Ocearch "Mary Lee' Great White Shark Tracking-Update

#Ocearch #GreatWhiteshark "Mary Lee" Update.
Well Mary Lee surprised many by making her way up a local bay in Queen Sound, Virginia ( Chincoteague area) recently May 5th. Now she is about 20 miles off into the ocean. Waters in the bay there max 30 feet deep but filled with all kinds of good fish food for her.
According to Maggie from #CaptainBob'sMarina no one has any idea why she is in the area. No one has seen here but her pings are indicative of her presence. No specific offshore species like yellowfin nor bluefin in that area either. So, other than the 64-66 degree temps which is the normal good sharking degree water, no one has come forth with a reason for her working it here.
If you do, let me know.
Here is shot of the Queen Sound bridge. Just like any other tidal bay area, Imaging seeing here in this water. Yow!
See here entire pinging/tracking below. Pretty cool Mother nature

Weather: Forecast, Prediction or Fortune telling?

The art of Fortune telling or ‪#‎Weatherforecasts‬!

‪#‎Forecasting‬ is an extrapolation of past into the future while prediction is judgmental and takes into account changes taking place in the future. Therefore, ‪#‎prediction‬ is utilized more in business and economics while forecasting takes place in weather and earthquakes.

Unless you believe in Ancient priest idolatry, glass balls or witch doctors, take all predictions and forecasts with a skeptical eye and understand That Nature has her own way when she finally gets down to it.

Example of snow tomorrow night: ” said the National Weather Service’s New York office in Upton of Sunday night and Monday. ”Highest across southern CT and lower Hudson Valley...lowest across Long Island. However...these specific snow amounts are uncertain and the confidence level is around 40-45 percent...the higher percentage being across the interior zones.”

Feel better now? Me, I like the crystal ball.

Meeting Neil Young

Neil Young fans only!
The picture of Neil is fuzzy, much like my memories of the past years.
I had chance to spend a few minutes with him and Daryl Hannah as they passed by NY enroute from Iceland to LA.

Have to say that ‪#‎NeilYoung‬ has held onto his 60’s laid back demeanor and dress more than most icons of those days but remains trending with his new ‪#‎PONO‬ music file format.. Other than a sporty pork pie hat, he wore a sweater, short sleeved tee shirt and has mutton chops like Martin Van Buren.
I mentioned to him that the last time I saw him and CSN at ‪#‎Woodstock‬. He looked at me and said “you haven’t changed”. LOL. I asked him did he enjoy it, and he replied “ it was OK”. “ Did you spent all days there” he asked. Told him I spent 2 days in mud and living in a Teepee. He laughed.
Neil carried his threadbare guitar case and burlap bag and couple of large duffels with personal stuff. Daryl and he held hands as they strolled to the security checkpoint where he refused a scanner and prefered a pat down. Daryl was [protective of him and looked cute in her stocking feet and black Indian-like dress. Not much like the Mermaid in ‪#‎Splash‬ back in the 80’s. Both were busy hydrating themselves with bottled water before entering TSA territory.
Neil commented that “They love” ‪#‎Iceland‬ where he has done a couple of concerts. According to him, “It is very clean and no crime.” He repeated the clean part twice!
There was one Failed moment. He did not want to do a ‪#‎selfie‬ with me! “Don’t do photos” he said decisively.
I held my hands high” Don’t shoot” I thought.
Oh well, “Bummer” as we used to say. I think that is what we used to say. Like I mentioned all a bit fuzzy!

Goodbye to DiRobertis-Village Oldie

Just read today that 110 yr East Village old bakery #dirobertis is leaving us. Apparently the dollar equivalent of 6 million cannolis was just too much dough to turn down. I understand the cash out after soon many espressos, baba rums and delectable were served in their white tiled floors to then of thousands of visitors. I myself used to stop by after a night at the #Electric Circus or #FilmoreEast shows. I imagine there were many nights of early career discussions at a wooden table sipping coffee with #bobdinero and #martyscorsese. Singers as #thefugs #bobDylan and writers #alanginsberg probably sat and contemplated their ideas, songs and existentialism in the tiny sitting room. Not to mention mayors #Lindsay and #koch.

The is just another vanishing piece of important NYC history that will be missed.

Nothing against other cafes but the original and simple ambiance is disappearing rapidly under continued gentrification.  So be it. I wish the family well and thank them for being there for all the important times of my life. 

Not Looking Forward to Possible Last Big Winter Blast!

