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Saturday Open Thread: Hurricane Irene Still a Threat

By Jeralyn, Section Off Topic
Posted on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:11:44 AM EST
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Hurricane Irene is weakening but still a threat. More here.

In New York, there are no planes, subways, buses, Broadway, Bloomingdales or Saks.

Another tracker here.

< Late Night: Shelter From the Storm | Saturday Night Open Thread: New York Greets Hurricane Irene >

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    Saturday Open Thread: Hurricane Irene Still a Threat | 118 comments (118 topical)

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    Something's missing (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:46:30 AM EST
    The city scrambled to complete evacuation of about 300,000 residents in low-lying areas where officials expected flooding to follow the storm.

    There has been no account of how these people are being evacuated by the city - if at all. Where are going? Are there shelters for 300,000?

    Is the city providing buses?

    I hate government. Local and national.
    They are totally clueless. These emergencies, real, imagined or hyped, only reveal the powerlessness and unwillingness of our government to provide for us in a manner that is similar to the way that they provide for themselves.

    And, speaking of clueless, that goes for the media as well.

    I suppose we can look forward to seeing Brian Williams outside in a slicker and yellow hat yelling into his microphone to show us they care.

    They expect many to stay w/friends and family (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:54:41 AM EST
    since they don't need to evac very far, in many cases, just blocks.

    They do have shelters set up, as I think you've mentioned yourself.

    Parent

    Were you once (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:28:22 PM EST
    an elementary school teacher? Or are you currently a Zen master? You have the patience of Job.

    Parent
    Gov Christie (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by chrisvee on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:31:52 PM EST
    was telling people not to come to the shelters unless they absolutely had no where else to go.  Stay with friends, family, co-workers.

    Depend on the kindness of strangers.

    Parent

    I liked hearing him telling people to (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:59:27 PM EST
    stop working on their tans and get off the beach. Not a fan of the man, but I like the 'cut the cr**' approach to emergency management.

    Parent
    I find him (none / 0) (#76)
    by chrisvee on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:49:21 PM EST
    paternalistic.

    Parent
    that didn't work well on stage: (none / 0) (#13)
    by cpinva on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:50:02 PM EST
    Depend on the kindness of strangers.

    this is your randian gov't in action. no doubt this will boost his chances for the republican nomination.

    Parent

    Just heard (none / 0) (#77)
    by chrisvee on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:51:58 PM EST
    the same thing about Philly shelters -- last resort.

    Parent
    Which Government (none / 0) (#48)
    by koshembos on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:09:20 PM EST
    You write "I hate government." Immediately you continue with "unwillingness of our government to provide for us." If someone has to provide for you, who will it be other than the government? By the way the government provide many excellent and efficient services: CDC, NIH, Medicare, Social Security, the FAA maintain very secure air traffic, the military is part of the government, IRS works quite well and make money available to other branches of the government.

    You have to decide or to be more specific.

    Parent

    WCBS: "Our eye in on Irene." Gag. (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:59:46 PM EST


    One of the worst ... (none / 0) (#24)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:20:09 PM EST
    TV storm monikers ... ever!

    Parent
    Good luck guys (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:01:47 PM EST
    it's officially done with Wilmington and the damage wasn't too bad.  We didn't get hit directly, thankfully.  Power out in lots of places but ours was only out from 4 am - 10:30 or so (I only know this because I woke up and then the power went off a minute later).  I think most people have their power back.  Virginia Beach looks nasty right now.  Eric Fisher on the Weather Channel cannot get over people driving and walking around.  He has been going on about it for about three hours.

    Good luck with the winds and surges everybody.  I'll be hoping for the best.

    A friend in Richmond lost power about an hr ago (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:58:53 PM EST
    Locally a surfer died in the big waves. No comment.

    Parent
    I think TV should (none / 0) (#66)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:04:41 PM EST
    be forbidden on pain of death from showing these ***holes and/or interviewing them.  Drives me just crazy that they give them the attention.


