Thoughts on Memorial Day 2016

History of Memorial Day: Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. May 30th was chosen for Decoration Day because it was believed that flowers would be in bloom all across the country.

On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.

You will notice in the collage above, that the flag is flying at half-staff. Those pictures were taken during our visit to the American Cemetary in Normandy, France. It was very moving seeing row after row of graves. For more pictures from our visit to Normandy, see my previous posts on the topic and also our cruise vacations website.

I've mentioned several times in the past about the opportunity to relive history while on a cruise vacation. This is especially true in Europe due to the large battle field from the World Wars. Whether your cruise vacation takes you to Normandy, France or Honolulu, Hawaii, please take some time to visit a historical site and pay your respects to the troops that fought to keep America strong. We have done so on several cruises and of all the trips we've taken, those tend to stand out in my mind. Don't forget to bring you children with you so that they too can learn about war first hand.

As Albert Schweitzer said "... Wargraves are the great communicators of peace ..." Perhaps another more striking quote was by George Santayanan who said "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

And who can forget those immortal words of President John F. Kennedy: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. "

To the brave men and women, living and deceased, who have taken President Kennedy's charge to heart, Thank You for your Service. May we never forget the sacrifices you have made.

NOAA 2016 Hurricane Predictions

Credit NOAA

Predictions for 
2016 Hurricane Season

We've already provided you with Colorado State University's April Prediction for the Atlantic Basin.  NOAA has just released its predictions for the Atlantic Basin, Central and East Pacific regions.

• NOAA: Near-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely this year 
• NOAA: Predicts Near-normal Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season
• NOAA Predicts an above-normal Central Pacific hurricane season

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Hurricane Season Approaching 

Looking for past & current hurricanes?  Click Image or Here

NEAR-NORMAL ATLANTIC PREDICTED

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) had predicted an below-normal season which is what actually resulted.  The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season was a below average Atlantic hurricane season that produced eleven named storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Looking Back at 2015

In the chart below, the numbers in parenthesis are the averages, so you can easily see that the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season was slightly below average.  

Atlantic Basin

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2015 Prediction	2015 Actual
Named Storms (NS) (12.0)	6 - 11	11
Hurricanes (H) (6.5)	3 - 6	4
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.0)	0 - 2	2
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (92.0)	40 - 85	63

2015 National Hurricane Center Forecast Verification Report

Atlantic Hurricane Outlook & Seasonal Climate Summary Archive

The 2015 Eastern Northern Pacific Hurricane Season was well above average with the number of named storms more than double the average.  Hurricanes exceeded the top estimate, and there were 10 major hurricanes.  The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) was well above normal.  The Central Pacific was also active with 8 tropical storms with 3 hurricanes, of which 1 was a major storm.

East Pacific

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2015 Prediction	2015 Actual
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	15-22	18
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	7 - 12	13
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	5-8	10
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	110-190	250

Looking Ahead to 2016

As is customary, the Colorado State University releases its predictions in December and April. See our blog post,  2016 CSU Atlantic Hurricane Prediction, for their 2016 predictions.

Atlantic Basin

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2016 Prediction	CSU 2016 Prediction
Named Storms (NS) (12.0)	10-16	12
Hurricanes (H) (6.5)	3-8	5
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.0)	1-4	2
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (92.0)	65-140	90

NOAA’s 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook calls for a 45% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 25% chance of a below-normal season.  For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA predicts a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). 
The outlook also calls for an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) range of 65%-140% of the median, which includes Alex in January

East Pacific

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2016 Prediction
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	13-20
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	7 - 12
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	3-6
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	70-140

NOAA’s 2015 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook is calling for a 70 percent chance of 15 to 22 named storms, which includes 7 to 12 hurricanes, of which 5 to 8 are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale).  The outlook calls for a 70% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 5% chance of a below normal season.