It is the Winter of 2014 that seems that will never go away!
This feeling of oppression is being felt from many of us living in the Mid-Atlantic region from inland to the coast.
We seem to have forgotten the cold winters of our childhood or that of our parents. Perhaps they were exaggerated but this past winter is one they compare to the "ole" days.

Just as the crocus have begin to appear after fighting off the layers of blankets of snow it appears possible that will be hit with one very big storm midweek. I hear the groans of friends from miles away, on Facebook and Twitter all praying for a pass.

Image courtesy weatherbell.com

 We shall see but here are some images and forecasts as of Sunday Noon, March 23.
Of particular note is the marine forecast. This Hudson Canyon area is where the 44066/Texas Tower Buoy is located. It has broken loose 2x before after only being in the water for 3 years. We'll have to see how it fares during the offshore barrage. It is also the area where in 1961 a major Nor'easter bashed and sunk the Texas Tower early warning system taking 28 seamen down to Davey Jones locker along with it. Hence the tribute to it along with the buoy number 44066.

This is also the are where thousands of us recreational anglers go during the season to catch tuna, swordfish, mahi, wahoo and marlin. Gives me chills just to think of the weather that might hit this area and envisioning us being tossed and over-washed in our small boat if we were out there.

 HUDSON CANYON TO BALTIMORE CANYON INCLUDING THE WATERS W OF 39.3N
 71.9W...SW TO 37.7N 72.9W-

TONIGHT
 N WINDS 20 TO 25 KT. SEAS 4 TO 7 FT...HIGHEST SE.
 CHANCE OF SNOW. LIGHT FREEZING SPRAY AFTER MIDNIGHT.

 MON
 N WINDS 15 TO 25 KT...DIMINISHING TO W TO NW 5 TO 15 KT IN
 THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 4 TO 8 FT...SUBSIDING TO 3 TO 6 FT...HIGHEST
 SE. LIGHT FREEZING SPRAY EARLY IN THE MORNING.

 MON NIGHT
 VARIABLE WINDS LESS THAN 10 KT...BECOMING S TO SW
 AFTER MIDNIGHT. SEAS SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FT.

 TUE
 SE WINDS 10 TO 20 KT...BECOMING N AND INCREASING TO 30 TO
 40 KT LATE. SEAS 1 TO 3 FT...BUILDING TO 7 TO 13 FT LATE...
 HIGHEST E.

 WED
 NW WINDS 30 TO 40 KT...DIMINISHING TO 20 TO 30 KT IN THE
 EVENING. SEAS SUBSIDING TO 5 TO 10 FT LATE...HIGHEST E.

 THU
 W TO NW WINDS DIMINISHING TO 10 TO 15 KT...THEN BECOMING S
 TO SW 15 TO 20 KT IN THE EVENING. SEAS SUBSIDING TO 3 TO 6 FT.

If you would like to follow the waves and seas forecast and ocean data goto:

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=44066

 Scroll down to see almost real time activity. Pray that the data continues 

to stream., If it stops, then something bad has happened to the buoy!  Another buoy to

to watch is 44017 located off Montalk Point. Just type in that number in the box in the 

upper left of the page. Updated weather forecasts are also on each of the buoy pages.

Having said all this, it is possible that this storm will barely miss us and 

instead bring sold cold weather and maybe some flurries.

But that would be a welcome alternative.

Be safe, stay warm and see you on the other side!

I am looking forward to this instead:

You can also engage with me on Twitter @bigmahi 

$8 Tax Credit on ACA #Obamacare

How is everyone doing with signing up for #aca #obamacare? Deadline extended through Tuesday. Got mine done. Really not bad. Not much different from before. Best part are the limit of features that gave insurance companies way too much discretion in allowing coverage. I chose #HealthRepublic in NY. It was a bit of hassle with NY Gov website that did not allow me to proceed even though I had completed info. I had to go on a couple of times to complete it. The website for NY is not that easy and not forgiving. But then again, what bureaucratic site is.Apparently an edit confused it and I was not able to see plans.  I was on hold for more than an hour. But a very nice, helpful woman in support spent time with me and supervisor on phone to correct the glitch in the programming on my particular instance.  Then came the daunting effort to go through Gold, Silver, Platinum and Bronze plan choices. I spend about an hour comparing, re-comparing then finally choosing a compromise between cost and coverage. In my income bracket I was able to get financial aid of $8 per month! Hmm, not the credit I was expecting nor the affordable premium I was expecting but then again no worse than before. I was told that I could change plans if I did so BEFORE paying the first premium. Thank you. Can't imagine the stress they are experiencing today.

