Picking Nits

Okay, I know this is pretty trivial. But if I hear one more television news 'science specialist' talking about the 'tidal wave' that hit southern Asia, I'm going to go mad.

I know that most people probably don't know that there's a difference between a tidal wave and a tsunami, and probably don't care. The distinction certainly doesn't matter if you or someone you know has been caught in one. The loss is not changed by nomenclature.

But reporters should be able to know and to deliver the facts, especially if their station or network is calling them 'science specialists'.

A tidal wave is not the same as a tsunami. A tidal wave is caused by the moon's gravitational attraction on the earth's oceans - just like the tides are. A tsunami is a different, larger, and rarer type of ocean wave caused by seismic activity. Large tidal waves can damage miles of coastline. Tsunamis can damage multiple continents.

Either way, it's tragic. But if you're going to report the news, try to get the facts straight if it's not too much trouble.

Okay, I'm done now.