Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches - William World News
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
I just dug out one of our cars. That was exciting. I will be shocked if the federal government is open tomorrow.
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches - William World News
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final total for Snowmageddon is unchanged from my afternoon update -- 20.5 inches of snow on top of the 2.5 already on the ground. I must have gotten out there right before it stopped.
This is a record breaker, but not the three feet that was being hyped, though I understand other parts of BeltwayLand approached that total. This isn't officially the biggest storm in Washington D.C. history, but it is close. Totals right here are held down by the fairly low elevation and the proximity to the urban heat island.
Tomorrow is the cleanup day with a lot of digging to get one or more cars out. Last time it took about two hours to get one car out, but that was with beautiful powdery snow. This stuff is much wetter, so it could be a very long day.
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The latest snow total for Snowmaggedon is in -- 20.5 inches of fresh snow from this storm. Of course, that is on top of the 2.5 inches leftover from the previous storm. It is still coming down steadily here in the West End.
10:30 a.m. A violist in Wincester, Va. reported 28 inches 12:00 p.m. A teacher in Harrisburg, Pa. reported 16+ inches 2:00 p.m. A director of social media from Brookland, Washington D.C. reported 21 inches 4:00 p.m. The Maryland Bureau Chief reported 31 inches
The Maryland Bureau Chief after shoveling earlier:
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Last night West End Alexandria received another 13 5/8 inches of snow, raising the total on the ground to 19 inches! Capital Weather Gang says another 5 to 8 inches to go today, so we'll have a new record for the highest amount of snowfall I've ever seen in Northern Virginia, surpassing Snowpocalypse's record of 20 inches -- only one more inch to go. I guess we won't see 30 inches here though which is a bit disappointing.
According to The Maryland Bureau Chief, Columbia, Md. has 24 inches of snow.
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Friday, February 05, 2010
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first official William World News snowfall measurement of Snowmageddon has been recorded. 2 1/2 were inches left on the ground from the last storm and to that total another 3 3/8 had accumulated since the snow began around 10 a.m. That is pretty low thus far, but reports are saying this could be the biggest snowstorm in Washington history (We Love DC)!
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner - William World News
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After missing the weekend snowstorm, I'm back with more snowfall measurements. In front of my condo, I measured 5 3/4 inches of wet fluffy snow. This includes accumulations from the weekend storm.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- At work, I measure 6 7/8 inches.
This snow is already melting and probably won't make it through tomorrow if even today, but don't get used to seeing the ground again. We're in for a doozy this weekend:
The latest snowstorm to hit BeltwayLand happened (for the most part) while I was in the Poconos skiing with my wife. We were at Camelback and it is pretty much the same as it always is except that my favorite slope, the Nile Mile has been changed to a blue square from a double green circle. That makes a lot of sense to me, the slope is not too hard, but is not easy either. I love attacking that hill, it take me about five minutes to get down when I really push myself.
Oh and we finally hit Yocco's for their hot dogs on the return trip. I'll have a review of that over the next two days.
On the way back, we hit snow at about the Mid-County interchange of the Northeast Extension (I-476) and yet saw no snow removal equipment. As we got onto I-95 the conditions were quite slushy, until we hit Maryland. Let me praise the Maryland Transportation Authority for the superior job they did on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway section of I-95 -- the conditions were exceptional given the weather. We could comfortably go over 50 m.p.h. DelDot and PennDot, you blew it. The former I expected, despite numerous boasts about Pennsylvania's snow-readiness by expatriates when compared to BeltwayLand, to do much better. For shame PennDot, for shame. Delaware, most I-95 is a toll road in your state, so you don't have any excuses either.
Back in Northern Virginia, I did not get a chance to measure the snow. Sorry internet, I know how much you like photos of rulers in snow. I did take my son sledding at my folks house in Vienna though. That was pretty sweet. Grandee got to pull her grandson around the block in a little red sled too.
It looks like we're in for more snow later this week (Capital Weather Gang), so I'll be better about the ruler everybody.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- At this point, Snowpocalypse has melted into a slushtopia during the day and iceland during the night. Let's look back at this latest and perhaps greatest winter storm.
