Power-less?

As I sat here, freezing in my brightly-lit office, in front of a blinking computer, nearby a humming xerox machine, an ice-cold fridge, a buzzing microwave, and various other electricity-hording machinery, I wondered...does another blackout loom ominously in this overheated city?

And then, this e-mail arrived in my inbox (thanks, Leezie!):

"My friend's dad works for ConEd - he just called and told her not to ride the subways any more today, as we will likely have a blackout.  ConEd is sending all non-essential employees home right now so they can shut down power to their building.  From yesterday's heat, Manhattan has 4 feeders out, putting a big strain on the system.  He said in his 30 years working there, he's never seen ConEd act like this, especially at 10:30 in the morning.  He said not to panic, but not to take a chance if it can be helped - avoid riding the subway if at all possible."

Our car is gassed up and ready for a rapid escape if necessary...it seats six...first come, first serve! If we lose power, we might just have to crash the Flynn Family Fun in the OBX!