Rochester Area Rejoices at Abby Wamback - World Cup!

Hometown hero Abby Wamback of Pittsford (a suburb of Rochester) scores another big goal in the woman's soccer World Cup! Go Abby Go! "It was the third straight game in which the 31-year-old scored and her 12 World Cup goals tie her with Michelle Akers for the most ever by a U.S. player." Abby previously "scored the winning goal in overtime of the 2004 Olympic final." She later "suffered a broken leg that kept her out of the 2008 Olympics." Read more about it here. (local D&C news), and click here for CNN News. The finals are on Sunday 17th, Japan vs USA. I'm not usually interested in sports, but this ought to be good! GO ABBY!
--------------
More Reading...

Abby Wamback has become a household name by D&C news.

Wamback is leading USA with heart and head - by USA Today

U.S. women one win from history - by ESPN

Happy Holidays!

I saw these cute cards yesterday and bought some. This weekend I'm making out Christmas cards and setting up and decorating my little Christmas tree. I'm not going to any parties this year due to anxiety and remnants of depression. I'm doing better, but my life hasn't snapped back into place. It takes time folks. I don't' do well with large groups of people these days.

This weekend I'll light a candle and say a prayer for the friends and family of Jeri Suzanne Horne (Liquid Illuzion). It's hard to believe that it's been two years since we lost her.

Rochester will soon break the record for the most snow in December. The record is 46.2 inches (1.17 meters). We are less than 2" away! I guess I'll soon be using a dog sled to get around. Mush!

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a good night!

.

Summer's Return

Pass the sun block and iced tea please! Summer has snuck back into Rochester. The next several days will be in the mid 70's (24c) to mid 80's (29c). Ah, it's so nice! Then it's back to comfortable, moderate temperatures. It's such a delightful time of year.

I'm looking forward to the wide array of beautifully colored leafs this Autumn. I might take a stroll through Highland Park, and perhaps a picnic. It should be spectacular!

For local folks, remember that the Naples Grape Festival is this weekend. Try one of Linda's yummy grape pies (roadside stand). I won't be going because I lost a nice chunk of weight, and it would be too tempting. Enjoy!

Explosions at Rochester Airport

I was not planing on using the library computer today, but something has happened and I wanted to make you aware. Around 12:50 I heard a boom. It sounded like an explosion. My neighbor said that her apartment shook. It took awhile for the news to trickle in. At first it was very sketchy. An explosion of some kind at the Rochester Airport. At lest one person was hurt.

It took about 2 very long hours for us to get any official word from County Executive Maggie Brooks and Airport Director David Damelio... "Two hydrogen tanks at Monroe County's alternative fuel station on Scottsville Road exploded and caught fire this afternoon, sending black smoke high in the air. The blasts were heard as far away as Pittsford."

"A 24-year-old male employee of Praxair drove an 18-wheel truck carrying a compressed-hydrogen tank to the station to replace another truck and tank."... "The mostly empty hydrogen tank exploded and caught fire about 12:50 p.m. Officials believe that there was some sort of arcing on the ground that spread the flames to the truck with the full tank, which also exploded. By the time of Brooks’ 2:45 p.m. briefing, the hydrogen had been burned off and the fire extinguished."

Two people were injured. The truck driver and a 20-year-old female employee of a nearby Burger King suffered ear pain. "Concourse B, the westernmost part of the airport terminal, was evacuated for about an hour." "Scottsville and Paul roads were among several streets that were closed during the firefighting effort."

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. "It is an accident," Damelio said. "We need to find out what caused it and what we can do to keep this from happening again in the future."

I was very relieved to hear that it was not terrorism and that no one was killed. It is a different time folks. It makes you think!

For more information- "Rochester airport explosion: Hydrogen tanks ignite" by Democrat and Chronicle.com

Thank God for Air Conditioning!

The last two days have been in the low 90's (33c), today should be about 95f (35c). Some people love this weather. I like spring, or "blazer weather" as a friend of mine called it. But I can't complain, it's better than a snow storm. Hey, it's typical July weather. It will cool down soon.

.

Well folks, I'm headed home to my wonderful air conditioned apartment. I'll write an update soon. I've been busy with paper work and getting my apartment cleaned for inspection. I tend to save too many things.

.

Stay safe! If it's hot in your area drink plenty of fluids, and don't overdue.

Earthquake in Ontario-Quebec, Canada felt in Rochester + Buffalo, NY

Did you feel that? The photos on the wall rocked back and forward clicking. Iced Tea in my glass swished back and forward. My apartment seemed to slightly shake. It lasted about 30 seconds to a minute.