My son does not like sledding as much as I do yet. My niece might though.
Landmark Mall would be well-served to clear snow from its crosswalk areas. Do they want folks to shop there or not?
How cool would have been if tonight's Redskins vs. Giants game had been played on Saturday? The Redskins might have had a chance. I think the loss kind of serves them right for a lot of things though, especially the all burgundy uniforms. Seriously, I'm coming around on the burgundy at home a little bit, but not with burgundy pants. Had they worn white pants, the matchup with the Giants would have been the most chromatically pleasing of the weekend. Ugh, I'm off topic here, aren't I?
I had planned to take off this day for weeks, so the snow kind of interfered with my plans, though not as much as I would have expected.
Oh and when the make the movie, I hope there is a scene where a convoy of plows head out into a neighborhood with "Die Walküre" playing in the background getting snowballs thrown at them by kids.
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?! - William World News
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement of Snowpocalypse is a somewhat controversial one. After measuring 20 inches at 9 p.m. on Saturday, this morning's measurement comes it at 19 inches. Where did that other inch go?!
It appears that other inch is frozen solid on the ground, my tape measure, attached to a flagpole, could not hit the ground. If I had a good metal yard stick (which I am afraid to get because then we wouldn't see a 12+ inch snowstorm ever again, right?) I could probably hit the ground, I could probably get all 20 inches. Alas, it is not to be. Also, my camera battery ran out, so I had to rely on my wife's new cell phone.
Snowpocalypse has been a lot of fun thus far and today we'll be out in a it for a while. More photos to come!
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m. - William World News
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement for today -- 20 inches after just over 24 hours of non-stop snow. This is the most snow that I have ever seen in Northern Virginia.
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The total now stands at 17 inches and it is only slowing down to an inch per hour. This is going to be the most snow I've ever seen in Northern Virginia by the time it is over I believe.
Have you been measuring the snowfall? Let me know in the comments.
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After a little bit of sledding with my family -- my son's first time, I measured our current snowfall total -- 13 inches! The snow is coming down at a rate of greater than 1 inch an hour too. It has just about doubled since the last measurement with a lot more on the way.
Since the ruler was too short, I used a tape measure with the ruler attached for sturdiness. I'll get at least another measurement today I hope, as well as more sledding with my wife and son, plus my brother, his wife and daughter.
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Good morning! I've just come in from the first official measurement of Snowpocalypse '09 here in the West End. At 7:50 a.m. 7 7/8 inches of beautiful white powder had accumulated in the grass.
I wish I had a yard stick. Looks like I will be switching to measuring tape for the next reading.
Oh, how I wish I could ski in this stuff. Beautiful.
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend - William World News
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first snow of the season is always an exciting one. I took some photographs from around my complex. I've even got our still growing green tomatoes covered in snow. Sadly, our red one didn't really get any snow on it. I almost posted about it last week, but just got too busy.
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End - William World News
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The morning after, I went out and measured the snowfall total here in the West End. While many more inches worth of snow undoubtedly fell yesterday, the warm ground (we haven't even had a frost yet) limited accumulation. That being said, the official William World News total is 2.5 inches.
In Old Town Alexandria, there was no accumulation. Vienna reportedly had over 3 inches before 4 p.m.
So, how much snow did you get up in Columbia, Md.?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, December 06, 2009 8:40:00 PM
Post a CommentSNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria - William World News
Saturday, December 05, 2009
SNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Just after 10:30 a.m. the first snow of the 2009-2010 winter began falling. There has not even been a frost here in the West End and yet we have the beautiful frozen precipitation falling now. I'm firing up the grill just for the novelty of grilling in the snow.
Jersey Shore pummeled by Nor'easter, Ida - William World News
Monday, November 16, 2009
Jersey Shore pummeled by Nor'easter, Ida
Time to clean up at Jersey Shore - The Inky Northeaster reminds area that bad weather can soak economy - The Press, Atlantic City My beloved Jersey Shore got hit hard by the remnants of Hurricane Ida/Nor'easter late last week. From Long Beach Island all the way to the south, there was major erosion and flooding. Avalon lost a lot of beach in the northern part of the borough. Landis Ave, the main drag of Sea Isle City, was flooded too.
