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News & General Discussion => News Stories and Current Events => Topic started by: Hydra009 on September 06, 2017, 11:22:55 PM

Title: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 06, 2017, 11:22:55 PM
I've brought this up in other threads, but I figured it deserves its own thread.

I dunno if you guys have noticed this, but I've been freaking out about this storm.  It's the biggest storm since Hugo and on a similar path.  Growing up, I heard stories about how bad Hugo was from relatives who were in SC at the time.  Irma is unsettlingly familiar and inspired a sense of dread that I haven't experienced in a long, long time.

And reports from the Caribbean Islands that first felt this storm's fury have done little to ease this feeling:

QuoteHurricane Irma Reaches Puerto Rico: ‘There Is Nothing Like This’

• Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, hit the eastern Caribbean on Wednesday with winds of up to 185 miles an hour.

• The Category 5 storm leveled Barbuda, damaging 95 percent of its buildings and leaving the island “barely habitable.” It has since begun lashing Puerto Rico and is also threatening havoc and destruction in the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.

President Trump declared a state of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. The storm is expected to reach Florida on Sunday, potentially causing catastrophic flooding.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/world/americas/hurricane-irma-update.html

QuoteThe US National Hurricane Center in Miami warned late Wednesday that it is increasingly likely Irma will strike southern Florida, home to 7 million people, by Sunday afternoon.

Florida suffered from long lines at gas stations and fuel and supply shortages on Wednesday.
QuoteThe Puerto Rico electric company says 965,000 people â€" close to two-thirds of customers â€" are without power. At least 50,000 people are without water. Fourteen hospitals are relying on emergency generators.

It is the fiercest hurricane to hit the island since 1928
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/sep/06/hurricane-irma-caribbean-islands-category-5-storm
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 06, 2017, 11:56:56 PM
Where do you live?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 02:33:06 AM
Climate-warming, Climate-Warming, Climate-warming...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 07:10:11 AM
Evacuate before you are told to.  Cover your windows before you are told to.  Get a week worth of supplies before you are told to.  If you wait, you are too late.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 07:52:02 AM
Is it Irmageddon yet?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:52:30 AM
Quote from: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 07:10:11 AM
Evacuate before you are told to.  Cover your windows before you are told to.  Get a week worth of supplies before you are told to.  If you wait, you are too late.

Some family fled the Keys already.  But they may have left the frying pan for the fire.  Ok, rain and winds...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:53:29 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 07:52:02 AM
Is it Irmageddon yet?

That sound 2nd Bushism, LOL!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 07:56:12 AM
I haven't been paying too much attention to Irma since it first formed.  That seems like a week ago, and at that time it was just another hurricane forming out in the ocean.  I knew that it was destined to take a swipe at the east coast, as far north as New York, and I saw maps that showed paths that could effect any state of the seaboard, but that Florida would be hit for sure.  In my mind it was just another hurricane that might blow itself out in a few days.  Also, all the focus has been on the aftermath in Huston, so I basically mentally shelved thinking about it.

But my God!  We certainly don't want another Hugo!  I was in Montana at the time, and I can't remember any hurricane dominating the news to that extent before.   But early reports of Irma's  first landfalls are not encouraging.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:59:18 AM
Quote from: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 07:56:12 AM
I haven't been paying too much attention to Irma since it first formed.  That seems like a week ago, and at that time it was just another hurricane forming out in the ocean.  I knew that it was destined to take a swipe at the east coast, as far north as New York, and I saw maps that showed paths that could effect any state of the seaboard, but that Florida would be hit for sure.  In my mind it was just another hurricane that might blow itself out in a few days.  Also, all the focus has been on the aftermath in Huston, so I basically mentally shelved thinking about it.

But my God!  We certainly don't want another Hugo!  I was in Montana at the time, and I can't remember any hurricane dominating the news to that extent before.   But early reports of Irma's  first landfalls are not encouraging.

The predictions are saying worst hurricane ever recorded...  And I've been through a few.  Wow!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:18:48 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on September 06, 2017, 11:56:56 PM
Where do you live?
Central NC
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:24:08 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 02:33:06 AM
Climate-warming, Climate-Warming, Climate-warming...
*sticks hand out the window*
Feels cold to me.

I joke, but this is really what some people believe.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 09:30:00 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:24:08 AM
*sticks hand out the window*
Feels cold to me.

I joke, but this is really what some people believe.

I understand.  But this is exactly what scientists tried to explain years ago.  GENERAL global warming leads to unequal and hard to predict weird weather patterns and larger tropical storms.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 07, 2017, 09:42:00 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:18:48 AM
Central NC
Ya, I'd be a little concerned, too.  I have never been through a hurricane and I don't envy anybody who has.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 09:46:16 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:24:08 AM
*sticks hand out the window*
Feels cold to me.

I joke, but this is really what some people believe.
Not that long ago, a secretary where I worked, who had no idea what global warming was, had just finished an article and was delighted to report one morning that eventually Portland, Oregon would have palm trees.  A bunch of people jumped on her, one mentioning that Portland would be under water, and she was hurt.  It wasn't like she was a denier looking for a debate.  She was just delighted about palm trees in Oregon, and thought everyone else would be happy with the news too.  It would likely mean that the Montana mountains would become home to vibrantly colored tropical birds.  I mean, what's wrong with warm weather?  Especially, if you are from Montana.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 10:05:47 AM
Quote from: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 09:46:16 AM
Not that long ago, a secretary where I worked, who had no idea what global warming was, had just finished an article and was delighted to report one morning that eventually Portland, Oregon would have palm trees.  A bunch of people jumped on her, one mentioning that Portland would be under water, and she was hurt.  It wasn't like she was a denier looking for a debate.  She was just delighted about palm trees in Oregon, and thought everyone else would be happy with the news too.  It would likely mean that the Montana mountains would become home to vibrantly colored tropical birds.  I mean, what's wrong with warm weather?  Especially, if you are from Montana.

Tricky to reply to.   On one hand, I know people with little education and great talents.  On the other hand, if your only skill is typiing fast and accurately and taking orders, you might be a secretary!

I had a secretary co-worker who heard about the Yellowstone Supervolcano and came right to me about it.  I explained it was serious, but probably not going to happen in our lifetimes and gave some reasons. 

She said, "Well, I was sure YOU would know", and went away unworried.  Nothing like being "the science guy" in the office.

*I* on the other hand, then spent several years until I retired, worrying that the damn supervolcano WOULD blow up and she would blame me.

Never mind the unbelievable devastation it would have caused, I was suddenly responsible for her trust in me that it WOULDN'T happen in her lifetime.  Responsibility, deserved or not, is Hell!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: pr126 on September 07, 2017, 10:10:52 AM
 'This Is The Reward Of Your Crimes Against Muslims' (https://www.memri.org/jttm/isis-supporters-social-media-celebrate-imminent-destruction-florida-hurricane-irma-reward-your)
QuoteJust as ISIS supporters celebrated the destruction that Hurricane Harvey unleashed on Houston, pro-ISIS users on social media are engaging in similar rhetoric about Hurricane Irma and are eagerly awaiting the destruction that it is likely to cause. Weather models are predicting that Hurricane Irma, a fierce Category 5 hurricane that has already battered parts of the Caribbean, will make landfall in Florida on September 9, 2017. Several ISIS supporters suggested that the hurricane is divine retribution for U.S.-led airstrikes that target the Islamic State.

Feel the love from the religion of peace.

Yeah, I know. #NOTALLMUSLIMS.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 10:15:15 AM
Quote from: pr126 on September 07, 2017, 10:10:52 AM
'This Is The Reward Of Your Crimes Against Muslims' (https://www.memri.org/jttm/isis-supporters-social-media-celebrate-imminent-destruction-florida-hurricane-irma-reward-your)
Feel the love from the religion of peace.

I'm with you on THAT!  You can't stop religious lunatics from seeing random disasters (literally, bad stars) from having local meanings.  Any bets that they blame themselves for the next earthquake?  Oh wait, they might...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 10:53:30 AM
Quote from: pr126 on September 07, 2017, 10:10:52 AM
'This Is The Reward Of Your Crimes Against Muslims' (https://www.memri.org/jttm/isis-supporters-social-media-celebrate-imminent-destruction-florida-hurricane-irma-reward-your)
Feel the love from the religion of peace.

Yeah, I know. #NOTALLMUSLIMS.

Ever wonder why no Good and True Christian has prayed for an end to hurricane destruction?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 10:56:12 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 07:52:02 AM
Is it Irmageddon yet?
If Jesus comes back in those clouds, he'll be blown away!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 01:27:36 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:52:30 AM
Some family fled the Keys already.  But they may have left the frying pan for the fire.  Ok, rain and winds...
Yeah, I heard winds over 200 miles per hour! Devastation will be vast, and so soon after Harvey. Then there's Jose coming next.

Is this the new normal? Or will there ever again even be such a thing as "normal"?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 01:31:52 PM
I just found this, if anyone was curious about the names of hurricanes:



(https://dsx.weather.com//util/image/w/2017-atlantic-hurricane-season-names.jpg?v=ap&w=980&h=551&api=7db9fe61-7414-47b5-9871-e17d87b8b6a0)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 01:42:24 PM
Which hurricane on that list is most likely to hit Houston next?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 01:56:43 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 01:27:36 PM
will there ever again even be such a thing as "normal"?
I would think so eventually.  I don't know when, but I don't think it will be a "good normal" by today's standards.  My guess is that this is the early stage of global warming, although it may be a normal abnormality too.  Scientists have been mostly quiet about making that claim as of yet.  They don't tend to be as bad as religious fanatics that jump to conclusions from every confirmation bias that comes down the pike.  Although as I heard one scientist on NPR say, these types of incidents are predicted in global warming.  They are coming. Is this pattern part of it, or only an abnormality that gives us a picture of what the new normal will be like?   

I talked to a guy that worked at sea for the Canadian oceanographic agency, whatever it's called.  He traveled all over the world taking different kinds of measurements on a scientific ship of some kind.   Of course his interest in warming was the effect on the oceans, but after talking to him I came away with the impression than change in the oceans is the biggest factor in warming.  When the currents we accept as normal change, it changes the conditions of the entire planet.  And they most certainly include fiercer hurricanes and longer hurricane seasons among the global warming predictions.

I think I have lived in the best of times, at least for humans.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 02:01:00 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 01:42:24 PM
Which hurricane on that list is most likely to hit Houston next?
I don't know, those things are pretty much unpredictable. Impossible to second guess.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 02:09:15 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 01:56:43 PM
I think I have lived in the best of times, at least for humans.
Interesting you'd say that. I've been thinking the same thing for a while. I was born in '56 and I'll be gone back to oblivion before too much longer - before things get really, horribly worse than they have been. I've lived right through a sweet spot in American history.

I guess I'm considered a Baby Boomer, but a late one. I'm glad I'm not a youngster, I'd have to be much more worried than I am.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 03:11:43 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 07, 2017, 01:56:43 PM
I would think so eventually.  I don't know when, but I don't think it will be a "good normal" by today's standards.  My guess is that this is the early stage of global warming, although it may be a normal abnormality too.  Scientists have been mostly quiet about making that claim as of yet.  They don't tend to be as bad as religious fanatics that jump to conclusions from every confirmation bias that comes down the pike.  Although as I heard one scientist on NPR say, these types of incidents are predicted in global warming.  They are coming. Is this pattern part of it, or only an abnormality that gives us a picture of what the new normal will be like?   

I talked to a guy that worked at sea for the Canadian oceanographic agency, whatever it's called.  He traveled all over the world taking different kinds of measurements on a scientific ship of some kind.   Of course his interest in warming was the effect on the oceans, but after talking to him I came away with the impression than change in the oceans is the biggest factor in warming.  When the currents we accept as normal change, it changes the conditions of the entire planet.  And they most certainly include fiercer hurricanes and longer hurricane seasons among the global warming predictions.

I think I have lived in the best of times, at least for humans.

Possibly.  Compared to the past, weather is likely to get both less predictable and fiercer.  Part of that is that warmer water expands, so coastal problems will get worse.  Another part is that warmer water leads to more moisture in the atmosphere leading to more rain.  Part is that more water in the atmosphere leads to the planets retaining more heat.  It's a self-feeding cycle. 

Then add to that the melting of the polar ice caps, more water and more evaporation. 

AND the more exposed water (which absorbs more sunlight) retains more sunlight heat (sunlight enters at one energy level and reflects out at a lover one) so the lower reflectivity of non-ice ocean means more retained heat.

Etc, etc, etc.  Al was right.

I'm 67 and figure another 20 years maybe, I can cope.  And I'm about 100 feet above sealevel.  I think I might buy a good boat though.

Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Munch on September 07, 2017, 03:12:18 PM
Well stay safe. I wonder given hot spots in some regions of the world why underground bunkers aren't more a thing to escape to, something every town should have for such emergencies
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 03:15:45 PM
Quote from: Munch on September 07, 2017, 03:12:18 PM
Well stay safe. I wonder given hot spots in some regions of the world why underground bunkers aren't more a thing to escape to, something every town should have for such emergencies

Underground bunkers.  Floods.  Bad combo.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 03:29:36 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 03:15:45 PM
Underground bunkers.  Floods.  Bad combo.
That reminds me of the Silo Series (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silo_(series)). That was a scary read!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 03:35:01 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 01:27:36 PM
Yeah, I heard winds over 200 miles per hour! Devastation will be vast, and so soon after Harvey. Then there's Jose coming next.

Is this the new normal? Or will there ever again even be such a thing as "normal"?

Nothing's been normal for me, since 1963.

In Moore OK, a few years ago, the elementary school had a shelter that was too low ... flooded from the rain coming down with the tornado, drowned little kids.  With hurricanes and tornadoes and other wet disasters, better have shelter above ground ... a bunker is usually below ground.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 03:36:07 PM
November of that year?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 07, 2017, 03:41:21 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 02:01:00 PM
I don't know, those things are pretty much unpredictable. Impossible to second guess.
Look at the last name on that list.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 03:42:42 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 03:36:07 PM
November of that year?

I am just a few months older than you.  Revised last post above.  I don't have memory of the Cuban Missile Crisis or other prior political events.  Nov 1963 was my baptism by gun fire.  Then 1965 took things much worse.  They took silver out of coins, demonstrators took over the Dean's office, Watts riots, Vietnam war.  Why do people want to repeat the 60s?  Wasn't fun the first time around.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Munch on September 07, 2017, 04:50:40 PM
theres images up of what its done to the Caribbean coastline.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/05/hurricane-irma-heads-towards-florida-caribbean-pictures/storm-damage-naranjito-puerto-rico/

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2017/09/07/TELEMMGLPICT000139568580_1_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth=1400)

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2017/09/07/TELEMMGLPICT000139562074_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq0yUt6ugM98uus3IXa1PYRdXQjbVb1z_p_gStmbOtpJw.jpeg?imwidth=1400)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 04:57:07 PM
Well, that should create a lot of jobs...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: aitm on September 07, 2017, 06:14:56 PM
yep..its coming right down the barrel at me. As of right now the eye will cross right over my house. Sounds like fun. All set though, I got two glasses of water and my bible...Jesus is all I need!   Okay I also got three cases of beer....should last me to the storm hits....
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on September 07, 2017, 09:42:00 AM
Ya, I'd be a little concerned, too.  I have never been through a hurricane and I don't envy anybody who has.
The local grocery store has bottled water stockpiled near the entrance.  People here have already started panic-buying water.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 06:37:17 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 04:57:07 PM
Well, that should create a lot of jobs...

Broken Glass theory of economics.  Destruction creates jobs (for illegal immigrants, Americans are too soft for that work).
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:46:55 PM
Quote from: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 03:35:01 PM
Nothing's been normal for me, since 1963.

In Moore OK, a few years ago, the elementary school had a shelter that was too low ... flooded from the rain coming down with the tornado, drowned little kids.  With hurricanes and tornadoes and other wet disasters, better have shelter above ground ... a bunker is usually below ground.

Fine, why 1963? 
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 07, 2017, 09:05:46 PM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 06:23:25 PM
The local grocery store has bottled water stockpiled near the entrance.  People here have already started panic-buying water.
I can only wish you and yours all the luck that can be mustered--hope you stay dry and safe!!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 09:12:39 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 07, 2017, 06:14:56 PM
yep..its coming right down the barrel at me. As of right now the eye will cross right over my house. Sounds like fun. All set though, I got two glasses of water and my bible...Jesus is all I need!   Okay I also got three cases of beer....should last me to the storm hits....

May the random operations of the universe work in your favor...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:15:44 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on September 07, 2017, 09:05:46 PM
I can only wish you and yours all the luck that can be mustered--hope you stay dry and safe!!
I'll try.  I have the good sense not to go out in a hurricane.  I'll hunker down as best I can and que sera, sera.

With any luck it'll be mostly spent by the time it gets here and it'll just be an unusually strong thunderstorm.  Regardless, a lot of other people are going to get it way worse than me.  The aftermath is going to be incredible.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 09:27:01 PM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 07, 2017, 09:15:44 PM
I'll try.  I have the good sense not to go out in a hurricane.  I'll hunker down as best I can and que sera, sera.

With any luck it'll be mostly spent by the time it gets here and it'll just be an usually strong thunderstorm.  Regardless, a lot of other people are going to get it way worse than me.  The aftermath is going to be incredible.

