Open Thread: Hurricanemageddon!
[Guest post by Aaron Worthing; if you have tips, please send them here. Or by Twitter @AaronWorthing.]
Update: This page seems like a good way to track information about the hurricane (via Insty).
I will tell the truth, I don’t even know what to make of this Hurricane Irene. I lived through Hurricane Hugo when it hit Charlotte, N.C. If memory serves it was a Category 4, barely slipping out of Category 5 range. That left us in the dark for about a week, killed a dozen or so people. But really unless you have a massive tree within falling distance of your house, it wasn’t particularly dangerous.
And a few years ago here Isabella came through here as a Category 3. It was like a heavy rainstorm. At worst a few people lost power for a few days. I don’t recall anyone dying. I don’t even think my power went out.
And now I am reading this is going to be a Category 2? But people seem to think it is going to be very dangerous.
So I will turn it over to the peanut gallery here. How serious will this be and where do you get that belief from? And what should a person do to prepare in the path?
For what it is worth, this site has some disaster prep tips, although they are obviously also trying to sell some equipment, too.
I think my working idea is this. Have some dry goods in case you can’t heat or refrigerate anything. I already have lots of bottled water, because I stocked up a few months ago at Costco. Have lots of flashlights and appropriate batteries. Have one crank flashlight/radio. And maybe a power inverter and a full tank of gas in my car?
And of course there is this advice from IMAO’s official twitter (here and here):
I’ve lived through three major hurricanes, and my advice: Make sure your Nintendo DS is charged.
Also, make sure your car has a full tank of gas so you can use the car charger to recharge your DS.
Hey my wife has a 3DS!
But joking aside I am really open to your thoughts on this.
[Posted and authored by Aaron Worthing.]
Supposedly it’s going to hit NYC on Sunday as a category 1. And the city seems to be in full panic mode; all public transport will be shut down, nursing homes and hospitals in low-lying areas are being evacuated, and there may be a general evacuation of those areas. NYC used to get a lot of hurricanes in the first third of the 20th century, and then the patterns changed and nowadays we so rarely get hurricanes that people don’t know what to expect. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one, myself.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/25/2011 @ 10:47 pm
It is too late now–But a Honda eu2000i (1,600 watt) or eu1000i (900 watt) inverter/generator is a great little unit for emergency power. Also very quiet–You can stand right next to one running and hold a normal conversation… Looking at ~$800-$1,000 delivered from major generator websites.
Running 400 watts of load (fridge, radio, couple CFL lights), an eu2000i will run almost 10 hours at 1.1 gallon tank of gasoline.
A couple gallons of gas per day will keep your fridge cold and give you some lights. Store 20 gallons of gasoline (with a fuel stabilizer)and/or a siphon from your car gas tank, and you are ready for 10+ days of no power.
One board I frequent, a poster has almost 6,000 hours on a Honda eu1000i with just normal oil changes (probably 2,000+ hours is a good life for a small genset).
Having stored fuel can let you ride out the aftermath, or you can use the extra fuel in your car to bug-out… And I use a small multi-fuel camp-stove (boil water, cooking) which can burn gasoline (or diesel, etc.) too.
LED flashlights (plus a head lamp or two) and a common battery size (AA for 3-5 years or CR123 Lithiums for 10+ year storage) will last for days/weeks of use with just a hand full of batteries.
Comment by BfC — 8/25/2011 @ 11:01 pm
Food and water are important, especially water.
Flashlights and batteries. I keep dozens of AA, AAA, and D cells in stock. They have a self life of years and are not too expensive in bulk when on sale. Strongly suggest avoiding Duracells for this. Invest in a number of LED flashlights as they give ten times the light from your batteries. I have lights that will go 4 straight days on two D cells and some that are much brighter. Both are worth having.
You are talking about a situation where communications and emergency services may be delayed or interrupted, while essential supplies may be hard to find for those less conscientious. You need to be able to defend your loved ones, home, and stuff. If you can’t do this then just put the stuff by the door and hope they don’t come looking for more. This is not a good bet. You don’t need massive firepower to take on rampaging hordes but you do need basic weapons and ammo, depending on your local situation. A good serious knife, aside from your kitchen stuff.
You will want heat and cooking ability if possible. This might be served by wood for the fireplace or a camp stove and heater using propane. Your needs and situation will vary widely but this may be important. A propane grill and a tank mounted single or dual burner are not expensive and the grill might see regular use. A full or reserve tank would give great capability and would not be something only used in emergencies in many cases. If this is impractical then at least some Sterno and a small stove would be good to have. Matches and lighters. Candles.
Blankets and tarps or heavy plastic, duct tape, nails, and basic tools including a shovel and pry bar would be good. Rope and cord.
Basic medical supplies, salt, soap, and bleach should be on hand. Water purification pills or equipment. Toilet paper and paper towels.
Emergency radio.
Plastic and paper plates and utensils, and disposable cups.
Pans that can be used on your emergency cooking equipment, including a coffee pot or kettle.
Fire extinguishers.
Plastic buckets with lids that can be used for toilets, washing or mixing. These can be used for storage and emptied if you find you need your emergency stuff.
[note: fished from spam filter. --Stashiu]
Comment by Machinist — 8/25/2011 @ 11:07 pm
I posted a list but it disappeared or went into moderation (what took you so long).
I have not been in a hurricane and can’t speak to what category but my comments were about a general situation.
Comment by Machinist — 8/25/2011 @ 11:11 pm
Buy ammo.
Comment by AFGuy — 8/25/2011 @ 11:30 pm
For 70 years, hurricanes seemed to swerve mysteriously away just before they got to really hit New Orleans.
Then bang, Katrina. And actually the storm itself didn’t do jack. It was the pressure it put on the levees, that failed two days after the main storm had passed.
There’s just no way of knowing whether this will be a Katrina event, and what unknown failures it will uncover in New York, a liberal-ridden place that’s bound to have plenty of them.
Comment by luagha — 8/25/2011 @ 11:43 pm
It is almost due east of Daytona right now and the winds here are running at about 8 mph. As the storm track keeps being revised more to the east we won’t see much of this as they tried to say earlier.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 12:35 am
It’s a cat 3 now, usually slows down as it heads north.. A distraction from what is really ailing this country OBAMA….
Comment by Heidi — 8/26/2011 @ 12:40 am
Let me tell you about hurricanes. I have lived with them for 50 years or so.
At 150 mph you can still BBQ ok but when it gets to 200 mph the sticks they are throwing around sort of hurt. Rain yeah they got a bunch. I have seen winds here in the past up to 240 mph and that ain’t pretty in what it does. Hundred year old oaks ripped out of the ground just like toys. But that tells you something of history since they were 100 years old or didn’t you get that.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:08 am
For me in a normal hurricane I should be seeing walls of water coming down but right now as I look out my window there is not a drop in the streets. NOne nada zip.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:15 am
I don’t do the survivalist food thingy for crying out loud the storm only has a day or so to play with you. Can of beef stew in a pot on the grill or a slab of ribs before they go bad ain’t a hardship dude.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:26 am
I live in hurricane alley so don’t be to shocked I have a whole house power back up to get me through the bad times.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:50 am
Folks had a summer/retirement home along the Jersey shore- Long Beach Island- one of the barrier islands for 35 years. This is ‘the one’- the direct hit they all were always dreading. Before that, the March,’62 Storm, a Nor’Easter, was the memorymaker that washed over the island, wrecked homes and cut it in half but population/tourism was much less then. Went through a few lesser summer blasts which were near-misses but Bell in ’77 near Labor Day is similar to this scenario as it caused mass evacuation inland like this blow will.
