Good Afternoon:
There's a mosquito in our room, my wife says. However, while she says she's heard it every night, I've only heard it once, and I've never seen it.
A while ago, it got so bad that we bought a Mosquito zapping light. That should have solved the problem, but mosquitos (unlike humans) evolve quickly and our particular brand of mosquito spent their time daring each other to fly as close to the light without getting zapped!
Fortunately for us, Mosquitoes don't wear fur coats, and when it soon turns quite chilly and wet all we need to do is sleep with the windows open and the heat off, and the Mosquito zapping light will look like the best place to be.
So, why am I writing about Mosquitoes? Because I didn't want to mention from the "get-go" that temperatures are already falling at upper levels of the atmosphere, and tomorrow afternoon will probably see our warmest temperatures for some time to follow. But, it's not just that, it's the wind and rain that will probably persist until the end of the week, if not the end of the Chanukah holiday. If you have plans to light outside, you'll probably need an umbrella, and possibly a blow torch to light those candles.
The wet, cold, and wind is "courtesy" of a large amplified trough, initially located over central Europe with an extension into the eastern Mediterranean. The trough is actually forecast to amplify further and open a connection into the Ukraine, Belarus, and the polar regions of Siberia -- which could bring our coldest air in quite some time just as we move from Chanukah into the middle of the month.
All this spells pretty much doom for the mosquito population until next year. While, I don't suppose one of "our" readers can help us with this, perhaps someone can explain some other mysteries I've had pertaining to communication among species.
For instance, cat owners have probably spent a good deal of their waking hours exchanging "Meows" with their cats, and I've always wondered just what was said during these conversations. I'd like to know what I'm saying, too! Keep in mind, that you hardly ever hear a cat say "Meow" to another cat, so we're probably talking communication on a very basic level -- more like "baby talk."
Speaking of which, babies like to talk, but really no-one knows what they are saying, except perhaps other babies. Realizing this, and realizing that I had a unique opportunity to decipher baby talk, I asked my then 2 + year old daughter (who had just learned to speak "real" words) just what her brother and sisters were "jabbing" about. Amazingly enough, she couldn't tell me -- she'd already forgotten baby talk.
I think it's a shame because if I could understand baby talk, then perhaps I could teach my wife how to understand me and vice-versa. Right now, the only word I really know in Hebrew is the word ("Meatzben") which means annoying, irritating, frustrating, and bothersome all in one word. She didn't tell me what it meant, but I could guess (and I've heard the word often enough to remember it well).
Of course, there's the small issue of understanding the nuances of how husband and wives speak to each other. For instance, the wife says: "honey, the garbage needs to go out," and the husband says: "I'll do it," which means I will do it (in the future) -- and that's where the trouble starts.
Fortunately, I now have a calendar where I get a "smiley" face for every day I behave like the ideal husband I wish to be, and I find its a great motivator.
On a final note: George H.W Bush passed away the other day. While he and his Secretary of State had disagreements with the Israeli government during his presidency (https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-lonely-little-george-h-w-bush-changed-the-us-israel-relationship/), various articles have documented how much he helped the Jewish people in their time of need (https://www.jpost.com/American-Politics/Bushs-Israel-legacy-A-mixed-bag-of-positive-steps-but-little-warmth-573296). Perhaps, with this in mind, he died peacefully in his sleep.
Chanukah Samaech!
Barry Lynn
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Stormy Weather On The Way
Good Afternoon:
It is interesting to note that our next storm should arrive in the eastern Mediterranean by Thursday, and that already the long range forecast is showing another storm to follow before the end of the month.
One might have the impression that this year is rainier compared to last year (at least in the Jerusalem area). Considering that this year is supposed to be rainier than last year then one could be excused for thinking so.
However, when it comes to the weather, our memories are usually faulty (which is good for the weatherman who sometimes just wishes that folks would forget yesterday's forecast (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html). In fact, last year was also rainy until now, but then we had a three week period in December when there was no rain. Moreover, there were no especially rainy (and cold) storms last winter. It seemed, instead, like just one rainy shower after another.
Our next storm should move past Cyprus on Thursday/Friday and then move just off our coast. There's plenty of cold air and moisture associated with this storm, but it is still too early to say where the heaviest precipitation will fall, or how much. Nevertheless, it looks like it will be "wet" from Thursday through Shabbat, with thunderstorms also possible.
