First World Problems...

There is a very interesting but immensely frustrating correlation between the number of flashlights in the house and the probability of a power outage. Obviously the local utility tracks my flashlight purchases, and only turns off the power when the number of functioning lights in the house drops below the number necessary to navigate a several-hours-long blackout.

I am tempted to purchase flashlights by the case, and then simply return them, but I suspect that the surveillance capabilities of PSE&G is more sophisticated than simply counting flashlights in and assuming a failure rate that increases with time.

Do they have a spy in the house? Is it one of the brats? Is that why they come visit? My original assumption was for the free food and drink, but now I might have to reevaluate!

Posted by: CBD at 02:00 PM

Comments

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1 1

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 02:01 PM (Ia/+0)

2 If purchased by the case you will not need the batteries until all of them are dead.
Might as well burn it down.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 26, 2026 02:01 PM (YBtcQ)

3 My power goes out so rarely, wouldn't think 1 out of 3 years if not 5. Yet there are all kinds of alternatives lighting around here.

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 02:03 PM (Ia/+0)

4 I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.

I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.

And its funny standing at the store looking at the products the cheapest product looks so good...I mean I am only going to use it like twice a year.

But...then using it I did wish I bought the more pricey one

Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:03 PM (sKqQm)

5 Overall I started my real first yardwork today. And it amazing how all the little tools you pick up help.

I was spreading soil, and a rake worked great.

But then one of the bags of soil had a plant growing in it and a hand rake let me separate from the dirt.

Then I had a wheelbarrow to move sticks, a trimmer to work on the hedges, different types of gloves for the different types of work and on and on.

Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:05 PM (sKqQm)

6 not sure if this qualifies as FWP

haven't had a cigarette since Wednesday night
makes it tough to watch episodes of Mad Men

Posted by: Don Black at April 26, 2026 02:05 PM (ZxPkt)

7 Somebody needs to invent a nuclear flashlight. Simple fix.

Maybe that genius would-be assassin from last night can invent one once a DC jury refuses to find him guilty.

Posted by: Chairborne!...Desk From Above! at April 26, 2026 02:06 PM (i2VYc)

8 Nobody's made a charging my Fleshlight joke yet?

Posted by: Uncle Pervy at April 26, 2026 02:06 PM (oftw2)

9 Um... rechargeable flashlights, anyone?

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 26, 2026 02:06 PM (1o8D5)

10 Plus hand-cranked/solar powered flashlights.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 26, 2026 02:07 PM (1o8D5)

11 After the March 15th tornado, we were without power for about 24 hours. We came home to a dark house, but it was still standing, thankfully. I had our Predator 5000 up and running on propane the following morning. Cooked breakfast on a gas grill. Had lights. Heat.

Power was back up before dinner.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:07 PM (jehhT)

12 I've had a lot of Duracell alkaline batteries leak and cause connections to corrode.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2026 02:09 PM (Cqx++)

13 Bring back whale oil lamps

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 02:09 PM (Ia/+0)

14 The electrical power line that services my neighborhood traverses a mile or so of agricultural fields, and the farm machinery seems to be magically attracted to the power poles.

I keep plenty of flashlights and propane lanterns on hand, and get to use them a couple of times a year.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at April 26, 2026 02:10 PM (qR48U)

15 Plus hand-cranked/solar powered flashlights.

Apparently those have been around for a while, I saw them using them in the movie Eden which was set in '29

Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:10 PM (sKqQm)

16 It's Public Service Enterprise Group. PSEG. No ampersand.

Is CBD just trying to throw us off their scent? Is he, too, working for PSEG? Their tentacles are everywhere...

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 26, 2026 02:12 PM (BI5O2)

17 Power was back up before dinner.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:07 PM (jehhT)

I envy you. When we get windstorms here our power's out for 4-5 days, at least. It's so heavily wooded that trees keep falling on the lines and the crews have trouble keeping up. Be nice if they were underground but that's impractical out here. Wife and I are having a propane based fail-over generator installed this spring.

Posted by: Chairborne!...Desk From Above! at April 26, 2026 02:12 PM (i2VYc)

18 Sometimes you only have enough money for one pony ride, not your own pony.

Posted by: Eromero at April 26, 2026 02:12 PM (LHPAg)

19
A home generator makes all those silly, little, unreliable flashlights unnecessary.

BONUS! It's too heavy for your kids to carry off.

Just sayin'

Posted by: naturalfake at April 26, 2026 02:13 PM (iJfKG)

20 Plus hand-cranked/solar powered flashlights.

Apparently those have been around for a while, I saw them using them in the movie Eden which was set in '29

Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:10 PM (sKqQm)
-

I bought one of these 2 years after the war broke out here in Israel:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083TLZN7G

Used it once or twice and not in an emergency.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 26, 2026 02:14 PM (1o8D5)

21 It's Public Service Enterprise Group. PSEG. No ampersand.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 26, 2026 02:12 PM (BI5O2)

It does indeed have an ampersand!

https://nj.pseg.com/

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:14 PM (n9ltV)

22 >>Bring back whale oil lamps

Up yours, buddy.

Posted by: A Whale at April 26, 2026 02:14 PM (viF8m)

23 Um... rechargeable flashlights, anyone?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey

On Amazon:
YZYOE Rechargeable Red Light Flashlight， 2 in 1 White Lights and LED Red Light $9.80

Bought four.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 26, 2026 02:15 PM (58Bi5)

24 My FWP: I bought a new office stapler, which came without staples. Somewhere around here I have a box of staples that I have been carrying around with me since 1988, but I can't find them.

Obviously, midget Gypsies must have broken into my house and made off with my staples. There can be no other explanation.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at April 26, 2026 02:15 PM (qR48U)

25 16 It's Public Service Enterprise Group. PSEG. No ampersand.

Of course not. You have to have membership at Cardboard Level or above.

Posted by: &&Members Only&& at April 26, 2026 02:16 PM (oftw2)

26 A home generator makes all those silly, little, unreliable flashlights unnecessary.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 26, 2026 02:13 PM (iJfKG)

Oh...I have a generator, and an installed manual transfer switch too!

