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Surviving the Rochester Chill: Tips from a Winter Warrior
13th January 2025 • All of the Above with James Brown • James A. Brown
00:00:00 00:03:12

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Brushing off a Rochester winter can be a daunting task, as James Brown humorously illustrates in his latest commentary. He vividly describes the biting cold and relentless snow that characterize life in Rochester, highlighting the unique challenges faced by locals during the winter months. Brown shares his personal showdown with his snow-covered car, detailing the meticulous technique required to clear it, which includes starting the car, tackling the windshield, and ensuring no snow missiles fly off the roof. However, the real adversary is the ice that stubbornly clings to windows, leading to exasperation and broken scrapers. Through his reflections, Brown emphasizes that winter isn’t just a season; it’s a test of resilience that shapes the spirit of Western New Yorkers.

Rochester winters are a force to be reckoned with, as James Brown passionately describes in his commentary. He paints a vivid picture of the biting cold that not only nips at your nose but also gnaws at your resolve, making you question every decision that brought you to this frigid place. Brown recounts the struggle of navigating through heavy, wet snow that can bury even the sturdiest of vehicles, likening the experience to a showdown with nature. The sheer weight of the snow, described as ‘cement’, serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced during the season, where one must dig out their car like an archaeologist unearthing a long-forgotten artifact.

The practicalities of winter driving are laid out with a blend of humor and realism. Brown shares his technique for clearing snow from his vehicle, which he has perfected over countless frosty mornings. Starting the car becomes a crucial first step, though it also comes with the anxiety of potential battery failure. He emphasizes the importance of visibility by clearing the windshield just enough to see, while also tackling the snow on the roof to avoid becoming a moving victim of snow missiles on the highway.


As the discussion progresses, Brown reflects on the deeper implications of winter in Western New York. For the locals, winter transcends mere weather; it is a rite of passage that tests resilience and character. He acknowledges the inevitable slips and falls, both literally and metaphorically, that come with the season. The harsh realities of winter serve as a reminder of life’s unpredictability, leading to moments of introspection. Ultimately, Brown invites listeners to share their own winter strategies, fostering a sense of community among those who brave the cold together.

Takeaways:

  • Rochester winters challenge your resolve, making you question your life choices and persistence.
  • Brushing off snow from your car requires a careful technique to avoid accidents on the road.
  • The true enemy of winter isn't just the snow, but the ice that often forms unexpectedly.
  • A broken plastic scraper during winter is a common frustration that every Rochesterian has experienced.
  • Resilience is a core lesson learned from enduring harsh winters in Western New York.
  • Every winter warrior has their own snow-clearing strategy that makes the task a bit easier.

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Transcripts

James Brown:

Brushing Off a Rochester Winter this is commentary from James Brown.

James Brown:

Ah, Rochester winters.

James Brown:

The kind of cold that bites at your nose, chews your fingers.

James Brown:

It makes you question every life choice that led you here.

James Brown:

Or in my case, keeps you here.

James Brown:

And then there's the snow.

James Brown:

The relentless heavy wet cement kind that buries your car like a fossil.

James Brown:

I recently had a showdown with my snow covered car.

James Brown:

It was maybe 8 degrees outside, just warm enough to mock me.

James Brown:

There's a technique to brushing your car, a mix of art and science perfected over the years of frosty mornings for Rochesterians.

James Brown:

First, start the car.

James Brown:

At least that's where I start.

James Brown:

This is where winter loves to mess with you.

James Brown:

Car batteries have a knack for dying just when you need them most.

James Brown:

Next, move to the windshield.

James Brown:

Clear just enough to see through in your golden for now, the rest typically melts away or at least gets soft enough to brush away.

James Brown:

Then the roof, because no one likes being pelted with snow missiles on the highway.

James Brown:

Finally those stubborn mirrors and lights.

James Brown:

Don't forget the crevices.

James Brown:

I know it's easier said than done, but here's the thing.

James Brown:

The real enemy isn't the snow.

James Brown:

You get used to that, believe it or not.

James Brown:

It's the ice.

James Brown:

That inevitable invisible soul crushing layer welded to your windows.

James Brown:

You scrape, you swear, you question your life's choices in just when you think you're done, your cheap plastic scraper snaps in half.

James Brown:

It happens to me at least once every winter.

James Brown:

Western New Yorkers know winter isn't just a season, it's a reality check.

James Brown:

You will slip, you will fall, you will claw your way back up and soldier on.

James Brown:

It's what we do.

James Brown:

We're a strange breed, I know.

James Brown:

But winter teaches us resilience, no matter how warped our outlook gets.

James Brown:

Now I have a question.

James Brown:

For those who listen from warmer places, what's your equivalent?

James Brown:

And for my fellow winter warriors, what's your snow clearing strategy?

James Brown:

Let me know in the comments to support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.

Speaker B:

Sa.

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