The first reports have said "12-20 inches" from the National Weather Service. However, a little birdie has told me that VDOT is preparing for totals reaching 36-50 inches. Either they are overpreparing, or this thing is gonna be huge by the time it reaches us.
I saw record snowfall several years ago when 41 inches fell in my front yard and swallowed my yardstick (I had to go out and stick another ruler on top of where my yardstick was). However, that was a "straight snowfall", where the weather was cold and snowy, but nothing else.
I'm now seeing warnings of blizzard-like conditions, with high winds and blowing/drifting snow on top of the accumulation we are expecting. We've seen some real notable snowfalls in the past 1 1/2 months (including 20+ inches in December), but this may be the KO punch that shuts things down for a few days.
UPDATE 5:24 PM
The prediction for the central and northern Shenandoah Valley is now up to 20-28 inches.
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Will It Ever End???
Damn you, my Punxsutawney namesake!
I'm sitting here, waiting for this 3-6 inches to start falling on me, just in time to screw up the roads when I go home. Then, I hear that VDOT is getting prepared for a possible 2 feet of snow to fall Friday-to-Saturday.
This is the kind of winter I prayed for as a kid, and the kind I can't stand as an adult (because I am considered "essential personnel" at my work, so I have to be there no matter what since we never close down).
Grrr...
I'm sitting here, waiting for this 3-6 inches to start falling on me, just in time to screw up the roads when I go home. Then, I hear that VDOT is getting prepared for a possible 2 feet of snow to fall Friday-to-Saturday.
This is the kind of winter I prayed for as a kid, and the kind I can't stand as an adult (because I am considered "essential personnel" at my work, so I have to be there no matter what since we never close down).
Grrr...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Ahead of Storm, Gov. McDonnell Declares State of Emergency
Looks like the central and northern Shenandoah Valley will miss the real harsh parts of this storm, but it seems like southern VA and the I-95 corridor will get slammed with snow and ice, potentially worse than the 20+ inches that visited the Commonwealth in December.
State of Emergency info can be found here.
Be safe tonight and tomorrow, folks. I'll post updates as I get them.
State of Emergency info can be found here.
Be safe tonight and tomorrow, folks. I'll post updates as I get them.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
27
Yours truly, proprietor of The Podium, turns 27 today. Ok, technically not until 9:27 pm, but yes...today is my birthday.
However, given that the wife and I took in a tasty and filling meal at Kyoto in Harrisonburg and a good movie ("Sherlock Holmes", I do recommend it highly) yesterday...so I have no clue what (if anything) is in store for me today.
Nonetheless, Happy Birthday to me!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Snowstorm, Interrupted
Looks like the snowstorm that is causing problems all over the country will spare Virginia the worst. Only Highland County is expected to get more than 3 inches. Considering some of the snow that other areas will be receiving (such as the mountainous areas of West Virginia), we are going to be lucky...although I've noticed that people around the Valley were a little skittish due to the last snowstorm.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
I would've put this up earlier, but there was no internet where I was for New Years (down at the father-in-laws in Buckingham County). However, yours truly enjoyed some boneless wings and other finger foods, as well as some sweet tea...and by midnight I was enjoying some brass monkey (a favorite of mine, a mix of rum, vodka, and orange juice).
Now I'm back home, fatigued but ready for the new year! Hope 2010 is great for all of you!
Now I'm back home, fatigued but ready for the new year! Hope 2010 is great for all of you!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
I hope that you and yours have a great Christmas Day! We'll be back tomorrow. Here's to wishing that the freezing rain outside doesn't cause too much trouble.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Following News Article is Brought to You by "Bad Parenting"
A Boston mother called the cops because she couldn't get her 14 year old son to stop playing Grand Theft Auto and go to bed. She also called because, at 2:30 AM, he decided to be defiant and turn on all the lights in the house. The cops apparently convinced the son to listen to his mother.
You don't need cops to convince your son to behave. What you need are parenting skills, the ability to pull the plug on the boy's gaming system and remove it from his room, and stiff resolve not to allow your punk 14 year old to walk all over you. However, if the kid was acting like this now, the parenting has to have been lacking in some form for a while, now.
