Live from NYC the day after the media reported storm of the century, we are all still alive….
Over the last 20 years I have lived here in NYC, it happens only about every 3 that the storm of the century suddenly appears. This year wasn’t all that bad actually but what was bad was the lead up to it.
Here is what happens when the media pumps our storms…
People go to the grocery store
A really funny NYC phenomenon is the sudden food security that grips the New Yorker. It’s this anxiety that has people hitting their local grocery store to buy staples like eggs and bread. Think about how funny this is for a minute, through out the year you buy groceries every week or twice a week or whatever and suddenly you’re worried about 1-2-3 days of snow. You definitely might starve people! I think the most fun and interesting part of a major storm coming is going to the store just before to observe the empty shelves for yourself. This year there was a night before the storm started and most local groceries were stocked overnight for the next day, there has been no disruption in our supply chain people!
Traffic really stops but does Uber?
My kids are funny. So during and after the storm they still have/had plans. I asked how they were going to get to these plans and was told, Uber. OK, so you’re an Uber driver working in NYC during a blizzard, seems like a solid money making opportunity, I am told that surge pricing was a simple 100% over regular fee. For that amount I want assurances!!!! The car is a 4×4 or all-time all wheel drive and I am going to get to my destination without issue. They should have a name for this service on Uber next to VIP and XL and UberX called Badass or Hell or Blizzard….
The concept of staying safe is taken to a new level
Everyone in the world is suddenly worried about you. They see it on the TV in Southern California and your family out there is calling telling you to stay home! Don’t get caught in your car on the road or you will freeze to death, again somewhat exaggerated for the NYC dweller. In the suburbs freezing to death in your car is possible. We were up in Westchester for an event the day/night before and there was conversation about leaving that night and not partying like it’s 1999 just to be sure we were back in the city for the storm. We did this, our other friends and family I think are still there hold up in some hotels and they plow.
Moral of this story
Don’t let the media freak you out. Use your brain, apply common sense rules and ALWAYS put on your gloves and hat before you leave your building, it’s harder to become warm than it is to stay warm!
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