Morehead City is the closest port to Camp Lejeune. Lots of military equipment goes thru there.

Here's hoping everyone is safe and okay. I read up a bit on the explosive, and it's fairly unstable.

I read elsewhere that 9 containers of unspecified size were punctured. I wonder how that happened.

People remaining in downtown Morehead City have been warned to stay away from windows and doors.

That part struck me funny.

People remaining in downtown Morehead City have been warned to stay away from windows and doors.

A **Fox News Alert** (We're all gonna die!) said a few moments ago that people who were in the area were being warned to keep their windows closed. Seems like dangerous advice.

Yikes. Hope all gets handled safely and quickly.

re: #5 SteveC

A **Fox News Alert** (We're all gonna die!) said a few moments ago that people who were in the area were being warned to keep their windows closed. Seems like dangerous advice.

Depends. Are they worried about the stuff blowing up, or about toxins?

re: #2 thedopefishlives

Here's hoping everyone is safe and okay. I read up a bit on the explosive, and it's fairly unstable.

Although, it's apparently quite difficult to detonate, as Captain Underpants discovered.

Great resort town nearby (Atlantis Beach)

Spent a summer there about 13 years ago

re: #3 John Neverbend

I read elsewhere that 9 containers of unspecified size were punctured. I wonder how that happened.

loading or unloading a box container pallet they were on, the load could have shifted causing the containers to smack against each other
Great resort town nearby (Atlantis Beach)

Good luck.
the largest explosion until we dropped abombs on people was a weapons carrying vessel that IIRC went up in nova scotioa(?).

Leveled half the town.

hopefully the only thing that happens today is someone gets inconvienenced and there's a bit of cleanup

re: #3 John Neverbend

I read elsewhere that 9 containers of unspecified size were punctured. I wonder how that happened.

Forklift accident.

re: #8 John Neverbend

Although, it's apparently quite difficult to detonate, as Captain Underpants discovered.

"Unstable" means that it decomposes quickly, which could make it unpredictable. In its usual form, it is hard to detonate via compression or heat, though it is sensitive to electric shock and friction.

re: #4 RogueOne

That part struck me funny.

Why? If there is a toxin in the air, or even noxious fumes, people can get sick from it

re: #4 RogueOne

If there's a massive explosion, the concussion blast would shatter glass - it's a safety precaution.

The containers could have been pierced by someone on a track loader who wasn't careful or the containers weren't up to spec. Human error is quite plausible.

re: #8 John Neverbend

Oh, and an upding for Captain Underpants. That made me laugh.

re: #15 thedopefishlives

Oh, and an upding for Captain Underpants. That made me laugh.

Thank you. I actually heard it used by John Derbyshire, although I have read some of the books.

This is obviously Obama's fault.

re: #10 theliel

Good luck.
the largest explosion until we dropped abombs on people was a weapons carrying vessel that IIRC went up in nova scotioa(?).

In Halifax to be precise.

re: #17 garhighway

Forgetting the sarc tag?

re: #7 SanFranciscoZionist

Depends. Are they worried about the stuff blowing up, or about toxins?

Now you know as well as I do that a FOX NEWS ALERT is designed to inflict the maximum amount of panic possible. They aren't going to concern themselves with details!

///

re: #14 lawhawk

If there's a massive explosion, the concussion blast would shatter glass - it's a safety precaution.

The containers could have been pierced by someone on a track loader who wasn't careful or the containers weren't up to spec. Human error is quite plausible.

You want to keep your blinds down, curtains shut--anything that will block the glass from being propelled into buildings.

re: #17 garhighway

This is obviously Obama's fault.

Yes. He's a sloppy forklift operator in his spare time from being President.

/

re: #21 SanFranciscoZionist

You want to keep your blinds down, curtains shut--anything that will block the glass from being propelled into buildings.

Hmm, don't know 'bout you all but, I'd high tail it the hell out of there.

re: #19 Varek Raith

Yes.

