I'm noticing a disturbing trend in news reporting about the great fires of 2007. It's a "this is not Katrina" and "since we are doing such a good job lets pat ourselves on the back and forget all about that pesky Katrina stuff." From CNN:
President Bush will visit the area Thursday, the White House said. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff arrived in San Diego on Tuesday afternoon. Chertoff promised a different federal reaction from the one in New Orleans in 2005. "We have been preparing and planning and training together for the last 2½ years," he said. And the scene at Qualcomm Stadium on Tuesday did seem to live up to Chertoff's expectations as volunteers cheerily handed out chairs, food and water.
You're right people, this is NOT Katrina. Lets just ignore the fact that they are two completely different parts of the country, that they are two completely different kinds of natural disasters and that they are happening in two very different ways. Lets even gloss over the idea brought up on CNN this morning about "the difference in socio-economic status" of a lot of the evacuees. Heck, lets even ignore the lessons that probably were learned (heard something mentioned about having ALL resources available immediately after the disaster rather than in phases? Really, that took you that long?). Ooo, lets even ignore the fact that Mrs. Bush Sr. hasn't showed up yet to tell those at Qualcomm how happy they should be to have such good accommodations and how they probably like it better there.
No, lets just focus on this. The San Diego city center is in tact. It has mostly been homes destroyed in these fires, not businesses. In a city of suburbs, expansive and connected by freeways there has been ROOM for people to run. It is not a city underwater with little to no way out. It is not people stranded on rooftops with signs asking for help.
Apples and oranges and all that, just let it go. Give California it's props for reacting so quickly, for wanting to help, for banding together, for offering 420 friendly accommodations via Craigslist. I love San Diego, and will continue to tell everyone it is THE place to be, but we are NOT Katrina, and what's the point in letting us know that every 20 minutes? Thank you for all your help on this one Federal Government and News Media but guess what, you still can't get out of the whole Katrina debacle.
So concentrate on the now... and concentrate on still hoping for some New Orleans forgiveness, because when the Supreme Court is STILL denying insurance claims, well, don't tell me you're doing EVERYTHING you can do for those survivors.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
National News Roundup: This is still not Katrina
National News Roundup: Newsweek says we shine
Newsweek:
It's a long way from over, and the toll is sure to be brutal, but if there is one image that has emerged aside from the horrific wall of fire across southern California, it is of government functioning briskly and effectively in the face of the nation's worst national disaster since Katrina.
Half a million residents have been evacuated from more than a dozen uncontrolled wildfires, 1,500 houses have been destroyed and tens of thousands more are in danger. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Bush administration, which wasted no time in mobilizing the military and sending top officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA director Ron Paulison to California. And Bush is scheduled to visit the fire-stricken region on Thursday.
Yep, response to these fires have been effective and quick. The city banded together to provide services, donations and shelter to all those evacuees who need help. Many props go out to those on Craigslist offering shelter for animals and people alike. Thank you Newsweek for the props, props back to you. Props to everyone (including those offering free massages to those at Qualcomm, props for that for sure.)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
What you know you've been looking for...
My brother and I were addicted to "The Making of Thriller". We watched the damn video all the time, from the humble Mickey Mouse shirt wearing beginning of Michael as he learned the dance moves to the final yellow contact lenses and wolf makeup. We knew the music, we had the all important "claw hands to the air" dance move DOWN... but never managed to master the all important choreography. Oh but if YOU TUBE was around back then. Kids these days don't know how lucky they got it.
On another/ yet the same note. They are planning a world wide thriller dance off... I' m not even kidding. You know the Philippines Prison group will be there. Check out the plea for San Diego to get their team together. If you're feeling like being the leader to greatness, you should get a hold of them.
And scared!
For Science!
Ladies...join this research study and allow the "research coordinator" to explore your erogonous (sic) zones...
FOR SCIENCE... sheesh, get your mind outta the gutter, it's FOR SCIENCE.
(via craigslist)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Subaru's Urban Assault... huh huh, she said Ass...
On “obstacles”:
This is what the race is famous for! Teams must complete challenges at each checkpoint. These will be physical and mental challenges that will take 5 minutes on average per checkpoint. They may include adult big wheels, obstacles on foot, scooters, BMX bikes, slip N slides, bouncy balls, ropes, kayaks, balance, or other craziness. When planning obstacles, we take into account people who have fear of water, heights, speed, knee and back injuries. You can always sit out an obstacle and take a time penalty.
If you’re super interested in jumping in and participating you might want to contact this guy, he’s looking for a partner, seriously, no funny stuff… well maybe a little funny stuff. (via craigslist).
