I wish I could send the rain that we have recieved in the last couple of days to California. The 5" of rain that fell between the rains on Monday and the rains that fell today, would have certainly helped them out.
One of our salesmen lives in California (I'm not sure exactly where). The last we heard from him was on Tuesday. At that point, they were all packed up and ready to go when/if the evacuation order was given.
I have read on other blogs, that have posted extensively about the CA fires, in which some people comment: "so what, the fires are in California not where I live"; and "why should I care?"; as well as "it doesn't affect me."
Well, it does affect me, even though I am on the other side of the continent. I "know" several people in California through blogging. I also have a co-worker there. There are relatives of friends in California (I also have relative there, although I don't think they are in the areas affected). There are business partners - suppliers and customers - there as well. Firefighters here in New Hampshire are gearing up to head out West, to help out in the fire-fighting arena as well (hell, they might already be out there, I'm not sure). UPDATE: The firefighters are waiting to be called up.
I don't think that the people who are complaining about the amount of info offered by the bloggers really see the big picture and how it probably does affect them. Not only that, but with the amount of property and lives at risk, how can they possibly be so callus as to complain that this stuff is not what they want to read.
I say TOUGH! To those jackasses that think that the blogger is writing just to them, I've got a news flash for you, the bloggers are there to write for themselves AND for their collective audiences (which means they are not writing just for you - everything is not about you, believe it or not). Additionally, they are trying to keep people informed more than the TV stations can do in their 10 minute blurbs. If you don't like it - change the freaking webpage that you are looking at and quit your bellyaching!
And for any of those types of people that might have stumbled upon this blog by mistake - just for you, I present a list of links for pictures of the California fires. (Emese found thru Da Goddess)
Oh, c'mon. Tell us how you really feel about the twits.
Posted by: Wichi Dude | October 30, 2003 at 06:03 PM
I know that I had a problem with expressing myself on this post. Sorry that it was so hard to figure out how I felt :)
Posted by: bogie | October 30, 2003 at 10:52 PM
I haven't checked out Da Goddess's links, but this was sent to me by a friend who is just minutes away from the fires:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/Archive/Oct2003/California.TMOA2003299_lrg.jpg
It shows the fires circled in red, and the immense smoke plume it's generated. I think these pictures were taken 10-28, so you can imagine how much worse it is now.
Um, boogie....don't hold back, hon.
Posted by: Buffy | October 31, 2003 at 11:11 AM
Well, it does affect me, even though I am on the other side of the continent.
It affects all of us. Those are human beings out there and they're in trouble. To those that claim it doesn't affect them, I give a hearty "FUCK YOU!" If you have a heart and care about people, take a minute and say a prayer to whatever deity you pray to. Those are PEOPLE being burned alive, damnit.
I have the same problems with expressing myself, dearie. Don't you worry, eventually we'll figure out how to wear our hearts on our sleeves!
Oh and as for the rain... When I was in Atlanta and the race was being delayed by sheet-rain downpours, all I could think of is why can't this be in California, where they desperately need it?? I may be a redneck racefan at heart, but I WAS thinking of them!
Posted by: Jim S | October 31, 2003 at 11:41 AM
Thanks for the photo Buffy!
I've also noticed how reticent you are in giving your opinions Jim ;)
Posted by: Bogie | October 31, 2003 at 09:31 PM