Ramblin' with Roger

The October 4, 1987 snowstorm

Diabatic cooling occurs when melting snowflakes absorb heat from the surrounding air, causing the air temperature to subsequently drop. When precipitation comes down fast and furious with temperatures initially just above the freezing mark, the air can diabatically cool to the point where a cold rain can quickly change into a heavy wet accumulating snow.

If you were in Albany, NY, or nearby, you know this story:
From NOAA – Surprise October Snowstorm (October 4, 1987)

The earliest measurable snowfall at Albany, where 6.5″ inches fell, with as much as 20″ reported in parts of the Catskills. The storm wreaked havoc on the area because it was a heavy, extremely wet snow, which fell on fully leaved trees. Numerous branches and trees were felled…taking down power lines with them, blocking roads and damaging houses. Albany was described as “looking like a war zone.” Hundreds of thousands of people were without power…some for up to two weeks. It was the most snow that ever fell during the month of October in Albany. Many of those folks without power for a fortnight were in Dutchess, Ulster, and Columbia Counties, south of Albany.

It was just half a foot of snow; I’ve experienced much worse, including over two feet in March of 1993. But this was…weirder.

Beyond what I wrote here five years ago, I should note these:

*The storm took virtually everyone by surprise. Unlike the 1993 event, which you KNEW was coming, “the National Weather Service had forecast unseasonably cool weather and snow showers over parts of New York and New England, but there had been no talk of a walloping big storm.”

*The best description I’ve read about the surprise nature of the storm: “A process known as ‘diabatic cooling’ allowed temperatures at the surface to unexpectedly drop to the freezing mark during periods of heavy precipitation, and the end result was a very difficult situation especially given the lack of warning and consequent preparation. Diabatic cooling occurs when melting snowflakes absorb heat from the surrounding air, causing the air temperature to subsequently drop. When precipitation comes down fast and furious with temperatures initially just above the freezing mark, the air can diabatically cool to the point where a cold rain can quickly change into heavy wet accumulating snow. It’s a process that can surprise both forecasters and the public alike.”

*The friend I stayed with the first and fourth night (actually an ex-girlfriend) lost power for about two minutes, even though her place was less than a mile away from my apartment. FantaCo, where I worked, was less than 1.1 miles away; it never lost power for more than a moment, either

*Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Greene, and Montgomery counties were declared disaster areas, and the storm hit parts of New England as well
***
Much more recent weird Albany weather

In a vain attempt to wake myself up

Hugs are good

Here’s the deal: it is, as of this writing, September 26 at 4:30 p.m. I had a root canal this morning – wasn’t bad! But I was desperately tired afterward. Thought I’d watch JEOPARDY!, fell asleep before the TV at 11 a.m.. So I ate lunch, took a nap and feel even groggier. Need to blog something, because I haven’t in four days, and tomorrow night is choir night, so it won’t happen then either. But the things I WANT to blog about require a focus I simply don’t have.

Ah, I’ll do that Curious as a Cat blog. But I had to go from July 2007 to June 2009 to find questions I was willing to answer, AND I hadn’t answered recently.

1) When was the best time, or what was the best experience, you’ve had with a sibling?

With Leslie, it would have to be singing, either with our father or by ourselves. With Marcia, it may have been playing Man from U.N.C.L.E. I was Napoleon, she was Ilya.

2) When do you feel the loneliest?

Often it’s at parties when somehow I’m left out of the conversations.

3) If a one-year period of your diary were to be published with your name attached, what year would you prefer?

Well, it’d have to be recent. I don’t think 2011 had any scandalous behavior. And NOT, let’s say, 1978.

4) What was the most powerful moment of silence you’ve ever experienced?

Every year, when the lights go down on Christmas Eve before the lights come up and we sing Joy to the World.

5) What one school subject has turned out to be the most and least useful or worthwhile? Is that a surprise?

Least: shop. No surprise. I was lousy mechanically then, and it hasn’t much changed.
Most: It’s math, and it’s no surprise either. Ratios are particularly great when cooking and the recipe calls for 10 32-ounce cans, but they only make 28-ounce cans now, then 28:32=10:x, which turns out to be 11.43 cans. Useful.

6) When (at what age, or during what event) did you have the least self-confidence?

1976-1977, after the divorce.

7) Do you remember the first time you were on the internet? What did you do first?

My library boss at the time – she who shall not be named – got Internet connectivity, but only herself and her chosen one. She treated it as though it were a paid database. She had done this presentation at a conference about the Kobe, Japan earthquake of 1995 and how she was able to find, with her fine librarian skills, info about that then-recent event online. When the rest of the librarians FINALLY were allowed on the Internet some months later, I had to look up that same event. Even pre-Google, I was able to do so reasonably quickly.

8) With whom do you like to talk on the phone the most?

Sister Leslie, mostly to catch her when she’s not at work, and I’m not falling asleep. Three-hour time difference.

9) What is the hardest secret you’ve ever had to keep?

The spouse of a friend of mine had committed suicide and the young children were told a story about an accident. It wasn’t that hard keeping the truth from the kids but from mutual friends. When she finally told her kids, I was released from the fabrication.

10) Why do we give people hugs?

Because hugs are good. At my previous church, I was dubbed by one woman, now deceased, as the Trinity hugger. “Which,” she noted, “is better than being known as the Trinity mugger.” I do not get enough hugs per day.

11) What is the most beautiful sound you’ve ever heard?

Waterfalls. Love them.

12) Who do you feel is the most underappreciated actor (male or female) in the history of Hollywood?

Una Merkel (pictured). My late friend Vito was obsessed with her, namechecked her all the time. I just love the name.

13) If one thing you own were to become a religious relic, what would you pick?

Obviously, my red Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers.

14) If you could change one thing about the building in which you work, what would you change?

The cubicles were put in without regard to the existing overhead lighting. So periodically, the light about six feet in front of my desk will go out, because no one has walked by that area in the last 15 minutes.

15) If you had to choose between them, would you rather vacation in the mountains or near a lake?

Always pick the water. Maybe it’s the Pisces thing. And I find the mountains isolating, whereas I look over the expanse of the lake and I find it liberating.

16) What is one thing that repeatedly makes you angriest?

Politicians who lie about what they believe.

L is for the Longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world

The new trail…provides public access to the Hudson River’s scenic landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge also provides important connections to an extensive network of rail-trails, parks and communities on both sides of the river.

The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, located approximately halfway between Albany, NY and New York, was built in the 1880s, crossing the Hudson River. The bridge opened in December 1888 “and was considered a technological wonder.” When trains started crossing it the next year, “it was the longest bridge in the world.” It linked “New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers. At its height, 3,500 train cars crossed the bridge on a daily basis.” During World War II, “the bridge carried troops to be shipped overseas.”

However, after a devastating fire in 1974, possibly caused by a spark from a train’s brakes, allowed the bridge to be abandoned, sitting “for decades as an orphaned relic.”

Then, in 1992, a nonprofit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson started its campaign “to provide public access to the bridge and link rail trails on both sides of the Hudson.” It “assumed ownership of the bridge” in 1998, then partnered with a foundation “to access public and private funding in order to transform the bridge into the world’s largest pedestrian park.” Construction work began in May 2008, and on October 3, 2009, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park opened to the public.

The new trail…provides public access to the Hudson River’s scenic landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge also provides important connections to an extensive network of rail trails, parks, and communities on both sides of the river.

When the family was down in the Mid-Hudson area on vacation in early August, we crossed the bridge round trip, It was lovely, though the Daughter expressed “seasickness” when we were over the water, about half the sojourn each way. Recommended.

Blue Memory Meme

“La-dee-dah, la-dee-dah.”

The great thing about doing these memes is that when my access to the computer is limited, which has been the case a LOT of late, they are much easier to start and stop than an essay. As always, I may answer a question, or I may not. From a two-part Sunday Stealing: Part 1 and Part 2.

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

That greed is NOT good, that it comes back and bites you in places you don’t want to be bitten.

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Nelson Mandela

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

Tahiti, because it’d be expensive.

4) What do you think about most?

Injustice. Stuff such as this: THIS is what extreme usury looks like.

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

Sure it would involve affairs of the heart.

7) What’s your strangest talent?

To stay friends with most of the people I’ve dated.

8) What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?

I’m sure there is one, but it’s not coming to me. Maybe I’m suppressing it.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

I believe so.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Yesterday.

12) What’s your religion?

Christian. That denomination thing – I was a Methodist, am now a Presbyterian – is rather weird, if you think on it. Oh, and speaking of religion, check out John Cleese commenting on comments that folks have posted about Monty Python videos on YouTube. Note especially, at the 52-second mark, what he has to say about religion. Or this on Jesus, Republicans And The Bible, from back in the days of the Republican primaries, but the overarching theme is still relevant.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Staying out of the sun.

17) What was the last lie you told?

Probably something in this quiz.

18) Do you believe in karma?

Yes.

19) What is a saying you say a lot?

“La-dee-dah, la-dee-dah.” Actually, I don’t, but I did at one time. You’d really need to ask someone else.

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Irritability; sense of fairness.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

This week? Emmylou Harris. I blame Eddie.

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.

Ann Wilson.

23) How do you vent your anger?

Blogging.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

Hess trucks, Marvel Masterworks books, CDs, LPs.

25) What is your favorite word?

Rendezvous. (It’ll be something else next time I’m asked.)

26) Are you happy with the person you’ve become?

