Hurricane Sandy

I looked for a few pictures as I went through various areas. And I choose 9. These are not my own pictures yet they do give some idea as to all that has taken place within the last 48 hours.

A View of Hurricane Sandy from the ISS via Nasa.mp4

Taken by Nasa one day ago - pertaining to Hurricane Sandy.

1.5 Million American's are without Power

What a Terrible Storm!

1.5 million Americans are without power as Hurricane Sandy went beyond all forecastings.

It definitely is one of the biggest storms ever to hit the United States most densely populated region.  The storm, with maximum sustained wind gusts of 150km/h, is about 45 kilometers southeast of New Jersey.  Which it will have already hit at the time of this writing.  Nearly 50 million people from the Mid-Atlantic to the Maritimes in Canada are in the path of the nearly 1,600-kilometre-wide storm, which forecasters said could be the largest to hit the mainland in U.S. history and will have an overwhelming landfall.  There are no estimates as to the amount of damage thus far.  Yet, but from topple trees, damage buildings, causing power outages and trigger heavy flooding.  Have been a devastating effect.  Eastern Americans living along the affected coastal areas were encouraged to evacuate the storm hit before projections - which followed with moving away from evacuation to board up and bunker down.

The public safety director of Atlantic City, N.J. has said most of that city is under water.  “We are certain that this is going to be a slow-moving process through a wide swath of the country, and millions of people are going to affected,” U.S. President Barack Obama said, speaking to reporters from the White House this afternoon.  The storm surge in New York City from Sandy, which flooded Battery Park Monday morning, has already surpassed that of last year’s Hurricane Irene.  “Don’t be fooled, don’t look out the window and say, it doesn’t look so bad,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said.  “The worst is still coming.”  Officials have been stark in their warnings, as there have been more than 60 deaths already attributed to the hurricane, and say it is likely there will be more.“  There will undoubtedly be some deaths that are caused by the intensity of this storm, by the floods, by the tidal surge, by the waves.  The more responsibly citizens act, the fewer people will die,” Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley told reporters.

This morning, the Nova Scotia built tall ship HMS Bounty sunk in high seas off the North Carolina coast.  Fourteen sailors were rescued but two are missing in very difficult conditions for rescuers.  The Canadian Hurricane Centre says hurricane Sandy will be felt from the Maritimes all the way to Ontario.  Centre spokesman Bob Robichaud says Sandy is forecast to dump 50 to 100 millimeters of rain for the western Maritimes from Tuesday into Wednesday.  He says parts of southern Ontario could see 30 to 50 mm of rain as the storm passes through, though some areas in that region could see higher amounts.

With the election seven days away, Obama canceled a campaign event in Florida today in order to return to Washington and monitor the U.S. government’s response to the storm.  Sandy killed 66 people in the Caribbean last week before pounding U.S. coastal areas as it moved north.  While Sandy does not pack the punch of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005, it became more potent as it approaches the U.S. coast.  Winds were at a maximum of 150 kilometers an hour, the NHC said in its 11 a.m. report, up from 75 mph nine hours earlier.  It said tropical storm-force winds reached as far as 800 kilometers from the center.  Several feet of water flooded streets in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which could be right in the target zone of the storm.  Local residents said police knocked on doors on Sunday, reminding everyone there was a mandatory evacuation.  While the police took names, they allowed residents to stay at their own risk.  “If power goes that’s a problem,” said John Brunhammer, 40, a recruiter from Lewes, Delaware, who had come to see the waves crashing up to the dune line at Rehoboth Beach.  “This area isn’t known for prompt utility service.”  New York and other cities and towns closed their transit systems and ordered mass evacuations from low-lying areas ahead of a storm surge that could reach as high as 11 feet.  By early this morning, water was already topping the seawall in Manhattan’s Battery Park City, one of the areas evacuated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

All U.S. stock markets will be closed on today through till Tuesday pending review.  The operator of the New York Stock Exchange stated last Sunday, reversing an earlier plan that would have kept electronic trading going on today.

The United Nations, Broadway theaters, and New Jersey casinos were forced to close, and more than two-thirds of the East Coast’s oil refining capacity was in the process of shutting down.  Officials ordered people in coastal towns and low-lying areas to evacuate, often telling them they would put emergency workers’ lives at risk if they stayed.

