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Fault Lines
Author: BobR
Date: 08/24/2011 12:47:58
There are so many songs that can be used to describe the earthquake that hit our area yesterday: "Shake, Rattle, and Roll", "Shakin'", etc. It was eventually tagged as a 5.8, with an epicenter near Mineral, VA. Damage has been minimal, but it was felt over a wide area, thus saturating the news coverage.
I personally did not feel the quake because I was driving at the time, but Raine certainly did, and we lost some glass art. Federal buildings (including the Pentagon) were evacuated, which is not always the best action to take in an earthquake (you could be hurt or killed by falling debris). Two DC icons were damaged though: National Cathedral lost some of its steeple pinnacles, and the Washington Monument has a crack in it. There are also numerous buildings in VA that have been rendered unsafe (for now), making dozens of people and businesses homeless.
The quake also generated a certain amount of snark among people, passing around photos of tipped-over chairs as quake "damage". Claims of overreaction were also coming from the west coast, as people more accustomed to earthquakes let out a collective yawn at our expense. The reality, though, is that the geology is very different here, so a 5.8 here will be felt very differently than a 5.8 there.
There is always a political angle to everything, and this is no exception. I have not found Republicans specifically blaming President Obama (yet), and reports of "Obamaquake" being used are actually left-wing joking about right-wing spin (although the phrase HAS been used in the past in another context). However, one very REAL story that should not be forgotten is that Eric Cantor (R-VA) wanted to cut Disaster Preparedness. How ironic is it that this earthquake occurred so close to his home district? May the cracked buildings and fallen bricks be a daily visual reminder to voters there...
How long, though, before the conspiracy theorists begin to come out of the woodwork? There are some early "rumblings" (sorry) that this was created by the HARRP project. For those with short memories, this was floated as a legitimate possible cause of the massive quake off the coast of Japan. There's nothing from Glenn Greenwald yet, but give it time.
With a name like "Mineral", you would automatically assume this is a mining town, and you'd be correct. There are also the beginnings of the meme that mining, fracking, and oil extraction are the cause of the quake (never mind that it occurred at a depth greater than 3 miles).
It will be fun to see how these (and possibly other) "alternative theories" pop up over the next few days. Some people just can't seem to come to terms with the reality that the earth is constantly changing, and sometimes the changes come in jumps. Not everything bad that happens is because some evil scientist on a hill wearing a white lab coat pointed his comically large death ray at a fault line and pulled the trigger. Perhaps these people read too many comic books as kids.
All I know is that we have a couple days to recover before we're slammed by a hurricance. Maybe the HARRP Project created that too. Bring on the locusts!
I personally did not feel the quake because I was driving at the time, but Raine certainly did, and we lost some glass art. Federal buildings (including the Pentagon) were evacuated, which is not always the best action to take in an earthquake (you could be hurt or killed by falling debris). Two DC icons were damaged though: National Cathedral lost some of its steeple pinnacles, and the Washington Monument has a crack in it. There are also numerous buildings in VA that have been rendered unsafe (for now), making dozens of people and businesses homeless.
The quake also generated a certain amount of snark among people, passing around photos of tipped-over chairs as quake "damage". Claims of overreaction were also coming from the west coast, as people more accustomed to earthquakes let out a collective yawn at our expense. The reality, though, is that the geology is very different here, so a 5.8 here will be felt very differently than a 5.8 there.
There is always a political angle to everything, and this is no exception. I have not found Republicans specifically blaming President Obama (yet), and reports of "Obamaquake" being used are actually left-wing joking about right-wing spin (although the phrase HAS been used in the past in another context). However, one very REAL story that should not be forgotten is that Eric Cantor (R-VA) wanted to cut Disaster Preparedness. How ironic is it that this earthquake occurred so close to his home district? May the cracked buildings and fallen bricks be a daily visual reminder to voters there...
How long, though, before the conspiracy theorists begin to come out of the woodwork? There are some early "rumblings" (sorry) that this was created by the HARRP project. For those with short memories, this was floated as a legitimate possible cause of the massive quake off the coast of Japan. There's nothing from Glenn Greenwald yet, but give it time.
With a name like "Mineral", you would automatically assume this is a mining town, and you'd be correct. There are also the beginnings of the meme that mining, fracking, and oil extraction are the cause of the quake (never mind that it occurred at a depth greater than 3 miles).
