More Top Gear debunking, for those who may be interested

[kateorman]

Clarkson. You enormous umph. The government doesn't release heatwave alerts for your personal benefit. It's so that hospitals can get ready. The system was put in place after the heatwave of 2003 killed over two thousand Britons. Remember?

Comments

[drunken_hedghog]

Wait, what? I didn't know over two thousand were killed in 2003. And, without sounding quite as arrogant as I probably do, if I didn't know then there's a chance he didn't either.

To be honest, this heatwave thing is new this year - I certainly haven't seen it any other year. If it was a reaction to 2003 then it was a very bloody slow one. Also, why do we have to have it on the weather when they release it. Surely, like the alert level, it could be released to hospitals instead of feeling incredibly patronising when reported.

It's incredibly rare that I say this, but I agree with Clarkson.

*shudder* Now I feel dirty and need a shower.

[kateorman]

What, Clarkson doesn't own an Internet? lol

The article I linked to says that in the first week of Wimbledon, five hundred people have needed ambulances because of the heat. I think the British find hot weather understandably confusing. :)

[drunken_hedghog]

Clarkson? Do research when it is far easier to just talk? Surely you jest!

I think the British find hot weather understandably confusing
Oh you are SO right on this one. Honestly, we get half a week of warm weather a year and you just watch us start moaning that it's too hot and we can't sleep.

[almostwitty]

What do you think I've been doing all week?

[antikythera]

Toronto has public heatwave alerts so that asthmatics can decide to ride the subway instead of walking in smoggy air that is easier to chew than breathe.

[tysolna]

Ok, tell it to the hospitals and the GPs, but for heaven's sake, don't make a media circus out of it, we have enough of that with pig flu. (Also, car sauna FTW!)

[kateorman]

*rescues melted Hammond*

Mind you, a media circus could be the media's fault rather than the guvmint's. Hard to tell from the wrong side of the planet, tho. :)