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News & ArtsTuesday, December 23, 2008
Mailbag Seattle: "This Is An Abject Failure of Your Government"
Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 1:36 AM
Dear Seattle: You're on notice.
It's not that I don't love you, Seattle, I do...You're actually way more liberal than New York in many ways...it's just I can't live another four days like this. I had such a bad day today, trying to get around you. Six inches over four long, unproductive days. If the first three inches had been dealt with properly we wouldn't be in the mess we are in today. By the way, it doesn't help that your roads are laid out like spaghetti on a plate.
You are located much further north than New York or even Boston, and yet the only snow removal plan the city seems to have is "Let it melt." Did anyone ever think about the possibility that the snow would not melt? I can understand Houston, New Orleans or Miami being surprised by snowfall, but Seattle, you knew this would eventually happen. Virginia goes years between snow storms and they are out there with their plows as soon as the first flake falls. Even though they don't use it that often, they have the equipment and the plan. It's usually some form of alternate side of the street parking. Can't find a place to park? Too fucking bad. No one can. It's a risk associated with owning a car and expecting to store it on city property. Seattle, you really do coddle your motorists. But that's another story.
I know it's not all your fault. You're trying to work with a state that doesn't have an income tax. Sales tax is nice, but very fickle.
Have you thought of the implications? I would guess sales tax receipts would suffer as a result the mass closures and advisories against leaving home. People know the snow on the road has nearly melted and refrozen several times already. Your icy roads are keeping people at home, when they need to be out spending money. Now you'll have even less money to deal with the next snow storm and I'll be using my trekking poles to get down Capitol Hill again.
Help me help you. I won't be able to stick around much longer if you continue to act this way. Make no mistake about it, this is a an abject failure of your government and it makes me question how you will behave in the next earthquake.
And it lowers the quality of life dramatically.
Yours Affectionately,
Dan Ruisi
1
You are located much further north than New York or even Boston, and yet the only snow removal plan the city seems to have is "Let it melt.
How dense is this guy? In an average year, Seattle has only 8 days when the temperature even drops below freezing.
We haven't had a storm like this in 12 years. In the '96 storm, which freakishly dumped 2 ft of snow over 3 days, all the snow melted in 4 days.
You're having trouble getting around? Tough shit! Get out of you car. If your bus isn't running, find another route, or walk, or just relax & ride it out. All the snow will be gone in a week.
And no, we are not Virginia, or New York, or fucking Ypsilanti...we are the Great Northwest, we don't salt the roads because of the environment & we are proud of that. We don't need to get more snow plows that would rust between uses.
These nattering nabobs of meteorological negatism are making me crazy.
How dense is this guy? In an average year, Seattle has only 8 days when the temperature even drops below freezing.
We haven't had a storm like this in 12 years. In the '96 storm, which freakishly dumped 2 ft of snow over 3 days, all the snow melted in 4 days.
You're having trouble getting around? Tough shit! Get out of you car. If your bus isn't running, find another route, or walk, or just relax & ride it out. All the snow will be gone in a week.
And no, we are not Virginia, or New York, or fucking Ypsilanti...we are the Great Northwest, we don't salt the roads because of the environment & we are proud of that. We don't need to get more snow plows that would rust between uses.
These nattering nabobs of meteorological negatism are making me crazy.
3
Sure. Real transit would help, but you're silly if you think Seattle will ever have a snow removal plan.
4
In a couple weeks he'll forget the whole event; I know I will.
Or maybe he'll move. I'm sure he'll be missed.
Or maybe he'll move. I'm sure he'll be missed.
6
Screw him. It's a waste of money for Seattle to invest in snow removal equipment to use once or twice a year. Besides, it's kinda fun to listen to car tires spinning, while knowing I can walk wherever I need to go.
7
BITCH BITCH BITCH BITCH BITCH!
Try living in a city that actually gets winter (Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo, Boston, Chicago), and THEN you get to complain.
Oh, and try living in a city that actually gets winter before you lecture other cities about how salt is bad for the environment. Sure, salt has its problems, and the day they come up with a real alternative, I'm all for it. But any alternative I've ever seen (sand, that weird blue liquid, etc.) just doesn't fucking work.
When you live in a city that doesn't get winter, its really easy to stick your nose in the air and say how morally superior you are because you don't use salt. But unless and until you've lived in a city where you can break your neck on an icy deathtrap of a sidewalk, SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Try living in a city that actually gets winter (Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo, Boston, Chicago), and THEN you get to complain.
Oh, and try living in a city that actually gets winter before you lecture other cities about how salt is bad for the environment. Sure, salt has its problems, and the day they come up with a real alternative, I'm all for it. But any alternative I've ever seen (sand, that weird blue liquid, etc.) just doesn't fucking work.
When you live in a city that doesn't get winter, its really easy to stick your nose in the air and say how morally superior you are because you don't use salt. But unless and until you've lived in a city where you can break your neck on an icy deathtrap of a sidewalk, SHUT THE FUCK UP.
8
@6 make that once every two--three years. snow is no big deal people! it happens, and then it goes away. in seattle it almost never happens, and when it does just thnk of it as a little vacation. grow up. sheesh.
9
Get bent Dan, you giant pussy. So we get snow. So what? Everything in NYC smells like piss. I'll take three unmitigated snow days a year over living 24/7/365 in a giant, dirty urinal.
10
Reading is Fun
brought to you by the AdCouncil
#
God Bless Rachel Maddow by Dan Savage
#
Dear Yuppies by Erica C. Barnett
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Are You Going to Work Today? by Christopher Frizzelle
#
Can't We All Just Get Along? by Dan Savage
#
Getting Used to It Yet? by Erica C. Barnett
#
I Love the YouTube Era by David Schmader
#
Currently Sledding by Eli Sanders
#
Wasn't There Supposed to be Wind Too? by Dan Savage
#
Whose Streets? by Eli Sanders
#
"Jews totally run Hollywood." by Brendan Kiley
brought to you by the AdCouncil
#
God Bless Rachel Maddow by Dan Savage
#
Dear Yuppies by Erica C. Barnett
#
Are You Going to Work Today? by Christopher Frizzelle
#
Can't We All Just Get Along? by Dan Savage
#
Getting Used to It Yet? by Erica C. Barnett
#
I Love the YouTube Era by David Schmader
#
Currently Sledding by Eli Sanders
#
Wasn't There Supposed to be Wind Too? by Dan Savage
#
Whose Streets? by Eli Sanders
#
"Jews totally run Hollywood." by Brendan Kiley
11
some people cling to comfort and the status quo
enjoy the moment, yell in the white calm, play with some kids, read a book, cook fire chili
sex, sex, sex - go find three new ones - reconnect with three old ones
god, get over yourself, it is just snow and we are WELL prepared ...see .... I have a great wool cap. two, pairs of gloves, six layers, down bedding .... and condoms and lube and weed ...
need to shower, call work to say I am snow bound, and then wake up the two guys in my bedroom ...
such a horror to ride out ...
Rudy
enjoy the moment, yell in the white calm, play with some kids, read a book, cook fire chili
sex, sex, sex - go find three new ones - reconnect with three old ones
god, get over yourself, it is just snow and we are WELL prepared ...see .... I have a great wool cap. two, pairs of gloves, six layers, down bedding .... and condoms and lube and weed ...
need to shower, call work to say I am snow bound, and then wake up the two guys in my bedroom ...
such a horror to ride out ...
Rudy
14
An earthquake! I was just thinking we needed an earthquake. I want to be on a bus that is crashing over a precipice onto the interstate when the earthquake happens in the middle of a blizzard. And thousands of people will be standing in the streets below singing Journey songs and waving American flags and shooting off fireworks.
16
The snow would melt in ONE day if the city had the stones to throw down the salt. But they're gutless weenies, afraid to face the jihad of the Green Taliban.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
17
The snow would melt in ONE day if the city had the stones to throw down the salt. But they're gutless weenies, afraid to face the jihad of the Green Taliban.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
18
Seattle, I'm cool with you not spending millions and millions of dollars on snow removal equipment and maintenance that will sit rotting in a shed for 9 out of 10 years.
And if the city shuts down for 4 days every decade, I'm also cool with that.
And if the city shuts down for 4 days every decade, I'm also cool with that.
21
here in pittsburgh the solution is to salt the shit out of the roads, sidewalks, and first three feet of any landscaping adjacent to the roads, which in turn salts the cars, building vestibules, etc, etc. the salting system doesn't work well and even though we do regularly get snow, we are usually left with terrible road conditions because the city won't plow thoroughly. the city has run out of salt before, resulting in impassable roads. so i would say a freak once-in-twelve-year snowstorm that paralyzes the city might be a wee bit preferable to a february in this city, where near-daily snowfall meets shitty snow removal planning and results in a slushy, salty mess for everyone involved.
oh, and i don't even drive. the sidewalks are equally bad.
oh, and i don't even drive. the sidewalks are equally bad.
22
The snow would melt in ONE day if the city had the stones to throw down the salt. But they're gutless weenies, afraid to face the jihad of the Green Taliban.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
Here's a clue, @ 1. If it only snows like this once a year, you only have to salt once a year.
23
Well, he obviously hasn't seen the super leadership Mayor Schell showed during our last earthquake! LOL!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Only wimps use treking poles in this weather. Or BITCHES!!!! Just sayin'.
Only wimps use treking poles in this weather. Or BITCHES!!!! Just sayin'.
24
Yeah those steep hills all over Virginia are murder!
...oh wait, there aren't any? There also aren't microclimates which make the weather less predictable? Wow, it's almost like the analogy fails.
...oh wait, there aren't any? There also aren't microclimates which make the weather less predictable? Wow, it's almost like the analogy fails.
25
Oh fuck off, you pompous blowhard. We're a bit more laid back than NYC, and we live healthier lives for it.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
26
I am more disturbed that (at least in my neighborhood) no one shovels their driveways or sidewalks. That makes everything easier on everyone, even if you can't drive. I'm cynical enough to expect failures from local government especially during unforseen events...
27
"Help me help you. I won't be able to stick around much longer if you continue to act this way. "
Here--I'll help. Heads you take I-5 out of here, tails you take I-90.
People here don't want to invest in snow/ice infrastructure that gets used that rarely and costs so much regardless.
Here--I'll help. Heads you take I-5 out of here, tails you take I-90.
People here don't want to invest in snow/ice infrastructure that gets used that rarely and costs so much regardless.
28
Oh fuck off, you pompous blowhard. We're a bit more laid back than NYC, and we live healthier lives for it.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
29
Oh fuck off, you pompous blowhard. We're a bit more laid back than NYC, and we live healthier lives for it.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
It's also clear that you don't know our snow history and the 16 year event this is.
30
Jesus Frizelle, enough with snow snark!
I direct everyone to http://seattle.livejournal.com for people that just can't get enough of it.
But FUCK, use this blog for something besides regurgitated bitching.
It's really weird.
I direct everyone to http://seattle.livejournal.com for people that just can't get enough of it.
But FUCK, use this blog for something besides regurgitated bitching.
It's really weird.
31
yeah, maybe this is just a chance for commuters to learn a lesson or two about living near their work and play.
and yeah, the "northernness" of seattle don't mean squat; there are other factors that keep seattle relatively and predictably balmy.
and yeah, the "northernness" of seattle don't mean squat; there are other factors that keep seattle relatively and predictably balmy.
33
We're the Great Northwest, and we hate people who drive. That is, if we're the people who live in big cities. If we're not, then we love to drive.
We also don't believe in snow plows.
Of any kind.
Especially for hills.
Because they're bad for the environment, or something.
...
Listen you PNW fucktards, having a goddamned contingency plan is rather fucking important. Being able to get around is rather fucking important. If one lives in Ballard and works in Georgetown, walking isn't the best of options. And, driving sucks.
Having a clear road on hills is even more important. And, I'm not talking about every fucking sidestreet, I'm talking the major roads, like John, or lower Denny/Olive.
You want people to eschew cars? Have a system they can use to get around without cancellations come rain or snow. Those of you without jobs can just go fuck yourselves because, if you're not a student or an artist, you're probably a drain on society.
We also don't believe in snow plows.
Of any kind.
Especially for hills.
Because they're bad for the environment, or something.
...
Listen you PNW fucktards, having a goddamned contingency plan is rather fucking important. Being able to get around is rather fucking important. If one lives in Ballard and works in Georgetown, walking isn't the best of options. And, driving sucks.
Having a clear road on hills is even more important. And, I'm not talking about every fucking sidestreet, I'm talking the major roads, like John, or lower Denny/Olive.
You want people to eschew cars? Have a system they can use to get around without cancellations come rain or snow. Those of you without jobs can just go fuck yourselves because, if you're not a student or an artist, you're probably a drain on society.
35
He's an idiot. How far north Seattle is isn't the point, it's how many significant snow days it averages, which if I understand correctly is less than one a year.
Just wait until Seattle invests millions in snow plows and then we go years without significant snow, the same people will be complaining about the city wasting our money.
Just wait until Seattle invests millions in snow plows and then we go years without significant snow, the same people will be complaining about the city wasting our money.
36
By the way, it doesn't help that your roads are laid out like spaghetti on a plate.
OK, we'll get on that right away...
OK, we'll get on that right away...
37
I expected something with using the hyperbolic phrase "abject failure of your government" in the title to be better thought out. Some would argue that is silly or overly optimistic of me, but what can I say: you draw a line in the sand like that, I expect you to have the rational munition back it up.
On a specific note: Dan, I assume you mean a specific city in Virginia has a fleet of snow plows -- not the entire state, yes? I have direct experience with snow in Viriginia, and significantly less snow caused just as much, if not more, disruption.
On a specific note: Dan, I assume you mean a specific city in Virginia has a fleet of snow plows -- not the entire state, yes? I have direct experience with snow in Viriginia, and significantly less snow caused just as much, if not more, disruption.
38
Yeah, and Michigan experienced a 100-car pileup, even with snow removal tools, ice scrapers, brushes, shovels and that supposed "midwestern grit".
39
"Can't find a place to park? Too fucking bad. No one can. It's a risk associated with owning a car and expecting to store it on city property. Seattle, you really do coddle your motorists. But that's another story."
Ooooooooooh, I think we found Erica C. a booooooyfrieeeeend!!!
Ooooooooooh, I think we found Erica C. a booooooyfrieeeeend!!!
40
Don't let the door hit you and your "trekking poles" (are those really just fancy sticks, or is it some sort of dork-ass Star Trek licensed item) on the way out.
41
What an annoying guy! I smell a severe narcissist. It's always odd when someone threatens to leave town, as if we are going to run around in circles trying to convince him to stay. "On notice"! Ha ha, that's a good one.
42
@1 "we don't salt the roads because of the environment & we are proud of that." You're proud of your ignorance & apparently holistic approach to environmental science? Yep, sounds like Seattle alright.
44
Dear Dan Ruisi,
Stop being such a whiny bitch.
Seattle may be farther north than New York or Boston, but the fact is that we get an average of 3 days of snow a year, and usually it melts off in a day or so. This is an anomaly, not normal. This is the longest I've seen snow on the ground in Seattle since I moved here in the early 1980s.
Yes it sucks, but just how much tax money do you think the city should spend to accommodate your driving needs for a once every 2 decade snow storm? The state and city are looking at dramatic budget shortfalls. Shall we close more schools so we can buy more snow plows for you? Maybe lay off a couple dozen firefighters and hope you don't need them?
Deal with it, or move back to your precious New York. Dipshit.
Stop being such a whiny bitch.
Seattle may be farther north than New York or Boston, but the fact is that we get an average of 3 days of snow a year, and usually it melts off in a day or so. This is an anomaly, not normal. This is the longest I've seen snow on the ground in Seattle since I moved here in the early 1980s.
Yes it sucks, but just how much tax money do you think the city should spend to accommodate your driving needs for a once every 2 decade snow storm? The state and city are looking at dramatic budget shortfalls. Shall we close more schools so we can buy more snow plows for you? Maybe lay off a couple dozen firefighters and hope you don't need them?
Deal with it, or move back to your precious New York. Dipshit.
45
oh my god people need to relax. For another example of someone needing to chill out, please see: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
46
Dear Dan Ruisi,
Stop being such a whiny bitch.
Seattle may be farther north than New York or Boston, but the fact is that we get an average of 3 days of snow a year, and usually it melts off in a day or so. This is an anomaly, not normal. This is the longest I've seen snow on the ground in Seattle since I moved here in the early 1980s.
Yes it sucks, but just how much tax money do you think the city should spend to accommodate your driving needs for a once every 2 decade snow storm? The state and city are looking at dramatic budget shortfalls. Shall we close more schools so we can buy more snow plows for you? Maybe lay off a couple dozen firefighters and hope you don't need them?
Deal with it, or move back to your precious New York. Dipshit.
Affectionately,
Seattle
Stop being such a whiny bitch.
Seattle may be farther north than New York or Boston, but the fact is that we get an average of 3 days of snow a year, and usually it melts off in a day or so. This is an anomaly, not normal. This is the longest I've seen snow on the ground in Seattle since I moved here in the early 1980s.
Yes it sucks, but just how much tax money do you think the city should spend to accommodate your driving needs for a once every 2 decade snow storm? The state and city are looking at dramatic budget shortfalls. Shall we close more schools so we can buy more snow plows for you? Maybe lay off a couple dozen firefighters and hope you don't need them?
Deal with it, or move back to your precious New York. Dipshit.
Affectionately,
Seattle
51
The commenters in this thread are exactly right. This guy complains because he lived in Virginia, south of the Mason-Dixon line, and they were better prepared for snow than Seattle. Of course they were. They get snow up the wazoo in Virginia.
I lived next door to Virginia -- Washington, D.C. -- for about 20 years and no winter passes without significant snow, meaning something like what Seattle's having now. A few inches of accumulation coupled with days of sub-freezing temps.
And every three or four years, there's a whopping snowstorm, usually in spring when warm air full of moisture moving up from the south collides with an arctic blast from the north. Result: Snow in volumes that I doubt Seattle has ever seen. Sidestreets in Washington that may not get plowed for days. We're talking the mid-Atlantic coast here. Not New York, New England, the Midwest, and, of course, all of eastern Canada, whose people and governments understand snow and deal with it as efficiently as possible.
Think about it. We've had, what, once-in-a-decade snow volume coupled with very cold weather, at least for us. Yes, buses have had problems for a couple days and there was a snafu at Sea-Tac. Some Christmas travel plans got messed up. But there was no serious wind across the region so relatively few power outages. And, I believe, just one fatality.
We also have a lot of people who will remember sledding the Counterbalance and Denny Way for many years.
Sounds like you're a Sun Belter at heart. Enjoy Arizona.
I lived next door to Virginia -- Washington, D.C. -- for about 20 years and no winter passes without significant snow, meaning something like what Seattle's having now. A few inches of accumulation coupled with days of sub-freezing temps.
And every three or four years, there's a whopping snowstorm, usually in spring when warm air full of moisture moving up from the south collides with an arctic blast from the north. Result: Snow in volumes that I doubt Seattle has ever seen. Sidestreets in Washington that may not get plowed for days. We're talking the mid-Atlantic coast here. Not New York, New England, the Midwest, and, of course, all of eastern Canada, whose people and governments understand snow and deal with it as efficiently as possible.
Think about it. We've had, what, once-in-a-decade snow volume coupled with very cold weather, at least for us. Yes, buses have had problems for a couple days and there was a snafu at Sea-Tac. Some Christmas travel plans got messed up. But there was no serious wind across the region so relatively few power outages. And, I believe, just one fatality.
We also have a lot of people who will remember sledding the Counterbalance and Denny Way for many years.
Sounds like you're a Sun Belter at heart. Enjoy Arizona.
52
Is it too soon to be thinking about a class-action lawsuit? The stranded citizens of Seattle vs. Seattle city government? You know, the ones who continually voted against buying any more snowplows or sanding trucks????
53
Whatever. Only wimps and BITCHES use trekking poles in town when it snows. That's right BITCHES!!! What's the matter BITCH BOY DAN?!? Haven't grown a pair?
54
Hope you don't have to walk to the hospital, M. And are you walking to the store to help your elderly or disable neighbor restock their pantry and fridge?
Snow removal equipment isn't that expensive. It fits on trucks that the city already owns and uses for other purposes. The only thing that might sit idle through a snowless winter is the plow attachment itself. The city is using the trucks for other things all year round.
Patients and employees are still having a hard time getting to the hospitals. There is no bus service to First Hill right now, and there hasn't been for a week. I was behind a fire truck that got stuck, lights and siren going, on a hill on a major arterial this morning because the road hadn't been plowed at all in a week.
Investing in snow removal equipment is cheap compared to the cost of lost sales to businesses, lost wages from having to take time off of work, the cost of overtime to essential services like hospitals that are already reeling from the faltering economy.
But, hey, I'm glad you can walk everywhere you need to go. But just in case no one has ever told you, the world is just a little bit bigger than just you.
Snow removal equipment isn't that expensive. It fits on trucks that the city already owns and uses for other purposes. The only thing that might sit idle through a snowless winter is the plow attachment itself. The city is using the trucks for other things all year round.
Patients and employees are still having a hard time getting to the hospitals. There is no bus service to First Hill right now, and there hasn't been for a week. I was behind a fire truck that got stuck, lights and siren going, on a hill on a major arterial this morning because the road hadn't been plowed at all in a week.
Investing in snow removal equipment is cheap compared to the cost of lost sales to businesses, lost wages from having to take time off of work, the cost of overtime to essential services like hospitals that are already reeling from the faltering economy.
But, hey, I'm glad you can walk everywhere you need to go. But just in case no one has ever told you, the world is just a little bit bigger than just you.
57
Before we have a snow removal plan, first we would need a year or two to develop a timeline and plan to create a snow removal plan, solicit input and ideas from the community, study them for 6-7 years, convene stakeholders, narrow down the options to two or three plans, hold a series of public meetings and workshops and a non-binding vote, solicit further input from the neighborhoods, revise the options on the table, and then finally make a decision that doesn't really resolve the problem and leaves everybody unhappy and disenchanted with the system.
Oh, and we'll need money, too, but don't really need to take that into serious consideration until a final decision has been made.
Oh, and we'll need money, too, but don't really need to take that into serious consideration until a final decision has been made.
58
Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
To Hell with The Incredible Hulk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
It doesn't show signs of pausing,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
Dan Ruisi is a whiny little jerk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
To Hell with The Incredible Hulk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
And no, I don't feel like letting it go.
But the fire is so delightful,
To Hell with The Incredible Hulk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
It doesn't show signs of pausing,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
Dan Ruisi is a whiny little jerk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
To Hell with The Incredible Hulk
Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk! Let It Sulk!
And no, I don't feel like letting it go.
59
By the way, it doesn't help that your roads are laid out like spaghetti on a plate.
OK, we'll get on top of that right away.
OK, we'll get on top of that right away.
60
Dear Dan Ruisi: You are a smug, condescending pussy.
I had one hell of a commute yesterday, but I've still been getting where I need to go and spending all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it's because I didn't waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Ian Hernandez
I had one hell of a commute yesterday, but I've still been getting where I need to go and spending all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it's because I didn't waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Ian Hernandez
61
Dear Dan Ruisi: You are a smug, condescending pussy.
I had one hell of a commute yesterday, but I've still been getting where I need to go and spending all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it's because I didn't waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Ian Hernandez
I had one hell of a commute yesterday, but I've still been getting where I need to go and spending all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it's because I didn't waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Ian Hernandez
62
Seattle did invest in snow removal equipment after the "big snow of '96". We have way more plows and whatnot than we did then.
Boohoo, no one can rack up more debt on their credit. Oh, except for the people that walk around their neighborhoods and shop locally, that is.
No one will miss you if you go back home and let us go back to enjoying our snow days.
Boohoo, no one can rack up more debt on their credit. Oh, except for the people that walk around their neighborhoods and shop locally, that is.
No one will miss you if you go back home and let us go back to enjoying our snow days.
63
Dear Dan Ruisi: you are a smug, condescending pussy.
I had a hell of a commute yesterday, but I still managed to get where I needed to go and spend all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it’s because I didn’t waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Hernandez
I had a hell of a commute yesterday, but I still managed to get where I needed to go and spend all the money I intended to spend. Maybe it’s because I didn’t waste my time writing bitchy passive-aggressive letters as a cry for attention.
Affectionately Yours,
Hernandez
66
You'd think the dead of winter would be the perfect time of year for everyone to be out running around shopping.
67
Here in Seattle, us Northwesterners take the snow closures as an opportunity to get to know those close to us even better. If we would sacrifice this wonderful opportunity for SALT, which erodes the roads, your car, kills the soil, and poisons the sound then we would be the same as other parts of the country and the culture that develops here would be different. Let me also remind you, you silly motherfucker, that you live on a hill. A nice steep fucking hill. It is the last place anyone, even a plow, wants to drive on ice. Consider this before you speak.
68
Yes, Metro should have a plan for dire emergencies and not just ordinary ones. But Metro can't clear the streets. Since Metro drives buses up and down hills this is probably going to be a problem for a week or so every 12 to 20 years. On the bright side, when light rail opens beneath Capitol Hill there will be direct access from Broadway/John to the UW, Downtown, SODO, Beacon Hill, the Rainier Valley, and Sea-Tac. This is just another reason why an all-bus system is a bad idea. On the other hand, I don't really understand what all the hysteria from drivers is about. I have an ordinary front-wheel-drive car, and live on a hill, and have been able to drive just fine every day since it began snowing.
69
It's sure easy for fatass, useless-to-society SLOG commenters to laugh at the idea of needing to be anywhere, or at the idea that some people are actually needed at work.
70
The city doesn't need to spend a lot of money on anything, they just need to have better planning for snow storms, especially with global warming stoking the convection engine more and more in the future.
Designate emergency snow routes, declare an emergency, clear the routes of all parked cars and plow. Tow stuck cars quickly from those routes. Fine anyone causing an accident for reckless driving, which is what it is if you are not able to control your vehicle and are driving it anyways. Confine metro to routes it can drive safely and where possible set aside a lane for metro, emergency vehicles and tow trucks.
So there's all sorts of thing the city could do that would cost a lot less than investing in new equipment.
Designate emergency snow routes, declare an emergency, clear the routes of all parked cars and plow. Tow stuck cars quickly from those routes. Fine anyone causing an accident for reckless driving, which is what it is if you are not able to control your vehicle and are driving it anyways. Confine metro to routes it can drive safely and where possible set aside a lane for metro, emergency vehicles and tow trucks.
So there's all sorts of thing the city could do that would cost a lot less than investing in new equipment.
71
Chicago - Chicago - da da da da - DA!
Business as usual today with ANOTHER 4 inches coming down as I write this. Fuck you snow pussies!
Business as usual today with ANOTHER 4 inches coming down as I write this. Fuck you snow pussies!
72
Chicago - Chicago - da da da da - DA!
Business as usual today with ANOTHER 4 inches coming down as I write this. Fuck you snow pussies!
Business as usual today with ANOTHER 4 inches coming down as I write this. Fuck you snow pussies!
76
I agree completely. Another letter for the "I was going to write that but someone else beat me to it (and said it better)" pile. Thanks Dan.
77
Wheee. I got 12 inches over that same amount of time. Have him give me a call when New York - Boston gets a few more hills.
That's a pretty big oversimplification that the State of Virginia only gets snow once a year. The WSDOT plows and trucks work just fine, it's the City that doesn;t have them to clear all the hills.
The main point is that most snow storms melt in a few days - so why waste the money and personnel.
Please leave the area if this is so traumatic to you.
That's a pretty big oversimplification that the State of Virginia only gets snow once a year. The WSDOT plows and trucks work just fine, it's the City that doesn;t have them to clear all the hills.
The main point is that most snow storms melt in a few days - so why waste the money and personnel.
Please leave the area if this is so traumatic to you.
78
Yes because it's the government's job to make sure you can drive on the roads every second of every day on every single road. Get over yourself, we have far bigger problems in this world then a few inches of snow on the ground, if you can't stand it you're more than welcome to leave. I've lived here all my life and I LOVE days like this.
80
The "not doing anything about the roads" runs counterpoint to the "coddle the motorists" aspect. Oh no- Seattle is not New York! This argument also loses any credibility when this douche admits to being the guy with trekking poles.
81
I have to admit, I kind of agree with him. Because when you live in a place where it DOES snow and the cities are PREPARED for snow with plow's going around, you look at Seattle and kind of see it as this little pathetic place. I walked to where I needed to go yesterday, and I didn't bitch about it cuz i needed the exercise.... and by any means if this were more prolonged I'd be getting kinda pissed. But I see it as an opportunity to relax and get some stuff done at home.... I still don't see why they can't put dirt on the roads. That helps a little and wouldn't be bad for the environment. But in these times, people are reminded how addicted they are to their cars. I'm not that affected because I don't drive my car that much. So stop whining and get out of your car!!
84
What is up with people like this?!? Could it be more obvious he's from somewhere else?
Didn't you notice that all the natives stocked up at the first sign of snow and are now comfortably riding this out with soup on the stove, a cup of hot chocolate and a book in hand? Perhaps they knew something you didn't, eh, Transplant?
Take your over-active-type-A ass back to the East Coast loser. We never wanted you here. Real Seattleites know how to chill the fuck out and enjoy what life brings instead of blindly bucking against everything -- including the very weather itself!
When nature hits "pause"... shut up and listen!
86
we can barely afford to invest in things we'd use everyday (fixing streets, more transit, etc). how the hell are we supposed to find the money and will to shore up our snow clearing arsenal, which would only get used once or twice a year?
87
At #6
Like those $500,000 porta potties?
I do think the city of Seattle should have better plans in place for freakish events like this.
$500,000 could have bought quite a few attachable snow shovels.
Like those $500,000 porta potties?
I do think the city of Seattle should have better plans in place for freakish events like this.
$500,000 could have bought quite a few attachable snow shovels.
89
@69: I am at work, asshole. I've managed to get to work in West Seattle from Capitol Hill, on a bus, for the past three work days. So yeah, I am laughing at this idiot for not being able to handle it.
92
OK Geo-geniuses. Virginia is a big state. There are parts of it that are many hundreds of miles away from the shore, have alpine climates and get massive amounts of snow. There are other parts that are close to DC and get snow fairly often, but not not all that much. There are yet other areas that are basically contiguous with the Outer Banks and get snow very infrequently. All of these areas are going to have different sorts of strategies for dealing with snow. If it snows in SE Virginia, near Norfolk, it is probably going to throw everyone for a loop like in Seattle. In Southwest Virginia, in areas where elevation gets over 5000 feet, most residents own chains for their vehicles.
It is pretty asinine and meaningless to try to use "Virginia" as a counterexample to Seattle when Virginia is one of the more climactically diverse states in the country.
It is pretty asinine and meaningless to try to use "Virginia" as a counterexample to Seattle when Virginia is one of the more climactically diverse states in the country.
93
91: Don't fuck with us if you don't want us to attack your arbitrary "abject failure(s)" in return
95
I'm in the minority here...I think the guy has a point. Granted, the "I'm leaving!!" histrionics are off-putting, but the cost of, say, 50 new plow blades is way less than the accumulated costs of closing the university, lost revenue to businesses, etc.
As always, Cliff Mass has useful things to say on the subject, as well as some suggestions for Metro (why the hell didn't they reassign the buses from the canceled routes to supplement the routes that were still running?):
http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2008/12/up…
As always, Cliff Mass has useful things to say on the subject, as well as some suggestions for Metro (why the hell didn't they reassign the buses from the canceled routes to supplement the routes that were still running?):
http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2008/12/up…
96
Not everyone has the luxury of just "relaxing" or "taking it easy." Some people have to be at work or they will be fired. With half of the bus lines closed, that doesn't leave many options other than trying to drive, no matter how ill-fated the attempt may be.
97
It's ridiculous -- everyone keeps talking about how this is a freak event and snow is totally rare and that's why we're not prepared. If it really is such a once a lifetime event -- is the salt we use now really going to have a major impact?
I doubt it.
45th is like the surface of the moon. The plows aren't being used effectively. I have never seen such an epic failure.
I doubt it.
45th is like the surface of the moon. The plows aren't being used effectively. I have never seen such an epic failure.
98
Additionally: I don't wish ill on anyone, but I'd love to hear how your attitude changes the the second one of you has a fire or medical emergency or some other event where you really need to get somewhere in a hurry. Is wanting doctors and nurses to be able to get to hospitals, some sort of Type A, East Coast bullsh-t?
Being unprepared and ineffectual isn't a virtue.
I've never met so many people proud to be pussies. Christ.
Being unprepared and ineffectual isn't a virtue.
I've never met so many people proud to be pussies. Christ.
99
Hey Dan,
Nice to see your name in print again! Bummer 'bout all these comments, but you saw it coming, right? Right? B and Trixie miss you and wonder why you don't call. It'd make a wonderful Hannukhah present for them...
-C
Nice to see your name in print again! Bummer 'bout all these comments, but you saw it coming, right? Right? B and Trixie miss you and wonder why you don't call. It'd make a wonderful Hannukhah present for them...
-C
100
dear whiney bitch,
you must have such an important job and extraordinary life, that you can't slow down and deal with the apparent stress that the snow is causing you. i'm terribly sorry that the city of seattle is not operating up to your standards, but the good news is, you can get great deals on airfare to iraq these days.
you pretty much have three options here:
1- reprioritize your life so that you won't be so stressed with your yuppie 'trekking poles' in a few inches of snow. and in the meantime, shut the fuck up.
2- the sdot is happy to take your donation for more plows and road salt. feel free to call them @ 206-684-ROAD to make your generous donation.
3- grab that discount ticket to iraq @ www.goarmy.com.
and finally please do your best not to compliment the state of virginia. trust me, THIS place sucks. i'd rather feast on that bowl of 'spaghetti roads' any day.
sincerely,
I. Sweat Butter
you must have such an important job and extraordinary life, that you can't slow down and deal with the apparent stress that the snow is causing you. i'm terribly sorry that the city of seattle is not operating up to your standards, but the good news is, you can get great deals on airfare to iraq these days.
you pretty much have three options here:
1- reprioritize your life so that you won't be so stressed with your yuppie 'trekking poles' in a few inches of snow. and in the meantime, shut the fuck up.
2- the sdot is happy to take your donation for more plows and road salt. feel free to call them @ 206-684-ROAD to make your generous donation.
3- grab that discount ticket to iraq @ www.goarmy.com.
and finally please do your best not to compliment the state of virginia. trust me, THIS place sucks. i'd rather feast on that bowl of 'spaghetti roads' any day.
sincerely,
I. Sweat Butter
101
Dan Ruisi is my hero.
The rest of you, suck.
A major city shouldn't come to a complete standstill for a week because of some snow.
Also, in case you haven't noticed, the winters have been getting snowier and icier. I've lived here 8 years, and the number of icy/snowy days has increased a lot in the last few years. I don't think they need to go out and buy a 100 new plows, but they do need to better allocate the resources they have and come up with a fucking plan for these emergencies.
And using a little salt on inclined surfaces 6 to 8 times a year isn't going to destroy Puget Sound...last time I checked, the Sound consisted of salt water.
The rest of you, suck.
A major city shouldn't come to a complete standstill for a week because of some snow.
Also, in case you haven't noticed, the winters have been getting snowier and icier. I've lived here 8 years, and the number of icy/snowy days has increased a lot in the last few years. I don't think they need to go out and buy a 100 new plows, but they do need to better allocate the resources they have and come up with a fucking plan for these emergencies.
And using a little salt on inclined surfaces 6 to 8 times a year isn't going to destroy Puget Sound...last time I checked, the Sound consisted of salt water.
102
this guy is right...and you all know it.
holy crap! this many idiots are actually defending a city so ill equipped to deal with snow? would it have been this reactive, had the dude not mentioned "new york"?
it fucking SUCKS having to worry about some bus careening into the freeway (well its also kind of awesome....)
but heres the thing. the city isnt just inhabited by hard partying activist hipster youth. theres the handicapped, the elderly, people that have to get to the hospital on a moments notice. this really, actually, kind of sucks.
holy crap! this many idiots are actually defending a city so ill equipped to deal with snow? would it have been this reactive, had the dude not mentioned "new york"?
it fucking SUCKS having to worry about some bus careening into the freeway (well its also kind of awesome....)
but heres the thing. the city isnt just inhabited by hard partying activist hipster youth. theres the handicapped, the elderly, people that have to get to the hospital on a moments notice. this really, actually, kind of sucks.
103
I'm standing up for this guy, too. I have to cancel a vacation because I can't work enough, and need the vacation money to pay rent next month.
I can see one or two days of being shut down, but this is getting silly. I'm not moving back to Minneapolis, either. There's a reason I left. But in Mpls, I'd have been able to work, ftr.
(I'm a delivery girl, and need to go buy myself some chains I suppose)
I can see one or two days of being shut down, but this is getting silly. I'm not moving back to Minneapolis, either. There's a reason I left. But in Mpls, I'd have been able to work, ftr.
(I'm a delivery girl, and need to go buy myself some chains I suppose)
104
by the way, all you Ruisi haters-
you know that you are defending "the government", right? a bunch of assholes that spend our money closing down music venues, that refuse to have viable mass transit, that allow assholes to tear down the block that the old cha cha used to inhabit so that a parking lot can go up?
the streets, as they have been these last few days, isnt something that you have proudly "accomplished". its the direct result of the city being unprepared and stupid. how can you defend them?
you know that you are defending "the government", right? a bunch of assholes that spend our money closing down music venues, that refuse to have viable mass transit, that allow assholes to tear down the block that the old cha cha used to inhabit so that a parking lot can go up?
the streets, as they have been these last few days, isnt something that you have proudly "accomplished". its the direct result of the city being unprepared and stupid. how can you defend them?
105
Light rail and subways run better in the snow too!
Then I won't have to be nearly as confused when I see the 49 running through east lake!
And really, I was sick of the snow in Seattle by Sunday night, WHEN I COULDN'T GET TO THE AIRPORT.
I still have no clue how I got on that flight after walking 16 blocks from the top of Capital Hill to Pine and 3rd to catch the bus to get to the airport and make a last minute flight (after my flight was canceled the night before) with 10 minutes to spare.
I mean that is BAAAAD. A major metropolitan area to come to a crawl like that? is BAAAD. Buy the snow equipment, get some light rail and thanks to Global warming, this might be more common.
Then I won't have to be nearly as confused when I see the 49 running through east lake!
And really, I was sick of the snow in Seattle by Sunday night, WHEN I COULDN'T GET TO THE AIRPORT.
I still have no clue how I got on that flight after walking 16 blocks from the top of Capital Hill to Pine and 3rd to catch the bus to get to the airport and make a last minute flight (after my flight was canceled the night before) with 10 minutes to spare.
I mean that is BAAAAD. A major metropolitan area to come to a crawl like that? is BAAAD. Buy the snow equipment, get some light rail and thanks to Global warming, this might be more common.
106
@101: 8 years? Wow! You deserve a medal! What an accomplishment!
If you weren't around for the 1996 snow, I don't think you're qualified to comment on Seattle snow. You've worn out your welcome; please go back to the midwest/east coast asap.
@102: Ambulances and fire trucks are running. Emergency services are functioning. There's been what, one death due to the weather? Quit the histrionics.
@103: Please move back to Minneapolis if Seattle is such an inconvenience.
@104: It's not a matter of being unprepared, it's a matter of prioritizing. No one wants to pay for something that will get used every 12 years. I'd rather have, you know, a city budget without a deficit.
If you weren't around for the 1996 snow, I don't think you're qualified to comment on Seattle snow. You've worn out your welcome; please go back to the midwest/east coast asap.
@102: Ambulances and fire trucks are running. Emergency services are functioning. There's been what, one death due to the weather? Quit the histrionics.
@103: Please move back to Minneapolis if Seattle is such an inconvenience.
@104: It's not a matter of being unprepared, it's a matter of prioritizing. No one wants to pay for something that will get used every 12 years. I'd rather have, you know, a city budget without a deficit.
107
Yesterday I watched the City of Edmonds plow/sand truck make it almost halfway up my little culdesac before sliding back down. Twice. It was a thing of beauty.
If one doesn't like it here, maybe one should move somewhere better.
If one doesn't like it here, maybe one should move somewhere better.
108
@106: I think people like you are so shrill because your lives are inconsequential and empty and it bothers you that other people actually have places to be and things they have to do.
109
This is our third winter of living on the Sammamish plateau. This is the third winter that we've been snowed in for one or more days. This will be our third school year with extra days school to make up for snow cancellations due to the fact that the school buses can't safely drive up and down Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain. This is my third winter of hearing idiots telling me, "We don't need to invest in snow removal equipment because this only happens once a decade or so." Some of you people are just plain full of shit.
110
harsh with a good point buried beneath the tantrum.
Though he doesn't mention it, there is, as those few before have pointed out, more to a snow day than pretty snow and sledding memories.
I love a good snow day. I don't drive. I have a comfortable, well-paying, flexible, understanding working environment. I can miss a few days of work and be perfectly okay. I have no emergencies so I can afford to be patient.
Everyone is not in the same boat as I am.
Those of you who claim that this is all okay don't seem to realize that.
Though he doesn't mention it, there is, as those few before have pointed out, more to a snow day than pretty snow and sledding memories.
I love a good snow day. I don't drive. I have a comfortable, well-paying, flexible, understanding working environment. I can miss a few days of work and be perfectly okay. I have no emergencies so I can afford to be patient.
Everyone is not in the same boat as I am.
Those of you who claim that this is all okay don't seem to realize that.
111
Latitude has nothing to do with it. The British Isles are even further north and they have a similar climate--moderate temperatures, little snow, lots of rain. There's a reason why Ireland is the Emerald Isle and Londoners are rarely seen without an umbrella. I'm no expert, but it has something to do with proximity to an ocean.
And Seattle laid out like a bowl of spaghetti? Clearly this guy has never been to Boston.
Maybe the city will learn from this week on how to be better prepared for the next one (and with climate change there will be a next one), but this really is a WTF?! event that happens rarely.
That said, he does have a point about our state relying too much on our astronomical and regressive sales tax, but I shouldn't open up that can of worms...
And Seattle laid out like a bowl of spaghetti? Clearly this guy has never been to Boston.
Maybe the city will learn from this week on how to be better prepared for the next one (and with climate change there will be a next one), but this really is a WTF?! event that happens rarely.
That said, he does have a point about our state relying too much on our astronomical and regressive sales tax, but I shouldn't open up that can of worms...
112
@108, my life is inconsequential and empty enough to not freak the fuck out over a once-a-decade weather event. Inconsequential and empty enough to enjoy the snow, spend some time with friends and family, and not piss my pants because Seattle isn't as prepared as New York/Boston/Chicago/Buffalo/Denver, etc.
Listen very carefully: Seattle is none of these cities. Don't like it? After the ice melts you are free to leave, and the city will be a better place for it.
109 gets no sympathy. Sammammish is for yuppie assholes.
Listen very carefully: Seattle is none of these cities. Don't like it? After the ice melts you are free to leave, and the city will be a better place for it.
109 gets no sympathy. Sammammish is for yuppie assholes.
114
@113: What is wrong with changing something to make it better? That seems to be the crux of these arguments -- "Seattle is fine the way it is and always has been" versus "The climate might be changing and maybe we should try to be prepared for it."
115
@109:
You know it wasn't all that many years ago (roughly 12) that most of the Sammamish Plateau consisted of grazing and pasture land, and small, family-run farms that didn't require hundreds of millions of dollars worth of snow removal equipment, because the relative handful of folks living up there didn't NEED to drive to Redmond or Tukwila for their livelihoods. Too bad you'all couldn't have bought a townhouse closer to your job, so you could get their conveniently when the weather isn't to your liking, instead of opting for the bland anonymity of rural-encroaching suburban sprawl out in the middle-of-nowhere.
As for the rest of you whiners - if your job is so indispensable that Western Civilization As We Know It will come crashing down without you (first-responders, City Light crews, and medical personnel exempted), and you can't walk or make use of the limited bus service, then by all means get in your crappy, chainless rear-wheel drive cars and make the attempt; if you're lucky, you'll get to work without killing yourself or anyone else, or running off into a ditch, or taking out two or three of your neighbor's cars in the process, because you are SO IMPORTANT.
Otherwise, STFU and deal.
You know it wasn't all that many years ago (roughly 12) that most of the Sammamish Plateau consisted of grazing and pasture land, and small, family-run farms that didn't require hundreds of millions of dollars worth of snow removal equipment, because the relative handful of folks living up there didn't NEED to drive to Redmond or Tukwila for their livelihoods. Too bad you'all couldn't have bought a townhouse closer to your job, so you could get their conveniently when the weather isn't to your liking, instead of opting for the bland anonymity of rural-encroaching suburban sprawl out in the middle-of-nowhere.
As for the rest of you whiners - if your job is so indispensable that Western Civilization As We Know It will come crashing down without you (first-responders, City Light crews, and medical personnel exempted), and you can't walk or make use of the limited bus service, then by all means get in your crappy, chainless rear-wheel drive cars and make the attempt; if you're lucky, you'll get to work without killing yourself or anyone else, or running off into a ditch, or taking out two or three of your neighbor's cars in the process, because you are SO IMPORTANT.
Otherwise, STFU and deal.
116
Shorter version of this comment thread: "If you don't like it, make a suggestion to make it better" vs. "If you don't like it, get the fuck out of my city".
117
@106, 107, 113
who the FUCK are you DEFENDING?? whats going on? is this a contest of whos lived here longest? i was born here and i'm pushing 40, and i think you guys, who actually smack of bainbridge and bellevue transplants from your over-defensiveness of this city, are being ridiculous!
the commentors that you are angrily railing against are talking about facets of this city that locals KNOW are problems. i'm all for getting to know your neighbors in a snow storm. i'm all for keeping streets open and baring cars from them time to time.
BUT THE POINT WE ARE MAKING IS THAT THIS CITY HAS SHUT DOWN BECAUSE OF A FEW INCHES OF SNOW.
that is retarded.
its also fun, revolutionary, enviro-friendly, awesome, and beautiful. but you know what else is? actually having a functioning government that listens to its people, who clearly have voiced a desire for less cars, and more public space.
THIS, however, is not an example of that. and its pathetic that you choose these last few days of the city turning to shambles as a point to defend it. no-one is saying they arent strong enough for snow, and no-one is saying "seattle sucks". we are saying that this is another instance in a long history of instances of the city not giving a flying fuck about us.
who the FUCK are you DEFENDING?? whats going on? is this a contest of whos lived here longest? i was born here and i'm pushing 40, and i think you guys, who actually smack of bainbridge and bellevue transplants from your over-defensiveness of this city, are being ridiculous!
the commentors that you are angrily railing against are talking about facets of this city that locals KNOW are problems. i'm all for getting to know your neighbors in a snow storm. i'm all for keeping streets open and baring cars from them time to time.
BUT THE POINT WE ARE MAKING IS THAT THIS CITY HAS SHUT DOWN BECAUSE OF A FEW INCHES OF SNOW.
that is retarded.
its also fun, revolutionary, enviro-friendly, awesome, and beautiful. but you know what else is? actually having a functioning government that listens to its people, who clearly have voiced a desire for less cars, and more public space.
THIS, however, is not an example of that. and its pathetic that you choose these last few days of the city turning to shambles as a point to defend it. no-one is saying they arent strong enough for snow, and no-one is saying "seattle sucks". we are saying that this is another instance in a long history of instances of the city not giving a flying fuck about us.
119
Why do I get the impression that many of these people griping that they absolutely MUST get to work or their boss will FIRE them, spend most of their time AT work fantasizing about the various ways they'd like to KILL their bosses?
120
yeah, seriously. the things assholes choose to freak out about.
@115-i wanna see you justifying a freezing tsunami, talking about "if you dont have a crab-fishing level survival suit and a mini submarine then FUCK OFF back to YUPPIE-VILLE asshole! us locals LOVE this shit. WE EAT PAIN! SEMPER FI!!!!"
@115-i wanna see you justifying a freezing tsunami, talking about "if you dont have a crab-fishing level survival suit and a mini submarine then FUCK OFF back to YUPPIE-VILLE asshole! us locals LOVE this shit. WE EAT PAIN! SEMPER FI!!!!"
121
@117: Bainbridge and Bellevue transplants?! How DARE you, sir!
If you want to make it a contest of who's lived here the longest, I'll play: I'm older than you, I was born here, my parents were born here, and my *grandparents* were born here. My great-great-something-uncle-somebody delivered newspapers to Arthur Effing Denny's house, probably in the snow.
So neener neener.
Dan Ruisi was the one who brought up leaving the city because he just can't take it anymore. I merely suggested that it sounds like a good plan for him and he should follow through.
If you want to make it a contest of who's lived here the longest, I'll play: I'm older than you, I was born here, my parents were born here, and my *grandparents* were born here. My great-great-something-uncle-somebody delivered newspapers to Arthur Effing Denny's house, probably in the snow.
So neener neener.
Dan Ruisi was the one who brought up leaving the city because he just can't take it anymore. I merely suggested that it sounds like a good plan for him and he should follow through.
123
BTW, the fact that the DOT is "encouraging snow-pack" makes it quite clear that they have no idea what they're doing. Snow-pack turns into ice! Wet snow like this (and in 2006) turns into ice in a 65 lb. kids footprint, much less a car or any other vehicle. There's a reason people like to ski on fresh snow.
125
@124:
ok.
you are spending time celebrating your lineage in an effort to fluff up your already over-inflated sense of entitlement. and it has nothing to do with anything. therefore, you seem douche-like.
better?
now stop trying to interact with faceless bloggers and go make snow angels with your great grandchildren, mister Seattle.
ok.
you are spending time celebrating your lineage in an effort to fluff up your already over-inflated sense of entitlement. and it has nothing to do with anything. therefore, you seem douche-like.
better?
now stop trying to interact with faceless bloggers and go make snow angels with your great grandchildren, mister Seattle.
127
@125: You seem to have a lot of rage. You started the More-Local-Than-Thou contest, not me, and I didn't say any of the things you accused me of while you were insulting me @117.
Now I'm done.
Now I'm done.
128
I live in the Madison Valley. We are trapped. I've lived in Michigan/Pennsylvannia/Illinois/New York. They use salt.. a lot, and I don't see where the Great Lakes etc. are suffering from it. The Great Lakes are getting cleaner actually. With that tidbit aside, with the infrequent snowfalls here, using salt a couple times a year cannot be that big of a deal. Also, I've noticed that the people who plow need a lesson in plowing. Get the blade on the pavement, instead of skimming. It just packs down, and turns to ice. I just walked from 29th to Broadway and the sidewalks are ice, the roads are a mess. These are major roads and they do not appear in places to have been plowed at all. I could see using my hiking poles if my hands were full and I had a heavy backpack on with groceries.
If we had light rail, we would not be impacted at all by this weather. These behemoth busses need to go. And how about those street cars? They are shut down too.
I also wonder if there is a fire, and because the roads are such a mess, can the trucks get to you in a timely fashion? Well we know the answer is no.
A certain Mayor in Chicago a few years back did not handle a winter's snow removal well, and they attributed her not getting re-elected to the past winter's problems. People always remember the worst. Good bye Mr. Mayor, you screwed up big time on your snow removal contigency plan, or lack of.
If we had light rail, we would not be impacted at all by this weather. These behemoth busses need to go. And how about those street cars? They are shut down too.
I also wonder if there is a fire, and because the roads are such a mess, can the trucks get to you in a timely fashion? Well we know the answer is no.
A certain Mayor in Chicago a few years back did not handle a winter's snow removal well, and they attributed her not getting re-elected to the past winter's problems. People always remember the worst. Good bye Mr. Mayor, you screwed up big time on your snow removal contigency plan, or lack of.
129
If we had light rail, we would indeed be impacted by this weather. Only those who lived near the Central Link and wanted to go somewhere else near the Central Link would be unaffected.
A light rail system depends on feeder bus routes, #128, and for all your worldliness -- so many snowy cities in which you've lived! -- you don't know much about transit systems.
A light rail system depends on feeder bus routes, #128, and for all your worldliness -- so many snowy cities in which you've lived! -- you don't know much about transit systems.
130
No, it's just simply unacceptable for a so-called "city" the size of Seattle to be caught unawares when the snow falls. The snow does fall, and it's going to fall more often in the coming years if climate models are to be believed -- and it is Unacceptable that the city's response is to close streets and tell everyone to 'stay home'. The people who work in the hospitals, like myself, can't just stay home. It's not that simple.
I look forward to the day when Seattle will truly be a world-class city, but as time goes on, I doubt more and more that I'll be here then.
I look forward to the day when Seattle will truly be a world-class city, but as time goes on, I doubt more and more that I'll be here then.
131
@130, you are why I'm glad Seattle isn't "world-class." The more world-class we are, the more we attract douchebags who move from city to city every five years. Transitory idiots have no business telling me what's good for my city in the long run.
133
What's sad about Snowpocalypse and how the city/county handles it, is that it's so indicative of what's wrong with Seattle...it's all hyperbole and indecisiveness and bad planning and poor use of resources.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to see that the winters HAVE been getting worse the last few years; it could be due to global warming or it could just be nature or it could be both. Weather IS cyclical and we could be going into a period of colder, wetter, icier winters. If that is the case, the Powers That Be WILL have to deal with it, and they need to start planning for it by buying a few more plows, researching plausible de-icers, and most of all, come up with an intelligent plan to keep major streets, and most importantly, the bus routes, functioning during severe winter weather. Their idiotic snow pack plan is beyond moronic; we could end up with icy roads for weeks following that plan.
Sorry to rain on your snow day, sledding and skiing hippies, slackers, hipsters and yuppies but the rest of us like to walk down the street without fear of breaking our legs. We also have real jobs and real bills and many of us don't have paid vacation so we can take days off at a time to sled around town and get drunk at Smith.
You need to spend time in a city that has to deal with cold, shitty, icy weather for months at a time. Grow up.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to see that the winters HAVE been getting worse the last few years; it could be due to global warming or it could just be nature or it could be both. Weather IS cyclical and we could be going into a period of colder, wetter, icier winters. If that is the case, the Powers That Be WILL have to deal with it, and they need to start planning for it by buying a few more plows, researching plausible de-icers, and most of all, come up with an intelligent plan to keep major streets, and most importantly, the bus routes, functioning during severe winter weather. Their idiotic snow pack plan is beyond moronic; we could end up with icy roads for weeks following that plan.
Sorry to rain on your snow day, sledding and skiing hippies, slackers, hipsters and yuppies but the rest of us like to walk down the street without fear of breaking our legs. We also have real jobs and real bills and many of us don't have paid vacation so we can take days off at a time to sled around town and get drunk at Smith.
You need to spend time in a city that has to deal with cold, shitty, icy weather for months at a time. Grow up.
134
Hey 131 - If it wasn't a few days before Christmas, I'd be saying "Fuck You." I've lived in this city since 1986 and I came here from Anchorage Alaska -- Does that qualify me to have an opinion? If this town has pretensions of one day being a big grown-up city like all the other big grown-up cities in America, then it MUST have a plan to remain functional during adverse weather. So far, I haven't seen it. If the powers-that-be had pulled their collective thumb out of their collective ass YEARS AGO and funded rapid transit as they should have, this disaster would be somewhat mitigated. And disaster is exactly what we have on our hands here. All the area hospitals are on disaster alert, everyone is going the extra mile (sometimes literally) just to make it in to work -- and not only is the environment hostile, but our "city" is busy wringing its hands and fretting about how "we don't get snow that often." Tough cookies. It's the City's responsibility to keep this place running during bad weather, a responsibility they have so far abdicated. Metro is doing the best it can but it can't run its buses on unsafe streets.
So, um, joykiller (wow what an appropriate name).. Maybe you could hold off on slinging your bile until you realize what your true target is. It's not me, a long-term Seattlite hospital worker. Why don't you aim that rage at, oh, say... Mayor Gridlock.. if you really want it to do some good.
And I'll say it again: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
So, um, joykiller (wow what an appropriate name).. Maybe you could hold off on slinging your bile until you realize what your true target is. It's not me, a long-term Seattlite hospital worker. Why don't you aim that rage at, oh, say... Mayor Gridlock.. if you really want it to do some good.
And I'll say it again: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
135
With names like "joykiller" and "pox" I think we need to expect a certain amount of trollishness.
136
Dear Fellow Seattle Citizens,
Lets all encourage city gov't to spend millions of dollars on equipment that we will use once every decade so that Mr. Ruisi doesn't forsake us.
Affectionately yours,
Jan Mascall
Lets all encourage city gov't to spend millions of dollars on equipment that we will use once every decade so that Mr. Ruisi doesn't forsake us.
Affectionately yours,
Jan Mascall
137
Dear 129, I lived in Chicago for 3 years, and we did not rely on feeder systems to use the light rail.
Perhaps the commuters who took the regular trains did. Most people that lived in the city, took the L into the city, went to work, and took the L back home.
The snow did not affect the L trains or the regular trains in Chicago.
I am in total agreement with #133.
I'm a little amazed as the usage of foul language, and the tone of many blogs. Can you people not debate issues in a civilized logical manner? For those of you who can't, just take off your flannel shirts, and flip flops, pretend its Saturday and wash your hair, and look in the mirror, click your heels three times and say; "I am a decent human being, I am a decent human being."
Perhaps the commuters who took the regular trains did. Most people that lived in the city, took the L into the city, went to work, and took the L back home.
The snow did not affect the L trains or the regular trains in Chicago.
I am in total agreement with #133.
I'm a little amazed as the usage of foul language, and the tone of many blogs. Can you people not debate issues in a civilized logical manner? For those of you who can't, just take off your flannel shirts, and flip flops, pretend its Saturday and wash your hair, and look in the mirror, click your heels three times and say; "I am a decent human being, I am a decent human being."
139
"We also have real jobs and real bills and many of us don't have paid vacation so we can take days off at a time to sled around town and get drunk at Smith."
Au contraire, if it doesn't offer paid vacation and/or telecommuting, I don't consider it a "real" job--I consider it a "real" pain in the ass. Fight, fuck or kill your way into a better job, please. Otherwise learn to accept: it sucks to be poor.
But, hey! I'm fine with another hundred bucks a year for these contingencies (as long as everyone else's property taxes also go up), because I know that the same people complaining about the lack of snow plows and salt this year will be complaining about having to move their cars off public streets for the snow plows once we get them, and will then complain the first year we have no snow but that money isn't refunded.
Au contraire, if it doesn't offer paid vacation and/or telecommuting, I don't consider it a "real" job--I consider it a "real" pain in the ass. Fight, fuck or kill your way into a better job, please. Otherwise learn to accept: it sucks to be poor.
But, hey! I'm fine with another hundred bucks a year for these contingencies (as long as everyone else's property taxes also go up), because I know that the same people complaining about the lack of snow plows and salt this year will be complaining about having to move their cars off public streets for the snow plows once we get them, and will then complain the first year we have no snow but that money isn't refunded.
140
Also, Seattle, I demand city-wide air conditioning on the 7 to 10 really *really* hot days in the summer, or I'm leaving your failure of a city.
And please do something about the rain.
And please do something about the rain.
141
Dear #137: Link is not the L. Link is a single route covering a small portion of the county. Please move back to Chicago at your earliest convenience. I hear they have snow removal equipment there.
142
@134, apparently area hospitals aren't so busy that area hospital workers don't have time to post on Slog. Anchorage is a better starting point than that of most current Seattleites, I'll grant you that. But when did you get the idea that we have "big city pretensions"?
144
Reality: Seattle has snow and are dealing with it poorly and extremely dangerously.
Fantasy: This problem is trivial, once a decade, and if you can't accept 5 days of lost income, then OBVIOUSLY you are douche and do not deserve to live in Seattle.
Seriously, nothing about the bitter ass frozen week leading up to the snow storm makes me think that the snow is going to melt anytime soon. And thanks to global warming, this actually might become more common. I don't think Seattle needs the plow fleet of Buffalo, but fuck ... they really have to do better than this.
Fantasy: This problem is trivial, once a decade, and if you can't accept 5 days of lost income, then OBVIOUSLY you are douche and do not deserve to live in Seattle.
Seriously, nothing about the bitter ass frozen week leading up to the snow storm makes me think that the snow is going to melt anytime soon. And thanks to global warming, this actually might become more common. I don't think Seattle needs the plow fleet of Buffalo, but fuck ... they really have to do better than this.
145
I don't think the issue is Seattle needing to buy more snow plows that would sit unused 99.99 % of the time, but actually using the few plows they do have in a focused and effective way. Has anybody actually ever seen the city snow plows in action? When? I haven't seen any evidence they'd run downtown at at all on 2nd, 4th, 5th or 6th. One or two plows running all day Sunday probably could have cleaned those streets . . .
146
Just ventured out by car for the first time since Thursday (to the grocery store). I live in Madison Valley near 28th. We've been totally without transit since last Thursday. Even though I grew up in Eastern WA and learned to drive in the snow, hills + no studded tires + no plows + no salt = me not driving. I've walked a few places, but slid the entire way there and back. I fortunately have a sensible employer that's been closed (with pay, no vacation time subtracted) since last week.
I'm pretty appalled by what I saw this evening on my trip from Madison Valley to Capitol Hill and back. From what I can see, basically nothing's been done. It was like four-wheeling in the backwoods - Madison, 23rd, John, 15th are all in bad shape, and these are important arterials in our part of Seattle. There are lots of people in our neighborhood that have been stuck for days because there is ZERO transit, people can't drive or are afraid to drive (rightly so), and taxis won't come.
Day one was fun, day two was fun, day three okay... Day six this is really getting fucking old and tiresome. But I guess that's the typical Seattle response... do nothing until it's no longer an issue.
City of Seattle, Grade F-.
I'm pretty appalled by what I saw this evening on my trip from Madison Valley to Capitol Hill and back. From what I can see, basically nothing's been done. It was like four-wheeling in the backwoods - Madison, 23rd, John, 15th are all in bad shape, and these are important arterials in our part of Seattle. There are lots of people in our neighborhood that have been stuck for days because there is ZERO transit, people can't drive or are afraid to drive (rightly so), and taxis won't come.
Day one was fun, day two was fun, day three okay... Day six this is really getting fucking old and tiresome. But I guess that's the typical Seattle response... do nothing until it's no longer an issue.
City of Seattle, Grade F-.
148
A+ for snowbound, I live in Mad park, too and no bus service has really fucked over my Christmas, have you ever shopped those Madison park stores?
I can't afford shit there! I think the original writer should move, but I also believe this is another sign of how fucked up the city planning is done in this town. I don't want a laid back chilled out emergency response team in my city, but hey, that's PNW for ya.
I can't afford shit there! I think the original writer should move, but I also believe this is another sign of how fucked up the city planning is done in this town. I don't want a laid back chilled out emergency response team in my city, but hey, that's PNW for ya.
149
christmas ruined because of this crap.
stuck in highland park, west seattle (no subaru, not a yuppie, totally into sledding down the street on cardboard while loaded....so slow your roll, haters!)
but i've been snowed in, and my job prevented me from preparing for christmas with my girl (measly deco, simple gifts...CHRISTMAS DINNER) before a week ago...which is usually plenty of time...but then the storm hit, and each day since then ive assumed the streets would be clear by TODAY at least....
this really sucks. and yes, we're having a great, touchingly close time, but she's in bed on the phone in tears talking to her family in tacoma who we were unable to see today since we cant even get out of the god damn neighborhood in my old toyota, and i'm on this lame blog, if that gives you some idea of how our christmas is going.
dont know whos to blame, but this is amature hour.
and to be clear...i read the comments before mine. i am not a yuppie, not a big city guy complaining and needing to "go back to where i came from", not a car addict...
i'm poor, in a shitty band, ride a bike, and am from here, and love it here.
but this shit ruined christmas for me and my loved one. we need to not let this ever happen again. theres no defense or excuse for it. and if you think otherwise you are completely out of your mind.
stuck in highland park, west seattle (no subaru, not a yuppie, totally into sledding down the street on cardboard while loaded....so slow your roll, haters!)
but i've been snowed in, and my job prevented me from preparing for christmas with my girl (measly deco, simple gifts...CHRISTMAS DINNER) before a week ago...which is usually plenty of time...but then the storm hit, and each day since then ive assumed the streets would be clear by TODAY at least....
this really sucks. and yes, we're having a great, touchingly close time, but she's in bed on the phone in tears talking to her family in tacoma who we were unable to see today since we cant even get out of the god damn neighborhood in my old toyota, and i'm on this lame blog, if that gives you some idea of how our christmas is going.
dont know whos to blame, but this is amature hour.
and to be clear...i read the comments before mine. i am not a yuppie, not a big city guy complaining and needing to "go back to where i came from", not a car addict...
i'm poor, in a shitty band, ride a bike, and am from here, and love it here.
but this shit ruined christmas for me and my loved one. we need to not let this ever happen again. theres no defense or excuse for it. and if you think otherwise you are completely out of your mind.
151
Fucking pussies.. 3 inches of snow.. we got 3 feet last weekend, and I spent 4 days without electricity - life goes on. If you can't keep up, you get left behind.
152
Get snow tires and/or tire chains. Put them on. Leave extra time to get places and don't drive like an idiot. Repeat.
Why is this so hard for people?
Why is this so hard for people?
153
Just got into Syracuse to see my family. It snowed all last week, but thanks to salt and correct plowing, the roads are totally clear.
Salt works, people, and I've seen birdies singing and trees growing, so apparently it didn't kill them all.
@152: good driving and equipment can only do so much on completely ill-managed streets. I'm sick of people acting like putting up with stupid decisions makes them bad ass.
Salt works, people, and I've seen birdies singing and trees growing, so apparently it didn't kill them all.
@152: good driving and equipment can only do so much on completely ill-managed streets. I'm sick of people acting like putting up with stupid decisions makes them bad ass.
154
I've been driving all week, but the snow that fell on a foot and a half of thick ice covered with a layer of slush this morning has made driving exponentially worse on side streets than it has been so far. I got stuck on my street, managed to get loose, and barely was able to park safely again - and everyone I've spoken who drove today had a similar experience.
On the other hand, the walkways and steps I've seen that were salted seem to have melted this morning's snow fine and haven't refrozen. I'm not a big fan of salt under normal circumstances, and I don't think we need to go out and buy a whole bunch of new dedicated snow plows.
That said, it seems perfectly reasonable to me that the City ought to buy some new plow attachments for existing trucks, consider contracting with construction companies on a contingency basis to do some road clearing (and/or allow citizens to hire them to clear streets - which is not currently allowed in Seattle), and yes, when you have ample notice a rare weather event in which a lot of snow falls and sticks is going to happen and you already have salt on hand anyway you freaking use it - particularly after day 3.
That footage of Nickels giving himself and the City a "B" for their snow response is going to make the mother of all mayoral campaign attack ads in 2009.
On the other hand, the walkways and steps I've seen that were salted seem to have melted this morning's snow fine and haven't refrozen. I'm not a big fan of salt under normal circumstances, and I don't think we need to go out and buy a whole bunch of new dedicated snow plows.
That said, it seems perfectly reasonable to me that the City ought to buy some new plow attachments for existing trucks, consider contracting with construction companies on a contingency basis to do some road clearing (and/or allow citizens to hire them to clear streets - which is not currently allowed in Seattle), and yes, when you have ample notice a rare weather event in which a lot of snow falls and sticks is going to happen and you already have salt on hand anyway you freaking use it - particularly after day 3.
That footage of Nickels giving himself and the City a "B" for their snow response is going to make the mother of all mayoral campaign attack ads in 2009.
155
Oh, fuck off "native Seattlites."
If you've looked at how this has all played out and you DON'T have a complaint, then chances are, as has been suggested before, it's because you, as a holier-than-though native, have never BEEN to a city that doesn't get incapacitated by less than a foot of snow.
There is no excuse for this city being thrown into panic when it snows. It happens yearly, and at least once every two years the city is shut down for a day or more. Having a plan to deal so people can do things like go to work or school is not a waste of money, it's a waste of money not to. Like this Ruisi guy has said, we depend largely on sales tax in this state, and gee, I wonder if not being able to go anywhere to buy anything during THE FUCKING HOLIDAY SEASON will have some negative side effects.
This drivel you all are spouting about a "metronatural" attitude (I nearly vomited when I read that, by the by) is in reality just an indicator of how ignorant and oblivious you are. Some of us had to try and get to SeaTac to go see our families. My particular experience was a lovely 4 hour trip from the U-District to SeaTac, including the amount of time spent waiting for the bus, only to get to the airport and find out that most of the flights have been canceled due to them running out of deicer. Then, I couldn't even leave the airport for another 3 hours because the ridiculously late-running buses couldn't accommodate all the people whose flight had been canceled.
More deicer could have been bought to have in reserve. More buses could've been sent out a long the same routes to help make up for how late they all were running. There are many cheap and efficient steps that could've been taken but weren't.
The breakdown in the city's infrastructure is not understandable, it's ridiculous. It really is a failure on part of the city administration, and if you aren't pissed about it, and you don't think that Seattle Public Schools closing last Wednesday because it might of snowed is insane, then you're not some enlightened Northwesterner who just knows how to "roll with it." It means you are a massive, and I do mean MASSIVE tool.
However, I will say watching you all try and drive in this has been pretty funny, if not a little sad.
More...
If you've looked at how this has all played out and you DON'T have a complaint, then chances are, as has been suggested before, it's because you, as a holier-than-though native, have never BEEN to a city that doesn't get incapacitated by less than a foot of snow.
There is no excuse for this city being thrown into panic when it snows. It happens yearly, and at least once every two years the city is shut down for a day or more. Having a plan to deal so people can do things like go to work or school is not a waste of money, it's a waste of money not to. Like this Ruisi guy has said, we depend largely on sales tax in this state, and gee, I wonder if not being able to go anywhere to buy anything during THE FUCKING HOLIDAY SEASON will have some negative side effects.
This drivel you all are spouting about a "metronatural" attitude (I nearly vomited when I read that, by the by) is in reality just an indicator of how ignorant and oblivious you are. Some of us had to try and get to SeaTac to go see our families. My particular experience was a lovely 4 hour trip from the U-District to SeaTac, including the amount of time spent waiting for the bus, only to get to the airport and find out that most of the flights have been canceled due to them running out of deicer. Then, I couldn't even leave the airport for another 3 hours because the ridiculously late-running buses couldn't accommodate all the people whose flight had been canceled.
More deicer could have been bought to have in reserve. More buses could've been sent out a long the same routes to help make up for how late they all were running. There are many cheap and efficient steps that could've been taken but weren't.
The breakdown in the city's infrastructure is not understandable, it's ridiculous. It really is a failure on part of the city administration, and if you aren't pissed about it, and you don't think that Seattle Public Schools closing last Wednesday because it might of snowed is insane, then you're not some enlightened Northwesterner who just knows how to "roll with it." It means you are a massive, and I do mean MASSIVE tool.
However, I will say watching you all try and drive in this has been pretty funny, if not a little sad.
156
All Seattle "natives" who are not in some way related to Chief Sealth, or any of his fellow tribe members, really need to shut the fuck up...
I did finally see a snow plow, sorta on Capitol Hill...on Boren.
Apparently, they are unable to make it up Pike, Pine, or 15th Street.
I did finally see a snow plow, sorta on Capitol Hill...on Boren.
Apparently, they are unable to make it up Pike, Pine, or 15th Street.
158
The problem with plowing is that unless the side streets are clear, it doesn't help most folks trying to get to work. Three blocks of snow and slush can be impassable for vehicles without chains or snowtires. Seattle tends to have narrow sidestreets with parking on both sides, and the plows have to push the snow somewhere. That "somewhere" is the side of the streets...where all the cars are parked because they can't get out of their spots and have no other place to park.
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