Sorry.

re: #23 Varek Raith

Hmm, don't know 'bout you all but, I'd high tail it the hell out of there.

The problem is that others will likely have the same idea, and they may close the streets to cars. I'd say pack a backpack and leave on foot.

re: #23 Varek Raith

Hmm, don't know 'bout you all but, I'd high tail it the hell out of there.

Better to stay indoors (albeit away from windows) until the situation is stabilized

re: #18 John Neverbend

In Halifax to be precise.

A shocking event. I visited the museum in Halifax some years ago.

The Halifax Explosion

re: #23 Varek Raith

Hmm, don't know 'bout you all but, I'd high tail it the hell out of there.

Sounds like the've evacuated the area, but essential personnel may be stuck there.

re: #10 theliel

Good luck.
the largest explosion until we dropped abombs on people was a weapons carrying vessel that IIRC went up in nova scotioa(?).

The Cleveland Gas Explosion was pretty bad.

The Cleveland East Ohio Gas Explosion occurred on the afternoon of Friday, October 20, 1944. The resulting gas leak, explosion and fires killed 130 people and destroyed a one square mile area on Cleveland, Ohio's east side.

Makes me wonder what really is happening.

Iranians assassinate pro-reform professor, blame Zionists

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday blamed Israel and the United States for the killing of a pro-reform nuclear physics professor in an explosion outside his Tehran home earlier in the day.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it had evidence that the bomb-rigged motorcycle which blew up outside Massoud Ali-Mohammadi's home was planted by Israeli and American "agents."

"In initial investigations, there are some indications of vices of the Zionist regime, the U.S. and their mercenaries in Iran in the terrorist incident," ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying in the report.

Ali-Mohammadi publicly backed opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi in the disputed June presidential election, and Iranian pro-reform Web sites prior to the contentious government elections had listed his name among a list of 240 Tehran University teachers who supported the opposition.

re: #30 filetandrelease

Makes me wonder what really is happening.

Most likely a loading/ unloading mishap and the authorities being cautious until stabilized

re: #10 theliel

I can recall three major incidents that caused widespread damage:

Black Tom explosion - it was sabotage, but explosion caused damage throughout the NY metro region - damaged Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and shattered windows for miles around.

Texas City explosion caused by ammonium nitrate fire/explosion killed hundreds, leveling a wide swath of the city.

The Port Chicago disaster in 1944 resulted in more than 300 killed, and was the result of munitions exploding during the loading of a Liberty ship during WWII.

re: #13 sattv4u2

Why? If there is a toxin in the air, or even noxious fumes, people can get sick from it

I pictured them putting Ric Romero, or Al Roker, on TV to let people know that there could be a huge explosion so you might want to stay away from your windows. Struck me funny.

re: #33 lawhawk

I can recall three major incidents that caused widespread damage

The Boston Molasses Disaster

A large molasses storage tank burst, and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150.

re: #35 SteveC

Now, that was a sticky situation. ///

re: #35 SteveC

Fascinating.
/Spock.

re: #33 lawhawk

I read a piece once by a man who lost his father in the Texas City explosion. They identified his father in that gymnasium by his watch, which was next to what remained of his father.

Very sad.

re: #37 Varek Raith

Fascinating.
/Spock.

Intriguing. /Data

re: #35 SteveC

re: #36 lawhawk

Happened less than 3 miles from where I was born and raised (although a tad before my time!!!)

Ports can be dangerous in any case. Here is some info about a fertilizer ship that exploded in Texas in 1947.

Here's a link to the essay that I read. Puts it in human perspective.

[Link: www.americanheritage.com...]

re: #4 RogueOne

Because of potential flying glass

re: #35 SteveC

Hi SteveC! Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) writes about that disaster in his latest novel, "The Given Day". Terrific book - if you haven't had the chance to read it yet.

re: #44 subsailor68

Hi SteveC! Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) writes about that disaster in his latest novel, "The Given Day". Terrific book - if you haven't had the chance to read it yet.

