AyersTG:

Didn't see the Matrix as I tend to avoid overly pushed films.

Can't say what the pill content was in the Matrix, but Valley of the Dolls had a lot of pills in many colors.

Bountyhunter

The will to survive is strong, just ask my neighbors who fled their war torn cities and country (Bosnia) carrying homemade pillowcases full of personal effects and food.

The will to be stupid and believe the gov't will care for you is even stronger, just ask a PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER.. Which is why PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. "just don't get it!"

Stargazer -The one over there wearing a soaking wet overcoat (poncho) wet shoes, with the bulging briefcase (BOB) very tired and battered looking, trying hard to make sense out of the whole ordeal and attempting to make the only connection that matters...The quickest route out! <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

ASAP = Always Suspicious, Always Prepared [color:"#666666"] [/color]

out of all 3 morons they quoted thats gotta be the dumbest one.

its especially embarrassing to me because i live in brooklyn and i see these grasshoppers all the time (remember the ants and grasshopper story).

i do remember the blackout of `77, even if i was pretty young at the time.
i recall the sense of panic as we could hear the cop sirens in the distance when we left home to go stay with my aunt and uncle for awhile.
mom was semi prepared with our medicines and such, and we each got to grab something to comfort us.

anyway before i ramble too much, what i was trying to say is i wonder how many of those questioned for the article even lived here during the `77 blackout?

i think those that lived here through both have a differnt mindset then those that probably just moved here and "will take it as it comes".

I also remember the 77 blackout, and it was no big deal in my area. Dad yealled to me, "what did you do?" (I was messing around in the shop) I said "Nothing, and all the lights outside are out" We walked over to the closet, he pulled out the dual mantle Propane lantern, set it up in the litchen, and kept playing cards with my mom and the neighbors. We both grabbed a couple of flashlights. It was a big nothing

Then there was the blackout in NE Queens about 7 years ago, another no big deal - we held a block party.

Last year was more work for ME, as I was not home when it happened, so I had a LONG trip. Once I got home, I finished setting up the family (they knew where one or 2 flashlights were, and had already eaten dinner when I got home), then I went out with the Ham radio crew once I changed. I was out all night

Someone else made a comment about hams and clothing - we are trying to battle that here in NYC - we can't REQUIRE uniforms, BUT we "request" - Black Pants, White or Grey Polo shirt (we are transitioning from White to Gray, so either goes) - we usually get them embroidered with our logo, name and call sig, BLACK shoes or boots, hat (was orange, transitioning to black logo cap), and we are encouraging a royal blue jacket, with logo on brest, lettering in the back - your ID hangs on a chain around your neck

Reading that article made my head hurt.

They live in the city that is already the prime target for the bad guys -- let alone failures of the infrastructure -- and they seem to not care.

Does anyone actually argue with those PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER.? I never agree with thier comments, but I don't exactly stand and argue the preparedness case.
Whether I'm scared of been ridiculed, or not having clarified my own reasons Im not sure. I do get the impression though, that your average Joe either isn't interested or couldn't care less.
It would be intersting if Gallop did a survey and find out what precentage of the population had prepared in anyway at all.
Judging from the press reports I've read I guess it would be in single figures.

Most people probably don't feel a need to prepare for another blackout, because they weren't seriously inconvenienced by the last one and so they figure the next one won't be a problem either. I was in NYC during the 2003 blackout and I think I was like a lot of people, for which it wasn't a major problem and it wasn't a minor problem, but rather, it was the opposite of a problem---it was something quite nice, a welcome break from the noise and hurry of daily life in the city, like getting a little vacation where I could hang out at home and play with my flashlights, and could go outside at night and see actual stars for once. Neighbors had barbeques and stores and restaurants sold or gave away food on the sidewalk so it wouldn't spoil without refrigeration. It felt almost like a picnic. Yeah, there were some people trapped on public transit for several hours (minor hassle), some food spoiled and stuff like that, and I think there was actually a fatality or two, but that's like hearing that there was a car accident in another part of town--it's not likely to change anyone's driving habits.

I think those in the blackout were lucky that it happened in the summer, in good weather. If they expect another blackout to be a repeat of the first one, I don't blame them for not making preparations. Unfortunately, they may not be so lucky. The next blackout may be in an ice storm or hurricane.

Sorry, BountyHunter and all. Maybe my generic Prozac isn't working as well as it could. But I DID delete the first letter, and toned it down.

(I guess I could have been sent to Disneyland)

I've been reading older threads, and one that caught my eye was the one about how to answer people that ask you why you DO prepare. My first thought was "Why WOULDN'T you prepare?"

'Pup

im not worried about being ridiculed, let them laugh while i ride out the emergency better off.

my personal choice and advice to everyone here especially those who live in very nosey cities like NY is : remember to keep a low profile while preparing.

if a friend or family brings it up and seems to be genuinely interested in preparing then take them under your wing and help them learn.

but like religion or politics i wouldnt bring preparedness up in any conversation.

at best they laugh at you or brush it off and not take you seriously.

unfortunately the PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. may now view you as suspicious and dangerous "one of those hoarding survival or gun nuts" they read about.

at the very worst they will know you have what they need in case of emergency and seek to take it from you.

just my 2 cents of course.

I agree. Preparedness is something I only really discuss with my wife. This because 1) I don't want anyone trying to take my supplies if there is a real emergency because that could get very ugly and 2) in this day and age, we (anyone) don't need people being suspicious of us for any reason. From what my neighbors see I'm just the average suburban John Doe with a wife and a small kid and a truck and an SUV parked in the driveway. Every other friday (on average) I'm taking off for the trails in my hiking shoes with a dog and a small backpack with a sleeping bag strapped to the bottom. Even when I used to be an avid hunter I would be very descrete about loading the guns in to the car when packing for a trip. I figure there is just no good reason for people to know I have that kind of stuff.