Hurricane Sandy Open Thread
Here’s an open thread for updates and news about the gigantic hurricane now beginning to batter the east coast. Landfall is predicted at 6 pm Eastern, near Atlantic City.
Here’s an open thread for updates and news about the gigantic hurricane now beginning to batter the east coast. Landfall is predicted at 6 pm Eastern, near Atlantic City.
1 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:15:56am |
Steady sideways rain here. My stockade fence is about to blow away, and the wind is howling. It's getting scary now.
This cannot be over soon enough for my tastes.
2 | garhighway Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:16:23am |
Starting to get windy here on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
3 | Cannadian Club Akbar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:17:37am |
It has been raining since 11PM last night and the winds are becoming more sustained. My friend and I are gonna walk down to the creek in a bit. The creek runs down from a mountain. Wish I still had my digital camera to take a pic.
4 | Interesting Times Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:18:25am |
Um, Sandy appears to be occupying Wall Street. No pleasure in it, just noting.— Bill McKibben (@billmckibben) October 29, 2012
5 | Sophist, Gingham Style (AKA Bronco Bama) Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:18:52am |
Yikes.
All you east coast lizards keep your heads down, okay?
6 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:19:31am |
Wow! Quite a push. Note how far out at sea the center still is.
7 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:19:51am |
California Dems say hundreds of voter registrations were flipped
Reporters with The Press-Enterprise explained on Sunday that they began interviewing voters after noting a huge surge of Republican voter registrations, including about 4,800 people who’d changed their affiliation to Republican.
“But voter interviews suggest that the per-registration bounty program, bankrolled by wealthy activists and large business interests, encouraged some signature gatherers to cut corners,” they wrote.
Voters told the paper they they never consented to being registered Republican, and some of them claimed they didn’t even know they were registering to vote. Some claimed their information was taken after they were asked to sign a petition, while others said they believed the forms were to sign up for doing poll work on Election Day. One person even said that they were promised a job in exchange for personal information, only to have a Republican voter registration arrive in the mail weeks later.
The story seems to confirm claims by California Democrats in Riverside County, who say that a Republican voter registration operation is wrongly adding voters to the Republican rolls to build the appearance of an advantage. That group, The Golden State Voter Participation Project, was targeted last month by the Riverside County Progressive Political Action Committee, which filed an official complaint with the county’s registrar of voters.
9 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:22:15am |
Stay safe all you Eastcoasters. It's coming. Hold on. :-/
And TY for the open thread, Charles. It never ceases to amaze me how informative your site is when we all pull together.
10 | Sophist, Gingham Style (AKA Bronco Bama) Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:22:36am |
re: #4 Interesting Times
Um, Sandy appears to be occupying Wall Street. No pleasure in it, just noting.
Anyone out there yelling at it to "stop raping people"?
11 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:22:51am |
12 | garhighway Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:23:13am |
Random thought: this storm is a perfect alibi for whoever loses in the upcoming election.
13 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:23:29am |
re: #10 Sophist, Gingham Style
Anyone out there yelling at it to "stop raping people"?
Zombie Breitbart?
14 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:23:53am |
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
Bonjean said Monday he didn’t think “anybody cares” about Romney’s debate statements against the agency, instead suggesting that President Barack Obama could be jumping the gun by mobilizing FEMA ahead of Sandy’s arrival.
“I think people care about whether or not their power’s on, whether or not their basement’s going to be flooded,” he said. “And I think that if the president gets too far in front of this and something goes wrong, people are going to remember, hey, my power’s not out, and the president’s talking about FEMA. I’m not a real big fan of FEMA. That could sway their vote.”
15 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:24:19am |
re: #12 garhighway
Hopefully people will understand that cutting FEMA and NOAA like Romney wants to is a bad Idea- like crossing the streams.
16 | recusancy Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:24:44am |
Even seeing a bit of it here all the way in mid Michigan. Wind at 20 - 30 mph
17 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:24:50am |
re: #14 Kragar
He's right. People really are that stupid.
18 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:25:41am |
re: #16 recusancy
Even seeing a bit of it here all the way in mid Michigan. Wind at 20 - 30 mph
Waves up on the Great Lakes.
19 | erik_t Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:25:45am |
re: #14 Kragar
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
That's dumber than Jim Hoft.
20 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:26:07am |
re: #14 Kragar
Ok, I can't comprhend that quote, I think I am reading it incorrectly- is that person saying that, wait, I just don't understand what is being said-about the power going out
Translator please
21 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:26:43am |
re: #16 recusancy
I'm on the Wisconsin side of Lake Mich- not seeing much yet. . .
22 | AK-47% Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:28:18am |
re: #14 Kragar
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
He's going to get his fingers slapped, not for being dumb, but for tipping their hand: of course this is someting they're going to dogpile on, however Obama handles the disaster relief.
23 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:29:00am |
re: #21 DisturbedEma
I'm on the Wisconsin side of Lake Mich- not seeing much yet. . .
High seas reported on Lake Huron, between Michigan and Ontario.
24 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:29:27am |
re: #12 garhighway
Random thought: this storm is a perfect alibi for whoever loses in the upcoming election.
There was an article on my fb --NY Times about this.
"In Middle of a Messy Election, a Nightmare Makes Landfall"
25 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:30:02am |
re: #23 Sheila Broflovski
Just went and checked, they are asking us to be prepared for winds possible power outages. . .waves could reach 20 feet. . .whoa!
26 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:30:10am |
re: #20 DisturbedEma
Ok, I can't comprhend that quote, I think I am reading it incorrectly- is that person saying that, wait, I just don't understand what is being said-about the power going out
Translator please
Obama is going to lose votes for spinning up FEMA over nothing, the nothing being one of the biggest storms we've seen in a while.
27 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:30:15am |
Good thing most of the amateur sailors have docked for the season in the Great Lakes.
29 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:31:14am |
30 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:31:19am |
Someone posted this in the overnight thread. Compared to this morning, it's getting quite hairy...
[Link: nyharborwebcam.com...]
31 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:31:35am |
Hurricane Sandy damage estimated to hit as much as $20 billion
Damage from the massive Hurricane Sandy battering the US East Coast could hit as much as $20 billion, disaster estimator Eqecat said Monday.
Eqecat said total damage costs could run from $10 billion to $20 billion, with insured damage of $5-10 billion.
“Sandy is a large storm, impacting 20 percent of the US population,” Tom Larsen, senior vice president, said in a statement.
That put the projected damages of Sandy, which has shut down public and business activity on much of the region from North Carolina to Massachusetts, more in line with Hurricane Ike in 2008, and larger than Hurricane Irene of 2011, which caused some $10 billion in damage.
32 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:32:04am |
re: #24 Gretchen G.Tiger
I remember during 2008- when McCain said he'd pause his campaign to return during the debt crisis of the time, I just can't remember the reaction to that, did Obama do the same? Or am I mistaken?
33 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:32:32am |
re: #14 Kragar
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
Apparently this clown didn't get the memo that Romney is now pretending he never said anything about defunding FEMA.
[Link: www.politico.com...]
34 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:32:37am |
35 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:33:00am |
re: #26 Kragar
Ok, so this person is batshit crazy and Obama can't win no matter what he does?
36 | R.M, Ramallo Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:33:27am |
Hubby just got out of a county EMA meeting.
They're talking about closing schools here tomorrow.
In Ohio.
This is crazy...
37 | Mocking Jay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:33:44am |
re: #33 Charles Johnson
Apparently this clown didn't get the memo that Romney is now pretending he never said anything about defunding FEMA.
[Link: www.politico.com...]
They need to give surrogates more time to catch up to Mitt's lies. Seriously, there should be a flowchart or something.
38 | Obdicut Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:33:59am |
I just had my first power interruption.
Whoo hoo.
39 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:34:04am |
Trump insists effort to extort Obama for charity has ‘tremendous momentum’
For some reason, “Fox & Friends” actually wanted to know on Monday what President Barack Obama’s response has been to Donald Trump’s attempt at extortion. There’s of course been no response, but that didn’t stop them from asking.
“First of all, I have to tell you there’s tremendous momentum,” he said. “When I originally did it the first little while, people didn’t quite get it. And there was a little bit of a backlash, there was some people who didn’t like it — but there were a lot of people that did. Now there’s unbelievable momentum.”
Unbelievable I can believe.
40 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:34:36am |
re: #16 recusancy
Even seeing a bit of it here all the way in mid Michigan. Wind at 20 - 30 mph
I'm an hour north of Detroit and my dogs were being blown over in the yard. Mom just said they expect gusts up to 100 mph (which sounded very high to me, but she saw a woman blown across the sidewalk on her way home). All I do know is that it is SERIOUSLY windy here. I keep waiting for the power to go out.
41 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:34:48am |
re: #32 DisturbedEma
I remember during 2008- when McCain said he'd pause his campaign to return during the debt crisis of the time, I just can't remember the reaction to that, did Obama do the same? Or am I mistaken?
I can't remember either. I forgot all about that.
42 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:34:52am |
re: #37 Mocking Jay
Kind of like the Twilight Zone movie with that mind reading kid.