This is why some believe that the nanny state is a good thing...because there are a select group of people who don't know how to raise their kids.
You don't need cops to convince your son to behave. What you need are parenting skills, the ability to pull the plug on the boy's gaming system and remove it from his room, and stiff resolve not to allow your punk 14 year old to walk all over you. However, if the kid was acting like this now, the parenting has to have been lacking in some form for a while, now.
This is why some believe that the nanny state is a good thing...because there are a select group of people who don't know how to raise their kids.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Got Tickets to Wayside Theater Tonight, and Work Tomorrow...
...and I might have to dig myself out tomorrow.
10 to 16 inches of snow expected. From 5-8, to 6-10, now 10-16?
This one's gonna be nasty, folks.
UPDATE
Anti-BVBL is hearing 20-25 inches, and a commenter on that post has heard as high as 30 inches. That is crazy!
10 to 16 inches of snow expected. From 5-8, to 6-10, now 10-16?
This one's gonna be nasty, folks.
UPDATE
Anti-BVBL is hearing 20-25 inches, and a commenter on that post has heard as high as 30 inches. That is crazy!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Virginia Should Brace for Heavy Snowfall
A "Winter Storm Watch" has been issued from late Friday night until late Saturday night for the North and Central Shenandoah Valley. The question is: how much snow will we get?
- The watch states over 5 inches.
- 104.9 FM said 6-10 inches this morning.
- A friend of mine stated that he read that it could be anywhere from 3 inches to a possible 2 feet.
Anyone have any other reports that they have heard?
- The watch states over 5 inches.
- 104.9 FM said 6-10 inches this morning.
- A friend of mine stated that he read that it could be anywhere from 3 inches to a possible 2 feet.
Anyone have any other reports that they have heard?
Marking OUT!!!
As you know, I'm a huge pro wrestling fan...I have been since I was a little kid. Today, I got the greatest news that I could have possibly ever heard as a fan.
The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be will return to the WWE on a short-term contract, effective January 1, 2010.
That's right, Bret "Hitman" Hart will be coming back to the WWE, and it appears he will be the full-time GM of Raw, and might be wrestling Vince McMahon himself at Wrestlemania XXVI. I'm a huge Hart fan, my favorite wrestler of all time. Nobody, in my opinion, has been as consistently great throughout his career as Hart has. Only a few are in his category as an elite performer. This is most surprising given his rocky relationship with the WWE from 1997 to 2005, and the fact that a stroke (brought on by one too many concussions) ended any possibility to a return to the ring.
Hart prided himself on having never injured another wrestler in his entire career, which began in the late 70's. He was ranked number 39 on the CBC's list of the 50 greatest Canadians in 2004, and was a WWE Hall of Fame inductee in 2006, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee in 2008, and 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame inductee.
In the WWF (now WWE), he was a 5-time World Champion, 2-time Intercontinental Champion, 2-time Tag Team Champion, 1994 Slammy winner for "Wrestler of the Year", the second Triple Crown winner in WWF/E history, 1994 Royal Rumble co-winner, and 1991 and 1993 King of the Ring tournament winner. In WCW (where he wrestled for less than 3 years), he was a 2-time World Champion, 4-time United States Champion, and a 1-time Tag Team Champion.
Yes, many of you may ridicule me, but I don't care...I have every reason to mark out like a 10 year old and I intend on doing so for the next 5 months!
The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be will return to the WWE on a short-term contract, effective January 1, 2010.
That's right, Bret "Hitman" Hart will be coming back to the WWE, and it appears he will be the full-time GM of Raw, and might be wrestling Vince McMahon himself at Wrestlemania XXVI. I'm a huge Hart fan, my favorite wrestler of all time. Nobody, in my opinion, has been as consistently great throughout his career as Hart has. Only a few are in his category as an elite performer. This is most surprising given his rocky relationship with the WWE from 1997 to 2005, and the fact that a stroke (brought on by one too many concussions) ended any possibility to a return to the ring.