What’s astonishing to watch is the tide coming in– and just never going out again- with the storm surge. Reminded me of one of those model train set-ups under an open tap and the water just keeps flooding it all. Debris from 30 miles away washed in– docks, boats, pieces of homes… the angry Atlantic, white-capped to the horizon, churned in slow motion and tossed heavy beach benches around like toys, eroding dunes to 10 foot drop offs. Back then local authorities hadn’t really prepared as well for mass emergency summer exits over the causeways but now they change lanes to off-island traffic and halt any island bound traffic except for emergency vehicles. But back then, they ordered a mandatory evac and everyone tried to leave at once so a four mile trip was taking 8 or 9 hours for some before the storm came by. We spent the night at the local township office on the island with the neighbors as it was the only building made of brick.
-Biggest problem encountered was salt water flooding. It ruins everything from cars to carpets, lawns, insulation under the house and so on. Worse than mud.
-Video or photograph rooms and around your place before hand as you might need it for insurance purposes. You’re going to lose shingles and possibly siding as well.
-If you have any, get your boats out of the water or if you have smaller rowboats and no place to lash down and store them, sink them in place and they’ll ride out the storm.
-We always taped the windows with an ‘X’ of wide masking tape in case of breakage or boarded up the bigger ones. Tape works, as we had one shatter and it stopped the glass from flying into the room. Secure any outside doors/window screens, screen doors– tie your trash cans down as well- tie the lids to the can handles, even any firewood piled up. It’ll float and/or become a projectile in the winds. Put away all loose items– tools, rakes, grills/BBQs– table umbrellas… anything- even any potted plants. The wind will pick things up you’d think would never move- even picnic table benches. Raise up any cans of fuel/paint or such in your garage if you can.
-Be sure your vehicles are gassed up. If you’re in a flood area, a low area, or on a barrier island along the oceanside- or bayside- as in our case, neighbors all drove their low-wheel-based vehicles to the highest local point within walking distance so they wouldn’t get flooded out. For us it was a movie theatre parking lot. Cops watch them and it works.
Chances are your power will go out- possibly the cell/land lines for a time as well.
Get:
fresh water- and for storm watching, liquor/beer
candles/waterproof matches
Your meds & a first aid kit
Cash- credit cards at gas pumps/stores and such may not be working
rope– something is going to fly free and need secured
If you have a fireplace, bring a few days worth of logs in to keep dry
A generator if you’re the kind who keeps one in the garage and fuel to run it for a few days
A good raincoat, umbrella you can afford to lose, two sets of dry clothes and extra pair of shoes in addition to what you’re wearing– you’re gonna get soaked at some point
A tarp- or large piece of plastic- in case of leaks
Cans of Sterno to warm some food/boil water- or a camp stove
MRE-type food, snacks, sugar candy (for energy) crackers/chips/dry cereal. Bread. Milk.
Batteries, all sizes and check all your flashlights
Have any important personal papers at hand
A board game/deck of cards
toilet paper- (your sewage system may be overwhelmed with all the drainage water anyway for a time)
Weather radio/transistor radio. Even an ol’CB is still good for emergency communicating along the coast as local fishermen still use ‘em
Then wait for the day after- you’ll never see a clearer, bluer sky on the East Coast.
Comment by DCSCA — 8/26/2011 @ 3:39 am
Fits the narrative. Hype the huge storm (which will be magnitudes less intense than hyped) then praise Obama for doing things better than Katrina and W.
Comment by cedarhill — 8/26/2011 @ 4:07 am
I live on the gulf coast, so Cat 3 Hurricanes are not exactly unknown to us. They ARE however mostly unknown to most of the east coast. And there is a large concentration of people in the path, people who don’t know what to do or how to prepare. Here are some tips that can help.
A generator of 4000W or greater (6500w is even better) is a godsend. 4000W is enough to run your washing machine, or your freezer or your fridge, or even a small room sized window AC. (not at the same time of course.) Finding fuel for it when the power is out is going to be a problem, buy lots of fuel before the storm hits. a 4000W unit will go through probably 10 gallons of fuel a day if run constantly.
Buy some new 55 gallon garbage cans, fill them with water and put them inside out of the weather and put their lids on them to keep crap out of them. Don’t try to move them one they are filled, you’ll probably bust them open. buy chlorine bleach and add small amounts to the water before use to make it safe to drink.
if you don’t own a natural gas fired stove/oven. slap yourself stupid(er) and go buy a coleman dual fuel stove to cook with (outdoors!). you want a dual fuel type because you can burn normal gasoline in it OR coleman fuel whichever is available. then when the storm is gone, replace those worthless electric stoves with something that is actually useful.
Comment by Rorschach — 8/26/2011 @ 5:18 am
Hopefully the storm sure wipes out DC. We’d lower government employment, decrease the welfare rolls and reduce the amount of politicians in one swipe.
Comment by S. Carter aka J-Z — 8/26/2011 @ 5:56 am
Colonel was just boy of 45 when he live through Great Nor’easter of ’54… trees uprooted… water everywhere… people living on KennelRation… but, Ike… he had plan… he call for invasion force to storm beaches of New Jersey and kick storm’s ass.
And we liked it!
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/26/2011 @ 5:58 am
BTW, I was in Florida for the hurricanes. All the prep is ridiculous beyond food and water. Stay indoors and pray electricity gets turned on quick.
Comment by S. Carter aka J-Z — 8/26/2011 @ 5:58 am
This is proof of global warming. An earthquake and a Cat7 hurricane in Virginia in the same week?! Deniers.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 5:59 am
Gotta love all the nuclear disaster type posters in this thread I am sitting here right now and the outer storm bands are all swirling about 5 to 10 miles east of me. All I am getting is a dark and dreary day because of the cloud cover.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 6:01 am
Whose the smartarse who bought up W and Katrina?
Comment by DohBiden — 8/26/2011 @ 6:05 am
Milhouse – Cat 1 = GET OUT.
I lived through a cat 1 strength storm passing directly over Richmond. I thought it would miss, I thought it would be nothing.
I was wrong.
It was awful, terrifying, and it was very much HURRICANE SMASH! Richmond and its surrounds are full of trees and massive ones, and my neighborhood, which took a direct hit, was very nearly impassible for 24 hours and in places, longer.
I was lucky enough not to get one through the roof but one massive oak of mine toppled onto the neighbors. Most people had one or more big trees down. The power was out for WEEKS.
It was a misery. If there’s ever one coming though here again at that strength I am leaving town.
Comment by SarahW — 8/26/2011 @ 6:05 am
Right now the outer bands are coming ashore just north of St Augustine at about Villano Beach and going back offshore near Cape Canaveral that will move north as the storm does.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 6:09 am
Winds outside are up to a massive 10 mph I haven’t even taken in the umbrellas off the picnic tables which are the first things to launch in a real storm.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 6:21 am
Cell phone coverage will be spotty and overloaded. landlines may in fact be more reliable IF (and this is an big if) you have a phone that draws power from the phone line. if it (or it’s base station) has to be plugged in to the wall outlet to work, you are screwed. Texting will be more reliable than calling on a cell phone as it has a lower bandwidth and can send messages when it regains cell coverage where as calling only works if you are within coverage during the call.
Comment by Rorschach — 8/26/2011 @ 6:34 am
For off-Grid cooking, search YouTube for Grover Rocket Stove.
