'Be prepared'

After having battled my way from the crowded supermarket to home, I sat on the sofa to witness on television the havoc that Typhoon Durjuan was supposedly wreaking on the South China Sea.

The weather lady on BBC World was confused about how to pronounce the name of the typhoon - she shifted from pronouncing the 'j' to turning it into a Hispanic 'h' and back every now and then.

The reporters from the local news stations were positioned all over different parts of Hong Kong and were wearing hard hats and yellow raincoats. ATV was getting so excited about the typhoon it was doing half-hourly reports.

CNN Asia is a sadistic employer. I say that on the basis that the poor reporter who had to stand in the middle of deserted Central was wearing a full suit and tie and getting completely drenched. The smug news anchors back in the dry, warm studio cheerfully said thanks to the guy.
"We'll have a towel ready for you when you come in," said the woman.
"Looks like he'll need two," said the man. Cruel beings. The French weatherman was beside himself with the excitement.
"Ai hev found out that 'Durjuan' meanz 'azalea', izn't that zumthing eenteresting?"

I told M. that the typhoon had cut electricity supplies in Taiwan on its way to Hong Kong in the morning.
"Do you have a flashlight?"
M. asked. No. Not so much as a candle. I dared not tell M. I had run out of toilet paper completely. But then, who lives prepared for all these things? My friend L. does, that's who. She produced a complete list today: torch, spare batteries, tissue paper, candles and lighter (in case torch doesn't work), soap, Swiss army knife.

I think I need to go shopping.