Hart prided himself on having never injured another wrestler in his entire career, which began in the late 70's. He was ranked number 39 on the CBC's list of the 50 greatest Canadians in 2004, and was a WWE Hall of Fame inductee in 2006, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee in 2008, and 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame inductee.
In the WWF (now WWE), he was a 5-time World Champion, 2-time Intercontinental Champion, 2-time Tag Team Champion, 1994 Slammy winner for "Wrestler of the Year", the second Triple Crown winner in WWF/E history, 1994 Royal Rumble co-winner, and 1991 and 1993 King of the Ring tournament winner. In WCW (where he wrestled for less than 3 years), he was a 2-time World Champion, 4-time United States Champion, and a 1-time Tag Team Champion.
Yes, many of you may ridicule me, but I don't care...I have every reason to mark out like a 10 year old and I intend on doing so for the next 5 months!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
More Bad News for the Gagne Family
First, an Altzheimer's-stricken Verne Gagne kills a fellow nursing home resident (he threw the man down and placed him in a boston crab...obviously an episode of his Altzheimer's), now his granddaughter Gail is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student at the high school where she was a teacher.
Old-school wrestling fans know the Gagne family. Verne Gagne was an olympic wrestler who co-founded and ran the American Wrestling Association (AWA) until it folded in 1991 (AWA Championship Wrestling episodes used to run on ESPN in the 80's, reruns are shown often on ESPN Classic). The AWA was one of the big 3 promotions during the 80's (along with the WWF and the NWA/WCW). Verne's son Greg was also a professional wrestler as well as a road agent for WCW and the WWE. Gail Gagne, who is the accused teacher, is Greg's daughter.
However, the young man whom Gail Gagne was having a relationship with was 16. Now, it is inappropriate for a teacher and a student to have a sexual relationship...but at the same time, I can't help but contemplate "was he really a 'victim', as they claim he is"? If a young, attractive teacher came on to me when I was 16, it would've been definitely inappropriate, but I wouldn't have considered myself a "victim".
I don't know. Knowing that I knew as much as I did when I was 16, I find it very hard to believe that this young man is a "victim".
Old-school wrestling fans know the Gagne family. Verne Gagne was an olympic wrestler who co-founded and ran the American Wrestling Association (AWA) until it folded in 1991 (AWA Championship Wrestling episodes used to run on ESPN in the 80's, reruns are shown often on ESPN Classic). The AWA was one of the big 3 promotions during the 80's (along with the WWF and the NWA/WCW). Verne's son Greg was also a professional wrestler as well as a road agent for WCW and the WWE. Gail Gagne, who is the accused teacher, is Greg's daughter.
However, the young man whom Gail Gagne was having a relationship with was 16. Now, it is inappropriate for a teacher and a student to have a sexual relationship...but at the same time, I can't help but contemplate "was he really a 'victim', as they claim he is"? If a young, attractive teacher came on to me when I was 16, it would've been definitely inappropriate, but I wouldn't have considered myself a "victim".
I don't know. Knowing that I knew as much as I did when I was 16, I find it very hard to believe that this young man is a "victim".
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rain, Ice, Snow...Who Knows?
We've gone from minor sleet, to an ice storm, to just a whole lot of rain in our forecast for Tuesday evening into Wednesday. Well, they are saying we'll get a tenth of an inch at the most. I'm happy there won't be much ice, as I'm not a fan of hour-long commutes in ice, especially since my commute is exclusively on I-81.
I-81 is notorious for accidents already, as evidenced by yesterday's fatal crash involving an SUV and an 18-wheeler (which I saw the aftermath...the impact caused an axle to rip off of the truck). So sad to hear, but unfortunately it seems to be a fairly common occurrence on I-81.
I-81 is notorious for accidents already, as evidenced by yesterday's fatal crash involving an SUV and an 18-wheeler (which I saw the aftermath...the impact caused an axle to rip off of the truck). So sad to hear, but unfortunately it seems to be a fairly common occurrence on I-81.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Eastern Seaboard Snowfall Expected Tomorrow...
Be careful out there. This is the latest from the National Weather Service regarding the upcoming storm for the Central Shenandoah Valley...
