A DAY IN THE LOUNGE - MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2003 - THE BLACK OUT EDITION

[undergroundrailroad]

MONDAY "IN" THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD (A Day In The Lounge)



UNDERGROUNDRAIROAD FROM THE GIT-GO



WELCOME EVERYBODY to the "BLACK OUT" edition of MONDAY 'IN' THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD where we meet on Mondays, discuss the topics of the day and reflect on the week ahead. Today our menu will be consistent with our BLACK OUT theme. So let go ahead and discuss some of the items on our menu. Now, I came up with a few things that I had in my kitchen and used during the actual 2003 BLACK OUT and you may help yourself or NOT, depending on the mood (dark?) your in today.

Items our BLACK OUT MENU:

How about a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich? (High in protein and carbs)
Fruit (An Apple a day keeps the MD away?)
ZONE power bars (they taste great!)
Frosted Flakes (Pour in a cup and snack as you please)
TANG - I know, it was the beverage of choice in space, but in the absence of anything else, it does taste good and you mix with your bottled water.


____________________________________________________________
Decades of Warnings/DarkDays of Questions?

During 9/11 WHERE was our pResident? Do we REALLY know?? Now, a BLACK OUT that put 50 MILLION Americans in the dangerous dark, defenseless and with no information, at least for the first hour. WHY? did it take SO long for him to "speak" to the nation and provide information during this dark NIGHTMARE? To add more insult, WHY did he proceed to his scheduled fund-raiser in California while CHAOS was breaking out all over the WORLD? It seemed as if the BLACK OUT was only an afterthought as millions of people were trapped in elevators, schools, electronic doors, subways, trains, and more. WHERE WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES? as the American people roamed around in the dark, clueless, no food, no access to ATM's, computers, gas pumps, transportation, land-line telephones or cell phones. DID he think about us? Or did it even occur to him that something MIGHT be wrong? We are a SUPER POWER, YES? WHERE IN THE HELL WAS THE PRESIDENT, IN 2003? In a modern, high-tech society where electric power touches every aspect of our lives? I mean HOMELAND SECURITY must need energy to function, yes? WHY was the pResident ignoring us? Enjoying HIS day (and night) as if we, the American People, were nothing more than a momentary problem (OH, ANOTHER ONE! CONDI, KARL!!!) that could easily be erased from his mind (and hopefully the American People) with a spruced "speech" . It was a total affront to the American people that "they"(?) could trot this little man out with a piece of paper and call it an "address to the nation". That was offensive. That was arrogant.

IMPEACHMENT was *MY* first thought. Why wasn't there an immediate FEDERAL 1-800-LIGHTS ON number set up for those of us who had NO information? During this time our loved ones are usually traveling home from work or school. What about the children? Where was the White House "BLACK OUT" Command Center? Where was the National Security "Advisor", Condi Rice (yeah, I know, solving problems in OTHER countries!)? Once again, it would be a New York City mayor that would emerge as a hero in the absence of our pResident. New York's Mayor Bloomberg provided information within one hour of the lights off. He said four words that the nation waited to hear, "it was NOT terrorism". I think I heard the entire country EXHALE when he said that. I have to be honest I was mighty proud of Mayor Bloomberg, a Republican, and the leadership he provided during those dark moments. He was in supreme command as he jumped into action in his normal calm, deft demeanor. Again, "IMPEACHMENT" shot up and down my body as a tangible word, as tangible as I wanted it be, create it to be.

I found this definition of IMPEACHMENT* :

One entry found for impeach.


Main Entry: 1im·peach
Pronunciation: im-'pEch
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English empechen, from Middle French empeechier to hinder, from Late Latin impedicare to fetter, from Latin in- + pedica fetter, from ped-, pes foot -- more at FOOT
Date: 14th century
1 a : to bring an accusation against b : to charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office
2 : to cast doubt on; especially : to challenge the credibility or validity of <impeach the testimony of a witness>
3 : to remove from office especially for misconduct
- im·peach·able /-'pE-ch&-b&l/ adjective
- im·peach·ment /-'pEch-m&nt/ noun

