NOAA forecasts "slight weakening" as Irene approaches New England, but is it all a plot by developers?

The 11am forecast from the National Hurricane Center forecasts a "slight weakening" as Irene makes landfall in North Carolina, with a newly hedged prediction of "near hurricane strength" as it moves toward New England.

You certainly wouldn't know that if you're watching TV coverage on places like the Weather Channel, which is engaging in what media critic Jeff Jarvis yesterday dubbed "stormporn." I love how, over the past day, they've spun completely around on categories, and now keep pointing out that categories don't matter.

In fact, I would blame the Weather Channel for the Island Park evacuation, if I wasn't sure that it was secretly a plot by a shadowy cabal of developers (assisted by people we USED to like on the Council) to get the residents out so they can slip arsenic into our precious bodily fluids. Who will stand up to these evil forces (you'll notice that the first blast of wind from Irene will blow to the LEFT). Maybe Larry can set up a new committee...

But I digress. Please follow responsible sources of information and take all appropriate steps to stay safe.