    Parent
    I liked the reporter from the weather channel (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 06:22:08 PM EST
    that was on either CNN or MNBC, whichever I was watching at the time...he said something like 'we'll move on to news that will help people that are doing all they can do to stay out of trouble.'

    Parent
    Maybe the TV station (none / 0) (#83)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:39:08 PM EST
    Should stop sending a**hole out to cover the storms.
     Be honest, don't you wish one would just blow away?

    Parent
    Yes, it is now a killer storm (none / 0) (#34)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:58:15 PM EST
    so here's hoping that all TL'ers in its path play it smart and safe.

    From the NYT:

    Hurricane Irene only made landfall just a few hours ago, but the storm has already killed three people in North Carolina. . . .  The first victim died of a heart attack on Friday while boarding up his home in preparation for the storm.  The second victim was driving his car in Pitt County Saturday when it hydroplaned, ran off the shoulder and hit a tree.  The third victim, a man in Nash County, stepped outside his home and hit by a tree limb.


    Parent
    I'm reading a book called Mannahatta (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:00:40 PM EST
    about the natural history of NYC. Seems appropriate for the day.

    Mea Culpa (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:04:00 PM EST
    Cuomo has a jacket with no tie too.

    I guess I missed the memo.

    Polo and jacket! (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:12:12 PM EST
    It's pretty standard wear for pols doing pressers on weekends.

    How are you going to become the first TLer to win a statewide election if you don't know this stuff?

    :::shakes head and sighs::::

    Parent

    Not sure what I think ... (none / 0) (#50)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:14:57 PM EST
    of the National Guard backdrop.  

    Parent
    I think he's running for President (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:16:25 PM EST
    Eventually, anyway.

    Though I must say that his facial expressions aren't very welcoming. He comes across a bit like Nixon.

    Parent

    Are you talking about Cuomo or (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:29:12 PM EST
    Christie? Out here in the west, my TV is not giving me constant coverage of Irene. So, I'm not sure who you are talking about.

    Let me just say though, that, IMO, both Christie and Cuomo would be bad, bad presidents. Same-sex marriage notwithstanding, Cuomo is just another republican-lite in Dem clothing.

    And Christie, well, what an a**hole.

    Parent

    Cuomo (none / 0) (#64)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:43:09 PM EST


    Parent
    Don't think either one (none / 0) (#69)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:08:42 PM EST
    will appeal to voters outside the NJ/NY area.  Grossly fat slobs who swagger and make a habit of insulting and sneering at citizens who dare to ask them questions are only acceptable, I'd say, in NJ.

    Cuomo comes across as harsh and arrogant and rigid, and as somebody said above, has an uncanny resemblance to Tricky Dick at times.  Weird.

    I'm keeping my eye out for Martin O'Mally.  He's too centrist to be my dream boy, but he's a far sight better and more articulate about Dem. values than the current occupant.


    Parent

    Christie doesn't have a ice cube's shot (none / 0) (#71)
    by tigercourse on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:14:56 PM EST
    in hell. He'd have to lose 100 pounds at least (which ain't easy), become more popular in his home state, move farther to the right and a bunch of other things.

    Cuomo is (5 years out) the favorite for the nomination. And he would play well in New Hampshire for sure. But I don't know how he'd do in Iowa, which is the one that really matters. And he does have a pretty morose manner and speaking style.

    Parent

    True about moving to the right (none / 0) (#81)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:13:04 PM EST
    He's actually, to give him credit, apparently a principled guy in his own way, and certainly doesn't give a rat's * for toeing the current party line.  I don't like him, but I have at least some respect for him for his reaction to climate change deniers and the people who went nuts when he appointed a Muslim judge.  OTOH, his contemptuous attitude towards teachers and public employees in general is disgraceful, IMO.

    Parent
    Re Cuomo (none / 0) (#82)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:16:20 PM EST
    His dad's mournfulness has indeed morphed into moroseness, and he utterly lacks his father's core warmth (or core human values, IMO).

    He does however, as evidenced by the marriage equality business, know how to pull the levers of power and isn't the least bit squeamish about doing it.


