What A Smell?

FYI, Regarding the Weather

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Sussex County is beginning to dig out from under this weekend’s one to two feet of snow, with state transportation workers trudging through towering drifts to clear roads and power crews feverishly working to restore service to thousands of customers who have been in the dark for more than a day.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center in Georgetown is continuing to work closely with local and state emergency managers as Delaware recovers from what will go down as among the most significant winter storms to ever hit the mid-Atlantic region. Delaware National Guard troops also have been deployed throughout the county to assist in the recovery effort.

“This center and our staff are working around the clock to ensure the public’s safety,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “We will not rest until the job has been completed and life has started its slow return to normal.”

The return to normal will understandably take time. More than 15,000 homes and businesses remain without power today. But that number is steadily decreasing – at the height of the storm, almost 50,000 customers were without electricity – as power crews from as far away as North Carolina are in the county working to repair damaged utility poles and downed lines.

Because of the remaining power outages and the deep cold affecting the county, shelters remain open at three locations to house those who have lost power or who have been otherwise affected by the storm. Those shelters are:

· Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes;
· Milford Middle School, 612 Lakeview Ave., Milford;
· Sussex Central High School, 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown.

Residents in need of shelter should contact the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center’s storm information hotline at (302) 856-7366 for instructions. All shelter facilities have back-up generators in place, and staff will be available to assist the public. However, those relocating to these shelters must bring ALL necessary supplies with them, including clothing, sleeping bags and pillows, medications, drinks, and non-perishable foods.

All of Delaware remains under a state of emergency until further notice. Non-essential travel remains strongly discouraged.

The Sussex County EOC asks that members of the public with storm-related questions or non-emergency concerns call the dedicated storm information line, at (302) 856-7366. PLEASE DO NOT call other EOC telephone numbers, as those lines are necessary for emergency planners to coordinate services during this event. The County EOC reminds the public to only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

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The Blizzard Is Now Behind Us

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:44:00 +0000

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING. THE BLIZZARD WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WITH EMBEDDED AREAS OF HEAVY SNOW NEAR THE ATLANTIC COAST WAS OCCURRING ACROSS THE AREA LATE THIS AFTERNOON. HEAVY SNOW WILL MOVE OFF THE COAST BY 600 PM EST...AND WIDESPREAD BLIZZARD CONDITIONS NO LONGER ARE EXPECTED.

STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 16 TO 28 INCHES ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE BULK OF THE AREA. A NORTHEAST TO NORTH WIND WITH GUSTS OF 30 TO 35 MPH INLAND AND 35 TO 45 MPH ALONG THE COAST WILL CREATE EXTENSIVE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. THE WIND AND SNOW WILL CREATE VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.

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Update From Sussex County, DE

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:25:00 +0000

Sussex County residents are awaking this Saturday morning to significant snow accumulation and widespread power outages, with as many as 39,000 homes and businesses left in the dark as a result of the major coastal winter storm that continues to lash the mid-Atlantic region.

Since the storm began Friday afternoon, a range of 6 to 12 inches of snow has fallen across the county, according to weather station observations. More snow is expected throughout the day, and total snow accumulations could range from one to two feet by the time the storm ends later tonight.

The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning remains in effect for all of Sussex County until 7 p.m. today. Snow and gusty winds could cause visibilities to drop below one-quarter mile at times, resulting in whiteout conditions. Tidal flooding also is possible with this dangerous coastal storm.

As is expected with a storm of this magnitude, numerous, widespread power outages have occurred. The Delaware Electric Cooperative reports nearly 22,000 outages in the county, while Delmarva Power reports approximately 17,000 customers without power. Crews are trying, where and when possible, to assess outages and restore service to customers.

All of Delaware remains under a state of emergency until further notice. The emergency declaration prohibits non-essential travel during that time.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center asks that members of the public with storm-related questions or non-emergency concerns call the dedicated storm information line, at (302) 856-7366. PLEASE DO NOT call other EOC telephone numbers, as those lines are necessary for emergency planners to coordinate services during the storm event.

