Sandy, aka here we go again...

[Catrin]

I was surprised to hear that a couple of electrical crews from the southern US were turned away from a town they were sent to help out...because the visiting volunteer crew weren't union members! I am sorry, I don't get that. They found another location to help out, but I was floored that they were actually turned away from an area that needed help!

Withim, PamNY and everyone else in the affected areas, hang in there and please keep us posted as you have been. So glad to hear that no TE members have been hurt!

[OakLeaf]

Not true .... http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-...away-from-n.j/

[Catrin]

Not true .... http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-...away-from-n.j/

This is good to know, they had it on our local morning news yesterday morning and my jaw dropped. For some reason your link isn't loading for me, but I am glad to learn the story wasn't true!

[PamNY]

For anyone wishing to donate, City Harvest in NYC has a good reputation, and good ratings on Guidestar and Charity Navigator. I don't have personal experience with them, but I have seen their trucks picking up food surplus from restaurants and farmer's markets for years.

According to their website, they responded to hurricane-related needs very quickly.

I'm looking into volunteer opportunities, though I may take another day or two to rest. I have a slight backache from hoisting heavy water containers, and climbing stairs didn't agree with my feet. My legs are plenty strong thanks to cycling! Sadly, I expect the need for volunteers and donations will continue for quite a while.

[Trek420]

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2012...t-go-home.html

[OakLeaf]

How is everyone doing? The news cycle moves on so quickly while people are still suffering (even when there doesn't happen to be some other huge news event going on...) - how is everyone coping with the new storm? Is access to heat a problem? Keeping the good thoughts coming...

[PamNY]

I got heat and hot water back last night. Overall, Manhattan is in good shape though some buildings are still evacuated because of damage to equipment in the basements. Subways came back faster than I though possible.

The nor'easter didn't amount to much where I am, but other areas were hit hard.

Many people are still without power, heat and even homes, especially in coastal areas.

[ny biker]

Some of my family members on Long Island had power restored on Monday, a week after the storm. Others got it back on Wednesday. One friend got electricity back yesterday but is still waiting for the gas to be turned back on, and her heat won't work until then. I think a couple of friends in New Jersey are still waiting in the dark.

The County Executive for Nassau County (western Long Island) wants the military to take over management of LIPA, the electric company. I have to say, LIPA is actually worse at handling storms than PEPCO in DC and Maryland. I didn't think anyone could be worse than PEPCO.

NYC and LI started rationing gasoline today. Gas stations either have no gas or no electricty for the pumps.