I really don't invite ranting over this program. It is what it is. Yes some wealthier people may have to spend more but I am sure they will find other tax loopholes to make it a wash. I hope all of you are able to get it done.

Veteran's Day Commemoration to 28 Men Lost Aboard Texas Tower 4

Veteran's Day. It is great to see how many people are celebrating this day with posts on Facebook and Twitter. Many are showing photos of loved ones, alive and deceased. Many are grainy images 50 years old. Many show youthful faces filled with smiles. Now so many are old, faces creased with memories both wonderful and sad. My tribute goes to the 28 men aboard the Texas Tower 4 who perished mmiserably in the tower collapse in a horrible winter Nor'Easter 75 miles SE o f NY Harbor.
TT4 was the closest of (3) offshore Defense Early Warning System (DEWS) structures located along the Mid-Atlantic coast. It was crippled from the start with a bad third leg which was repaired a few times but ultimately failed during a horrible Nor’easter on January 15, 1961. This unique structure was initially deployed to watch the skies for a surprise Russian invasion and to offer the mainland an early warning of potential invasion.
It was a horrible storm. Calls for help were made but were unable to be answered due to the severity of the winds and waves. One minute the radio aboard was transmitting then all of a sudden it wend dead. Waves had toppled the massive structure and all men went down. Buried withing the mound of decaying structure on the ocean bottom, the remains of these men rest.
In 2009, the National Weather Service along with the NDBC positioned a 24/7 weather buoy not miles away from the disaster and co-named it the 44066/ Texas Tower 4 in memory of these men and their service to their country. This buoy sent continuous data to the NWS in providing regular ocean forecasts
To read more about this DEWS system and the history of our offshore security see the links below.
Thank you to the men who gave their lives to this country in such a unique and sad way.
Thanks to the USCG and Capt. Kennedy for proactively performing the ceremony of deploying this buoy.

This buoy honors these men who served their country in the early moments of Homeland Security”.

-http://youtu.be/hzUQwy7bhjo

  Weather Buoy Dedication aboard USCG Cutter Elm 

Additional Information

 http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=44066

-http://texastower.com/

-http://www.radomes.org/museum/documents/TexasTower.html

-http://www.cgi2you.com/members/message/texastowerassoc/45.shtml

-http://museumofnjmh.org/texastowerpresentation.html   (NJ)

-http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-jersey/1433047-texas-tower-4-a.html (NJ)

-http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/pres-obama-officially-recognizes-fallen-men-texas-tower-4-a-1210018.html

Barefoot Surfcasting in November

Gotta love it! Nov 1, barefoot and in shorts surfcasting. After a great morning of getting a couple of stripers, Doug and I spotted a sh*t load of birds was in the distance. Like cowboys we saddled up on the bikes, surf rods in hand, and headed West. After a grueling fast ride we parked the bikes then spied the birds another 3 blocks down the beach. Huffing and laughing we reached the birds which were feeding on nothing! Normally they find the fish. In this case the jerked us around and we casted for 30 mins without a bite. But, the sky was amazing and the clarity piercing. Totally skunked we biked up and rode back in the shadow of the trees all the while smiling and grimacing at our freezing toes. Back at the house we laughed again and joked about finding our youth again. Like a couple of teenagers we were drawn by inspiration and adventure. As far as I am concerned, got to have passion and inspiration, no matter how trivial, in your life. Grasp it, struggle with it and let it take you away-just like that nice striper did last week! Gotta love it.

 

A $1500 Mistake-Never Again!

A $1500 mistake. Never Again.

The fog was pretty thick as we made our way under the Ponquogue Bridge 3:35 am Saturday morning. Our tuna target area was the shelf between the Fishtails and W. Atlantis. Why? Because the reports have been sketchy, scattered and few over the past several days. Cold 66 degree water was spread out from Montauk to the Hudson so why work that water. Bossman decided to look at the leading edge of the new water coming in from the East, and besides it was 20 miles closer that the Hudson. For a day trip that is two hours of fishing time. Rather have that window fishing than running.

So, we motored slowly from Shinnecock Inlet towards the edge and what seemed like an eternity we finally got daylight and opened her up.

We reached 66 degree water, which was surprisingly blue many miles before the temp break of 71 degrees. So, with all hands eager to get to work we deployed the spread and hoped for a quick blast. Minutes past but nothing. We wondered if we made a good choice since nothing came tight and not one boat is sight. As we began to share disappointing thoughts, bam, outrigger goes off. Two LF on, one brought to the boat. Seemed like a nice fish. However, a lot smaller when gaffed. Decent longfin. I forgot that every time we go out, the first fish always feels like twice the size! But hey, the skunk was off, and we cheered up immediately.