The minimum central pressure – a key measure of a cyclone’s strength – was recorded at 946 millibar overnight, matching the lowest pressure ever measured in the United States north of Cape Hatteras.  The only previous time such a low measurement was recorded was in 1938, when the “Long Island Express” ripped up the coast, meteorologists said.  Transportation systems shut down in anticipation.  Airlines canceled some 7,000 flights, bridges and tunnels closed, and national passenger rail operator Amtrak suspended nearly all service on the East Coast.  The U.S. government told non-emergency workers in Washington to stay home.

The second-largest oil refinery on the East Coast, Phillips 66's 238,000 barrel per day (bpd) Bayway plant in Linden, New Jersey, was shutting down and three other plants cut output as the storm affected operations at two-thirds of the region’s plants.  Oil prices slipped on Monday, with Brent near $109 a barrel.  While Sandy’s 90 mph winds were not overwhelming for a hurricane, its exceptional size means the winds will last as long as two days.“  This is not a typical storm,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said.  “It could very well be historic in nature and in scope.” 

 

Right now Hurricane Sandy is hitting the United States East Coast and Eastern Canada won’t be spared…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATED: OCTOBER 31

STATE BY STATE BREAKDOWN:

CAROLINAS

North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue expanded a state of emergency to western

North Carolina, which could see a foot of snow. A woman who was pulled from the Atlantic after abandoning a tall ship died. Power outages: 6,600.

CONNECTICUT

The Long Island Sound flooded roads as the storm toppled trees and power lines Two people died, including an Easton firefighter who was killed when a tree fell on his truck. Power outages: More than 615,000.

DELAWARE

Nearly all residents of flood-prone coastal communities in Kent County heeded calls to evacuate. The Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach resort communities were flooded. Power outages: More than 45,000.

ILLINOIS

High wind warnings and a lakeshore flood warning are in effect Tuesday and Wednesday in Chicago. City officials said Lake Shore Drive is expected to remain open.

KENTUCKY

A winter storm warning is in effect for three southeastern counties until Wednesday. In some areas, winds could gust up to 50 mph through Tuesday.

MAINE

Wind gusts topped 60 mph, shutting down the port of Portland and knocking out power to homes and businesses. Power outages: More than 86,000.

MARYLAND

Floodwaters swamped touristy Ocean City. In western Maryland, snow tied up traffic. A falling tree killed a man in Pasadena. Power outages: 290,000.

MASSACHUSETTS

Strong winds and heavy surf led to mandatory evacuations in sections of coastal Dartmouth and Fall River and voluntary evacuations in other coastal communities. Power outages: More than 300,000.

MICHIGAN

High winds knocked out power to at least 60,000 homes and businesses.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Politicians canceled visits to the presidential swing state on Monday. Power outages: 179,000.

NEW JERSEY

The center of the storm came ashore Monday evening near Atlantic City, which was cut off from the mainland by the storm surge along with other barrier islands, stranding residents who ignored warnings to evacuate. Hundreds of people were being evacuated after a levee broke in the northern New Jersey town of Moonachie. At least three deaths were reported. Power outages: More than 2.3 million.

NEW YORK

A record storm surge that was higher than predicted along with high winds damaged the electrical system and plunged millions of people into darkness. Utilities say it could be up to a week before power is fully restored. The governor’s office said there were five storm-related deaths. A fire burned 50 houses in one flooded section of Queens. Power outages: More than 1.8 million.

OHIO

The Cleveland area and northeast Ohio were being slammed with rain and high winds. Snow was reported in some parts south of Cleveland and south of Columbus. Power outages: More than 250,000.

PENNSYLVANIA

Wind and flooding closing more than 200 bridges and roads. Four people died, including an 8-year-old boy who was killed when a tree limb fell on him. Power outages: 1.2 million.

RHODE ISLAND

Howling winds and storm surges forced mandatory and voluntary evacuations in low-lying and coastal communities. Providence’s hurricane barrier performed well in one of its biggest tests. Power outages: 115,000.

TENNESSEE

Snow expected in higher elevations, where a freeze warning has been issued. High winds expected in many areas.

VERMONT

Winds knocked down trees and power lines, and schools were closed. Power outages: More than 10,000.

VIRGINIA

Utilities brought in crews to help restore power after high winds and snow. A curfew was ordered Monday on Chincoteague Island. Power outages: More than 131,000.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Federal and local governments will remain closed Tuesday along with the courts, public schools and the Metro system that serves 1.2 million weekday customers. Widespread cancellations are expected at the region’s three major airports. Power outages: 25,000.