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC 217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009. LOW PRESSURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO WILL MOVE OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST SATURDAY AND THEN EAST OF LONG ISLAND SATURDAY NIGHT. THIS WILL BRING SNOW TO THE MID ATLANTIC STATES ON SATURDAY.
VAZ021-025>027-029-030-036>040-WVZ054-055-501-502-050330-/O.NEW.KLWX.WW.Y.0026.091205T1000Z-091206T0000Z/HIGHLAND-AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-PAGE-WARREN-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-PENDLETON-HARDY-WESTERN GRANT-EASTERN GRANT-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...FRONT ROYAL...CHARLOTTESVILLE...WASHINGTON...BAYARD...PETERSBURG
217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO7 PM EST SATURDAY. SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY BEFORE SUNRISE SATURDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURING THE EVENING. TEMPERATURES DURING THE DAY WILL BE IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC 217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009. LOW PRESSURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO WILL MOVE OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST SATURDAY AND THEN EAST OF LONG ISLAND SATURDAY NIGHT. THIS WILL BRING SNOW TO THE MID ATLANTIC STATES ON SATURDAY.
VAZ021-025>027-029-030-036>040-WVZ054-055-501-502-050330-/O.NEW.KLWX.WW.Y.0026.091205T1000Z-091206T0000Z/HIGHLAND-AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-PAGE-WARREN-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-PENDLETON-HARDY-WESTERN GRANT-EASTERN GRANT-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...FRONT ROYAL...CHARLOTTESVILLE...WASHINGTON...BAYARD...PETERSBURG
217 PM EST FRI DEC 4 2009...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO7 PM EST SATURDAY. SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY BEFORE SUNRISE SATURDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURING THE EVENING. TEMPERATURES DURING THE DAY WILL BE IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
San Francisco Consideres Prostitution Legalization
Article at Breitbart.tv.
I've actually believed that prostitution should be legalized in the Rhode Island sense (legal behind closed doors, still bars "street walking"). The idea does appeal to my libertarian sensibilities on social issues, and if a woman feels it prudent to sell her body for sex, so be it.
I'm sure many social conservatives and proponents of the moral majority will attack this as part of the decline of Western Civilization...but then again, prostitution came long before Jesus, and it didn't cause the decline of Middle Eastern Civilization, did it?
However, I do not believe that this means the Government should provide special health benefits to these workers, either...of course, that's because I don't believe in Government-provided health care.
I've actually believed that prostitution should be legalized in the Rhode Island sense (legal behind closed doors, still bars "street walking"). The idea does appeal to my libertarian sensibilities on social issues, and if a woman feels it prudent to sell her body for sex, so be it.
I'm sure many social conservatives and proponents of the moral majority will attack this as part of the decline of Western Civilization...but then again, prostitution came long before Jesus, and it didn't cause the decline of Middle Eastern Civilization, did it?
However, I do not believe that this means the Government should provide special health benefits to these workers, either...of course, that's because I don't believe in Government-provided health care.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Today In History: The Seeds of The Podium are Sown
January 17, 1983
One day after the Washington Redskins secured NFC Championship by walloping the Dallas Cowboys 31-17 at RFK Stadium, we switch our attention a few miles north of the site of the historic win.
The place: Washington Adventist Hospital - Takoma Park, Maryland.
It's the coldest day of the year in the area. A Dutch-Irish firefighter and a Brazilian immigrant welcome into the world a healthy, happy baby boy.
This baby boy was born on the same day that events such as the Northridge Earthquake, the start of Operation Desert Storm, "Cold Sunday", and the debut of Popeye the Sailor Man.
This baby boy celebrates a birthday with many famous people.