Yes, it was an earthquake! "The U.S. Geological Service reports a 5.5 magnitude quake that originated in Ontario-Quebec border 12 miles below the surface at 1:45 p.m., but it was felt as far as Detroit, Cleveland, Rochester and Buffalo." Details are sketchy now, but local news 13WHAM confirms and adds that they have noticed many Twitter and Facebook comments from Rochester. Click on 13WHAM for more local updates. By the way, it was the 3rd earthquake I've felt in my life. All of them small.

A good news article from CBC News Toronto Canada. Just posted by my buddy maniar on Twitter. Thanks Jaffer!

A Flasher Among Us

We have a flasher in the East Rochester area. A man who is exposing himself in public.

When I was a kid we use to call them streakers. They were often nudists who weren't hurting anyone. So I wasn't worried about this flasher until I heard that he exposed himself to girls at a high school. No way! Not kids! Now that's crossing the line.

The guy has flashed several times. Nowadays, since everyone has a cell phone you would think that the police would be called and pick him up. I hope they get Mr. Flasher soon.

Pass The Suntan Lotion. It's 86 Degrees!

Ah! Enjoying a preview of summer. It's a record breaking 86 (30c)! Tomorrow it's suppose to be 84. Then we have a bit of a cool down into the high 60's, but still nice. The weather in Rochester, NY has been unbelievable! No rain. In fact it's been on the dry side. Dry heat baby! ~Sipping Iced Tea~ What do you like to do in summer like weather?

.

photo credit

Quick Update - Spring?

SRING IN "ROCHESTER? - The news said that the East coast is getting slammed by severe rainstorms and floods. Not in Rochester. Yes, we are getting a good rainstorm, but nothing out of the ordinary. Flooding in low lands. In fact it seems more like Spring here! We recently enjoyed 7 days of sunshine in a row with temps 48-61. More beautiful weather starts Tuesday. Yippee! If winter isn't over, then this is one heck of a nice respite! MYSTERIOUS DISEASE UPDATE - I have a copy of my CBC, and think I know what it means, thanks to the net. Not good, but no immediate danger expected. I will see the hematologist the first week in April. I expect him to comfirm it. More waiting. Maybe waiting is good because it helps me to come to terms with a bear of a disease. BORING - Sorry that my updates are so boring. I can't wait until the festivals start! They are always fun! I'll get out + about, and tell you some nice things instead of the same old crap. Thanks for sticking around and caring! I really appreciate you folks!

Quick Update, plus Huge Storm Coming.

Quick, choppy, update on cell instead of using library computer because need food etc before huge storm hits Thus-Sun. TV says maybe worst in 2 yrs! Only 2nd notable storm this season...UPDATE FROM LAST POST-Left message for docs boss (not typical of me), said it's been 3 weeks since odd CBC results, and I won't get interpretation of it for a mo. Ek! Next day my doc called on his day off! He had called a hematologist who will give me a free consultation. Finally! Guess my doc got chewed out by his boss! Now waiting for hematologist to call. Busy studding disease I think I have. I'm tring to prepare emotionally for worst news, and to have some good questions for him. Prayers/good thoughts greatly appreciated!

NO Blizzard in Rochester, NY!

The "blizzard of 2010" gently brushed Rochester, NY. We got less than an inch of snow today in the city, (6" south of us). A dusting to 2" is expected tomorrow. Yawn! I don't know if I should feel lucky, or jealous? It's very strange to watch the local news, and hear about other cities getting slammed. This winter Washington, DC received more snow than Rochester! So far this is the only eastcoast storm that has reached us. They say that another storm is coming on Monday, but is expected to be mild here. So far it's been a nice winter in Rochester, but winter is far from over. Stay safe folks!

It's Heeere! Swine Flu is hitting Rochester, NY

Yes, H1N1 is here. It has recently started to spread. "Doctors are warning swine flu cases could peak in the next three to four weeks."

“We're in a bit of a quandary because the vaccine isn't large scale. Many high risk kids haven't been vaccinated before this hits,” said Dr. Neil Herendeen of Golisano Children's Hospital. “Most people are going to do well. They'll get through this with mild symptoms."

The increase was seen in hospitals as employee call-ins jumped. "Rochester’s largest hospitals are implementing policies that limit younger visitors access as a way to protect vulnerable populations from the H1N1 virus. Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals enacted similar restrictions today. At Strong, visitors 17 and younger are prohibited from the obstetric floor and from Golisano Children’s Hospital. Other area hospitals are following suit."

