Monday, October 8, 2012

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Hurricanes-- Part 2

4.  NAMING A HURRICANE

Naming one is sometimes a controversial thing.  In the 50s, names were just female, but some people believed that was sexist.  In 1979, male names were added.  French and Spanish names have been added.  In 2003, a representative from Texas complained about a lack of black names.


5.  THAT HURRICANE CAMILLE PARTY

Many have heard about the Hurricane Camille hurricane party in Pass Christian, Mississippi, in which only one person survived.  That story is now in doubt.  Other survivors have been found.  When the original survivor was later charged with killing her 11th husband (yes, 11 husbands), he lawyer used an insanity defense, but she did time anyway.


6.  HALSEY'S TYPHOON

In December 1944, a US Navy fleet under Admiral William "Bull" Halsey mistakenly steered straight into a typhoon in the Philippine Sea.  Three destroyers were sunk and other ships damaged.  Nearly 900 died.  The aircraft carrier USS Monterrey was badly damaged by fire.  Among those battling the fire was one Lt. Gerald Ford.

Four More Coming.  --Cooter

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