You can make one or buy one for $135.
Cooks a meal with a handful of sticks.
Comment by Retired Geezer — 8/26/2011 @ 6:37 am
Nano, NOW is the time to go get all that stuff out of the yard that will become flying missiles when the winds DO pick up. I’ve seen 2×4′s that have been driven through palm trees by a strong cat 5 storm.
but wind will not be the primary concern for most, the storm surge will kill the most people.
Comment by Rorschach — 8/26/2011 @ 6:37 am
I am watching this storm and I see it hitting North Carolina first and hard not Virginia like so many want to say.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 7:08 am
Portable battery packs for charging things like cell phones wouls be a good idea, so you aren’t running the car and burning gas.
I recommend the iSound Portable Power Max – fully charged, they can hold about 11 charges for an iPhone 4, and it can charge up to 5 devices at once (5 usb ports in the back).
I used to hear grandma talking about “disaster planning” and her filling large jugs with water, capping them, and then dipping the tops in parafin to seal them.
A generator wouldn’t be a bad idea, though you aren’t likely to get one in time now.
And if you get gas at a station after the storm, make sure to go to the one set as high from sea level as possible – salt water/regular water will seriously muck with your engine.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/26/2011 @ 7:15 am
Irene could be pretty bad for some locations. Ocean City MD, where we took family vacations as kids, is expecting a storm surge of 10-15 feet with hurricane conditions Saturday night. Ocean City is 13 feet above sea level, which means this summer resort town is at risk of being completely swept away.
Comment by Jones — 8/26/2011 @ 7:26 am
Out here on the east coast a earthquake of 5.9 was a little bit of a big deal since people aren’t used to them and buildings aren’t built with earthquakes in mind. Still, a 5.9 doesn’t do a lot of damage.
Hurricanes, OTOH, can do damage in addition to people not being prepared for them. We’re actually on a bit of a very little hill and 300+ feet above sea level, so I don’t expect water to be near as a big a problem as it will be for people on the shore, or people in Philly at the level of rivers and streams. Still, there are a lot of big old trees around that haven’t seem hurricane strength winds since 1985- so I expect instead of a few trees coming down every couple of years that we’ll have 25 years of “thinning” in one weekend. And it’s not just weak branches, but we’ve already had lots of rain and the ground is saturated. In times of heavy thunderstorms in the past (not even hurricanes) the drainage system of the city gets overwhelmed in lower spots, can see “geysers” coming out of drainage grates. The city sewer backed up into our basement with about 8-12 inches of water once where we used to live (yuck!, mostly rain water, though) but I don’t expect that to happen here.
JD obviously has it pegged.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 7:30 am
I meant to say thanks to those contributing suggestions, like DCSCA and others. Thanks.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 7:31 am
What bastard brought up W and Katrina?
Comment by DohBiden — 8/26/2011 @ 7:32 am
I lived east of I-95 during Hurricane Floyd. The flooding of course was massive, made that much worse because the ground was saturated from Hurricane Dennis a couple of weeks before. I wasn’t in the worst area (like around Tarboro), but still it was bad. Just like they say, I heard what sounded like a locomotive about 3 am. I had a hysterical Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother-in-law and 3 scared dogs in addition to the rest of my family.
We were without power for days – no electricity = no well pump = no water. But my husband had been through Fran before so he knew to prepare for the worst. And of course we went out & helped clear roads of tree limbs etc. Many areas remained inaccessible because the flooding was so bad – so people with boats used them to get to people. Those of us in Small Town USA a/k/a Flyover Country just know how to prepare, to be self-sufficient, and to get out & help others. At least those of us not part of the vast entitlement class. The Feds never helped us, and we didn’t ask for their help. BTW, who’s first on the scene after a disaster – the Baptists. Faster than FEMA. The men help restore & rebuild – the women feed the folks.
In addition to the great lists above, fill your bathtubs with water, so you can use it to flush the toilets. Get the biggest coolers you can find & fill them with ice & ice packs. You’ll want to keep your fridge/freezer doors closed to preserve the food, but once the storm is gone & still you have no power, and you’re working outside in the heat, that ice will be heavenly.
Comment by Miranda — 8/26/2011 @ 7:36 am
i did a cat 3 right through the eye it was very scary mostly cause of the live oaks plus a dachshund got out in it so I had to run after it which was very stupid of me but the neighbor loves that dog and she ain’t got no husband cause he left her for my friend K’s mama back in the late 90s and she just never got over it so my suggestion is you should have a glass of wine for to offer up a toast
and take a good shower ahead of time
Comment by happyfeet — 8/26/2011 @ 7:37 am
btw, i tweeted something like this to Governor Christie official feed last night:
I know he can’t publicly respond to that kind of humor, but i am willing to bet that if he saw it he laughed.
big if on whether he saw it, though.
Comment by Aaron Worthing — 8/26/2011 @ 7:53 am
nano–
I’m not sure if you are trying to be comforting or are trying to be a jerk. But a hurricane hitting on the outer banks or on an island or even a small city is quite different than one that would hit a metropolis like NYC, Boston or Philly. Try living among a population of millions for a few days without power in a city with sky scraper apartments, underwater streets, flooded subway and vehicle tunnels, falling broken glass, and supply chains inoperable. Not to mention probable lack of basic sanitation (toilets) and the unlikelihood that very many people would have access to camp stoves and generators. Then, try to mount timely emergency services, clean up, salvage, and rescue operations under those conditions.
Even with warnings not everybody is going to be able to get out of Dodge. I hope Irene misses the cities– but if it does not we will no longer be talking about Katrina, I think.
Comment by elissa — 8/26/2011 @ 8:16 am
Machinist – Good list, Sir. Basic Boy Scout preparedness.
Optional needs, coolers with ice for adult beverages. Condoms in case of boredom.
I prefer LED headlamps to flashlights and propane or whitegas stoves to sterno. Propane or whitegas lanterns to candles. No need to go out and spend the money if you don’t have any other use for the gear though.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/26/2011 @ 8:17 am
You can never have enough duct tape, plus they make it in all sorts of fashion colors these days.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/26/2011 @ 8:21 am
39.You can never have enough duct tape
A man after my own heart. I wonder if it will get traded on the commodities market. “I made my fortune speculating on duct tape”.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 8:27 am
Remember, if the phone systems go down, and there is a lot of damage, and emergency responders are hours away, you’re responsible for your own defense, and the defense of others.
And along those lines, they have a silly law in NC that whenever the Gov declares a State of Emergency that CCW’s are null and void;
which means that if you have an NC CCW, and are east of I-95, you can’t carry concealed – but it still allows you to carry openly.
If the need arises, and the thugs see the opportunity,
they might tend to stay out of neighborhoods where the residents are cleaning up their front yards with a pistol on their hip, or a shotgun slung across their back.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/26/2011 @ 9:36 am
Milhouse: I’m moving to NYC. On Wednesday. (My husband got into a phD program at Columbia). I note that both JFK and La Guardia are in the flood zone, and I wonder if my flight in on Wednesday will be cancelled, and what the fallback arrangement is. I also wonder, since much of my stuff has preceded me, if my soon-to-be-landlord is boarding up windows or not, or if we’re going to have to invoke our renters’ insurance policy.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 9:40 am
Elissa: not to mention the problem that with density and the fact that it’s a series of islands, NYC is basically impossible to evacuate. You could start *now* and would likely not be able to get everyone out.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 9:41 am
fly to philly and take a train is what I would do
Comment by happyfeet — 8/26/2011 @ 9:44 am
Best of luck, aphrael. I will be out there in October, maybe we could grab a bite.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 9:44 am
JD: that could be fun.
