If It’s Just Raining Like Cats ‘n’ Dogs, That’s a Win

 

Dorian is inbound. Bottled water is gone from the grocery stores. Gas lines are hours long, and every gas station I’ve seen today has a police patrol car stationed at it, probably to encourage civility. People are putting up shutters or boarding up their windows.

The problem with Dorian is that the cone covers a huge part of FL. Hey, man, don’t tell me you can predict “climate” 40 years out when you can’t even predict the path of a hurricane four days out.

We did our hurricane shop last night — which was the coolest hurricane shopping I’ve ever done.  The lovely and talented Mrs. Mongo and I shacked up the list, pulled up the Publix app, and boom!  Two hours later the driver showed up with our groceries. Who can do that in a socialist country? Well, maybe if you’re a Party bigwig.

To get out of harm’s way, we’d have to leave the state, so we’re going to ride this one out. Hopefully, we’ll be catching bands of winds and rain, but not suffer hurricane effects.

I wrung some fun posts out of Irma, but I have zero desire to work through that sort of devastation again. So Labor Day is going to be less a happy holiday, and more a hunker-down-and-pray kind of weekend. Too, we’re in our “cozy” house now (the lovely and talented Mrs. Mongo decreed that I have to say “cozy house,” not “tiny house”) so that’ll be fun.

The silver lining is that I’ve got a bit of a wee story I’ve been mind mapping for a couple of weeks without lifting a finger to actually, you know, write it. Maybe this’ll give me the time and motivation to post another story.

If I have internet. And electricity.

And a house.

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  1. Jon1979 Inactive
    Jon1979
    @Jon1979

    Chris Campion (View Comment):

    Jon1979 (View Comment):

    cirby (View Comment):

    For the last couple of days, the hardcore lefties have been drooling over the idea that Trump’s Mar-A-Lago would get hit by a Cat 4 storm. Now, it’s out of the cone for a direct hit.

    He did it again.

    Now, watch Dorian keep tracking north, until it runs right over Bernie Sanders’ beachfront home.

    Tracking as of 5 p.m. EDT has Dorian skirting the Atlantic coast all the way from Florida to Montauk Point, which means the coastal areas will see a lot of rain, but not the worst of the hurricane if the models are correct. Trump does have far more real estate property in the New York City area than in Florida, but for some reason, I just can’t see the same angry people on the left, wishing for a dead-on hit at Mar-A-Lago, tweeting out the same thing about wanting Dorian to not turn out to the North Atlantic and instead nail the Trump Links at Ferry Point, in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district, with Cat 4 rain and winds.

    (Ever since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was seen as helping Bill Clinton in his win over George H.W. Bush, angry progressives have developed an obsession with hoping major hurricanes strike Florida or other southern states where the wrong kinds of people live. The angry postings of 2019 simply mirror the calls back in 2004 by Vanity Fair’s James Wolcott for Gaia to smite the Gulf and southern Atlantic Coast states with her wrath).

    Trump’s got a resort here in Charlotte. I ran my fastest half marathon ever there back in April of this year. Plenty of opportunity for thoughtful, caring progressives to wish destruction upon something Trumpian here in the Carolinas.

    https://www.trumpnationalcharlotte.com/

     

    He’s also got one of his Trump National courses in the Washington, D.C. area. Good odds there too that the angry progressive tweeters don’t wish death and destruction down on the national capitol area.

    • #91
  2. RightAngles Member
    RightAngles
    @RightAngles

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    MarciN (View Comment):

    I’ve been following the storm updates that are in the Wall Street Journal. This is the current picture they have of the track. I do not see how this will not slam Florida in a direct hit. Why do the forecasters think it will veer northward? I wonder if it has something to do with the Atlantic shelf.

     

    No, it has to do with the High and Low pressure systems to the north of the storm. If there is a High pressure system moving into the area from the northwest, for example, that would tend to push the storm offshore. I watched a video someone posted a couple days ago explaining how they predict the path this way.

    Well what I’m gettin’ from all this is that we can’t even predict a dang hurricane that’s happening right now as we speak, and these people think they can pinpoint the end of the world to twelve years based on climate computer models.