*Source MERRIAM WEBSTER DICTIONARY
http://www.m-w.com/home.htm


The pResidents actions should be the subject of a congressional investigation. His behavior, his actions of that day should be examined. I don't think this pResident is no longer credible in a world that is increasingly certain that terrorism is certain to happen again. What is clear to me is that during the largest BLACK OUT in American history that involved two countries (Canada), the American people were left vulnerable, without information and helpless. That is a crime. An "IMPEACHABLE" crime.
_________________________________________________





The American Red Cross

Wow, what an incredible job The American Red Cross did for New York residents, visitors and tourists during the 2003 Black-Out. Red-Cross volunteers in New York State responded within hours after the Black-Out providing "cooling" centers, water, and counselors to anyone who needed someone to talk to. I have to admit I was NOT prepared for any kind of disaster and I think this is a good time to talk about preparing a "disaster" supplies kit. Of course there are the basics things you should stock for your home: water, first aid supplies, clothing, and non-perishable food. But there is one more item I think we should all have and it is no longer considered a luxury, a cell phone. It may not work during the immediate emergency, but it's a jump-start for informing loved ones where you are even if it's via voice mail. Get one, with an extended battery. Here is a link to Virgin mobile that offer's pay-as-you-go service. No credit check required. Perfect for "emergency only" usage or for our senior parents or younger children with instructions.

The following is an official list from The American Red Cross.
_______________________________________________

The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder


______________________________________
Questions of the Day

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?
__________________________________________
OK GANG, I'M OUTTA. CATCH YOU BACK MONDAY, 'IN' THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD




Undergroundrailroad

[foxy]

1. Now you post it?

I just posted asking where you were. :( glad to see you were just running late. :)

[undergroundrailroad]

5. HEY FOXY! I MISSED YOU!!

Where ya been! I've been thinking about you. I want you to post your DU Tour paper again for next week!

How is NC? Happy with the move??

Keep me posted Foxy.


Undergroundrailroad

[SiobhanClancy]

10. Answers

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?
Nothing to do with terrorism...my first(very selfish)thought was that I hoped it didn't affect Boston

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?
Out

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?
1)battery-operated radio
2)battery-operated fan
3)cash
4)San Pelligrino water
5)smoking materials...cigarettes and other dried vegetation of a particular type

[soleft]

2. Answers of the Day

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?

I didn't think it was terrorism until I heard Cleveland and Detroit were affected. I'm still skeptical that it isn't. When Bloomberg gave his last statement to the press, he said the president contacted me the other day about the black out, and I think it was a freudian slip.


2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

I was right in the middle of NYC sitting in front of my blank computer screen.

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?

Radio
Cash
Ibruprofin
Comfortable Shoes
Important Phone numbers, including those who live out of state, I had to call Pennsylvania to get a message to my girlfriend on the upper east side.

[undergroundrailroad]

9. Hey soleft! Thanks for dropping in to say hello!

OK fast track to the questions!

Yes, soleft, I agree. I heard those comments on the radio and I think it was a freudian slip. I still think the pResident was running from something. OH NO! Smack in the middle of NYC and your computer went blank. I don't DARE read your thoughts (not the thought police :( ). But how much more can we take? Now, in your survivor kit your five items are: radio, cash, medication, feel good shoes, important phone numbers. I like your kit, makes sense about the calling out of state to reach someone else. I had to do the exact same thing.

Thanks soleft for dropping in the UGRR to say hello. Glad your survived the Black Out as a true DUer would. Your a CLASS ACT!

Have a great day and good week ahead!


Undergroundrailroad

[soleft]

14. You have a great week too!

:thumbsup:

[undergroundrailroad]

23. Thanks soleft :-)

Mina :hi:

[Aristus]

3. Good morning, Mina!

I hope you are recovering nicely from the Outage. Or is that Outrage?
Yep, give the Chimp a problem and he'll ignore it and go on a fund-raiser,or a vacation, or blame it on Clinton; or, sheesh! All three! And there are still some hammer-headed troglodytes who think he's some kind of great leader! God, right-wingers are a black hole of stupidity!

Anywho....

1.) My first thought was not terrorism. My first thought was: we live in a massively overconsuming, power-hungry, conservation-ignorant nation. Of course, there's a power outage in the most populous region in the country.

2.)I was in the computer lab of my school in Renton, Washington. Far, far away from the shenanigans in the Northeast, thank God.

3.) My wife. Some cool DVD's. A TV. A generator. A good bottle of Merlot. With those items, I can survive anything.