    Parent

    Tricky Dick was ... (none / 0) (#72)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:16:57 PM EST
    part of four winning national tickets.  And was very close in a fifth.

    Parent
    Yah, no doubt (none / 0) (#79)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:09:13 PM EST
    and very much beloved by the American people, especially after he went completely nuts and had to resign in disgrace.


    Parent
    Wanna bet (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by cal1942 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:33:04 PM EST
    he won't be as liberal as Nixon?

    Parent
    That's a given ... (none / 0) (#56)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:23:22 PM EST
    all things being equal, he's odds on favorite for '16 Dem nomination.

    But a lot of mistakes, scandals, and so on can happen between now and then.

    Parent

    He should watch out for Gillibrand (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:24:25 PM EST


    Parent
    Nah .... (none / 0) (#62)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:42:04 PM EST
    it'll be a Governor.  Not more Senators.

    Parent
    If you were right about that, (none / 0) (#74)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:31:32 PM EST
    we'd be in the middle of a primary challenge to a mortally damaged President Richardson. That is to say, if that line were to have been drawn, it would have happened after the Kerry debacle.

    Parent
    It won't be a ... (none / 0) (#88)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:11:57 PM EST
    Senator.  Trust me.  Or don't.  But it still won't be a senator.  

    Ultimately, it doesn't matter much.  The Republicans are likely to win in '16.

    Parent

    heh (none / 0) (#51)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:15:34 PM EST
    Seems like there's also an edict to iron the collar on polo shirts. Mine curl (and I have a lot!)

    Parent
    No necktie is the proper politician (5.00 / 4) (#53)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:19:05 PM EST
    dress code for natural disasters. I'm a little surprised anyone is wearing a jacket. The way to look concerned and as though you personally have "rolled up your sleeves" and are pitching in is to actually roll up your sleeves before appearing on camera. A jacket obscures the view of politico forearms.

    Now if this were a disaster on the west coast, especially up here in the Pac NW, one would expect to see politicians, men and women, attired in jeans, plaid shirts and, if a bit coolish outside, a fleece jacket. Also, either hiking or cowboy boots.

    Parent

    And now, for a preview of the news (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:01:02 PM EST
    at the next disaster, we take you to the rolled-up shirtsleeves of your president at the last disaster.

    Well, not quite the last disaster.  He was on vacation from D.C. when the quake hit there, so probably was wearing a knit polo shirt then.

    Parent

    The jacket is the surprising part (none / 0) (#54)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:21:26 PM EST
    Cuomo's conference was in marked contrast to Christie's though. It was SHORT.

    Parent
    On an interesting note (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:04:49 PM EST
    Irene be damned. It appears the Tomb of the Unknowns (aka Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), will continue to be guarded by the Tomb guards of the 3rd U.S. Infantry throughout the day, although this may be the closest they've been to stopping since they went 24/7/365.

    Awesome (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:06:41 PM EST
    Such good advice from government officials:

    During the hurricane - keep your window closed instead of letting winds and water rush into your apartment.

    Stay home instead of going outside.

    Why didn't I think of that?

    And while you're at it, never put your knife in the toaster.
    Look both ways when crossing the street.
    Many stains can be avoided by a prompt use of salt and sparkling water.

    when there was flooding in Iowa (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by desmoinesdem on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:12:07 PM EST
    this summer, I heard public service announcements on the radio telling people not to drive onto water-covered roads. There was even a catchy jingle: turn around, don't drown.  Apparently many flood-related deaths happen in cars. Even a truck can be swept off the road by just a foot of water.

    Parent
    Sadly, too many Americans are (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:18:25 PM EST
    convinced that they are so special that nature will not ever harm them. And so, they drive into flooded intersections or down water filled streets and are shocked when the water keeps rising and their car is swept rapidly away, often with them still inside.

    I am always a bit stunned by the many people who see a flooded intersection and decide that if they can just gun the engine enough they can plow their way through. Happens all the time.

    So, I am sorry to say, I find the repeated reminders to please don't do something stupid both necessary and sad.