After trolling the area for a while nothing else happened so we decided to work SSE to deeper water. The temp began to rise and soon we were in the 71 degree zone. Shortly we get a three banger. Lots of Chinese drill maneuver s and we got deck cleared and landed a couple more LF. Within minutes we have deck sprayed clean and once again deploy lines. We are now marking nice fish at 450 feet. Damn, are these bigeyes? Got to get them up we all agree. Captain Stan is doing the Barta bigeye dance, gunning and slowing and making “S’ turns to engage these deep marauders. Nothing. OK, we begin to swear at the sea gods and we are not getting one fish to zoom to the surface lures. All of a sudden we get another three banger. Port side one fish; starboard side 2 fish on. Starboard fish one unbuttons. The all of a sudden like a hand from heaven the shotgun rod is lifted clear out of the holder and flies up to the outrigger. Both Stan and I watch with our mouths open as it pauses for a second 15 feet high in mid air then makes a quick huge splash and disappears into the blue off the stern of the boat. WTF! Bossman starts to swear like a pirate and we all are in a startled state of mind. Wow. Never saw that coming. But we did not have more than a minute to brood but continued to bring in lines from the port side and get in the remaining fish. With speed we rushed and got the albie into the boat but damn, that bar is tangled with another bar. Where did that happen? That can happened when trolling 10 bars when fish hit. But we want to both forget the loss of the $1500 rod and reel and focus on getting the lines back in. But first we have to hand line in the rest of the mono from the other tangled bar. Hand-over-hand Nick and Brian bring in the line but then Bossman takes over. He thinks there may be a fish on the other end. Wrong. As he pulls the end of the line closer we see color. Gold. Yes Gold. The color of the International 80 that went for a swim minutes earlier. Can you believe it? No lie. There was the jettisoned rod at the end of the other bar! How the hell did that happen? Well, you can imagine the yelps of surprise and awe and we could not believe it. That was certainly going to be the best catch of the day.

So, we again got to work, and got another three hook-up. Landed one; lost another and had the third one on. As I said, they always seem bigger. And this one was. I had to shot of taking her in from the rear rod holder. After 10 minutes of a good fight, well.. you can imagine the rest. Tell you that story another time.

Anyway, trip ended 5/10 on LF to 40lbs. Great 37 knot fast ride home and we all laughed, and busted chops on a great day on the water with Ed, Stan, Breadman, Brian, Nick and myself.

Moral of story. You got it. Use safety lines. You never can tell what will happen out there. Don’t assume you will luck out like we did. Tight lines!

Finally a One-Stop Site for Mid-Atlantic Ocean Buoy Observations and Weather Conditions

Years ago I got involved with a group call Macoora, now called Maracoos.org. It is a part of NOAA under IOOS whose mission is to provide regional ocean observations. The mission was broad and it was up to the regional partners, including Rutgers, Stevens, UDelaware,UConn, Dartmouth, Monmouth and many others educational, private institutions and the public to determine informational needs for the various stakeholders in the Mid-Atlantic region.
I got involved as a stakeholder for recreational fishing fighting for a needed offshore buoy 6 years ago.
Through incredible luck and government cooperation we were able to get the 44066/Texas Tower 4 buoy in place which was sort of a miracle since it involved so many different government and public interests but our resolve prevailed.
Another important identified need was to have a one site place where anglers could get a good view of all sea conditions that the NDBC and other buoys provide. The idea was to have one place for information rather than having to jump from site to site or page to page.
I am happy to report that now that site exists due to the efforts of many top educators, and computer geeks gathered together under the umbrella of Maracoos. This is a public site, is free and provides excellent and simple to use point and click functions. To begin, you goto http://mymaracoos.org/fish/ Start by clicking on Buoys and Stations and you can see real time conditions from buoys all along the east coast.
From there you can take you time to discover the goodies which this site offers.
Feel free to email me your comments which I will relay to the developer.
A lot of time and resources over the past two years was put it making this right for us ocean going enthusiasts.
A big round of applause goes to Maracoos team that has put together a really valuable tool for us anglers, and all mariners who transit the Mid-Atlantic.
Hope you enjoy this service.
( Right now the NDBC operates normally. Hopefully all the behind the scenes governmental support will not affect this during this time of sequestration maneuvers)