WEST VIRGINIA

Some areas are buried under more than a foot of snow. A woman was killed in a traffic crash. Power outages: More than 128,000.

WISCONSIN

A village along Lake Michigan suggested residents evacuate Tuesday morning because of the possibility of dangerously high waves and flooding.

 

 

BO - DELIOUS

Again I ended up dog sitting for a friend this dog named Bo. He has a great demeanor as well as a character on to his own. He is easy to get tied too. He has a personality of his own. He is not a yappy terrier; it’s truly one of a kind. He has his snooze times within the day as well as when he wakes up he will come with those eyes and you know that it’s either one of a gazillion toys he has from rubber bones to four different coats.
Bo pretty much decides on what he wishes to where as he will give you that look and sort of nudge his nose pointing to the one he wishes to wear. Is Bo particular in what he wears? If I had a mirror that they actually do sell – “but he is not my dog” like Peter Sellers mention in the Pink Panther - yet I am sure that Bo would check out how he looks and if things are just right. He has his way in making you pay for it. Yet Bo doesn’t bite. Yet he has his own way of getting what he wants.

Is he spoiled – you bet!

There's a First For Everything!

Have you ever had a situation where there is too much going on?  I honestly can say that it’s been busy.  I have always been one to plan yet Saturday is supposed to be at least a semi relaxing day.  At least within my books.  Now I have always used the slogan of having that self time but I can honestly say that I have literally left system on while I have been going there and back.  What have I done – I have enjoyed times while being out and yesterday was a birthday party which was allot of fun.

I met the person from another friend.  Don’t get me wrong however I never attended a birthday party where someone had organized it themselves.  At a certain point I knew I was within the majority that just simply had enough.  There is something to be said about this term – “I love myself”.  The way that I thought birthday parties were done – was when you might have know there was a birthday celebration or you may haven’t yet I never attended a celebration which “this one” just kept the show going on and on and on.  I think you get my drift as by the time it was time to sing – Happy Birthday.  Everyone was whispering under their breath, “when is this going to be over”.

Then the birthday person asked everyone for their phone numbers and email address!  This was nearing the end of the evening and a few of us excused – no a prominent amount of us left with our own reasons of why we had to get going. There is something to be said about extroverts. Yet this was far beyond that it was more like a record that kept skipping on the same tune over and over and over.  She grew old yet I think she nearly took the life out of us all.  I have never seen someone dancing around and hugging everyone and singing, “I am so love” – and hugging everyone.  And then the continual “Happy Birthday to Me.”  And she didn’t have anything to drink – at least not at the party!

I am glad I got out of there before she got around to me as there was no way I would ever give out my number.  No way José!

I rest my Peace…

 

 

Crispy Good Morning.avi

Walking within a Postcard

Early within the morning I decided to go for a walk with a friend of mine by the name of Vino.
I thought I would make a post as the weather was about -11c. Vino is a friend of mine which is older he came here from Portugal many years ago. He showed up at the door at 8:30am – and I said why not, I threw on a layer of clothing and so we went.

Again the trails are all along the Meewasin and although there were several as we were walking it occurred to me that we were walking as I put it to Vinnie.

We are “Walking within a Postcard”… Regardless of the crispness of the morning temperatures the view felt as though one was walking within a postcard.

It came to mind while taking in the sights and taking in an early morning landscape view as well as enjoying the simple moment.

Yet within that moment it never stayed still..

Bundled up Shot

The Weekend is here. (Big Yeah) I must stay that I have been more on the go. There are pros and cons within this past week. We had a civic election here, I have embarked back into the gym – I suppose the better way to state that is that I FIT IT IN. I have tried to keep an agenda – yet more often than not I forget my list of things that I have to do but I never forget to take my camera. As well I have done my share of shopping but it’s the needs which come first and the wants that come second.
I can’t say that I have entirely got everything in order. Yet that is A – ok with me.

The Question of the Day: If you have already merged over to another blog what is your own experience thus far. If you are on another blog - since you have been there what your experience is. If you could name the blog then within a few short words indicate what your experience is thus far. In advance I thank you for the courtesy of your own thoughts.

The Foreign Policy Debates and Contemplate

This final debate which took place at Lynn University in Florida was the final debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney.  The main theme was on America’s role within the world, trade with China, terrorism, the Middle East and southwest Asia. 

President Barack Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney went head to head on foreign policy issues last night which was Monday night.  Romney accused Obama of failing to stem the resurgence of Al-Qaida and of playing a weak hand in the Arab Spring uprisings.  As Romney’s maintained Obama has been an unreliable – coupled with being too apologetic.