    Parent

    Do not touch live wires downed (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 08:02:20 PM EST
    onto roads is a regular warning in my region, always communicated breathlessly by pretty faces on television who seem to find the admonishment to be stunning.  Yes, electricity . . . electrocutes.

    And we always look forward with glee to the first news story of the winter season with the answer to the apparently perennial puzzler of how to drive in snow.  The answer: More slowly.

    However, the terrible, record tornado season this year has taught us a sad lesson:  If driving, close the sunroof.  A young man, headed for college and coming home with his family from his high school graduation in Joplin, was sucked out of the sunroof -- and drowned.  

    He was not found for days, while left in the car were his graduation cap and diploma.

    (I really hate tornado season.)

    Parent

    Some people want to open the windows (none / 0) (#93)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:53:38 PM EST
    so they don't break.

    Hey, at least your government cares!

    Parent

    What (none / 0) (#99)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:07:56 PM EST
    I feel when I see politicians like Bloomberg or Obama giving us these helpful hints is that they want us to feel as if they will protect us. They want us to feel comforted in the presence of Big Daddy.

    In reality, they have done nothing for us - and if disaster strikes will do nothing for us.

    But we are meant to feel a warm and fuzzy feeling to these Wizards who guided us through this emergency into the promised land.

    And we must vote for them to show our love.

    I'm bitter.

    Parent

    I don't think Bloomberg is that interested (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by tigercourse on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:34:05 PM EST
    in what people think of him. He's not a born politician. When he seemed blase about the snow storm last year it was because he didn't think the storm or it's aftermath was a big deal. Even when he was getting flack for it, he didn't really hide the fact that he thought people were overreacting. If he seems anxious about this storm, it's because he does think it's a big deal.

    He's fairly honest really.

    Parent

    Okay, you're bitter, but do you (none / 0) (#101)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:13:28 PM EST
    knit?  :-)

    Parent
    I just don't get that impression that they (none / 0) (#114)
    by ruffian on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 06:08:25 AM EST
    are acting like they are protecting us. Moire like sounding the alarm.

    Parent
    I (none / 0) (#117)
    by lentinel on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 04:29:16 PM EST
    agree.

    But it's more like they're acting like Generals.

    They get to tell us to move.
    To do without power.
    To be very afraid.
    To leave our homes.

    Yes, boss.

    Parent

    NYC power may be cut by the city (none / 0) (#1)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:40:15 AM EST
    Just heard on CNN that NYC is likely to switch off power.  Most of the power lines are underground, and they're afraid the flooding will affect them, so decided it's safer to cut off the power before that can happen.

    Did they warn people they might do that?

    A Con Ed rep ... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:11:15 PM EST
    was just on CBS local.  He said they won't be shutting anyone off prior to the arrival of the storm.  They will assess as the storm progresses.  And may shut off power in low lying areas if it looks like they can't handle the flooding.

    So something that might happen.  Not something that will happen.  And probably only in already evac'd areas.

    Parent

    I heard the same interview (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:15:21 PM EST
    Now mute for Governor jacket-but-no-tie.

    Parent
    Um ... that's the first ... (none / 0) (#25)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:21:45 PM EST
    thing you think of when you see him?  Or are you just being polite?

    Parent
    It's not so polite (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:26:26 PM EST
    when you think about why he does that.

    Parent
    I just noticed ... (none / 0) (#27)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:28:51 PM EST
    that he's wearing a polo shirt.  So no tie was the right move.

    Parent
    To be frank, (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:30:38 PM EST
    a slimmer person would dispense with the jacket. Even a Governor.

    Believe me, I have first-hand experience.

    Parent

    A less pompous person ... (none / 0) (#29)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:34:47 PM EST
    would have already shut up.  This is becoming One Man Show length.

    Parent
    Watching him with mute (none / 0) (#30)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:37:20 PM EST
    is quite the experience. Is that his LG to the left? She looks quite sour.

    Parent
    That must be because (none / 0) (#31)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:48:42 PM EST
    no one makes note of when she doesn't wear a tie.

