Scrolling around...November 4, 2012

Why Hurricane Sandy Didn't Kill the Internet
While most of lower Man­hattan was without power, one key building remained lighted: 60 Hudson Street, one of the most important Internet hubs worldwide. Even during the worst of the storm, the building kept the country connected through an array of well-maintained generators.

If you’ve ever sent an email, your data has probably trav­eled through a fiber-optic cable here. Built around 1929, the building served as the hub for Western Union’s telegraph network and is now known as one of the fastest connections between world financial centers; it maintains Internet connectivity for en­tire regions of the country.

Property manager Shaun Mooney, former Marine and volunteer firefighter, describes this job as “Mis­sion Critical”—“the lights have to stay on no matter what.” Preparation for Sandy started the week before the storm, with staff meetings devoted to assessing supplies and personnel needs. When power in lower Manhattan went out on Monday eve­ning, chief engineer Ernesto Martinez’s team monitored generators and pressure sen­sors. To make sure windows didn’t blow out, his team opened select airway chan­nels throughout the building to equalize pressure...  image

Small steps made in Hurricane Sandy recovery, but long, difficult road lies ahead in N.J.
...Nearly a week after Hurricane Sandy struck the region with the force of a thunderclap, crippling much of the state, New Jersey is showing the first stirrings of recovery...

In the Rockaways, Preparing for a Long, Cold Night
Challenged by bone-chilling temperatures, people in the Rockaways worried Sunday about surviving the coldest night since the storm left the peninsula without electricity, heat and potable water.

Those who stayed spent Sunday in search of blankets and warmer clothes, planning to layer and huddle together in hopes of riding out the storm until the power and heat was restored.

Relief crews including the state National Guard had set up at least five distribution centers in the area, handing out food, water, blankets and flashlights to those in need...