Personal Update Thread

[Chris_Moderato]

Anyone else feel that earthquake?

[Middle Man]

Anyone else feel that earthquake?

Just read something that said it was felt from NY to NC. I wonder if it was felt as far away as Atlanta.

It was centered west of Richmond. I'm in a tall downtown Richmond bldg and it was kind of crazy. It definitely gives me a small appreciation for what people in California and such places go through when the shaking starts.

[Chris_Moderato]

I was sitting outside in my car, getting ready to head home. I thought a co-worker was bouncing up and down on my back bumper. Finding no obvious cause, I assumed it was the car malfunctioning, and headed home. It wasn't until I brought up the internet that I saw that there was an earthquake. Who expects an earthquake in Virginia?!

[Middle Man]

Well, this is comforting. The earthquake is being reported as a 5.9.

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has ranked the earthquake damage risk at all 104 nuclear power plants in this country. The pair operated by Dominion Power, at Lake Anna in eastern Louisa County, come in at 7th most 'at risk' on the list....

...According to Jim Norvelle with Dominion Power, North Anna was designed to withstand a magnitude 5.9 – 6.1 earthquake.

NBC29.COM (http://www.nbc29.com/story/14265528/lake-anna-reactor-ranked-7th-most-at-risk-for-earthquake-damage)

[Chris_Moderato]

Considering the local news coverage, I almost feel like the entire state should issue an apology to the west coast for our collective overreaction to this nonsense. It's ridiculous. "Where were you? What were you doing during the earthquake of 2011?!"

[Wahoo]

Yeah I was in the office and just thought that people were running in my office. And then I realized why would people be running as my computer monitors shook on my desk. Holy crap. My 3rd year in Charlottesville (03-04) there was nearly a 4 pointer but this was noticeably more stressful. Pretty crazy stuff.

[Wahoo]

Considering the local news coverage, I almost feel like the entire state should issue an apology to the west coast for our collective overreaction to this nonsense. It's ridiculous. "Where were you? What were you doing during the earthquake of 2011?!"

Eff that. They go ape sh*t when it rains.

[Chris_Moderato]

Eff that. They go ape sh*t when it rains.

In fairness, so do we. And by we, I mean, local news.

[Dreamscape]

My 3rd year in Charlottesville (03-04) there was nearly a 4 pointer but this was noticeably more stressful.
I remember that one. I was living in an apartment off campus in Harrisonburg and noticed everything on the balcony was shaking. That was about it.

[luvdembravos]

First time I've experienced an earthquake. Of course, people around here used it as an excuse to go home. Frickin' government workers.

[-Dr. Brave-]

My 3rd year in Charlottesville (03-04) there was nearly a 4 pointer but this was noticeably more stressful. Pretty crazy stuff.

I felt the '04 earthquake more than I felt this one. Difference being, I was inside when that one struck and walking around outside when this one occurred.

Initially I really didn't think it was that big a deal, but then I talked to one person who had pictures knocked off her walls. :eek:

[Chris_Moderato]

First time I've experienced an earthquake. Of course, people around here used it as an excuse to go home. Frickin' government workers.

Where do you work again luvdem, if you don't mind my asking?

[luvdembravos]

Where do you work again luvdem, if you don't mind my asking?

Fort Belvoir

[Wahoo]

Two earthquakes in less than 10 years in VA. World definitely coming to an end. Some folks about 20 miles west of town felt a 4.2 after shock at 8pm.

[bravos4evr]

Two earthquakes in less than 10 years in VA. World definitely coming to an end. Some folks about 20 miles west of town felt a 4.2 after shock at 8pm.

and not a moment too soon I might add

[KB 34]

I didn't feel the earthquake, probably since I was on the ground floor of a large concrete building hard at work. (oh the joys of being a graduate student instead of a government employee) I'm a bit disappointed. I've always wanted to experience a slight earthquake, one that doesn't cause any damage.

[luvdembravos]

(oh the joys of being a graduate student instead of a government employee)

I wouldn't brag...both are pretty useless. ;)

[KB 34]

Useless? That's one of the nicest things you'll hear grad students being called. There's another important difference, one makes a nice pension and great benefits while the other makes below minimum wage and has little job security.

[luvdembravos]

Useless? That's one of the nicest things you'll hear grad students being called. There's another important difference, one makes a nice pension and great benefits while the other makes below minimum wage and has little job security.

