scoobdog

Just so. I believe the Island of Hawai'i to the south also had a couple of grass fires also on its leeward side right around the same time but without reported damage. I think a lot of people assume the entirety of each island is lush, like a paradise. In reality, those volcanic mountains - Haleakalā (10,023ft) on Maui, Mauna Loa (13,678 ft) and Mauna Kea (13,802 ft) on Hawai'i - create very similar climate zones to a costal range on the mainland: lush facing the prevailing wind, a desert behind. Hana on the eastern end of the island and on the winward side of Maui gets 72" of rain while Lahina on the far western side of the island and behind Haleakalā gets 11"... less rain than Los Angeles.

I’ve been seeing some reporting that pointed out that this fire was propagated by non native grasses. If you know anything about the leeward side of Maui, you’ll probably recall that there were sugar cane operations as well as ranching there up to about 30 or so years ago, and with them came introduction of non native flora. It’s not to suggest that this was definitively a contributing factor, especially given the unusually high winds, but it is an important reminder of how species that are not suited for area can often exacerbate conditions.

It pops up during Democratic administrations because certain member of the conservative base are fucking sheep and need to be told things. Polarization, naturally, brings these things to the fore; they're always there, though, and like you said, they become important when Democrats are doing poorly public opinion. Objectively speaking, Biden and his administration haven't really pushed a liberal agenda. It's wholly centrist, easily digestible for both sides either because it doesn't really change the status quoa or because it isn't permanent enough to be undone by later administrations, and, with the notable exception of his punt on Afghanistan, designed to require the least amount of effort to get a win. In a normal timeline, this wouldn't require messaging because it would be innocuous and whatever messaging the Democrats inevitably would need would be more toward the traditional scandals and heresay. Messaging is always a problem that appears after it's too late to do something about it, again like you said, and the fact that we're talking about is emblematic of how the Republicans have continued to take the lead in shaping the narrative no matter how ridiculous and illogical it might be. In general, conservatives have always been able to be more aggressive in presenting a worldview because the narrative they present is inevitably simpler: whatever is not working is a result of overcomplication or attempting to alter the system. To be blunt, the proverbial town cryer isn't going to call out a the top of his lungs about how housing issues are a result of unchecked property values, lack of a comprehensive system for balancing growth with moderating the existing market, and unwillingness to address property taxes - he's going to cry out that people are lazy and not willing to work to earn enough to pay fair market value for housing. Conservatism is much easier to blast though a megaphone, and it's arguably why societies are so easily toppled once conservatism is able to fill the void between perception and reality. Also... the economy is neither doing exceedingly well nor is it doing poorly. Inflation isn't nearly as high as you would suggest, but prices aren't going to come down that fast. Wages, in fact, have been able to keep up with cost of living in part because of a labor shortage that persists and has continued to moderate the feared cliff drop. People can't afford homes because of policies that have nothing to do with the economy.

I’m glad ‘cause I have no idea where that joke was going. TAO says “Hey guys, this whole prize showing up at my door kind of freaks me out.” Vela says “Yeah, TAO that kind of gave me fits of nervous laughter.” I say “Huh, I didn’t really expect this…” You say “Nah, Bro, you should just show up at their door because that would be fucking amazing.” Meanwhile, Disco is all “Just drop it off at my place. I’ll even give you cobbler.”

You wouldn’t say that if Gemini showed up with balloons… ”Yes, yes. We’re friends. NOW GO AWAY!”

I mean, it wasn’t a bomb if you were telling Vela and TAO they’re being pansies.

Dude… that’s not better. That’s infinitely worse.

No idea what that would be…

I haven’t particularly thought about how to deliver the prize.

That’s a rap, guys. Now it’s time for the final vote…

It was more than 12. That was just when they sealed their fate.

I do. Besides, any time with Amon-Ra is worth the watch.

Garland is buying time.

You pretty boys are all alike.

When I first saw it on the local ABC app yesterday morning, I thought it was more an oddity than an actual full scape apocalypse. But the alerts kept coming throughout the day, and by the afternoon it was clear just how horrific this was. I haven't been to Maui in decades, so I forgot just how dry the leeward side of Maui can be.

I like your confidence. I think your challenges stack up very well against Disco's submission, which is itself phenomenal.

We've been getting a lot of coverage here because an anchor for the local ABC affiliate was on vacation in Lahaina at the time and he's been giving regular reports.

Speaking of which and not to put too much pressure on her, but @Vela does need to get her submission in on time this go-around.

Nice

Simpler is better. Remember: you’re trying to prompt someone to create something amazing.

Pfffffffffft

Nice

That’s pretty damn good.

You’re probably right.

Isn't that where fatmentia came up? I'm pretty sure it was.