"Several local schools are reporting an increase of the number of students with flu-like symptoms, and local college campuses are also concerned about the spread of swine flu.Monroe Community College says its exposure to the swine flu virus has been minimal." "Some school districts, Pittsford, Penfield and Canandaigua have sent letters home to parents saying they've seen an increase in kids out with flu like symptoms. Rush-Henrietta says two of their schools have a 15 and 16 percent absentee rate. The rest are normal. Greece and Brockport schools report a normal absentee rate. The U of R has the highest number so far with 91 cases and seven students asked to stay in their rooms. At RIT, 14 cases and Nazareth has 25 cases to date."

Just a reminder that Monroe county is no longer counting flu cases, (at lest not publicly), so we won't know how many have the h1n1, or know of deaths in our area.


Related Topics..

Flu Hits Canandaigua Schools Hard, but remains open

Get Flu information from Flu.gov

New York suspends mandatory flu shots

2 Students Die of H1N1. One at Cornell University (Rochester)

Swine flu is spreading like wild fire in the U.S.. Thousands of students have H1N1. Some schools in the U.S. have only been in session about 3 weeks. In Rochester the children have just gone back, yet we already have one death in Rochester at Cornell University.

Some of the hardest hit areas are Washington State University with more than 2,ooo students who have reported flu like symptoms. The University of Maryland has 435 cases to date. Cornell University in Rochester N.Y. has reported more than 520 cases and one death. A freshman at Troy University in Alabama died a week earlier. Current totals are over six thousand students that have H1N1. Click here for a current report by the American College Health Association.

The Cornell student was 20 year old Warren J. Schor who died on Sept. 11 at Cayuga Medical Center. There are conflicting reports. Some say that he an underlying medical issue, others say that he was perfectly healthy.

At Troy University 18 year old Andrew Salter of Valley, Alabama died.The family confirmed that he had no underlying medical issues. Ironically he decided to major in nursing. He is the 4th person in Alabama to die from Swine flu to date.


You can read more...

The Washington Post: Colleges Seeing Lots of Early Flu

The Daily Collegian: Cornell flu death opens eyes

WSFA 12 News: Swine Flu claims Troy student's life

American College Health Association

Random Ramblings #6

Health Wise

I'm almost over the virus that I had. My sprain is getting better, but taking so darn long. I'm officially out of work. This has caused financial, and depression problems to worsen. I wrote a few blog post drafts concerning the depression, but glad I never posted them. They even scared me. I'm not happy to be alive right now. They say that it is always darkest before the dawn. Well, I hope so, because it's very dark now.

He Was Slapping Her

My asshole of a neighbor had knocked his girlfriend down and was standing over her slapping her. This happened in the hall. I immediately called the police. They arrived in two minutes. By the time the cops arrived they were in her apartment, and questioned them. I could hear the conversation. The dispute was over money, (I think for drugs). My favorite neighbor, and I agreed to call the cops right away if Mr. asshole starts in again. We don't want him getting away with it. (Sorry if my language offends you, but I can't think of a better word for him at this time.)

Rochester Weather - Tornados & Cool

Two tornado's hit the Western N.Y. area not far from Rochester on July 25th. They caused quite a bit of damage in Corfu in Genessee county, and a little in Hilton in Monroe county where they hit. Hundreds of customers lost electricity in those areas. The Darien-Corfu tornado had moderate damage to several buildings and trees and winds ranging from 86-110mph. The path was four miles long and 100 yards wide. The tornado in Hilton caused less damage. It's big news around here since our last tornado in Monroe county (my county) was in 1981.

I've been enjoying wonderfully cool weather lately! We have only had 4 days over 80 degrees (26.6 C) and none in the 90's (32-37 C). We just might break the record for the coldest July in history (since 1871) for Rochester. I just love it! Yes, we have more rain then usual, but it's no big deal. Not much flooding at all.

photo credit

EK! Blog buddy Health Psych has H1N1 Swine Flu!

Unfortunately it is official. My blog buddy Health Psych who at PsychoBabble blog has H1N1 (Swine Flu).

She has been in bed for 12 out of 14 days so far. She says that she has a "raging temperature, muscle aches, headache etc etc" ...The "flu might be milder than expected but it's knocking me around quite a bit."

Please show your support by clicking here and leaving her a message. Please say a prayer (or send good vibes) that she recovers soon.

In my county of Monroe, they have decided not to give us anymore information since they declared it an epidemic here. (No thanks to county executive Maggie Brooks.) We do not know if it is still considered an epidemic. If they still regard it as mild. How many people have been ill, or if anyone has died. It is like a media blackout and I don't like it one bit! I would rather know!

Fire ALL The New York State Senators!