Well, sure hope you are on the SW side.  It it usually lesser there.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 11:42:09 PM
Quote from: Baruch on September 07, 2017, 06:37:17 PM
Broken Glass theory of economics.  Destruction creates jobs (for illegal immigrants, Americans are too soft for that work).
And Republicans love job creators.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 08, 2017, 07:10:13 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 09:27:01 PM
Well, sure hope you are on the SW side.  It it usually lesser there.
I had a book on seamanship one time that explained how you could tell where you were in a hurricane by keeping track of which way the wind is coming at you and in which way it is turning direction in relation to you.  If thus and so, you were in the NW quadrant (and therefore you should work your way to the bla bla side) by heading some bla bla direction relative to the wind.  Compass directions were only used to determine wind direction, but useless in figuring out what quadrant you were in, and which way you had to go to be safe.  That seemed like a concept I could sink my teeth into, but no matter how many times I read the explanation or the directions, nothing ever made sense.  Not in a way that I disagreed with it, however.  It was so far beyond the limits of my comprehension, that after reading it several times, and doing my best to open my mind, I didn't have a clue what the book was saying, or how the concepts worked.  I stopped trying to understand it, and just decided it would be better not to think about hurricanes when I'm sailing.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 01:05:19 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 07:46:55 PM
Fine, why 1963?

That was when I first was slapped in the head, that things weren't going down the right path.  Too late to warn Goldilocks or Red Riding Hood though.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 01:06:13 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 07, 2017, 09:12:39 PM
May the random operations of the universe work in your favor...

Weak tea that.  Do you put all your monthly retirement income into Lotto tickets too?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 01:07:07 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 11:42:09 PM
And Republicans love job creators.

They love bribes.  They don't create jobs anymore, except in China and India.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 01:08:25 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 08, 2017, 07:10:13 AM
I had a book on seamanship one time that explained how you could tell where you were in a hurricane by keeping track of which way the wind is coming at you and in which way it is turning direction in relation to you.  If thus and so, you were in the NW quadrant (and therefore you should work your way to the bla bla side) by heading some bla bla direction relative to the wind.  Compass directions were only used to determine wind direction, but useless in figuring out what quadrant you were in, and which way you had to go to be safe.  That seemed like a concept I could sink my teeth into, but no matter how many times I read the explanation or the directions, nothing ever made sense.  Not in a way that I disagreed with it, however.  It was so far beyond the limits of my comprehension, that after reading it several times, and doing my best to open my mind, I didn't have a clue what the book was saying, or how the concepts worked.  I stopped trying to understand it, and just decided it would be better not to think about hurricanes when I'm sailing.

Works every time ... in the Bermuda Triangle.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 08, 2017, 02:45:52 PM

Hurricanes don't bother Chump - he gets by just fine:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHxAXuHugTo
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 08, 2017, 03:05:40 PM
Irma is now the size of Texas.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 08, 2017, 03:11:24 PM
It's already the most powerful hurricane in recorded Atlantic Ocean history! At least, until Jose gets even more powerful.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 08, 2017, 03:12:50 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 08, 2017, 03:05:40 PM
Irma is now the size of Texas.




(http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.3474660.1504726070!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/article-irmamap.jpg)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: The Skeletal Atheist on September 08, 2017, 06:26:02 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 07, 2017, 04:57:07 PM
Well, that should create a lot of jobs...
Actually yes. While everything is going on of course I won't be able to work, but afterwards I expect a lot of business for anyone involved in construction. Of course, looking at a natural disaster that will displace and/or kill thousands as a business opportunity is sickening, but it's true.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 08, 2017, 06:39:09 PM
Hurricane Irma may hit Tennessee instead of NC, sparing us the worst of the storm.

My reaction:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPc_Jai2-ww
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 08, 2017, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 08, 2017, 06:39:09 PM
Hurricane Irma may hit Tennessee instead of NC, sparing us the worst of the storm.
That seems remarkably far inland.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 08, 2017, 07:46:42 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 08, 2017, 07:40:43 PM
That seems remarkably far inland.
It is.

The remaining 998 words:

(https://accuweather.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84b2ea3/2147483647/resize/590x/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faccuweather-bsp.s3.amazonaws.com%2F06%2F08%2Ffd97fb8a45aebf110fc25ddf85b4%2Firma-track-9-8-8am.jpg)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 11:09:37 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 08, 2017, 03:05:40 PM
Irma is now the size of Texas.

Nobody is bigger than Texas ... not even Alaska ;-)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 08, 2017, 11:13:22 PM
The phrase "the size of" doesn't mean "bigger than."
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 08, 2017, 11:31:31 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 08, 2017, 11:13:22 PM
The phrase "the size of" doesn't mean "bigger than."

Yes, so the hurricane will not get bigger.  Texas won't allow it ;-)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on September 09, 2017, 03:14:02 AM
Rush Limbaugh has assured us all that it's essentially just fake news intended to drive up the price of bottled water to fund the election efforts of Democrats.
Well that certainly eases my mind so therefore I think I'll just go live on a beach in Key West in the next few days.
He did, however evacuate from his humble broadcasting fortress in Florida, but only because bottled water got too expensive.   
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on September 09, 2017, 03:18:29 AM
Quote from: The Skeletal Atheist on September 08, 2017, 06:26:02 PM
Actually yes. While everything is going on of course I won't be able to work, but afterwards I expect a lot of business for anyone involved in construction. Of course, looking at a natural disaster that will displace and/or kill thousands as a business opportunity is sickening, but it's true.
I've always said that if you want to be a job creator just throw your trash out on the streets so others can be employed to pick up the trash.
By the way, has anyone noticed the lack of coverage of the damage this hurricane is causing to Cuba as if Cuba and its residents don't count at all?
I'm really hoping that we've dodged the bullet here in South Carolina. I suspect we'll get a shitload of rain here in the greater Columbia area, but if the forecasts are right we'll avoid the brunt of the wind coming our way. We're roughly about 80 miles east from the Georgia border  ..
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 09, 2017, 07:46:02 AM
Not seeing coverage doesn't mean coverage doesn't exist.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 09, 2017, 10:21:55 AM
Florida man plans to "shoot down" hurricane (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-irma-gun-owners-florida-shoot-down-storm-a7937546.html)

What's better than 150+ mph winds?  150+ mph winds with bullets!

Also, I'd love for someone to crunch the numbers for this and find out how much firing a colt 45 would affect a hurricane.

Imo, this is like pissing on a forest fire.  So ineffective that it's not even worth considering while incredibly dangerous at the same time.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 10:36:53 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 09, 2017, 10:21:55 AM
Florida man plans to "shoot down" hurricane (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-irma-gun-owners-florida-shoot-down-storm-a7937546.html)
Brilliant!  Absolutely brilliant!  It's about time we stop taking this kind of shit.  Florida leads the nation in taking action.  In days of old, American sailors would climb the mast during storms and curse God.  That's what made us a great nation, and it's time we take America back.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 09, 2017, 10:40:14 AM
Irma is weakening ... and the eye seems to prefer Havana to Miami for now.  And yes, Cuba doesn't count for much, never has.  Notice the poster didn't say ... why won't anyone say anything about the damage in Puerto Rico ... wonder why, comrade?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 09, 2017, 11:39:21 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 09, 2017, 10:21:55 AM
Florida man plans to "shoot down" hurricane (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-irma-gun-owners-florida-shoot-down-storm-a7937546.html)

What's better than 150+ mph winds?  150+ mph winds with bullets!

Also, I'd love for someone to crunch the numbers for this and find out how much firing a colt 45 would affect a hurricane.