The Sussex County EOC reminds the public to only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Over in Washington, DC, it appears that the Federal Governement is frozen & closed... AMEN!

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It's Official

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:56:00 +0000

Sussex County is activating its Emergency Operations Center and prepositioning paramedics at local fire stations this evening in preparation for a major winter storm, still expected to bring well over two feet of snow to parts of the region.

The National Weather Service's blizzard warning remains in effect for all of Sussex County, from now until 7 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters are predicting a range of 18 to 30 inches of snow to fall across the area overnight and well into Saturday.

The snow, possibly mixed with sleet and rain, could fall at the rate of 2 inches an hour, with 30 mph winds and visibilities under one-quarter mile, resulting in whiteout, blizzard conditions. Tidal flooding also is possible with this potentially dangerous coastal storm.

Weather Alert

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:21:00 +0000

Everyone on the Eastern Shore is preparing for the "every one's going to die" weather fear that's being pumped by all the local media.

Since I've been a weather geek since the 5th or 6th grade, I've been asked by several local folks, who do I think gives the most accurate weather forecasts. That's very easy, Accuweather is way out front. I suggest everyone bookmark their website:

http://www.accuweather.com/us/de/delmar/19940/city-weather-forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&myadc=0&u=1

This link is set to Delmar, DE but, you can adjust it for any location.

Weather Geek Alert

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:02:00 +0000

What a week... Phil the Ground Hog started it off with the announcement that we're in for another 6 weeks of Winter. Here on the Shore it has been quite the Winter.

As many are aware my Weather Station / CW4197 has been off line for many weeks, undergoing repairs. Well some good news is... we are back on line (at least partially). However, the rain gauge is still not operating properly, so disregard what ever crazy reading it may now be showing. This has been quite the ordeal. Not to mention, expensive pain in the wallet. It looks like I may still be in for some check writing to get the rain-g working.

Hearing the buzz today that we have a blizzard warning in effect for the weekend, I wanted to desperately get this up an running, in order to monitor this possible, record breaking storm.

So, I apologize for the inconsistency. Hopefully, that will remain in the past. So, stock up on the firewood, Milk & TP. Here comes the weekend.

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State Of The Obama Speech

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:15:00 +0000

I have to say, I didn't and couldn't listen to any of it. I did enjoy all the critics tearing it up beginning this morning.

This dunderhead has been in office now, for over a year... and he's still campaigning!

By the way, how's that change and hope working out for you?

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Air America, Kiss It Goodbye

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:03:00 +0000

Air America, the joke of a radio talk network is about to have the final nail driven into their casket. Air America was never able to obtain respectable ratings. Big name talents included clowns like Al Franken and Janine Gorofolo. Kidding!

Now we find out that the jack ass network is filing bankruptcy. Amen!

For their story, CLICK HERE.

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Set Your VCR or DVR

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:57:00 +0000

There's a documentary airing this Friday at 5 on FoxNewsChannel. You must watch it or record it to watch later. This must be seen by as many people as possible to wake everybody!

"Live Free Or Die"

Viva La Revolution

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:41:00 +0000

The following is a re-print of an email :

From: Richard A. Viguerie ConservativeHQ.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10:30 pm est January 19, 2010

Richard Viguerie: Massachusetts Senate Vote is aVictory for New Conservative Leaders; Big Government Republicans should not take comfort -- they will be next

(Manassas, VA) - The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the results of the special election for U.S. Senator in Massachusetts:

"Scott Brown's election to the Senate is another example of the energy and passion that has been brought to the Republican Party in the past year by new conservative leaders.
"Brown's victory would not have happened without the leadership of Tea Party activists, talk show hosts, bloggers, and others using the Internet. These new conservative leaders are forcing backbone and spine into the old and tired Republican Party leaders, who in early 2009 were afraid to publicly disagree with or challenge President Obama and his agenda.

"This conservative Republican Senate victory in Massachusetts would not have been possible 25 years ago before the new and alternative media--talk radio, cable TV, Internet, bloggers, etc.

