I was just sitting here watching TV--while attempting to stay cool in this blistering New York heatwave by having the AC and fan (double whamo) blow at me and an icy cold water bottle resting against my feet--when the lights suddenly dimmed and the TV signal went out. This brief power surge only lasted a few seconds, but it scared the crap out of me. As fun as the infamous 2003 blackout was (back then I only lived six blocks away from work so the chaotic commute back home wasn't too terrible), a blackout now--which is a real fear and possibility--would be really fucking terrible.