You're smart...you'll be making big coin in due time.

[Chris_Moderato]

I wouldn't brag...both are pretty useless. ;)

Don't members of the military qualify as employees of the government?

[Wahoo]

Chris...hope you and your family are safe this weekend. Looks like your neck of the woods is gonna catch Irene's wrath.

[luvdembravos]

Don't members of the military qualify as employees of the government?


Your point?

There's a big difference in the work ethic of your average government employee and member of the military. Sure, there are some outstanding, hard working government civilian peronnel but unfortunately there are many who are just riding the government-sponsored gravy train. And sure, there are some bums in the military but it's much easier to give a non-performing soldier the boot. Union rules make is virtually impossible to fire a government employee.

[Wahoo]

Civilian government employees are pretty damn lazy and for whatever reason disgruntled despite having some of the most posh jobs ever. SNL did a skit on this a few years back where most are sporting fraudulent worker comp claims. Working in workers comp insurance with municipalities and govt entities...u won't believe me when I tell you how spot on that skit was.

[Chris_Moderato]

Your point?

There's a big difference in the work ethic of your average government employee and member of the military. Sure, there are some outstanding, hard working government civilian peronnel but unfortunately there are many who are just riding the government-sponsored gravy train. And sure, there are some bums in the military but it's much easier to give a non-performing soldier the boot. Union rules make is virtually impossible to fire a government employee.

My point was to tease out the conversation a little further with a question.

[Chris_Moderato]

Chris...hope you and your family are safe this weekend. Looks like your neck of the woods is gonna catch Irene's wrath.

Thanks man. It looks like it's about to get pretty crazy here.

[bravos4evr]

well it's lost some strength which is good. Usually twos aren't too bad depending on the tidal situation.... I've only left here for Katrina and stayed through 3 category 3 storms with little incident... Everything should be ok. Just make sure you keep candles handy and I really recommend getting a couple of the cheap glass oil lamps and a few gallons of oil. More light than a candle and not as much a hazard as a kerosene lantern.

[luvdembravos]

Been watching weather channel all day...Virginia Tidewater area is getting hammered right now. Hope Chris is OK.

[Chris_Moderato]

My wife and our almost ready baby are in something of an anti-hurricane island, it would seem, in our condo community in Newport News. There's been rain, there's been some wind, but other than that, it has seemed like a normal rainy day here. The rest of Hampton Roads hasn't been as lucky. In fact, the footage from downtown Norfolk is about two minutes from where we used to live. It's pretty badly flooded, which is typical to that area whenever there is a great deal of rain- it was at least that bad during the Nor'easter in November 2009. Glad we don't live over there anymore. It's a mess. Thanks for the positive thoughts. Hopefully we'll be out of it soon.

[luvdembravos]

I had a contractor repair a roof leak a few weeks ago. This is going to be a good test to determine if they did the job right.

[KB 34]

After going into work today I checked my email and saw an email saying it was too dangerous outside and we should stay home. I had a great laugh. The wind was gusting at most 25mph and I've routinely driven through much worse before. I learned an important lesson today; you get spoiled by all the good weather in the south and that goes for all 4 seasons.

[Chris_Moderato]

I had a contractor repair a roof leak a few weeks ago. This is going to be a good test to determine if they did the job right.

How'd that new roof hold up?

[luvdembravos]

Peerrrrrrrrfect!

I dunno but I'm thinking this storm was over-hyped. Damage is minimal compared to Hurricane Isabel in 2003.

[Chris_Moderato]

Peerrrrrrrrfect!

I dunno but I'm thinking this storm was over-hyped. Damage is minimal compared to Hurricane Isabel in 2003.

I agree entirely. I was a little annoyed by the Governor's claim that for Tidewater residents it might be the "storm of a lifetime." I mean, he's no meteorologist, but you've got to know better than to say something like that.

It almost felt like the government and the media were going overboard to get some of those thick-skulled idiots out there to take it seriously. I don't know...

[KB 34]

There was a story yesterday about a government weather service reporting 85mph winds in one place, yet the WUnderground stations only registered 35mph winds. I fear people panicking and acting like idiots more than these storms themselves. Of course I suppose some made great money because of people evacuating and spending a small fortune on gas, or buying tons of groceries and water. Moral of the story: Open a gas station/grocery store along a major evacuation route.