"The next battleground for these new conservative leaders against the establishment big-government politicians will be in Republican and Democratic primaries. These new conservative leaders are gearing up to challenge the political establishment regardless of party."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" (The Nation magazine) and one of the "conservatives of the century" ( The Washington Times). He is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.

Rose, I Don't Think Blanche Is Feeling Well...

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:22:00 +0000

It's true Golden Girl fans (like me). Rue McClanahan, the actress who played Blanche has suffered a stroke at 75. CLICK HERE

A Letter To The White House & Congress

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:39:00 +0000

To President Obama and all 535 voting members of the Legislature,

It is now official you are ALL corrupt morons:

The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.

Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.

Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.

War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.

Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.

Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.

The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

You have FAILED in every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars

AND NOW, YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM??

Love,
Your constituents

Baltimore Is So Sad

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Did you cry when you saw Baltimore's Mayor, Sheila Dixon announce her resignation? I cheered. Of course this crook gets to keep her $80,000+ annual pension. That's good. I'd hate to see her suffer like anyone else would. She ought to be celebrating that she didn't get jail time, like most had hoped.

To celebrate, perhaps she'll take us all out to dinner and buy everyone a fur (all on unexplained gift cards).

Baltimore smells bad again!

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Congrats To Howard

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Our good friend Howard, at Delmarva Dustpan has just noted it's the 4th anniversary for his blog. There are lots of ways to look at this:

1. Howard has shared his wit and political insight with us many times for many topics.

2. Howard has provided some very clever photos from the area.

3. Howard has taught us many historical facts, relating to Delmar and the rest of the Shore.

4. Howard has demonstrated he has more mood swings than Shirley McClain, Sybil, and Norman Bates.

5. Over the past 4 years, Mrs. Howard has enjoyed having the house to herself many hours at a time, while Howard was mastering the computer keyboard.

Many years and many posts have gone by. Some we've agreed with, some we haven't. Some have stirred our thoughts. Some have made us scream at the computer screen. Some have made us call politicians and spout an opinion or two. Some have stirred a fond memory. Some have made us teary eyed. Some have made us laugh out loud! All in all, great memories!

Happy Blogaversary Howard,
Uncle Paul

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Sarah Memorial Fund

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:46:00 +0000

I've received some inquiries regarding the Sarah Foxwell Memorial Fund, as to it's use. After a phone call or two, I have confirmed that the Farmer's Bank of Willards has established this trust fund for Sarah's surviving siblings.

After this traumatic event in their lives, they'll need a long time for any adjustment.

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Sarah Fund Is Underway

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:22:00 +0000

"Sarah Foxwell Memorial Fund" donations can now be made at any Farmers Bank of Willards location. That's much better than wasting money on a teddy bear or some candles, as mentioned in the previous posts.

Just What I Predicted

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:17:00 +0000

In my previous posting I discussed my disgust with roadside memorials and the like. Earlier tonight, the local TV station had a story about memorials for Sarah. The people who own the land, where her body was found DO NOT want any teddy bears or memorial items blocking their property and I don't blame them.

So now, since the operation center for Sarah's search was based at Perdue Stadium (home of the Shorbirds), it looks like they are getting an OK to allow for all that memorial junk to pile up there. Can't someone in power, step up and say enough is enough?

This would be a great opportunity for parents to teach their kids an important lesson. If your kids want to buy a toy or teddy bear as a memorial to Sarah, that's fine. But to leave it in a pile at Perdue Stadium is a big waste. Who's going to benefit from that? Buy a bear and donate it to the Salvation Army, or a homeless shelter or a hospital, and donate it in Sarah's name.

OR..... go ahead and put your donation on display, in the pile of all the others at the stadium for the real reason... In hopes that others will see it, maybe even on local cheesy TV, or in the newspaper (and they'll see what a generous soul you have as a martyr). Now, what's the real reason for the donation? Is this the selfish message you want to send to your kids?