- legendary gangster Al Capone
- actor Jim Carrey
- boxing great Muhammad Ali
- former Va. Governor and Mayor of Richmond, Doug Wilder
- actor James Earl Jones
- comedian Andy Kaufman
- guitarist Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones
- NBA superstar Dwayne Wade
- rock star Kid Rock
- rapper Lil Jon
- talk show host Maury Povich
- actress Betty White
- comedian Steve Harvey
- former Redskins and Cowboys Quarterback Eddie LeBaron
- Michelle Obama, wife of presidential candidate Barack Obama
- dancehall reggae star Shabba Ranks
- actress Zooey Deschanel
- cosmetologist Vidal Sassoon
- hockey star Jeremy Roenick
- Playboy and Reality TV star Andrea Lowell (Lowell even shares the same birth year)
However, this day should be remembered for one of the greatest moments of all mankind. One that symbolizes the anniversary of the day the world changed forever. The birth of the savior of sanity, the paragon of virtue, and the voice of reason.
Today is my Birthday. :)
Am I modest, or what? LOL. Happy Birthday to me!
One day after the Washington Redskins secured NFC Championship by walloping the Dallas Cowboys 31-17 at RFK Stadium, we switch our attention a few miles north of the site of the historic win.
The place: Washington Adventist Hospital - Takoma Park, Maryland.
It's the coldest day of the year in the area. A Dutch-Irish firefighter and a Brazilian immigrant welcome into the world a healthy, happy baby boy.
This baby boy was born on the same day that events such as the Northridge Earthquake, the start of Operation Desert Storm, "Cold Sunday", and the debut of Popeye the Sailor Man.
This baby boy celebrates a birthday with many famous people.
- legendary gangster Al Capone
- actor Jim Carrey
- boxing great Muhammad Ali
- former Va. Governor and Mayor of Richmond, Doug Wilder
- actor James Earl Jones
- comedian Andy Kaufman
- guitarist Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones
- NBA superstar Dwayne Wade
- rock star Kid Rock
- rapper Lil Jon
- talk show host Maury Povich
- actress Betty White
- comedian Steve Harvey
- former Redskins and Cowboys Quarterback Eddie LeBaron
- Michelle Obama, wife of presidential candidate Barack Obama
- dancehall reggae star Shabba Ranks
- actress Zooey Deschanel
- cosmetologist Vidal Sassoon
- hockey star Jeremy Roenick
- Playboy and Reality TV star Andrea Lowell (Lowell even shares the same birth year)
However, this day should be remembered for one of the greatest moments of all mankind. One that symbolizes the anniversary of the day the world changed forever. The birth of the savior of sanity, the paragon of virtue, and the voice of reason.
Today is my Birthday. :)
Am I modest, or what? LOL. Happy Birthday to me!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year From The Podium
2007 has been an interesting year, to say the least. 2008 is already promising to be historic in some way, shape, or form.
For all of the readers I've gained over the past year, I'm eternally grateful for your readership. I hope you all have a great 2008!
Catch ya next year.
For all of the readers I've gained over the past year, I'm eternally grateful for your readership. I hope you all have a great 2008!
Catch ya next year.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas From The Podium
Merry Christmas To All of the Readers of The Podium.
May this glorious time bring you peace, joy, and love. The Podium will resume blogging on December 26th :)
Peace and Love, Phil C.
A Little Christmas Playlist :)
The Christmas Playlist at Podium HQ, because the term "mixtape" is apparently out of style, I named artists if a particular version is what I was looking for :)...
- "O Holy Night" - My personal favorite
- "Let It Snow" - Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight
- "Hark, The Harold Angels Sing"
- "Angels We Have Heard on High
- "Adeste Fideles" (O Come All Ye Faithful)
- "12 Pains of Christmas" - Bob Rivers (brilliant "12 Days of Christmas" parody)
- "Santa Baby" - Madonna
- "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" - Alvin and the Chipmunks
- "Jingle Bell Rock" - Brian Setzer version
- "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Mariah Carey
- "Silent Night"
- "O Holy Night" - My personal favorite
- "Let It Snow" - Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight
- "Hark, The Harold Angels Sing"
- "Angels We Have Heard on High
- "Adeste Fideles" (O Come All Ye Faithful)
- "12 Pains of Christmas" - Bob Rivers (brilliant "12 Days of Christmas" parody)
- "Santa Baby" - Madonna
- "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" - Alvin and the Chipmunks
- "Jingle Bell Rock" - Brian Setzer version
- "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Mariah Carey
- "Silent Night"
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