43 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:35:23am |
re: #38 Obdicut
Unplug your sensitive equipment please.
44 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:35:24am |
Weather here in NM: sunny, 74 degrees, humidity 16%. Can we have just a little rain, please?
45 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:35:25am |
re: #34 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne
Sandy ate my baby.
Truly not funny, neither was my comment. Sad situation. WE should go there with the puns.
I apologize for starting it.
47 | dragonath Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:01am |
New York NWS is expecting wind gusts of up to 75mph this evening.
[Link: forecast.weather.gov...]
48 | SpaceJesus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:22am |
Bill fucking Kristol targeting Jews in VA with a robocall of a fake debate between Bibi and Obama
[Link: blogs.jta.org...]
49 | PhillyPretzel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:24am |
re: #44 wrenchwench
Sorry. We are hogging it here on the East Coast. ///
50 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:27am |
re: #42 Amory Blaine
Kind of like the Twilight Zone movie with that mind reading kid.
"Wish him into the cornfields!"
51 | AK-47% Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:44am |
re: #32 DisturbedEma
I remember during 2008- when McCain said he'd pause his campaign to return during the debt crisis of the time, I just can't remember the reaction to that, did Obama do the same? Or am I mistaken?
If he does he is "politicizing the disaster" and if he doesn't he is "neglecting his Preisdential duties to campaign"...win win for the GOP Talking Points generators.
52 | Mocking Jay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:44am |
53 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:52am |
Gee. Imagine that.
Romney's outreach appears to be along partisan lines: He's called GOP governors, not Dem govs buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/ro...— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) October 29, 2012
54 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:36:57am |
So far, calm and sunny in the Very Far Western 'burbs of Chicagoland. I hear we are going to be getting some of the winds.
I keep wondering how it will play out with the Great Lakes and our area.
55 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:21am |
I'm on the Delaware near Center City. Just choppy, so far, but I'm running out of Oreos.
56 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:23am |
57 | Obdicut Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:28am |
re: #43 Amory Blaine
Unplug your sensitive equipment please.
I have a protective thingamgig and a whatsit.
58 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:42am |
Partly Cloudy
63°F
17°C
Humidity30%
Wind SpeedW 6 mph
Barometer30.16 in (1017.1 mb)
Dewpoint30°F (-1°C)
Visibility70.00 mi
59 | R.M, Ramallo Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:47am |
Winds are picking up here.
Shit! From the East.
It's been steadily raining since Friday with temps holding in the low 40's.
This Halloween was a bust.
If it snows, I'm gonna be pissed.
60 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:37:52am |
re: #31 Kragar
Hurricane Sandy damage estimated to hit as much as $20 billion
No problem, the states will pick up the tab!
/Romney
61 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:38:12am |
re: #57 Obdicut
I have a protective thingamgig and a whatsit.
I hate to be a nagging old man but sometimes those don't work.
62 | redtickbeer Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:38:16am |
Intensity picking up here in Northern DE. Worst of it is still hours away.
64 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:38:37am |
re: #32 DisturbedEma
I remember during 2008- when McCain said he'd pause his campaign to return during the debt crisis of the time, I just can't remember the reaction to that, did Obama do the same? Or am I mistaken?
No to both...because it was an insane stunt on McCain's part. From what I remember, they had a deal going in DC until McCain went back at which point, the deal they were about to vote on got side-winded and it took longer to get a vote on.
65 | AK-47% Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:39:06am |
66 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:39:07am |
I have a case of bottled water here, and it's Perrier. :)
67 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:39:10am |
The weather doesn't seem to be bothering the cormorants. I just saw one come up with a fish.
68 | erik_t Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:39:24am |
re: #53 Lidane
Gee. Imagine that.
@BuzzFeedBen Romney's outreach appears to be along partisan lines: He's called GOP governors, not Dem govs buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/ro…
But it wouldn't all be so bad, you see, since Mitt is such a moderate and is so willing to work across the aisle...
/
70 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:21am |
re: #66 Sheila Broflovski
I have a case of bottled water here, and it's Perrier. :)
Slightly chilled with lemon wedges?
71 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:24am |
re: #12 garhighway
Random thought: this storm is a perfect alibi for whoever loses in the upcoming election.
During a call in show this morning, a local fundy said the storm is divine providence since it will throw the election to Romney. His reasoning was that turnout will be suppressed in the aftermath and low turnout favors Republicans. This is because God-fearing property owners are much more dedicated than the hippies and welfare bums who make up the Democrat constituency.
72 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:31am |
re: #40 Joanne
I'm an hour north of Detroit and my dogs were being blown over in the yard. Mom just said they expect gusts up to 100 mph (which sounded very high to me, but she saw a woman blown across the sidewalk on her way home). All I do know is that it is SERIOUSLY windy here. I keep waiting for the power to go out.
We've got sustained winds of 60 MPH here. They're saying gusts could reach 90, so the odd 100 MPH gust is conceivable - here, at least.
73 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:33am |
Obama returns to White House to monitor response to Hurricane #Sandy, right-wing media ridicule him for it: mm4a.org/SsOnhu— Media Matters (@mmfa) October 29, 2012
74 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:34am |
75 | darthstar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:49am |
In other news, my $20 betting slip I picked up last March for the Giants to win the World Series is now worth $260 (12:1 plus the original 20). That feels pretty good.
76 | dragonfire1981 Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:40:50am |
re: #7 Kragar
California Dems say hundreds of voter registrations were flipped
Imagine if you will, the exploding heads on the other side of the aisle if it were a DEMOCRATIC group using these tactics.
77 | dragonfire1981 Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:41:19am |
78 | erik_t Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:41:25am |
re: #57 Obdicut
I have a protective thingamgig and a whatsit.
Don't unplug everything and go hide in your basement, but don't actively taunt the storm.
80 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:42:38am |
Damaged, dangling crane atop (for now) 1 57th Street NYC. twitter.com/jonathanwald/s...— Jonathan Wald (@jonathanwald) October 29, 2012
81 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:42:52am |
I found the funniest thing after a storm is when we try to walk on solid ground and our ears are still thinking there are waves.
82 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:00am |
83 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:17am |
Here's a better shot of #Sandy-damaged crane on new 57th St. hi-rise danglingin wind. instagr.am/p/RYGSPsKWiS/— Jonathan Wald (@jonathanwald) October 29, 2012
84 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:18am |
Because it's all about me . . .
I have to say I hate serious shit like this storm. Makes it hard to be my sarcastic, foot-loose self.
I really hope the infrastructure holds for this one and death and destruction is kept to a minimum.
85 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:45am |
re: #82 Amory Blaine
I still want to learn how to play "If You Could Read My Mind".
What a tale your thoughts would tell . . .
86 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:46am |
Misleading Romney Auto Ad Backfires With Media
Mitt Romney’s final attempt to swing Ohio polls in his direction is a bit too much for a number of political reporters, and is now facing an aggressive response from the Obama campaign.
In news articles, tweets, and other media, members of the national press, usually reluctant to criticize campaigns directly, have taken Romney to task for running a misleading TV ad creating the false impression that Jeep will ship jobs to China because of President Obama’s auto rescue.
87 | AK-47% Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:57am |
re: #74 Gretchen G.Tiger
Do you have any idea how tired I am of that song.
When I was growing-up in the Detroit area, they played it over and over and over. Seems to be a Theme Song for the Great Lakes area.
Shame the song got beat to death on the radio, it is one my Gordon Lightfoot faves...I learned it right after it came out.
88 | darthstar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:43:59am |
re: #76 dragonfire1981
Imagine if you will, the exploding heads on the other side of the aisle if it were a DEMOCRATIC group using these tactics.
Republicans will accuse the Democrats of doing this either way. If they get caught, they claim 'both sides do it' even if it isn't true...and that's the story that people take away because they want to believe that both parties are equally shitty (and thus equally good so they won't feel bad about supporting assholes like Mitt Romney).
89 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:45:28am |
re: #14 Kragar
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
Wonderful timing, like knocking the Navy budget on December 8, 1941.
90 | nines09 Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:45:31am |
re: #14 Kragar
GOP strategist: Romney ‘right on the button’ in knocking FEMA
Seems just about every time Romney opens his yap his PR machine spits out a "nobody cares about (fill in the blank). Ergo, Romney is just passing gas.
91 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:45:45am |
re: #43 Amory Blaine
Unplug your sensitive equipment please.
Good idea. Thanks! I just unplugged the computer and printer upstairs. Last time we had a storm, my printer fried out.
92 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:46:28am |
re: #80 Gus
That's not far from Mrs. Lawhawk's offices in Midtown Manhattan. I've got similar concerns for the tower cranes at the WTC - and there's close to a dozen of them - including 4 on the Freedom Tower itself (more than 1,000 feet high and the winds are significantly higher at altitude than at the surface.
93 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:47:00am |
Haven't seen any lightning or heard any thunder in Philadelphia.
94 | PhillyPretzel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:47:11am |
I just got several phone calls to lower my electric bill and a presidential poll. I thought this would stop when I got an unlisted number.
95 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:47:40am |
Landfall is predicted at 6 pm Eastern, near Atlantic City.