We all pray for Sarah's family and all those directly involved with this horrible situation.

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This Makes For A Sad Christmas

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:51:00 +0000

By now, most have seen on TV, or heard the sad story about 11 year old Sarah Foxwell. Basically, this little girl was kidnapped and killed by some wacko, who shouldn't have been out of jail in the first place. He was the little girl's, aunt's boyfriend. This story, as when all these stories often unfold, we usually find a regular soap opera of complications surrounding the lives of those surrounding the victim. Everybody starts finger pointing and throwing blame. "... if she hadn't this, how did he do this or that?... I could've told you that much.. ". Whatever the case, it happened! All we can do now is find justice for Sarah, and try to prevent another event like this from happening.

With all that said, I am going to tread on some very thin ice regarding my observations during this search, the local media coverage, and the events leading up to the finding of Sarah's body. This relatively small community lives with volunteers all over. You can especially find them here with all the local volunteer fire departments. They are mainly made up of men and women who know in their hearts, the true meaning of volunteerism. They mainly want to help their community without notice or reward.

Often, when you have a group of volunteers working on a given project or emergency, you'll find a nearby group also trying to help out, but too often, for the wrong reasons. These folks usually show up much later than the usual group of volunteers. They are there out of curiosity and then get involved for the purpose of getting some of the glory. Often, they're late getting the news of the event, or as I said before, they're just nosey.

Last night (Christmas Night), the local TV stations were obviously understaffed. (Being a former broadcaster, I know how this stuff works). Often, the owner(s) of the radio or TV stations aren't going to pay for a staff on a holiday to cover some local story. Usually, holidays are pretty slow news days. In most cases, that makes sense. After all it is a business. But, you'd think, when a big story (one that reaches National Coverage) breaks, the station management would bust their buns to bring in the A team to cover the story. (This is what we did see on major market stations via cable, last weekend with the snowy weather story). I have to say, the two Baltimore stations 13 & 11, both had better coverage of this story than any of the local hacks. To my knowledge, neither Baltimore TV station had their own reporters on the Eastern Shore. Perhaps the local radio & TV stations might learn something here!

One local TV station provided little or no coverage of this story. That of course (without names) is the station with little or no budget. Why anyone would pay $$$ to advertise on local TV amazes me. The station with news coverage brought in one of their regular news readers to anchor the situation.

This news reading anchor appeared either: emotionally drained, physically exhausted, half asleep, or had been sipping too much Holiday Mirth. Whatever the case, she shouldn't be appearing on "FANTABULOUS HD TV". At least not until the mirth wore off or experiencing a lengthy nap and extensive make-up re-working.

What I imagine to be the only staff reporter they could find to go out to the scene had zip for experience and as much gray matter as a squirrel. The anchor kept switching to her as she was reporting from the temporary command center. The center was at Perdue Stadium but that was rarely mentioned, if at all.

The remote reporter had NO IDEA of what her job was. All she could ask people were stupid, inane questions like "how do you feel".. It was God awful. I was embarrassed for the whole TV station. Most of the people being interviewed were those intended volunteers, who arrived to late to help. Those interviewed could only reply with worthless, time consuming verbiage.

In the background there was one quick shot of the people lining up to undeservedly be on TV. This gets back to what I was saying before, about those who are just there to get the glory.

You could also, see this in blogs, Twitter, and Facebook comments that were locally generated. Sure people are concerned. Many people want to express their grief over the situation, and that's fine. But then there are the Facebookers & bloggers that think they are the local press corp. They usually are those who live and die for gossip. If you sit back and just watch, you'll see that they're competing with each other.. "Who's going to be first to break the latest story/"? What a joke. This is no longer sympathy or grief for the situation, it's ALL EGO.

Now that my blood is beginning to simmer, let me say this... If I ever hear the word "CLOSURE" again, I'm going to vomit. In reality, there's no such thing. If there were such a thing, who declares "OK, as of this moment this issue is closed?" Does that mean the subject can no longer be thought about or mentioned? It's another media produced clump of symbolism with no substance.