Needless to say, I’m very worried right now, but it will have passed by then. 
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 9:45 am
Where the hell is Governor Clinton Cuomo?
Comment by DohBiden — 8/26/2011 @ 9:48 am
aphrael–
I think widespread–really widespread– power outages may still be a problem by Wed. on much of the east coast.
pretty good and interesting update on the situation linked below:
http://pajamasmedia.com/weathernerd/
Comment by elissa — 8/26/2011 @ 9:48 am
Comment by DohBiden — 8/26/2011 @ 9:49 am
Aphrael…
I just had to re-schedule a flight to DC (was supposed to have landed at Reagan by now) due to Irene.
Most all the airlines are allowing flights to get rescheduled freely for a week.
Might wanna get to it.
Asfor the new place, I don’t know if you should have to use renters insurance if you never actually move in.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/26/2011 @ 9:52 am
Scott Jacobs: thank you for the note about the flight rescheduling. I’ll look into it.
We have on campus family housing (thankfully). If we shipped our stuff out there early, they would put it in the apartment for us. So most of our stuff is either already there or on the way there. The apartment won’t flood (fifth story), but the windows could blow out, and then stuff could get sucked out through the window hole. Which could lead to needing to use renter’s insurance.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 9:57 am
aphrel, more than likely if the window blows out water damage will be the order of the day, not stuff being blown out so much. the stuff will still be in boxes one would assume so it isn’t likely to blow around much.
Comment by Rorschach — 8/26/2011 @ 10:08 am
It appears (from the article I linked above) that, at this point from what they can project, lots and lots of water from Irene and no power are bigger threats to the east Coast cities and surrounding environs than actual wind damage.
Comment by elissa — 8/26/2011 @ 10:16 am
Thanks for that link, elissa.
20% chance of NYC subways flooding, possibly #5 worst US power outage in history. Hope not.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 10:24 am
Rorschach – water damage worries me a lot less; it’s a fifth floor apartment, and damage to the carpet, etc, is not my problem if it happens before i’ve moved in.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 10:26 am
An interesting look at the coming hurricane strike at possibly Long Island, and comparing it to the one in 1938 that destroyed a whole lot of houses (including J.P.Morgan’s manse), and the possible reason why – unlike the normal pattern – it increased in intensity as it left the Atlantic and proceeded north over New England, at Powerline…
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2011/08/shake-rattle-and-roll-of-a-different-kind.php
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/26/2011 @ 10:30 am
-Comment by daleyrocks — 8/26/2011 @ 8:17 am-
Thank you Sir. I am not really a “prepper” but I do think a person should be able to care for family during a short emergency or just an unpredictable event like a relay failure taking down the power grid for a time, as I’ve seen happen more than once. The items I listed are cheap and easy to have available. The only costly items like the propane grill and heater are things we use normally anyway so they are already paid for in effect, one just needs to keep extra fuel on hand. I agree that headlamps are useful and have a couple of small clip-on units. Very useful at times. I should also have included an axe or hatchet.
I would actually like to have better measures in hand but finances are a bit desperate now. I hope to do better latter. It does not take a survivalist fantasy to justify having basic needs covered for a few days, especially with elderly family nearby. Some simple measures can make things much more comfortable and secure.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 10:33 am
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 10:26 am
If the windows blow out, and the rains are heavy, you will have water damage from water being blown in through the shattered windows, and the only place it can go is out under the doors into the hallway since there are (most likely) no floor-drains.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/26/2011 @ 10:33 am
-aphrael -
It would really be appreciated if you would update us later on whatever threads are current. There will be concern from many until we know your status.
What unfortunate timing. Moving is always a nightmare but sounds terrible.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 10:37 am
Aphrel, that depends on whether all your stuff gets soaked from blown rain and then sits there in a soaking wet box for a few days.
Comment by Rorschach — 8/26/2011 @ 10:37 am
Machinist: I will certainly provide updates. Although if the power is out when I get there, it may be a bit.
The good news is it looks like the storm failed eyewall reconstruction.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 10:39 am
Thank you Sir.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 10:44 am
I can’t imagine why flights would not be resumed by Monday night, let alone Wednesday. Could someone please explain why aphrael has to worry about that? As for the prospect of water damage to her stuff, I assume a call today to whoever’s in charge of the building will give her whatever information she needs.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 11:01 am
Here’s an idea, we should have a NYC Pattericans get-together to welcome aphrael. After she gets settled in, of course.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 11:01 am
aphrael’s a “he” (married to a man, hence the probable reason for your confusion). A chance to meet him would be one of the very few things that might tempt me to travel to NYC. It wouldn’t succeed, but I’d be tempted.
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/26/2011 @ 11:04 am
Milhouse: I’m male.
The reason I’m worried that flights might not be resumed is that LGA is in the flood zone, meaning that the airport itself may be physically damaged. I may be overly concerned, however.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 11:05 am
Take care of yourself Aphrael. A little over-concern is not a bad thing to have. Nature is not to be underestimated. Milhouse is probably right, but ya never know.
Comment by Dustin — 8/26/2011 @ 11:07 am
“and take a good shower ahead of time”
THis is very good hurricane advice.
Comment by SarahW — 8/26/2011 @ 11:07 am
Earthquake too?
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 11:10 am
Carry Handi-Wipes!
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/26/2011 @ 11:10 am
I had actually kind of wondered, from various things he’d said, but I thought it safest to go with the statistical probabilities.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 11:10 am
Hurricanes are rare in the area, but we deal with blizzards all the time. I remain confident that whatever damage results will be cleaned up quickly, at least enough for flights to resume.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 11:12 am
The other thing about flights is the quantity of flight cancellations across the east coast on Sat/Sun will leave planes massively out of position; usually events of this magnitude mess up the airline planning schedules for the better part of a week afterwards.
Which doesn’t mean “can’t fly in” but might mean “your flight is delayed six hours”, even two days after the event.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 11:43 am
As far as close airports go, Newark is close and I’ve driven friends there and picked people up from there, but never flew through it myself. Don’t know how flood prone it is, though.
You could try to contact that Schellenburger guy, or whatever his name is, who landed in the Hudson River. He doesn’t seem to have a problem with flooded airfields.
Since it has been brought up, can I ask, aphrael, how common is it for men in a gay relationship to refer to their husband? It’s not like I’ve known hundreds of gay men, but still, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else use it. Or is it common in some geographic areas and not others, like many other uses of language? And, not intending this to be rude or sound dumb (but I guess if it sounds dumb, then I sound dumb) do I assume he also refers to you as his husband? Do you know any lesbian couples who call each other wife?
Stashiu3- come to Philly and I’ll take you to lunch or dinner at the City Tavern, where George and Ben and the boys discussed politics in their day. Other than the people going in to eat, everything is colonial replica, including beer according to the recipe George used on his estate. Ben and Betsy sometimes drop in to chat with patrons.
Maybe there is someplace in Princeton or elsewhere in between where the NYC and Philly contingents could meet. (But not during MLB playoffs, World series, Eagles and Jets/Giants weekend, etc. There should be a few days left…)
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 12:21 pm
MD in Philly: no worries about seeming rude; the only way to come to grips with something outside your experience is to experience it yourself, or to ask.