There are lots of things to write about besides the weather. But one item struck me in particular: the news about the El-Al flight that landed in Athens in order for a number of passengers to keep Shabbat (https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/We-were-kidnapped-by-El-Al-say-passengers-on-horror-flight-from-New-York-572234). Passengers accused the pilot/crew of "kidnap," and being misled about whether the plane would return to the gate in New York to let off passengers who did not want to fly on Shabbat. Yet, one shouldn't forget that passengers voluntarily booked this "last" flight before Shabbat, and should have known that it could be delayed. Moreover, where do passengers get the idea that they can deplane after being seating, or even after the plane has left the gate?
The whole situation is almost like a scene from "Chelm," and almost seems too surreal to be real.
I find it amazing that El Al actually diverted to Athens, Greece (making an extra stop (and putting the passengers at risk), and inconveniencing those who do fly on Shabbat). Moreover, El Al arranged hotel rooms and through the local Chabad full Shabbat meals -- leading some to say it was one of the most amazing Shabbat's they ever had (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/10-lessons-from-the-el-al-flight-to-athens/). Perhaps it's just business, or perhaps it's something more, but...
All I can say is: "only in Israel."
Barry Lynn
It is interesting to note that our next storm should arrive in the eastern Mediterranean by Thursday, and that already the long range forecast is showing another storm to follow before the end of the month.
One might have the impression that this year is rainier compared to last year (at least in the Jerusalem area). Considering that this year is supposed to be rainier than last year then one could be excused for thinking so.
However, when it comes to the weather, our memories are usually faulty (which is good for the weatherman who sometimes just wishes that folks would forget yesterday's forecast (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html). In fact, last year was also rainy until now, but then we had a three week period in December when there was no rain. Moreover, there were no especially rainy (and cold) storms last winter. It seemed, instead, like just one rainy shower after another.
Our next storm should move past Cyprus on Thursday/Friday and then move just off our coast. There's plenty of cold air and moisture associated with this storm, but it is still too early to say where the heaviest precipitation will fall, or how much. Nevertheless, it looks like it will be "wet" from Thursday through Shabbat, with thunderstorms also possible.
There are lots of things to write about besides the weather. But one item struck me in particular: the news about the El-Al flight that landed in Athens in order for a number of passengers to keep Shabbat (https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/We-were-kidnapped-by-El-Al-say-passengers-on-horror-flight-from-New-York-572234). Passengers accused the pilot/crew of "kidnap," and being misled about whether the plane would return to the gate in New York to let off passengers who did not want to fly on Shabbat. Yet, one shouldn't forget that passengers voluntarily booked this "last" flight before Shabbat, and should have known that it could be delayed. Moreover, where do passengers get the idea that they can deplane after being seating, or even after the plane has left the gate?
The whole situation is almost like a scene from "Chelm," and almost seems too surreal to be real.
I find it amazing that El Al actually diverted to Athens, Greece (making an extra stop (and putting the passengers at risk), and inconveniencing those who do fly on Shabbat). Moreover, El Al arranged hotel rooms and through the local Chabad full Shabbat meals -- leading some to say it was one of the most amazing Shabbat's they ever had (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/10-lessons-from-the-el-al-flight-to-athens/). Perhaps it's just business, or perhaps it's something more, but...
All I can say is: "only in Israel."
Barry Lynn
Weather It Is (More Rain, Storms)
Good Afternoon:
It is interesting to note that our next storm should arrive in the eastern Mediterranean by Thursday, and that already the long range forecast is showing another storm to follow before the end of the month.
One might have the impression that this year is rainier compared to last year (at least in the Jerusalem area). Considering that this year is supposed to be rainier than last year then one could be excused for thinking so.
However, when it comes to the weather, our memories are usually faulty (which is good for the weatherman who sometimes just wishes that folks would forget yesterday's forecast (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html). In fact, last year was also rainy until now, but then we had a three week period in December when there was no rain. Moreover, there were no especially rainy (and cold) storms last winter. It seemed, instead, like just one rainy shower after another.
Our next storm should move past Cyprus on Thursday/Friday and then move just off our coast. There's plenty of cold air and moisture associated with this storm, but it is still too early to say where the heaviest precipitation will fall, or how much. Nevertheless, it looks like it will be "wet" from Thursday through Shabbat, with thunderstorms also possible.
There are lots of things to write about besides the weather. But one item struck me in particular: the news about the El-Al flight that landed in Athens in order for a number of passengers to keep Shabbat (https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/We-were-kidnapped-by-El-Al-say-passengers-on-horror-flight-from-New-York-572234). Passengers accused the pilot/crew of "kidnap," and being misled about whether the plane would return to the gate in New York to let off passengers who did not want to fly on Shabbat. Yet, one shouldn't forget that passengers voluntarily booked this "last" flight before Shabbat, and should have known that it could be delayed. Moreover, where do passengers get the idea that they can deplane after being seating, or even after the plane has left the gate?