Now wait, don't get ahead of me... The bigger thorn in my side regarding symbolism with no substance, was also mentioned. Somewhere during the local newscasts, it was mentioned.. "maybe the community should build a memorial". This made me yell at the TV..

In previous blogs, I've mentioned my dislike for the infamous "Roadside Memorials". Well this too would fall into the same category. Since the 80's, we've become a culture of mediocrity. Everybody wants to be famous, but there's no reason to be famous. Look at American Idol. It starts out with thousands of entries. At the end of the season, there's ten finalists and one Idol (winner). I think this will be the 7th or 8th year of this show. There is a slim handful of all those participants that have "made it", and / or barely made it. That says, most of the entries are NOT talented. At least not, in the eyes and ears of most of American TV viewers.

People also have those tacky decal memorials on the back windows of their vehicles.. "In Memory of John Doe, etc.".. There's no way you can ever convince me, this is not on the glass, in hopes that someone will ask the passengers or driver about that memorialized individual. It's screaming, "look at me, feel sorry for me". It's purely selfish. That's not what a memorial of any kind, is established for. Same goes for the roadside memorials which mark the spot of some unfortunate, fatal accident. It's purpose is to focus on one or more of the survivors. That is one of the 7 deadly sins, VANITY. It's like wearing your religion on your sleeve.

Maybe you know of someone who brags about what charity they recently donated to, and possibly how much. Someone that helps charity through their heart doesn't advertise it. In reality, it should go without mention. Doing otherwise is for your own bragging benefit. (The tax code is exempt here).

It's time that all these people get a good reality check, slap in the head. Simple, shallow thinking and irresponsible media coverage have promoted us to accept Memorials, Markers and notices as mentioned above, as the norm. These are what cemeteries are built for, and has been the custom for thousands of years. (Can you say Mummy?) When the time comes, that one needs or want to grieve or pray or think of someone that has died, you can go to that grave site (where their memorial is written in stone), and focus on their memory. Instead today, we have roadside memorials that are tacky and written in crayon, magic marker or paint. If the victim was a child, they're often surrounded by toys or helium balloons. Does someone think that their ghost is going to appear and play with the toys? Why not take that effort and expense and donate it to a worthy charity in the name of the memorialized victim? Now, there's an idea. One that serves two positive results. The donor feels as if they've contributed to the memory of the victim, and someone else benefits from their donation. Instead of wasting, whatever the expense of having that memorial lettering applied to the back window of your vehicle. Donate (in their name) that money to a church or charity that would relate to the victim. Now, you tell me what's going to provide the most good; the charity donation or a wet, rotting stuffed animal on some roadside?

Now with the above suggested options, you can clearly see the memorial, window decals, the roadside memorials, all the stuffed animals, are in reality, focusing on the donor not the victim.

When I see parents on TV showing their little kids how to place a stuffed animal on a site meant to memorialize someone, I grit my teeth. What a waste. They should instead be showing that child how to be charitable. Donate the stuffed animal to some charity, in the name of the memorialized, accident or crime victim.

In summary: Locally, this was a different Christmas with this most horrifying event. But, it's up to all of us to keep it within perspective and our prayers. Use your head when protecting kids. Sorry to say, events like this will continue to happen again and again. But, let's learn from it as with all of life's experiences.

Let's continue to look to the future as we are on the brink of another new year!

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Boss Jock Memories

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:39:00 +0000

Too many years ago, when I was struggling to be a big time, radio DJ, one of the many influences on my career was a legendary radio station in Philly, WFIL. Two of their air staff stood out to me at that time. Dr. Don Rose had one of the funniest morning shows in radio history. Another was an outstanding "Boss Jock" named George Michael. Not so much funny, as a great delivery and voice.

In the 80's George left radio and moved to Washington, D.C. with his huge sports appetite. He was syndicated on TV with the George Michael Sports Machine..

George, you will be missed. Thanks for the memories.. Obit.. CLICK HERE.

