Here Comes Ivan

Well, it's Wednesday, September 15th, and our attention has now turned from the residual fear factor of 9/11 to a tropical storm, hurricane I think, by the name of Ivan that, even as I speak, is pounding on the Florida panhandle and is threatening to chomp its way up to us from Mobile, Alabama. So, last night I'm at my daughter's high school PTA meeting and in the midst of loudspeaker humor by the principal I hear talk of how there is not a battery left at Walmart.

Today, just minutes from where I have an office there is a news crew interviewing patrons at a local hardware store patiently waiting in line for a truck to come and deliver more batteries. Here in central Alabama whenever there is a threat of inclement weather you can be assured that there will be no milk, no bread, and no batteries left anywhere to purchase. I haven't purchased any of the above. Why? I'm not sure. I rather like seeing people scurry to Walmart and herd each other along as they follow the instructions of our local meteorologists -who I continue to clamour are in kahoots with the local grocery store chains! Well, it's a thought.

One local news room has offices directly across from a major grocery store. Recently they were joking about how they could see the multitudes rush to the doors after listening to a weather update. The whole scene is a statement of the media's incredible power to sway the public and capitalize on the fears of nervous types who most likely purchased half a ton of tissue paper and enough bottled water to fill 2 swimming pools in prep for the big Y2K scare. Remember that? The money that was made off of that one! Sheesh!

And get this, I turn to an online weather site to see what gives with Ivan. What am a treated to? Simple. A short weather update video brought to you by a major hardware/lumber company that decides to inform the public, during this threat of Ivan, how very much they have done to help in storm and disaster relief services. This is without a doubt pertinent info with disaster looming. Of course all through this we are treated to beautiful pictures of their company truck pulling out on to the road, dark clouds all about, to save lives and restore communities.

Yes, Ivan is coming! He's close! Almost here! Make sure you buy plenty of batteries, milk, and bread. And ... above all ... make sure you visit your local The Home Depot to satisfy all your needs in homecare and construction.