Today was one the hottest day in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since the past several years. Texas summers have been sizzling since time immemorial, but as the world develops into a more comfortable place for human beings, the planet is getting hotter. This is the direct result of what is known as the 'urban heat island effect' that I read about on Yahoo News.
Due to this urban heat island effect densely populated cities that have turned into concrete jungles are hotter than open rural landscapes with sparse population and few buildings. Anyway the heat reminds me of my travels through the eastern seaboard state of Orissa, India during 2007 summer. The only consolation out there was the humidity that made it possible for the body's regulatory mechanism to kick in and cool down by sweating. Here in Texas the body burns and gets charred, but it wont sweat or steam....
A few more months and then it will be fall, when the good days will be back again.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Hottest day in DFW area!
Monday, July 04, 2011
American Independence Day Celebrations!
Having stayed in this country for three years this is the first time I went to view the American independence day... ooops.. the 4th of July parade and fireworks display. The parade was held at the historic downtown McKinney, it was short, colorful and intense. Everyone from tiny tots to senior citizens participated in the parade enthusiastically waving flags, clapping, cheering and generally being happy to be a part of this country.
The show of support by the people in this quasi-official celebration is pretty impressive. The population of McKinney and surrounding towns might be just over 150,000 but I am pretty sure at least 10,000 people were there to watch the parade. Thoughts took me back to Bangalore, India which hosts over 6 million people and not even 1,000 people turn up for the independence day parade. I wonder why?
Anyway here are some pictures of the parade:
