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8 SEP 04: A MIGHTY WIND
The strong gusts of wind stopped blowing across the Columbus area Tuesday - and by nightfall, things were almost calm. I recalled other recent Tuesday nights and thought to myself, "Which election did I miss?"
These were no politicians - it was the last gasp of Hurricane Frances, knocking down trees by the dozen and knocking out power for thousands of people. All in all, I'd rather see "Francis the Talking Mule."
Georgia Power estimates at least 10,000 customers in the Columbus area lost electricity. Some people might not have it back until Thursday -- and for families with children, this could pose a challenge. With no X-Box or Game Boy systems
running, they have to settle for old-fashioned "BORED games."
One of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the storm was Green Island Hills. A wooden street-corner marker for Green Island Drive was knocked down - which should make things fun at Columbus Council, when city crews try to install a green "large-print" metal sign to replace it.
The storm damage wasn't merely confined to Columbus. Parts of metro Atlanta lost power - and Governor Sonny Perdue admitted he shaved Tuesday "with a flashlight." If Georgia had a Democrat as Governor, he'd wield a lot more "power"
than this....
As of late Tuesday night, only Taylor County schools had decided to cancel classes today. Hundreds of people there remain in the dark - about the Civil War, the state flag, race relations; and even their electricity.
I'm thankful to report my corner of Columbus never lost power at all during the storm. I pulled out a small battery-powered travel clock as a precaution - which come to think of it might be a nice change from hearing Don Imus's voice first
thing in the morning.
It was surprising to dial around the radio late Monday night, as the rain and wind reached their peak. The only station which seemed to have live storm reports was "107-Q" FM. That station has news scoops about as often as "Rooster 106" plays a Britney Spears song.
(For all the talk from Clear Channel Radio about offering its listeners a valuable public service, its stations seemed to do hardly anything Monday. This sets a dangerous precedent - and terrorists might choose to attack Columbus on
Thanksgiving.)
The WCGQ announcers made it sound like traffic lights all over Columbus were being turned sideways by the storm. So when I drove to work Tuesday, I tried to avoid as many intersections with stop lights as I could. For once, I was like those
crazed drivers of sport utility vehicles on the freeway....
Yet as I traveled downtown and up Wynnton Road, I didn't see any traffic lights out of line at all. Maybe Columbus city crews brought in some professionals to reset things - like the staff from Peach Bowl.
Even the tunnel connecting Wynnton Road and 11th Street was open with no flooding - you know, the tunnel teenage drivers honk their horns in all the time, showing they've never driven in New York.
When these tropical storms approach, I'm always reminded of what a WRBL reporter did during hurricane season a few years ago. Katie Crecente was a sweet, downright attractive young woman. But for some reason, she stood in front of a storm satellite map one day wearing a raincoat and plastic hat - inside a studio. [True!]
The hurricane evacuation sign came off the Columbus Civic Center marquee Tuesday. In a way, this disappointed me - since the sign openly will promote a "DRUNK IN PUBLIC" comedy concert for the next couple of days. Which one would the Chamber of Commerce rather see up there?
If you're still here from Florida and waiting for things to settle down back home, we understand. Stay as long as you wish - and don't forget to buy a few gas cans, because it appears you're going to need them.
BLOG UPDATE: Fort Benning tacked two businesses onto its "off-limits" list for soldiers Tuesday. One was a big surprise - "Drive 1 of Columbus," a car dealer on Victory Drive. If Phenix City's Council declared this place off-limits, we might understand....
It's not clear why Drive 1 was marked down by Fort Benning's commanders. WRBL reported soldiers had complained of shady dealing there. If that's the real reason, every transmission shop in Columbus may join this list in the next few weeks.
The owner of Drive 1 says he was given no reason for the Fort Benning ban. He speculates soldiers who bought cars developed "buyer's remorse." And imagine how they feel after a quickie wedding....
Doesn't this sound strange - Fort Benning barring soldiers from visiting a used car lot?! What sort of "buyer incentives" might Drive 1 be offering? Might they happen to involve any nightclubs down the street?
The other new business on the "Benning ban" list is The Fire House club - which some people say should have been there all along. Maybe if the staff had raised as much money for "Jerry's Kids" as the real firefighters....
Some downtown businesses are concerned that rowdy soldiers might move their way. So starting this weekend, Broadway bars will enforce a "dress code." The two-drink minimum might be replaced by two stripes.
SONG OF THE DAY: In light of the latest additions to Fort Benning's "verboten list," Wayne Bennett inspired me to put a new local twist on an old December song:
You'd better watch out, Fort Benning guys!
Visit wrong clubs -- that's not very wise!
General Freakley's coming to town!
They're making a list - checking it twice.
Gonna track down purveyors of vice.
General Freakley's coming to town!
When good G-I's are sleeping, he sends out the M-P's,
To see if soldiers break the rule, that you don't go where you please!
Don't go to that bar, or that motel -
Even that place where used cars they sell!
General Freakley's coming to town!
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© 2003-04 Richard Burkard, All Rights Reserved.