    Parent
    heh (none / 0) (#32)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:51:40 PM EST
    Dress standards for women are more amorphous. (And that's all I'll say about fashion--ever).

    Parent
    But wuz Hizzoner (none / 0) (#33)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:54:58 PM EST
    wearing makeup? (for being on da toob screen)

    If not, was this noted?  Hmmm?

    Parent

    Here's the map for NYCers (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:00:20 PM EST
    of proposed -- repeat, proposed -- shutdown area, from the NYT Hurricane Irene blog (you may need to scroll down to the info and map).

    Parent
    I don't think they did (none / 0) (#4)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:49:24 AM EST
    got an email from a friend. She thinks her cell service won't be available, but wasn't anticipating losing power . . . . (she's ready though!)

    Parent
    Just looks like lower Manhattan for now (none / 0) (#7)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:29:18 PM EST
    I hope they don't turn it off uptown too.

    Parent
    That's just in some of ... (none / 0) (#9)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:38:55 PM EST
    the Zone A mandatory evac areas.  I think CNN, in their usual hysterical way, misunderstood.

    Parent
    Don't be absurd (none / 0) (#65)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:59:48 PM EST
    CNN isn't hysterical, not now, not "usually."  You must be watching Fox News and getting confused.

    I only heard part of the story and may well not have gotten all of it, that's all.

    Parent

    CNN isn't hysterical? (none / 0) (#73)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:20:44 PM EST
    Hahaahahahahaahaahhaa!

    Best laugh I've had in weeks!

    Parent

    as are the financial instutions (none / 0) (#2)
    by Jlvngstn on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:41:31 AM EST
    one you can do nothing about, the other you board up and evacuate...

    Was just told that there is a mandatory evacuation (none / 0) (#10)
    by vml68 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:41:48 PM EST
    for the lower and first level of my building. I am on the 2nd floor and really don't want to leave. Husband says we should go. Need a tiebreaker, too bad the dogs can't vote.  

    How upset would you be (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:47:09 PM EST
    to be trapped in a powerless apartment for a week? I'm guessing there's a chance of that.

    Parent
    BTW, with a flooded basement (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:47:48 PM EST
    I'd probably be worried about drinking the water.

    Parent
    I stocked up on water yesterday. (none / 0) (#19)
    by vml68 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:00:19 PM EST
    They are in the process of freezing in my chest freezer. Thank-you TLers for that suggestion.
    I would be okay without power for a week. I'll pretend I am camping... ;-).
    Slight concern that both the cars might have to be written off. Cannot keep them in the underground garage due to flooding concerns and outside who knows what can/will happen.

    Parent
    Always better (none / 0) (#16)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:56:44 PM EST
    to be trapped at home, than be trapped somewhere else. With the diminishing power of this storm, I don't suspect there will be anyone trapped.

    Parent
    Go (none / 0) (#15)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:55:41 PM EST


    Parent
    I would if we had someplace to go. (none / 0) (#40)
    by vml68 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:21:46 PM EST
    Hotels are full and finding a place that will allow two dogs is a bit tough right now. The city has sent buses and vans to our complex for the people who will be evacuating. The police have been by too. It looks like almost everyone on my floor will be staying put. So we should have plenty of company.

    Parent
    Get all your dogs' paperwork together (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:30:49 PM EST
    along with leashes, crates, food etc just in case :) and perhaps put together to-go bags for you and hubby also. Then enjoy the storm :D

    Parent
    I guess I'm a chicken (none / 0) (#44)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:46:41 PM EST
    First sign of trouble the doggies and I are out of here!

    Parent
    I don't know if you are chicken but I (none / 0) (#97)
    by vml68 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 08:28:53 PM EST
    have been called foolhardy more than once.

    Parent
    I would go (none / 0) (#86)
    by desmoinesdem on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 06:27:53 PM EST
    because if power and clean water become unavailable in your building, you could be very uncomfortable for a while.

    If you stay, you should be filling sinks, bathtubs and containers with potable water now.