I couldn’t comment on how common the use of ‘husband’ is, but out here (SF bay area) at least, it seems natural and normal to me, and I don’t get the sense that anyone in my circle finds it odd. In our case, we had a wedding five years ago, with friends and family invited; we didn’t use the term ‘husband’ until after that. (And yes, he calls me ‘husband’ too).
I don’t know *any* lesbian couples currently, but the one I did know, they referred to each other as ‘wife’, until one of them left the other because she was a bisexual and needed a man in her life. (That was a sad day).
I would certainly be up for a local gathering sometime after we’re settled in.
We won’t have a car, though (who brings a car to live in Manhattan?) so it would have to be train-able. 
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 12:26 pm
Thanks, aphrael. Maybe after a while in NYC you’ll get a sense whether or not it is more of a San Fran thing, just for interest sake.
75.MD in Philly: no worries about seeming rude
Thanks, though I do note you don’t mention anything about not sounding dumb!?!?! [Attn: humor intended]
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 12:33 pm
If we can’t sound dumb then that really puts the mute on me.
*quiet, Stash!!*
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 12:40 pm
Living on the Westbamk of New Orleans for my entire 57 eons, I’ve see all if them. Hilda, Betsy, Camille, Ivan, Katrina, Hugo…..if you can name it since ’54, I’ve lived thru it. All of the suggestions are good ones, especially small generators and fuel for keeping fridge/freezer and room A/C working. Make sure you change the oil promptly and correctly.
Board up the windows, clear your yard of loose items, brace up your board fence, both sides/ways, protect young trees with braces/ropes. fill up your bath tubs and extra sinks with usable water and use it first, before your drinking water. We keep empty 2-liters for extra water.
As for staying home…..Mrs. Reff and I went to the pine forests north of the city, to the in-laws. Know what happens in pine forests during a hurricane? Yes, you got it: pine trees fall EVERYWHERE, especially across roads and homes. No damage to home, but, we cut down/around/through over 100 trees just to get to the nearest neighbor, who did the same thing. So, I also recommend a really good chain saw and extra chains, oil, and fuel for anyone close to the woods.
Several fire arms are also recommended, especially if you are near too many people. It is amazing what people will do even in your own neighborhood, when power/water/local police are strained….
Comment by reff — 8/26/2011 @ 12:46 pm
To finish the “staying home” part…..I’ll stay here for the next one, as we have always been well prepared. But if Mrs. Reff thinks we should go, I’ve always wanted to see Graceland so a vacation is in order, not the north woods of Bogalusa!
Comment by reff — 8/26/2011 @ 12:51 pm
I gotta wonder if some of you have changed your undies yet because the last set got soiled. Really folks this is a minor storm hope you never have to get one of the big ones or I don’t know what the crap you would do.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:06 pm
nano
be nice. its different when you aren’t used to it. the quake is a case in point.
But yeah, this is looking like less of a big deal every minute.
Otoh, i could easily believe that the flooding could be a problem in NYC.
Comment by Aaron Worthing — 8/26/2011 @ 1:17 pm
aphrael, owning a car in Manhattan seems like lunacy. But the best way to get to Philly is Megabus. 1.5 hours from midtown NY to Independence Mall, and if you time it right the bus can be cheaper than the subway that gets you to it! And there’s Wifi and outlets on the bus.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 1:17 pm
I have been out in 270 mph storms going to buy more beer just to watch the stuff happening. Try that on a motorcycle dude.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:20 pm
Aaron this is a non storm a nothing just a wish it could be.
It is not going to huff and bluff and blow your house down.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 1:23 pm
From things aphrael had said over the years, I’ve been assuming he was part of the poly/alternative-sexuality community. And most people I know in that community are in the lower part of the Kinsey scale, and their primary relationships tend to be with people of the opposite sex. Gendered pronouns also tend to be treated with a bit more flexibility in that subculture than in most; I’m not talking about ’50s-era queens calling each other “Mary”, but about people who believe gender is more social than biological, and use pronouns like “zir” to hide the “morphological gender” of people who are not physically present. So I went with statistics and assumed that aphrael was morphologically female, had an “F” on zir passport, and wouldn’t take offense at being referred to that way even if ze didn’t necessarily identify that way all the time and everywhere.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 1:27 pm
Just once I want to see Geraldo get blown away.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/26/2011 @ 1:30 pm
Nano – there is really no reason to be a weiner.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 1:42 pm
It does not take a historical storm to make some modest preparations sensible. A power outage from ice, winds, mechanical failure, eco-terrorists, or even traffic accidents can be much better handled with a little pre-planning. While Machonanoman may laugh as he drives his scooter on the ice to get more beer with the lights and signals dark, children and particularly older folks do much better if the inside temperature stays above 40 degrees, there is some light, and they don’t have to eat cold soup out of a can they jabbed holes in with a kitchen knife. Please excuse our embarrassing decadence if we give a bit more concern to our families and neighbors. I have rarely needed such things, but it has happened and I am not ashamed of taking a few prudent measures. America’s pride will withstand this.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 2:23 pm
These things can be handy for hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, local floods, unpopular jury verdicts, accidents, loss of the power grid from the failure of a $12.50 relay or falling tree branch, earthquakes, and sabotage. It is nor restricted by region but only by attitude. One believes in being somewhat self sufficient for a few days, or not.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 2:28 pm
Milhouse: that’s actually fairly perceptive. I’m not poly myself, but my social circle involves many people who are, and so many of the poly community’s norms seem, well, normal to me.
And certainly I would not and did not take offense. I talk about my husband; it’s the most reasonable thing in the world to roll the dice and presume i’m female.
[I would note that in general I think that taking offense first and asking questions later is the wrong response. Which isn't to say I'm never guilty of it; I'm human, after all.
But seeing hostility where there is none is not helpful to anyone. 
]
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 2:39 pm
OK all y9u bastard asses gp with you worst choice and see what you get this thing is gonna be a non storm but you go with what you have too.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 2:44 pm
This is gonna be a my mother warned me about the things
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 2:49 pm
JD get a life please
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 2:51 pm
I mean really really quick JD you got problems dude.
Comment by nano — 8/26/2011 @ 2:55 pm
nano
We got your point a long time ago. Some of us don’t look forward to hurricanes so we have big enough waves to surf.
As I said way up at #31 that a 5.9 quake wouldn’t cause much destruction and things were a bit overdramatic. (Although it could be said it attracted attention just because of the novelty of it).
Even if we get only 60 mph sustained winds, we haven’t seen that here since 1985. More importantly, old trees haven’t seen that since 1985. A few weeks ago a branch fell from my neighbor’s tree and broke the windshield of my car, and it wasn’t even a windy day. So like reff says, a chainsaw may be my best friend in a few days.
In the meantime, like machinist says, we’re stocking up on some canned goods, bottled water and the like, and taking the opportunity to clean gutters, etc that should be done anyway, but especially if we’re going to get 6-8″ of rain.
BTW, I like 18″ of snow. I can drive in it when others can’t. In Wisconsin we called it winter.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 3:12 pm
Do explain, nano. This should be entertaining.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 3:13 pm
JD,
He might be driving his motorcycle against 270 mph winds to buy more beer. Uphill both ways, of course, with bare feet.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 3:23 pm
There won’t be any more rain than we had in New York City two weeks ago, on August 14. Nobody has mentioned this.
The predicted time of the storm is from about 7-8-9 PM Saturday night till late afternoon Sunday night. Earlier there was the advice not to go outside between 9 PM Saturday and 9 PM Sunday.
Actually in any one spot it should last about 12 to 18 hours.