96 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:47:43am |
Well, the winds have picked up significantly here in Bergen County. Now have some small to moderate branches down. And we've still got a long way to go....
99 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:48:00am |
re: #57 Obdicut
I have a protective thingamgig and a whatsit.
I love it when we get all techy! Giggity!
100 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:48:00am |
re: #92 lawhawk
That's not far from Mrs. Lawhawk's offices in Midtown Manhattan. I've got similar concerns for the tower cranes at the WTC - and there's close to a dozen of them - including 4 on the Freedom Tower itself (more than 1,000 feet high and the winds are significantly higher at altitude than at the surface.
Not just cranes as well.
101 | Amory Blaine Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:48:42am |
Off to the salt mines. I hope you all stay safe thorough the storm.
102 | aagcobb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:49:32am |
103 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:49:38am |
re: #100 Gus
True - but those tower cranes are gnarly in weather like this. And any loose construction materials at those sites could cause major damage.
It's going to be a sleepless night.
104 | CuriousLurker Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:49:41am |
re: #73 Lidane
[Embedded content]
Imagine my surprise.
Obama returns to White House = Right-wing media ridicule
Obama remains on campaign trail = Right-wing media ridicule
Obama [insert action] = Right-wing media ridicule...
105 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:49:48am |
Fun fact, from my local Weather Underground page:
Temperature
60.8 °F
Feels Like 60.8 °F
106 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:50:12am |
Romney and FEMA: Would Republican favor local approach?
Romney hasn’t specifically explained in what ways or by what amount he’d try to cut FEMA funding, but he has set ambitious goals for reducing federal outlays other than on defense and entitlement programs.
He has endorsed the House-passed fiscal year 2013 budget blueprint which called for greater efficiency in disaster relief spending.
...
He also said on his campaign Website that he wants to see Congress enact the budget plan drafted by his running mate, House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan, which the House passed last March but which the Senate rejected.The Ryan blueprint said it seeks to “ensure that those state and local governments most in need are receiving the assistance required.”
It calls for “improving efficiencies in state and local programs” when it comes to disaster recovery and “improved cost-estimating and efforts to help states and localities use existing resources to help communities recover from disasters expeditiously and cost-effectively.”
...
The GOP plan argues that the Obama administration has been too liberal in its use of taxpayer funds by labeling too many events as disasters worthy of federal money.“The current administration has issued a total of 2,213 disaster declarations— 66 percent of all FEMA disaster declarations since 1953 in the span of three years alone,” said the Budget Committee report. That report also cites a study by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office which found that from 2002 to 2011, “presidents have declared 35 percent more disasters than they did during the preceding decade.”
The Budget Committee argued that “When disaster-relief decisions are not made judiciously, limited resources are diverted away from communities that are truly in need.”
The GOP plan said Congress ought to “take a closer look at” steps such as reducing federal spending “by updating disaster declaration eligibility indicators, like per capita thresholds and other major disaster metrics, by (for example) adjusting for inflation.”
Congress must try to “increase transparency in the way that disaster declaration decisions are made,” the report said, which seems to imply that some disaster declarations are not made for legitimate reasons but rather because a powerful member of Congress or governor is able to persuade the president to send federal money.
107 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:50:27am |
108 | Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:50:31am |
re: #95 Charles Johnson
just heard on MSNBC the storm is picking up speed.
109 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:50:35am |
Will haarp delay the election?— Roseanne Barr (@TheRealRoseanne) October 29, 2012
Derp.
110 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:51:13am |
You, know, I could have sworn I had a couple flower pots on the stern.
112 | aagcobb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:52:01am |
re: #39 Kragar
Trump insists effort to extort Obama for charity has ‘tremendous momentum’
Unbelievable I can believe.
Extra moronic.
113 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:52:07am |
re: #109 Gus
[Embedded content]
Derp.
Handing over the codes for the Halliburton tsunami/earthquake/hurricane generator must have been one of the hardest parts of the transition for Bush.
114 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:52:51am |
re: #109 Gus
[Embedded content]
Derp.
As of yesterday this was the top google result for "Obama fema"
Obama Justifies FEMA imprisonment of civilians !!!
115 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:13am |
re: #82 Amory Blaine
I knew what it was before I clicked- pretty iconic of the region. . .
116 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:15am |
re: #106 Killgore Trout
Romney: Federal Disaster Spending is "Immoral."
How Romney and Ryan Would Severely Impair Disaster Relief Efforts.
Last year, after a major tornado and flood struck the United States, Romney was asked in a debate about federal disaster relief funding. Romney not only suggested shuttering FEMA and sending responsibility for disaster relief "back to the private sector," but also said it would be "immoral" for the federal government to fund disaster relief efforts without cutting the budget elsewhere. "It makes no sense at all," Romney concluded. Watch it:
Ryan's 2012 budget took a similar approach to disaster funding. As The Hill noted in May 2012, Ryan's budget called for any disaster relief funding to "be fully offset within the discretionary levels provided in this resolution." In other words, Congress would have to agree on cuts elsewhere in the budget if it wanted to dole out funds after a disaster. This idea was so far out of the mainstream that even Republican legislators abandoned the idea. Ryan opposed Obama's efforts to build significant funding for disaster relief into the budget, a move intended to avoid the kinds of delays forced by Cantor and the Tea Party last year.
117 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:16am |
Historians: Romney Makes Nixon Look Like An Open Book
Candidates in earlier decades inhabited different political cultures, faced different pressures and different media. In some ways, those differences have made it harder for Romney to get by on a purely superficial appeal to voters. But Ornstein said despite new challenges, Romney stands alone as the least-known quantity to be within grasping distance of the White House in the modern era.
“I think there’s nobody like Romney,” Ornstein. “Romney is like the Michael Phelps of presidential candidates. if you’re looking for gold medals in terms of audacious lying, and adamant refusal to turn over personal information, nobody comes close. I’m sure others would’ve liked to have done it, but the culture in the past was one where lying attracted some level of approbation and shame.”
To Bruce Buchanan, a presidential historian at the University of Texas at Austin, Romney’s drawn attention to himself in a unique way.“Just the fact of avoiding specifics is not all that unusual,” he said. “The fact of doing it in the context of claims that other analysts conclude don’t add up and not being willing to address those concerns, is a little less common in my memory at least.”
118 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:18am |
re: #110 SteveMcG
You, know, I could have sworn I had a couple flower pots on the stern.
You're on a boat?!? I was still trying to make sense of your previous comment, now I can.
119 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:19am |
re: #72 makeitstop
We've got sustained winds of 60 MPH here. They're saying gusts could reach 90, so the odd 100 MPH gust is conceivable - here, at least.
Ugh. Neighbors have a dead tree they haven't taken down yet...leaning into our yard. If it goes, so goes my bedroom and the roof over it. Lots of dead trees around here...some bore beetle or some such. Thankfully, the city took down the two big ones on the side of the house (which were on city property but would have demolished our wood fence, not to mention the entire other side of the house). They blow over easily.
Hubby came home for lunch and was intrigued by all the traffic into the local park, so he followed. Everyone was watching the monster waves on the lake (Huron).
120 | Big Steve Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:34am |
re: #80 Gus
[Embedded content]
This is hysterical. The crane has had its jib boom stops removed EXACTLY like you are supposed to do when expecting high winds. This is not storm damage it is a safety precaution.
121 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:53:37am |
re: #106 Killgore Trout
He'd favor an approach that wouldn't work and be a logistical nightmare.
The reason we have a federal disaster agency is to cut through the red tape and bullshit that would be multiple states trying to work together to coordinate a quick relief effort.
122 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:54:04am |
re: #103 lawhawk
True - but those tower cranes are gnarly in weather like this. And any loose construction materials at those sites could cause major damage.
It's going to be a sleepless night.
I heard a crane crash down once. Was also on the route I used to walk to work. I was two blocks away. 1989. Killed 6 people after coming down 16 stories.
123 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:54:45am |
re: #119 Joanne
Ugh. Neighbors have a dead tree they haven't taken down yet...leaning into our yard. If it goes, so goes my bedroom and the roof over it. Lots of dead trees around here...some bore beetle or some such. Thankfully, the city took down the two big ones on the side of the house (which were on city property but would have demolished our wood fence, not to mention the entire other side of the house). They blow over easily.
Hubby came home for lunch and was intrigued by all the traffic into the local park, so he followed. Everyone was watching the monster waves on the lake (Huron).
Are you in Saginaw?
124 | dragonath Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:12am |
re: #116 Charles Johnson
The last few Republican presidents should be example enough. Scores of Nation Weather Service offices were closed under Reagan and Bush gutted FEMA.
125 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:21am |
re: 118
She's a good boat. Never been underwater yet.
126 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:33am |
re: #122 Gus
I remember the footage when the Big Blue collapsed while they were building Miller Park- killed 3 workers who if I remember correctly, should not have been up there because of the wind gusts
127 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:40am |
re: #76 dragonfire1981
Imagine if you will, the exploding heads on the other side of the aisle if it were a DEMOCRATIC group using these tactics.