Bigmahi

Coimbra Bluefin July 2013

So far it has been a very slow tuna season off of Long Island.
No eddys to bring YF in and the bluefin have stayed way south out of range.
Until now...
The Boss III had enough of sitting at the dock and as soon as it was possible made it to the Coimbra area Saturday. Expectations were both high and low-high because of all the fish caught over the past week and low because the hot runs always peter out, and especially on the weekends!
Boss Ed had visualized the spread for days with each bar and bally strategically located. Always good to have a plan A, and B while fishing.
The hour run from Shinnecock was a welcome change to the 4 hr runs to the deep Hudson, and the fishing has been great for at least 2 weeks as you all have heard.
We dropped lines 2 miles short of the wreck area and withing 30 mins had a screaming run off- the kind we all do now and then. This fish was slowly dumping a 70VS by the time all our lines were cleared. I jumped on the fish, got a belt on and locked in to the chocks. This fish was a NICE one I could not stop the run, was afraid to increase the drag too much so let it tire out. 10 mins later I had to drop into low gear just to gain a bit on her.
Slowly reeling her in while keeping her nice and tight, I thought I had her close to the boat. Could not see color but the angle looked good do as I continued to steadily put on
pressure. I shouted to the captain to go into neutral and kept her tight.The whole crew was mesmerized by the strength of the fish and fantasized about the behemoth to soon be brought aboard. We were all amazed at our luck at getting a big fish so early.A few minutes later I thought the fish had decided to turn towards the boat since the pressure had let up. Like a swordfish, I reeled as quickly as I could. To my surprise I realized that more than half the reel line was still out there. I reeled faster and faster hoping to beat the fish to the boat. However, to no avail. You know the rest. Got the bar to the boat and half way between the hook bait and first squid was a cut in the line! Damn, we had heard from others similar stories but this one did not enter our minds. So, we all dropped our heads in frustration. Our shot at a monster was over for the morning.
Long story short we trolled all day in 69 degree water and watched boats here and there fighting fish. Based on our three friends out there and others, it seemed we were all consigned one decent bluefin for our 8 hour trolling efforts.We were lucky to get one 9lb mahi and a 52" BF we figured was a good 74 lbs.
I give kudos to Boss Ed, Capt Stan, Nick, Greg for the great team effort in running the boat and lines and nice gaff shot by Matt.
It is always good to fish on the Boss, and thanks for the hospitality.
JOIN OUR GOOGLE + circle. Go to Saltwater Angling and post your own comments etc.

Pledge Against Violence

I am posting for my dad who is 90 and wishing to join with other in the effort to end violence.

The Pledge Against Violence:

I pledge that I will not do anything physically harmful to any one around me.
i pledge I will not commit any hurtful or violent act for any possible reason.
Some ideas to hurt others may feel great and exciting and compelling, but they are not right.
It cannot be right to get revenge on blameless children and adults in violent action. I must have the strength and courage to resist these urges.
I pledge I will not act on them, instead i will talk with a person that i respect to share these feelings and to get advice.


I am a psychiatrist, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, no longer in private practice. I turned ninety on January 6th of this year.
I had been watching TV as were so many others, riveted to the news of the Newtown massacre and the ensuing discussions regarding the problem of violence in America particularly on a mass scale such as in Newtown.

Much attention turned towards the use of guns in these episodes of violence, rightfully so. As a psychiatrist I thought about what could be done to help prevent these violence-prone individuals from acting out their fantasy's, regardless of their psychopathology or their choice of weapons.
I conceived the "pledge against violence"(C.R.12/12) as a simple, potentially effective method, among others, to decrease the tendency to become violent.

I can envision "The pledge" being adopted by schools to be recited daily by classes of older children so that they would become inculcated, over time, with non-violence.
I wanted to send it to you and others for your consideration and other possible applications.
Thank you,

Dr. Alvin Yapalater

Offshore Buoy 44008 Loose and On the Move-Portugal?

Here we go again. Another of the NOAA/NDBC weather buoys, 44008,  has broken loose from its location SE of Nantucket and is drifting towards Europe. It joins (2) other buoys, both the original 44066/TexasTower 4 and its replacement, each which broke loose 18 months ago and are drifting Eastward as well.Now we have (3) bright yellow buoys working their way towards Europe. The first two are non functional at this time but the 44008 is transmitting its data payload regularly.While not particularly useful where it is currently located about 600 miles from its original mooring, seeing its data is interesting in terms of ocean observations and conditions. It is cool to envision what seas it may be crossing and what ships, fish and other long lost ship debris they may pass.

You can see the small "x" on the left image which indicates the original position of 44008, and the "x" on the right of both images indicating today's, March 22, position. The image on the left is from the Maracoos site and shows the underwater typography and the other image is from Rutgers Cool Room showing the dark band of the Gulf Stream as well as patchy colorful areas of warmer 66 degree water.

Right now is is drifting along the 39th latitude parallel which is the northernmost edge of the Gulf Stream. Not surprising is the fact that both other buoys worked their way along this same edge since the currents are perpetually similar. Under the water where 44008 is now drifting near the line of seamounts that dot the area in the deep off the continental shelf. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Seamount_chain) ( Bear, Kelvin and Manning mounts).
This area is a major underwater crossroads for the warm waters of the Gulf and the cold waters of the Antarctic which clash here and produce the vibrant south west moving eddies that hold our bait and pelagic game fish we all love to hunt throughout the season.

If the buoys that broke loose back in 2009-10 and the current 44008  continue their general direction, they all would be found eventually along some stretch of beach along Portugal's coast. Would be fascinating, no doubt, to be beach combing one day and find of of these large buoys resting on the sand nearby. Does this find count as salvage? Does finders keepers? We'll have to wait and see what Maritime law comes into play if and when they are found.

But the real downside to this new buoy break-off is the lack of important data that it sends to the National Weather Service and to mariners who ply the offshore waters. These buoys, along with several others that are moored between 20 and 100 miles offshore are the backbone of our weather forecasts and hourly sea conditions reports we find online.

The National Data Buoy Center is responsible for the servicing of these buoys. According to the NDBC maintenance schedule this buoy is intended to be recovered from its drift. But if past experience is any indication, a newly build one will be deployed sometime within a year from now. You may follow the current schedule here http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/ops.shtml .

In the meanwhile, if any of you intend to visit Europe by oceanliner this year or plan to be in the Azores or Portugal, keep an eye out and let me know if you are the first to sight one of these important buoys.

44066/TexasTower4 NDBC Buoy Back in Action

Gotta thank NDBC/NOAA/NWS for getting the 44066/TT4 buoy back in the water over the weekend. This is the third actual deployment since first dropped in the water in June 2009. A series of mis-haps lead to two of them floating away and three repair service calls. A very important buoy for all mariners transiting the ATLANTIC  and working the offshore fishing grounds.
This re-deployment was no small effort given the state of economy and ever cutting back on resources. We got in right before sequestration cuts will begin to affect so many of our services. So, once again, let's give a thumbs up to the NDBC in particular.
It is so nice once again,  to be able to visualize what is happening out there even if we can't gt there or want to at this time.


Here is a copy of some of the observations of an hour or so ago, 7:50 am Feb 27 in the midst of an unusually windy day both on land (30-40knots) and sea.
Nothing like a fixed instrument to make you feel good again.
Here is data from this am from 44066.
Not a good day to be tile fishing!

Station 44066 - Texas Tower #4 - 75 NM East of Long Beach, NJ Image indicating link to RSS feed of recent meteorological observations for station 44066

39.584 N 72.600 W (39°35'1" N 72°35'59" W)

Sea temp depth: 0.6 m below site elevation
Water depth: 82.3 m

Regional HF Radar Surface Current Observations
Conditions at 44066 as of
(7:50 am EST)
1250 GMT on 02/27/2013:
Unit of Measure: Time Zone:
Wind Direction (WDIR): SE 130
Wind Speed (WSPD): 19.4 kts
Wind Gust (GST): 25.3 kts
Wave Height (WVHT): 17.4 ft

Air Temperature (ATMP): 54.3 °F

FOR MORE NDBC BUOYS INFORMATION GOTO
 http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=44066

FOR MORE OCEAN OBSERVING INFORMATION BY REGION GOTO
www.ioos.gov

TO READ REGULAR BLOG AND PERSONAL BIGMAHI OBSERVATIONS FOLLOW ME
@bigmahi on Twitter

Let Freedom and Civility Ring

Today is a day for Civil Rights. Not in the strict sense of the words of racial equality but more of freedom of speech,

and being civil with each other.

We have been in a constant sea change of social ways and interactions since the beginning of our Country. Yes, we are a divided country politically with harsh words and sometimes unnecessary cruelness, but today is a day deserving of civility. Today we celebrate another Presidential Inauguration. Something as a country we have the deepest roots and appreciation of our beginning and our future.