But until I know for how long the power will be out, I don't pull the damned thing out of the garage. That's when the flashlights come in!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:16 PM (n9ltV)

27 If you don't have a bunch of 18650 batteries, a couple of chargers (you want one that can charge, discharge, grade, and charge to 50% for storage), a small solar panel to charge them, and basic lights that take them as well as cr123s, then you are doing it wrong and have been doing it wrong for at least a decade.

Might wanna toss in some aa or aaa rechargeables and a headlamp, too. Though I keep lithium disposable cells in my vehicle and medical bag headlamps so I don't have to worry about them leaking. (pro tip: a medical kit is worthless if you can't see shit)

My oldest 18650's are almost old enough to vote, and have been in service daily the whole time. They have lost about 40% capacity but are adequate for use around the house.

Using alkalines for flashlights is caveman stuff... and if you are rich enough to blow through 123's at about 3-4 bucks an hour you will have staff to sort this all out.

Posted by: heya at April 26, 2026 02:16 PM (VczSh)

28 I bought a bunch of cheap LED flashlights and hung one from the upper hinge of every door in the house.
It was not very useful in the last blackout, but it made me feel more prepared.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 26, 2026 02:17 PM (rbvCR)

29 It does indeed have an ampersand!

------

Indeed. I wonder why, given there's no "and" in the name.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 26, 2026 02:17 PM (BI5O2)

30 Plus hand-cranked/solar powered flashlights.

Apparently those have been around for a while, I saw them using them in the movie Eden which was set in '29
Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:10 PM (sKqQm)

Agood hand-cranked or squeeze-lever flashlight is quite expensive, and the cheap ones are junk. The gears take quite a beating. About the only utility of such flashlights is to provide one with light long enough to find and light the Coleman lantern.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 02:18 PM (utfVc)

31 > ower was back up before dinner.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:07 PM (jehhT)

I envy you. When we get windstorms here our power's out for 4-5 days, at least. It's so heavily wooded that trees keep falling on the lines and the crews have trouble keeping up. Be nice if they were underground but that's impractical out here. Wife and I are having a propane based fail-over generator installed this spring.
Posted by: Chairborne!...Desk From Above! at April 26, 2026 02:12 PM (i2VYc)
-----------
The local rural electric co-op wasn't always this proactive. Years ago, after a massive ice storm the power was out for nearly a month (in some locations.) Ours was out for about a week.

The co-op has contracted with an outfit that's been cutting and trimming trees in the area that potentially would disrupt power delivery. It's a continuous process.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:18 PM (jehhT)

32 Obviously, midget Gypsies must have broken into my house and made off with my staples. There can be no other explanation.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy

All of my relatives are of Norwegian extraction. Potatoes are a staple there. Considering your location, you might try that.

Posted by: Ronnie Russet at April 26, 2026 02:20 PM (oftw2)

33 Have you no lamp oil?

Posted by: I gotta ask at April 26, 2026 02:20 PM (2Ez/1)

34 5 Overall I started my real first yardwork today. And it amazing how all the little tools you pick up help.

###
I'm the smallest tool, yet the most helpful.

Posted by: Your credit card at April 26, 2026 02:22 PM (2Ez/1)

35 I figured CBD would have lots of Tiki Torches on hand.

Posted by: The Good People Of Charlottesville at April 26, 2026 02:22 PM (oftw2)

36 Jason Pargin has a video up about the latest assassination attempt - his argument is don't cheer this on even if you hate Trump. Imagine this happened to a politician you support? What would your reaction be?

And...its a decent take. No, he's not telling his fellow lefties that they are insane but he is trying to get them to sort of understand the other side.

The response? 9-1 "it was staged"

Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:22 PM (sKqQm)

37 Not much to do but get a little hand-cranking done when the power's out.

Posted by: IYKWIM at April 26, 2026 02:25 PM (TbWk/)

38 You don't have to spend an arm and a leg, but skip the $6 Amazon specials and bullshit from Autozone/Walmart/Home Depot . A completely US made, stupidly overbuilt heirloom quality light from a high end custom maker is like $150; you can get a mass produced one that will probably outlive you for about 30 bucks.

Just get a couple and the related batteries and such and you'll be in flashlights for a couple decades.

Don't cheap out on batteries either, get a reputable brand from a battery supplier like Battery Station, or wherever the flashlight needs say is legit these days.

Posted by: heya at April 26, 2026 02:26 PM (VczSh)

39 Candles.

Posted by: wth at April 26, 2026 02:26 PM (b3Yos)

40 My 1WP is I need to go put stuff I need for work tomorrow in my truck, yet sitting watching YouTube

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 02:26 PM (Ia/+0)

41 We have a large UV flashlight. If you're in the desert and you don't want to see what's crawling around at night, don't get one.

Posted by: Maj. Healey- Not A Teacher of the Month at April 26, 2026 02:28 PM (abIsI)

42 Is it time for CBD to admit he uses the flashlights as lightsabres, like the PHB in Dilbert?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 26, 2026 02:29 PM (S/Y4j)

43
Harbor Freight has these little LED magnetic/hangar work lights for $1.99. I've got several of them all around the shop and in junk drawers. The magnet is strong enough to keep it attached to my gun safe door just above the dial so that I can see it when trying to unlock.

https://tinyurl.com/4buatkuu

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 26, 2026 02:30 PM (y9nCu)

44 I have a shitload of rechargeable flashlights because my bearing and balance and vision demand I not end up on the ground.