And this is just one of many shady things the GOP is doing. Fox would expand coverage to 48 hours a day on all of its channels if Dems did such bullshit.
The GOP is a crooked organization. Period.
128 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:51am |
Breaking: Verrazano Narrows Bridge & RFK Bridge prepare 4 phase ll wind restrictions #sandy— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 29, 2012
129 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:55:54am |
re: #125 SteveMcG
re: 118
She's a good boat. Never been underwater yet.
And you didn't even take in your flower pots?!?
130 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:56:11am |
update on crane collapse at 75 stories up - 1 West 57th between 6th and 7th Ave. More on the construction of One57 (a luxury residential construction project, where some of the penthouse units were going to go for crazy money).
131 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:56:22am |
re: #121 Lidane
He'd favor an approach that wouldn't work and be a logistical nightmare.
The reason we have a federal disaster agency is to cut through the red tape and bullshit that would be multiple states trying to work together to coordinate a quick relief effort.
I agree. His plan stinks but I think it's important to understand what his plan might be and not just make up a strawman for him. I'm sure disaster funding can be more efficient, there's probably some waste that can be dealt with but I don't think Mitt has a very good plan for that.
132 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:56:25am |
re: #117 Kragar
I'm hoping Norm actually said "opprobrium" rather than "approbation" and was just misquoted by TPM.
135 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:57:23am |
re: #122 Gus
I heard a crane crash down once. Was also on the route I used to walk to work. I was two blocks away. 1989. Killed 6 people after coming down 16 stories.
Worst accident I ever saw was a dump truck lose control on a hill. I was walking up the hill as it came down the other way. Saw it hit 3 or 4 other cars before it crashed into a building. If the lights had changed 30 seconds earlier, it would have plowed into a crosswalk full of junior high students. As it was, I think there were 8 or 9 people killed.
136 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:57:57am |
re: #108 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance
now moving at 28mph. Making a bee line right for the Jersey coast in vicinity of Atlantic City.
137 | Big Steve Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:58:02am |
re: #124 dragonath
I wish
The last few Republican presidents should be example enough. Scores of Nation Weather Service offices were closed under Reagan and Bush gutted FEMA.
And yet this storm and its affects have been predicted for days.....I guess the weatherman are doing a pretty good job with mercury barometers and sling psychrometers.
138 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:58:09am |
re: #131 Killgore Trout
I agree. His plan stinks but I think it's important to understand what his plan might be and not just make up a strawman for him. I'm sure disaster funding can be more efficient, there's probably some waste that can be dealt with but I don't think Mitt has a very good plan for that.
We can't "understand what his plan might be" if he's not willing to tell us. Until then, the best we can do is make reasonable inferences.
139 | dragonath Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:23am |
re: #137 Big Steve
And yet this storm and its affects have been predicted for days.....I guess the weatherman are doing a pretty good job with mercury barometers and sling psychrometers.
Are you being obtuse on purpose?
140 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:27am |
Shouldn't you people be making hurricane babies?
141 | jamesfirecat Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:28am |
re: #129 wrenchwench
And you didn't even take in your flower pots?!?
Hey Wrench, had to do some serious digging but here it is....
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]
if you give Me your email I'll let you know what paypal account to send my $5 to. ;)
142 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:37am |
re: #131 Killgore Trout
I agree. His plan stinks but I think it's important to understand what his plan might be and not just make up a strawman for him.
There's no need to make a strawman for him. He wants to gut FEMA and either privatize or send disaster relief back to the states. He's openly said this.
143 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:41am |
Ems operations have been suspended in Atlantic City. Ambulances will not be responding to any calls!! #Sandy— AtlanticCity911 (@AtlanticCity911) October 29, 2012
144 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:43am |
re: #136 lawhawk
now moving at 28mph. Making a bee line right for the Jersey coast in vicinity of Atlantic City.
Wants to place a few bets before the casinos close?
145 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:50am |
re: #131 Killgore Trout
Mitt Romney has changed what he says about FEMA several times, just like he's changed almost every other position he supposedly held. If you're expecting to find out what he really intends to do from his latest statement, now that there's a disastrous hurricane in the news, that would be pretty naive.
146 | Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Mon, Oct 29, 2012 11:59:54am |
re: #136 lawhawk
now moving at 28mph. Making a bee line right for the Jersey coast in vicinity of Atlantic City.
i really think it's god's punishment for Jersey Shore...
//
147 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:00:39pm |
re: #138 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne
We can't "understand what his plan might be" if he's not willing to tell us. Until then, the best we can do is make reasonable inferences.
Same goes for his entire agenda.
Mitt's response so far has been that he'll tell people what he plans to do AFTER he gets elected. WTF.
148 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:00:49pm |
re: #123 Sheila Broflovski
No, Canada. I married a Canadian a year ago. I just got my permanent residency papers a couple of days ago. :-D
149 | Interesting Times Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:01:05pm |
Households that have lost food due to flooding or power outages may be eligible for Replacement Food Stamp Benefits mybenefits.gov— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 29, 2012
Socialism!!1! Government handouts! Let them eat bootstraps!
150 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:01:11pm |
re: #147 Lidane
Same goes for his entire agenda.
Mitt's response so far has been that he'll tell people what he plans to do AFTER he gets elected. WTF.
The man's running for office, for goodness' sake!
151 | aagcobb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:01:31pm |
re: #131 Killgore Trout
I agree. His plan stinks but I think it's important to understand what his plan might be and not just make up a strawman for him. I'm sure disaster funding can be more efficient, there's probably some waste that can be dealt with but I don't think Mitt has a very good plan for that.
If he would explain his plan it would be a bit more efficient than our speculation.
152 | recusancy Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:01:47pm |
153 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:01:47pm |
re:144
I think the casinos were odrered to be evacuated effective Sunday afternoon.
154 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:02:04pm |
Not sure what they're going to be able to do to secure that crane at this point. They'll probably keep the entire area cordoned off and evacuate nearby buildings.
The crane boom appears to have bent over backwards and crumpled down on top of the engine space. It could definitely go at any time with one good gust.
155 | Bipartite Gnomenclature Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:02:40pm |
re: #9 efuseakay
Stay safe all you Eastcoasters. It's coming. Hold on. :-/
And TY for the open thread, Charles. It never ceases to amaze me how informative your site is when we all pull together.
Get your hand off of there, that's where I pull. You can pull over there. No, no, see the green mark? That's where you pull.
156 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:02:43pm |
re: #40 Joanne
I'm an hour north of Detroit and my dogs were being blown over in the yard. Mom just said they expect gusts up to 100 mph (which sounded very high to me, but she saw a woman blown across the sidewalk on her way home). All I do know is that it is SERIOUSLY windy here. I keep waiting for the power to go out.
One of the minor inconveniences of Sandy will be getting His Majesty to do his business in the yard. He is neither a fan of wind and/or rain. I can't imagine what his reaction will be to a 60 MPH gust.
It is entirely possible he'll hold it until Wednesday.
157 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:02:44pm |
re: #141 jamesfirecat
Hey Wrench, had to do some serious digging but here it is....
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]
if you give Me your email I'll let you know what paypal account to send my $5 to. ;)
I even have that comment favorited! I owe you.
Do you tweet? You could DM me....
New Republicans Are 'Flipped' ... and They're Ticked lgf.bz/RpjGdl— wench with wrench (@2spokie2) October 29, 2012
158 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:03:06pm |
re: #145 Charles Johnson
Mitt Romney has changed what he says about FEMA several times, just like he's changed almost every other position he supposedly held. If you're expecting to find out what he really intends to do from his latest statement, now that there's a disastrous hurricane in the news, that would be pretty naive.
Think he uses a Magic Eight ball to answer questions and make policy statements?
159 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:03:17pm |
re: #154 lawhawk
Not sure what they're going to be able to do to secure that crane at this point. They'll probably keep the entire area cordoned off and evacuate nearby buildings.
The crane boom appears to have bent over backwards and crumpled down on top of the engine space. It could definitely go at any time with one good gust.
#BREAKING: A crane has collapsed atop a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan as winds pick up because of #Sandy bit.ly/SkKyvM— New York Daily News (@nydailynews) October 29, 2012
As winds pick up because of Hurricane Sandy, a crane has collapsed atop a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. Authorities are gathering near 57th St. and Seventh Ave. More info to come.
160 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:04:32pm |
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
"Piers Corbyn is the world's most accurate, long range forecaster of weather. No reason for any worry at all about Hurricane Sandy. Get out the vote!!!"
"It is always awesome when the MSM goes ape-crap about something and is wrong."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
"This storm, real or not is being used to cover over Benghazi. The media is using it to drown out the real story. Now, is it a fake storm? Probably a stretch but who knows. Either way, it is serving the administration well." (emphasis added)
161 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:05:16pm |
re: #131 Killgore Trout
I agree. His plan stinks but I think it's important to understand what his plan might be and not just make up a strawman for him. I'm sure disaster funding can be more efficient, there's probably some waste that can be dealt with but I don't think Mitt has a very good plan for that.
Disaster relief goes beyond funding. There is coordination required which is best handled at the federal level. Look how many states are impacted by Sandy.
