|
The Panic Before the Storm |
|
|
|
Written by Halifax Live
|
|
Tuesday, 16 January 2007 |
|
Twice bitten, thrice shy, or at least so it appears. Ever since the double whammy of Juan and his “white” cousin, Nova Scotians seem to have lost their stomach for a good storm. Whereas previously, citizens of this fair province had a ‘devil may care’ attitude towards the gods of wind, these days they start to shiver at the slightest hint of a gale. Yesterday’s so called storm serves as proof for this change in attitude . Although Environment Canada had predicted only a pathetic 5 cm accumulation , Haligonians were hitting the stores and started to hoard food as if they were expecting a Mongol siege. Appointments were cancelled two days in advance, and nervous drivers – fearing a repeat of the embarrassing events that surrounded the first snowfall of the year- fled the city in droves.
Even a half-witted anthropologist would notice the change of behaviour in Homo Novascotius. After all, it was we who collectively shrugged when the announcement came that a hurricane was bearing down on us. For centuries, citizens of this great province stoically faced whatever mother nature threw at them and simply got on with it. Let us hope that in due time, Nova Scotians of all stripes will once again embrace their forefathers courage, buy some descent snow tires, and start demonstrating some calm before the storm.
|
