The Great Molassacre

January 12, 2017 9:49 AM

Some perspective for all my fellow Californians dealing with flooding. It could be so much worse. (podcast)

Previously

posted by ananci (8 comments total)

I really like Futility Closet, and that was a particularly good episode.
posted by OrangeDisk at 9:58 AM on January 12, 2017 [1 favorite]

Dark Tide is a fascinating book.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:00 AM on January 12, 2017

I didn't think mole asses would run in January.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:15 AM on January 12, 2017

It has been so much worse in California: in 1861 the whole Central Valley was underwater for weeks. At least it was water, not molasses ...
posted by Quietgal at 11:21 AM on January 12, 2017

I still want to know what they do with the rest of the moles?
posted by Confess, Fletch at 11:48 AM on January 12, 2017 [1 favorite]

Drunk History just covered the Boston Molasses Disaster. It's a bit scholarly and uses a lot of academic jargon, but it's worth it just for the amazing special effects that must have cost them a fortune.
posted by Stanczyk at 12:00 PM on January 12, 2017 [1 favorite]

I know folks that claim to still smell the aroma of molasses on a certain street in the middle summer on a calm day.
posted by sammyo at 2:43 PM on January 12, 2017

It has been so much worse in California: in 1861 the whole Central Valley was underwater for weeks.


If the topic is perspective: Prior to the mid 1800's, the Central Valley had the largest lake west of the Mississippi River, Tulare Lake. Imagine driving along the 5 then seeing this huge lake. Things could be so much more awesome. Look at this chart for Santa Margarita Lake levels. Fantastic. But do be careful out on the roads my fellow Californians.
posted by Mister Cheese at 4:21 PM on January 12, 2017