It will be fun to see how these (and possibly other) "alternative theories" pop up over the next few days. Some people just can't seem to come to terms with the reality that the earth is constantly changing, and sometimes the changes come in jumps. Not everything bad that happens is because some evil scientist on a hill wearing a white lab coat pointed his comically large death ray at a fault line and pulled the trigger. Perhaps these people read too many comic books as kids.
All I know is that we have a couple days to recover before we're slammed by a hurricance. Maybe the HARRP Project created that too. Bring on the locusts!
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 12:54:36
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 12:54:36
:crawls under caution tape: Dammit, Bob. Warn a guy next time we do a renovation. :grabs hard hat, starts demo on the old drywall:
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 12:56:20
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 12:56:20
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:04:13
Crowbar, Mala, crowbar. The sight of a crazed neighbor doing a Jack Torrence throught the common wall would be more dramatic than simple gunshots.
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:04:13
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I swear I'm gonna shoot my neighbors tv and keyboard they have on the shared wall - its driving me crazy this morning!!!!!!!!
Crowbar, Mala, crowbar. The sight of a crazed neighbor doing a Jack Torrence throught the common wall would be more dramatic than simple gunshots.
Comment by 
BobR on 08/24/2011 13:04:16
BobR on 08/24/2011 13:04:16
blog is up
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:05:31
The Jack Torrance.
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:05:31
The Jack Torrance.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 13:08:40
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 13:08:40
And Chris whines every time it rains 
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:08:43
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 13:08:43
As far as "Obamaquake" is concerned I'm sticking to my comments from yesterday's blog about that.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 13:10:10
trust me I've thought about it. I'd move the piano that wall and bang on the out of tune keys for a while but I can't move the dang thing
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 13:10:10
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I swear I'm gonna shoot my neighbors tv and keyboard they have on the shared wall - its driving me crazy this morning!!!!!!!!
Crowbar, Mala, crowbar. The sight of a crazed neighbor doing a Jack Torrence throught the common wall would be more dramatic than simple gunshots.
trust me I've thought about it. I'd move the piano that wall and bang on the out of tune keys for a while but I can't move the dang thing
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/24/2011 13:11:34
Scoopster on 08/24/2011 13:11:34
Comment by 
Raine on 08/24/2011 13:17:59
Raine on 08/24/2011 13:17:59
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:04:35
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:04:35
Mondo just texted me, he is alright, but it appears they had a fire where he works. 
Is it friday yet?
Is it friday yet?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 14:07:10
Is there something in the air this week?
Glad to hear he's okay
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 14:07:10
Quote by Raine:
Mondo just texted me, he is alright, but it appears they had a fire where he works.
Is it friday yet?
Is there something in the air this week?
Glad to hear he's okay
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:08:33
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:08:33
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:12:42
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:12:42
Mondo has been allowed back in the building. Fire started in the network room it appears. Back up batteries burst.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 08/24/2011 14:23:56
Will in Chicago on 08/24/2011 14:23:56
Good morning, bloggers!!!
I am glad that the East Coast weathered the quake well.
As for the spin, let's remember that some people try to read falling birds as a sign of divine displeasure.
The good news is that local governments were prepared. Not one life was lost.
I am glad that the East Coast weathered the quake well.
As for the spin, let's remember that some people try to read falling birds as a sign of divine displeasure.
The good news is that local governments were prepared. Not one life was lost.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:38:31
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:38:31
I have felt no aftershocks.
Comment by BobR on 08/24/2011 14:41:29
So the general consensus is that gay marriage is the cause of the earthquake. Pat Robertson would be so proud. I am fully expecting the Phelps Phreaks to come protest the earthquake...
BobR on 08/24/2011 14:41:29
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Yep.. the crazies were out in full force yesterday.
So the general consensus is that gay marriage is the cause of the earthquake. Pat Robertson would be so proud. I am fully expecting the Phelps Phreaks to come protest the earthquake...
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:46:35
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:46:35
Caller is wrong -- they DO NOT KNOW where the fault line is.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:47:56
So what would explain the 94 earthquake? ther ewas no gay marriage then....
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:47:56
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Yep.. the crazies were out in full force yesterday.
So the general consensus is that gay marriage is the cause of the earthquake. Pat Robertson would be so proud. I am fully expecting the Phelps Phreaks to come protest the earthquake...