Obama claimed Romney’s platform was too destructive an could very well regress the war in Afghanistan which in turn would lead America backwards rather than forwards; which would lead America back into a the ongoing wars within Syria and Iran.  Obama used several references to the similarities of how Romney’s policies where very similar to that of former President George Bush.  Romney’s rebut was when Obama proceeded to be on the offence was that there was no need to attack him, as Romney put it, “Attacking me is not an agenda.”  Obama proceeded without any apologies yet he did make mention of how ridiculous this campaign has been as it’s been full of retracts and apologies on both sides as it probably is the most important campaign and of most importance within the American populous as so often there are words which are taken the wrong way – due to the political manipulation which takes place within this campaign.

Obama proceeded to defend his record with foreign policies pertaining to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.  Obama does come back to this several times yet how I see it that which he has carried out he wants to make darn sure that America at large does keep into consideration what he has accomplished.  I myself don’t think there is anything wrong with it.  I think that the average American does need to know that he has accomplishments over and beyond placing out a tremendous amount of problems from his predecessor.  I myself do believe in Obama bringing this up continually within his debates – as well, I do believe that there are areas which he has not brought up.  The reason on this one is that around the world nearly all countries and including terrorists were watching this campaign.  If you say everything then the advisory has an upper hand America’s agenda.  With that being said, I do believe that Obama can’t do the say all – as some areas are highly confidential.  This did give Romney an upper hand as only until a new President is elected – they don’t know some of the confidential areas which would never be placed out in public – nor to Romney unless he becomes the next President of the United States.  We do live in a new age as well as a highly informative age – yet some things are still held confidential.

International Foreign Affairs has never been one of the primary issues which make up a one of the Presidential debates.  In the past they were fit within a part of a more open ended debate.  Mind you this year they came to be a theme of the last and final debate. Yet as of the date of this writing this race within America is one which is run one which both parties are “pulling out all stops”. 

There are some things which can be learned by both of these two.  The way that I see it both have their strengths and both have their weaknesses – yet the question one has to apply is which is lesser of two evils principle.

 

Groups

It's a good thing to travel in groups. There are so many invites to so many different sites. I never thought I would come to a point where I would have to make a decision. One person posts one link another post a different one. For right now I am easy going and how does one really come to find that space where all their friends are that do have common interests? I recall, when the word came out that Multiply was closing up in the first week of December. Many rushed within two days to get to a new place. I suppose there were several whom lead and then those whom followed.

For now I am a Multiply Refugee, and I am on the "MR" bandwagon. But sooner or later I will have to make a choice as to where I shall be. I don't wish to fall of this ride as it's been one that I have enjoyed for nearly seven years. And it's all right to take that large step for "my kind" so I shall attempt to get on another bandwagon. Yet there are still a few weeks ahead before I do jump off this bus and as I have and am enjoying the ......ride.


The video does shed some light on how we do enjoy the travels within groups.

" I think therefore I am " - Peace to all whom are still on Multiply...

Within that of a Tight Hug

 

Beneath her feet the leaves do lie

In lush green fields of green, yellow, and red

In an array of some things shall it be

Unforeseen and for us only

It is held high – you’re not alone

Our future sealed, with tight hugs maybe a few

Along with the feel of the pleasantries

Of a warm smile which are not few

Upon a shadowed vision of each other

This rendered back with warmth

The frozen soft warmth like smiles

Melt To this angel

With wings shall lift the spirits high

With an ever so softly touch of a sort of mutual glide

And that of a tight hug in return

Echoes of the heart worthy of a century’s span

Engrained with hope

Within the sunrise there is a vision

Perhaps that with an extended hand

Souls that healed

The fragrance of forgiveness

Here shall souls journey

When she has called to him

Echoed warm renders come in return

That of a tightly warm extended hand

The power of the past is just a mere short good-bye

The murmurs of two souls which coincide

Within that of a healing heart

Back to back leaning upon each other

There was no separation for they were never apart

Within a journey which seemingly flows

Ever so tightly is the appeal

And the every so desire for two souls

Worthy of a century’s span nested

Within that of a ever so unyielding embrace

~ jgs ~

 

 

 

Fried Onions ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "We Wait"

~ Wait ~

 

 

The politicians are back have they ever been gone

Aside of taken a break while getting some loot

Man it’s within believing

I can’t say I do as when you believe

There has to be some toast and jelly

If not some reality on whom

Is doing what.wait stop.