Imo, this is like pissing on a forest fire.  So ineffective that it's not even worth considering while incredibly dangerous at the same time.
A .45 might knock a man down.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 12:14:20 PM
A butterfly could flap his wings in the Orient that leads to a hurricane in Florida.  Now, just imagine a Colt 45.  It's called the Colt 45 Effect, and that's what we use here in America on butterflies.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 09, 2017, 12:24:08 PM
A present for Rush when this is over:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518rfYiPR%2BL.jpg)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 09, 2017, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 09, 2017, 12:24:08 PM
A present for Rush when this is over:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518rfYiPR%2BL.jpg)
Does he really deserve 'organic'??????
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Hydra009 on September 09, 2017, 01:03:58 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 12:14:20 PMA butterfly could flap his wings in the Orient that leads to a hurricane in Florida.
I know you're not being completely serious here but people tend to take this maxim literally, overstating its effects.  Initial conditions do play a role, of course.  But what's far more important is the process that creates these catastrophes.  We could smother any hurricane in the crib if we had the power to interrupt the process by which small tropical storms become giant hurricanes.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 02:41:47 PM
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 09, 2017, 01:03:58 PM
I know you're not being completely serious here but people tend to take this maxim literally, overstating its effects.
But just imagine if everyone in America shot their guns at exactly the same second.  And you are correct.  I'm not being completely serious.  I'm not even being just a little serious.  I just like saying silly things.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 09, 2017, 08:40:58 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 02:41:47 PM
But just imagine if everyone in America shot their guns at exactly the same second.  And you are correct.  I'm not being completely serious.  I'm not even being just a little serious.  I just like saying silly things.
Hell, SGOS--I think you should print t-shirts!!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 09, 2017, 10:53:56 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 09, 2017, 02:41:47 PM
But just imagine if everyone in America shot their guns at exactly the same second.  And you are correct.  I'm not being completely serious.  I'm not even being just a little serious.  I just like saying silly things.
If they were to shoot them at once all in the same direction, could they change the rate of spin of the planet?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Shiranu on September 09, 2017, 11:14:41 PM
Quote from: Baruch on September 09, 2017, 10:40:14 AM
Irma is weakening ... and the eye seems to prefer Havana to Miami for now.  And yes, Cuba doesn't count for much, never has.  Notice the poster didn't say ... why won't anyone say anything about the damage in Puerto Rico ... wonder why, comrade?

Not according to any news I've seen... yes, it will weaken as it skims over Cuba, but then once it hits the warm gulf waters it will pick up intensity once again... and if it stays over the gulf until it hits mid-Florida or even the Panhandle, it can potentially become quite powerful again. That's not even anything to do with journalism, that is entry level meteorology.


It might have been better if it had hit Miami, because by hitting Havana and now moving up towards Tampa, it's going to hit more populated regions in Florida at full strength.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 10, 2017, 01:47:13 AM
The east side of the hurricane is supposed to be the worst.  So going over Tampa is worse than going over Miami ;-(
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 02:39:38 AM
Quote from: SGOS on September 08, 2017, 07:10:13 AM
I had a book on seamanship one time that explained how you could tell where you were in a hurricane by keeping track of which way the wind is coming at you and in which way it is turning direction in relation to you.  If thus and so, you were in the NW quadrant (and therefore you should work your way to the bla bla side) by heading some bla bla direction relative to the wind.  Compass directions were only used to determine wind direction, but useless in figuring out what quadrant you were in, and which way you had to go to be safe.  That seemed like a concept I could sink my teeth into, but no matter how many times I read the explanation or the directions, nothing ever made sense.  Not in a way that I disagreed with it, however.  It was so far beyond the limits of my comprehension, that after reading it several times, and doing my best to open my mind, I didn't have a clue what the book was saying, or how the concepts worked.  I stopped trying to understand it, and just decided it would be better not to think about hurricanes when I'm sailing.

The counterclockwise rotation of a hurricane means that the forward motion means strongest winds in the NE and least in the SW.  Which also means that storm surges generally occur from the SE to the NW after the eye passes. 
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 07:39:00 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 02:39:38 AM
The counterclockwise rotation of a hurricane means that the forward motion means strongest winds in the NE and least in the SW.  Which also means that storm surges generally occur from the SE to the NW after the eye passes. 
I've recently revisited the physics of hurricanes on the net, and it's quite easy to understand with diagrams.  The book I referred to had no diagrams, and wasn't interested in the physics.  It attempted to describe a method of finding your way out through the safest route by observing the direction of the wind and whether it is shifting left to right or right to left.  This is how it would be at sea without communications, realizing you have sailed into a hurricane, and are in danger as sails are being ripped off their stays, and it will be two days before you can have a cup of coffee.  This is not as easy as it sounds. 

We might think it is, because we are used to approaching these things backwards from the way they are experienced without forewarning at sea.  If you want to know about Irma, you look it up on the net.  There's Irma.  There's the eye.  There's the arms.   And there's Miami.  It's simple now, because you are looking at backwards.  All the deciphering has been done by some geek that may or may not understand any more than cutting an pasting images from his weather monitor to a internet website, and superimposing it on a map.  He's not in the storm.  He's looking at it from afar.  He can see the entire storm, not just the 1000 sq feet around his boat.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 08:00:16 AM
Quote from: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 07:39:00 AM
I've recently revisited the physics of hurricanes on the net, and it's quite easy to understand with diagrams.  The book I referred to had no diagrams, and wasn't interested in the physics.  It attempted to describe a method of finding your way out through the safest route by observing the direction of the wind and whether it is shifting left to right or right to left.  This is how it would be at sea without communications, realizing you have sailed into a hurricane, and are in danger as sails are being ripped off their stays, and it will be two days before you can have a cup of coffee.  This is not as easy as it sounds. 

We might think it is, because we are used to approaching these things backwards from the way they are experienced without forewarning at sea.  If you want to know about Irma, you look it up on the net.  There's Irma.  There's the eye.  There's the arms.   And there's Miami.  It's simple now, because you are looking at backwards.  All the deciphering has been done by some geek that may or may not understand any more than cutting an pasting images from his weather monitor to a internet website, and superimposing it on a map.  He's not in the storm.  He's looking at it from afar.  He can see the entire storm, not just the 1000 sq feet around his boat.

I won't diminish the map geeks.  They explained the effects of the winds wonderfully on MSNBC and CNN.  I caught on well enough.  If the winds are moving counterclockwise and the storm is moving forward/north, it makes sense that the east side winds are stronger.

The confusion comes from where the landside is.  Land both robs a hurricane of moisture and wind speed.  So when a hurricane moves up the west side of FL, it both slows and moves west.  And the wind/rain falls heaviest from the SW side. 

I can understand it better on a map than I can describe it, but it all geometry/geography.

I have family on the keys.  They just moved there last year.  They fled to NE FL and that turned out well I think.  But they may not have a house when they return...  I'll find out in a few days.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 08:11:33 AM
The NE quadrant of the storms was always considered the worse place to be, because the winds would drive you around 3/4 of the storm before you had a good chance of getting out of it.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 08:38:26 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 08:11:33 AM
The NE quadrant of the storms was always considered the worse place to be, because the winds would drive you around 3/4 of the storm before you had a good chance of getting out of it.

Close, but not quite.  The NE is usually the hardest hit area of a hurricane because the wind speed and the forward motion are combined.  The NE part is also where the hurricane is sucking up moisture and increasing in intensity. 

If Irma had moved up the eastern coast of FL, it would have been a bit different.

Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 08:45:07 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 08:38:26 AM
Close, but not quite.  The NE is usually the hardest hit area of a hurricane because the wind speed and the forward motion are combined.  The NE part is also where the hurricane is sucking up moisture and increasing in intensity. 

If Irma had moved up the eastern coast of FL, it would have been a bit different.


Sorry, I was speaking about ships at sea.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 08:56:08 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 08:45:07 AM
Sorry, I was speaking about ships at sea.

Ah, I know the difference.  You quarter the waves when you can.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 09:15:21 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 08:11:33 AM
The NE quadrant of the storms was always considered the worse place to be, because the winds would drive you around 3/4 of the storm before you had a good chance of getting out of it.
You know you don't want to be on the NE side, but how do you know where you are in the hurricane and which direction to you should sail to get out?  You can't look at a hurricane map if you don't have one.  So before you can figure out where to go, you must determine where you are.  You also need to know which direction the storm is going so you don't sail yourself along with it, and keep in mind that 90% of the compass is unavailable to you in a sailboat.  Actually in a storm, it's more like 270 degrees of the compass is unavailable.  Besides getting the Hell out of Dodge, storm tactics demand sailing with the wind.  It's much safer, and you are less likely to have a serious disaster.

Part of this is a theoretical debate of course.  A lot of sailing literature is based on worst case scenarios and the accumulated wisdom relied upon by the 17th century explorers, like the one I referred to earlier about hurricane strategy.  In modern ocean going pleasure boats you are likely to have more sophisticated, equipment that wasn't even available when I started sailing 50 years ago.  Even on my limited budget, I received weather fax printouts  that came out of my computer through modulated short wave radio static.  Well it sounded like static to the ear, but my laptop computer software could translate it into a map that I could save in a folder or print out.

In my mind, the most important thing to remember about crossing an ocean is, "Don't do it during the hurricane season," and there are guide books that tell you when that is depending on what part of the world you are in.  You can wait 6 months for a window.  After all, it's the biggest vacation of your life, and it makes no sense to rush the whole thing.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 09:37:14 AM
I'd not be going to sea without a compass.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 09:42:23 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 09:37:14 AM
I'd not be going to sea without a compass.

Oh well, a compass!  I keep one in my cargo camos.  A small knife, a notebook, and a pen too.  One never knows, do one?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 09:57:08 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 09:42:23 AM
Oh well, a compass!  I keep one in my cargo camos.  A small knife, a notebook, and a pen too.  One never knows, do one?
The binacle is the place to keep a compass on a ship. Life rafts have them as part of the survival gear. My "abandon ship" bag had one.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 10:07:47 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 09:57:08 AM
The binacle is the place to keep a compass on a ship. Life rafts have them as part of the survival gear. My "abandon ship" bag had one.