    Parent

    If you live in NYC, they (none / 0) (#90)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:17:55 PM EST
    are reporting that they have provided for pets in a separate area of the shelters. Also the shelters are not currently crowded. You might want to consider going to one of those if your pets are your only reason for not evacuating. link to article

    Parent
    Thank-you all for your tips and (none / 0) (#96)
    by vml68 on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 08:23:38 PM EST
    suggestions. My bathtubs are filled with water. My freezer has about 100 bottles of water freezing. I figured that should be enough for 2 adults and 2 dogs for a week. We have enough non-perishable food to last a really long time.
    I also have a camp stove that I can use (outside on the balcony) to cook if the gas/electricity is shut off.

    Moblue, I am in Jersey City and we got a call at 5:00p.m. informing us that they have now opened a shelter for residents with pets. But we decided that we would just be more comfortable at home even if we did not have electricity or running water. I am quite claustrophobic and the thought of possibly being stuck in a shelter for a few days with hundreds of other people is enough to make me have a panic attack.

    If Irene was expected to strengthen or it was a  category 2 or more, I would have been long gone. But a tropical storm/category 1 hurricane,I think I can ride out.

    Parent

    Good luck (none / 0) (#98)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 08:56:51 PM EST
    Hope Irene is kind and you, your husband and the dogs make it through without any problems.

    Parent
    so far, we're just getting rain here (va) (none / 0) (#14)
    by cpinva on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 12:52:32 PM EST
    as the leading edge hits us. being relatively far from the coast, we anticipate just tropical storm level winds (39mph) and lots of rain. should finally shut those farmers up, who constantly whine about our annual summer drought!

    or not.

    Hey! (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by Zorba on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 01:08:50 PM EST
    Don't dis the farmers!  In times of drought, there isn't as much grass, hay and grain, and if there isn't enough hay and grain to feed the animals, your meat prices will eventually go up.  Not to mention the truck farmers- no rain, fewer vegetables and fruits, and they go up in price, too.  The farmers make less money during drought conditions, it's true, but everyone's food prices go up.   ;-)

    Parent
    As a family farmer myself, (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Zorba on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:22:14 PM EST
    I thank you for your words, Donald.  

    Parent
    Apparently the word "annual" (none / 0) (#42)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:26:27 PM EST
    needed to be emphasized, and perhaps the word "drought" triggers such responses.

    Our smart farmers in my area anticipate and plan for annual, seasonal dry periods.  Of course, yes, they complain as much as we backyard veggie gardeners do, but farmers get more media coverage, if understandably so.  

    That said, a lot of farmers get a lot of government funding -- I've heard them called the largest group of welfare recipients in the country -- and deductions for business losses that we don't get when our backyard crops don't make it.

    The problem is that the government programs have gone to the corporates, yet again.  So I also am all for the small family farmers -- if they're the smart ones.    

    Parent

    I have my Hurricane double feature ... (none / 0) (#37)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:10:44 PM EST
    ready to watch as the storm approaches:

    The Hurricane (1937) dir: John Ford.  Starring:  Jon Hall, Dorothy Lamour, Mary Astor, Thomas Mitchell.

    And:

    Key Largo (1948) dir: John Huston.  Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Edgar G. Robinson, Lionel Barrymore, Claire Trevor.

    Both fine films.  And both hurricane themed.

    Key Largo is a good movie (none / 0) (#38)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:12:06 PM EST
    I haven't seen it in a while.

    Parent
    Yes, it is ... (none / 0) (#39)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 02:21:13 PM EST
    of course, I've seen it many times before.  But it seemed so appropriate to watch today.  And I love the Max Steiner theme which you can hear in the trailer below.

    The Hurricane is also excellent.  And you can watch that streaming on Netflix.  Here are the trailers via YouTube:

    Key Largo.

    The Hurricane.

    Parent

    You guys telling me pols. (none / 0) (#55)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:21:31 PM EST
    In the face of acts of God no longer wear LL Bean jackets?

    P.S.  Surely am glad I no longer live in Virginia Beach.