Let me put that on my list! Thank you!!!

re: #33 lawhawk

I can recall three major incidents that caused widespread damage:

Black Tom explosion - it was sabotage, but explosion caused damage throughout the NY metro region - damaged Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and shattered windows for miles around.

Texas City explosion caused by ammonium nitrate fire/explosion killed hundreds, leveling a wide swath of the city.

The Port Chicago disaster in 1944 resulted in more than 300 killed, and was the result of munitions exploding during the loading of a Liberty ship during WWII.

Port Chicago (actually in San Francisco Bay) also saw a nasty aftermath. More than 50 black stevedores were ultimately court-martialed for refusing to load ammunition ships after the blast. The base commander was Admiral Carleton Wright, who had been beached by the Navy after losing the Battle of Tassvaronga to a fore of Japanese destroyers who his own force of cruisers greatly outmassed.

re: #45 SteveC

Let me put that on my list! Thank you!!!

You're certainly welcome! It's not like Lehane's other novels, but is certainly a great look at Boston just after the First World War. I think you'll really enjoy it.

re: #44 subsailor68

Hi SteveC! Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) writes about that disaster in his latest novel, "The Given Day". Terrific book - if you haven't had the chance to read it yet.

I think that's the only Lehane book I haven't read. Is it his latest? I'll have to check the library for it.

re: #43 Ojoe

Because of potential flying glass

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #46 Dark_Falcon

I think it's normally Anglicized as "Tassafaronga".

Yeah... if I were there I would be in my basement curled in a fetal position hoping that the pros from dover know what they are doing and clean it up asamfp... but safely. Especially if I was reading this thread with all the worst cases :)

If it is terror related we won't know for a while, (for the record I don't think it is.) That said it's been media practice to release details in dribbles when things occur lately. I don't know if this is misplaced zeal to protect the public, but remember in the undie bomber case it was reported as "firecrackers" for an hour or two after the event.

re: #48 Mad Al-Jaffee

I think that's the only Lehane book I haven't read. Is it his latest? I'll have to check the library for it.

Hi Mad! Yep, it's his latest. It's out in paperback now as well - but I'm sure the library will have a copy. Truth be told, I wasn't all that keen on reading it at first, because it was so different from his other books (historical novel), but was really taken by it.

BTW, I kept seeing ads for Martin Scorcese's version of "Shutter Island", but then it just seemed to disappear. I don't think it was ever released? It's kind of a difficult film I should think, since once you know the ending, what's the point?

re: #46 Dark_Falcon

And to give Wright a little cover, I think we were still using supremely shitty torpedoes at that time. not that he didn't blow that engagement in other ways, but having torpedoes that don't work doesn't help.

re: #50 Obdicut

I think it's normally Anglicized as "Tassafaronga".

Thank you for that. I didn't have the books I normally use at my side when I wrote the comment, since I was trying to get it out quickly. Tassafaronga is a text book case of a smaller, well-led force turning the tables on a bigger, more powerful naval force.

re: #44 subsailor68

Hi SteveC! Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) writes about that disaster in his latest novel, "The Given Day". Terrific book - if you haven't had the chance to read it yet.

Oh, I'll have to add that to the "to read" list.
I'm always up for one of his books.

re: #53 subsailor68

I think they're holding back the release of Shutter Island so it will be out when the Academy makes their Oscar nominations. Something like that.

I wasn't crazy about the book (very predictable ending) but I'll probably see the movie (most likely on dvd.)

The NY Court of Appeals (state's highest court) has determined that Kenneth didn't have the frequency. The Dan Rather suit against CBS for breach of contract has itself been terminated. Rather will not pass go, and he will not collect the $70 million he hoped for.

I have to add - if you like Lehane, check out Richard Price and George Pelecanos. Both (along with Lehane) wrote for The Wire.

re: #57 Mad Al-Jaffee

I think they're holding back the release of Shutter Island so it will be out when the Academy makes their Oscar nominations. Something like that.