Hope everthing is going well for you now. Have a good day. Mina! :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

12. Hey Aristus, what's up! How are you today?

Thanks for thinking of me and sending good wishes my way after the BLACK OUT. Yep, give the chimp a problem and he'll use "IGNORE"!

OK, FAST TRACK:

1. Wow, you didn't *think* terrorism! Aristus, you are a true leader! ARISTUS FOR PRESIDENT!
2. OK, when the BLACK OUT started, you were at school, in the computer lab, but far away from the NE! Glad to hear that.
3. In *YOUR*SURVIVOR KIT you must have your wife, cool DVD's, a TV, a generator, a good bottle of Merlot . WOW! THAT is a great kit Aristus!

Have a great day and wonderful week!

Love ya,

Mina


Undergroundrailroad

[Aristus]

16. Back atcha, babe.

Seeya,

Bob

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Caught it!

Love ya,


Undergroundrailroad

[foxy]

4. Not to be a pain but?

What exactly do you think the president should have done? I mean we have mayors (appointed people for select counties/cities) right? They are government officials too and they help when the president is trying to figure out what is going on--right? It just strikes me as funny that we think he should know immediately what is going on and be able to come right on alert status and let us know what to do.

Just an after thought.:shrug:

[undergroundrailroad]

15. R we talking about Chimp?

Sorry, but this was not just a "local" problem. This was a matter of NATIONAL SECURITY. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this but I will say this, a lot of things could have gone VERY WRONG, they did not. But to attend a fund-raiser to speak to the REPUBLICAN MILLIONAIRES ("Rangers" and the "Pioneers") while half of the country suffered with no electricity or power, was NOT appropriate behavior for The pResident of the United States. He could have rescheduled the speech for another time.


Undergroundrailroad

[foxy]

18. Understood

I agree

[Droopy]

6. Happy Monday, Undergroundrailroad

Answers:

1. My first thought when I heard was that I wondered if the place I was going was out of power and if I'd be able to do my job as usual. I didn't think terrorism.

2. I'm a trucker and I had a run from Dayton, OH to Cleveland, OH and back on the day the power went out. I was in route to Cleveland when the blackout occurred. I heard about it on the way up there. When I got there the security guards at the plant turned me back saying that management had sent everybody home. So my trip that day was in vain. The boss still payed me for it, though. There wasn't anything I could do. So I headed back home. Dayton was not affected by the blackout.

3. Bottled water, canned food, manual can opener, water purification system, battery powered or generator powered radio, candles, lighter or water proof matches and (forgive me) cigarettes.

[undergroundrailroad]

22. Hey Droopy! How are you today?

OK, fast track to the answers!

1. Did NOT, repeat did NOT think "terrorism". good!
2. Wow what a very interesting story. How did you hear? Radio? I know a little about CB radios, did you and others talk about it? I love truck-drivers. Many years ago, I was traveling on the road alone. I had a CB radio in my car. At one point I was traveling in the dark and I got scared because I couldn't see very well. Well, when I told this to one trucker's handle, about 5 truck drivers spotted me and told me to follow their lights and the two white lines. They got me through the night and I will NEVER forget that. CB Radios are not as popular now, but back in the era I was using it, it was considered state-of-the-art in communications.
3. Survivor kit (you should know about these!) Water, canned food, manual can opener (very important!) water purification system, battery powered or generator powered radio, candles, lighter or water proof matches and cigarettes (OK, I forgive you). WOW! A very well thought out kit!

Thanks for dropping in to say hello to me Droopy. When your out on the road give a toot toot for Undergroundrailroad, OK?

Love ya,


Undergroundrailroad

[Droopy]

24. I heard about the black out on a radio station out of Columbus.

Hooooooonk, Hooooooonk.

10-4, undergroundrailroad! Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down and I'll catch you on the flip side.

[undergroundrailroad]

31. THATS A 10-4

THANKS :hi:

[phaseolus]

7. answers

1. ... what was your *FIRST* thought?

Since I've worked for capital equipment manufacturers for 10 years now, I know that stuff just likes to break down now and then. First thought was "it must be a really hot day or something... musta been some kind of overload". Terrorism was the last thing on my mind.

