Here in Falls Church, Virginia, we are still putting things back together (literally and figuratively) after the massive but quick storm that hit the area Friday night. With little notice, a “derecho” brought bursts of wind, lightning, and rain. Trees came down, power went out. See below for a few pictures of my neighborhood.
Four days later (each one over 95 degrees), 0ur office is still without internet, phones, or email. I am writing this (3:10 EST) on Tuesday afternoon (July 3, 2012) from a nearby Starbucks which has its power and internet restored – and is thus crowded with others cooling off and charging up.
Five days ago I had never heard of a “derecho!” “Derecho” means “straight” or “upright” in Spanish and describes a long straight-line storm. See Wikipedia entry.
It turns out that there is at least one relevant registered trademark:
U.S. Trademark Registration 4116095 was issued in March 2012 for “DERECHO” for use with “distilled spirits.” See USPTO records. What a great name! Suggestive of a wild time, so a good name for an adult beverage.
DERECHO image from http://distillersales.com/products-ready-to-drink-derecho.php#
Photos from my neighborhood:
Have a terrific and safe Fourth of July!