    That's for the .... (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:25:31 PM EST
    post disaster site visit.  Not the pre-disaster presser.

    Parent
    Whose ox will be gored to pay (none / 0) (#60)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:39:03 PM EST
    for federal disaster relief following Irene? Because if Eric Cantor, and it seems John Boehner, get their way, disaster $$$ will be offset with cuts in other federal spending.

    Since past is often prologue, you know Obama and the Dems will once again miss the opportunity to expose the Republicans for the evil b*stards they so clearly are.

    So, in the interest of getting aid to people quickly, and to avoid any messy partisan bickering, who will Obama and the Dems put on the chopping block?

    Will it be Medicare? Veterans? School lunches?

    Can we declare victory in Libya? (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:42:57 PM EST
    That ought to cover it.

    Parent
    Spouse noted that to me this morn (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:08:34 PM EST
    and I was stunned.  As perhaps Cantor will be, if after smoting Cantor's Congressional residence with both a quake and a hurricane, the Deity has to come up with a third devastation to visit upon D.C., within only a matter of days yet to come.

    Parent
    Iowa jackass Steve King (none / 0) (#61)
    by desmoinesdem on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 03:41:25 PM EST
    demanding Congressional hearings over the Obama administration policy on deportations.

    Why can't he schedule the hearings himself? Oh yeah, he got passed over for House Judiciary's immigration subcommittee chairmanship in January.

    Definitely one of the most embarrassing people Iowa has ever produced.

    He really is (none / 0) (#70)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 04:10:52 PM EST
    just breathtaking.  Can the people in his district really be so simple-minded and mean-spirited?


    Parent
    After having served (none / 0) (#80)
    by NYShooter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 05:11:28 PM EST
    in combat zones for several years some vets take a  somewhat amusing, if not cynical,  attitude  towards the pomp & ceremony of some commemorative exercises.

    But, speaking for myself, there's something just so eerily beautiful, and respectful, about "The Sentinels"  guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, that it strikes at the heart of what it means to be an American.

    Maybe, just maybe, if our Representatives, each day, before starting their daily schedules, watched the "Changing of the Guards,"  and reflected on their oath of office, "........I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; ........................."

    I can dream............

    Might BTD have been swept out (none / 0) (#84)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 06:06:46 PM EST
    to sea?  

    Nope (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 04:45:41 PM EST
    This was a nonevent from my historical perspective.

    Parent
    All historical hurricanes (none / 0) (#119)
    by Politalkix on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 05:47:40 PM EST
    occured when FDR was President-the labor day hurricane in 1935 or the long island hurricane in 1938.... :-)

    Parent
    Summer entertainment is ending (none / 0) (#92)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:33:18 PM EST
     Michelle Bachmann wants to lower the minimum wage. And Perry is signing pledges against gay marriage or civil unions.
     I like the fact that Huntsman will introduce his job plan wednesday aug. 31st. A week before Obama and Romney.
     It's a smart move. For a whole week the media will be talking about his job plan. They will dissect it piece by piece. Giving him more exposure.
     He has a lot confidence in himself, to go first. He appears as a man with a plan for the country.
     Why is Romney coming out with his plan, the same day as Obama? Who do think will get the coverage?

     There will be 3 debates in 2 wks. Perry has committed to 1. I guess he want to see how it goes before committing to another

    I doubt the media is going to pay any attention (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by tigercourse on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 07:55:39 PM EST
    whatsoever to Huntsman's plan.

    Parent
    he's getting a lot of attention (none / 0) (#102)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:14:05 PM EST
    from the media.
     Jobs is the number one issue. They will  cover it, and compare it to Obama's.
     He's gotten a lot of coverage lately. PBS newshour,Neil Cavuto,Huckabee,Piers Morgan,ABC this week, and meet the press tomorrow. All in about 10 days.
     I know a lot of people is not giving him a chance. But whoever heard of Bill Clinton. And he entered the race in Oct.