The whole situation is almost like a scene from "Chelm," and almost seems too surreal to be real.
I find it amazing that El Al actually diverted to Athens, Greece (making an extra stop (and putting the passengers at risk), and inconveniencing those who do fly on Shabbat). Moreover, El Al arranged hotel rooms and through the local Chabad full Shabbat meals -- leading some to say it was one of the most amazing Shabbat's they ever had (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/10-lessons-from-the-el-al-flight-to-athens/). Perhaps it's just business, or perhaps it's something more, but...
All I can say is: "only in Israel."
Barry Lynn
It is interesting to note that our next storm should arrive in the eastern Mediterranean by Thursday, and that already the long range forecast is showing another storm to follow before the end of the month.
One might have the impression that this year is rainier compared to last year (at least in the Jerusalem area). Considering that this year is supposed to be rainier than last year then one could be excused for thinking so.
However, when it comes to the weather, our memories are usually faulty (which is good for the weatherman who sometimes just wishes that folks would forget yesterday's forecast (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html). In fact, last year was also rainy until now, but then we had a three week period in December when there was no rain. Moreover, there were no especially rainy (and cold) storms last winter. It seemed, instead, like just one rainy shower after another.
Our next storm should move past Cyprus on Thursday/Friday and then move just off our coast. There's plenty of cold air and moisture associated with this storm, but it is still too early to say where the heaviest precipitation will fall, or how much. Nevertheless, it looks like it will be "wet" from Thursday through Shabbat, with thunderstorms also possible.
There are lots of things to write about besides the weather. But one item struck me in particular: the news about the El-Al flight that landed in Athens in order for a number of passengers to keep Shabbat (https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/We-were-kidnapped-by-El-Al-say-passengers-on-horror-flight-from-New-York-572234). Passengers accused the pilot/crew of "kidnap," and being misled about whether the plane would return to the gate in New York to let off passengers who did not want to fly on Shabbat. Yet, one shouldn't forget that passengers voluntarily booked this "last" flight before Shabbat, and should have known that it could be delayed. Moreover, where do passengers get the idea that they can deplane after being seating, or even after the plane has left the gate?
The whole situation is almost like a scene from "Chelm," and almost seems too surreal to be real.
I find it amazing that El Al actually diverted to Athens, Greece (making an extra stop (and putting the passengers at risk), and inconveniencing those who do fly on Shabbat). Moreover, El Al arranged hotel rooms and through the local Chabad full Shabbat meals -- leading some to say it was one of the most amazing Shabbat's they ever had (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/10-lessons-from-the-el-al-flight-to-athens/). Perhaps it's just business, or perhaps it's something more, but...
All I can say is: "only in Israel."
Barry Lynn
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Winter on Its Way
Good Evening:
Last Friday was heard in the hills of Jerusalem the crack of the bat -- again. I wasn't there because I was working on finishing my paper on forecasting snow. I figure the harder I work the more likely it is to snow this winter (preferably here).
Why was the crack of the bat heard again? Because while it did get cooler and there were periods of rain, it was really more like the weather of yore, rather than the weather of fore. There was a fairly nice rain (about a 1/4 of an inch) and it was accompanied by the loudest booms heard here since the last "real" Gaza war -- only it was the real thing instead of those "fake" hydrometeors (i.e., missiles) that came our way then (for some, since then and far too often).
It's actually a good thing I didn't make it to the game. It turns out that my right field chitchat partner hit a line drive home run to right field that I believe I mistook (from my window) as a crack of thunder. As I said, it's good that I didn't come. Had I come, I am afraid that he would have never even seen the ball that spun into his bat's sweet spot, and then soared over the fence. I would have seen that pitch and who knows where it would have gone.
It was that kind of weather. It felt like we were turning towards winter, but really the atmosphere was more like a Florida summer day or a New York summer day -- just not as hot. That's what enabled the formation of afternoon (even deadly) thunderstorms, some of which caused severe flooding in the Jordan Valley, including Jordan itself. For my daughters, though, it was a chance to get excited about what we used to take for granted (growing up in NY), rain:
Last Friday was heard in the hills of Jerusalem the crack of the bat -- again. I wasn't there because I was working on finishing my paper on forecasting snow. I figure the harder I work the more likely it is to snow this winter (preferably here).