    • #92
  3. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    I got the information below from U.S. Lawshield.  People in Florida who have a concealed carry already know this type of info, but perhaps others do not.

    DEFENDING AGAINST LOOTERS

    A question many people may have on their minds is, “Can I defend my property against looters?”

    The answer isn’t black and white, and here is the reason why: In the State of Florida, there is statutory protection offered by the Castle Doctrine. This law stems from the old saying that a man’s home is his castle and he should, therefore, be allowed to protect it with no duty to retreat.

    If someone has unlawfully and with force entered your dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or is attempting to enter unlawfully and by force, the law presumes that you—as the defender—hold a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm if you use, or threaten to use, defensive force that is intended to or likely to cause death or great bodily harm.  However, deadly force may NOT be used to stop them from getting away with your property after a robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, or other forcible felony.

    But if the looter is simply on your property or outside your residence attempting theft, you would not have the same legal presumption of reasonableness, and the Castle Doctrine would not apply. In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property.  Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home.  Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

     

    • #93
  4. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    Regarding carrying a weapon if you do not have a concealed carry permit (also from U.S. Lawshield.)

    CARRYING A FIREARM DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY

    In 2015, Governor Scott signed into law an “Emergency Concealed Carry” bill.

    Essentially, the law (found in Florida Statutes 790.01 (3)(a)) states that the law which makes it illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a license does NOT apply to:

    (a) A person who carries a concealed weapon, or a person who may lawfully possess a firearm and who carries a concealed firearm, on or about his or her person while in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation order issued during a state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to chapter 252 or declared by a local authority pursuant to chapter 870. As used in this subsection, the term “in the act of evacuating” means the immediate and urgent movement of a person away from the evacuation zone within 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation is ordered.  The 48 hours may be extended by an order issued by the Governor.

    It is important to note that the law does not go into effect unless two things have happened:

    • The Governor or local authorities issue or declare a state of emergency; and
    • There is a MANDATORY evacuation order issued.

    If both of the above conditions have been met, then a person who is evacuating within 48 hours of the order of evacuation may carry a concealed weapon during evacuation.  The 48 hours may be extended by order of the Governor.  This applies to anyone with or without a CWFL or recognized out of state license/permit to carry concealed, as long as they are not otherwise prohibited.

    CARRYING A FIREARM WHILE EVACUATING TO A BORDER STATE

    Many people may be considering evacuating to a surrounding state.  Both Georgia and Alabama recognize Florida’s CWFL.  However, the emergency evacuation law is not recognized and only CWFL holders or other permit holders with reciprocity may lawfully carry concealed in these states, subject to their laws and restrictions.

    Both Georgia and Alabama allow those without permits to carry in their vehicles as long as they are not a person prohibited from carrying by law (felony, under 21, etc.).  Georgia allows the carrying of a loaded handgun in a vehicle occupied by any who would qualify for a permit. Alabama only allows non-licensed individuals to carry an unloaded handgun, cased and secured in the trunk or rear storage area.  So, if you are headed to Alabama, make sure to properly secure your unloaded firearm before you cross the state line.

    • #94
  5. cirby Inactive
    cirby
    @cirby

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

     

    • #95
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    cirby (View Comment):

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

    cirby (View Comment):

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

     

    My dear @cirby, thanks for making me giggle. I need it right about now. . .

    • #96
  7. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    cirby (View Comment):
    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    Good idea.  I may still have time to get some tomorrow.

    • #97
  8. M1919A4 Member
    M1919A4
    @M1919A4

    Good fortune to you all, Boss.

    • #98
  9. Spin Inactive
    Spin
    @Spin

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):
    I figure the cost could be offset from the potential medical bill for falling off a damn ladder….

    So we have heard from people like @spin.

    Ain’t nobody axed you!

    • #99
  10. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Spin (View Comment):

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):
    I figure the cost could be offset from the potential medical bill for falling off a damn ladder….

    So we have heard from people like @spin.

    Ain’t nobody axed you!

    You rang?

    • #100
  11. Eeyore Member
    Eeyore
    @Eeyore

    RightAngles (View Comment):
    Well what I’m gettin’ from all this is that we can’t even predict a dang hurricane that’s happening right now as we speak, and these people think they can pinpoint the end of the world to twelve years based on climate computer models.