You know they just say what they want you to hear

What I hear it …

The way things are going

Man I hope it’s not like before

From one party or the other I tend to see no vote

That is the turn out

But within the turnouts there always was some

I hope it’s not left or right

I look upon things within the day

Yesterday I spoke to one by way cell

But…

I find it all a menace some with injustice

They will say what please

Where did the validness go

As even Reagan said it as it was

But this is all contrived

With billions of dollars

So much for saving up for a rainy day

Alfred and his wife are within the corner

Last night one was killed in flight

There is much to thing about… wait

I am not much a believer

In what all these people are saying

If I compare I will see it’s all the same

So it’s not easy – yet so apparent to me

The ways things are going

It’s apparent to me

Can’t cast it off as a rainy day

Snows come and left

If white was the color

Then some might be the.wait

Kirsten was with me

She said she tunes it off…. Wait

Everyone wishes to be a superstar

Yet it’s not easy and there are things

Apparent to me is being what you

Can be as it’s a jungle regardless

Of where you are

There is things said and done

The way things are goin

We need some humanity

The last time I saw humanity

Was just today

So hey

The menace of what we see

Is not here again I believe

It’s not here yet it is there

Where there and here all leads

Well that’s not easy

Livin on the day

Not pointing a finger

But one can’t come to a conclusion

With another

That’s within an organization

Organized usually brings out the best

 

 

Wait…

 

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much.  When 24 hours in a day is not enough. 

~ Just remember the Mayonnaise Jar.  ~

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him.  When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large, empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

Then the professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous yes.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided.  "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things-family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions.  Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.  The sand is everything else -- the small stuff."

“If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.”

"If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you."

"So. . . pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your partner out to dinner."

"There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled.  "I'm glad you asked.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

 

 

TGIF

There are several things I have been doing and as of today I am finally done with the setting up of computers. Fortunate for me I was able to take have everything done and finished. There was allot of work with getting a system set up.

I am not going to go any further with that as it’s nice to come to your workstation and be able to write.

I have always been musically inclined – and it was nice to have a few friends come over. There a little younger than myself – yet we really hit it off when it comes to music. I do hit it off with ones that are within music and although I don’t know some of the names of these artists that they are talking about –yet when they talk about the styles of music they are decent – no they are actually very good. This is an area where I we could be constantly talking about all day.
Later I headed “there and back” and it’s nice to now have that time to be able to enjoy things coupled with that it’s the weekend.


Weekends have that certain free time where you can do as you wish.

The Combo which had The Household Laughing

In 1945, Martin from Ohio met a young comic named Jerry Lewis from New Jersey at what was called the Hatclub.  Before this time the two never had met each other and then seemingly there came a twist within the performance.  When the two met there was something that just took – Jerry being the one whom would do nearly anything for a laugh created a laugh and Dean kept to his a more serious tone compared to the busboy image of Lewis.  At the time of their beginnings this didn’t go over all that well especially within their duration at what was called the Hatclub.  The owner warned that he was ready to fire the two with their antics – yet the audience was doubled over the combo of comedy meets melody.  Dean and Jerry went for broke and it took them far further than they could ever even envision.

Both Martin and Lewis made key appearance on the first Ed Sullivan show in June 1948.  As many whom had the chance to appear on the Ed Sullivan show it took two that were then noticed in an entirely larger arena.

In October of 1948, the teams were stars of the television as within each night families sat down to watch, laugh, and listen.  On April 3, 1949 they debuted on their TV version of their "Martin & Lewis" radio show on the NBC-TV network, with guest Bob Hope, with their inaugural program drawing an array of reviews.

Now Dean was thrilled to be out of New York City, a place he had developed a lifelong hatred for.  He liked the fact that California, because of its earthquakes, had few tall buildings.  Suffering as he did from claustrophobia, Martin almost never used elevators, and having to climb multiple flights of stairs in Manhattan's skyscrapers was not his idea of fun.  Although they received only a modest $ 75,000 dollars between them for their films, Martin and Lewis were free to do one outside film a year, which they would co-produce through their own York Productions. 

There is much more to say within what all happened between this combination of two people but Dean came to love New York and between the two of them they did certainly make many households laugh.  Yet to this very day, day I have never seen a combination of what Dean and Jerry made. 

Within their own time they were the satire and enjoyment of many.

 

And the song which was that of Deans with a tad of Jerry's Comedy With Amore...