You can never have too many flashlights.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 02:30 PM (Fbc0I)

45 Is it time for CBD to admit he uses the flashlights as lightsabres, like the PHB in Dilbert?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 26, 2026 02:29 PM (S/Y4j)

Admit it? I relish the opportunity!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:30 PM (n9ltV)

46 I seem to collect flashlights. Then I put batteries in them, and forget about them until the batteries leak. I got a real nifty super-bright LED maglight at a yard sale for five dollars. It uses an internal battery holder that takes 12 (count 'em) AAA batteries, and occupies the space that would hold about 3 and half D batteries. This is dumb. D batteries have a much lower price for the contained energy than do AA or AAA batteries. Build the damned flashlight to hold 4 D cells, and then use a small switching power supply to up-convert the 6 volts to 18 volts to drive the LED array. And shitcan the "multi-mode" switch, too. I don't need "dim" mode, and I sure don't need "blink" mode.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 02:30 PM (utfVc)

47 35 I figured CBD would have lots of Tiki Torches on hand.
Posted by: The Good People Of Charlottesville

Here's the thing about Tiki Torches that use the infernal Tiki oil, they put off carbon pitch that will stick to anything close by and it's a PIA to clean off.

Posted by: Maj. Healey- Not A Teacher of the Month at April 26, 2026 02:31 PM (abIsI)

48 Hakeem (D)umbass is blathering on TV right now.
If I throw a brick at my TV is that a 1WP?

Posted by: wth at April 26, 2026 02:31 PM (b3Yos)

49 I wonder why, given there's no "and" in the name.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 26, 2026 02:17 PM (BI5O2)

Because some MBA marketing genius decided it was a good idea.

I am not responsible for most of the stupidity in NJ...just my own!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:32 PM (n9ltV)

50 44 I have a shitload of rechargeable flashlights because my bearing and balance and vision demand I not end up on the ground.

You can never have too many flashlights.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 02:30 PM (Fbc0I)

Perhaps tape a bunch of them together into a cane or a walker?

Posted by: Ounce of prevention and all that at April 26, 2026 02:32 PM (TbWk/)

51 What I really need to find is a battery backup for my CPAP machine. I can recharge it on the generator, but I'd need it inside the bedroom for the machine.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:33 PM (jehhT)

52 Couple Thanksgivings ago, SoCal Ed cut power while I was prepping the bird the night before. Too windy, don't you know. Can't have a stray spark ignite all that dry brush that the state won't let us clear around our towers. Milk vetch weed is a protective species, you understand. Can't uproot a protected species, that just wouldn't be cricket, wat-wat?

Technically, Californians can't have first world problems, because California is not a first world state...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at April 26, 2026 02:33 PM (nbLIj)

53 I had a hand cranked flashlight, branded Harley Davidson. It was nice knowing if I needed a flashlight I wouldn't be clobbered by dead batteries. I'm not sure the gears failed, it got to a point where one could crank and crank and there would only be like 10 seconds of light so my wag was that the capacitor was pretty well kaput. I like the rechargeable LED headlamps currently. Its nice to be have the light and have both hands free. Hopefully not jinxing myself but our electric company is quite good, I don't need a lot of lantern type lighting. If the power goes out in the evening I usually just go to bed early. I have a camping generator but I have not had power out long enough to be worth trying to get it running and run extension cords into the house.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 26, 2026 02:34 PM (+89TD)

54 I think the power subsidiary is called Public Service Electric & Gas.

Thus PSE&G.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:34 PM (n9ltV)

55 4 I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.

I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.
---

Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and drain it into a can. Put a fuel cut off valve in the line if you are concerned about leakage.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:35 PM (BFFcg)

56 What I really need to find is a battery backup for my CPAP machine. I can recharge it on the generator, but I'd need it inside the bedroom for the machine.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:33 PM (jehhT)

Inverter plus a deep-discharge marine battery.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 02:35 PM (n9ltV)

57 A flashlight is what you use to help you fire up the genset after a hurricane.

Similar to a handgun is what you use to get to your battle rifle.

Relying on the flashlight alone means you already lost the battle.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 02:37 PM (/lPRQ)

58 15 Plus hand-cranked/solar powered flashlights.

Apparently those have been around for a while, I saw them using them in the movie Eden which was set in '29
Posted by: 18-1
--

Military had them (not the solar part) in WWII.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:37 PM (BFFcg)

59 My FWP:

In my house, whenever a toilet paper roll runs out, SOMEONE always leaves a fresh one right on the counter. For me to install. Never mind that the roller is 2” away.
Evidently, the mechanics of a TP collapsible tube are rocket science.
Also, full trash bags are left on the steps right next to the garbage cans. Given, those are two feet away.

Posted by: RI Red at April 26, 2026 02:38 PM (UxbHU)

60 4 I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.

I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.

If you've never tried a shake siphon you're living in the dark ages. I have one for each vehicle and the RV.

https://tinyurl.com/3n8vrmht

Posted by: Maj. Healey- Not A Teacher of the Month at April 26, 2026 02:38 PM (abIsI)

61 51. Seems like the higher end UPS systems for computers would fit the bill Martini Farmer. Probably cheaper to drill a hole in the wall for a dedicated extension cord to use the generator though. I'd bet they sell kits designed to allow such things. Used to be fairly common to have a big coax cable hole for direct TV etc before everything went so wireless.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 26, 2026 02:39 PM (+89TD)

62 I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.
I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.
And its funny standing at the store looking at the products the cheapest product looks so good...I mean I am only going to use it like twice a year.
But...then using it I did wish I bought the more pricey one
Posted by: 18-1

Cheapest would have been a straw you found on the ground and your own lips and lungs.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 02:39 PM (/lPRQ)

63 Better go out ang gather up stuff

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 02:39 PM (Ia/+0)

64 What I really need to find is a battery backup for my CPAP machine. I can recharge it on the generator, but I'd need it inside the bedroom for the machine.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:33 PM (jehhT)

I've been using a computer UPS for that purpose for years. So far, I haven't had a long enough outage to tell how well it works - I live close to a dispatch/maintenance center for my power utility, so they get fixed quickly.

I've also seen people use car batteries for this purpose, with some additional hardware. So far, I haven't found a link - it was several years ago.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 26, 2026 02:41 PM (S/Y4j)

65 >>>Perhaps tape a bunch of them together into a cane or a walker?