I'm competent shipboard for a lander, but I had to look up "binacle".  Wonderful.  I keep a backpack in the basement "ready to go".  Nice to see the sensible side of you.  Sometimes we know too little about each other here.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 10:37:45 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 09:37:14 AM
I'd not be going to sea without a compass.
That too.  I had GPS of course and plotting equipment so I could chart a course if the GPS went haywire, and it did start acting funky with the screen going black for long periods about 500 miles from Hawaii, so I replaced it when I got to Hawaii.  I also had two other GPS units, one a cheap hand held, and another which was part of a primitive communication device that allowed me to send brief emails using low orbit satellites.  It was nice to be able to keep in touch on a daily basis via email, and the device would automatically add my lat and longitude coordinates to the emails so people, mostly my sister, could know where I was each day.  She actually learned how to plot positions so she could tell others where I was.

I also had a sextant on board that came with the boat.  Damned if I knew how to use the thing, however, even if I had the databases required to use it, which I didn't.  It was still in it's case sealed in plastic, and had never been used.

The communication device that sent emails was managed by a one man company who had bought the inventory of devices left over from another company that was divesting itself from a little used unprofitable system.  He included a service that allowed me to send a single email to all the people on a list I had to give him, but he dropped the ball and for about a week or two, I was sending emails that didn't get to anyone.  My sister went into a panic until I called her on a sat-phone, which was too expensive to use but once a week, and I told her I  had been sending emails via that special service.  She called the owner of the company had raised holy Hell.  When I got to Sitka Alaska, there was a message waiting for me from the Coast Guard to call them and let them know I had arrived.  My sister had called them too, and they reported back to her that they had researched my route and that there were no severe storms in my path.

About 200 to 500 miles out of Hawaii on the way to Alaska, I was circled by a Coast Guard Plane.  It was of those big honkin' C 130 something or others with the 4 props.  This was before the communications break down.  I listened to my radio and they called me.  They were probably never closer to me than one mile, but they were able to read the name of my boat.  We chatted for a while, and they wished me good luck and then flew off.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 10:40:25 AM
When all fails, it is hard to beat a sealed compass and Polaris.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 10:51:44 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 10:40:25 AM
When all fails, it is hard to beat a sealed compass and Polaris.
Also, like with hurricane problem, you need some way to know where you are, so you can plot the exact degrees you need to go to a destination.  I think that completes the basic necessities.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 11:39:29 AM
Quote from: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 10:51:44 AM
Also, like with hurricane problem, you need some way to know where you are, so you can plot the exact degrees you need to go to a destination.  I think that completes the basic necessities.

Well, if WWIII broke out and I was unfortunate enough to survive,  I would HAVE to try to survive.  I couldn't just decide not to.  And having a few weeks worth of canned foods would help.  Meanwhile, the grab and go backpack is comforting.  Grab the seed packets from the refrigerator too.  Leave the computer stuff behind.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 12:33:56 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 11:39:29 AM
Well, if WWIII broke out and I was unfortunate enough to survive,  I would HAVE to try to survive.  I couldn't just decide not to.  And having a few weeks worth of canned foods would help.  Meanwhile, the grab and go backpack is comforting.  Grab the seed packets from the refrigerator too.  Leave the computer stuff behind.

I had a grab and go pack on the boat in case I had to abandon ship.  I also had an emergency beacon that trailed behind the life raft that would broadcast my location and identity for a day or two.  Airliners monitor that frequency and relay any signals to the Coast Guard or whatever safety agency some other country has.  Offshore rescues are often from commercial shipping or fishing vessels that have been alerted by the Coast Guard.  I've heard the system is fairly effective.

Life rafts are supposed to be certified by the Coast Guard every few years or so.  I suppose many are not, but are still reliable.  I certified mine at some business authorized to do that.  The first thing they did was demonstrate how to pull the cord and inflate the raft, which happens in seconds.  Then the guy walked me through the very limited and primitive safety accessories included in the raft, which was quite helpful.  He also coached me on survival.  He said, "First try to keep dry.  You will get wet, but stay as dry as you can.  You will probably get sick too, so try and vomit outside the canopy."  Sheesh!  Talk about a last ditch effort.  I wonder how many millions of dollars of life rafts are sold, never to be used, but they do give you a modicum of confidence knowing they are on board.

I usually don't like to talk about these things because I associate this kind of blather with well read weekend sailors who have never been out of sight of land, but consider themselves vast storehouses of knowledge.  The docks at marinas are full of them, and frankly they annoy me, constantly pointing out deficiencies and listing things you must have on board, and the horrible things that happen at sea.  They work on their boats mostly waxing and polishing, getting it ready for a fantasy trip across an ocean, but they never leave, except for a day sailing out in the bay. 

Yeah things break down at sea and you may have a bunch of parts on board, but it's doubtful you will have the right one.  You just think and jury rig stuff, make do, and keep on going.  My first breakdown horrified me for a day <OMG, OMG, OMG>, but you just keep going.  It eventually becomes a new normal.  I wintered in Hilo and I saw lots of rusty buckets minimally equipped that came into the harbor from California and Mexico.  It's not a daunting as you would think.  The hard part is making up your mind to leave the dock.  Really, that's the hump that most fantasy sailors can't seem to get past.

I friended many blue water sailors, single handers, whole families, some going around the world for a second time, and I can't remember swapping a single horror story about the sea.  Everyone of them was positive and living it up.  The best friend I made on the trip did it because his wife talked him into it.  She had already done it once before on an all woman crew, and wanted to share the experience with her husband.  The biggest horror stories always seem to come from the ones who haven't been there.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 12:45:44 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 12:33:56 PM
I had a grab and go pack on the boat in case I had to abandon ship.  I also had an emergency beacon that trailed behind the life raft that would broadcast my location and identity for a day or two.  Airliners monitor that frequency and relay any signals to the Coast Guard or whatever safety agency some other country has.  Offshore rescues are often from commercial shipping or fishing vessels that have been alerted by the Coast Guard.  I've heard the system is fairly effective.

Life rafts are supposed to be certified by the Coast Guard every few years or so.  I suppose many are not, but are still reliable.  I certified mine at some business authorized to do that.  The first thing they did was demonstrate how to pull the cord and inflate the raft, which happens in seconds.  Then the guy walked me through the very limited and primitive safety accessories included in the raft, which was quite helpful.  He also coached me on survival.  He said, "First try to keep dry.  You will get wet, but stay as dry as you can.  You will probably get sick too, so try and vomit outside the canopy."  Sheesh!  Talk about a last ditch effort.  I wonder how many millions of dollars of life rafts are sold, never to be used, but they do give you a modicum of confidence knowing they are on board.

I usually don't like to talk about these things because I associate this kind of blather with well read weekend sailors who have never been out of sight of land, but consider themselves vast storehouses of knowledge.  The docks at marinas are full of them, and frankly they annoy me, constantly pointing out deficiencies and listing things you must have on board, and the horrible things that happen at sea.  They work on their boats mostly waxing and polishing, getting it ready for a fantasy trip across an ocean, but they never leave, except for a day sailing out in the bay. 

Yeah things break down at sea and you may have a bunch of parts on board, but it's doubtful you will have the right one.  You just think and jury rig stuff, make do, and keep on going.  My first breakdown horrified me for a day <OMG, OMG, OMG>, but you just keep going.  It eventually becomes a new normal.  I wintered in Hilo and I saw lots of rusty buckets minimally equipped that came into the harbor from California and Mexico.  It's not a daunting as you would think.  The hard part is making up your mind to leave the dock.  Really, that's the hump that most fantasy sailors can't seem to get past.

I friended many blue water sailors, single handers, whole families, some going around the world for a second time, and I can't remember swapping a single horror story about the sea.  Everyone of them was positive and living it up.  The best friend I made on the trip did it because his wife talked him into it.  She had already done it once before on an all woman crew, and wanted to share the experience with her husband.  The biggest horror stories always seem to come from the ones who haven't been there.

There are posts many readers probably skim through.  I didn't.  It was great!

I'm the blue water type.  But Grandad had a lobster boat off NH and we went on it a few times.  Every threw up but me.  I loved it.

