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Register for DRI2013 now and your name will be entered into a prize drawing for a new Galaxy Tablet!  You know you want to go to our second annual conference, to be held June 4-7 in Philadelphia, PA.  So, why not register early to wrap up your travel plans and take a chance on winning a cool new tablet?

Here are the rules: Registration and payment must be received by December 1, 2012. DRI employees, board members, commission members, and DRI2013 conference presenters are not eligible to win. Drawing will take place on December 15, 2012, and the winner will be notified at that time.

Register today at www.DRIconference.com!

The New York Marathon is scheduled to proceed as planned this Sunday November 4.  But what could be seen as continuity in action has turned into controversy, according to this report.  A quick glance at the marathon's Facebook page reveals angry comments from those who feel running the race is in poor taste and a misdirection of resources.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been quoted as saying the race is a "great event" and a financial boon for the city.  He has said police would be available as power is expected to be returned to Manhattan by Saturday. But what if that doesn't happen?  And will the millions raised by the marathon for charity assuage people like this Staten Island native who posted the following on the marathon's Facebook page:

"Staten Island has just begun to see some help from outside their community. For a while SI was isolated from others due to the closing of bridges. As one from SI to see the resources being used to clear an area for a race is heartbreaking. It means once again we are last in line for resources. While they were clearing the city for a race individuals along with the neighborhood police were still searching for loved ones. People are emotional and scared. We know you have planned your trip and train for a long time and I do not blame the runners but would you have considered running a marathon in New Orleans 7 days after Katrina? This IS our Katrina. Many are still lost and covered under water. All we are asking for is a little time and understanding. Come on over, help with the clean up and in 2 weeks we will be by your side, again, to watch you fulfill your dream."

As continuity professionals, what do you think?  Should the show go on because it can? 

Ruined by peppermint tea.  Rescued by rice.  

I was on this.  I was ready.  Hurricane Sandy had nothing on my disaster prep.  I had candles and flashlights and food and tubs full of water (and bottles too), and I was all set up to work from my iPhone should we lose power. I had it covered.  Well, I had it covered until I dropped my iPhone into a cup of peppermint tea just minutes after all went dark here in Royersford, PA. 

I said "Oh crap!" My African Grey said it too. And then I used my son's kiddie cell phone (the kind that can only call four pre-programmed phone numbers) to call my lifeline. He suggested dropping the phone again -- this time into a bag of rice and leaving it there for at least 24 hours.  Into the rice it went and the waiting began.

The waiting is the hardest part.  Waiting for the storm to hit, anxious, expectant.  And for those who fared far worse than I (some roof damage and a few days without power), waiting for help to arrive, for the lights to go on, waiting in line for gas.

Hurricane Sandy packed a wallop.  And I'm sure you want to know all about the impacts and lessons learned as much as I do.  But I have a strict policy when it comes to crises, and my policy is diametrically opposed to every other writer out there.  I'll be leaving those responding to Sandy alone for a bit.  I figure the best way I can help you do your job is to let you do it and not pester you with emails and phone calls.  So, I won't.  Not now. 

But when you do come up for air (or if you need anything you think I can offer), please call.  My phone is working again.