    Parent
    The biggest obstacle for Huntsman, IMO, (none / 0) (#104)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:20:24 PM EST
    is the media's inability to manage more than two story lines at any on time. Right now they are obsessed with the rise of economic miracle-worker Rick Perry and the subsequent decline of Mitt Romney.

    Plus, depending on just how devastating Irene ends up being, a Huntsman plan released in the next few days may well be crowded out by disaster stories, especially if either D.C. or NYC, the epicenters of the media's life, sustain significant damage.

    Parent

    The hurricane will be old news by monday (none / 0) (#108)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 10:10:09 PM EST
     And your right about the media only able to cover one story at a time. But the number one issue is jobs.
     The media will play him against Obama. They will already have his plan. He will already been interview. And he's pretty good in a interview.
     Mitt will be left out in the cold. Perry until he comes up with a plan, will also be left out in the cold.
     I trying to learn to link. I hope this works.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMVARcGoPcM&feature=player_embedded
     I hope Johnny will be good.

    Parent
    Perry - bra ha ha ha (none / 0) (#111)
    by dead dancer on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:25:08 PM EST
    Attention Governor Perry

    But then it would be nice to get him the hell out of  Texas

    Parent

    Perry reminds me of Giuliani (none / 0) (#112)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 11:40:31 PM EST
    A so call great record. Lots of skeletons in there closet. Personally I think Perry skeleton are worse. His is about policies. He playing to the far,far right republicans.

     I never heard of betting on old teacher to die before Perry.

    Parent

    This one the singing sucks (none / 0) (#109)
    by loveed on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 10:26:45 PM EST
    But it interesting in a lot of ways.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGSxZJAKrNk&feature=player_detailpage

     

    Parent

    Jobs plans that would not be enacted for a year (none / 0) (#115)
    by ruffian on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 06:30:07 AM EST
    and a half? Irrelevant. I think obama will be able to keep the attention.

    Parent
    It depends on Obama plan (none / 0) (#116)
    by loveed on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 11:31:20 AM EST
    Obama track record is not that good. I can't wait to see the plan. We've waited almost a month.
      This is another example of Obama inexperience and bad judgement. People have been waiting 3yrs for his jobs plan. I guess we can wait,while Obama and congress  enjoy there vacation. Celebrate Labor Day (this is kinda ironic). Then we will hear his plan for jobs.
      And it won't matter. Because congress will hate it. Obama will surrender as always. By the time they come to and agreement, it will take about a year.
     Jobs was the #1 issue when he was elected 3yrs. ago.

    Parent
    Sharks in Manhattan (not the Wall St. kind)? (none / 0) (#100)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:11:44 PM EST
    Not only do people have to watch out for the high winds and the surging water and the falling roof tiles and the live electrical wires, now people must beware of sharks swimming in their streets. Sure, this is in Puerto Rico, but NYC has sharks in its coastal waters, too.

    I find this to be quite unsettling.

    h/t Susie Madrak.

    I thought that was a hoax? (none / 0) (#103)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:20:19 PM EST


    Parent
    I hadn't heard that it is (none / 0) (#105)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:22:51 PM EST
    a hoax. If it is, well done whoever concocted it.

    Still and all, the idea of real live sharks swimming the streets of NYC has a certain poetic justice to it. :-)

    Parent

    Yeah, it's a hoax ... (none / 0) (#107)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 09:34:17 PM EST
    and you see the details here.

    And my advice to photoshop hoaxers, don't use stuff that can been so easily found via Google image search.  At least force the media to work a bit to disprove your stuff.

    ;)

    Parent

    New Jersey coast getting hit hard now (none / 0) (#110)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 27, 2011 at 10:34:36 PM EST
    according to twitterers reporting to this site.  Tornadoes, high winds, reports of a house collapse, power outages, links to photos of serious beach erosion, etc.

    The eye passed 10 miles east of the house. (none / 0) (#113)
    by Wile ECoyote on Sun Aug 28, 2011 at 05:42:45 AM EST
    Isabel was worse for Tidewater than Irene.  

    Saturday Open Thread: Hurricane Irene Still a Threat | 118 comments (118 topical)

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