After living here in Indiana for two winters, I find it quite peculiar how Hoosiers view snow: Last year, when six inches fell, mass hysteria erupted. School was called off days in advance (though not at Rose), the freeway closed, and commerce all but stopped. The only beings still active in Terre Haute were Minnesotans and Institute of Health patrons.

This year, the clime is altogether different. Temperatures are in the upper 40’s, the grass is green, and the lake (singular, for they are quite rare in these parts) is open. Even the songbirds are about! Above all, there is a lack of crystaline dihydrogen-oxide. That’s right, none of the white stuff: snow. Of course, this equates to a lack of road salt, so I’m happy. Those with the power of the purse think otherwise.

A branch of RHIT student government called RHA (Residental Housing Association, perhaps) decided Mother Nature wasn’t doing her job. After much pondering, a brilliant idea emerged: Buy RHIT its own snow machine! Ski Terre Haute! Only $2400! Never mind that it isn’t cold enough nor is there a practical use for 60 cu.ft./hr. of snow. Let’s spend money anyway! Yeah baby, yeah!

Perhaps we should invest in an alchemist…