Come On Irene

As a deadline for another writing project looms near I have had to impose a blogger time out. I'm still figuring out the balance between life, writing and stupid Sjogrens symptoms that make it impossible to peck out words. While the procrastination many times boosts my creative energy I can't count on my eyes and hands to keep up. 

Irene is making it impossible though. The reports from Hurricane Irene have been luring ideas of Falling With Grace themes. I do not take the whole situation lightly as I have family and friends on the East Coast. While I appreciate the weather reports I just hate how the reporters flock to get the best shots of them bracing against the wrath of Mother Nature. Sometimes it's like watching an SNL skit.  

So I watch. I've been switching channels back and forth. For the most part I have been watching The Weather Channel. One reporter, Eric Fisher is reporting from Virginia Beach, Va. and has had quite a day. Poor guy. While being pounded by high winds, falling debris and skin braising rain he's held his ground. 

My son and I were watching while he explained that there were still people not heeding the warnings of officials. As the report went on there were more and more people walking around to get into camera view. 

"I'm just at a loss for words actually." he said. "I really don't think that we should be showing this because it's sending a bad example. I'm depressed right now." 

I admit that my son and I laughed. Needless to say the spot was cut short. There were roars of laughter from the newsroom. 

It wasn't until I tried to find the clip on YouTube that I discovered that one of the kids romping by the reporter mooned the camera. Poor Eric. 

To be honest watching the people in Virginia Beach I can't believe the lack of better judgement. In my sister's town of Lake Charles, LA officials do it right. They make it very clear that if you're found out and about during a mandatory evacuation you will ride the storm out in the county jail. It will be hot and uncomfortable. Some tested it in last year's storms and I'm guessing they won't be around this year. 

I won't give the idiots in Va. any more time than they will no doubt be getting. Instead I thought this was cute:

Prayers are with everyone dealing with this storm. I'm back to blogger time out until I get my project done.