Measuring total seasonal activity: The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index

An important measure of the total overall seasonal activity is the NOAA Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index, which accounts for the intensity and duration of named storms and hurricanes during the season.  According to NOAA’s hurricane season classifications, an ACE value above 117% of the 1950-2000 median reflects an above-normal season. An ACE value above 175% of the median reflects an exceptionally active (or hyperactive) season.

Hurricane Season Dates 

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th and also ends November 30th.
Download the Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide (PDF) 

Read Entire Series (click here)

Hurricane Preparedness Week came early this year. As usual we published a series of articles during that week.  Click on the image or link to the right to view the entire series.  

We have been covering hurricane preparedness for years, so if you still need more information, you can check out some of our other articles which can be found via links in our Hurricane Zone page.

National Beef Day - Burgers at Sea

May 28th

National Beef Day

It's embarkation day, you've just gotten on a Carnival cruise ship, you are looking for something quick to eat before exploring the ship ...

What Comes to Mind?

 Guy's Burger Joint

It's all about choices...

How do you like your burger?

On Carnival Cruise Lines, if you are on a ship that has gone through Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, like Carnival Conquest or Carnival Breeze to name a couple, you can grab lunch from Guy's Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries.   If you watch cable TV, you know who "Guy" is ...   Guy Fieri entered into an agreement with Carnival Corporation to introduce his burgers at sea.  

You can select from the Plain Jane or several common options.  Why not customize your burger by adding your favorite toppings at the Toppings Bar?   This is a fun place to enjoy National Beef Day or any day.   The best news - it is included in your dining options at no additional cost.

What's Your Favorite Burger at Sea

Many cruise lines have "burger bars" poolside as well as in their buffets.   Do you have a different favorite?  We'd love to hear from you about what you think is the best burger at sea.

2016 National Safe Boating Week

Life Jackets Save Lives

http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/

Announcements on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

2016 Safe Boating Week : May 21 - 27
Sat.	Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.
Boating Under the Influence	Marine Forecast	Life Jackets	Safe Navigation in Fog	Fire Extinguishers	Thunderstorm Safety	Hurricane Preparedness

Approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents, so we've teamed up with NOAA and the National Safe Boating Council to remind you to  "Wear It!"  when you are on the water.   Here are some links for you to learn additional information about boating safety.

North America Safe Boating Campaign	Ready Set Wear It
NWS National Safe Boating Week	National Safe Boating Council
USCG Boating Safety Resource Center	USCG Boat Rental Safety

Ready, Set, Wear It - Post Your Pics on our Facebook Page

Safety is a primary concern in the cruise industry.  One of the first things you'll do once you are onboard the ship is a mandatory safety drill which includes locating your life jackets and proceeding to a muster station for further instructions.

When you put your life jacket back away in your stateroom, that doesn't mean you forget about safety for the rest of the cruise.   Instead, that is the start of paying attention to safety.    You may participate in some shore excursions that include water sports, sailing on small boats, etc.    Be sure to wear your life jacket during these excursions.

We thought it would be fun to post some of your pictures in life jacket attire, so we've started a Safe  Boating Photo Album on Facebook that you can add your pics to.  Even if you don't send us one of your pics, check out the photos that are posted. You can also share your pics via Twitter.

Connect With Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

2016 Hurricane Preparedness - After the Storm

Recovering from Disaster

Final In the 2016 Series

Rebuilding After the Storm


We conclude our coverage of the 2016 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at recovering from the storm.  Three organizations come to mind when you think about the aftermath of a hurricane or other natural disaster:  FEMA, Red Cross, and the National Guard.  There are many other organizations and individuals that also play a key role in providing immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the hazards of hurricanes and other natural disasters.


Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process with the first concern being immediate search and recovery while keeping safety in mind.   After the area has been made safe, the recovery process can begin.  Here are some resources that are helpful after the storm:

• Health and Safety Guidelines

  

  click image to enlarge graphic  (Courtesy CPHC)

• Returning Home
• Seeking Disaster Assistance
• Coping with Disaster
• Helping Others

Even with all the scientific advances in recent years, it is still impossible to predict how many storms will occur in a given year and what communities lie in their path.   Just like in sports, the best defense is a good offense.