Why was the crack of the bat heard again? Because while it did get cooler and there were periods of rain, it was really more like the weather of yore, rather than the weather of fore. There was a fairly nice rain (about a 1/4 of an inch) and it was accompanied by the loudest booms heard here since the last "real" Gaza war -- only it was the real thing instead of those "fake" hydrometeors (i.e., missiles) that came our way then (for some, since then and far too often).
It's actually a good thing I didn't make it to the game. It turns out that my right field chitchat partner hit a line drive home run to right field that I believe I mistook (from my window) as a crack of thunder. As I said, it's good that I didn't come. Had I come, I am afraid that he would have never even seen the ball that spun into his bat's sweet spot, and then soared over the fence. I would have seen that pitch and who knows where it would have gone.
It was that kind of weather. It felt like we were turning towards winter, but really the atmosphere was more like a Florida summer day or a New York summer day -- just not as hot. That's what enabled the formation of afternoon (even deadly) thunderstorms, some of which caused severe flooding in the Jordan Valley, including Jordan itself. For my daughters, though, it was a chance to get excited about what we used to take for granted (growing up in NY), rain:
Well all that really was chit-chat.
But what is coming our way is not. One might call it January weather in November, but others will just say that's how it used to be. It's a real winter storm complete with a soaking rain that should last several days, strong winds, hail, lightning/thunder, and probably some flooding to go along with it.
Tuesday will probably feel a bit balmy as winds blow from the south, but Wednesday should turn sharply cooler as a storm moves east of Cyprus. Before it can exit, another storm should drop down from the west as we head into Shabbat, moisture should fill in at all levels of the atmosphere, and the rain should continue.
At the moment, we don't see any exit for this run of rainy, stormy days, and alas -- we may have truly heard the last "crack" until Springtime.
Barry Lynn
Weather It Is (Winter Really Is Coming)
Good Evening:
Last Friday was heard in the hills of Jerusalem the crack of the bat -- again. I wasn't there because I was working on finishing my paper on forecasting snow. I figure the harder I work the more likely it is to snow this winter (preferably here).
Why was the crack of the bat heard again? Because while it did get cooler and there were periods of rain, it was really more like the weather of yore, rather than the weather of fore. There was a fairly nice rain (about a 1/4 of an inch) and it was accompanied by the loudest booms heard here since the last "real" Gaza war -- only it was the real thing instead of those "fake" hydrometeors (i.e., missiles) that came our way then (for some, since then and far too often).
It's actually a good thing I didn't make it to the game. It turns out that my right field chitchat partner hit a line drive home run to right field that I believe I mistook (from my window) as a crack of thunder. As I said, it's good that I didn't come. Had I come, I am afraid that he would have never even seen the ball that spun into his bat's sweet spot, and then soared over the fence. I would have seen that pitch and who knows where it would have gone.
It was that kind of weather. It felt like we were turning towards winter, but really the atmosphere was more like a Florida summer day or a New York summer day -- just not as hot. That's what enabled the formation of afternoon (even deadly) thunderstorms, some of which caused severe flooding in the Jordan Valley, including Jordan itself. For my daughters, though, it was a chance to get excited about what we used to take for granted (growing up in NY), rain:
Last Friday was heard in the hills of Jerusalem the crack of the bat -- again. I wasn't there because I was working on finishing my paper on forecasting snow. I figure the harder I work the more likely it is to snow this winter (preferably here).
Why was the crack of the bat heard again? Because while it did get cooler and there were periods of rain, it was really more like the weather of yore, rather than the weather of fore. There was a fairly nice rain (about a 1/4 of an inch) and it was accompanied by the loudest booms heard here since the last "real" Gaza war -- only it was the real thing instead of those "fake" hydrometeors (i.e., missiles) that came our way then (for some, since then and far too often).
It's actually a good thing I didn't make it to the game. It turns out that my right field chitchat partner hit a line drive home run to right field that I believe I mistook (from my window) as a crack of thunder. As I said, it's good that I didn't come. Had I come, I am afraid that he would have never even seen the ball that spun into his bat's sweet spot, and then soared over the fence. I would have seen that pitch and who knows where it would have gone.
It was that kind of weather. It felt like we were turning towards winter, but really the atmosphere was more like a Florida summer day or a New York summer day -- just not as hot. That's what enabled the formation of afternoon (even deadly) thunderstorms, some of which caused severe flooding in the Jordan Valley, including Jordan itself. For my daughters, though, it was a chance to get excited about what we used to take for granted (growing up in NY), rain:
Well all that really was chit-chat.