It is only November, so there is time to clean up and get everything ready for summer -- so long as no other big storms come by. It is only November...
Paternoville was closed down due to the snow, but the parade is still on. Rain and snow are forecast for the next days -- as Brad would say "football weather." Good luck to my friends in the stands tomorrow.
I wonder how many sorority pledges near College and Allen are getting hypothermia holding a spot for the parade.
Major Eastern Storm Looms - Accuweather Sounds like we are in for a very big winter storm next week, but we don't know if it will be all snow. I guess we better get our bread, milk and toilet paper soon.
I eagerly await the President's remarks about this one.
Counterpoint: Washington was never burned down by a cow - William World News
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Counterpoint: Washington was never burned down by a cow
Obama Mocks D.C.'s Reaction to Winter Weather - dcist So much for Chicagoan Barrack Obama wanting to "live here" and not just "work here" during his presidency. If you really wanted to be a real Washingtonian Mr. President, you would abanndon the presidential limousine in the middle of Connecticut Ave. while rushing to Giant to buy up bread, milk and toilet paper.
I thought the moon looked bigger Friday evening - William World News
Monday, December 15, 2008
I thought the moon looked bigger Friday evening
Close Encounter with the Moon - Capital Weather Gang (washingtonpost.com) A few people have noted that the moon was quite impressive on Friday. I caught a glimpse of it from Tysons and wished I had my camera.
It is already snowing in the Poconos - William World News
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It is already snowing in the Poconos
Even though it will not last long enough to become part of this upcoming season's base, I am pleased to learn that Camelback ski resort in the Poconos, my favorite, has been blanketed by snow (might pop open Windows Media player). Over the weekend, I was telling my wife I already have skiing on the mind and a Camelback gift card on my Christmas list.
Nor'easter erodes local beaches - Asbury Park Press Beaches, dunes took a pummeling - Asbury Park Press Storm sends many beaches out to sea - The Press (Atlantic City) Nor'easter damaged Jersey Shore beaches - The Inky That Nor'easter that gave BelwayLand with several inches of rain pummeled parts of the Jersey Shore. Beaches throughout the state, including Ocean City, parts of Long Beach Island and even Avalon (which was said to have an "amazing flood plan" last year) significant parts of their beachfront. Cliffs as high as 12 feet high were left behind in some locations. Memorial Day weekend is only ten days away.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- Snow is now falling in the area, beginning our inescapable powdery doom from above. Any minute now, we can expect the entire surface transportation system to seize into complete gridlock. Shortly after that it is anticipated that transplants from Michiana, Pennsyltucky, Wiscesota and Massahampmont to tell us how they handle snow. Hey, that reminds me, one of these days I need to go to some of their hometowns and tell them what they need to do for a 21st century economy.
In all seriousness 1 to 2 inches are expected to fall. VDOT, now might be a good tie get those salt trucks rolling, particularly in the Springfield Interchange area (WTOP).
Not much groundhog hype this year - William World News
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Not much groundhog hype this year
Is it just me or was Groundhog Day barely mentioned this year? Any way, the woodchuck saw his shadow (USA Today), so we'll see six more weeks of winter, so maybe I'll squeeze a ski trip in yet. Have we seen six weeks or winter yet though?
Powdery white doom from above - William World News
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Powdery white doom from above
McLEAN, Va. -- It is beautiful out there! Here in Tysons, the snow has been falling since about 10 o'clock. The grass is covered and the snow has been sticking to the Dulles Toll Road for some time now. Traffic is slower than the speed limit, but still moving. The ramp to I-495 Capital Beltway is starting to back up like it does around 3:30 p.m. The Dulles Access Road lanes are significantly covered, but traffic is moving along. Visibility is less than a mile, but improved from 30 minutes ago when it was less than half a mile.