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 14:59:29
Raine on 08/24/2011 14:59:29
You know I don't mind so much that people on the west coast are mocking us -- but they should remember --
Not everyone is used to this. I refuse to mock people in the south for not driving well in snow. Having now experienced the disaster trifecta (ok disaster is a bit extreme ) -- Give me a hurricane any day.
I think more people should read today's blog, especially the link about how the east coast and the west coast are indeed different when it comes to earthquakes.
Not everyone is used to this. I refuse to mock people in the south for not driving well in snow. Having now experienced the disaster trifecta (ok disaster is a bit extreme ) -- Give me a hurricane any day.
I think more people should read today's blog, especially the link about how the east coast and the west coast are indeed different when it comes to earthquakes.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 15:11:01
Raine on 08/24/2011 15:11:01
Carlos Alazraqui, I hope this goes better than last time.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 15:22:00
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 15:22:00
Fell back asleep
what I miss?
what I miss?
Comment by BobR on 08/24/2011 15:34:18
No - that one was in response to the Clinton blowjob
BobR on 08/24/2011 15:34:18
Quote by Raine:So what would explain the 94 earthquake? ther ewas no gay marriage then....Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Yep.. the crazies were out in full force yesterday.
So the general consensus is that gay marriage is the cause of the earthquake. Pat Robertson would be so proud. I am fully expecting the Phelps Phreaks to come protest the earthquake...
No - that one was in response to the Clinton blowjob
Comment by Scoopster on 08/24/2011 15:48:01
Scoopster on 08/24/2011 15:48:01
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 15:58:48
Raine on 08/24/2011 15:58:48
Ok, We are making pre-prep hurricane lists. looks like it's gonna be a cat 2 here in DC.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 15:59:50
D'dmn government can't do anything right...
Raine on 08/24/2011 15:59:50
D'dmn government can't do anything right...
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 16:07:29
Haven't checked, is coming straight on or just brushing us
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 16:07:29
Quote by Raine:
Ok, We are making pre-prep hurricane lists. looks like it's gonna be a cat 2 here in DC.
Haven't checked, is coming straight on or just brushing us
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 16:10:52
Hard to tell mala. I think it's hugging the coast. Looks like you are gonna get a lot of wind.
I'm concerned with us being so close to the Potomac.
Raine on 08/24/2011 16:10:52
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Ok, We are making pre-prep hurricane lists. looks like it's gonna be a cat 2 here in DC.
Haven't checked, is coming straight on or just brushing us
I'm concerned with us being so close to the Potomac.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 16:11:40
Raine on 08/24/2011 16:11:40
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2011 16:32:30
Thanks for the map
yes, the area you guys live in you need to watch flooding if the storm surge comes up the river.
guess I need to get a new flashlight and put the small stuff in the back yard up - just add it to my list of house stuff to do - which I am now off to do.
wickedpam on 08/24/2011 16:32:30
Quote by Raine:Hard to tell mala. I think it's hugging the coast. Looks like you are gonna get a lot of wind.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Ok, We are making pre-prep hurricane lists. looks like it's gonna be a cat 2 here in DC.
Haven't checked, is coming straight on or just brushing us
I'm concerned with us being so close to the Potomac.
Thanks for the map
yes, the area you guys live in you need to watch flooding if the storm surge comes up the river.
guess I need to get a new flashlight and put the small stuff in the back yard up - just add it to my list of house stuff to do - which I am now off to do.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/24/2011 16:58:17
livingonli on 08/24/2011 16:58:17
Good day folks. I think I may have to hide under the bed Sunday.
Comment by BobR on 08/24/2011 17:05:43
Yeah - NY and New England are going to take a direct hit. Be safe!
BobR on 08/24/2011 17:05:43
Quote by livingonli:
Good day folks. I think I may have to hide under the bed Sunday.
Yeah - NY and New England are going to take a direct hit. Be safe!
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 17:35:54
Raine on 08/24/2011 17:35:54
I'm not really worried about flooding, as you know, we live atop a hill.
I am more concerned about power outages. We can tape the big window, but after yesterday, I am pretty sure our house is structurally sound.
She's a brick house...
I am more concerned about power outages. We can tape the big window, but after yesterday, I am pretty sure our house is structurally sound.
She's a brick house...
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 17:37:50
Just make sure you have candles, water and something to eat. You have been thru it before, Liv. At least we have time to prepare.
and when I say, *we* I mean you!
