A local chemical facility has had a big explosion in my general area. The blast rocked homes for a pretty wide radius. Homes and students in nearby schools are being evacuated. This literally happened within the last hour.

I'm posting this because it is quite a wakeup after seeing all the Katrina coverage and essentially being a world away from that. I feel like I'm getting a reminder to consider localized situations.

and the power blackout in LA. Folks, I hate being right, but its time to stock up on AA batteries.

.... and CR123s too..... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />