Hurricane Lunatics Or Darwin's Law

I have paid just enough attention to hurricane Ike to keep track of what the storm was up to. I don't obsessively sit and watch all the 'cane news. I haven't had time to track it hour by hour. I don't have the temperament to read the same stuff over and over as the 24 hour news cycle tries to keep interest at a fever pitch. Just can't do it.

If I lived in Texas, I would have seen the reports. Then, once it looked like it was past Florida and heading in that direction, got my ass in gear and prepared.  Either by stocking supplies or getting out of Dodge, depending on the situation. I don't mess with Mother Nature.

Now, after all that, and my very limited look in at the news of the hurricane. Even I knew, all the authorities were telling everyone loud and clear to evacuate Galveston Island and the coast. It was no secret, they were not ambiguous. But I have to ask...

What part of "get out or face certain death" do you NOT understand?

Seriously.  What part of that single sentence was unclear? 

Now there are many people putting their own lives in danger to rescue these Darwin Award wannabes. 

I saw one of these dudes on television a few hours before Ike hit out on Galveston Island.  He was smiling and telling the reporter, "Well, my house is in a good place, I'll be okay."  (He should be rescued last)

The only person I've read about for whom I have even a modicum of  sympathy is this guy:

In Bridge City, near the Louisiana border, Luis Rivera Castro, a native of Puerto Rico, had waited for a ride out of the area with a roommate who never showed up. The 25-year-old welder ended up riding out the storm alone in a two-story apartment.

Even then I have to say... you can NOT rely on another person, especially one who is not a family member, to ensure your safety.  You can't!   At 25 years old, you better have a plan to take care of yourself, because no one else will.

I know why officials are panicking.  They know exactly what the news idiots will do. They'll follow all of this with microscopic lenses.  Somewhere along the way, if it hasn't already, the part about "get out or die" will be dropped from the story completely.  At that point the news idiots will start to blame the very people who tried so hard to get everyone to leave.  They'll be dragged through the mud of the 24 hour news with moronic news readers spouting off, as usual, on things they know nothing about.

I can see it coming and it pisses me off.   I predict within a couple of days we'll start hearing stories of how "the government failed these people." 

I think my head might explode at that point and I think Bou and Dogette will be with me on this one.

Posted by: Teresa in Weather at 12:10 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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Rain Rain Go Away

While everyone has their attention glued to Texas, I feel the need to report that it's raining here in Massachusetts. 

Why?

I have no idea. It's not even heavy rain. Although we have entered that "tween" state.  It happens in the fall and spring.  It's juuuust warm enough to not have to use the heater.  But this makes it cold enough that my fingers are always cold.

Many people love this "high 60's" time of year.  Me, I prefer to either have warm or cold... this in between is just annoying.

As for Texas, I'm pretty glad I'm not living down there right now, even if it is warmer. One day I'd like to visit.  So let's hope that Ike doesn't mess things up too badly.

Posted by: Teresa in Weather at 05:36 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Knew I Should've Bought a Rain Gauge

Hanna has been spreading the luv up here.  You know, trying to make the world all dewey fresh and clean. 

The local airport is reporting 3.28 inches of rain as of midnight.  Not bad since it didn't really start raining (except for a short shower this morning) until about 8pm when we left for dinner.  It's still raining hard, but has slowed somewhat.  I expect another 2 inches tonight. 

But I will definitely have to get my own rain gauge because I want to see for myself.

Posted by: Teresa in Weather at 12:18 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Florida Has Come To Visit

Well, not really...  I mean it's not 100 degrees or anything.  But we are starting to get the outer bands of Hanna.  It's pouring rain on and off and it's VERY humid. 

Of course Bou has Ike bearing down on her. And Gregor said they were supposed to get 7+ inches of rain today thanks to Hanna... It's not so bad here.  I do wish it was a tad less humid though.  Don't like swimming through air.  I am not Michael Phelps. 

Posted by: Teresa in Weather at 09:22 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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