The worst of it should be 5-8 AM Sunday.
Winds will peak at about 50 – 70 miles per hour, with gusts between 80 and 100 miles per hour.
Winds can be 20 MPH higher above the 10th floor of buildings. Or maybe the 30th floor. And the wind can be channeled of course.
If people evacuate they won’t need to go far if they don’t care where they are going. Except in the Rocaways where there is no near higher ground.
There could be a storm surge some several feet high at the coast – they say.
Trees may fall. This may be a danger.
They are shutting down the subway and bus system starting at noon tomorrow. The last runs will begin then.
Comment by Sammy Finkelman — 8/26/2011 @ 3:38 pm
He had to walk 7 miles in the snow and broken glass, uphill the whole way too, Machinist.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 3:41 pm
But that was only in 220 mph winds. I won’t suggest where the wind came from.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 3:50 pm
I walked 6 miles yesterday. No snow or glass, and only some of it was uphill. Saw a North Dakota license plate (and 32 other states, plus DC). Also saw a “US Judge” plate from Texas.
Comment by Milhouse — 8/26/2011 @ 3:51 pm
Hey Machinist you even have a clue what bite me means dude.
Comment by Nano — 8/26/2011 @ 4:36 pm
Bei g a Weiner to everyone is entirely uncalled for. Especially Machinist, who is your better, in every conceivable way.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 4:39 pm
any of you want to think you got something good try to touch this
http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2011/08/26/loyal-canine-companion-of-slain-navy-seal-has-a-new-home/
Comment by Nano — 8/26/2011 @ 4:44 pm
Aphrael,
To check what the status of the airline is, check here.
I know that Delta is waving all fees, and I suspect all the others are as well.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/26/2011 @ 4:49 pm
Scott – United is waiving fees for flights through Tuesday. Since my flight is Wednesday, I don’t get waived.
Which is sorta as it should be. The hurricane will have passed by then, the airport should be reopened. United shouldn’t have to bear the cost if I then decide that NY is in sufficiently bad state that I’d be adding to the problem if I showed up and expected to be able to buy food, etc.
Comment by aphrael — 8/26/2011 @ 5:27 pm
Thank Christ we no longer have GW’s FEMA primed and ready to work their magic should Irene do her worst.
Comment by Spartacvs — 8/26/2011 @ 6:35 pm
Go f@ck yourself, spartacvs.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 6:37 pm
This is beyond parody.
http://dailycaller.com/2011/08/26/awkward-former-new-orleans-mayor-ray-nagin-offers-hurricane-prep-tips/
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 6:40 pm
Keep your own disgusting habits to yourself JD, thx.
Comment by Spartacvs — 8/26/2011 @ 6:41 pm
Did it take you this long to think of something nasty to say?
Mississippi and Florida did just fine with FEMA under Bush during Katrina and multiple other hurricanes. I guess Repub governors didn’t break into a sweat just thinking about working with federal Bush appointees.
Now we’ll see if federal Dem appointees will work with Repub governors. We’ll see if NJ is allowed to sink.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 6:41 pm
JD, don’t rush to judgement on Nagin, has Michael Brown been heard from?
Comment by Spartacvs — 8/26/2011 @ 6:44 pm
There is no rush to judgment on Nagin, spurtycvs. His incompetence is beyond debate.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 6:45 pm
one of my friends lives on the beach in Queens I hope he’s ok jeez it’s his first home
and a few others
the rest I’m not losing any sleep over
Comment by happyfeet — 8/26/2011 @ 6:47 pm
JD-
I would not have expected this, but I actually thought Nagin’s comments were a bit refreshing this time around, he was not rehashing “blame Bush”, but taking some responsibility himself as well as holding the citizenry accountable. Of course, the more cynical could say he is just doing advance PR work for the one if things don’t go so well.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/26/2011 @ 6:48 pm
have no fear, happy
mayor Bloomberg nanny state
will save your queen friend
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/26/2011 @ 7:02 pm
MD – after 6 years of blaming everyone else for his abject incompetence, his current position rings hollow to me. But, even if disingenuous, it was momentarily refreshing.
Comment by JD — 8/26/2011 @ 7:14 pm
On the positive side, soon he’ll have his second home!
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/26/2011 @ 7:20 pm
Hurricane, what the hell? Let’s insult people instead. That’s just the way sporty rolls. Because people don’t matter, just the voices in his head.
Comment by Ag80 — 8/26/2011 @ 7:21 pm
I’m a hope for the best
I’m going there in October I guess
whatever happens it can’t be worse than cloverfield
Comment by happyfeet — 8/26/2011 @ 7:24 pm
Happy:
You can’t be too careful, the hurricane may be a cover. Don’t go in the subway. Clovy is clever.
Comment by Ag80 — 8/26/2011 @ 7:28 pm
and whatever you do don’t go to midtown
Comment by happyfeet — 8/26/2011 @ 7:34 pm
Columbus Circle is a trap.
Comment by Ag80 — 8/26/2011 @ 7:38 pm
Nagin should get credit for urging the Governor to let Bush send in help after the storm passed, as he was offering and requesting to do. It was the Governor who said she had to think about it for 24 hours and delayed until the levees broke. She preferred that her people suffer or die rather than let Bush get any credit for saving them. That was part of the difference between Louisiana and Mississippi.
Nagin earned plenty of contempt but he does get that.
Comment by Machinist — 8/26/2011 @ 7:49 pm
Don’t forget us, chocolate Ray.
Comment by School buses — 8/26/2011 @ 7:50 pm
Preparations yesterday inhibited by periods of rain, early darkness. Preparations today will be inhibited by sore muscles, if nothing else, not as young as I once was…
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:16 am
JD you have got about 4 or 5 you tried to trash in this thread and did poorly on.
Maybe you should give up don’t you think.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 9:44 am
Obama crushed storm
thru sheer power of steaming
personality
Comment by ColonelNanoNano — 8/27/2011 @ 9:48 am
Well, he has the power of steaming, but I don’t think it affects his personality.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 10:08 am
Ray’s New Jack City
cook colonel up mess-a-shrimp
Mighty Rad Gumbo
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/27/2011 @ 10:13 am
not wise maneuver
to get on JD’s bad side
so good luck Nano
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 10:37 am
Think so Elisa I will eat his lunch and drink his milk.
The boy will be mine simple as that.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 11:51 am
Watching this ‘storm’ Virginia Beach has 10mph winds right now with the storm almost on top of it.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 11:52 am
I noted you were being a Weiner, and that spurtycvs was being spurtycvs. As opposed to you having 20+ comments mocking people for preparing for bad weather. And I was not the only one that noted you are being a weinerhole. The idea you could take my lunch or drink my milk is laughable, but best of luck with that.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 1:08 pm
Trolls begone.
Comment by DohBiden — 8/27/2011 @ 1:09 pm
It is a lie, a complete fabrication, to claim I tried to trash 4 or 5 people in this thread.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 1:09 pm
I smell Melville, JD.
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 1:16 pm
Nanotheman rides his motorcycle in 270 mph storms for beer so he can wash the tidal surge back out to sea with his whizz, so you best be careful provoking him or he might tell you to bite him. The experience changed my life.
Comment by Machinist — 8/27/2011 @ 1:51 pm
jd you whna tussle son get it on if you can
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 1:55 pm
Why are you advocating violence? I ain’t your son, bytch.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 1:57 pm
the “boy” will be his
the words of a buggerer
nano man of cloth?