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

I was in Montreal, on business. Quebec has its own power grid so we were unaffected up there. It was a truly miserable working day... our equipment is in a brand new addition, with no air handling, lots of uninsulated steam pipes... and since our stuff *uses* lots of steam the temperature by me was 105°F with high humidity. I found out about the blackout when I called my wife at the end of a 12-hour work day.

Couple hours later one of the owners took me out to a truly wonderful dinner at this "Vargas" place in Laval.

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?
Lots of bottled water... I dunno -- nylons, chocolate bars, a stack of russian rubles, and condoms?

[undergroundrailroad]

32. Hi Phaseolus! Welcome to the Undergroundrailroad!

Thanks for dropping in to say hello to me! Hope your day so far has been good.

Now, let me check your responses :)

1. Your first thought was overload, hot day, NOT terrorism. WOW! I also like your logic and the way you broke it down.

2. I like your Black Out day story. It had a happy ending with that great dinner! But being in Montreal, you weren't just a teeny bit nervous? I was surprised when I heard that the Black Out had extended to Canada.

3. And in your Survivor Kit, you MUST have bottled water (note: lots!), nylons, chocolate bars (yummy), a stack of Russian Rubles and, LOL Condoms? I won't ask!

Hey Phaseolus, thanks for dropping in to play along and I wish you a great week ahead!

Best wishes,


Undergroundrailroad

[BigMcLargehuge]

Happy Monday undergroundrailroad!

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?

"The power grid must run on a Windows-based IT backbone." I guess that betrays my techy-nerdiness and Macuser status huh? My second though was more interesting, at least to me, "Deregulation shows its true colors... Black" Since the dereg power companies have essentially ceased generating power and instead resell power generated in Canada or Mexico. Rather than being providers they are middle men. Introduce more possible single points of failure, and you increase the chances of a cascading error. With so many power companies playing the reseller game it wasn't a big surprise to me that the grid failed. I can't speak to whether the age of the infrastructure had anything to do with the failure, or whether to place the blame on actual business practice that let the outage propagate.

My best guess is that the failure was a combination of both.

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

I was home working in the home office editing a script on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). I'm in New Hampshire, and for now PSNH still generates "most" of their power. There are some advantages to natural monopolies I guess. We had power all weekend.

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?

The practical side of me must have:

Dried food and clean water (That counts as one item, yes?) in abundance.
Flashlight and batteries
first aid kit
radio
blankets

The less practical side of me must have:

A deck of cards
A stack of Heinlein books
Beer
Toilet paper
my wind up alarm clock

[undergroundrailroad]

33. Welcome BigMcLargehuge and MAC LOVER :-)

Welcome to the Undergroundrailroad where we meet on Mondays to kick-off the week, talk DU and answer questions of the day. I'm glad your here. Hey, what does your name mean? Something to do with McDonalds? Anyway, it's unique and different!

OK, let me check out your responses:

1. I like all the technical responses I'm receiving to the first question. There are a lot of "tec types" at DU and I found your analysis very interesting.

2. You were at home working in your home office.

3. And your survivor kit must have: Dried food, clean water (yes, it counts as one ;-), flashlight and batteries (this is VITAL!) radio (communication), blankets! You have a very well thought out kit!

I like your alternate kit :) Cards, Heinlein books (I would bring reading materail also, beer and the good ole to

Thanks for dropping in. Hope to see you again in the Undergroundrailroad.

Best wishes,



Undergroundrailroad

[BigMcLargehuge]

34. My nickname springs from a Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode

so nothing to do with the golden arches, but a lot to do with the plastic robots on one Satellite of Love.

[undergroundrailroad]

37. I love it! Thanks for your explanation,

plastic robots on one Satellite of Love :loveya:

So romantic ;-)

Thanks.

Mina :hi:

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

8. Hey UGRR

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?
A power plant had connection troubles/been destroyed

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?
I was half in, half out. I live Upstate New York and just north of Albany, so we got some brownouts and a small blackout, but nothing large. The village I go to school in did get the power out for about 5 hours.

