Hurricane info

One of our contributing blogs posted links with hurricane info.  We thought we would add a few links:

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Observation.aspx?location=USNY0996 (Past Weather Observations)

http://gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/index.htm (NYC Evacuation Zone -- enter your address)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricanes/page?id=14381208 (NYC Hurricane Evacuation map)

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/27/live-blog-irenes-heavy-rains-strong-winds-lash-n-c-coast/ CNN live blog

From z-techie blog:
http://z-techie.blogspot.com/2011/08/tracking-hurricanes.html

With Hurricane Irene bearing down on the east coast of the US, here are some links we are keeping an eye on -- to track the predicted path of the hurricane. 
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?5day?large#contents 

http://www.esri.com/services/disaster-response/hurricanes/latest-news-map.html

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

Mohu Leaf - HDTV Indoor Antenna (Works!)

After seeing rave reviews about this product, we thought we would give it a whirl -- and it works!!  Good reception for digital HDTV broadcasts (not needed if you have cable TV -- but great if you want to receive air wave broadcasts).



As an aside, I have used the TERK HD antenna with good results as well -- along with basic RCA-types -- but if you are unsure of your reception, the MOHU seems to have good technology and good results (LOL: even if it looks like just a laminated piece of black/white paper, there is "good stuff" inside...)  And made in the USA...  

Deer Whistles: Ineffective, but what to do?

As summer winds down, many of us are on the road.  Please let us know if you do anything more than this article mentions to help prevent deer accidents.

Deer whistles, mounted on the fronts of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, allegedly produce ultrasonic frequencies and/or audible sounds from the wind rushing through them. These sounds are supposed to repel or warn animals, particularly deer, elk, moose and dogs, of oncoming vehicles.

Even if the devices were effective, they would soon become clogged with insects and dirt (since they are mounted on the front of the vehicle) and would stop working.

The state police in Ohio, after months of testing, found no significant decrease in patrol car/deer accidents after the warning devices were installed. In fact, more accidents were reported by the officers after the whistles were installed than before for the same period of time and stretches of highway. Tests conducted in Utah, Georgia and Wisconsin also concluded that deer whistles don't work.

The odds are you won't hit a deer. Your best protection is to drive defensively, particularly as the sun sets. This is when most vehicle/deer accidents occur. Slow down when you see one deer. More often another is right behind it.

Read more here, from the Washington State Univeristy:
http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1677/eb1677.html


Some tips on avoiding accidents with animals:
http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-a-Moose-or-Deer-Collision