More or less.

27) What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?

Jackhammer; electric fan

28) What’s your biggest “what if”?

Gave them up for Lent, or something.

29) Do you believe in ghosts?

Not particularly, but I could be persuaded.

30) How about aliens?

Ditto.

31) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

Going to library school.

32) What’s the worst place you have ever been to?

Define “worst”. The saddest was in rural Tennessee; extreme poverty.

33) Can insanity bring on more creativity?

You’re asking me because…

35) To you, what is the meaning of life?

Helping each other, in big ways and small.

36) Define “Art”.

Paul’s partner in the 1960s.

37) Do you believe in luck?

Or something like that.

38) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

Honesty.

39) What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

A SONG. There are so many. I’ll pick one: R.E.M. – It’s The End Of The World

41) What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

Broken rib.

43) What’s up?

Popular PIXAR movie starring Ed Asner.

44) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

Almost certainly. It might even have been true.

46) Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

Not a real grudge, but more a loss of trust.

47) What’s your favorite (non-pet) animal?

Tiger.

48) What is your secret weapon to get people to like you?

It’s no secret. Monthly bribes.

50) What do you think is Satan’s last name?

Smith. Gotta blend in somehow.

September Rambling: Frank Doyle’s daughter, and pie v grief

Congrats to Brian Ibbott of Coverville. Also, kudos to Arthur@AmeriNZ.

My old college friend Claire is 55 and Still Alive. Her late father, BTW, was awarded the Bill Finger Award at Comic-Con 2012.

Jaquandor’s review/reflection about the book Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Pie by Beth Howard, which is about processing grief. And dessert. Check out her website.

Gemuetlichkeit: Dachau.

9/11: Another View.

Legal Analysis Outlines Potential Crime In Mitt Romney’s Financial Disclosures

“Recent DNA and genealogical evidence uncovered by Ancestry.com researchers suggests that President Obama is a descendant of one of America’s first documented African slaves. What surprised many is that Obama’s connection to slavery is through his white mother, not his black father.”

The Strange Story Of The Man Behind ‘Strange Fruit’.

Wells Fargo mistakenly forecloses on the wrong house, destroys elderly couple’s entire lifetime’s worth of possessions. Oops. And if it HAD been the right house, would the action be justified? (My answer is NO.)

The truth comes out: CEO says ‘stupid’ consumers deserve hefty fees.

Gay rights, free speech, politicians and the NFL.

Leo Meets His Internet Troll.

Son of a Bigot. His dad founded the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Nate Phelps is dedicated to reversing that legacy of hate.

I am a First Year, First Semester, M.Div.

Under 18, or know someone who is? Name that asteroid! The deadline is December 2.

Kickstarter for MAN ON THE MOON exhibit at Space Center Houston.

The Big Daddy Kickstarter is still going on. I mentioned it before, but Mark Evanier has mentioned it again and again, so I shall as well.

Harvey Pekar statue to be dedicated at Cleveland Heights’ Lee Road library next month.

Cerebus: The Fantagraphics offer and the Dave Sim response. Follow the thread about other Sim-Fantagraphics product possibilities here.

1922 Kodachrome film.

The Last Record Store Standing?

George Martin: He Had You Hooked on the Beatles.

David Byrne’s How Music Works.

Emily Dickinson ages.

Congrats to Brian Ibbott of Coverville, who recently podcast his 900th show. One of the tunes on that episode was David Garrett – Vivaldi Vs Vertigo.

Also, kudos to Arthur@AmeriNZ, who has been blogging for six years. He’s been musing about modern technology.

Glamour is different on the other side of the pond if Emma Watson is the example.

Bug Comic: Rise and Whine, an insomniac’s lament.

People stuck on an escalator.

Music product placement?

An oldie, but goodie: Troy (MI) Library’s book burning campaign.

Jaquandor answered my questions here and here and here. Which reminds me: you can still Ask Roger Anything.

GOOGLE SEARCH

Visible light communication could simplify car electronics
A team led by Prof Roger Green is planning to demonstrate how visible light communication (VLC), which is already used as an alternative to wireless internet transmissions, could simplify and lighten the electronic systems in cars.

BOWLS: Moulton edged out in centenary match
In the battle of the presidents, Moulton’s Roger Green came out on top on rink four against Stuart Lake winning 24-17. But Green’s rink were pipped for top honours by Tony Keating who led his home quartet to a ten shots success.

Denver “folk & roll” songstress Esmé Patterson is releasing her solo album November 20th
Making appearances on the album are Nathaniel Rateliff, Roger Green (formerly of the Czars), Ben Desoto (Czars, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bare Bones), Genevieve Patterson and Sarah Anderson (Paper Bird), Carrie Beeder, Eric Moon, Mike Fitzmorris, Will Duncan, and many more.