Posted by: Ounce of prevention and all that

>You whippersnappers laugh now, but a flashlight from WWII or the Korean war era aren't too eliminating. You gotta bite the bullet and upgrade to these little modern marvels of blue light.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 02:41 PM (Fbc0I)

66 I keep and occasionally use led headlamp from harbor freight. Bright and reasonably long lasting

Posted by: Miflin at April 26, 2026 02:42 PM (aA6YN)

67 It does indeed have an ampersand!

------

Indeed. I wonder why, given there's no "and" in the name.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 26, 2026 02:17 PM (BI5O2)

I'm old enough to remember when it used to be called Public Service Electric and Gas.

(Gently motions YD and CDB from lawn...)

Posted by: Joe Kidd at April 26, 2026 02:42 PM (nbLIj)

68 >>I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.
I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.
And its funny standing at the store looking at the products the cheapest product looks so good...I mean I am only going to use it like twice a year.
But...then using it I did wish I bought the more pricey one

3 words. Fuel stabilizer. It works.

Posted by: A Whale at April 26, 2026 02:43 PM (viF8m)

69 son of a ...

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 02:43 PM (viF8m)

70 What I really need to find is a battery backup for my CPAP machine. I can recharge it on the generator, but I'd need it inside the bedroom for the machine.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 02:33 PM (jehhT)

Look into battery packs, a computer uninterruptable power supply, or those battery jumpers with extra ports. My wife got me a jumper pack with a USB and USB-C ports. It also has a compressor built in it too

Posted by: Kindltot at April 26, 2026 02:44 PM (rbvCR)

71 My chief gripe is leaky AA's. Even the best brand names have that problem.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 02:45 PM (XeU6L)

72 Have an LED lamp hung in the bathroom and a small LED in each room plus 2 Harbor Freight multiple LED/single LED lights ~$3 and one hanging lamp from them (label says Luminar Outdoor) ~$5, it puts out at least 60 watts.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:46 PM (BFFcg)

73 Did someone say leaky?

Posted by: Creepy Joe Biden at April 26, 2026 02:48 PM (2Ez/1)

74 Just as they come when purchased I put a piece of Sarah Ann wrap between the contacts until I need the light. - > Leaks, you know.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:48 PM (BFFcg)

75 Candles.
Posted by: wth

I have a couple 100 packs of tea lights. Each has its own metal cup so you can put them pretty much where you want w/o worrying about wax drips and they last for hours. Good enough to use as night lights.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 02:48 PM (/lPRQ)

76 Does it count in the utility company's calculations if I can only find the two foot long flashlights and none of the easy-to-carry
4-inch ones?

Posted by: JM in Illinois at April 26, 2026 02:49 PM (biEYB)

77 Great advances in small cell batteries over the years. I can remember leaky D cell batteries with a cork seal (Ray O Vac) from my youth and the horrible BA 30 battery from days in Vietnam. Recently bought a trio of small flashlights with many adjustments, and a couple packs of AAA batteries, good for 10 years storage.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 02:49 PM (gm9Sb)

78 73 Did someone say leaky?
Posted by: Creepy Joe Biden

That's my gig!

Posted by: Zombie Pat "Leaky" Leahy at April 26, 2026 02:51 PM (oftw2)

79
"Public Service" Electric & Gas

Heh.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 26, 2026 02:51 PM (RIvkX)

80 Hakeem (D)umbass is blathering on TV right now.
If I throw a brick at my TV is that a 1WP?
Posted by: wth

Kid Reporter Stumps Hakeem Jeffries With One Tough Question

https://tinyurl.com/mfmwypkc

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at April 26, 2026 02:52 PM (ndZc7)

81 We have multiple rechargeable nightlight/flashlights around house and garage. When power goes out we have fully charged flashlights. Also there is a flashlight readily available anywhere you find yourself, so when you need one, no need to search through drawers. Lastly, no stumbling onto or into things at night. The only place we don’t have one is bedroom so it stays dark at night. But there’s several high power flashlights at beside right next to firearms.

Posted by: epador at April 26, 2026 02:53 PM (W3wZE)

82 Did someone say leaky?
Posted by: Creepy Joe Biden
......

Has your butt been wiped?

Posted by: wth at April 26, 2026 02:54 PM (b3Yos)

83 On that snow blower, it's possible that you have an electric fuel cut of at the bottom of your float bowl.
Unscrew it and drain your carb.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:54 PM (BFFcg)

84 During a brief couple years as a cop I never carried a nightstick. Four D cell Maglight skull crusher for the win. And then, I only used it as a flashlight because I'm not into hitting people.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 02:55 PM (gm9Sb)

85 >>I keep and occasionally use led headlamp from harbor freight. Bright and reasonably long lasting

Great invention. I had a couple on the boat. Having free hands at night on the water comes in handy.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 02:55 PM (viF8m)

86 If I throw a brick at my TV is that a 1WP?
Posted by: wth
---

Be like Elvis, use your pistol.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 02:56 PM (BFFcg)

87 I have two very different LED "flashlights" on my desk right now. One is called a "button lamp", and is about the size of a stack of 4 half-dollars. Has a paddle switch, one LED, and a strong magnet on the back. Powered by two CR2032 cells, it looks like. It's considerably brighter than a single candle, and will illuminate my kitchen well enough for me to find things. I have used one for working under the dash of a car, and it is ideal for that.

The other is an old fluorescent hand lantern that I converted to use one of the elements from one of those "corn cob" high bay lights. The element runs on 18 volts, so I stuffed 12 D cells in the battery compartment, taping them together, and series connecting them by soldered-on wires. It will light an entire room quite well, about a hundred watt's worth of light.

Don't discard failed LED lamps or fixtures; usually it is the power supply that fails, and individual LED's or arrays can be salvaged and repurposed.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 02:58 PM (utfVc)

88 Would be assassins manifesto has been posted.

Posted by: JROD at April 26, 2026 03:00 PM (IlL6s)

89 If I throw a brick at my TV is that a 1WP?
Posted by: wth
------

In the old days of CRT tv's I had a suction cup dart pistol that I would occasionally loose.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:01 PM (XeU6L)

90 LED headlamps are a necessity for my work. And like Jack said, your hands are free for working.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 26, 2026 03:01 PM (jJdaW)

91 I have 2 hurricane lamps for power outages. Much better for long outages. And I love the olde-tymey routine of filling the oil and lighting the wick with a wooden match.