I have my camera with me, but not my USB cable. :(
When I found out it was going to be in the 60s today, I rejoiced because I knew it would give me an opportunity to get on my bicycle for the first time since November.
My first ride of 2008 was on the W&OD Trail in Falls Church and Arlington. I went for a total of 10.21 miles. With tomorrow's forecast even more promising as well, I should get another ride in before the weather slowly starts getting more suitable for skiing.
I'm dreaming of a white...Day of the Ninja - William World News
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
I'm dreaming of a white...Day of the Ninja
Our first little snow storm of the season turned out to be a little more than expected, didn't it? The DOTs got caught off guard and didn't treat the roads in time. Oops! Bob Marbourg was going nuts on WTOP around 1 p.m. Long story short -- live Doppler radar means no excuses for not treating the roads. He also said if schools let out early, it would be "a double-cross" to those parents who struggled driving in, only to have to go out again so soon. It was pretty funny.
I had no problems with the road conditions, but avoided the Beltway when I saw the line to get on it. Back roads were fine.
Doug Hill mentioned that four out of the last five December 5's have had snow.
I'll try to get some measurements tomorrow morning. I need to dig out the ruler.
I've just checked out the major DC TV station Web sites in search of overdone snow hype. It isn't up yet! We're do for an inch or two of snow tomorrow and there is barely a mention of it so far. How are people supposed to panic without breathless reporting of impending doom via snow flurries?
Maybe they're going for the ostrich approach: if we don't acknowledge it, it won't happen. However many times in the past 5 years have we gotten the "oh noes!" broadcasts, only for a dusting to appear the next morning.
Of course, it'll happen, and rush hour traffic (especially on the I-270 corridor) will, as usual, suck.
# posted by Muha :
Tuesday, December 04, 2007 1:57:00 PM
Finally, a decent snowstorm (for a while at least) - William World News
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Finally, a decent snowstorm (for a while at least)
The "light snow & sleet, turning to rain" forecasted today has turned out to be a 3½ of snow instead, our highest total of the season. I am not complaining though, if it is going to be cold out, it might as well be snowy. Erica, Fritz and I took advantage of it by building a snowman in Grace Murray Hooper Park, also known as the front yard of our building.
Observations XVI: Bread, milk, toilet paper! - William World News
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Observations XVI: Bread, milk, toilet paper!
I love the panic that overcomes this area when snow is forecast. I know it is ultimately embarrassing, but it is still a lot of fun.
I like that it snowed here on the days pitchers and catchers report. It seems appropriate. I think it snowed last year, too.
Is it just me, or would Synchronisity II been a better choice for The Police to perform during the Grammys?
sournsweet.com notes that Office Space went the way of Rocky Horror the other night at the Drafthouse.
I saw an online ad for Cinderella III. I never knew there was a Cinderella II.
A Snapshot™ in USA Today noted that more people snowboarded last year than skied. Perhaps this is why Big Boulder built so many snowboard parks.
When I drive west on I-66, the snow is always noticeably heavier right at the Fairfax County line.
Indianapolis is the least significant city to ever have a Super Bowl championship. In fact, it might be the least significant American city to ever win a title.
The TV show Parking Lotis now available on GetTrio.com. It was by Jeff Krulik and John Heyn (interview), creators of Heavy Metal Parking Lot. Basically, the show is the same idea as HMPL, just with different concerts and events.
It's pretty hard for a city to be less significant than Green Bay, Wisconsin.
# posted by dl004d :
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 2:39:00 PM
Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, William! **SMOOCH**
# posted by Erica Yurasko :
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 11:28:00 PM
dl004d: I'll argue that the Packers unique role as the smallest team in professional sports has made Green Bay more significant than Indianapolis.
Erica: Thanks!
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, February 15, 2007 7:58:00 AM
Although in the final analysis, the City of Tampa is more significant than Indianapolis, it equally irks me that they have as many post-merger titles as the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Colts and more than the Cleveland Browns, Detriot Lions, and Minnesota Vikings.