We witness the great traditions of welcoming a new presidential term. Watching TV we can see tens of thousands of Americans lined up all along the motorcade route waiting to catch a glimpse of the first Afro-American President who won the electorate over not just once but twice.

This speaks to the innate civility and belief in optimism that Americans are bound together on a day like this. It shows that despite our differences on a daily basis, we come together for a day of celebration of our values in freedom, free speech and fairness.

We have passed the torch of change again. Marin Luther King and others spoke of having a dream. On a day such as today, we all are dreaming of a better life. The President will speak to our reality and of our dream for the coming four years.

Let us all offer the President, leaders, our neighbors, family and friends our warmest form of support on this day.

Let Freedom and civility ring loud and clear.

52nd Anniversary of Collapse of Texas Tower 4 and death of 28 Men

Today is the 52^nd Anniversary of the collapse of Texas Tower 4 (TT4) and the death of 28 seamen on January 15, 1961, 75 miles offshore of NYNJ. TT4 was the closest of (3) offshore Defense Early Warning System (DEWS) structures located along the Mid-Atlantic coast.

It was crippled from the start with a bad third leg which was repaired a few times but ultimately failed during a horrible Nor’easter on January 15, 1961. This unique structure was initially deployed to watch the skies for a surprise Russian invasion and to offer the mainland an early warning of potential invasion.

Located in 180 feet of water and standing just 90 feet high above the sea surface, waves and winds buffeted the tower during that storm. Helicopters and emergency vessels were called in but to no avail. The weather was too extreme to undertake an emergency rescue. 28 men were aboard the doomed tower and radioed SOS calls repeatedly. After several transmissions one short burst of a call for help the radio ashore went silent and they were never heard from again. The tower collapsed and is now a mound of rubble.

In 2009, the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) which is part of NOAA placed a 24/7 in water weather buoy named 44066/Texas Tower 4 in recognition of these men. In 2011 President Obama officially recognized their service to this country.

At time of this writing the 44066/TT4 buoy has been ripped from its mooring two times by severe weather that regularly occurs in this location during the winter months. The third replacement is tentatively scheduled for deployment in February of this year.

It is the first offshore buoy at the Hudson Canyon dedicated to the safety and well being of all

LI, NJ, RI, CT and Mass Mid-Atlantic offshore mariners. The approximate location is 39.35N 072.36W or about 75 miles from NY Harbor. This buoy transmits sea wave height, wind speed and direction as well as water temperature which are important climate data to all mariners.

This deployment is the success of collaboration between government and stakeholders.

The U.S. integrated ocean observing system (IOOS), in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (MACOORA/Maracoos), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) are proud to be partners in announcing this re-positioned and important continental shelf buoy placement.

This buoy honors these men who served their country in the early moments of Homeland Security”.

Additional interest information:

-http://youtu.be/hzUQwy7bhjo  Weather Buoy Dedication aboard USCG Cutter Elm

 http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=44066

-http://texastower.com/

-http://www.radomes.org/museum/documents/TexasTower.html

-http://www.cgi2you.com/members/message/texastowerassoc/45.shtml

-http://museumofnjmh.org/texastowerpresentation.html   (NJ)

-http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-jersey/1433047-texas-tower-4-a.html (NJ)

-http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/pres-obama-officially-recognizes-fallen-men-texas-tower-4-a-1210018.html

#121212concert Part B or White Boy NOT in Paris

Ok, so I feel like a shit.
Why?
Because I trashed Kayne on FB yesterday. Now I feel bad since he seems like a good guy.
Here's why:
I was working JFK yesterday.The Air France 7:10 flight, the huge A380 plane, was all queued up with hundreds of people eager to get on the plane. (Always surprises me why they are in such a rush to get in front of each other. Plane not going anywhere until ALL are on-another story).
So, I look around and see a couple of regular looking guys standing pretty much right in middle of the pre-boarding area in plain view of everyone. One of the dudes is quietly talking on the phone.Not smiling, not laughing , just regular soft talking. (maybe?).
As he turns I see that I definitely recognize this face-yep, you got it, Kanye West. Swear! I figure I HAVE to get a pic with him.
Yes, go figure. A pic with my FAVORITE entertainer.
But I don't want to interrupt him so I wait, and wait and wait. Now I think he is pretending to talk so as not to be bothered.
As the boarding is about to begin he slowly works his way to the 1st class line. But he hesitates. Not sure why.
This is the moment.
I go over, ask if we can get a shot together "for my daughters", and he nicely complies. Took a quick buddy shot then stepped away laughing to myself about my comments yesterday on FB and now meeting him.
But he remains in an off  spot and not really in line.
I go to young woman at the counter and inform her that Kanye West is there and can she move him up.
She says OK and to tell him.
I go over to him tap his buddy on the shoulder and suggest he go to the front of the line.
He looks at me and then moves up.
Not far enough.
So, I go back and say :"ALL THE WAY". Kanye looks at me with an appreciative smile and nudges past others to the front.
Pretty cool I think. From the stage of the #121212 concert to the front of the line for VIPs.
As I walk away, I see a woman I know who handles the queues and asked if she saw him.
"Oh yes, sure," she said. "I told him to go to the end of the line."
"Why" I asked, "he is a VIP".
"VIP or not" she replied. " When you travel in economy, you take the other line".
OOPS.
Kanye, hope you enjoyed being treated like a VIP.Next time travel business class.