Posted by: Delurker at April 26, 2026 03:01 PM (gtcuf)

92 >>>During a brief couple years as a cop I never carried a nightstick. Four D cell Maglight skull crusher for the win. And then, I only used it as a flashlight because I'm not into hitting people.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door

>I got one of those for the girlfriend, but there were times when I thought she was gonna use it against me. Luckily it never happened.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:02 PM (Fbc0I)

93 When the power goes out, my husband and I make whoopee.

Posted by: Barney Fag at April 26, 2026 03:04 PM (sDJiP)

94 Would be assassins manifesto has been posted.
Posted by: JROD

Money Quote -
And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.

I have no idea where he would get those ideas....
/s

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:05 PM (/lPRQ)

95 Would be assassins manifesto has been posted.
Posted by: JROD
------

One can guess, without looking, the essence.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:06 PM (XeU6L)

96 "coat my hands with his crimes."

Who talks like that? He talks like a fag and his shit's all retarded.

Posted by: Delurker at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (gtcuf)

97 I have 2 hurricane lamps for power outages. Much better for long outages. And I love the olde-tymey routine of filling the oil and lighting the wick with a wooden match.

Posted by: Delurker
------

Alladin lamps.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (XeU6L)

98 I have a crapload of LED flashlights and lanterns around here. There's a flashlight in both vehicles, several strewn around the garage and a half dozen inside the house.

My wife has these little AAA powered fake candles too.

I've also got this little solar charger that once it gets enough sun, and charges for a day or two, can recharge small devices like phones. It'll charge like a phone with a USB too, so it's not totally useless when it's not sunny.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (jehhT)

99 I lived in a safe neighborhood in Boston. Never gave a thought to being out at all times of the night.

And one day a transformer at the Prudential Center blew up and the whole neigborhood lost power for 4 days. It's truly incredible how fast things go feral in a city.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (viF8m)

100 Don't discard failed LED lamps or fixtures; usually it is the power supply that fails, and individual LED's or arrays can be salvaged and repurposed.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

I have a yard light that decided to go into Strobe Light Mode after only a year. Rather dink with it or replace it I just turned it off.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (/lPRQ)

101 I have 2 hurricane lamps for power outages. Much better for long outages. And I love the olde-tymey routine of filling the oil and lighting the wick with a wooden match.

Posted by: Delurker at April 26, 2026 03:01 PM (gtcuf)

Coleman lanterns, too. Biggest drawback is that the mantles are fragile. Always burn in a new mantle outdoors! But they give a brilliant white light like a hundred-watt bulb.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (utfVc)

102 I have no idea where he would get those ideas....
/s

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:05 PM (/lPRQ)
====

That is the platform that California gubernatorial and congressional candidates are running on.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (RIvkX)

103 Are these people posting manifestos? Because anybody posting a manifesto should be monitored. Closely. Is that not a red flag?

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:09 PM (Fbc0I)

104 It has long been my policy that every top desk drawer, nightstand drawer, endtable drawer, top kitchen drawer and automobile glovebox contain a flashlight and a knife, two things that are rarely at hand when needed.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at April 26, 2026 03:10 PM (8ILPt)

105 Don't discard failed LED lamps or fixtures; usually it is the power supply that fails, and individual LED's or arrays can be salvaged and repurposed.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
------

I have two LED street lamps ,salvaged in the wake of Helene
. Would easily illumme my entire back yard.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:10 PM (XeU6L)

106 If you happen to live in an apartment, or maybe some house without a window in the bathroom a flashlight or one of those stick on LED lights is a must. You're sitting there, enjoying the dump, and the power goes out. Might not ever happen, but if it does.. Or, if you're in the shower, getting out in dark enough to develop film.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 03:11 PM (gm9Sb)

107 It has long been my policy that every top desk drawer, nightstand drawer, endtable drawer, top kitchen drawer and automobile glovebox contain a flashlight and a knife, two things that are rarely at hand when needed.
Posted by: Pennsyltucky

Then put lanyards on them and hang them like a necklace. Even when you shower or swim.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:11 PM (/lPRQ)

108 >>>The other is an old fluorescent hand lantern

Calls to mind a gift from dad, a Sears fluorescent light, one tube about 6" with a transitional bulb at the end. Hung that light in wife's foaling stall, perfect amount of light. That light participated in many a foal.

Took either 4 or 6 D batteries. Been a long time.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 03:11 PM (BFFcg)

109 101 Coleman lanterns, too. Biggest drawback is that the mantles are fragile. Always burn in a new mantle outdoors! But they give a brilliant white light like a hundred-watt bulb.

They're probably much easier to use now, but I grew up watching my dad use them back in the day on our hunting and fishing trips, and they always seemed to be too much work. The light was superior though, that's for sure! I do have a Coleman for hunting, fishing and camping but it's a battery-powered Coleman.

Posted by: Delurker at April 26, 2026 03:12 PM (gtcuf)

110 Are these people posting manifestos? Because anybody posting a manifesto should be monitored. Closely. Is that not a red flag?
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone
------------
He sent it in the last few minutes.

I assume that the FBI is all over this group, “The Wide Awakes”, that he belonged to.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:12 PM (XeU6L)

111 I, how you say, do some of my best work in the dark.

Posted by: The Paolo at April 26, 2026 03:12 PM (oftw2)

112 103 Are these people posting manifestos? Because anybody posting a manifesto should be monitored. Closely. Is that not a red flag?
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:09 PM (Fbc0I)

He released it to the Family right before the attack.. Or attempted attack

Posted by: It's me donna at April 26, 2026 03:13 PM (FtULh)

113 > Coleman lanterns, too. Biggest drawback is that the mantles are fragile. Always burn in a new mantle outdoors! But they give a brilliant white light like a hundred-watt bulb.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
----------
My kerosene heater is like that. You can use it indoors, with the proper kerosene, and a good mantle. Always crack a window too. Thing gets really hot.

