Monday, May 26, 2008

Stormy weather.

So my good friend Sophie LaBrador left me a comment asking if we are ok after the big storms that tore through the state yesterday, and the answer is yes! Fortunately, it's really rare for a tornado to hit the city because of the heat bubble the city creates - like a giant tornado forcefield. Some of the towns a few miles north of us got baseball sized hail and big, scary tornadoes. We got a little sprinkling of rain and some wind, and it wasn't scary at all.
I was just watching the news about all the destruction that storm caused and I feel really, really bad for those people, especially for the family of the baby who died. A bunch of people are still unaccounted for, but a lot of people drove out of town for the weekend.
What really makes my mom mad is a lot of those houses were fairly new McMansions built by crappy developers who use the cheapest material possible and they blow apart like movie sets. And it doesn't help that they are built on filled in swamp land either ...


Thanks for caring so much Sophie, and my thoughts go out to all those poor people who have lost so much.

16 comments:

Joe Stains said...

My girlfriend is pretty pawesome. We are glad to hear you are safe in your heat bubble!

Molly the Airedale said...

We're so glad you're safe, Ike!
We feel so badly for the people who lost their homes and their loved ones! How horrible!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Peanut said...

We are glad you are okay. We feel bad for all those poor people also.

Clover said...

I am glad you and your family are safe, but it is terrible to hear about the nasty weather and the destruction it caused. :(
Love Clover xo

Petra said...

Me, too --- I'm happy you're okay, Ike, and sad for those who lost so much.

wally said...

Ike,

I'm very glad you're ok so you can teach me the diarrhea song. My ma ape says tornados are scary but I've never seen one. Except in the Wizard of Odd.

wally.

wally said...

Oh Ike. Thanks for the laugh. My ma ape has been cranky pants lately.

wally.

Mack said...

I am so glad you have that heat bubble to protect you Ike!

But I feel so bad for those that weren't as fortunate.
My Dad's sister has a McMansion. She lives about an inch and a half from her next door neighbor.

Lorenza said...

Hi, Ike!
Glad to hear that you, your mom and dad are ok!
Is very sad to know about people who lost their homes.
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Huskee and Hershey said...

Great to hear that your heat bubble kept you safe! Yeah I feel so bad for the people who lost their loved ones and their homes.. =(

Hey guess what, thanks for your nomination! I have been awareded the Stain Award by the Stain Master himself!

Jen and Suki said...

Mom's uncle lives in Hugo. Pretty scary! I'm glad he's okay and that mom and dad and I and you and your pawrents live in the city for all sorts of reasons.

<3 Sukes

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Ah.. that's so scary. I'm glad you're safe Ike

~ Girl girl

Sophie Brador said...

Ike, I am so happy you are fine in the city. Those storms looked really scary. Speaking of the city, have you ever gone downtown to see the Mary Tyler Moore statue?

xo
SB

Dexter said...

Glad you guys are OK. That weather is just way too scary!

The Zoo Crew said...

Mom had never heard the word "McMansion" but knew instantly what you were talking about! For those builders, it's all about the almighty dollar, but for those families, it could mean their life! Glad you are ok!

The Zoo Crew

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you escaped those storms last year, but know that the "heat bubble" theory is sadly nothing but a myth that's been passed along by well-meaning folks for years. Google "heat bubble" and "tornado," and click here to see downtown tornado occurrences: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/downtown.html. They "do" happen in cities. Take cover!! :)

As for cheaply built homes, any new home construction in severe weather territory should be built with strong exterior walls, like those of poured concrete, or ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms) - The cost is only 3-5% more to build than a traditional home and will withstand winds of up to 250 mph - plus, they're extremely energy efficient, which means more money in your pocket. I wish everyone knew about these homes!! Check out mygreencottage.com or just search concrete homes - Nudura and Reward Wall are two good manufacturers.