Comment by Colonelhaiku — 8/27/2011 @ 1:57 pm
If he were to spin doughnuts clockwise on his powerful motorcycle he could probably unravel this little storm, but he finds it entertaining to watch.
Comment by Machinist — 8/27/2011 @ 1:58 pm
Now he’s going to have to take it to the next level and call some lady commenters “Sweetee” or something to shock us all with his manly machoness. Didn’t we just see this movie?
Comment by Machinist — 8/27/2011 @ 2:05 pm
So, you’re saying now would be a good time to go out and get some more popcorn, and a Coke?
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 2:08 pm
Jd you only came back around when someone told you I was talking you down.
Go away girl or I will turn you into scattered childrens toys.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 2:14 pm
I just gotta laugh at all you wwnna bees who got nothing.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 2:18 pm
So, you are a sexist on top of being a Weiner, and not real bright. Okay then ….carry on.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 2:22 pm
-#137 Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 1:16 pm-
Nice call, Sir.
Comment by Machinist — 8/27/2011 @ 2:22 pm
Machinist – yes, we have seen this before. Same script, different asshate.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 2:23 pm
Nano spelled backwards is onan. Hmmmm.
Going formal today with capital “N”.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 2:47 pm
“President Obama ended his vacation early by flying back Friday night from Martha’s Vineyard to be in Washington for the storm.”–NY Times
Please note this. Clearly Barry has some unused vacation time due him at a later date.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 2:56 pm
Well, “nano” is probably very descriptive.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 2:57 pm
elissa, he can start cashing it in on 21 Jan 13.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 2:58 pm
JD how many hours do you run away for punk?
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:10 pm
Nano go play with yourself.
Comment by DohBiden — 8/27/2011 @ 3:12 pm
What would Mork say?
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 3:14 pm
JD, you have the perfect misspelling. Or maybe you intended it. “Asshat” was replaced by “asshate.”
Anyway, Melville or not, the fractured syntax suggests that this character started drinking early, so that he can motorcycle through storms to get more beer.
I wonder if DCSCA is riding pillory with him?
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 3:15 pm
English, por favor?
Why are you so violent, and what makes you think I would run away from you?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 3:15 pm
Daley, you are on fire—with just the right note of derision. Perfect. Watch the New Troll in Town get all irritable.
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 3:16 pm
According to ABC news there are already a million people without power and 5 Irene-related deaths in the U.S.. Also, the storm is moving very slowly, which means higher amounts of rain and more flooding in the areas it passes through. I wonder how many deaths are required and how many people have to be without electricity before nano stops laughing.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 3:16 pm
Thank you Simon. Heading out for a bit.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 3:20 pm
Asshate?
This punk is angry because his mangina is hairy.
Comment by DohBiden — 8/27/2011 @ 3:20 pm
JD I hope you got something better because that last one was so lame.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:21 pm
That last one was so lame.
I feel that way about your posts.
Comment by DohBiden — 8/27/2011 @ 3:22 pm
DohBiden
Nope I let you do that with yourself you are so familiar with it.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:22 pm
Does anyone other than Mork ink #154 was coherent?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 3:24 pm
Does anyone other than Mork think #154 was coherent?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 3:25 pm
JD if you got something bring it or go home lady.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:26 pm
Why are you so full of hate, nanu nanu? Are you done mocking the dead and injured yet?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 3:28 pm
Nano is os full of hate because he isn’t seated in front of Obama.
Comment by DohBiden — 8/27/2011 @ 3:40 pm
you want something of me or you just gonna play with that lame excuse of a thing.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:40 pm
Doh get off the floor you are not even qualified to play.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:41 pm
Nano…
Is you work here done yet?
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/27/2011 @ 3:41 pm
nano nanu….
timmie, is that you?
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 3:41 pm
Scot
I don’t work I got to much money to do such trash
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:44 pm
AD who TF is timmie one of your boy toys
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:45 pm
I can see I am gonna have to get after momma on this thing since she will have to clean up my light work from the wimp.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:48 pm
ESL and punctuation are not your friends, nanu nanu.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 3:48 pm
I wonder if nano has ever made the acquaintance of Stashiu. Because I think he’s going to have that pleasure before too much longer.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 3:49 pm
I know Stashiu and he is a friend you got something with that?
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 3:57 pm
JD ran away hours ago seen him lately?
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:04 pm
Liar.
Elissa – they sure are riled up recently, no?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:05 pm
18 minutes = hours ago?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:07 pm
18 minutes = hours ago?
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:07 pm
come on boy bring the best you got
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:16 pm
You are kind of incoherent. I predict you will have a headache in the morning.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:21 pm
Back to natural disasters, and such….
From Steven Kruiser:
“How bad is it in CA, even the earthquakes have moved away!”
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 4:22 pm
You think so you are wrong.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:22 pm
JD–Intense disappointment at having to face broken dreams can do that to people sometimes. I try to be compassionate when someone is in obvious pain but it’s difficult to do when they are being so hostile.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 4:23 pm
Elissa please get a life
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:24 pm
Yeah nano, I noticed the name change and assumed it was in good faith… still do. Not sure why you’re being so confrontational with everyone. It’s really not a direction you want to take and seems very out of character. Maybe taking a step back is warranted. Okay?
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/27/2011 @ 4:26 pm
Your probably right Stashiu my friend time to watch the others go away.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:28 pm
Stash see you in the chat room when I calm down.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:30 pm
Oh thanks, Nano. But all things considered I already have a pretty great life. Really can’t think of too many people I’d trade it with.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 4:30 pm
What other names have you used, nanu nanu?
Elissa – I no longer feel sorry for them.
I really don’t get the hostility from this one.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:30 pm
What chat room? And why do you emphasize that we’re “friends” when our interaction was me thanking you for sending tips to Patterico back when I was moderating full time? Anything else was in the comments here, right? I don’t consider us enemies, but what the heck are you talking about?
I don’t do chat rooms, so that’s completely out of this world.
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/27/2011 @ 4:34 pm
I think it is ESL, and is having some transliteration issues
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 4:36 pm
Well then it is just another with the same name
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:37 pm
Somebody else is using Stashiu3? Out of curiousity, where?
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/27/2011 @ 4:39 pm
Oh just put the f*ckwit into moderation already, Stashiu…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 8/27/2011 @ 4:41 pm
This is the only place I’ve commented in over a year as far as I can recall (actually, it’s probably much longer than that) and I’ve always used Stashiu3.
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/27/2011 @ 4:42 pm
I am done with this but JD any time you want to bring it give me you best and then I will wear you down hard.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:42 pm
So Stahiu you are not the one I know that is good and fine but the one I know is my friend.
Comment by Nano — 8/27/2011 @ 4:44 pm
Not doubting you a bit, just wondering if someone is posing as me somewhere else.
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/27/2011 @ 4:45 pm
Well, Melville or not, the fellow had some amusing misspellings. I mean, not to the “I work here is done” level, but still.
I particularly enjoyed the schoolyard taunting. It reminded me of that old SNL skit: ¿Quién es más macho?
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 5:03 pm
Someone posting while drunk again?
Comment by SPQR — 8/27/2011 @ 5:03 pm
==Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 5:03 pm ==
That was funny, and an excellent observation, Simon. I think the SNL writers could get quite a bit of timely good new skit material if they hung around some of these threads.
Comment by elissa — 8/27/2011 @ 5:19 pm
“I am done with this but JD any time you want to bring it give me you best and then I will wear you down hard.”
nano or Nano – You mean like a Viking?
Please be sure to wear protection. We don’t want you to give JD any diseases.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 5:38 pm
Nano or nano – Do you like gladiator movies?
Have you met our commenter Sparticvs?
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 5:39 pm
Do you know how I see these trolls, elissa? Sort of like this:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/nick-burns/2786/
Except that they actually can’t fix computers, and don’t know anything about programming.
As I suspect Rick Perry would describe them: all hat and no cattle.
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 5:55 pm
Just for you, daley:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=42f_1190589017
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/27/2011 @ 6:04 pm
Just checking in. I see I missed a little fun.
Just wanted to wish good luck to those in the storm’s way. It’s easy to laugh it off when you aren’t under the thumb (and when you don’t actually have, you know, property or loved-ones to worry about).
In 2004 we had 3 hurricanes come through Orlando, and there wasn’t any of them that was fun. Lots of boredom punctuated by brief terror, as they say.
So, stay dry and remember, whatever happens, the sun will come out eventually.
Comment by Pious Agnostic — 8/27/2011 @ 6:11 pm
fourteen year old boy
with spotty face and braces
nano a-no-no
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/27/2011 @ 6:14 pm
and his mama said
and his mama cried Nano
ah-no-no Nano
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/27/2011 @ 6:16 pm
little Nano had
that camarillo brillo
from mendecino
Comment by ColonelHaiku — 8/27/2011 @ 6:18 pm
My goodness, such unnecessary vitriol.
Anyway, it is interesting listening to news here in Philly. Not a word about what Irene is doing now or what destruction has been caused, nothing but the latest estimates of when it will hit the Jersey Shore and here in Philly. Philly as well as NYC is stopping public transit (but not till 11 pm or so here), and the mayor has declared a state of emergency (“first time since ’86″- MOVE?), which gives police authority to tell stores to close and who knows what else. My oldest the officer is working tonight, a district bordered by a “creek”- he went to Home Depot today to buy rope when he needs to go wading for people or whatnot.
My 10 yo daughter thought this hurricane stuff was pretty boring- then I told her the rains we’ve been having are not the hurricane, just the rains before the hurricane. Current ETA of max winds is 5-6 am.
Dover and Maguire AFB’s flew planes to Wright-Pat in Ohio to wait out the storm, the Navy sent the fleet in Norfolk out to open sea to wait out the storm, and I parked my car down the street near the library and fire station where there are no trees (unlike my driveway) to wait out the storm.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:20 pm
whatever happens, the sun will come out eventually
My daughter loves Annie- “The sun will come out, tomorrow…
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:22 pm
My daughter loves Annie- “The sun will come out, tomorrow…
Yeah, I thought of that too, but it’s true. One of the hurricanes in 2004 took 72 hours to pass. That was a long 3 days of wind and rain.
Afterwards? A week of beautiful weather.
Comment by Pious Agnostic — 8/27/2011 @ 6:25 pm
Simon – Sometimes cultural reference are better than carbon dating for aging these trolls.
Comment by daleyrocks — 8/27/2011 @ 6:28 pm
I’m just wondering what 270 MPH hurricane winds would be like.
Was this on Venus or someplace like that?
Comment by Pious Agnostic — 8/27/2011 @ 6:32 pm
hurricanes what are considerate enough to drop in on weekends are probably considerate enough not to overstay their welcome
Comment by happyfeet — 8/27/2011 @ 6:37 pm
Maybe the 270 was 135 from the hurricane and 135 riding into the wind on his motorcycle.
I know they say high enough winds can make a piece of straw stick into the side of a tree, typically talking powerful tornado, not hurricane.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:39 pm
feets, but it wasn’t invited, does that make a difference?
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:40 pm
it’s an insouciant little hurricane no question
Comment by happyfeet — 8/27/2011 @ 6:41 pm
Usually, insouciant things are really cool.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 6:42 pm
223…better check it for “papers”.
Comment by Another Drew - Restore the Republic / Obama Sucks! — 8/27/2011 @ 6:44 pm
insouciance is the new detached irony
Comment by happyfeet — 8/27/2011 @ 6:51 pm
feets! how dare you use such language! (not that I know what that means, looks French…)
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 6:52 pm
Someone once tried to insult me by calling me insouciant.
Comment by JD — 8/27/2011 @ 6:57 pm
Son called to check on the folks, he’s already helped rescue someone from a collapsed house. While the storm is not that bad, as far as storms go, it will be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back for lots of substandard housing and old trees. My wife saw a few downed trees last night already from the soaked ground and “typical” thunder storm winds. Philly hasn’t seen sustained winds of 40 for a long time, lots of old branches and trees are past their prime. Signing off for the night, will try to get some sleep before it “really hits”. The mayor says we should be prepared for power outages of a week or more…I hope not, we didn’t prepare that extensively for the remnant of a Cat I storm.
Comment by MD in Philly — 8/27/2011 @ 7:50 pm
listen to your mayor he loves you very much
Comment by happyfeet — 8/27/2011 @ 8:04 pm
‘Tis the time of water fallin’,
falalalala falalala.
Deck the halls with black tarpaulin,
falalalala falalala.
Don we now our rainproof mantles,
falala, falala, falala,
Did we lay in enough candles?
falalalala, falalala.
(Last line contributed by Buzzsawmonkey)
Comment by Milhouse — 8/27/2011 @ 9:15 pm
@#36.”btw, i tweeted something like this to Governor Christie official feed last night:
Is there any way you can make sure that the case of Jersey Shore is DIRECTLY in the storm’s path?”
Although there’s more to the shore than the garbage up in Seaside Heights, Christie may not see the ‘humor’ in your tweet- especially if he has to ask for Federal disaster relief for the ‘Jersey Shore’ area. Re #13- a postscript: second landfall this morning, Little Egg Inlet, NJ,- aka ‘Jersey shore’ which is at the southern tip of LBI and entrance to Little Egg Harbor/Barnegat Bay/Manahawkin area. The bays are relatively shallow, averaging about 5 to 20 feet deep, depending on the tides and where the ICW is located. Know the place very, very well. Much of that narrow, barrier island- a tourist haven in summer, bristling with homes and seasonal businesses along it, has bulkheading about 6 to 8 feet above sea level at best on the bayside, and dune protection about 15 feet high facing the Atlantic the length of the island, which is a fairly narrow strip of sandy land. Sadly, it will be wind whipped and flooded by the storm surge. Oyster Creek nuclear plant is just to the north on the mainland coastlinev as well, across the bay from Barnegat Light on the north end. For the residents, visitors and businesses on the island and in the immediate coastal areas, this storm is hardly ‘hype,’ Aaron.
Comment by DCSCA — 8/28/2011 @ 3:44 am
Of course you do.
Comment by Stashiu3 — 8/28/2011 @ 4:50 am
I can sympathize for the loss of trees. Charley came through, and we hadn’t had a storm of that magnitude for a lot of years. It knocked down a LOT of trees, and I mean a lot. It literally changed the look of a lot of neighborhoods. The horizon was a lot clearer afterwards.
Comment by Pious Agnostic — 8/28/2011 @ 5:04 am
Stashiu3, every time DCSCA starts doing that sort of thing, I flash on this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4roxM8hUMk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thank goodness Irene isn’t worse, regardless.
Comment by Simon Jester — 8/28/2011 @ 7:01 am
You cannot suspend the civil rights of blacks unless they are tea partiers.
Comment by DohBiden — 9/5/2011 @ 3:08 pm