    Dear Ms. Angles, 

    Recently, United States Congresswomyn Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has informed me that in times of ultimate peril such as those in which we find ourselves, it is far less important to be factually correct, and far more important to be morally correct. Therefore, simply put:
    We win, You lose!!! Laa-Tii_Daa!!

    Sincerely,
    BetaCuck4Lyfe

    • #101
  12. Chris Campion Coolidge
    Chris Campion
    @ChrisCampion

    cirby (View Comment):

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

     

    I like bottle rockets.  You can point them.  At….things.

    Any law against concealed rockets?  I thought not.

    • #102
  13. Kevin Creighton Contributor
    Kevin Creighton
    @KevinCreighton

    Chris Campion (View Comment):
    Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    While I am not, by the grace of God, a lawyer, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night and what I’m about to say is DEFINITELY NOT legal advice, this statement seems to be just part of the equation here. 

    The courts have ruled, again and again, that an angry mob is a disparate force, and that they can be lethal force, even if unarmed. There is a big, big difference in the eyes of the law between a burglar sneaking off with your big screen and, say, April 29th, Florence and Normandy*. 

    If a mob is coming towards you, and that mob is in the act of violence against properties or persons, or there is rampant evidence of previous acts of violence, the equation changes, as there is now good evidence that grave physical danger is inbound hot. 

    Just be prepared to explain why you chose your course of action to the cops and the court. This is why pre-visualization and training count for so much in the courtroom.

     

    * Yes, I listen to Rage Against The Machine. Their lyrics are 100% wrong, but dude, Tom Morello is AMAZING on the guitar.  

    • #103
  14. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    cirby (View Comment):
    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

    Vultures are carnivores. They won’t bother your potatoes. 

    • #104
  15. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Kevin Creighton (View Comment):

    Chris Campion (View Comment):
    Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    While I am not, by the grace of God, a lawyer, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night and what I’m about to say is DEFINITELY NOT legal advice, this statement seems to be just part of the equation here.

    The courts have ruled, again and again, that an angry mob is a disparate force, and that they can be lethal force, even if unarmed. There is a big, big difference in the eyes of the law between a burglar sneaking off with your big screen and, say, April 29th, Florence and Normandy*.

    If a mob is coming towards you, and that mob is in the act of violence against properties or persons, or there is rampant evidence of previous acts of violence, the equation changes, as there is now good evidence that grave physical danger is inbound hot.

    Just be prepared to explain why you chose your course of action to the cops and the court. This is why pre-visualization and training count for so much in the courtroom.

     

    * Yes, I listen to Rage Against The Machine. Their lyrics are 100% wrong, but dude, Tom Morello is AMAZING on the guitar.

    What the minimum number to comprise a mob? Two or more?

    • #105
  16. Kevin Creighton Contributor
    Kevin Creighton
    @KevinCreighton

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    What the minimum number to comprise a mob? Two or more?

    Let’s have all the lawyers chime in on the chorus here,

    “It depends.” :)

    Two young men who used to be offensive tackles saying they’re going to beat me up and take my stuff? That’s quite a threat to mid-50’s, out of shape me, I’d say.

    The standard here is, IIRC, a reasonable person. What would a reasonable person, knowing what you know, being who you is, do in that situation? Did you act reasonably, given what you perceived to be happening and what you were able to do about it?

    This is where formal firearms training with certificates and tests come into play: You can’t cross-examine a piece of paper that says “Kevin Creighton Is A Graduate of the Massad Ayoob Group MAG40 Class And Shot 289 Out Of A Possible 300 With The Same Gun And Ammo He Used In This Incident.”

    That sort of thing (and the hundreds of hours of other training I have) says I weighed all my options, and only used lethal force in, as Mas himself puts it, the gravest extreme.

    • #106
  17. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    How do you dependably donate to help The Bahamas? Team Rubicon is mine for Florida. 

    • #107
  18. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    We are starting to get throw-off rain from Dorian – sporadic and not heavy.  Edit: We are where the yellow letters are.