If push comes to shove, I hope we meet.  I'm pretty much not stupid on a boat.  LOL!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: aitm on September 11, 2017, 01:13:39 PM
I made it through the storm, thanks for asking yoy fucktards 😘
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 01:20:14 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 11, 2017, 01:13:39 PM
I made it through the storm, thanks for asking yoy fucktards 😘
So do you have any good storm stories?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 01:20:55 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 10:07:47 AM
I'm competent shipboard for a lander, but I had to look up "binacle".  Wonderful.  I keep a backpack in the basement "ready to go".  Nice to see the sensible side of you.  Sometimes we know too little about each other here.
I trained informally with a one-legged Marine from age 14 to age 18, then got professional survival training from the Navy. Still comes in handy when I have to go to the Mall in December.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 11, 2017, 01:21:28 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 11, 2017, 01:13:39 PM
I made it through the storm, thanks for asking yoy fucktards 😘
Who are you, please?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 01:29:28 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 11, 2017, 01:13:39 PM
I made it through the storm, thanks for asking yoy fucktards 😘
Hey, I didn't know you were in FL.

Ya gotta say you have a tight squeeze to get good strokes woofie.  I'm a cat guy, I don't read woofs well.  LOL!

But really, had I known...  It would have been, hey you OK?  Which coast you on? 

I spent days with those I knew were in Houston.  I spent the past few days talking to family and cat bloggers in FL.  I spent days talking to a friend in Isreal when it was being bombed.  As she dit me on 9-11 knowing I worked 2 blocks from The White House. 

Ya gotta tell people, "I'm in trouble here".  We would have replied....  We don't remember where everyone lives. 

Aside from that, you are one of my favorite woofs...

LOL!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 01:32:53 PM
If you have a ruined house, and need a place to stay, just tell me.  Cavebear in MD.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 11, 2017, 01:41:10 PM
There are Mexican pirates that will chase sailboats up the W coast of Mexico .. as told in a true life story I read.  Don't know if they still have pirates in the Caribbean.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 02:13:42 PM
Quote from: Baruch on September 11, 2017, 01:41:10 PM
There are Mexican pirates that will chase sailboats up the W coast of Mexico .. as told in a true life story I read.  Don't know if they still have pirates in the Caribbean.

Pirates should be stooped an sunk when no innocents are aboard. 
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 03:03:06 PM
I met sailors in Canada that were boarded in Mexico, tied up and robbed.  They managed to free themselves.  The perps were apprehended.  They went to court, and the judge let the perps go with a warning.  I can't remember if they got their stuff back.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 11, 2017, 03:03:06 PM
I met sailors in Canada that were boarded in Mexico, tied up and robbed.  They managed to free themselves.  The perps were apprehended.  They went to court, and the judge let the perps go with a warning.  I can't remember if they got their stuff back.

I still the Yardarms for them...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 11, 2017, 03:18:44 PM
They oughta be keel-hauled!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 04:21:23 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 11, 2017, 03:18:44 PM
They oughta be keel-hauled!

Yar, the barnacle scraping be a good lesson, har...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 11, 2017, 04:25:38 PM
Barnacles work even better than a loofah!


(http://images.wisegeek.com/purple-colored-barnacles.jpg)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 05:20:15 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 11, 2017, 04:25:38 PM
Barnacles work even better than a loofah!


(http://images.wisegeek.com/purple-colored-barnacles.jpg)

That's why the ship's barnacles are a dreadful punishment, seldom survived.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Munch on September 12, 2017, 03:58:56 AM
Sea giants up ended sailing ships to use the underside to scratch their taint
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 12, 2017, 07:19:11 AM
Quote from: Munch on September 12, 2017, 03:58:56 AM
Sea giants up ended sailing ships to use the underside to scratch their taint

What's a Kraken to do, when you got an itch?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 12, 2017, 07:49:16 AM
It seems like an execution rather than a punishment.  The captain says to the Inquiry, "His punishment for stealing pudding was keel hauling, but he died before the punishment was fully carried out."  It's rather similar to, "His sentence was to be shot in the head, not executed, but he died anyway."
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 12, 2017, 11:24:07 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 12:45:44 PM
There are posts many readers probably skim through.  I didn't.  It was great!

I'm the blue water type.  But Grandad had a lobster boat off NH and we went on it a few times.  Every threw up but me.  I loved it.

If push comes to shove, I hope we meet.  I'm pretty much not stupid on a boat.  LOL!

Well, we might some day.  Who knows.  I no longer own a boat.  Those days are behind me.

Incidentally, on the leg to Alaska, in addition to a sailing buddy from Seattle, I will confess that we also had on board a delightful pair of great boobies.

[spoiler](https://photos-3.dropbox.com/t/2/AABIvfbGrgcfDcCUHjoGzixemJicP9aZQ_UvcPFBPzw8vA/12/574211072/jpeg/32x32/1/_/1/2/10Honob4.jpg/EOukws4EGAYgAigC/h19MWZg5m3T_O74hxtWGW9m-WwyMmoTf6SnRPjIkUGA?size=800x600&size_mode=3)

I was told these are black footed boobies, maybe blue footed boobies.  I'm not a birder.  They caught a ride with us for most of a day when we were motoring in a 5 day calm 200 miles out of Hawaii.  They just sat on the bow pulpit taking it easy like they did this sort of thing all the time.  I never went up to the bow while they were there.  I shot this from the cockpit with a telephoto and then cropped it even smaller so as not to scare them off.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 12, 2017, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: SGOS on September 12, 2017, 07:49:16 AM
It seems like an execution rather than a punishment.  The captain says to the Inquiry, "His punishment for stealing pudding was keel hauling, but he died before the punishment was fully carried out."  It's rather similar to, "His sentence was to be shot in the head, not executed, but he died anyway."

Maybe the 80 strokes from the cat, is what did him in, even before they put him in the water.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Unbeliever on September 12, 2017, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 11, 2017, 05:20:15 PM
That's why the ship's barnacles are a dreadful punishment, seldom survived.
Imagine how it makes the barnacles feel!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 12, 2017, 03:31:21 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 12, 2017, 01:46:48 PM
Imagine how it makes the barnacles feel!
Gooey sailor stuck in their feeding orifices. YUCK!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: fencerider on September 12, 2017, 08:29:08 PM
never thought about the barnacles. I always thought a keel-haul was a good way to get drowned.

Never had a boat neither. Closest I get is looking at woodenboat.com or sailing.com and pick out which one I'm gonna buy when I got the money. for example:

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1902/Townsend-And-Downey--2870008/Spain#.Wbh7RUFlCEc

gonna be a while before I got the money for that one
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: SGOS on September 12, 2017, 09:38:53 PM
Quote from: fencerider on September 12, 2017, 08:29:08 PM
never thought about the barnacles. I always thought a keel-haul was a good way to get drowned.

Never had a boat neither. Closest I get is looking at woodenboat.com or sailing.com and pick out which one I'm gonna buy when I got the money. for example:

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1902/Townsend-And-Downey--2870008/Spain#.Wbh7RUFlCEc

gonna be a while before I got the money for that one

Yeah, the Townsend and Downey ought to get you where you want to go.  But no matter how big the boat, there will always be another one that dwarfs it so you can never get too big for your britches.

I used yachtworld.com in my boat search too, which actually took me to Rhode Island on the East Coast to California and Washington State on the West Coast.  It took a few months, and a couple of offers that wouldn't fly ending up in San Pedro, California for a final inspection of the hull before the actual purchase of this one:

(https://photos-3.dropbox.com/t/2/AAB7A-73pzgJZxcIE9RXRtVOGumhzey8KQlF2BBW6S_Urg/12/574211072/jpeg/32x32/1/_/1/2/Boat%20Inspection.jpg/EOukws4EGAkgAigC/0zgsFmdCMxLuKnQ4-pm5USwPflA-zuYhjS-6SNCh-vs?size=800x600&size_mode=3)

(https://photos-2.dropbox.com/t/2/AADtTsfUlMdw4vRS8womT33hEW2wlhgUse1Eas8MvEP4sg/12/574211072/jpeg/32x32/1/_/1/2/TalariaNew2.jpg/EOukws4EGAogAigC/aPoZBeXXzBT0ySefIZDfGmV5Tjp7Xmlgr7VaRoVTSv4?size=800x600&size_mode=3)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 08:47:10 AM
Just made it back from Kwaj yesterday afternoon.

Has @aitm checked in lately? He is in Melbourn, and I'm wondering how he fared.

My brother is headed back home to Melbourn this afternoon. His neighbor sent him some pictures of his house there. He is going to need a new roof.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 13, 2017, 09:10:18 AM
How much history do they have on Kwajalein? Just wondering.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 09:44:50 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 13, 2017, 09:10:18 AM
How much history do they have on Kwajalein? Just wondering.

