Conspiracy Theory about the Blackout

Sept. 30 - It was inevitable that conspiracy theories would arise given the unusual number of blackouts since August in the US, Canada, the UK, Denmark and Italy. I can't deny that I noticed that the countries affected (except Canada) were members of the Coalition of the Willing, and I'm sure terrorism crossed everyone's mind followed quickly by more mundane, earth-bound explanations.

Al Qaeda had issued a statement in which they claimed responsibility for the Northeastern blackout last July, but as it didn't spread panic and, in fact, strengthened some ties to our neighbours, they must have been disappointed. Civilians even got to direct traffic.

The wonderful Sun (UK) compiles the whispers in Dark forces are at work. Excerpts:

One of the most popular is that the Western nations have secretly organised the blackouts as dummy runs against terror attacks.

One US web user said on a chat site: "There's a good chance this was orchestrated to test public response and as a reminder to be prepared."

Others believe a top secret US military experiment is to blame, suggesting it had affected the Earth's magnetic field which caused the cuts.

Behold the unlimited power of the US military. It can control the Earth's magnetic field.

Others attributed the blackouts to aliens taking over the world.

One conspirator said: "The aliens transmit large amounts of electricity into power relay stations and blow out their circuit breakers. It's all part of their invasion plan and every industrial country will be affected."

Perhaps the most bizarre explanation came from a conspirator simply known as Acoloss, who said: "Maybe electricity is a form of life and it's become aware."

Nobody is blaming Klaatu. How times have changed.

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Child porn is everyone's problem

Sept. 26 - Child porn and child sexual abuse is everyone's problem:

The cops

The courts

Us

Be a pack

Can't hide

That's entertainment?

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Viking Kitties

Sept. 25 - Thanks, Susie, for this.

Too, too funny.

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Even hurricanes can't stop bloggers

Sept. 18 - Some of our favourite bloggers are coping with the hurricane, and sending out reports (mostly via battery back-up).

Maybe you'd like to go pay your respects to Meryl Yourish, Wind Rider, Bill, and Kevin as well as any other webloggers you've come to know and love.

The Canadian Weather types are calling it "a significant weather event" with 55 mm of rain and winds of up to 80 km/hour (that computes to about 2 inches of rain and wind of 50 mph in American. It's almost embarrassing.)

But they are still taking the Big Cautious Route, urging everyone to have at least 3 days of supplies on hand.

Sheesh, if we were talking winter and snow they'd use words like "only" and smile too much, right?

(Canada.com link via Neale News.)

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The Axis of Isabel

Sept. 18 - Meryl has kindly let me into the Axis of Isabel, and, given that much of today's news is devoted to Hurricane Isabel, I may as well try to bring some CanCon (Canadian Content) in.

Most Etobians have three major hurricane-related concerns:

Trees falling
The Humber River
The Mimico Creek
The Etobicoke Creek

Our street, which runs along the Mimico Creek, was submerged up to the 2nd floor of most houses during Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

The water level in the creek rose dangerously high for days after Hurricane Andrew passed, so we kept a near jail-warden eye on our kids to ensure they didn't heedlessly run across the little footbridge to play in the park.

Losing power? Been there, done that, partied heartily. But the Canadian Red Cross is urging people to replenish those supplies which were used during the black-out (which of course assumes that people didn't scramble frantically to get supplies after the power went out) so I totally expect big line ups at the beer and liquor Stores.

Dollars to donuts this is about as exciting as Hurricane Watch Canada is going to get, so I'll simply express my best wishes and hope for their safety to those coastal people in the hurricane's path safety.

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How to tell if you're in a hurricane

Sept. 17 - Courtesy of Meryl Yourish, The Axis of Isabel:

Are you a blogger in the path of the hurricane? Are you tired of wondering when, if, and how hard it will land?

Or are you just plain tired of the hype?

Yes, yes and yes. This axis has promise.

There's also The Axis of Isabel Guide: How to tell you're in a hurricane with some practical, common-sense ideas:

Try turning on a light switch. When the light doesn't go on, turn the switch off. Then turn it on again. Then off. Then on. It's a well-known fact that if the light doesn't go on the first time, it's not because you have no power. It's because you obviously didn't flick the switch correctly to the "on" position. Repeat this in various rooms throughout the house to make sure that your power is out everywhere, and not just in one or two rooms.

(Whoa, does she know my kids?) Good, funny read.

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