In 1999, the movie the Mummy was released. The movie has been remade so many times, first in 1932. Later versions added Hand, Tomb, Ghost, Curse, and then most famously, Abbot and Costello meet the Mummy in 1955. The Scorpion King was a prequel to the Mummy returns as it occurred 5001 years before the events of the Mummy. I think of this because of the amazing wall of sand that roars over the desert, and although dust and sandstorms are typically an Arabic phenomena, a similar storm closed the Arizona airport this week. A towering wall of dust and debris made visibility impossible for planes as well as automobiles for over an hour. The picture of the Haboob was very Mummy like. The word is derived from the Arabic “habb” meaning “to blow”.
Thunderstorms are the cause for many high wind scenarios. The ‘haboob’, derecho, microburst, supercell and tornado are all associated with thunderstorms. You can have a Haboob in a derecho, which is a long lived, high speed, straight line winds created by a bowl shaped band of thunderstorms. The microburst is an intense downdraft that hits the ground and spreads in all directions, winds up to 150 mph can cut a swath of destruction up to 2.5 miles wide. The supercell is a rotating updraft or mesocyclone that is characterized by hail and high winds—often a tornado. It seems these storms are more prevalent, intense and long lasting. Warmer temperatures, more moisture in the air add to atmospheric instability. I did not mention lightning, a major cause of fire in our area, you can count on more storms.
The assault on; The Constitution, democracy, the rule of law, voting rights, Federal Courts, Federal Reserve, Democratic cities, our Allies, our health care, women’s rights, while rewriting the history of slavery…….(the list is longer) continue at flood the zone speed. The Orange Wanker and his henchpeople are firing anyone who stands up to them. Meanwhile, a majority of our nation is mad as hell and not going to stand by any longer. Peacefully get active and don’t be shy about how you feel in regard to the slippery slope we face in our great country.
Cecil Andrus would have turned 94 this week and there have been many remembrances and kudos for the leadership he provided to our state and to the Country. I serve on the Cecil Andrus Center Board that is committed preserving and building on the legacy left by Cecil. A champion for Public Education, the environment, gender equity and civil discourse, he would be appalled by the Orange Cockwomble and his Regime. I had the privilege of working with Cecil and I think I know what advice he would give us today. Celebrate the Labor Day in recognition of the American labor movement, on Tuesday, get your good self engaged in changing the course of our country.
Enjoy Karen’s giant sunflower and remember that Ukraine is our friend and ally. Mike
Haboobs