Why are his own words a strawman?
I am completely at a loss how someone who was always been, for the years that I have read this blog, so reasonable and thoughtful in your comments became so blind? One of my favorite people has turned into someone 180 degrees opposite. You're not the same you. It is so sad.
162 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:05:34pm |
re: #144 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Wants to place a few bets before the casinos close?
Too late. Casinos closed on Saturday, IIRC.
163 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:05:36pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
WTF
165 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:05:51pm |
Not even hurricanes can stop dumb punditry (ahem, @markhalperin) trib.al/OqXKDq via @pareene— Salon.com (@Salon) October 29, 2012
166 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:06:06pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
167 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:06:16pm |
Maryland ‘Worthy Of Death’ Pastor Doubles Down With Fake Apology
I regret that many have misunderstood my comments regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage to mean that I endorse or support physical violence in any shape or form against anyone. The statements in Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:32 (KJV) can stand for themselves. The Bible is very clear on the subject of homosexuality, and I do not need to apologize for God’s word, but I do want to be perfectly clear that I am not promoting violence, bullying, or hatred toward homosexuals and neither is God.
God passive aggressively wants you to die for the sin of homosexuality apparently.
168 | jamesfirecat Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:00pm |
re: #157 wrenchwench
I even have that comment favorited! I owe you.
Do you tweet? You could DM me....
[Embedded content]
Just followed you, if you follow me (Jamesfirecat) I will send you the message.
169 | SteveMcG Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:04pm |
re: 162
I guess there's a casino open somewhere.
170 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:26pm |
re: #161 Joanne
Disaster relief goes beyond funding. There is coordination required which is best handled at the federal level. Look how many states are impacted by Sandy.
Why are his own words a strawman?
Because all politicians are the same. Or something.
171 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:39pm |
172 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:47pm |
re: #151 aagcobb
If he would explain his plan it would be a bit more efficient than our speculation.
Candidates always keep this stuff vague. My best guess what President Mitt would do with FEMA? Nothing. Once in office he'll declare federal disasters just like every other President and cash in on the popularity of cutting the checks to the effected areas.
173 | MittDoesNotCompute Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:07:50pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
Please let those comments you posted be people trolling Freeperland, because if they ain't, this country has bigger issues...
174 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:04pm |
Live webcam view of broken crane on 57th Street in NYC. nbcnews.to/QQpgDY via @nbcnews twitter.com/nytjim/status/...— Jim Roberts (@nytjim) October 29, 2012
175 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:07pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
Never underestimate the reality-denying ability of a wingnut.
176 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:17pm |
3:00 PM EDT Mon Oct 29
Location: 38.5°N 73.5°W
Moving: NW at 28 mph
Min pressure: 940 mb
Max sustained: 90 mph
177 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:22pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
It's all being filmed on the same sound stage they used for the "Apollo" missions.
178 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:25pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
Two words: Free Republic.
Two more words: Modern conservatives.
179 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:27pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
Its all done on soundstages and with CGI.
180 | Bipartite Gnomenclature Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:44pm |
re: #19 erik_t
That's dumber than Jim Hoft.
Now, now. Don't go all hyperbolic. We all know there is nothing like Jim Hoft.
181 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:46pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
All the storm photos have 'layers'.
182 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:08:46pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
Flat Earth Society . . . .
183 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:09:04pm |
re: #168 jamesfirecat
Just followed you, if you follow me (Jamesfirecat) I will send you the message.
Awww, I'm your first follower!
Now I have to find my paypal info....
185 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:09:34pm |
re: #180 b_sharp
Now, now. Don't go all hyperbolic. We all know there is nothing like Jim Hoft.
Anyone check his site for Sandy news?
186 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:09:37pm |
re: #174 Gus
[Embedded content]
Breaking! RT @emergencystream LISTENLIVE: #Manhattan 2nd alarm crane collapse with numerous buildings to evacuate: thebravest.com/manhattan/manh... #nyc— Scott Schwebke (@TheChalkOutline) October 29, 2012
187 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:09:38pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
"You don't have to be a weatherman to tell which way the wind is blowing."
-Bob Dylan
Apparently you do have to be something other than a teanderthal derp consumer though.
These people really do live in an alternate world.
188 | jamesfirecat Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:09:50pm |
re: #183 wrenchwench
Awww, I'm your first follower!
Now I have to find my paypal info....
Direct message sent.
190 | erik_t Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:10:12pm |
Something called 'volcano hurricane monitoring'?
Sounds dangerously liberal. Not to be trusted.
191 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:10:22pm |
I'd like to thank all the weather-controlling gays for giving us a really beautiful day here in Southern California.— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) October 29, 2012
192 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:10:36pm |
re: #186 NJDhockeyfan
[Embedded content]
All they can do is evacuate the area and wait until Sandy blows over. Then they'll have to erect another crane to bring this one down.
193 | PhillyPretzel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:11:19pm |
Sandy will not hit the US. Okay. It will hit DE, NJ and PA. Is that better? ///
194 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:11:39pm |
re: #179 Kragar
I'll alert my friends and relatives that what they are going through is all a Vast left wing conspiracy. . .//
195 | CuriousLurker Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:11:40pm |
196 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:11:55pm |
re: #189 DisturbedEma
Beat me to it!!!!
Ha. I'm usually late to the party. If you look at dead threads, half the comments at the very bottom are mine because I was so far behind following the thread that I didn't notice a new one had started.
197 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:12:05pm |
re: #193 PhillyPretzel
Sandy will not hit the US. Okay. It will hit DE, NJ and PA. Is that better? ///
It won't hit Real America.
198 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:12:07pm |
re: #172 Killgore Trout
Candidates always keep this stuff vague. My best guess what President Mitt would do with FEMA? Nothing. Once in office he'll declare federal disasters just like every other President and cash in on the popularity of cutting the checks to the effected areas.
The current Republican party is a mix of science denial, racism, and career government politicians vowing to destroy their employer. They are led by a man will literally will reverse his positions within minutes when challenged.
Forgive me if I don't trust your best guess.
199 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:12:14pm |
Heaviest rains and strongest winds to be south of I78 in NJ. Atlantic City and then Philly on track to get hammered.
200 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:12:35pm |
re: #192 Gus
All they can do is evacuate the area and wait until Sandy blows over. Then they'll have to erect another crane to bring this one down.
They may try to tie it down somehow to prevent it from breaking off and falling. That would be horrible.
202 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:13:08pm |
re: #200 NJDhockeyfan
They may try to tie it down somehow to prevent it from breaking off and falling. That would be horrible.
Some heavy duty cabling. Any volunteers?!
203 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:13:52pm |
re: #199 lawhawk
Heaviest rains and strongest winds to be south of I78 in NJ. Atlantic City and then Philly on track to get hammered.
At this point, I'm hoping to "only" be without power for the week and losing some food in the fridge, with no loss of life due to the storm.
204 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:14:06pm |
Video shows Bounty rescue by U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard has released dramatic footage of its rescue of HMS Bounty crew Monday.
The footage shows a helicopter flying low, with a Bounty life-raft visible in the water. Crew members can be seen in the water.
The ship sank in storms brought by Hurricane Sandy. Officials say 14 members of the crew have been rescued, but two remain unaccounted for.
205 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:14:09pm |
re: #199 lawhawk
So wanted to make a snarky comment- but too serious and dangerous is the situation. . .hard to be a smart ass when things like this happen. . .
206 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:14:27pm |
re: #175 Charles Johnson
Never underestimate the reality-denying ability of a wingnut.
That kind of idiocy should be weaponized. We should bottle it and carpet bomb Al Qaeda with it. They'd immediately spend all their time watching Honey Boo Boo instead of trying to kill people.
207 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:14:32pm |
Watch live: Raw video of Hurricane Sandy from high above New York City
View of the crane here. You can see it swinging.
209 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:14:45pm |
re: #200 NJDhockeyfan
Don't know what they'll even attempt to do at this point - don't want to risk putting EMS/FDNY up on the crane in these conditions.
210 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:17pm |
It's only going to get worse, I'm afraid. As the world keeps changing at breakneck speeds there are going to be more and more who can't handle it and retreat into some fantasy world of the "real american".
Cognitive Dissonance? Too much change too fast for some brains.
Which I see myself falling into sometimes. I can't turn my own TV on for christs-sakes! I have the lastest iPhone mostly to force myself to stay current on how to make a phone call.
But I love science, and sci-fi. I'm not afraid of adventure. Those that have trouble staying current with the world probably have a different attitude.
211 | Lidane Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:17pm |
Herp Derp:
Congresswoman accuses Obama of 'harming' auto company that went defunct in 1988 thkpr.gs/RiZ9nb— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) October 29, 2012
212 | MittDoesNotCompute Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:30pm |
re: #193 PhillyPretzel
Sandy will not hit the US. Okay. It will hit DE, NJ and PA. Is that better? ///
It's all part of the TPGOP's "states' rights" platform.
///
213 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:44pm |
re: #205 DisturbedEma
I'll work the snark after this thing blows through and we don't have a loss of life.
So far, haven't heard of any injuries or loss of life due to the storm in the NYC metro, so there's that.
