Lightning    
The Real Deal       
     Yesterday here - a pretend lightning bolt. The real deal - no laughing matter. 

   Several days ago on Clearwater's famous beach, lifeguards raised red flags, signaling dangerous weather. They whistled for swimmers to leave the water. Maybe they should have chased them off the beach altogether.

   Eight people in a group slow to take cover were injured by a bolt that struck one of them directly. Five were hospitalized.

   Florida is known for the right ingredients - high heat and humidity, perfect for storm development. Texas had twice as many lightning strikes last year, but Florida has more strikes per square mile, about 21.

   Men are killed more often than women. They're outdoors more often.  

   A professor at the University of South Florida says lightning strikes are often survivable, if the victim gets help quickly. A bystander performed CPR on the man in Clearwater until responders arrived, although he died later at a hospital. 

   Lightning also affects nature, sometimes with beneficial results. Experts judge the power, speed etc. of a bolt by examining melted rock or sand.

   Your bathtub may be a good choice during a tornado or hurricane, but not a thunder storm. Touching metal, appliances, plumbing, wiring etc. is a no no. 

   A vehicle may be safest. Indoors is very good, but lightning can travel through your roof and find you, or start a fire.  

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 They say everyone has hidden talents. If only we could find ours. 

        Jimmy