But what is coming our way is not. One might call it January weather in November, but others will just say that's how it used to be. It's a real winter storm complete with a soaking rain that should last several days, strong winds, hail, lightning/thunder, and probably some flooding to go along with it.
Tuesday will probably feel a bit balmy as winds blow from the south, but Wednesday should turn sharply cooler as a storm moves east of Cyprus. Before it can exit, another storm should drop down from the west as we head into Shabbat, moisture should fill in at all levels of the atmosphere, and the rain should continue.
At the moment, we don't see any exit for this run of rainy, stormy days, and alas -- we may have truly heard the last "crack" until Springtime.
Barry Lynn
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Weather It Is (That's It)
Good Evening:
If one listened closely Friday morning, one would have heard the thud of balls being caught and the crack of the bat of balls being hit. But, in the stiff, if not strong southerly wind, many of those balls travelled far and wide over the fence in left and center field. In fact, even I hit a home run, but it was of the "inside the park" variety.
Well, that's it! No more warm fall days punctuated by the screams of grown men playing a kid's game. Actually, many "older" folk play softball, so perhaps my language is a bit harsh. In any case, the arguments one sometimes hears would suggest that these are "grown" men playing at being kids.
Regardless, the weather will soon not be conducive to outside summer sports, at least as far as the eye can see.
The light southerly winds of today will give way to stronger northwesterly winds. The winds will bring much colder air, and since temperatures will fall most steeply at upper levels, there could be some thunderstorms as well as we move into the early week. Showers may dot the landscape for the mid-week period as well.
While the temperatures gradually continue to cool thereafter, moisture will flow profusely as we approach Friday and Shabbat (Saturday), and our second "real" rain of the season will most likely be upon us.
And for those that like winter (and our tired of figuring out what to wear day to day), the colder temperatures and showers will probably continue into next week as well.
Have a good week,
Barry Lynn
If one listened closely Friday morning, one would have heard the thud of balls being caught and the crack of the bat of balls being hit. But, in the stiff, if not strong southerly wind, many of those balls travelled far and wide over the fence in left and center field. In fact, even I hit a home run, but it was of the "inside the park" variety.
Well, that's it! No more warm fall days punctuated by the screams of grown men playing a kid's game. Actually, many "older" folk play softball, so perhaps my language is a bit harsh. In any case, the arguments one sometimes hears would suggest that these are "grown" men playing at being kids.
Regardless, the weather will soon not be conducive to outside summer sports, at least as far as the eye can see.
The light southerly winds of today will give way to stronger northwesterly winds. The winds will bring much colder air, and since temperatures will fall most steeply at upper levels, there could be some thunderstorms as well as we move into the early week. Showers may dot the landscape for the mid-week period as well.
While the temperatures gradually continue to cool thereafter, moisture will flow profusely as we approach Friday and Shabbat (Saturday), and our second "real" rain of the season will most likely be upon us.
And for those that like winter (and our tired of figuring out what to wear day to day), the colder temperatures and showers will probably continue into next week as well.
Have a good week,
Barry Lynn
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Weather It Is (Severe Storm)
Good Evening:
Today heralds the arrival of our first winter storm. True, temperatures are more like fall than winter, but the winds, precipitation amounts, and length of the storm are more similar to winter storms of past years than to brief, but heavy rains of fall.
The heaviest rain and severe thunderstorms last night were south of Cyprus and west of Haifa, but today they were over northern Israel and along the Jordan Valley north and south of the Dead sea (see our "PulseRad" lightning map from this Thursday afternoon).
Today heralds the arrival of our first winter storm. True, temperatures are more like fall than winter, but the winds, precipitation amounts, and length of the storm are more similar to winter storms of past years than to brief, but heavy rains of fall.
The heaviest rain and severe thunderstorms last night were south of Cyprus and west of Haifa, but today they were over northern Israel and along the Jordan Valley north and south of the Dead sea (see our "PulseRad" lightning map from this Thursday afternoon).
Tonight a strong cold front will move southward as the storm center moves into Lebanon and Syria. The GFS (Global Forecast Model) is predicting rain over southern areas, but our high resolution ensemble predicts heavy rain stretching southwest near Gaza northeast through Jerusalem to just south of Lake Kinneret. The heaviest rain should fall late night into Friday morning, with showers and periods of rain over the center and southern areas on Friday. Rain should also occur over the far north.
The forecast is also showing not just rain, but lightning as well. With the storms should come strong winds between 50 and 75 km, with higher values along the northwest coast.
The next week will see a return to more fall-like weather.
Barry Lynn
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