers.
Franklin suggests sticking a label on your shovel or snow blower, like “Warning: Use of this instrument for snow removal may be hazardous to your health!”

“It will remind you to take adequate precautions before embarking upon snow removal,” he says. And if you’re an older adult, sedentary, or have health issues, “get a neighborhood kid to clear your snow or hire a snowplow service.”
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January 4, 2023
Snow pummels parts of Northeast; thousands without power

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BOSTON — Utility crews raced Saturday to restore power to tens of thousands of customers across New England and New York after a powerful storm dumped 2 feet of snow in some places.

More than 160,000 customers in New England were in the dark as of Saturday afternoon and another 20,000 were without power in New York as heavy snow brought tree limbs onto power lines, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks outages across the country.

Restoration efforts were complicated by snow still falling in some places, making travel dangerous. Doug Foley, Eversource president of electric operations in New Hampshire, said snow-covered roads were making it tough for workers to reach communities in order to assess damage and make repairs.

“We are still taking on system damage in parts of the state where heavy, wet snow continues to fall, and hundreds of additional crews are coming to New Hampshire to support our restoration effort,” Foley said in an emailed statement.

As of Saturday afternoon, Eversource had restored power to nearly 61,000 customers in New Hampshire since the beginning of the storm, but another 40,000 remained without power, according to the utility.

Green Mountain Power, which serves customers in Vermont, said more outages are possible there with temperatures not expected to warm up enough in the next couple of days to melt the snow.

“Clearing downed trees to get to outage locations has been slow and difficult,” Mike Burke, the utility company’s vice president of field operations, said in a statement.

More than 2 feet of snow was recorded in parts of Vermont and western New York and many communities across the region saw more than a foot of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

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December 17, 2022
Social Media Hype About Winter Weather Is Coming – How To Be Ready

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BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Sydney, a six year old Golden retriever, makes her way through five feet … [+] of snow from a driveway on November 20, 2014 in the suburb of Lakeview, Buffalo, New York. The record setting Lake effect snowstorm dumped up to six feet of snow in less than 24 hours closing a one hundred mile section of The New York State Thruway as well as other major roads around Buffalo. Seven deaths have already been attributed to the storm and a second round beginning late Wednesday evening will bring up to three more feet of snow overnight and into Thursday. (Photo by John Normile/Getty Images)

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It was a bit chilly for our morning walk here in Georgia so I peddled away on my exercise bike in the basement. In that moment, I was reminded that we are approaching the cold season in the United States. It also means your annual dose of winter weather social media hype and misinformation. Here are some things to be ready for.

Meteorologist Chris Robbins actually wrote the perfect piece on this topic a few years ago on his iWEATHERNET.COM platform. In his article “Beware of Snow Hype & Weather Hoaxes on Social Media,” Robbins, whom I spoke with before writing this essay, noted that the winter season brings the usual batch of “viral” 10-day out snowstorm maps, wishcasting, and general misunderstanding of winter weather forecasting. Weather model information is generally available to everyone, but I constantly tell my classes at the University of Georgia that posting a model graphic does not make you a good weather forecaster. It makes you a good “copy – paste” person. Understanding the nuances of the atmosphere, the models, and communication strategies is vital.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences confirmed a basic tenet first established by the legendary meteorologist and father of chaos theory, Edward Lorenz. There is a limit on the predictability of weather, and according to the study, it is around 9 to 10 days. A press release issued by Penn State University provided the following statement by the late Fuqing Zhang – “I think in the future we’ll refine this answer, but our study demonstrates conclusively there is a limit, though we still have considerable room to improve forecast before reaching the limit.” In other words, there a limits to forecasts even with the perfect model and input because of the nature of trying to predict changes in the atmospheric fluid on a rotating planet. While meteorologists understand this, many people truly believe answers to the following questions are possible 10 days out – “Will the hurricane go exactly down that straight line towards City X? or “Will it snow in the left corner of my backyard near the dog’s water bowl?” Weather forecasting today is actually quite good as long as you understand the limitations. I have explored that topic in a previous Forbes essay.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 28: Traffic on Interstate 75/85 deals with snow and ice conditions on January … [+] 28, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. A rare winter storm has brought ice and snow across the southern states closing schools and stranding motorists.(Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Images)

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This is exactly why Chris Robbins wrote, “For example, in the Southeast, we understand that significant winter weather events are exceedingly rare during the month of December….an exciting model forecast for heavy snow in Alabama or Georgia 10-days in advance in mid-December will be tempered by the unfavorable snow climatology for this area.” A good forecaster will consider such factors and will understand, as Robbins continued that, “Odds are, the model will flip-flop with future runs as it ingests more and better data.” We live in an area of “social media-rologists” who yearn to be the “first” to tell you about the big snow storm. However, the old saying is true, “Just because you see it on the Internet, it doesn’t make it true.”

A 2022 study entitled, “The disaster of misinformation: a review of research in social media,” mentioned that retweet counts, early information, content credibility, emotions, and a desire to inform their circles were motivations for retweeting information. Others have hypothesized that social media prowess and “being first” feeds psychological needs around ego and narcissism. These days people try to attract “likes” and “shares” often at the expense of meteorological credibility. Unfortunately, the average person may not be able to decipher what should be shared (or when) and that can have bad effects downstream. Such carelessness leads to misguided expectations and misperceptions about the efficacy of weather forecasting.

Some other things to be aware of this winter season are “high-end” bias, wishcasting, and static information gathering. The “high-end” bias effect is what I define as people seeing a forecast for 3 to 6 inches of snowfall for there area then criticizing the forecast because“only” 3 inches falls. I have noticed a tendency for people to focus on the high-end of the range in the same way that people incorrectly focus on the center line of the hurricane cone rather than the entire cone. For snow lovers, the desire for the “high-end” is likely a reflection of wishcasting. Secretly, I think people enjoy the, at times, irrational bread hoarding.

Static weather information gathering is also problematic. People often see a forecast or their little App icon on a particular day and assume that will be the absolute outcome five days later. Sure, it is a forecast, but they evolve. It is important to watch the “evolving forecast” rather than act exclusively on the one you saw five days ago. This tendency is challenging here in the South for winter weather events, and it also held true recently with Hurricane Ian in Florida.

My colleague Rick Smith is a meteorologist at the National Weather Service – Norman. He wrote the perfect elixir below for forthcoming winter weather social media virus. I encourage everyone to study it carefully.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Winter Weather Forecasts (Source: Rick Smith, National Weather … [+] Service – Norman)

Rick Smith

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Marshall Shepherd, Senior Contributor

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October 19, 2022
For Long-Term Investors, It’s Time to Buy Tech Again. Here Are 20 Stocks to Look at First.

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One cruel truth the stock market confirmed this past week is that trying to pick the bottom for technology stocks is a fool’s errand. The Nasdaq Composite’s terrible September—it was down 10.5% on the month—has made the bottom-fishing that took place over the summer look ill-advised. As I’ve noted before, the first downturn in tech earlier this year was all about valuations. This new phase of the decline is all about softening earnings. When it comes to price-to-earnings ratios, the market is running into a denominator problem.

The market downturn, the weaker economy, and the reversal of some pandemic-era trends have exposed weaknesses in the business models of companies such as

Peloton Interactive

(ticker: PTON),

Zoom Video Communications

(ZM),

Shopify

(SHOP),

Affirm Holdings

(AFRM), and

Snap

(SNAP), and investors have adjusted valuations accordingly. But there are still some powerful underlying secular trends that should eventually drive tech stocks higher. Investors with long time horizons and strong stomachs might consider inching into the market. I have a few ideas on where to look.

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September 30, 2022