Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

An older Inside Revolution post described a special light show that occurs over the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, South America.  For centuries, people living near these two bodies of water have experienced over 150 lightning storms per year with each event lasting about 10 hours per night. If you researched this unusual weather, then you know the prior post skipped over an interesting tidbit.
Listen to this: Between January and April of 2010, the lightning ceased. We’re talking nothing, nada. Incredible! I can imagine puzzled people peeking outdoors and searching the night sky for a tiny sign of “normalcy.” Scientists offered differing theories for the lightning’s presence and its temporary absence. Experts believe geography and gases from the surrounding waters cause the lightning. When the lake and river dried up due to drought, the gases also disappeared—no gas, no lightning. Let’s visit Venezuela to hear more:    
                                                      https://youtu.be/FKc3-QprPjE 
If the locals have a saying, it might be, “As sure as the lightning comes, I’ll do such and such.” Apparently, returning wasn't a guarantee with the lightning or the boat trip. Some things you only hope you can count on. In our culture, people, places, and things change at lightning speed. Who or what can you count on?

Modified from 9/2011

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