Notes from Pat Shingleton

It's All About the Prediction

2009-06-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

I guess I have been making predictions on a daily basis for 33 years, in a variety of markets. I understand that it is just that - an opinion, a prediction. Many have taken exception with my predictions noting that I have the only "yob" whereby I maybe wrong and still employed. I guess that's the advantage of my position. OK, Dr. William Grey and Phillip Klotzbach of Colorado State University used the resources, skills and data to extrapolate a "prediction" on the Hurricane Season for 2009. Some time ago their prediction was for twelve (12) named storms, six (6) hurricanes and two (2) major hurricanes somewhere, sometime in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Today the boys at Colorado State updated their prediction, now conveniently calling for 11,5 and 2 respectively. They'll adjust their predictions AGAIN in August and September. Not to bash these guys, the guys and girls at the Hurricane Season do the same "thang." Living on the Gulf Coast and in Baton Rouge for 32 years and covering every storm that has developed and impacted this area, it doesn't matter how many... It's having the "game plan" and preparation for one! Gustav was the worst storm that ever hit Baton Rouge. Katrina was so devastating our television station, WBRZ, absorbed WGNO as they lived with us for a couple of months. Tropical Storm Allison was the wettest storm not only for Houston, but for us... So if you get my drift, forget the predictions for an entire season and zero in on how YOUR family will survive "a" storm. Generators, important documents and papers, foodstuffs, batteries, medicine and an escape route. There's plenty of resources to go to in order that you too can be a good scout and "Be Prepared." Incidentally, the "predictors" have missed their guesses every year...

Getting Even

2009-05-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Geez, you have those feelings about getting even... In passing, I read on an electronic billboard - "It's very odd to try and get even..." I guess this is how we have been wired, whether at a young age of athletic competition or even growing up in a large family where there was "achievement" competition. We're in some tough situations, even tougher due to changes and influences sometimes and most often beyond our control. Since July we expected the results of the market downturn to hit all of us at one time or another with most predicting it would kick-in within 8 to 9 months. We're near the 9th month (almost like a pregnancy) as I was saddened to hear of recent layoffs within my business. I feel for those that have had to make these decisions offering my quiet time for the pain that they must be experiencing. Back to "getting even" - is it best to try or attempt to place oneself in the position of the other, ascertaining the reasons for their actions that have impacted me or my family. It's almost like a golf lesson - quiet the legs, slow down the backswing, follow through, don't quit on your swing... Getting even - quiet the thought process, let it go, slow down, follow through on your assignment. Peace be with you.

2009-05-19T18:32:00.001-07:00

What's with the picture Pat? This was immediately after The St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Wearin' of the Green on Saturday, March 14, 2009. The bagpipes were given to me by my lovely wife of 30 years, Mabyn Kean Shingleton. Last year, I had the pipes in the back of a golf cart and was speeding down the parade route to handle a problem when I clipped a float and snapped off the drone... When she saw me using Gorilla Glue (she hates Gorilla Glue) to repair the pipes she took action and secured a new set. The pipes are one of the oldest musical instruments in existence and even though I can play the drums, bugle and piano by ear, it's a tough instrument as I am still learning. The moral of this message. Keep your bags filled, watch the road and thank God for great wives like mine. Until the next time, Peace be With You.