[Wahoo]

Well...day 2 of no power in RIC. staying at the inlaws tonight since they are one of few that do have power. Dunno if my office will be open tomorrow but their are massive outages around here. Winds hit 80mph here. I'm told that will at least be tomorrow at 5pm before power is restored. These local weather douches totally missed on this one. They forecast 20-40 mph winds.

[Andy G.]

It looks like I'll be moving to Houston in about a month, maybe two. I've never been out of the southeastern United States. I visited family in Virginia a couple of times as a kid, and I just spent a week in Mobile, but I've never been further away from home than that. I know Houston isn't all that far away, but I've never experienced a move like this.

I'm excited but also a little nervous because I don't know what it will be like to live in Texas.

[bravos4evr]

It looks like I'll be moving to Houston in about a month, maybe two. I've never been out of the southeastern United States. I visited family in Virginia a couple of times as a kid, and I just spent a week in Mobile, but I've never been further away from home than that. I know Houston isn't all that far away, but I've never experienced a move like this.

I'm excited but also a little nervous because I don't know what it will be like to live in Texas.

Well hell Andy I live 30 miles from Mobile!!! .....ahh well

Houston is a fun town, but make sure you get up with a local cuz there are some places that you DO NOT WANT TO END UP IN ACCIDENTALLY!!!!!! Good music scene, good bar scene.. I think you will like it.

However, it is the hottest and most humid city I have ever been in . And I've been to Honduras and Mexico!!

[luvdembravos]

These local weather douches totally missed on this one.

Hope you get your power restored quickly.

Guess they're not handing out Gold Medals (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44310738/ns/weather/) in Richmond ;)

[luvdembravos]

I'm excited but also a little nervous because I don't know what it will be like to live in Texas.


#1 - Take the Obama sticker off your car.

[Wahoo]

Hope you get your power restored quickly.

Guess they're not handing out Gold Medals (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44310738/ns/weather/) in Richmond ;)

The NHC is full of sh*t. They were calling for it to pass off the coast of VA Beach and 60 miles east of the CBBT. They were off by about at least 60-75 miles, which is the difference between 30-40 mph wind and 80 mph winds. They can pat themselves on the back but they totally effed us here in central VA.

[Garydee]

It looks like I'll be moving to Houston in about a month, maybe two. I've never been out of the southeastern United States. I visited family in Virginia a couple of times as a kid, and I just spent a week in Mobile, but I've never been further away from home than that. I know Houston isn't all that far away, but I've never experienced a move like this.

I'm excited but also a little nervous because I don't know what it will be like to live in Texas.

I love living in Texas. However, if you're left of center you won't like our politics.:)

[Middle Man]

The NHC is full of sh*t. They were calling for it to pass off the coast of VA Beach and 60 miles east of the CBBT. They were off by about at least 60-75 miles, which is the difference between 30-40 mph wind and 80 mph winds. They can pat themselves on the back but they totally effed us here in central VA.

I can fully appreciate your irritability. At the point when our power came back yesterday I was beginning to worry that our home would become a crime scene.

We were fortunate to be without power for only 24 hours - 3pm Sat to 3pm Sun - down here southwest of Richmond. I get the feeling that there are still many in Chesterfield without power though. We lost two trees - will be a pain to clean up but they didn't hit anything so I can't complain too much.

My wife was very stressed about her elderly parents who wouldn't leave their home - about 10 miles from the VB oceanfront - but they never even lost power.

[-Dr. Brave-]

It looks like I'll be moving to Houston in about a month, maybe two. I've never been out of the southeastern United States.

You may want to take about 85 trillion gallons of water with you.

[Wahoo]

I can fully appreciate your irritability. At the point when our power came back yesterday I was beginning to worry that our home would become a crime scene.

We were fortunate to be without power for only 24 hours - 3pm Sat to 3pm Sun - down here southwest of Richmond. I get the feeling that there are still many in Chesterfield without power though. We lost two trees - will be a pain to clean up but they didn't hit anything so I can't complain too much.

My wife was very stressed about her elderly parents who wouldn't leave their home - about 10 miles from the VB oceanfront - but they never even lost power.
Still no power for me

[Lauren T.]

Hope those without power get it restored soon. No power/water/heat/ac is incredibly irritating. :(

Andy, what takes you to Houston? A friend of mine moved there for an engineering job after graduating from GT, stayed there for about a year, then she got a job in Newfoundland. She finds the climate there much more tolerable, haha! But she really liked Houston, for the most part. Lots to do, big city without feeling like a big city, you know?