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit
batteries, Goldfish (crackers- they last a long time), rope, Mp3 player (i'm serious) and... a compass. just for the hell of it! I'm bad at these and the "what would you take on a deserted island?" questions. Duct tape came in a close second though! :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

36. Hi LeftPeopleFinishFirst! How are you doing this evening?

OK, let me check you out:

1. Your first thought was a power plant had connection trouble or had been DESTROYED! Yikes!! (who dun it?)

2. So you live in Up State NY! I love Saratoga :) What a beautiful place to reside. In the 70's I would travel upstate every year to the Adirondacks where we would rent a cabin. Once our best friends were married in the cabin. We did the entire wedding in a cabin, cake and all. Can you believe I purchased a cake in NYC and held it in my lap for the entire ride?

3. OK, in your survivor kit you will need, Goldfish crackers (I just love those! and you just CAN'T have one!), Mp3 player (well, alright!), rope, compass (planning on getting lost?) and batteries! You know, I never thought of ANY of those items but you know, that where the word 'sharing' comes in to play! :)

Thanks for you visit LPFF, I really enjoyed it. Have a great week ahead.

Best wishes,



Undergroundrailroad

[jmm]

11. Hi!

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?

I wondered if it would spread to Boston, because all of the local news people went on about how the last major East coast black out affected this area. The local news said MBTA police were on full alert and Mitt Romney gave a press conference. I would've expected the president to speak out before he did.

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

My area wasn't affected. Only a few towns in Western Mass were.

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit?

My five things:

Water
A first aid kit
Flashlights
Radio and/or battery powered TV
some food

When I was young, thanks to hurricane Gloria, we had to go without power for three days. When the power went back on it sent a surge through the electric lines that destroyed every single appliance that was plugged in excpet for the fridge. Because of that I make sure to get surge suppresors and unplug everything when the power goes out for a while.

[BigMcLargehuge]

13. Oh man, Hurricane Gloria!!!

I spent all of that one and Hurricane Bob storm proofing my family's seaside restaurant. Two of the most exciting days of my life.

[undergroundrailroad]

38. Hi Jazzy J! How is the world treating you!!

Wow, how well I remember Hurricane Gloria! I was also without power (i think 3 days also) and food was destroyed. I remember a friend submitted a claim for all the food that was lost.

First, I'm glad to see you. I always think about you and how your doing (your my DU daughter and that's an honor!).

I am glad we are thinking along the same lines re the pResident :( LEADERSHIP?

Well, I can understand why your thinking Boston might be hit. When I heard the new in NYC they reported "eastern seaboard". Well, DUH, could you please provide MORE details please. Canada, Detroit, Cleveland and NYC?
In what order??

Your survivor kit would include:
Water
A first aid kit
Flashlights
Radio and/or battery powered TV
and some food

Let's hope we don't have to use those items :( But I think all the above in your kit SHOULD be packed in a bag and ready-to-go. REALLY GOOD CHOICES!

Love ya JJ :hi:

Mom :loveya:

[jmm]

41. Hi Mom!

In the past week I've discovered a cool cheap restaurant near me, shared some books, went to a DU gathering, did some shopping (had to hit the end of season sales), and went to the beach so the world's been pretty good to me.

[undergroundrailroad]

42. WOW! Your week sounds just great! Thanks for the update Jazzy,

take care and here's a ((HUG))

Love,

Mom

[GOPisEvil]

19. Another GREAT Daily!

1. Damn, they're gonna ROAST!! I can't imagine being without a/c in the summer. I think I would just fill my bathtub and lay in it periodically to stay cool. :-)

2. Here in the home of energy company liars, cheaters and theives: Texas. Specifically, in my office.

3. Batteries, a radio/cd player, gas lantern, assorted reading material, FOOD AND WATER! :-)

:hi: Mina!

[undergroundrailroad]

39. Now WHERE was the golf cart last Thursday when I needed a ride? Hey Babe,

how are you? I saw your question in "ask Jesus anything". Your just a cutie GOP!

OK, lets go to the video tape!

1. I LOVE the bathtub idea. I told my Mom to do just that!
2. TEXAS, OH NO :( (no answer required)
3. Your survivor kit is, radio, CD player, gas latern (YES! Now, that is a good one!!), reading material, (me too), food and water :)

Oh, you forgot something?? The GOLF CART !

Have a great week ahead (no black outs! :) )

Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[leftist_rebel1569]

20. Good Afternoon!

my answers:

1. I seriously thought..."dammit. I want to have another blackout here, too! I wanna see the milky way!" (there was a blackout that covered about half my city a few weeks ago, and my parents made me go to bed when all my friends were outside having fun...:()

2. I was at my friend's house (edit: In Minnesota)

3. Donuts, Milk, Laptop with really good batteries and high speed wireless internet connection, Power Generator, and a blanket.