    • #108
  19. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    EB (View Comment):
    We are starting to get throw-off rain from Dorian – sporadic and not heavy. Edit: We are where the yellow letters are.

    Darn it. Not good. Hang in there, @eb.

    • #109
  20. Kozak Member
    Kozak
    @Kozak

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    cirby (View Comment):

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

    cirby (View Comment):

    EB (View Comment):
    In fact, Florida law does not allow you to use deadly force to protect only your property. Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    That’s why I keep several packs of firecrackers handy.

    In case I need to scare birds away from any crops I might be growing in the back yard.

    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

     

    My dear @cirby, thanks for making me giggle. I need it right about now. . .

    I’ve got a wrist rocket sling shot with 5/8 inch ball bearings….

    • #110
  21. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    Important question ;-).  Which candle will burn longer?

    • #111
  22. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    EB (View Comment):

    Important question ;-). Which candle will burn longer?

    No idea.

    You’re welcome.

    • #112
  23. cirby Inactive
    cirby
    @cirby

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    cirby (View Comment):
    “Why no, officer, I didn’t fire a gun. I was just protecting the potatoes from, er, vultures.”

    Vultures are carnivores. They won’t bother your potatoes.

    That’s what all of the vulture-lovers say.

    • #113
  24. Chris Campion Coolidge
    Chris Campion
    @ChrisCampion

    Kevin Creighton (View Comment):

    Chris Campion (View Comment):
    Florida law will offer you no protection if you use deadly force against someone committing a theft from outside a home. Even if the person is looting in the wake of a disaster, you should NOT shoot in this circumstance.

    While I am not, by the grace of God, a lawyer, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night and what I’m about to say is DEFINITELY NOT legal advice, this statement seems to be just part of the equation here.

    The courts have ruled, again and again, that an angry mob is a disparate force, and that they can be lethal force, even if unarmed. There is a big, big difference in the eyes of the law between a burglar sneaking off with your big screen and, say, April 29th, Florence and Normandy*.

    If a mob is coming towards you, and that mob is in the act of violence against properties or persons, or there is rampant evidence of previous acts of violence, the equation changes, as there is now good evidence that grave physical danger is inbound hot.

    Just be prepared to explain why you chose your course of action to the cops and the court. This is why pre-visualization and training count for so much in the courtroom.

     

    * Yes, I listen to Rage Against The Machine. Their lyrics are 100% wrong, but dude, Tom Morello is AMAZING on the guitar.

    Agree 100%.

    • #114
  25. cirby Inactive
    cirby
    @cirby

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    What the minimum number to comprise a mob? Two or more?

    When I went through concealed carry class, they made a big point that, in Florida, you’re pretty safe in using lethal force if there are three people confronting you who won’t retreat when you draw your weapon.

     

    • #115
  26. EB Thatcher
    EB
    @EB

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):
    No idea.

    That’s what my husband said!

    • #116
  27. Eeyore Member
    Eeyore
    @Eeyore

    EB (View Comment):

    Important question ;-). Which candle will burn longer?

    From 50 years ago, I remember something about wick thickness versus candle diameter, type of base wax(es) used and how much stearic acid is used in the mix. But that’s all back in the Lost Info regions of the brain. So I’ll go with Boss Mongo – no idea.

    • #117
  28. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    EB (View Comment):

    Important question ;-). Which candle will burn longer?

    They’ll last longer if you burn one at a time. You’re welcome.

    • #118
  29. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    EB (View Comment):

    Important question ;-). Which candle will burn longer?

    Assuming you’ve got a box of each, and not just two candles in the whole house, why not just do a controlled burn?  That way you know exactly how much candle-powered light time you’ve got at your disposal?

    • #119
  30. Phil Turmel Inactive
    Phil Turmel
    @PhilTurmel

    EB (View Comment):

    Important question ;-). Which candle will burn longer?

    The short, fat one will burn longer.  Once it gets to the fat section, it’ll form a puddle of liquid wax and slow down considerably.  Tapers (the name for the style on the left) dribble wax down the side, where it does you no good.  And makes a mess.

    The fat candles in a jar or some containment last the longest, as fresh air flow is restricted.

    • #120
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