We've used it a couple times during outages in winter, inside, while we're awake.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 03:13 PM (jehhT)

114 101 One of my Dad's most appreciated gifts was a Coleman lantern. Later in life I found out most WW2 vets really got to know and love them, being issued in all theaters.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 03:14 PM (gm9Sb)

115 Coleman lanterns, too. Biggest drawback is that the mantles are fragile. Always burn in a new mantle outdoors! But they give a brilliant white light like a hundred-watt bulb.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 03:07 PM (utfVc)
All those mantles will be blown away like dust in the wind. Time to be in the dark.

Posted by: Eromero at April 26, 2026 03:14 PM (LHPAg)

116 You're sitting there, enjoying the dump, and the power goes out. Might not ever happen, but if it does.. Or, if you're in the shower, getting out in dark enough to develop film.
Posted by: bill in arkansas

Knew this building where the men's room had one WC. It was at then end of this very deep stall, easily 10 feet. The room had motion detector lights.
I am sure many people got stuck in cave like darkness if it took too long to take care of business.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:15 PM (/lPRQ)

117 Took either 4 or 6 D batteries. Been a long time.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 03:11 PM (BFFcg)

Yep. The "Ur-switching power supply", a 2-transistor oscillator built around a step-up transformer.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2026 03:16 PM (utfVc)

118 I barely touch my flashlights anymore, since I discovered the wonder of headlamps. After buying a cheap one that broke almost immediately, I invested in a Thrunight aircraft-grade titanium headlamp and that thing rocks, and is practically indestructible.

Posted by: Delurker at April 26, 2026 03:16 PM (gtcuf)

119 I assume that the FBI is all over this group, “The Wide Awakes”, that he belonged to.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:12 PM (XeU6L)

The Wide Awakes were a youth wing of the Republican party for the 1860 election

Posted by: Kindltot at April 26, 2026 03:16 PM (rbvCR)

120 Calls to mind a gift from dad, a Sears fluorescent light, one tube about 6" with a transitional bulb at the end. Hung that light in wife's foaling stall, perfect amount of light. That light participated in many a foal.

Took either 4 or 6 D batteries. Been a long time
Posted by: Braenyard

The wife's foaling ?

It is unclear what that is.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:17 PM (/lPRQ)

121 I, how you say, do some of my best work in the dark.

Posted by: The Paolo at April 26, 2026 03:12 PM (oftw2)

With a fleshlight?

Posted by: Emily Litella at April 26, 2026 03:17 PM (n9ltV)

122 >>>I do have a Coleman for hunting, fishing and camping but it's a battery-powered Coleman.

Posted by: Delurker

>Propane lanterns are kickass. And you feel the glow. Like a heater in your shelter.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:18 PM (Fbc0I)

123 >Propane lanterns are kickass. And you feel the glow. Like a heater in your shelter.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:18 PM (Fbc0I)

I wholeheartedly endorse this comment.

Posted by: Hank Hill at April 26, 2026 03:20 PM (PiwSw)

124 Somebody up above mentioned candles. Still the best emergency lighting, and in an enclosed space a bit of heat. Had the misfortune to go to Fort Drum for a bit of cold weather training to pass on to others, and it's amazing what a candle can do in a shelter half for taking off the chill.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 03:20 PM (gm9Sb)

125 We learned long ago that the better prepared we are for a bad situation the less likely it is to happen. It's a strong inverse correlation. Lay in food and other supplies for bad weather forecasted, usually ends up being a dud. The more flashlights and other lighting methods we have, the rarer we need them. (One side benefit is learning that beeswax candles are the best.)

And never a thank you from neighbors that we single handedly averted disasters for the area.

Posted by: JTB at April 26, 2026 03:22 PM (yTvNw)

126 Candles all over here, have oil lamps as well

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 03:23 PM (Ia/+0)

127 I love the handy, postcard sized, flat 12-LED flashlight but I keep in my glove box. Stands up, shines bright as day, doesn't lose its charge

Posted by: JM in Illinois at April 26, 2026 03:24 PM (D/9SZ)

128 Are you a flashaholic? If you suffer flashlight deficiency anxiety, check with your doctor.

Posted by: Socratease at April 26, 2026 03:25 PM (YgfoU)

129 Yup. Had giant camping lanterns and loads of flashlights but they've all but vanished. I, too, suspect brat borrowing, if not outright thievery. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Now, Harbor Freight small pop-up lanterns for every room in the house, the basement and shed. They're inexpensive, non intrusive & can hang, and the bonus is the brats now live far enough away they'll usually call before appearing.

Posted by: L - No nic, another funecday at April 26, 2026 03:26 PM (NFX2v)

130 The red and green crystals in my neighbor's pylon give off a nice bright light when you put them in contact with each other.

Posted by: Will Marshall at April 26, 2026 03:26 PM (nqEzG)

131 91 I have 2 hurricane lamps for power outages. Much better for long outages. And I love the olde-tymey routine of filling the oil and lighting the wick with a wooden match.

Posted by: Delurker
---

Those lamps work much better if you don't live too far south.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 03:28 PM (BFFcg)

132 The only solution is to throw out the flashlights, buy some oil lamls, go catch a whale, slaughter it for oil, and voila! Light!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 26, 2026 03:28 PM (2WIwB)

133 Tiki torches. Gets attention.

The Southern Poverty Law Center office of Funding

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 26, 2026 03:29 PM (gm9Sb)

134 Knew this building where the men's room had one WC. It was at then end of this very deep stall, easily 10 feet. The room had motion detector lights.
I am sure many people got stuck in cave like darkness if it took too long to take care of business.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 26, 2026 03:15 PM (/lPRQ)

So...no reading the sports section.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 26, 2026 03:31 PM (2WIwB)

135 The wife's foaling ?

It is unclear what that is.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher
---

The horses were her's the bills were mine.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 03:31 PM (BFFcg)

136 There are also power outage LED light bulbs, often rechargeable, that can be unscrewed from a fixture & used independently as flashlights.