Question - Who's in Charge of the New York State Senate?

Answer - The Stooges! Knuckleheads! Moe, Larry, and Curly.

Here is what has happened in a nutshell... Democrat Senators were in control until a coup two weeks ago. Two Democrat senators Pedro Espada Jr. and Monserrate switched to the Republican side. Reporters say independent upstate businessman Tom Golisano played a role in their coup. (At least he's leaving N.Y. State soon.) There was rumor of a physical altercation (fist fight?).

Democrats refused to acknowledge the Republican coup, and stopped going to the Senate meetings. The whole thing got kicked up to the courts.

The court decision was something like, ...Hey, knuckleheads, get your act together. YOU senators need to decide who is in charge. ..Around this time one of the Democrat defectors came back to the Demarcate side making it dead even.

This all happened on June 8th. It's been about two weeks since the coup, and basically the Senate has been shut down. Knuckleheads!

Gov. Paterson (Dem) stepped in and said that he will make the Knuckleheads show up even if he has to get the guards involved. One reporter noted that the Governor can make the senators show up , but can't make them vote. Yesterday senators showed up, but it was a two ring circus. "Parallel dueling" sessions were held with several senators talking at the same time.

The knuckleheads are more then an embarrassment to New York state and the U.S. They are selfish, greedy, and power hungry. You would think that after 9-11, The attack on America, that the government would grow up and come together for the sake of the country, but... NO! You would thing that during the greatest recession since the great depression that they would stop being so selfish, but ... NO! You would think that during a flu pandemic that may lead us into a depression. A flu that could mutate into something very deadly, that that they would stop being so selfish, but ... NO! The Senate as a whole is acting like The Three Stooges! Someone please clunk their heads together!!!

The British would never put up with this crap! Prime Minister Tony Blair had to leave office early because he lost favor in the eyes of the Brits. In Britain they realize that the government works for the people, and not the other way around. For some reason we in the U.S don't understand this basic concept and allow way too much crap.

My solution - FIRE ALL THE KNUCKLEHEADS (SENATORS)! Make them run for the senate again with a two week campaign, giving them and their opponents the same money to run on. Why not!? It's not like the N.Y. Senate will get anything done during that time period. Hopefully the people will figure out who the worst offenders are and vote them out. That way we will have a New York Senate that is a bit more for the people, and less like the Three Stooges.

To Contact Gov. David Paterson of N.Y. State CLICK HERE


Read about the Stooges, Um N.Y. State Senators ...

CBS - In New York, Senate "Coup" Takes Down Dems

Capital News 9 -

New York Times - Dueling Sessions Cast Doubt on Any Action by State Senate

Syracuse.com - Fate of same-sex marriage bill in NY State could come down to the vote of one man, Bronx Democrat Ruben Diaz.

NOTE: The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid–20th century. They were named "Larry, Moe, and Curly" (Shemp replaced Curly later.) They often used slapstick, name calling, and physical comedy like poking each other in the eye. Moe often clunked the other two heads together calling them "Knuckleheads." They often fought each other, and portrayed themselves as stupid buffoons.

Rochester NY Lilac Festival is STILL ON!

In spite of having it's first confirmed case and 17 suspected cases of the H1N1 Swine Flu in Monroe County, Rochester is still going ahead with the Festival. Personally I'm looking forward to it!

According to the report "The woman and her roommate were treated and officials say they're confident her case hasn’t spread in the community." Hm, well it takes about a week to get the results back and as far as I'm concerned there could be more cases currently.

Things haven't changed here. Stores are still just as full. I haven't seen anyone wearing surgical masks. No schools have closed.

If your coming, just use common sense and take precautions...

"Take these everyday steps to protect your health: (CDC)

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further."

You can read more about the festival here. And last years fun time here. The official website is here.

Personally I plan on going and intend to have fun! But we all have to research, and make up our on mind about how we deal with this flu. I figure that I will have a greater chance being exposed to the flu working as a CNA so a festival doesn't bother me. At lest not at this point.

Well, do we have Swine Flu (H1N1) or not?

I've been waiting for the last 3 days to find out if we have a positive case of H1N1 in my area. It's hard to keep up with the numbers. Monroe county (where Rochester is) started with 5 suspected cases, and is now at 13 suspected cases and 1 probable. Some other neighboring counties also has suspected cases - Genesee - 1, Wyoming - 1, and Ontario - 3. I'm sure that someone will test positive in the area. It's to many cases not to. I wonder when I'll find out the results? Maybe when pigs fly! ;)

Some of the pharmacies are running out of surgical masks. Actually surgical masks won't help you with the Swine Flu. They're to porous. You need a N95 mask or European standard FFP3. But the CDC doesn't have a clear cut answers concerning masks. They just say to wash your hands. Well, that's nice, but as a Nursing Assistant I have to get close to patients to feed them, change adult diapers, and so on. Can I get hazard pay now? Gee, if I had known a pandemic was coming this quickly I would have gotten health insurance.... and invested in surgical mask stock.

