Evidently the NYC Sanitation Dept and the Bloomberg administration have decided to dispatch plows in a snowstorm about as frequently as I post.
The above caption is a snapshot of a blocked entry to an unplowed street in Queens, 48 hours after the peak of the recent blizzard and 36 hours after it stopped snowing. Broadway and much of Manhattan have been long freed, but tax-paying residents in the outer boroughs hope to be dug out before an ambulance or police vehicle needs to respond to a call for help.
Fortunately for me, during the worst of yesterday’s snowlock (maybe I should coin that word or something), I was afforded access to my lady’s 4 wheel drive dynamo featured in a critique on June 25th this year. I lost count of all the snarled and disabled buses strewn around the city. Quite a few passengers were stranded overnight in unheated subway cars on the famous A-train as well. Personally, I think I would have just gotten out and walked to a 7-Eleven though if I were a victim of such a blunder.
It is hard, however, to get off a plane stuck for eleven hours on the tarmac of JFK airport though unless you want to spend another eleven hours bogged down with Homeland Security officials.
Perhaps, in the end, there are a few simple lessons and silver linings to be taken from this City Hall wide brain cramp. First, maybe mayors and other elected officials should be allowed to run for office indefinitely so they have something to lose. Second, the strange thing about preparedness is that we often are not prepared for what actually happens (i.e. Mother Nature). And last, next to duct tape, put a 4X4 on your check list.
© 2010 Christopher’s Views
I know it must have been a real MESS!! Seattle came to a complete standstill year before last when we had more snow than they had had in over twenty years! And even a month ago when we had just a couple of inches, the whole city was in lock down! Better not have any emergencies!!! Hope you have a great New Year, Christopher!
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Hi, Christopher! Happy New Year! I guess getting stranded. is just part of it all, but it wasn't exactly a 'freak' storm. I am remembering a lot more snow when I was a child, and a lot less stress because of it. Guess we are not only spoiled, but a lot more mobile.
ReplyDeleteIt almost seemed like everybody just wanted to stay home, including the guys that were supposed to do the plowing & shoveling!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Chris.
I was thinking of YOU yesterday while watching the news about your snow storm
ReplyDeleteWe kicked our mayor out of office in '79 for such a blunder
Bless your lady for having the good sense.. 4x4! ....I'd keep her if I were you..smart woman
here's hoping it all goes away quickly
Similar complaints are being made here in Calgary although the amount of white stuff doesn't compare to yours. I just purchased a second-hand Audi Quattro though, which makes mincemeat of it all. It's heavenly not to have to worry about getting stuck.
ReplyDeleteEven your rants are elegant, Christopher. All good wishes for the New Year to you and your lady.
It sure was a nasty storm but it's the eastern seaboard.. not exactly a novel situation. I hope all is in good shape soon. Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you around! I'm amazed how every year, places that regularly receive snow are still surprised by Mother Nature...
ReplyDeleteIn northern MN, that's the kind of storm where the city closes down, but then we strap on our x-country skis and use the roads as our trails...then we strap on the snowshoes and walk down the train tracks.
ReplyDeleteAnd, well, this post was about your reality, yet suddenly I've made myself homesick. Whoops!
Hi Chris-- love "snowlock." My CRV is not a 4 x 4 -- apparently I need to purchase "Blizzack" tires... another great word.
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