214 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:54pm |
re: #156 Mattand
One of the minor inconveniences of Sandy will be getting His Majesty to do his business in the yard. He is neither a fan of wind and/or rain. I can't imagine what his reaction will be to a 60 MPH gust.
It is entirely possible he'll hold it until Wednesday.
I know. I have been forcing our guys to go out. (I am more forceful with them than mom or hubby). When I shoo them out, the go, do their biz and come back. I wait at the door so they know they're not going to be left out in the storm.
Our one boy is terrified of thunder. Thankfully, thus far, we're spared. Otherwise, he WILL hold it until Wednesday. His quaking literally makes the room shake. He's so scared, the poor baby.
215 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:15:54pm |
216 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:16:38pm |
re: #209 lawhawk
Don't know what they'll even attempt to do at this point - don't want to risk putting EMS/FDNY up on the crane in these conditions.
Yeah. Better to evacuate and let the thing crash down if you have a choice.
217 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:16:45pm |
218 | sffilk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:16:58pm |
Just adding my wishes to those previously posted that everyone who is in Sandy's path stays safe and OK. Don't do anything crazy. I think we all want to be able to see you contacting us here after the storm passes.
219 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:17:22pm |
re: #204 NJDhockeyfan
Good thing the rescuers didn't take D_F's advice. The crew is surely glad about that.
220 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:17:53pm |
re: #207 Gus
Watch live: Raw video of Hurricane Sandy from high above New York City
View of the crane here. You can see it swinging.
HOly shit!
221 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:18:01pm |
re: #211 Lidane
Herp Derp:
[Embedded content]
Herp derp would be from a lizard, no? As in herpatological.
222 | garhighway Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:18:02pm |
re: #192 Gus
All they can do is evacuate the area and wait until Sandy blows over. Then they'll have to erect another crane to bring this one down.
Unless it comes down on its own.
223 | MittDoesNotCompute Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:18:13pm |
224 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:18:17pm |
FDNY/NYPD is pushing people further back from the crane collapse at One57 - they aren't sending anyone up to try to secure the crane at this point.
Channel 7 reporter was just indicating that a window blew out near that crane collapse situation (unrelated to the crane collapse - just a separate observation). Wind gusts at ground level 55-60mph, and at least 40-50 mph at the top of One57.
225 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:18:49pm |
re: #173 MittDoesNotCompute
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Please let those comments you posted be people trolling Freeperland, because if they ain't, this country has bigger issues...
Easy to check:
"Fractal Trader," who posted the string and made the first comment, has been a member since 9-27-1998
The comment about ape-crap media was made by "geronL,"
a very prominent member who registered on 10-2-1999.
The one who doubts the reality of the storm is "Professional," a member since 8-7-1998.
Not all the freepers are buying it by any means. Nelson111 is especially adamant:
This is one of the most irresponsible things I have ever read on the net. This storm will NOT miss the US. It is right on track. The surge values will be as projected +/-1' unless it speads up or slows down and comes in on a different tide (and tides are huge players). For instance...the surge will be around 6' in Battery. If it comes in on a HIGH tide, as projected now...it means 11' of water. If it comes in on a low tide...it means 8-9'. A 6 hour error in the timing means a LOT.
Enough are, though, to bring the general level of sanity there into serious doubt.
227 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:19:48pm |
re: #215 Gretchen G.Tiger
The HMS Bounty was a recreation of the ship used in the mutiny on the bounty.
USNS Comfort usually stations out of Baltimore.
228 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:20:03pm |
re: #213 lawhawk
I was thinking of the conversation we had some threads ago about sports fans. . .sorry I did not mean to be an ass
229 | Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:20:26pm |
re: #227 lawhawk
The HMS Bounty was a recreation of the ship used in the mutiny on the bounty.
USNS Comfort usually stations out of Baltimore.
ah!
230 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:20:50pm |
re: #220 Gretchen G.Tiger
HOly shit!
You can see a flag up on top towards the right. That thing is steadily horizontal.
232 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:21:51pm |
re: #172 Killgore Trout
Candidates always keep this stuff vague. My best guess what President Mitt would do with FEMA? Nothing. Once in office he'll declare federal disasters just like every other President and cash in on the popularity of cutting the checks to the effected areas.
Then you're saying he is lying to his base just to get elected?
233 | DisturbedEma Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:22:00pm |
re: #213 lawhawk
I did see the guy from weather channel in Battery Park, and there were still people there watching the waves. . .they showed the cranes while they were there
234 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:22:32pm |
Notify NYC as of 3:15pm:
Due to a crane collapse at 157 West 57th Street in Manhattan, all occupants of buildings on West 57th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues must immediately move to the lower floors of your building and make contact with your building safety representative. Citizens are advised to avoid this area. Follow instructions of emergency personnel.
And I think that's out of date as the live reporters indicating that they're being pushed further back as emergency officials are expanding the evacuation area around that crane collapse.
235 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:22:55pm |
re: #200 NJDhockeyfan
They may try to tie it down somehow to prevent it from breaking off and falling. That would be horrible.
I would not want to be tasked with that job.
237 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:25:06pm |
238 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:25:29pm |
Here's that live video embedded...
239 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:25:31pm |
re: #215 Gretchen G.Tiger
There is still a USNS Bounty?
Any news on USNS Comfort and Mercy?
HMS Bounty.
240 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:25:44pm |
re: #235 makeitstop
I would not want to be tasked with that job.
Only the bravest would volunteer. I bet there are a few who would do it without thinking twice.
241 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:26:45pm |
re: #211 Lidane
Herp Derp:
[Embedded content]
I knew before reading the article it would be Marsha Blackburn or Virginia Foxx. Right the first time.
242 | Daniel Ballard Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:27:04pm |
re: #240 NJDhockeyfan
I wonder if there is a subway tunnel under that building. That crane looks like it could punch right through like a lawn dart in Kentucky bluegrass.
243 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:27:09pm |
re: #204 NJDhockeyfan
Freakn' beautiful, but that should have been left to the North Carolina Coast Guard.
244 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:28:37pm |
re: #243 Decatur Deb
Freakn' beautiful, but that should have been left to the North Carolina Coast Guard.
Or better yet, a privately run small business Coast Guard.
245 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:28:41pm |
Landfall may happen around 6pm EDT; that may actually save NYC harbor from some of the worst of the flooding since the landfall wont coincide with high tide.
It's going to be real bad as it is.
246 | The Mountain That Blogs Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:30:07pm |
247 | dragonfire1981 Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:30:39pm |
248 | NJDhockeyfan Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:31:02pm |
#BREAKING: Tappan Zee Bridge to close at 4 p.m. as winds pick up, Gov. Cuomo announces. #Sandy #MTA #TappanZee— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) October 29, 2012
249 | blueraven Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:31:58pm |
re: #106 Killgore Trout
Once again, you have omitted the same paragraphs from your posted articles. Why is that? This is what Romney said during the R debate.
He added, “Instead of thinking in the federal budget, ‘what we should cut?’ -- We should ask ourselves the opposite question: ‘What should we keep?’ We should take all of what we're doing at the federal level and say, what are the things we're doing that we don't have to do? And those things we've got to stop doing, because we're borrowing $1.6 trillion more this year than we're taking in.”
Debate moderator John King then asked, “Including disaster relief, though?”
Romney’s reply: “We cannot afford to do those things without jeopardizing the future for our kids. It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we'll all be dead and gone before it's paid off.”
251 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:32:55pm |
Romney ‘rented’ Mormon church’s exemption to defer taxes for 15 years
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney used a loophole to “rent” the Mormon church’s tax exemption status and defer paying taxes for 15 years, according to a new report.
Tax returns obtained by Bloomberg News through a Freedom of Information Act request indicated that Romney set up a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) in June 1996 just before Congress cracked down on the loophole in 1997.
“In this instance, Romney used the tax-exempt status of a charity — the Mormon Church, according to a 2007 filing — to defer taxes for more than 15 years,” Bloomberg’s Jesse Drucker explained. “At the same time he is benefitting, the trust will probably leave the church with less than what current law requires.”
Estates lawyer Jonathan Blattmachr told Bloomberg that Romney’s trust benefits from the Mormon church’s exempt status because charities don’t pay capital gains taxes when they make a profit from the sale of assets.
“The main benefit from a charitable remainder trust is the renting from your favorite charity of its exemption from taxation,” Blattmachr said, adding that the charitable contribution “is just a throwaway” and the church would receive little if any financial benefit from the trust.
“I used to structure them so the value dedicated to charity was as close to zero as possible without being zero,” he pointed out.
The CRUT allows individuals to “defer capital gains taxes on any profit from the sale of the assets, and receive a small upfront charitable deduction and a stream of yearly cash payments,” Drucker wrote. “Like an individual retirement account, the trust allows money to grow tax deferred, while like an annuity it also pays Romney a steady income. After the funder’s death, the trust’s remaining assets go to a designated charity.”
In fact, the amount available to go to the Mormon church has decreased from at least $750,000 in 2001 to $421,203 at the end of 2011 as Romney has collected yearly cash payments from the trust.