[undergroundrailroad]

40. Hi leftist_rebel1569! Welcome to the Undergroundrailroad!

Thanks for stopping in and hanging a bit with us. Hey, I love your Avatar image :)

OK, let me check you out!

OH no! Next time I hope your parents will allow you to stay up and enjoy the fun. Actually, it like your living history. Perhaps if you tell your parents that you just want to absorb it all up, like something you will be able to tell your children, they might agree!

You know your story reminds me of something that happened between me and my son. It was the New Year of 2000! EVERY ONE wanted to be somewhere and document it in their minds. Well, my son wanted to go out with his friends. I insisted that he stay home with his family. I'm sorry I did that. Sometimes as parents we have to let go.

Now, you were at your friend's house, in MN. OK.

Your survivor kit would include, milk and donuts (ON NO! You are so adorable :) ) Your laptop (why of course! I agree) a power generator and a blanket.

Well, with that you have all the makings of comfort for the long haul. :)

Hey, come back again and see me, OK? I loved your answers!

Best wishes,


Undergroundrailroad

[proud patriot]

21. Good Monday UGRR

Questions of the Day

1. When you heard that a massive "BLACK OUT" plunged 50 million Americans in the dark along the Eastern Seaboard including Canada, what was your *FIRST* thought?

1):wtf: 2) my friends who live in the areas affected including
you Mina :loveya:

2. Where were *U* (in OR out of the affected areas) when the BLACK-OUT hit ?

I was at the A's Red Sox game at the Oakland Colisium in Calif.
I knew nothing of the blackout until I got home at 6pm PST

3. Name at least 5 things you MUST have in YOUR survivor kit
1)Water
2)Food and can opener
3)Flashlight and Batteries
4)Radio and Batteries
5)Emergency Blanket

[undergroundrailroad]

43. Hi PP! How are you?

Thanks for dropping in the UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD to say hello and jumpstart your week.

OK, the questions!

1. Your FIRST thought :wtf: (that's funny, and I thought that too!) and your friends including yours truly :) Thanks PP. I needed good karma coming in my direction :)

2. WOW! You were at a ball game. I'm glad they didn't announce it since it might cause panic. NOTHING stops a sports game in progress, NOTHING!

3. Your 5 items in your survivor kit would include:

1)Water
2)Food and can opener
3)Flashlight and Batteries
4)Radio and Batteries
5)Emergency Blanket

All great selections for the real emergency.

Thanks for stopping in to say hello PP.


Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[MaineDem]

25. Happy Monday!

FIrst of all, I have to tell you that I watched Aaron McGruder on C-SPAN the other day. What an inspirational young man. He was speaking of image and the media and he was fantastic! I love his politics and they show in his comic strip. He's not carried in our papers here and I decided to write to them and ask if they'll caryy Boondocks. No answer from them yet. Thank you for introducing me to Boondocks. :) and thanks for the apples. Granny Smiths are a daily staple for me.

1) My first thought was that it was just NYC and I wasn't concerned. I remember the '65 blackout and the one in the 70s. But when they said it covered all the way into Ohio and Michigan I questioned just what was up. To be honest, I never thought it was terrorism. At least not foreign terrorism.

2) I was in front of my computer screen here reading LBN. We never lost power here in Maine.

3) We lose power here a lot in the winter. I have candles, matches, blankets, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, and a radio with batteries.

Thanks for a great Monday post, UGRR! :)

[undergroundrailroad]

44. Thanks MaineDem for those kind words re the daily. I just love it when

the Monday Undergroundrailroad crowd gathers and have a great time. Your one of the crowd and I appreciate your support in this thread very much. :)

Isn't Aaron McGruder the greatest! The cartoons reflect our DU mantra and that is why I support Aaron. He is just wonderful and very talented. Thanks for your comments.

We will share an apple while we check out your responses :)

Now, what, when, where, why re 2003 Black Out

1. Your first thought was a repeat of NYC 's power black outs of 65 and the 70's. Yes, I did not get concerned until I heard that power was out in several states including Canada. But you did not think it was terror related. That seems to be what most DUers think.