[Wahoo]

Yay! Power came back this afternoon!

[Chris_Moderato]

Yay! Power came back this afternoon!

It makes you feel like you won something, doesn't it? Ours was out for ten days after Isabel, and when it came back on, it was like Christmas.

[Wahoo]

It makes you feel like you won something, doesn't it? Ours was out for ten days after Isabel, and when it came back on, it was like Christmas.

God yes. I am a spoiled bastard.

[ScooterBrave]

I remember when Charlie hit down here we had the power out for about 5 days. Got tired of cold water showers for sure and as much as I like outdoor cooking, that got old as well.

[bravos4evr]

In my day we lost power all the time and had to capture fireflies and put em in a jar just so we could use the bathroom!!!! And when Katrina came we lost power for so long that our electric razors ran on coal!!!! You kids this days are soft!!!!!!! lol


glad everything's working up there again! :-)

[Andy G.]

Hope those without power get it restored soon. No power/water/heat/ac is incredibly irritating. :(

Andy, what takes you to Houston? A friend of mine moved there for an engineering job after graduating from GT, stayed there for about a year, then she got a job in Newfoundland. She finds the climate there much more tolerable, haha! But she really liked Houston, for the most part. Lots to do, big city without feeling like a big city, you know?
I'll be going for my job. I work for a marketing firm and my boss is opening an office in Houston. I don't know exactly when the move will be happening, but it will probably be soon. I could stay and continue working in Atlanta, but I'd rather follow him out there. He's an extremely successful man, and I still have a lot to learn from him before I start my own business one day. Plus, I've been in the same city my entire life. As much as I enjoy living in metro-Atlanta, it just feels like it's time to make a change and see what it's like to live in another part of the country.

[bravos4evr]

Well lets all hope I don't float away from the deluge of rain they are predicting with TS Lee.... It's flat coming down out there and some predictions say we may get 24 " of rain over the next 3-4 days...eeesh

[Hobbes]

I'll be going for my job. I work for a marketing firm and my boss is opening an office in Houston. I don't know exactly when the move will be happening, but it will probably be soon. I could stay and continue working in Atlanta, but I'd rather follow him out there. He's an extremely successful man, and I still have a lot to learn from him before I start my own business one day. Plus, I've been in the same city my entire life. As much as I enjoy living in metro-Atlanta, it just feels like it's time to make a change and see what it's like to live in another part of the country.
Good for you Andy. Sure, it's comfortable to stay where you are familiar, but life is more interesting when you give yourself new experiences and challenges. And learning business skills first-hand from folks in the know is always good.

[Chris_Moderato]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.

[Wahoo]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.

Congrats Chris! It's such an awesome feeling as they grow and start smiling at you.

[Chris_Moderato]

Thanks Wahoo! It should be awesome. Not so awesome? The tar put I just found in the little guy's diaper. Yikes! :)

[Dreamscape]

Thanks Wahoo! It should be awesome. Not so awesome? The tar put I just found in the little guy's diaper. Yikes! :)
It gets a little better...and than steadily becomes worse.

Congrats, though. The Virginia baby boom has finished.

Or has it?

[Wahoo]

Thanks Wahoo! It should be awesome. Not so awesome? The tar put I just found in the little guy's diaper. Yikes! :)

Yeah that goes a way in about a week and then it gets mustardy. Sadly you get used to it real quick.

[Middle Man]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.

Congratulations to you and your family, Chris!

[luvdembravos]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.

Congratulations to you and your wife!

[FrankEC]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.

Congratulations Chris. Enjoy every minute with Angus. They grow up quickly.

[bravos4evr]

Hey congrats Chris! Oh and btw, did you happen to name him after the AC/DC guitar player? :-)

[Chris_Moderato]

Not directly, but don't think for a second that the reference didn't come up. His grandfather is already pricing Martin guitars for him.

[Hobbes]

Just wanted to quickly announce the arrival of little Angus Moderato, born 1:45 pm today. Mom and baby are doing well, and Papa Moderato is beaming.
Congrats Chris! Angus is quite a cool name as well.

[Wahoo]

TMZ is reporting that Arrested Development us being brought for a limited final season to lead into the movie that is planned. That sounds effing epic.