Enough for the army to pay KRS to keep a full-time archaeologist on the island. I was pretty busy while I was and didn't get to see a lot including taking the WWII tour, but a lot of the buildings have display cases with war related artifacts on display. WWII wreck diving is a thing there too.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 13, 2017, 10:09:01 AM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 09:44:50 AM
Enough for the army to pay KRS to keep a full-time archaeologist on the island. I was pretty busy while I was and didn't get to see a lot including taking the WWII tour, but a lot of the buildings have display cases with war related artifacts on display. WWII wreck diving is a thing there too.
Damn. Missed that one. I made Peleliu and some other islands, including Iwo.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: aitm on September 13, 2017, 03:02:39 PM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 08:47:10 AM
Just made it back from Kwaj yesterday afternoon.

Has @aitm checked in lately? He is in Melbourn, and I'm wondering how he fared.

My brother is headed back home to Melbourn this afternoon. His neighbor sent him some pictures of his house there. He is going to need a new roof.
Made it through spectacularly, still trying to drink all the hurricane beer so I can get new "non" hurricane beer...yeah...it is that important.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 06:23:23 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 13, 2017, 03:02:39 PM
Made it through spectacularly, still trying to drink all the hurricane beer so I can get new "non" hurricane beer...yeah...it is that important.

Good deal. Recommend a good roofing company?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: aitm on September 13, 2017, 07:16:25 PM
I cannot. I don't do business with residential.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 09:12:24 PM
Quote from: aitm on September 13, 2017, 07:16:25 PM
I cannot. I don't do business with residential.

It was worth a shot...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 04:26:43 AM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 13, 2017, 09:12:24 PM
It was worth a shot...

Anyone with plywood and shingles is now a qualified roofer in FL.  Sadly...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 06:03:06 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 04:26:43 AM
Anyone with plywood and shingles is now a qualified roofer in FL.  Sadly...

That's what I'm worried about. Before I left Kwaj the prime sent a crane to the worksite to lift our equipment out of the tank. When it showed up it was followed by a big flatbed truck and a forklift who's sole purpose was to lift the large rubber pads the crane's extendable feet sat on out of the flatbed. The forklift operator told me his 12-month contract was up in a few days. He was planning on heading back to the states to go to Texas and get a job in the Houston area fixing homes damaged by the flooding. He might be qualified/give a shit. He might not. Either way, I'm sure a bunch of people will be heading to Texas and Florida with a plan to fleece people doing shoddy and/or non-existent repairs. Texas, in particular, will probably be ripe with this type as I don't believe the state has any much in the way of local licensing/insurance requirements for residential construction contractors.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 06:53:45 AM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 06:03:06 AM
That's what I'm worried about. Before I left Kwaj the prime sent a crane to the worksite to lift our equipment out of the tank. When it showed up it was followed by a big flatbed truck and a forklift who's sole purpose was to lift the large rubber pads the crane's extendable feet sat on out of the flatbed. The forklift operator told me his 12-month contract was up in a few days. He was planning on heading back to the states to go to Texas and get a job in the Houston area fixing homes damaged by the flooding. He might be qualified/give a shit. He might not. Either way, I'm sure a bunch of people will be heading to Texas and Florida with a plan to fleece people doing shoddy and/or non-existent repairs. Texas, in particular, will probably be ripe with this type as I don't believe the state has any much in the way of local licensing/insurance requirements for residential construction contractors.
Yeah, proving that they know what they're doing is a liberal plot to steal our freedom! And our guns.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 08:18:59 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 06:53:45 AM
Yeah, proving that they know what they're doing is a liberal plot to steal our freedom! And our guns.

Sometimes I'm not sure who is crazier; you or Baruch.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: aitm on September 14, 2017, 09:53:57 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 08:18:59 AM
Sometimes I'm not sure who is crazier; you or Baruch.

c'mon, it ain't even close....
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 10:22:07 AM
Quote from: aitm on September 14, 2017, 09:53:57 AM
c'mon, it ain't even close....

That isn't exactly a statement.  Declare please?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 10:49:03 AM
I mock the hard right line. You may not have noticed that.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 10:52:51 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 10:49:03 AM
I mock the hard right line. You may not have noticed that.

Ah, asked Aitm about all ass-tatements...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 11:53:44 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 10:52:51 AM
Ah, asked Aitm about all ass-tatements...
I would but I'd have to buy him a drink first?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 11:57:30 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 11:53:44 AM
I would but I'd have to buy him a drink first?

Draw da dude da drink, dink...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 12:08:11 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 11:57:30 AM
Draw da dude da drink, dink...
Seriously, however, I'm a spiderweb thinker. Everything leads in several directions and there's seldom as many as six degrees of separation. Benny Goodman, Benny Hinn, Benny Hill, all flash like strobes.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 12:24:45 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 11:53:44 AM
I would but I'd have to buy him a drink first?

I've met aitm and saw your picture. (The one in the viking helmet) I'm thinking you'd have to buy him several.

ETA: Come to think of it I believe there was a picture in short shorts once too.
What has been seen can only be unseen by Alzheimer's.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 12:08:11 PM
Seriously, however, I'm a spiderweb thinker. Everything leads in several directions and there's seldom as many as six degrees of separation. Benny Goodman, Benny Hinn, Benny Hill, all flash like strobes.

Ok, I guess I pushed the alliteration as far as possible.  It was a brief obsession.

Bennys Goodman and Hill, great.  Hinn, meh...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 12:27:38 PM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 12:24:45 PM
I've met aitm and saw your picture. (The one in the viking helmet) I'm thinking you'd have to buy him several.

If I ever meet any of you, I'll buy the first round.  The table never gets smaller.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 12:31:14 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 12:27:38 PM
If I ever meet any of you, I'll buy the first round.  The table never gets smaller.

If you're ever in Huntsville...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: trdsf on September 14, 2017, 12:45:07 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 12:27:38 PM
If I ever meet any of you, I'll buy the first round.  The table never gets smaller.
Heh, maybe we should have us a sort-of convention.  Find a place easy for everyone (or at least most everyone) to get to, spend a weekend just hanging out.  I'll bring my bass.  Any guitars/keys/drums out there?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: trdsf on September 14, 2017, 12:45:07 PM
Heh, maybe we should have us a sort-of convention.  Find a place easy for everyone (or at least most everyone) to get to, spend a weekend just hanging out.  I'll bring my bass.  Any guitars/keys/drums out there?

I can whistle if I don't have any wine....  LOL!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 14, 2017, 01:43:17 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 12:08:11 PM
Seriously, however, I'm a spiderweb thinker. Everything leads in several directions and there's seldom as many as six degrees of separation. Benny Goodman, Benny Hinn, Benny Hill, all flash like strobes.

My mind isn't like strobes ... more like a disco ball ;-)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 01:53:38 PM
Quote from: Baruch on September 14, 2017, 01:43:17 PM
My mind isn't like strobes ... more like a disco ball ;-)

Going off in all directions, right?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 03:27:52 PM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 12:24:45 PM
I've met aitm and saw your picture. (The one in the viking helmet) I'm thinking you'd have to buy him several.

ETA: Come to think of it I believe there was a picture in short shorts once too.
What has been seen can only be unseen by Alzheimer's.
The helmet is Frankish, c. 1066.

And no, never in shorts. Too many scars.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 03:57:28 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 03:27:52 PM
The helmet is Frankish, c. 1066.

And no, never in shorts. Too many scars.

I rarely say this but...  I don't think I want to know.  LOL!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 04:51:00 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 03:57:28 PM
I rarely say this but...  I don't think I want to know.  LOL!
I spent a few years on the Mekong. Damage accumulated.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 04:51:00 PM
I spent a few years on the Mekong. Damage accumulated.

Frankish helmet, MeKong Delta.  Makes perfect sense...  No questions.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 05:20:54 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Frankish helmet, MeKong Delta.  Makes perfect sense...  No questions.
The helmet was a gift from a visiting professor while I was at Purdue.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 05:23:03 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 03:27:52 PM
The helmet is Frankish, c. 1066.

And no, never in shorts. Too many scars.

A young you? Shorts were a gift from some nurses...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 05:25:07 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 05:20:54 PM
The helmet was a gift from a visiting professor while I was at Purdue.

Special gift.  wear it well.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 14, 2017, 05:23:03 PM
A young you? Shorts were a gift from some nurses...
Oh, you mean the pic from Loquillo Beach. I'd forgotten I posted that.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 14, 2017, 06:44:25 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 12:08:11 PM
Seriously, however, I'm a spiderweb thinker. Everything leads in several directions and there's seldom as many as six degrees of separation. Benny Goodman, Benny Hinn, Benny Hill, all flash like strobes.
Well, then, make mine Benny Hill.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 14, 2017, 08:30:42 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 14, 2017, 01:53:38 PM
Going off in all directions, right?

You get the gold ring.  But not the marriage proposal ;-)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 14, 2017, 08:31:36 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 14, 2017, 05:20:54 PM
The helmet was a gift from a visiting professor while I was at Purdue.

That is more serious than a tin foil hat ... figures.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: fencerider on September 15, 2017, 01:13:11 AM
gawdzilla not crazy

I think he's competing with aitm for top comedian. ... maybe its the smart alek kid avatar that helps.
I know it helps aitm. ( I've seen enough movies with a talking dog that I can picture the old boxer beltin out aitm's comments in a deep gravelly voice)
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 19, 2017, 05:11:34 AM
Quote from: fencerider on September 15, 2017, 01:13:11 AM
gawdzilla not crazy

I think he's competing with aitm for top comedian. ... maybe its the smart alek kid avatar that helps.
I know it helps aitm. ( I've seen enough movies with a talking dog that I can picture the old boxer beltin out aitm's comments in a deep gravelly voice)

I have to smile at that.  When I see aitm post, I can't help thinking "woofie".  No offense to dogs or aitm (whom I respect) but I see an avatar and I think of the avatar.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Sorginak on September 22, 2017, 09:20:41 AM
Survived Irma's category two long windedness as she made her way past me. 
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 22, 2017, 09:59:48 AM
Quote from: Sorginak on September 22, 2017, 09:20:41 AM
Survived Irma's category two long windedness as she made her way past me. 
Well done! Lose much in the process?
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Sorginak on September 22, 2017, 10:01:41 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 22, 2017, 09:59:48 AM
Well done! Lose much in the process?

Just the power for over a day and the internet for a week.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 22, 2017, 11:10:33 AM
Quote from: Sorginak on September 22, 2017, 10:01:41 AM
Just the power for over a day and the internet for a week.
Very good, much better than many.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 03:23:46 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 22, 2017, 11:10:33 AM
Very good, much better than many.

I lost my heat pump A/C for day a whole day in August a few years ago and it was miserable.  I'm a temperature wimp.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 08:09:39 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 03:23:46 AM
I lost my heat pump A/C for day a whole day in August a few years ago and it was miserable.  I'm a temperature wimp.
I have an internet friend who lives in an abandoned opal mine. He says the temperature is quite agreeable without any mechanical assistance. Considering that this is Australia and the surface temp is routinely in triple digits I wonder if he's relativizing on me.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Sorginak on September 23, 2017, 08:45:21 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 03:23:46 AM
I lost my heat pump A/C for day a whole day in August a few years ago and it was miserable.  I'm a temperature wimp.

It was definitely hot during that day of no power/air conditioning, but I managed by opening the windows.  Since the storm had just passed, we were still receiving cool winds, which helped to deal with the heat.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: PopeyesPappy on September 23, 2017, 08:53:00 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 08:09:39 AM
I have an internet friend who lives in an abandoned opal mine. He says the temperature is quite agreeable without any mechanical assistance. Considering that this is Australia and the surface temp is routinely in triple digits I wonder if he's relativizing on me.

The temperature in most of the caves I've been in around here runs in the high 50s to low 60s. That's sweater weather for me. I imagine someplace like your buddy's mine in an area with a higher average annual surface temperature would probably be quite nice. Maybe in the upper 60s or even low 70s.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 09:14:02 AM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 23, 2017, 08:53:00 AM
The temperature in most of the caves I've been in around here runs in the high 50s to low 60s. That's sweater weather for me. I imagine someplace like your buddy's mine in an area with a higher average annual surface temperature would probably be quite nice. Maybe in the upper 60s or even low 70s.
72 F., he says. I say "you have go outside sometime".

Meanwhile, he meets living expenses while adding rooms.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 09:42:10 AM
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on September 23, 2017, 08:53:00 AM
The temperature in most of the caves I've been in around here runs in the high 50s to low 60s. That's sweater weather for me. I imagine someplace like your buddy's mine in an area with a higher average annual surface temperature would probably be quite nice. Maybe in the upper 60s or even low 70s.

My grampa had plans to build a hillside house.  I've thought of that myself.  Kind of hard to find hillsides around here though.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 10:22:08 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 09:42:10 AM
My grampa had plans to build a hillside house.  I've thought of that myself.  Kind of hard to find hillsides around here though.
Make one. I've seen one where the basement and garage are above ground and the lawn slopes up to meet the house on three sides. The garage door is on the fourth side, and the basement has a glass wall that open out onto a patio and an "armored" room for tornado sheltering. The owner bought four adjacent lots to get it looking right. Very pretty. Cost a pretty penny. And the garage/basement has poured concrete walls with rebar, it will stand up to most anything.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 10:32:44 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 10:22:08 AM
Make one. I've seen one where the basement and garage are above ground and the lawn slopes up to meet the house on three sides. The garage door is on the fourth side, and the basement has a glass wall that open out onto a patio and an "armored" room for tornado sheltering. The owner bought four adjacent lots to get it looking right. Very pretty. Cost a pretty penny. And the garage/basement has poured concrete walls with rebar, it will stand up to most anything.

Odd as it may seem, I contacted a realtor looking for a site of an acre or more, with a mostly below ground basement.  Closest I can get.  The water table is very high here.  Maybe I should pack up and really move to Kentucky.  I hear they have hills.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 10:34:02 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 10:32:44 AM
Odd as it may seem, I contacted a realtor looking for a site of an acre or more, with a mostly below ground basement.  Closest I can get.  The water table is very high here.  Maybe I should pack up and really move to Kentucky.  I hear they have hills.
Come to Missouri. We have hills and we speak English-ish. I already have the hill picked out for my version of Bag End.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Mike Cl on September 23, 2017, 10:50:37 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 10:32:44 AM
Odd as it may seem, I contacted a realtor looking for a site of an acre or more, with a mostly below ground basement.  Closest I can get.  The water table is very high here.  Maybe I should pack up and really move to Kentucky.  I hear they have hills.
Back in the day, my grandparents moved north of Portland, Or.,  about 20 miles into the hills.  They had 10 acres with 3 springs on the property.  Mainly hilly, with a flat spot in the middle of the property.  That's where the house went.  In my dreams, I had a house dug out of a very steep hillside--it would have been one with the garage only above ground.  But that was a long time ago.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 11:50:15 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on September 23, 2017, 10:50:37 AM
Back in the day, my grandparents moved north of Portland, Or.,  about 20 miles into the hills.  They had 10 acres with 3 springs on the property.  Mainly hilly, with a flat spot in the middle of the property.  That's where the house went.  In my dreams, I had a house dug out of a very steep hillside--it would have been one with the garage only above ground.  But that was a long time ago.

Dreams unfulfilled, both of us...

Maybe I should find an off-beat builder.  I'm not dead yet!
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: trdsf on September 23, 2017, 12:17:35 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 08:09:39 AM
I have an internet friend who lives in an abandoned opal mine. He says the temperature is quite agreeable without any mechanical assistance. Considering that this is Australia and the surface temp is routinely in triple digits I wonder if he's relativizing on me.
I think just the idea of living in an abandoned opal mine sounds fascinating.  Except I'd always be poking at the walls to see if they missed any.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 12:28:40 PM
Quote from: trdsf on September 23, 2017, 12:17:35 PM
I think just the idea of living in an abandoned opal mine sounds fascinating.  Except I'd always be poking at the walls to see if they missed any.
Tell me about it. He is smarter than me, luckily for him. He drove spikes through the walls the length an mining engineer had given him as the minimum thickness needed for support in his little mine. Gives him a reference point for the "no more chipping" limit. And, as I mentioned, he adds rooms. It seems the mine wasn't played out, it just wasn't an economical project for the hardcore miners. He has found opals up to 100 carats.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 23, 2017, 12:31:35 PM
Quote from: trdsf on September 23, 2017, 12:17:35 PM
I think just the idea of living in an abandoned opal mine sounds fascinating.  Except I'd always be poking at the walls to see if they missed any.

Well, a quick info search says there is usually nothing else valuable around opal, so poke away but don't bring down the house.  Er mine...
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Baruch on September 23, 2017, 05:58:13 PM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on September 23, 2017, 08:09:39 AM
I have an internet friend who lives in an abandoned opal mine. He says the temperature is quite agreeable without any mechanical assistance. Considering that this is Australia and the surface temp is routinely in triple digits I wonder if he's relativizing on me.

I saw a NG article on Coober Pedy once.  Looked very interesting, but you have to go in/out thru a vertical shaft.  I wouldn't do that anymore.
Title: Re: Hurricane Irma
Post by: Cavebear on September 28, 2017, 01:43:30 AM
Quote from: Baruch on September 23, 2017, 05:58:13 PM
I saw a NG article on Coober Pedy once.  Looked very interesting, but you have to go in/out thru a vertical shaft.  I wouldn't do that anymore.

I live in a house with many windows.  I spent time near them when inside and a lot of time outside.  At night, I sleep in a large room in a large bed but in blackout conditions.  Go figure.  An in-cave house would have to be LARGE with lots of lights.