Report From Queens

blackout
Originally uploaded by dangunderman.

A few days of brutal heat, followed by a powerful storm, and a baffled Sunnyside wakes to the spottiest blackout ever. The corners of 42nd and 44th Streets at Queens Boulevard have no working stop lights, adding to the death potential of Death's Own Boulevard. Respite can be found, however, at 41st and 43rd Streets and the Boulevard, where lights guide cars and pedestrians in perfect harmony. The fluorescents are on at the Worst Post Office Ever, but the automated stamp machines are down. The 99-Cent store features three windows of 99-Cent neon signage, but only the middle window burns bright. Some retail establishments are open and have the AC on full blast. Others are closed completely and attempting to rent generators. In this intrepid reporter's own apartment, two conveniently-placed outlets provide the only power, in spite of the fact that they are on different circuits: the refrigerator continues to provide protection to perishables, and an overworked surge protector by the bed keeps the cable modem, wireless router, fan, and computer functioning. So random is the power structure in our fair borough that Queens residents everywhere scratch their heads and mutter, "Mmmmrrr?"