[Hobbes]

TMZ is reporting that Arrested Development us being brought for a limited final season to lead into the movie that is planned. That sounds effing epic.
That sounds great. One of the best shows ever.

[Wahoo]

That sounds great. One of the best shows ever.

Bob Loblaw's Law Blog.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Found out yesterday that Baby HBF #1 is going to be a little girl. Grace Evalina

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_511000/ff_511205_xl.jpg&w=180

Her first Braves gear!

[Hobbes]

Found out yesterday that Baby HBF #1 is going to be a little girl. Grace Evalina
Congrats!

[luvdembravos]

Congratulations HBF#1. Grace is also the name of one of my granddaughters. :thumbsup:

[Wahoo]

Congrats HBF. Look like we now know what all Chopnationers are doing when we aren't on here :)

[luvdembravos]

Congrats HBF. Look like we now know what all Chopnationers are doing when we aren't on here :)


Yeah, changing diapers.

[The Rap]

First off congrats to Chris on the birth of Angus. Someone asked if you named the kid after the guy in AC-DC well that is better than me whose first reaction was that you named the kid after a steak. Just kidding? Hope you are able to get some sleep for the next year or so.

I tried to get help when the eviction was coming. The city had a service and I was picked up by a rep and driven out to Long Beach which borders the ocean on Long Island. I walked into the building and the first thing I noticed was that I was younger than anyone else there. Then they showed me my room and it was small with a twin bed, enough closet space for a week's clothing and a small bathroom. I asked how much it would cost and was told they would take my Social Security check and give me 160 dollars for spending money per month. I asked what would happen to the thousand + CDs, the thousand books, and the pictures on the wall which are valuable to me etc. of my old apartment. And I was fliipantly told "you would have to get rid of everything." I was quiet and the guy said, "You don't seem excited." I told him I could envision sitting at the window and looking at the ocean all day." He smiled until I added "But I am not ready to die just yet and that is what this would do to me."

On the way back I told the city rep that we were sent here because the rep who came to my apartment asked me if I wanted the same apartment we were sitting in for a hundred less a month. He was shocked at how she could have said that.

Finally, I have moved into a very large studio in Far Rockaway, If you walk out of my building you take just two steps and you are on the boardwalk of the most beautiful beach I have ever seen in the Northeast. Now life begins once again.

[Middle Man]

I'm glad things are lookin' up for you, Rap. Best wishes.

[Dreamscape]

Yeah, changing diapers.
And lots of them...

[FrankEC]

Found out yesterday that Baby HBF #1 is going to be a little girl. Grace Evalina

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_511000/ff_511205_xl.jpg&w=180

Her first Braves gear!

Congrats HBF! My 18 month old is named Josslyn Grace. I didn't realize Grace was so popular. We picked it because it was my great-grandmother's name. Well, that and Mark Grace was one of my all time favorite ball players. Don't tell my wife that though. She completely shot down my first name idea which was Maddux.

[FrankEC]

...
Finally, I have moved into a very large studio in Far Rockaway, If you walk out of my building you take just two steps and you are on the boardwalk of the most beautiful beach I have ever seen in the Northeast. Now life begins once again.

I'm glad you're doing OK, Rap. Hopefully, we'll see you around here more often now than we have the past couple of months.

[Chris_Moderato]

Congrats HBF! My 18 month old is named Josslyn Grace. I didn't realize Grace was so popular. We picked it because it was my great-grandmother's name. Well, that and Mark Grace was one of my all time favorite ball players. Don't tell my wife that though. She completely shot down my first name idea which was Maddux.

Man, a little girl named Maddux would've been awesome.

[Wahoo]

Man, a little girl named Maddux would've been awesome.

Totally. I'm stealing that for my next.

[Middle Man]

Man, a little girl named Maddux would've been awesome.

Totally. I'm stealing that for my next.

That will work well in Virginia, but don't then move to Atlanta where 32.7% of all dogs are named Maddux.

[Chris_Moderato]

Someone asked if you named the kid after the guy in AC-DC well that is better than me whose first reaction was that you named the kid after a steak. Just kidding?

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha?

[The Rap]

It wasnt that funny Chris.

[Chris_Moderato]

It wasnt that funny Chris.

You're right. It was this funny.

...

[The Rap]

Who cares? The main thing is the kid so congrats. Have you guys gotten any sleep lately?