Note, however, the sad-luck Browns bailed on their fans and the beloved Kosar (on Belichik's order) and Detriot and Minnesota shamefully went dome.
# posted by Randy White :
Thursday, February 15, 2007 5:59:00 PM
Didn't catch the Grammys, but I think it's more fitting that the Police did Roxanne rather than anything else. That was their first hit, if you'll remember.
Don't get me wrong, Synchronicity II is a great song, while Synchronicity is a great album (Ghosts in the Machine was their best, IMHO). However, they have to be able to go back to the beginning to get that fire back. And if you caught any of the highlights from the Whiskey-a-Go-Go gig, once they get their sea legs, they're going to rock as usual (and check out Stewart Copeland playing rock with the traditional grip!).
Hopefully we'll have an opportunity to see them on tour in the area. I just hope they don't do Don't Stand So Close To Me '86. You wonder why they broke up in the first place after bastardizing another one of their best works. Then again, Sting was a total sellout.
# posted by Muha :
Thursday, February 15, 2007 8:42:00 PMPost a Comment
Groundhog Day 2007 - William World News
Friday, February 02, 2007
Groundhog Day 2007
I don't have a witty take on the holiday this year. Take a look back at last year's entry. I think he'll see his shadow.
Update from the Post-Gazette: Spring just around the corner, says Punxsutawney Phil So there you have it, the rat didn't see his shadow. Frankly, I think the prediction is retroactive to January when it was 72° and the forsythia were blooming.
I was just outside with the official WWN ruler measuring the snowfall in Pentagon City. Total as of 7:15 p.m. EST: just under 2 inches. Not a lot, but better than nothing.
Wasn't it great watching the Bears vs. Saints game today? Snow, grass, mud, and frozen breath -- real footbal. It makes watching the second game tough since they are playing in that stupid dome. At least a lineman scored the first touchdown for New England. Hopefully, they'll continue to poor it on Indy.
By the way, Indy will be replacing their current dome with a retractable roof stadium. They had a chance to fix the sitaution and only did it half way. What are the odds they will ever have open when the weather is poor? Doubtful.
Any way, internet connectivity at WWN World Headquarters is limited only to my RSS reader -- no http, pop or smtp, so I probably won't have an update tomorrow morning. I'll try to get something up at lunch. Right now, I'm at the South Pentagon City bureau using Deputy Editor MC Hamme's workstation. Comcast is scheduled to fix the situation tomorrow.
No less than three lineman scored touchdowns in the AFC Championship. And of course Jim Nantz had to tell the home audience that this was the single most amazing thing ever to happen in a conference championship.
I'm waiting for the day an announcer has the guts to scoff at the game he's covering and say, "You know this is really nothing. After you watch the Oilers blow 35 points to Frank Reich, re-take the lead, and then collapse again, you develop higher standards."
# posted by Babe Laufenberg :
Monday, January 22, 2007 4:16:00 PM
Another example of myopic America's sporting public with its total lack of perspective or history.
That's right ladies and gentlemen: that game you watched yesterday was the GREATEST PLAYOFF GAME OF ALL TIME. Please.
# posted by Clay Matthews :
Monday, January 22, 2007 4:43:00 PM
I have only seen three of the games listed and all of them were better than last night's. It was a good one, but not the best of all time. Steelers vs. Titans a few years ago was great was Giants vs. 49ers on the same weekend.
Weather prompts ski resorts to scale back operations - AP/CDT I was hoping to go skiing tomorrow in hte Poconos, but there is no snow. One resort is going to throw skis on a bonfire in an attempt to "appease the snow gods." I hope it works.
Second best day after Thanksgiving Friday outside - William World News
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Second best day after Thanksgiving Friday outside
Yesterday, the unseasonable temperatures allowed me to take a bike ride up to Rock Creek Park. This was the second best activity I have ever done on the day after Thanksgiving. The first was going in the Atlantic Ocean with my brother Christopher and cousin Frank somewhere in Palm Beach County, Fla. in 1994 (I think). Of course, we had to drive 2,000 miles roundtrip for that privilege, so there was a downside too.
Another great outdoor activity on post-Thanksgiving: playing football in the snow with my cousins Tom and Jeff in Little Silver, N.J. It was the only white Thanksgiving I can remember, though I do not recall the year.
That nice weather we were having... - William World News
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
That nice weather we were having...
The Ombudsman with the red shark. He thinks his friends make a bigger deal out his convertible than he does.
Earlier this year I griped that the weather over New Years was not a good as it had been the previous two years. The reason was obvious -- the WWNOmbudsman was not in town. The past two years, he had been around and the weather was beautiful. This Jan. 1 he found himself in Bloomington, Ind. and reported that the weather was a unseasonable 69°. We were significantly colder here.
Anyhow, after a long absence from BeltwayLand, the Ombudsman made a triumphant return this past weekend, ushering in beautiful days of higher than normal temperatures. So, if you enjoyed the weather, go ahead and thank him. Warm weather seems to follow this guy.
POSTSCRIPT: Now that I think about it, there were also above average temperatures the last time I had seen him, in July for my wedding. In fact, on the day of the rehearsal, it was about 105°. The moral -- only have him around between late fall and early spring or you could get burned.
Well, up to a foot of snow fell in some parts of the region, but at WWN headquarters there was about five on the tops of cars and four on the grass -- in other words a cataclysmic Washington snowstorm. Had we gotten what the Ombudsman got up in New York, well let's just say the federal government would not open until Wednesday or so. There is probably a downside too.
A snowy military-industrial complex
Some official WWN snowfall totals
Pentagon City 5" West Alexandria 6" Vienna 11"
Being brave, Erica and I decided to tempt fate and dared to venture out onto the roads, which were largely okay. We found our way to Whitetail for a little bit of skiing. I had not been there in over ten years. It is a nice resort, the cafeteria for one thing is better than most and a number of other little things reflect the relative newness of the resort. Still, it's not the Poconos, but not bad for a spontaneous trip.
Despite what some are reporting about Columbia, I estimate that we only got 10 or 11" of snow. I'm not sure who in Columbia got 21", or why its even being reported as fact. But I find it hard to believe that a narrow band of snow affecting about 1/4 mile radius dropped 21" of snow in these parts.....
# posted by Sam B :
Monday, February 13, 2006 7:14:00 PM
Snow now accumulating in Pentagon City - William World News
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Snow now accumulating in Pentagon City
After nearly five hours of of continous snowfall, the ground is finally getting covered in Pentagon City. At least a quarter of an inch has piled up in the last 45 miuntes. The West Alexandria weather station is reporting that snow is beginning to stick on parking lots.
Looking out at I-395 from the WWNSTORMcenter traffic appears to be moving at reduced pace, but still steadily. Any minute now, the entire roadway should become paralyzed by the conditions. On you way out to get bread, milk, and toilet paper, remember these rules of winter driving in greater Washington:
drive at a slow crawl or
drive at speeds too fast for the conditions*
abanndon your car entirely in the middle of the roadway
Introducing <i>WWN</i> STORMcenter - William World News
Introducing WWN STORMcenter
With the impending doom from a few inches of snow coming up, I am pleased to debut WWNSTORMcenter, the 17th floor's most complete forecasting service online.
So far, today the snow begain falling at 2:19 p.m. Approximately 2 1/2 hours later, it is not yet sticking in Pentagon City.
So far, the roads are wet, but not too terribly slippery. Cars are not yet being abanndoned, but the grocery stores have been packed for nearly 24 hours. Before too long, folks should be leaving the cars along the road, because after all, that is the appropriate response in greater D.C.
At 5:00 p.m., the snow is now beginning to stick to the cars and lay on the grass in Alexandria. The parking lot in my building still looks black, though.
# posted by MC Hamme :
Saturday, February 11, 2006 5:00:00 PM
So, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, does that mean the Steelers win on Sunday?
A happy groundhog day to all, in particular my mother-in-law who says it is her favorite holiday. If you are wondering what Punxy is like, give my brother's first person account a read.
UDPATE from usatoday.com: Groundhog sees his shadow The rat saw his shadow, but said there would be six more weeks of "mild winter." C'mon Phil, you are hedging here. No word on what this could mean for the Super Bowl either, though the Post-Gazettereports the rat was covered in a Terrible Towel.
The start of this year has brought pretty crummy weather, a stark comparison to the last couple of early Januarys. I can remember two years ago walking around The Mall with the ombudsman and heading across Memorial Bridge. Last year, the Ombudsman was in town and we drove with the top down on his car. This year however, he did not come to visit and the weather has stunk -- COINCIDENCE?
If you don't like this sesasonable weather, all I have to say is blame the Ombudsman. By failing to make an appearance, he has cost us 70 F weather. Punk.
When it comes to the Blue White Game, weather tends to be hit or miss. Yesterday, we got hit by lots of rain, off and on, throughout the day. In the second half the threat of lightning caused the game to be called. Interestingly enough, while the P.A. was telling fans to seek shelter, the game continued for a few minutes.
Some observations about what we saw:
Michael Robinson looked comfortable at QB, leading the Blue squad to two touchdowns and inside the five (Tony Hunt fumbled) on his three possessions.
Sophomore Anthony Morelli did not look good, missing receivers and getting hurried in the pocket.
Frosh Derrick Williams, sporting #2 (pictured above), saw a lot of action at WR. He had a handful of passes thrown his way and has nice moves.
The other big frosh, Justin King saw time on both sides of the ball. He was wearing #7.
The weather kept a lot of people from making it up to Happy Valley. Our tailgate wound up being small, but fun nevertheless. The rain at the end of the game deterred us from setting up again. Lot #13 turned into a quagmire after the game, which was great if you were into playing in the mud like a bunch of nearby students (looked like fun!), but no so great if you were trying to drive out. We managed to make it out with a minor detour.
Having a cooler full of food kind of deterred us from wanting to stop somewhere for dinner. Thankfully, the skies stopped dropping rain on the way home. We decided to set up a tailgate after all... Here, WWN Copy Editor Erica Marker (behind the camera), Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme and I are enjoying some beer dogs at the Midway Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike parking lot. This worked out really well, the lot was not crowded and aside from the wind, we had a great tailgate.
I too love the "Blue and White" game -- however, my Blue & White belongs to the Cougars at BYU.
Penn State & BYU had some good games in the '80s and '90s, PSU won 1 and we won 1 during the regular season, and you beat us 50-39 in the Holiday bow. Detmer was driving for the winning score when one of your defensive lineman ripped the ball out of his hand and ran it back for a TD. [sigh]. Remember it like it was yesterday. Love your sight Farid thebeltwayboys.blogspot.com
# posted by Farid :
Saturday, April 30, 2005 4:24:00 PM
Is it just me or is March 7 usually really nice weather-wise? You know, one of those first "spring is here" kind of days.
We celebrated by having a refreshment on our building's rooftop sundeck and walking around Pentagon City. Yesterday was great, I think it hit 70, our warmest day since New Year's, which is also seeming to be pretty warm lately. Now, it's back to highs in the 40s and threats of snow in the forecast, making yesterday just a cruel tease.
Fickle Storm Defies Forecasts - The Post The hype was back (had it ever left?) and the snow was, for most part, not. This is just enough to make things inconvenient yesterday and this morning. It is also holding up progress on RFK (see above). Channel 9 wonders why people panic so much. Only in the last two paragraphs does the article acknowledge that it might be the media hype. Ha!
Also, Paul Farhioffers pointers for TV news in the The Post.Forecasters Feeling Some Official Heat - The Post Moscow's Mayor Directs Displeasure at Weather Bureau, Proposes Fines for Inaccuracy Anthony Williams could probably regain a smidgen of political capital by following his Soviet, err Russian counterpart.
Region Braces for Winter Storm - The Post Here we go again. I think it was Thursday when I was walking to my car thinking, "it sort of feels like early spring" and sure enough, we got hit the next day. Today's forecast has been changing every day since Friday.
Is it just me, or has the snow hype been toned down this year? It just has not seemed as intense as usual. Could BeltwayLand finally be coming to terms with the fact that it is more northern than southern?
A happy Groundhog Day to you and yours. I predict he will see his shadow. Thus far I have celebrated by going to the gym after waking up inexplicablely early.
DUMB COUNCIL; CAL; NEW TABLOID
A $10 Million Baseball Bobble - The Post Council Members Undo Symbolic Vote Against Stadium Ah, the D.C. council, remember them? This "gang that cannot shoot straight" nearly cost the District $10 million in sales tax revenue by making a "symbolic vote" against the ballpark. Read the article for further explanation.
$10 million is a lot of money. Imagine that much money being spent coming into D.C. coffers every winter alone. How is that ballpark a bad idea again?Cal goes to Washington? - Sports Illustrated SI'sTom Verducci speculates that Cal Ripken has the interest of some potential Nationals owners, which has essentially been an open secret for a number of years. This represents a "worst-case" scenario for Peter Angelo$ who would lose a lot of face if Ripken goes to D.C. There would probably be some criticsm out of Baltimore directed at Ripken for being a turncoat, but all he has to do is say that he would have loved to be president of baseball operations for the O's but was never given the opportunity.
Of course, this could also represent the worse-case scenario for Ripken. Washington is a superstar graveyard, as Michael Jordan, Jaromir Jagr, and Deion Sanders can testify and it is probably even worse when the athletes are coaching. Think about all the retired athletes who came to Washington with great fanfare to run one of the teams (either as coaches or from the front office), only to leave without success. Between, Jordan, Wes Unseld, Ted Williams, Otto Graham, and Gil Hodges, there might only be two winning seasons (Teddy Ballgame with the '69 Senators and maybe Unseld as Les Boulez GM in '97) between them all. Vince Lombardi, the only winner among these guys only lived to coach one season. Steve Spurrier washed out in two years and Joe Gibbs could be well on his way too in his encore performance...
On another subject, Verducci is a fellow alumnus of Penn State ('82). In 1997 he visited the alma mater to talk about applying his Penn State education to big time baseball reporting and his book with Joe Torre. I enjoyed his talk and chatted with at the reception portion of the event. He was a Larry King would say, "a good guy."
Thanks to Guest Editor Fritz Hamme (PSU '00) for the heads up about this article.Favored treatment for Orioles denied - The Chicago Tribune MLB is going on the record as saying that Baltimore was not given preferential treatment over the Nats in order to get Sammy Sosa. Even if they did, I can let it go, D.C. does not need Sosa.Phil Wood - Come on Nats! Only 62 days until the Nationals play first game - The Wash. Examiner I have not yet seen the replacement for the Journal Newspapers, The Washington Examiner, so I have very little to say about it. Once I get my hands on one, I will give you my two cents. Anyhow, they start off with a Nats column and "62 days to go," so some credit is due. Phil Wood is apparently a baseball guy who used to be on WTEM and will be on XM soon.
It is National Letter of Intent day in college football. Lots of people go nuts over this day because it when all the big recruits sign on the dotted line, finalizing their decision on what school to attend. I am not one of those people, I never got caught up in it and probably never will because it is such a crapshoot oh whether these guys will ever become starters, much less All-Americans. Read Ken Denlinger'sFor the Glory to learn more. That being said, Penn State appears to have done okay.
Summer has apparently begun in Washington and will likely not relent until late September, with the exception Memorial Day weekend and the first week of June, when the Riverhouse pool opens. As I type, the humidity is about 90%. The air quality cannot be good either. With all this warm weather, it can only be days, if not hours before the cicadas invade.Went to the National Arboretum yesterday. Unfortunately, the azaleas were past their peak. It was still a good hike though.Projects changing the look of Penn State campus - CDT As if UPark has not changed enough since I started there in 1997, it is changing even more this summer. There are going to be fewer and fewer places to drive on campus, which is not all bad. I just wonder how this will impact all of the CATA routes.
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
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