252 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:34:06pm |
re: #246 The Mountain That Blogs
The building is diagonally across the street from Carnegie Hall and the Russian Tea Room. There are subways on under both 6th and 7th Avenue. The Q line actually runs under 57th Street in that area.
253 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:34:24pm |
re: #177 Hercules Grytpype-Thynne
It's all being filmed on the same sound stage they used for the "Apollo" missions.
Or this nut doesn't view the East Coast as "officially" part of the US.
254 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:36:40pm |
re: #253 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Or this nut doesn't view the East Coast as "officially" part of the US.
Well, shit, if that's the case, I want a refund on my federal taxes since 1984.
255 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:52:15pm |
re: #249 blueraven
Romney’s reply: “We cannot afford to do those things without jeopardizing the future for our kids. It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we'll all be dead and gone before it's paid off.”
BUT LET'S BUILD MOAR BATTLESHIPS!
256 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:53:29pm |
re: #251 Kragar
Romney ‘rented’ Mormon church’s exemption to defer taxes for 15 years
If that pans out, Reid is going cannibal on Mitt's butt.
257 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:53:41pm |
re: #255 Sheila Broflovski
BUT LET'S BUILD MOAR BATTLESHIPS!
WE WILL BLOW UP ANY HURRICANE BEFORE IT REACHES OUR UNITED STATES!
258 | garhighway Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:03pm |
re: #252 lawhawk
The building is diagonally across the street from Carnegie Hall and the Russian Tea Room. There are subways on under both 6th and 7th Avenue. The Q line actually runs under 57th Street in that area.
I don't see how anyone could get up there and do anything meaningful during the storm.
259 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:19pm |
re: #249 blueraven
Once again, you have omitted the same paragraphs from your posted articles. Why is that? This is what Romney said during the R debate.
Because we've seen that posted over and over again. We've all seen it, we've all read it, it's not a secret. I excerpted the discussion of what his statement may mean and what Republican proposals are being floated around. This illustrates why it's a bad idea to get your information about Mitt (or anything else) from sites like Think Progress, HuffPo and Dkos. It's perfectly possible to understand what Mitt is saying and oppose his ideas. It's shouldn't be a requirement to rely on hyperbole, panic and outrage. .
260 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:32pm |
re: #257 Kragar
WE WILL BLOW UP ANY HURRICANE BEFORE IT REACHES OUR UNITED STATES!
STAB THAT HURRICANE WITH BAYONETS!
262 | Mattand Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:43pm |
re: #257 Kragar
WE WILL BLOW UP ANY HURRICANE BEFORE IT REACHES OUR UNITED STATES!
Fight them over there rather than fighting them here.
Atlantic Ocean, you're on notice.
263 | makeitstop Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:54pm |
re: #251 Kragar
“At the same time he is benefitting, the trust will probably leave the church with less than what current law requires.”
So he dodged taxes and screwed his own church?
That is one craven motherfucker, right there.
264 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:54:56pm |
re: #251 Kragar
Romney ‘rented’ Mormon church’s exemption to defer taxes for 15 years
Holy shit.
And by that I mean bullshit based on something that's supposed to be holy.
265 | Charles Johnson Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:55:27pm |
re: #261 Gus
Hmm. Just had a hamster hiccup here for about 5 minutes.
Yeah, I'm checking on it. Possibly another DB query that needs to be optimized.
266 | gwangung Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:55:46pm |
re: #259 Killgore Trout
Because we've seen that posted over and over again. We've all seen it, we've all read it, it's not a secret. I excerpted the discussion of what his statement may mean and what Republican proposals are being floated around. This illustrates why it's a bad idea to get your information about Mitt (or anything else) from sites like Think Progress, HuffPo and Dkos. It's perfectly possible to understand what Mitt is saying and oppose his ideas. It's shouldn't be a requirement to rely on hyperbole, panic and outrage. .
How dishonest.
This is not hyperbole. This is his own words, in context.
And we SHOULD be outraged at this. And I am getting outraged at your dishonesty.
267 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:56:13pm |
re: #265 Charles Johnson
Yeah, I'm checking on it. Possibly another DB query that needs to be optimized.
Or the hamsters got Sandy in their shorts.
268 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:56:27pm |
PHOTO: Wow "View of crane through a telescope.. It's already broken off & is definetely going to fall" RT @cmwdotme twitter.com/newsbreaker/st...— NewsBreaker (@newsbreaker) October 29, 2012
270 | engineer cat Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:57:10pm |
not clear to me where the subway tunnels are in that part of manhattan since the broadway irt runs diagonally to the street grid in many places
271 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:57:40pm |
re: #262 Mattand
Fight them over there rather than fighting them here.
Atlantic Ocean, you're on notice.
We will fix bayonets and charge the beaches into the surf and stab the oceans into submission.
272 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:57:43pm |
re: #268 Gus
[Embedded content]
Lizard engineers want to estimate it's impact energy after a fall of 30-50 stories?
273 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:57:45pm |
Another view here.
[Link: www.nydailynews.com...]
274 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:58:31pm |
re: #272 Decatur Deb
Lizard engineers want to estimate it's impact energy after a fall of 30-50 stories?
F = ma
275 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:58:42pm |
re: #272 Decatur Deb
Lizard engineers want to estimate it's impact energy after a fall of 30-50 stories?
Lots.
276 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:59:40pm |
re: #259 Killgore Trout
This illustrates why it's a bad idea to get your information about Mitt from . . .
. . . what he's actually said.
277 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:59:47pm |
278 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:00:22pm |
In new audio, Romney says China has better business environment--w/out noting low wages & weak labor/env't safeguards motherjones.com/politics/2012/...— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) October 29, 2012
279 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:00:51pm |
re: #272 Decatur Deb
Lizard engineers want to estimate it's impact energy after a fall of 30-50 stories?
Maybe the cables will hold.
/silly bike mechanic
280 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:00:57pm |
re: #277 Shiplord Kirel
I estimate a mega-shitload of impact energy.
There's a bunch of critical stuff besides subways under NYC streets. Not even counting the albino alligators.
281 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:01:11pm |
re: #270 engineer cat
The Q runs under 57th Street in that area. There are subway lines on both 6th and 7th Avenue as well.
Subway system updates courtesy of Ben Kabab's Second Ave Sagas.
Max winds are likely around 6pm starting at the coast. 7-11pm high tides roll across NYC metro area.
283 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:03:00pm |
re: #278 Gus
[Embedded content]
low wages & weak labor/env't safeguards
Those things mean a great business environment! The labor environment, and the environment that people live in--who cares? They're Chinese! They can't vote here!
284 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:03:15pm |
re: #278 Gus
[Embedded content]
And Ann again calls Mitt the Adult, insinuating that Obama is not (a family trend...Mitt likens the President to his lying children, Mitt offspring likens the President to his lying siblings, and now Ann thinks the President is a child.
God help America if these assholes become the first family.
285 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:03:37pm |
re: #282 PhillyPretzel
Back. Did we have an "outage?"
No. We all became unusually thoughtful for a few minutes.
286 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:03:52pm |
re: #283 wrenchwench
Those things mean a great business environment! The labor environment, and the environment that people live in--who cares? They're Chinese! They can't vote here!
I hear all the coal jobs are going there as well!!
//
287 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:04:07pm |
Classy
Experts say Sandy probaby won't damage the economy. At least any more than Obama already has.— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) October 29, 2012
288 | Bipartite Gnomenclature Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:04:16pm |
289 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:04:28pm |
re: #278 Gus
[Embedded content]
Electronics manufacturer Foxconn says underage interns found working at factory in China
Electronics manufacturer Foxconn said Tuesday it found underage interns as young as 14 working at one of its factories in China.
Foxconn Technology Group said the interns were found by a company investigation at its factory in the eastern city of Yantai and were sent back to their schools. China’s minimum legal working age is 16.
291 | Eventual Carrion Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:04:37pm |
re: #166 Lidane
How can anyone deny the reality of the storm? It's pretty fucking obvious the thing exists.
It's a scam, just like evolution.
292 | Sheila Broflovski Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:05:46pm |
re: #287 lawhawk
Classy[Embedded content]
What a bitch. It was so sweet when that guy with Down Syndrome totally pwn3d her.
293 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:06:07pm |
re: #285 Decatur Deb
No. We all became unusually thoughtful for a few minutes.
I've heard that called a "senior moment."
294 | alinuxguru Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:07:24pm |
If it's a legitimate storm, Mother Nature will just shut it down. Either way, it's God's gift, so don't even think about askin for FEMA help— DC Debbie (@DCdebbie) October 29, 2012
295 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:08:18pm |
re: #272 Decatur Deb
Lizard engineers want to estimate it's impact energy after a fall of 30-50 stories?
1.21 jiggawatts.
296 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:08:50pm |
NYC metro area bridges are closing at 7pm. Tunnels and RFK bridge will remain open. Staten Island bridges will remain open for the moment; but could close on short notice.
re: #291 Eventual Carrion
The Coriolis Effect is a scam. /
297 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:08:59pm |
re: #287 lawhawk
Classy[Embedded content]
Ignorant moron is ignorant
Storm brings East Coast economy to a halt
Hurricane Sandy froze commerce, shut down stock exchanges for the first time since 9/11 and idled millions of workers on Monday, laying siege to an economy still trying to get out of first gear.