Like they say, you can make this stuff up.Buzzfeed.

Oh, and by the way , what was that you were wearing at the concert. Meggings? Clothing castoffs from Sting?

( And for the record, come on you entertainers. Tip the Skycaps, wheelchair pushers and service people will ya!)

#121212concert

Big thanks to all who participated in the #121212concert event. Bigger thanks to all the people who came from all over the country to help out; and to the men/women in the field who worked 16 hrs while going back to homes without power and starting alll over again the next morning. #Sandy was a major blow to our area and many have lost much. At the same time many of us were only dealt a glancing blow from her wrath and for that we are all thankful.
Interesting to see the performers and actual time they spent on the stage.I could feel the level of concern or lack of it. For example Billy Joel, Bruce, Bon Jovi and Alicia sung from the heart while The Stones seemed to be there more as an expectation than desire. Mick suggests that when it rains in London we help out. What gall, but not unexpected from a group who has turned more needy and greedy as they age.Hey, did you actually donate from the money you received from the NYNJ concert goers recently?
But age and genre are major points of my short blog today.
Is Rock & Roll on life support?  What is going to happen to this genre of music after all the grey beards begin to murmur old lyrics in the nursing home? Did you see all the greying of America there on stage. Notice the lack of any young and upcoming R&R? I did not. Will this genre be relegated to muzak only in another 5 years? Hate to be stuck with Kanye going forward! He personally annoys me with pompous and silly theatrics. Maybe this is why the R&R standard bearers get so much interest during these shows. They all seem like the last concert-they are a dying blue -jeans breed. And, hate to say it but come on Daltry, or should I say Tom Jones, enough with the open shirt. Not sexy at this point in time.If I had to retire my Speedo you have to retire the naval exposure. LOL Rock on.

Barrier Islands After Sandy-Long Beach, NY

Well, my quest to see the barriers islands along the south shore of Long Island, NY continues. I went by Long Beach 30 days after #sandy. Like most places the whole oceanfront and properties up to 2 blocks north got a beating. The board walk extends along about 2 miles or so along the Atlantic and many large buildings occupy the area with many renovated into nice living apartments and condos over the years. The boardwalk is a favorite of mine to bike ride off season to get some fresh air and see who else is about enjoying the scenery. A buddy of mine lives in one of theses buildings and is now staying with a friend in Manhattan because he is so depressed by the wreckage. He was fortunate living on the 9th floor and did not lose possessions but his building did not have elevator or electric for three weeks.Long Beach got hit hard. Just yesterday dead cars were still being removed, a huge mountain of sand is being amassed due to contamination, and household debris grows daily as people still clean out their homes and businesses.
There are the regular daily visits of curiosity seekers that drive up with cameras strung around their neck taking photos of the twisted boardwalk, dangling garbage cans and small signs of rebuilding here and there. One can hear the sighs of concern and amazement as they peer under the collapsed boardwalk and out to the ocean where before walls of sand obscured the same view. In the background you can see big work trucks, bulldozers and contractors still removing feet of sand from the roads and parking lots which held some cars buried 6 feet of sand. Now you can see the profile of surfers back in their favorite rips along the beach. For them, the ocean is a place of comfort and challenge. Many of these surf rats live in the area  and will go back home after catching some waves and sift through years old collections of stuff and continue the painful task of selecting the few salvageable to keep as memories of days past.They are reconciled to the whims of nature and live many others along the Mid-Atlantic, muddle through the despair, pain eventually building back what they once had. The flying of the American flag is a testament to their belief in our ideals of facing challenges and overcoming them.