2. Where were you? AT DU! Yeahhhhh!

3. Your survivor kit would include: candles, a radio, water, blanket, and canned food!
That is a great kit, I did not have many candles and I had to go out to purchase them.

Have a great rest of your week Maine Mary! Thanks for dropping in to say hello to me.

Love ya,


Mina :hi:

[proud patriot]

26. Kick

:kick:

[undergroundrailroad]

45. Thanks PP!

Mina :hi:

[UrbScotty]

27. Hi UGRR!

1. "Holy cow! What is going on?"
2. I was in DU, at my computer at home here in Kentwood, Michigan. (We didn't lose power.)
3. Flashlight(s); candle(s) with matches; food you don't have to freeze or refrigerate; $money$; and something to do/read.

In April, we lost power for two days in an ice storm.

[undergroundrailroad]

46. Hello, hello, hello ih8thegop!

I just LOVE it when you visit me in the Undergroundrailroad :) I love that user name.

OK, let me check you out.

1. First thought was Holy cow! What is going on?". Now that to me was my reaction. After 9-11 New Yorkers are strong, but something like this happens and your mind starts to play games.

2. You were at DU on your home computer. I'm glad your safe and it didn't cause any problems in Kentwood, MI.

3. Your survivor kit would include: candles with the much needed matches, food, and MONEY (yes! ATM's are down -- YIKES) and something to read.

EXCELLENT!

Love ya,

Mina :hi:
UGRR

[blazinjason]

28. Hey Mina. I like it! The 'BLACK OUT' Edition and your rant re *

I'll take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on rye (you do have rye or whole wheat for those of us on a diet ;-)

Answers!

1. When I heard that it was a power failure including Canada I though "power failure" but I was swaying both ways.

2. Work at the computer.

3. Wife, Kids, Water, Peanut Butter, Bread, Flashlight, Cell Phone (oh, you said five, right?) and my car!

Thanks Mina for a great daily and a good RANT!

IMPEACH BUSH !


PS: I wonder if anyone heard me ? :(


Have a good one Mina.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

48. I heard you, "IMPEACH BUSH"! You know something,

I think the American people are tired of games. It's like you fight-the-fights you can win. * likes to "upset" selected elections. :(

OK, let me check you out.

1. You really didn't know what was up. Understood. I was confused also.

2. You were at work on your computer. Well, if there is NO computer, no work?

3. Your survivor kit would include: Wife, Kids, Water, Peanut Butter, Bread, Flashlight, Cell Phone and your car. I was in my car listening to the radio with a cell phone to my ear!

Thanks so much for dropping in to say hello.

Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[catpower2000]

29. Good afternoon, Mina!!

Wow, what a great thread! Yes, once again Bush proves that he has no business squatting in the White House, and every day that goes by without real leadership there terrifies me, because there are so many terrible things that could happen before we get that liar and moron out of there.

On to the questions...

1. I really didn't think of terrorism, even though that was the logical conclusion. I thought it must have been a grid that was knocked out--which is what it turned out to be. I don't know why I thought that--and I don't know why I didn't think of terrorism. I think maybe I just look for the least awful option--when 9/11 happened, I was convinced the first plane had hit the tower by accident, then I watched in real time as the 2nd plane hit, and only THEN did I believe that someone might run planes into buildings on PURPOSE.

2. I live in Virginia, and it didn't get down this far. It wasn't even as far south as Philly, so my relatives were safe too. I think Northern Jersey was the furthest south it went. I heard about it here on DU, and then on NPR, and I just hoped they'd get the power back on as soon as possible. (However, I find something romantic about a blackout, although it's very inconvenient and can be dangerous--imagine a whole city as huge as NYC without lights--with everyone using candles and flashlights. I mean, it's an idealized version of what I'm sure the reality of the situation was, but still. There's something romantic about it.)

3. Okay, five things in my survivor kit. Bottled water, a radio, a generator, canned food, and blankets. That's the practical version. The fun version? CD's, candles, chocolate, massage oil, and a partner. :evilgrin:

Cat :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

49. Hi Catpower2000! How are you?

Cat, thank you for reinforcing my message re *. It is SO insulting that people are struggling in the dark and *goes to a campaign dinner. Yes, LEADERSHIP, where? And Cat you are so correct. So MANY things could go wrong in our country and where is he? Hiding behind Poppy's jacket. Thanks for your rant.