Flashlight bulbs

Posted by: L - No nic, another funecday at April 26, 2026 03:32 PM (NFX2v)

137 >>I assume that the FBI is all over this group, “The Wide Awakes”, that he belonged to.

If things proceed in Florida as we hope I expect political violence to increase. Powerful people are being exposed and there is an army of pyschopaths on the left waiting for someone to flip a switch.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:32 PM (viF8m)

138 OT: i learned on CNN that Trump staged this to get his secure, new ballroom.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at April 26, 2026 03:34 PM (D/9SZ)

139 CNN SUCKS.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at April 26, 2026 03:34 PM (D/9SZ)

140 🤬 cell phone

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at April 26, 2026 03:34 PM (NFX2v)

141 Kristol Blue Persuasion.

Bill Kristol
@BillKristol
Those of us in the pro-democracy movement can and should hold both of these positions.

1. We unequivocally reject violence.

2. We will unequivocally oppose efforts by this administration to use last night as an excuse to try to suppress criticism and criminalize dissent.

-
You're having a little trouble with step one.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at April 26, 2026 03:36 PM (ndZc7)

142 >>OT: i learned on CNN that Trump staged this to get his secure, new ballroom.

Nice of the Secret Service agent to take a shot to the chest to help sell the hoax.

I repeat, an army of psychopaths.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:36 PM (viF8m)

143 You can't H8the Propaganda Ministry enough

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 03:36 PM (Ia/+0)

144 If things proceed in Florida as we hope I expect political violence to increase. Powerful people are being exposed and there is an army of pyschopaths on the left waiting for someone to flip a switch.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:32 PM (viF8m)
=====

*stamps on accelerator*

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 26, 2026 03:37 PM (RIvkX)

145 So I have been playing on Facebook and the left is in full foaming at the mouth mode.
Some clearly want us dead and are chomping at the bit.
Others are insisting it was staged for various reasons.
And there is the usual ones claiming that studies prove most political violence is from the right.

Posted by: Erebus- Ex Killer Whale at April 26, 2026 03:37 PM (I9mVp)

146 A first world problem with a third world solution.

Posted by: a torch at April 26, 2026 03:37 PM (vFG9F)

147 Bill Kristol
@BillKristol
Those of us in the pro-democracy movement can and should hold both of these positions.

1. We unequivocally reject violence.

2. We will unequivocally oppose efforts by this administration to use last night as an excuse to try to suppress criticism and criminalize dissent.

-
You're having a little trouble with step one.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at April 26, 2026 03:36 PM (ndZc7)

***

Somebody else with the lights not on very bright.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 26, 2026 03:39 PM (2WIwB)

148
We have two 7800 watt dual-fuel generators, a 3500 watt and an 1800 watt, plus the 4000 watt RV generator to slave off. There's a transfer panel with circuits for the AC or furnace, well, septic and refrigerator.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 26, 2026 03:39 PM (tgvbd)

149 A couple weeks ago I mentioned my FWP was a seized tie rod on my tractor. I had a local shop pick it up and deal with it after I threw out my back messing with it. Anyway, I get the tractor back... and a $40 refund!

I've never gotten a refund on outsourced work. Ever.

First World Problem - negated.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 26, 2026 03:39 PM (jehhT)

150
My Z355E mower appears to have a dirty carburetor. I got it to run on choke, but it conks out at full power. Another pain in the patoot.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 26, 2026 03:41 PM (tgvbd)

151 We have two 7800 watt dual-fuel generators, a 3500 watt and an 1800 watt, plus the 4000 watt RV generator to slave off. There's a transfer panel with circuits for the AC or furnace, well, septic and refrigerator.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

Plan, Plot, Plan, some more. You never know what's coming next.

Posted by: Lightning Down Your Chim-o-lee at April 26, 2026 03:42 PM (oftw2)

152 My FWP. I share a birthday with Mrs Trump.
I wish her the happiest of birthdays, but the dang media keep ringing my doorbell. Wrong Washington boys.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 26, 2026 03:42 PM (2WIwB)

153
And there is the usual ones claiming that studies prove most political violence is from the right.

Posted by: Erebus- Ex Killer Whale at April 26, 2026 03:37 PM (I9mVp)

___________

About 90% of that is the Aryan Brotherhood and the Mexican Mafia knifing each other in prison.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 26, 2026 03:43 PM (tgvbd)

154 >>My FWP. I share a birthday with Mrs Trump.

Happy Birthday!

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:44 PM (viF8m)

155
Posted by: Lightning Down Your Chim-o-lee at April 26, 2026 03:42 PM (oftw2)

___________

Had that too. Blew a foot-wide hole in the floor in front of the fireplace and ran along the gas line to the dryer, setting off a fire.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 26, 2026 03:45 PM (tgvbd)

156 And there is the usual ones claiming that studies prove most political violence is from the right.

Posted by: Erebus- Ex Killer Whale

From the right of Chairman Mao

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at April 26, 2026 03:47 PM (ndZc7)

157 My garage door surround was placed with concrete board. The electrician stripped the screws for my garage remote opener, which not longer works and I caned get the striped s crew heads our to replace.

Life is hard for us first world.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at April 26, 2026 03:49 PM (wBaIH)

158 147 Bill Kristol
@BillKristol
Those of us in the pro-democracy movement can and should hold both of these positions.

1. We unequivocally reject violence.

2. We will unequivocally oppose efforts by this administration to use last night as an excuse to try to suppress criticism and criminalize dissent.

Dissent ? Like trying to shoot and kill the President and all his administration because you disagree with it ?