Raine on 08/24/2011 17:37:50
Quote by livingonli:
Good day folks. I think I may have to hide under the bed Sunday.
and when I say, *we* I mean you!
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 19:57:11
Raine on 08/24/2011 19:57:11
Milk eggs and bacon purchased.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 21:28:17
Mondobubba on 08/24/2011 21:28:17
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
Comment by livingonli on 08/24/2011 21:40:02
livingonli on 08/24/2011 21:40:02
Then again there is the issue if we lose power in the storm, things will go bad.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 21:56:37
You can still prepare. You still have time to get a charcoal grill if you and your roommate don't have a gas one.
No excuses, Liv.
Raine on 08/24/2011 21:56:37
Quote by livingonli:
Then again there is the issue if we lose power in the storm, things will go bad.
No excuses, Liv.
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2011 23:17:07
Raine on 08/24/2011 23:17:07
Oh for FUCKSAKE. Seriously?
Choi in Chains: When Does Someone Become a Political Prisoner? | FDL Action She's Flucking calling him a political prisoner and comparing him to Alice Paul? I am done with this shit.
Choi in Chains: When Does Someone Become a Political Prisoner? | FDL Action She's Flucking calling him a political prisoner and comparing him to Alice Paul? I am done with this shit.
Comment by BobR on 08/24/2011 23:52:34
you forgot eggs!
BobR on 08/24/2011 23:52:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
you forgot eggs!
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 01:21:03
You know why I stopped follow Choi on Twitter? Because he is a whiny self-righteous little asshole who is constantly playing the victim card.
Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 01:21:03
Quote by Raine:
Oh for FUCKSAKE. Seriously?
Choi in Chains: When Does Someone Become a Political Prisoner? | FDL Action She's Flucking calling him a political prisoner and comparing him to Alice Paul? I am done with this shit.
You know why I stopped follow Choi on Twitter? Because he is a whiny self-righteous little asshole who is constantly playing the victim card.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 01:22:29
Bob, if you had listen to the Don & Mike Show on the radio mosheen, you would know what I am talking about. Eggs are not part of the dangerous weather trinity.
Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 01:22:29
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
you forgot eggs!
Bob, if you had listen to the Don & Mike Show on the radio mosheen, you would know what I am talking about. Eggs are not part of the dangerous weather trinity.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/25/2011 01:27:39
Yep, that is the trinity
wickedpam on 08/25/2011 01:27:39
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
you forgot eggs!
Bob, if you had listen to the Don & Mike Show on the radio mosheen, you would know what I am talking about. Eggs are not part of the dangerous weather trinity.
Yep, that is the trinity
Comment by 
TriSec on 08/25/2011 02:29:26
TriSec on 08/25/2011 02:29:26
Hello? Buehler?
Bread, milk, and eggs around these parts. We subsist on French Toast in weather emergencies.
Bread, milk, and eggs around these parts. We subsist on French Toast in weather emergencies.
Comment by BobR on 08/25/2011 03:47:44
You are correct - I have never listened to the Don & Mike Show, and I am not inclined to start. I do know, however, that milk, bread, & eggs are the the favorite hoarding rations of impending doom. This I have seen with my own eyes on numerous occasions.
BobR on 08/25/2011 03:47:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
you forgot eggs!
Bob, if you had listen to the Don & Mike Show on the radio mosheen, you would know what I am talking about. Eggs are not part of the dangerous weather trinity.
You are correct - I have never listened to the Don & Mike Show, and I am not inclined to start. I do know, however, that milk, bread, & eggs are the the favorite hoarding rations of impending doom. This I have seen with my own eyes on numerous occasions.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 13:05:03
Tomato- tahmahto...
Mondobubba on 08/25/2011 13:05:03
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
The holy trinity for disater purchasing is BREAD! MILK! TOILETPAPER! Mala for the 2nd day in a row, a D&M Show ditch.
I am still alive after the fire. Two observations; we have the world's loudest fire alam. I am still stunned by the sheer sonic shock eight hours later.
Second observation; when they burst, back up batteries smell icky.
you forgot eggs!
Bob, if you had listen to the Don & Mike Show on the radio mosheen, you would know what I am talking about. Eggs are not part of the dangerous weather trinity.
You are correct - I have never listened to the Don & Mike Show, and I am not inclined to start. I do know, however, that milk, bread, & eggs are the the favorite hoarding rations of impending doom. This I have seen with my own eyes on numerous occasions.
Tomato- tahmahto...