I wasn't crazy about the book (very predictable ending) but I'll probably see the movie (most likely on dvd.)

Heh! Me too.

;-)

re: #58 lawhawk

The NY Court of Appeals (state's highest court) has determined that Kenneth didn't have the frequency. The Dan Rather suit against CBS for breach of contract has itself been terminated. Rather will not pass go, and he will not collect the $70 million he hoped for.

Will he pay court costs?

re: #54 Obdicut

And to give Wright a little cover, I think we were still using supremely shitty torpedoes at that time. not that he didn't blow that engagement in other ways, but having torpedoes that don't work doesn't help.

None of Wright's five cruisers even had torpedoes, so they were not a major factor in his defeat. The IJN destroyers, on the other hand, each carried 8 or 9 of the excellent Type 93 Liquid Oxygen powered torpedo. This was a 24-inch monster that could kill a destroyer with a single hit.

re: #58 lawhawk

The NY Court of Appeals (state's highest court) has determined that Kenneth didn't have the frequency. The Dan Rather suit against CBS for breach of contract has itself been terminated. Rather will not pass go, and he will not collect the $70 million he hoped for.

That one is threadworthy, if only for the Throbbing Memo.

re: #55 Dark_Falcon

The Japanese had our ass in night battles and torpedo technology early on in the war. I'm glad we caught up, finally.

Nimitz was a hell of a dude.

re: #64 Obdicut

The Japanese had our ass in night battles and torpedo technology early on in the war. I'm glad we caught up, finally.

Nimitz was a hell of a dude.

He certainly was. He spent part of his youth here in our town (Kerrville, TX) and if you're ever in this part of the country the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg TX (one town over) is absolutely terrific!

Max Blumenthal on Sarah Palin

re: #62 Dark_Falcon

I'm sorry, that's not correct. The Fletcher definitely had torpedoes, not sure about the rest of the ships, but my memory of the incident is that a lot of them had torpedoes.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #65 subsailor68

I did not know that. Thanks very much! I'm a big WWII buff, especially in the Pacific theater.

Special delivery, a bomb, were you expecting one?

re: #61 wrenchwench

Nope. The only costs involved were $100 for reproduction for the motion before the Court of Appeals. Considering that CBS itself didn't exactly act as an upstanding party during the whole rathergate mess, having to pay their own way on court costs doesn't bother my conscience one bit.

Sitrep update:

Jones said the damage appeared to be an accident and there were no concerns about terrorism. He said a dock worker punctured a container as he was unloading barrels of the chemical.

Any accident involving hazardous materials must be reported immediately to the Morehead City Fire Department.

"That's how we found out about it," he said. "We don't think there's a danger. Everything is under control. But you have to be careful."

Officials had earlier said nine containers were punctured, but Jones said he was not sure exactly how many were damaged.

The definition of explosives for shipping purposes can apply to lots of substances. My first job out of grad school was as an assistant manager of a distribution center that shipped drums of hazardous chemicals. We used to hammer the tie down loops inside of containers until they were flat against the wall and posed no danger to the drums no matter how badly someone handled them. One shipper tried to pass the fault of a lawsuit to us when they mishandled a container and caused the contents to shift. The resulting leak shut down the port of LA for half a day to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.

When they assign blame for whatever caused this mishap you don't want to be "that guy."

re: #68 Obdicut

I did not know that. Thanks very much! I'm a big WWII buff, especially in the Pacific theater.

Okay, if you're a Pacific theater buff, you need to put this on your vacation list! We all call it the Nimitz, but the real name is:

National Museum of the Pacific War.

