Best Of

I wonder now that Cuba is off the US SST list we will gain legal access to Cuban cigars? Not that I care or want Cuban sticks, just wondering?

can someone explain to this old timer why crypto is so important to our president, or why it exists at all? is it more than a vaporous fiat currency that facilitates ransomware?
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4395963-trump-plans-to-make-crypto-a-national-priority-via-executive-order-report

@Amos_Umwhat said:

@OutdoorsSmoke_21191 said:
https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/01/the-la-fires-show-a-need-to-rethink-our-wildland-firefighting.html??cutoff=true&utm_source=AdaptiveMailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7014N000001SnimQAC&utm_term=00vQK000000Kzs9YAC&org=1674&lvl=100&ite=293756&lea=2313799&ctr=0&par=1&trk=

I had wondered about that, too. It is now more than apparent that the failure to do the small burns at appropriate times has led to a condition where much of the state is basically a tinderbox, and many voices are calling for a return to controlled burns.

But, is it too late?

Maybe not too late, as something must be done, but it sure seems like it would be a nightmare to coordinate with any degree of safety.

And then, while the many sources in this loose widespread network have historically done an admirable job of supporting each other, what would happen if someone tried to coordinate it as a whole? Would we end up with bureaucratic infighting hindering a system that sort of works?

Just wondering. Sort of like the situation where Insurance has turned the art of medicine into an industry, making our health a commodity rather than a goal to be attained by the individual. Sorry, rambling. Coffee will help focus, in time. I hope.

One great point he made, it all rests on the hard work of people who are often underserved and underpaid. Amen to that.

I don’t think it’s too late. Managing the task, I agree, would be monumental and extremely expensive. Taxpayers would take the brunt of the costs. I’m sure certain funds would need to be diverted from other programs as well. Possibly, joint efforts from many municipalities, working together, to hit critical areas. Followed up with maintenance of these areas. Big money for sure. All I know is southern California is a desert. We have Santa Anna winds that are formidable forces of nature every year that aren’t going away. We’ve had several large scale fires that have decimated communities throughout the state over the past 20 years. Water is a scarce resource. Any preventative maintenance that could help mitigate and reduce the rapid spread of fire is worth considering.

@Yakster said:
I'll have to do the shower drain soon. Double points for anticipating your wife's desires and being proactive.

It'll be a big waste of time if you don't make her aware you're doing it.