So far there's been modest improvement in the power situation in the Cincinnati region. My apartment still doesn't have power, and many traffic lights at busy intersections are still out; one news report claims 30% of traffic signals don't work, and based on my drive-about yesterday, I'd say they're the most critical ones (i.e., traffic lights coming off exit ramps).

Yesterday I was on a quest for a bottle of roasted red peppers. A quick summary of this quest:

• Stop at Whole Foods in Mason (northern suburb). Store looks strangely barren. Think to self: Did they just open this store? What's going on?
  
• Stop at Fresh Market in Kenwood. Before I can walk in the door, I'm informed by a store manager they're taking only cash and check, plus: "We've sold out in the produce and deli, no bulk foods either, and well, everything else is gone too."
  
• Stop by Kroger in Hyde Park (one of the biggest and busiest in the city). Closed.
• Stop by Fresh Market in Oakley. Closed.
• Stop by Whole Foods in Hyde Park. Closed.
• Stop by Meijer in Oakley. Open! And mobbed! Many things are out of stock and bare shelves abound (especially in deli items and prepared foods). Fortunately I am the only Cincinnati citizen looking for roasted red peppers. Success.

Most gas stations I drove by were closed, which resulted in mass hysteria at all open gas stations. (See photo above from Joe Wessels. Check out his stuff here.) And I-71 has been reduced to one lane in the northern section, due to a water main break that has caused the interstate to buckle.