Posted by: It's me donna at April 26, 2026 03:51 PM (FtULh)

159 For you music lovers. One of the greatest session players of all time.

https://thesessionmanfilm.com

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 03:51 PM (viF8m)

160 =====

*stamps on accelerator*
Posted by: San Franpsycho
---

You and Willie Nelson

youtube.com/watch?v=YPEItWz_nlE

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 03:51 PM (QDnZ7)

161 Bill Kristol is a mid-wit nepot who never had an original thought, other than, "Gee, since I have no political philosophy of my own, I'll be Never-Trump and scam some of the rubes!"

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2026 03:52 PM (n9ltV)

162 Somebody up above mentioned candles. Still the best emergency lighting, and in an enclosed space a bit of heat. Had the misfortune to go to Fort Drum for a bit of cold weather training to pass on to others, and it's amazing what a candle can do in a shelter half for taking off the chill.
Posted by: bill in arkansas
--------

I endorse this. The sundry electrical means assume that those stored batteries are good, or if rechargeble that you have a means of doing so. Nine hour candle lanterns,and a supply of candles, are always there. I have two of these
(and a supply of candles) from my camping days.
https://shorturl.at/ZHOp0

Sooner or later, fuel/electricity (I'll throw in here, water, and food) and their availability runs out. My experience with Helene merely reinforced my thoughts about emergency provisions.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 03:53 PM (XeU6L)

163 Mike Lee
@BasedMikeLee

Jimmy Kimmel revels in calling Melania Trump an “expectant widow”

Not cool

[video]

https://is.gd/XYyFlJ

[Context per Brave AI:] Jimmy Kimmel mocked Melania Trump as an "expectant widow" during a parody of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 24, 2026, just days before the actual event was disrupted by a shooting at the Washington Hilton."]

Posted by: ShainS at April 26, 2026 03:54 PM (15tcM)

164 Re CPAP: I bought an accessory power cord for my Resmed CPAP that powers it from a 12v marine battery. I have 2 such batteries on hand, always charged (one is for my trailer, one for the backup sump pump). Haven't had to use it yet, since the act of buying it means that I won't have another power outage, but I like to be prepared for anything. Cost me about $90.

Posted by: The Neon Madman at April 26, 2026 03:57 PM (yNfcm)

165 Another attempt on President Trump and Bill worties about stifled information. most likely from Leftists.

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 03:58 PM (Ia/+0)

166
1. We unequivocally reject violence unless it works.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 26, 2026 03:58 PM (tgvbd)

167 Jackstraw, Happiest of Birthdays. I raise a glass to you.

Posted by: Bob Ben Had at April 26, 2026 03:59 PM (Cif43)

168 When the lights go out, I have two propane lanterns that will light any room brilliantly. But you have to recirculate the air so the carbon monoxide doesn't gag you out. Same with the portable grill I have for tailgating. The generator is sporty but that's for refrig. and accessories.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at April 26, 2026 03:59 PM (Fbc0I)

169 Jackstraw

Yes...Happy Birthday

Posted by: It's me donna at April 26, 2026 03:59 PM (FtULh)

170 1. We unequivocally reject violence.

2. We will unequivocally oppose efforts by this administration to use last night as an excuse to try to suppress criticism and criminalize dissent.
-----------
Uh...you and your ilk are, and have been, promoting violence. Statement 1 is merely gross rationaliztion to deflect from that reality.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2026 04:00 PM (XeU6L)

171 >>Jackstraw, Happiest of Birthdays. I raise a glass to you.

Not me, Ben Had. Diogenes.

I don't have birthdays anymore.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 26, 2026 04:00 PM (viF8m)

172 163 Mike Lee
@BasedMikeLee

Jimmy Kimmel revels in calling Melania Trump an “expectant widow”
---

They make dungeons for people like this.
Why are they allowed out of them?

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 04:00 PM (QDnZ7)

173 FOODIE NOODIE TIME

Posted by: Skip at April 26, 2026 04:01 PM (Ia/+0)

174 4 I spent a chunk of time today using a siphon to get the gas out of my snowblower.

I had a cheap bulb one and it took quite a while to do.

And its funny standing at the store looking at the products the cheapest product looks so good...I mean I am only going to use it like twice a year.

But...then using it I did wish I bought the more pricey one
Posted by: 18-1 at April 26, 2026 02:03 PM (sKqQm)

There are some things where the cheapest is fine, like the "pen" "stem" tire pressure gauges. Why isn't there one in the glovebox? It's a mystery, and a sign that you need another one, since they're obviously getting used.

Then there are other things where they look good in theory and you should never get one, because if you do, you will find out that there are already two in the drawer that you forgot about because they're actually awful to use and so you never do. Like the garlic press with two handles for squeezing it through a grate. Ugh.

Posted by: SciVo at April 26, 2026 04:04 PM (Sy6m/)

175 What a coincidence! Power went out last night more than an hour after we heard an explosion somewhere east of us. Fortunately, I had just charged my phone.

In the morning, we got a call from PG&E telling us that we would get a call about an "unplanned outage" (that was already over). And we did. They turned off the power, probably to fix whatever caused the explosion.

Anyway, one of our printers went wonky when the power went back on and the ice maker in the fridge has not recovered yet. Fortunately, we didn't need to re-start the router, which is a pain.

Posted by: KT at April 26, 2026 04:05 PM (7vIsy)

176 JackStraw, well I'm either early or late for your birthday but the sentiment is still the same.

Posted by: Bob Ben Had at April 26, 2026 04:11 PM (Cif43)

177 It's not Jack it's Diogenes.

K.T. if you use battery power tools more than likely your brand has a power port. It allows you to use your tool battery to charge your phone and note pad. Ryobi's has two ports.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 26, 2026 04:47 PM (QDnZ7)

178 Having once worked for PSE&G for twelve years I can assure you you have nothing to worry about in terms of surveillance. I always found it remarkable that they could keep the lights on.

Posted by: Flakey Foont at April 26, 2026 05:07 PM (kvDvI)

179 Jimmy Kimmel revels in calling Melania Trump an “expectant widow”
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They make dungeons for people like this.
Why are they allowed out of them?
Posted by: Braenyard

with a ball gag, blowtorch, and a pair of pliers

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at April 26, 2026 05:09 PM (Kouze)

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