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Yes we miss them

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Remember, not so long ago, when the Christmas season brought "Christmas Specials" to TV. It was an American tradition to see Bob Hope at some far away military outpost. Andy Williams also made those times so special. Today with a pant load of cable channels with nothing on them, all we get re-runs of Christmas related movies.

That part of Christmas Magic is all gone. It's a different generation running the show and we can't do much about it. That's their loss.

Turn off the TV this year, as much as you can and concentrate on enjoying this special time with those around you. There's a new idea.

Merry Christmas to all, from your blogger, Uncle Paul

Was I Drunk?

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:58:00 +0000

I swear, last night one of the many cable channels advertised that on Christmas Day, they would feature a special movie. But why this one?

Why of course, it's special religious tone.. Maybe its wonderful message of Christmas Hope... Perhaps it touches on the joy of giving...

Yes my friends, you'll now be able to rally the family around the TV to watch that warm, cuddly, traditional, Christmas Favorite.... DIRTY DANCING ...

Hey, nothing against the movie itself. I actually like it, and it's truly an 80's classic. But, what's this cable network see as the Christmas hook? God bless Patrick Swayze.. as we watch him rock down the aisle with his special knee shaking dance moves!

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What's This New Look

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:51:00 +0000

In an attempt to keep my title as a "Fashion Plate", I've decided to spruce up the blogsite for the upcoming, new year. This past year was such a downer, especially in politics, one of my favorite hobbies.

By the way, how's that "hope & change" working out for you?

I'm now starting to get some comments from other countries. Many of which are negative, mainly because they're the ones usually stuck in a socialist country, but won't admit to the "stuck" part.

I'm looking forward to 2010, especially around November (if you know what I mean)? Gather up the pitchforks and shovels. It's time to storm the castle.

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Weather Geek Alert

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Following weather has been a hobby of mine since the 6th grade. Now, it's getting to be very frustrating due to technical equipment failures. For over a month I've been tinkering with the electronic rain gauge in an attempt to get it back in working order. Just yesterday, it seems to have finally corrected itself and has come back to life.

This morning the temperature sensor decided to go on a holiday vacation. Never fails... here we are, sitting on Delmarva, awaiting a major weather event and this happens. Hang with me friends. I hope to have this corrected too. Just when, I can't say. So, if you see some rather erratic temperature, humidity or dew point readings, just ignore them and write it off to the gremlins that reside inside.

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Weather Geek Alert

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:29:00 +0000

Again I apologize! The rain gauge is still not operating properly. This may take some of my electronics know how. Yeah, this'll be good! The manual rain gauge is read every morning at 8 AM. It's obviously very accurate, as opposed to the electronic version. If you're keeping track, the precip reading on Tuesday (12/1) was .39 inches.

After the reading is reported Thursday morning I'll post it here. Sorry, but this can sometimes become an expensive hobby. The last time I had an issue like this, it cost $40 for a special battery. Maybe Nobama can underwrite this project. (Note to self, call White House in the morning).

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Weather Geek Alert

WhatASmell@comcast.net (Uncle Paul) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:51:00 +0000

For those of you who regularly or occasionally visit CW4197 to see Delmar's current weather conditions... (and I know there are a few by the complaints raised)..

You'll notice the rain gauge is showing that we've had rain equal to Biblical proportions. Obviously, this is not accurate. Now that it's recorded on the grid which is showing on the Internet, it can't be changed. The actual recordation is accurate.

Anyway, I had to break out some tools and crack open the electronic rain gauge. The electronic gauge is only accurate to within .04 inches, which is normally reflected on the website. Upon my investigation (cracking open the electronic device), I found that Mother Nature has struck this modern day convenience. Without getting too technical, a spider had built a tiny nest on a circuit board, which has been blocking the mechanical device from reading accurately. I have removed the nest and cleaned the board. Hopefully, this is the cure. We'll have to wait until the next rainfall to be sure.

If you'd like to bookmark the Delmar Weather Station, copy and paste:
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=CW4197&last=120&radar=***

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