With the US east coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts threatened by furious winds and a potentially devastating storm surge, businesses closed, refiners shut down operations and insurers girded for a leap in damage claims.
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq market shut completely on Monday and will stay closed on Tuesday, with operations expected to resume Wednesday, “conditions permitting,” the NYSE added.
It was the first full trading closure since the September 11 attacks closed US equity markets for four days in 2001, and the first full NYSE shutdown due to weather since September 1985, when Hurricane Gloria closed it for a day.
298 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:09:17pm |
Gallup is sticking with its GOP-heavy 'Likely Voter" definition. It's driving a wedge between its Obama Approval (Americans) and O vs R (Likely Voter) results.
[Link: www.gallup.com...]
299 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:10:39pm |
re: #296 lawhawk
NYC metro area bridges are closing at 7pm. Tunnels and RFK bridge will remain open. Staten Island bridges will remain open for the moment; but could close on short notice.
The Coriolis Effect is a scam. /
Snake Plissken could still get in.
300 | aagcobb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:11:12pm |
301 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:12:10pm |
303 | blueraven Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:12:44pm |
re: #259 Killgore Trout
Because we've seen that posted over and over again. We've all seen it, we've all read it, it's not a secret. I excerpted the discussion of what his statement may mean and what Republican proposals are being floated around. This illustrates why it's a bad idea to get your information about Mitt (or anything else) from sites like Think Progress, HuffPo and Dkos. It's perfectly possible to understand what Mitt is saying and oppose his ideas. It's shouldn't be a requirement to rely on hyperbole, panic and outrage. .
Wow you really are like Romney: you think it is OK to lie, obfuscate, omit...truth has a low priority and you call it hyperbole?
You are the fact checker. How bout that jeep ad KT?
306 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:14:36pm |
307 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:15:12pm |
re: #303 blueraven
Wow you really are like Romney: you think it is OK to lie, obfuscate, omit...truth has a low priority and you call it hyperbole?
You are the fact checker. How bout that jeep ad KT?
"They all do it."
308 | dragonath Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:15:57pm |
re: #278 Gus
From Ann Romney's Good Housekeeping interview--
GH: What are the steps your husband would take to improve the economy?
AR: Just his election itself is going to instantly turn up the gas and get people more optimistic, but he has five things that are simple for people to understand: One is to get rid of regulation; one is to start using our natural resources; one is to turn to human capital, which is education, and get that working again; and...oh, I'm not sure on the last two! (Laughs)GH: Well, three is a very good start. A couple of years ago, we created the Green Good Housekeeping Seal as a way of helping consumers figure out what products are truly green versus what are just greenwashing claims. Are green issues something you think about?
AR: Everyone wants clean air and clean water. I mean, of course we all do. And then if you go to a country like China —
GH: Where there is no regulation...
The Romneys love China. And note the use of the term "human capital".
309 | Gus Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:17:12pm |
re: #308 dragonath
From Ann Romney's Good Housekeeping interview--
The Romneys love China. And note the use of the term "human capital".
She's an idiot like her husband. God help us if these weirdos get in the White House.
310 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:17:24pm |
Fun fact: back when Escape from New York was being made, computer rendering was still a very pricey special effect, so the computer screen on the glider showing the wire frame view of New York was faked. It was cheaper to build a rough model of the New York skyline, paint the whole thing black, then outline the buildings with white fluorescent tape and film the whole thing with a camera on a crane than it was to do the effect on an actual computer.
311 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:18:48pm |
FDNY, NYPD, and DOT is engaging in active rescue operations to evacuate people from nearby buildings to One57 and cordoning off area.
312 | RadicalModerate Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:18:55pm |
re: #287 lawhawk
Classy[Embedded content]
Did she delete the tweet? I'm just seeing a blank quote there, and on her Twitter timeline there wasn't anything more idiotic than what she normally spews.
313 | aagcobb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:19:36pm |
re: #278 Gus
[Embedded content]
Yep, and breathing in Beijing is like having a pack a day cigarette habit. That's what the GOP wants for the U.S.
314 | lawhawk Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:20:20pm |
re: #312 RadicalModerate
It's still there AFAIK:
Text of tweet:
Ann Coulter @AnnCoulter
Experts say Sandy probaby won't damage the economy. At least any more than Obama already has.
315 | Hercules Grytpype-Thynne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:20:29pm |
re: #312 RadicalModerate
Did she delete the tweet? I'm just seeing a blank quote there, and on her Twitter timeline there wasn't anything more idiotic than what she normally spews.
It's still there for me:
Experts say Sandy probably won't damage the economy. At least any more than Obama already has.
316 | alpuz Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:21:21pm |
re: #306 Decatur Deb
I muffed the joke. The line was 'Snake Plissken? I heard you were dead'. Or something to that affect.
317 | Daniel Ballard Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:21:42pm |
re: #252 lawhawk
I so miss Manhattan. I used to go for a week twice a year as part of my job. Been to the Tea Room. Beautiful place. I'd stay at the Sheraton near Times Square, or the Hilton next door.
318 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:21:52pm |
re: #316 alpuz
I muffed the joke. The line was 'Snake Plissken? I heard you were dead'. Or something to that affect.
Oh yes..
319 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:25:46pm |
re: #316 alpuz
I muffed the joke. The line was 'Snake Plissken? I heard you were dead'. Or something to that affect.
Escape from New York: "I heard you were dead!"
Escape from LA: "I thought you'd be taller."
320 | RadicalModerate Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:26:09pm |
re: #278 Gus
[Embedded content]
The difference between the Romney and Obama campaigns, exhibited by one simple side-by-side image:
321 | Decatur Deb Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:27:08pm |
For what's under the streets:
Underground
--David Macaulay
[Link: www.amazon.com...]
322 | Joanne Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:27:14pm |
re: #303 blueraven
That's some amazing gymnastic routine people are going through to justify their love for a liar. But lying is ok because...it makes them feel better? Lying is justified to game the stupid voters? What? I am missing why a severe lack of integrity is a winner.
Oh, for real conservatives who based opinions on reality and not lies. Acceptable lies, no less. For the greater good.
Or something.
323 | PhillyPretzel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:28:22pm |
Down spout is still there:) storm drain cleared. I am soaked :(
324 | Killgore Trout Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:28:42pm |
re: #303 blueraven
You are the fact checker. How bout that jeep ad KT?
I think that one was universally declared bullshit.
325 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:28:49pm |
Just received a phone message that the work offices will be closed tomorrow.
Picked the wrong week to take vacation, didn't I?
326 | Kragar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:30:26pm |
re: #321 Decatur Deb
For what's under the streets:
Underground
--David Macaulay
[Link: www.amazon.com...]
CHUDs.
327 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:30:46pm |
re: #324 Killgore Trout
I think that one was universally declared bullshit.
But you're still going to vote for Romney. He's your man!
328 | Shiplord Kirel Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:30:47pm |
329 | wrenchwench Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:33:40pm |
re: #323 PhillyPretzel
Down spout is still there:) storm drain cleared. I am soaked :(
Not good for a Pretzel.
330 | efuseakay Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:34:52pm |
332 | Bipartite Gnomenclature Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:39:56pm |
re: #323 PhillyPretzel
Down spout is still there:) storm drain cleared. I am soaked :(
Think of it as communing with nature, or taking a shower with purely natural ingredients.
333 | macaw Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:42:15pm |
re: #137 Big Steve
And yet this storm and its affects have been predicted for days.....I guess the weatherman are doing a pretty good job with mercury barometers and sling psychrometers.
I don't mean to pick on you, but what you state have some caveats.
In the model wars, Europe kicks North Americas butt
[Link: blog.chron.com...]
Why America has fallen behind the world in storm forecasting
[Link: blogs.wsj.com...]
334 | William of Orange Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:48:14pm |
Ugly! Live stream of the coast. Be sure to turn the volume down a bit, especially when wearing a headset (like me...) I jumped to the ceiling when the footage started! :-)
[Link: aws1.earthcam.com...]
Another picture of that crane.
[Link: www.skylines.io...]
335 | Cannadian Club Akbar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:52:39pm |
re: #323 PhillyPretzel
Down spout is still there:) storm drain cleared. I am soaked :(
This has taken on a life of its own!!!
336 | Cannadian Club Akbar Mon, Oct 29, 2012 1:53:53pm |
A friend just showed up to hunker down. Said the downtown has trees down and there is a canal that runs the length of the town and it's about to overflow.
337 | bmiller11757 Mon, Oct 29, 2012 2:37:09pm |
re: #160 Shiplord Kirel
Mega-Derp at Free Republic!
Hurricane Sandy Will Not Land in the US
This was based on a 3 day old prediction by climate change denialist Piers Corbyn, who relies exclusively on solar particle and "magnetic effects."
One freeper doubts the reality of the storm at all:
that asshat can come here and listen to the wind blowing or drive 5 miles south and look at the rising water on the streets