NOW is the TIME to PREPARE

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

Hurricane Preparedness - Evacuation Plan

Read Entire Series (click here)

In this case, Hurricane Preparedness is that secret play that can make the difference in loss of property and lives.  It is for that reason that we have participated with NOAA, FEMA and other organizations in sharing these public service announcements.   We have been covering hurricane preparedness for years, so if you still need more information, you can check out some of our other articles which can be found via links in our Hurricane Zone page.

2016 Hurricane Preparation - Being Prepared

Hurricane Planning The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared, before a hurricane threatens, makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan http://hurricanes.gov/prepare https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac

Click on this interactive image to learn more about being prepared for Hurricanes and other Disasters

Inside the Eye: Day 7: Complete Your Written Hurricane Plan

Hurricane Preparedness - Evacuation Plan

NOW is the TIME to PREPARE

There's still time before the official start of Hurricane Season 2016 in the Atlantic Basin.   Hopefully this series of articles and the resources that we've shared will assist you in keeping your family and property safe this season.   We may have an average season forecast, but it only takes one storm....

Our final article will take a look at what to do after the storm.  Thank you for taking this seriously.

Read Entire Series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


Hurricane Preparedness Week:   May 15 - May 21, 2016

2016 Hurricane Preparedness - Getting Info

Hurricane Information TV, web, social media - only use trusted sources for the latest hurricane information! NOAA's National Hurricane Center is your official source for Atlantic hurricane forecasts and the issuance of hurricane watches and warnings. In addition, your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office provides information regarding the expected impacts from the storm for your area. http://www.hurricanes.gov/ http://hurricanes.gov/prepare https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac

Forecast Process

We continue our coverage of the 2016 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process. 

Update on National Hurricane Center Products and Services for 2016 (PDF)

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start the hurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.

Read Entire Series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


Hurricane Preparedness Week:   May 15 - May 21, 2016

2016 Hurricane Preparation - Strengthen Home

Withstanding Hurricane If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds. https://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation http://hurricanes.gov/prepare Day 5 - Strengthen Your Home

Prepare Your House

The Florida Division of Emergency Management  has an excellent Hurricane Retrofit Guide (Tutorial)  to help you get you house ready for the approaching hurricane season.  Whether you are handy or not, this tutorial has information to help you prepare.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH®) is the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. Their website has several resources to help you prepare for hurricanes and other threats. 

Protect Your Home in a FLASH

Click for How-to Videos

• Print the DIY Checklist
• Create your family's personalized plan
• Build your personal family kit
• Know your zone
• Print your personalized checklist
• Build your home inventory 
• Landscaping supplies & special considerations
• Gutter cleaning supplies & special considerations
• Soffit strengthening supplies & instructions
• Roof sheathing improvement supplies & instructions
• Full list of emergency board up supplies & instructions

Read Entire Series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


Hurricane Preparedness Week:   May 15 - May 21, 2016

2016 Hurricane Preparedness - Supplies

Hurricane Supplies If a hurricane strikes, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy recovery period that could follow. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You’ll also need a portable, crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. https://www.ready.gov/kit http://hurricanes.gov/prepare

Let's Get Ready

Sesame Street Let's Get Ready: Planning Together for Emergencies, created with support provided by PSEG, is a bilingual (English and Spanish) multiple media resource designed to help entire families, especially those with young children, to plan and prepare together for emergencies. Through simple strategies and tips that can be incorporated into everyday routines, Let's Get Ready helps children, families, and caregivers to prepare ahead of time in age-appropriate and engaging ways.

Click Here for Let's Get Ready Toolkit - Videos & Resources

Let's Pack an Emergency Kit (Click for Checklist) 

Read Entire Series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


Hurricane Preparedness Week:   May 15 - May 21, 2016