Now, on to the questions.

1. You didn't think of terrorism. That what most of the members said in this thread. But you are correct Cat. We didn't realize we were being attacked until the second plane hit the WTC,

2. You were safe in Virginia. I like something you said. The beauty of light bathing NYC. That is a beautiful site. That is the irony of it all. When in your lifetime will you see the ENTIRE of NYC dark. Cat, I'm sure the coffee-table books will be arriving in the book store soon.

3. Your survivor kit would include: water, radio, generator, canned food and blankets.
NOW, the fun version! CD's, candles, chocolate, massage oil, and a partner.
I think I like the alternate :)

Take care Cat and have a wonderful rest of your week.

Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[GoGo1]

30. Good Evening Undergroundrailroad

Kudos to you for a wonderful daily.

1. My first thought was terrorism . I'm glad I was wrong.

2. I was at home watching TV. Actually there was very little coverage about the black out for several hours. Then the major networks had 24/7 coverage. I think we need to improve on that. Information is vital when we're on an 'elevated' ? terror alert.

3. I actually have a bag packed at all times. This is in case I need to go to the hosptial or some emergency like the Black Out. In my overnight case, which I update from time-to-time, I have clothing, water (small bottle) tooth brush, towel, radio and a book. I would also take my purse.

Thanks UGRR for a great "Black Out" Edition!

GoGo :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

50. Hey GOGO. Thanks so much for your compliments.

Those are so much appreciated.

I want to thank you for your thoughtful responses and I look forward to your visiting the Undergroundrailroad again.

Have a great week ahead.

Best wishes,


Undergroundrailroad

[Crewleader]

35. Hi Mina & DU

1. My first thoughts of the black out was my friends in NYC...hoping they would be safe and not go a long time without power
...and those others places too!

2. I was here when the lights went out!

3. 5 things for survivoring

1a. sense of humor/ cash helps/ cell phone

2b. bottled water/lots of it

3c. flashlights & candles

4d. can food /hand can opener

5e. portable radio/ plenty of batteries

As always great daily Mina!

(((HUGS))) :loveya:

Catch you later my friend...:hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

51. Thanks Crew! I need a hug. Now, here is one for you,

Thank for all your kind words re the daily. Hey, I love it when my regulars, such as yourself, drop in to jump start their week.

OK, let's check you out:

1. First thought, friends in NY! Your a great friend Crew.
2. You were at DU (so was I Crew)
3. Your survivor kit would include: water, food, radio, and a flash light! I liked your comment about having a sense of humor! You really have to take it NOT so serious.

All great items for a emergency kit!


Thank for stopping in to say hello and I loved that warm hug.

Love ya,

Mina :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

47. I was driving with the radio on and it went all staticky, which I blamed

On the semi truck in front of me. Then when the announcer came back on and said," What the heck was that?" (very unannouncer like) my blood ran cold. Then I saw the stoplight out. Then I saw the next stoplight out and the next...and so on. I got home-sure enough-no electricity. So I headed back out to get daughter from volleyball, and by this time traffic was snarling up. Turned on the radio and got the news that it was a multi state breakdown. Got to the school, they were practicing so left it as was.

Then I made the mistake of trying to find ice. only 45 minutes after the blackout the whole of St Clair Shores was iceless. this was scary stuff, I had food to save. Luckily my neighbor-who was positive this was end times- gave us her generator as she took off for greeener, more electrified pastures.

Survival kit neccesities:

1. A sense of humor-we had a blast teaching the girls to play poker for pennies by candle light.

2. Really good neighbors. We got to know our new neighbors over snaking extension cords through the fence to hook their fridge to the generator. (we had three hooked up)

3. Water in the deep freeze. I bought 3 gallon jugs pre Y2k and left them there because I am basically lazy...and they were still good.

4. Cold rags wet place in bags and frozen. I had these for boo-boos the kids get, but they came in handy to cool us off in the heat.

5. A gas grill and plenty of stomach room to eat all the food we had to cook to keep from spoiling.

Endnote: we lost most of the food anyway.:(


***edited because Which is not spelled whick.

[undergroundrailroad]

52. I'm glad your daughter was safe.

Thanks for your visit and for your participation in the thread. Your answers were excellent.

Hope you will drop in again soon!

Best wishes,