I was lucky enough to attend the dedication ceremony for the U.S.S. Pintado - which is a great outdoor exhibit (there's a picture on the web site) - and the dedication of the George H. W. Bush gallery.

re: #67 Obdicut

I'm sorry, that's not correct. The Fletcher definitely had torpedoes, not sure about the rest of the ships, but my memory of the incident is that a lot of them had torpedoes.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

I said cruisers, not destroyers. The Fletcher indeed had the most torpedo tubes of any ship in the engagement, with a total of ten tubes.

re: #64 Obdicut

The Japanese had our ass in night battles and torpedo technology early on in the war. I'm glad we caught up, finally.

Nimitz was a hell of a dude.

I once mailed a letter to a friend residing in Japan. In an odd coincidence, the stamp sported a picture of Admiral Nimitz, and by chance the date was VJ Day.

re: #71 lawhawk

...a dock worker punctured a container as he was unloading barrels of the chemical.

Yeah- that's the guy you don't want to be. Or his boss, or his bosses boss...

re: #71 lawhawk

A couple of nights ago, some of the posters here were sharing forklift accident stories.

re: #17 garhighway

This is obviously Obama's fault.

There were no industrial accidents involving explosive material under President Bush!

re: #74 Dark_Falcon

Oh, sorry. He did fire-- just looked on wiki-- a total of 24 torpedoes, none of which were successful. I think they could have had an effect, but I think you are completely right to say it shows a smaller force turning the tables. The Japanese made much better decisions than Wright did.

re: #58 lawhawk

The NY Court of Appeals (state's highest court) has determined that Kenneth didn't have the frequency. The Dan Rather suit against CBS for breach of contract has itself been terminated. Rather will not pass go, and he will not collect the $70 million he hoped for.

This just popped into my mind

what's the frequency kenneth?

re: #77 SteveMcG

A couple of nights ago, some of the posters here were sharing forklift accident stories.

I rode one of those things long enough to know I appreciated the skill involved and didn't want to develop mine any further. A paradox of our economy is that we have people with our lives in their hands constantly and we pay them minimum wage to do it.

re: #78 jamesfirecat

There were no industrial accidents involving explosive material under President Bush!

There were no accidents. Rove was in control of the time space continuum. /

re: #66 Killgore Trout

Max Blumenthal on Sarah Palin

In the Related Programs column:

Noam Chomsky on...
Michael Moore on...
Helen Thomas on...

Masthead tagline: "The world is thinking"

re: #76 DaddyG

You want to be the guy who was

a. on vacation

b. has 3,584 memos showing that he told them not to do that

c. didn't work there anyway

re: #83 The Sanity Inspector

Blumenthal is a notorious lefty.

re: #79 Obdicut

Oh, sorry. He did fire-- just looked on wiki-- a total of 24 torpedoes, none of which were successful. I think they could have had an effect, but I think you are completely right to say it shows a smaller force turning the tables. The Japanese made much better decisions than Wright did.

They had a much better commander. Rear Admiral Raizo Tanaka was one of the best destroyer commanders of the war. Wright also erred in delaying permission for William Cole, the commander of Flecher, to open fire thus giving the IJN time to get out of the killzone for many of the American 'tin fish'. Had they been fired right away, even the US torpedoes of the time would have done some damage.

re: #86 Dark_Falcon

I don't know much about Tanaka-- like a lot of Americans, I've concentrated mostly on the US personalities involved in the war. Just starting to really get a grip on the Japanese. I'll make sure to pay particular attention to Tanaka.

Do you know of any good books focusing mainly on the Japanese commanders?

re: #87 Obdicut

I don't know much about Tanaka-- like a lot of Americans, I've concentrated mostly on the US personalities involved in the war. Just starting to really get a grip on the Japanese. I'll make sure to pay particular attention to Tanaka.

Do you know of any good books focusing mainly on the Japanese commanders?

There aren't many. One book that is on my "to read" list is The Battle of Surigao Strait, which has a very good look of Admiral Nishimura. I'll make sure to tell you if I find others.

Terible, jus terible.
Evacuation means running away. Action not reaction is what is needed to win a war. Make no mistake about it. The war is ON.