Rochester NY News & Lilac Festival Schedule 2009

Lilac Festival Information 2009 - The festival is Rochester's largest and brings in almost a half a million people each year, including tourists who travel to the area. The park has "over 500 varieties of lilacs and more than 1200 lilac bushes in the parks' 155 acres". It will take place on May 8 to 17 at Highland Park. "Musical acts will include Rickie Lee Jones, Joan Osborne, Dr. John & the Lower 911, Southside Johnny & the AsburyJukes and Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy. The festival and concerts are free." Mark Quinn, superintendent of horticulture for Monroe County says that the Lilacs are "in excellent condition."

I had a wonderful time last year (click here), and even pigged out on wine & food samplings! I particularly liked the free chicken and veggies at "Cooks Pan." and will look for them again. I hope to get a camera and take photos this year. Rochester has hard winters, but makes up for it with a ton of fun festivals! Rochester's nickname is the Flower City. Find out more http://www.lilacfestival.com/ Here is a list of more Rochester festivals, concerts, etc. and here at myrochester.com

Gay Marriage in New York State? - Cross your fingers folks! Today Gov. David Patterson introduced a bill to legalize same sex marriage in New York state. The bill was defeated when the Republicans had control, but now with the Democrats there is a fighting change. I know that my pal Pat Martinez and her partner Lisa Golden have been working hard for this. Read more here.

Time Warner, tisk, tisk! - Time Warner Cable Inc. of Rochester NY is acting greedy. It wants to use metered billing for Internet usage, (similar to gas and electric), where those who use more bandwidth pay more. In this economy? BAD IDEA! There has been a public uproar. Many home businesses work from the Web. Rochester also has a large deaf community who uses video phone as a main avenue of communication. Politicians Rep. Eric Massa and Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded that Time Warner abandon its plan. Time Warner seemed to have backed down, but not really. It is more like a postponement in hope that the community will get use to the idea and accept it. Hm, I think that I'll stick to my slow dial-up for now. It's much less expensive.

Bad News For Buffalo NY, Rochester, and more. - I was shocked when I read it! According to the local news Rochester is doing better then most other cities, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Forbes has a list of "U.S. Cities Where It's Hardest To Get By" They listed 20 on-line and, Buffalo was #5, Rochester was #15. They also have a list of "America's Most Livable Cities".It includes several cities in Mass. and Pa. among others. Hm, should I pack my bags?

Star Trek Movie - I'm a bit of a Trekkie so I had to sneak this in. The movie named "Star Trek" opens May 8. It's "a chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members". Here's the movie trailer. Oops, it opens the same day as the Lilac Festival, but I can work that out. I hope this leads to a new series! About time! YAHOO! By the way, Leonard Nimoy who plays Mr. Spock (and is also in the movie) is said to live in my area. He is my favorite Star Trek character of all time. In case he's reading this...I'm no skinny Minnie! ; )

photo credit

Rochester, NY Winter Summery 2009 & No Kodak Bonuses

I'm a bit lazy today. I'm putting 2 posts in one. Both are short and Rochester, New York related.

Rochester, NY Winter Summery 2009 - Yes, I know that we might still get snow, but I'm summarizing it now, and crossing my fingers. The snowfall accumulation to date was 101.7" - not a record, but it's more then our average of 89.6". December was the snowiest month of the season, bringing 46.2 inches. We didn't have a blizzard. I don't believe that we had any major storms. We had several moderate ones. We rarely had those terrible mixed precipitation combo snow/ice storms that I dislike so much. We just got a good amount of steady snow throughout the season. Well, that's not such a bad winter for Rochester. See current weather and forecast here.

No Kodak Bonuses! - I'm getting so sick of hearing economic news, but this is a major change for our area, and has made national news. The Eastman Kodak Co. has been one of Rochester's largest employers for many decades. The company has suspended its bonus, and it means a loss of millions of dollars to Rochester.

Stores use to plan sales around Kodak bonus times. New cars, appliances, furniture, big ticket items. The only other time there wasn't a bonus was in 1934 during the great depression. Click here for local news and comments on the subject.

I remember when having a Kodak, or Xerox job met that you had it made for life - good money, benefits, and job security. Sadly, those days are gone.