Venandi

Good Lord...you didn't change reality, you adapted to it, you found a reasonable way of mitigating the effects of it. You changed nothing except your own behaviour in response to something you had zero control over. Reality is what it is whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not and whether you adapt to it or not. Are you a voter.... I don't blame the military for that. I blame you.

Grow up... do your own homework.

Don't laugh too much of that a$$ off... you're now on record as acknowledging the existence of reality. A good first step IMO. You even came up with a reasonable solution to mitigate the effects of it, did you even realize you were doing that, do you realize that's exactly what I was hoping for? keep working on it.

I'm guessing FOS is FOX. Take a look at the pending libel disaster looming for CNN and know that even hyenas don't discredit media reporting out of hand and without cause. Look a little harder, dig a little deeper and above all, please stay the hell away from recruiting centres.

So reality is variable then eh? I know a few folks who commute to work into the sunrise and return home with the setting sun in their eyes... any help with that would be appreciated. Where he can is fraught with human foibles, misunderstandings etc. I'd urge caution. First moderately sensible thing you've said. Would you like to get started on that soon or do you want to wait for planetary terraforming and global emission control efforts to work their magic?

Total, abject, unmitigated negligence and incompetence. I find it absolutely breathtaking.... but the fact you needed to ask suggests you disagree. I'm a pilot by trade, I very much doubt you would want me to fly your family members around with the same attention to detail on display here. If I did, I'm guessing you would be first in line with a lawsuit.

I think a few progressives in California are now on the verge of tapping. What surprises me is the stratospheric level of absurdity (measured in pain) that was required. Here's a pretty liberal minded lady who seems onboard with the hyenas. You can only defend absurdity for so long... it was a good run though. But, just like that uncut trans chick competing in women's powerlifting events, I can't see this progressive narrative successfully competing with reality for too much longer. At some point people will choke on the absurdity of it all. Careful Herb it's FOX news. Eat some blueberries and take a nap: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6366870066112 This transcends LW / RW animosities by orders of magnitude... there are people who should be going to jail over this.

Actually I don't imagine that at all... It was simply the best analogy a MAGA hyena could come up with on short notice. Reality is what it is and it doesn't care what you or I think. Get it wrong and it eats your lunch. I'm beginning to understand why progressives fare poorly in the military. Sort of like planetary terraforming then? How would you keep the effects (meaning the weather you plan to create) local? Would prevailing westerly winds and upslope from the mountains deflect your efforts eastward? Evaporation rates, ground absorption and overall water requirements might be problematic too, at a minimum it would make pretty slow work of it... but I'm rooting for ya.

There's no shortage of things California could do to improve fire fighting effectiveness, and fuel load reduction. The concrete actions they could start today would fill an entire thread. I mentioned a few arial application possibilities above but regardless, whether it be ground or air assets, water is a good first start. Since you're not willing to tread that path and seem fixed on the climate change aspect, what do you see as the best short term and long term strategy for California to embark on? In the absence of pursuing infrastructure and forestry management enhancements, how long should they expect to wait for global initiatives to achieve measurable results. Asking on behalf of ill informed MAGA hyenas everywhere.

This is why you and yours spin your wheels and get no where. Where are the liberal minded folk who embrace the reality of their situation? One would hope they could put their minds together and come up with a few worthwhile ideas... but no. Why does something like establishing regional aviation tanker bases with a 30 min alert status, 24 hrs a day during the fire season never come up... you know damn well it's coming right?. They would respond almost immediately to hot spot datums established by either drones, a geostationary satellite or combination of the two. Mutual support between regions would be coordinated by a central operations centre who had tasking authority over all regions. I'm not saying there isn't a version of that in place now, only that it doesn't seem to be as effective as it could be. Imagine having the ability to launch all tanker assets within 30 minutes and on station time simply being a function of transit distance. The battle space (so to speak) would be coordinated by a bird dog that launches independently on all calls, it locates the datum prior to tanker arrival and acts as "scene of action commander" (SAC) for all tasked assets. The idea is find it early, get there early, and kill it early... false alarms are welcome, they exercise the system, they provide feedback, identify potential fail points and result in making the entire system incrementally better with each and every response. Is that being done now... well, I don't know, doesn't seem like it. But my point is... have you ever heard a single political conversation that included rational ideas? And why is that, it's not that hard... even as dumb as I am I can do this sh^% all day and according to Herb, I'm a nothing more than a hyena.

Except for fires that might start as the result of burning churches to the ground. These prescribed burns are generally celebrated as understandable, they're not investigated in a purposeful manner, are easily forgiven, and are the only source of carbon emissions not associated with global warming.

The "anyone but Harper" crowd certainly got their wish. We managed to stand all of this on its head with startling efficiency and rapidity.

And they continue to believe that even when the people they refer to tell them unequivocally that they absolutely do not. If only the means of creating a powerful belief structure like that came in an aerosol spray. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/hizb-ut-tahrir-canada-islamic-conference-hamilton-ontario

If I were of that mindset, I'd be concerned about what my state was capable of doing (on the world stage) to offset the warming trend that was causing the fires. I'd probably acknowledge that it was limited at best and the trend toward dry conditions was likely to continue in the future. After acknowledging that as reality, I'd be looking at ways to mitigating the threat in every way possible. Wouldn't you? Isn't that what any sensible person with your mindset would be advocating for? If you didn't see that happening wouldn't you (logically) be outraged about the lack of preparation? So... if observed, constantly repeating reality suggests that the effects of global warming are real, that your ability to effect global solutions are limited, that the Santa Anna winds come every year, and that you're living in a brush pile of your own making wouldn't you do everything you could? Wouldn't you be making forestry management and fire suppression absolute priorities? Wouldn't you act on those priorities? This is the part I don't understand. The time and effort it takes to scream "MAGA HYINA" until you're hoarse might be better spent on managing / mitigating the threat IMO. Chanting "down, down, Santa Anna... down, down wind, isn't the approach I would be taking if I were a true believer. It wouldn't be the approach I'd take if I wasn't a true believer either. I get the fact that you're frustrated and you want the cause to be properly identified. Problem is, the Goddess of Reality doesn't care what you want, she has an agenda and narrative of her own... sound familiar? She see's a brush pile and knows that predictable winds and dry conditions bring predictable opportunities for her. She has a book of matches and she's confident you will be no more prepared to deal with her this year than you were last year. She knows that her success depends on it and every year she's pleased (pleasantly surprised even) that you don't get it. And every year she resolves to repeat the lesson until you do.

That's the part that baffles me. If you believe it's happening with existential rapidity, how do you not take reasonable measures to mitigate the threat? How is it that Herb and the boys aren't demanding that they do? Could there possibly be a less effective way of approaching it than with a carbon Tax? If memory serves, about 70% of Canadians supported the carbon tax (in polling) before the last election... not so much anymore though. Imagine if we actually invoked laws to ensure we hit those Paris Accord targets, it would reduce the current objection to carbon taxation to a whisper and thrust us into a scenario that made the height of Covid seem like the good ole days. How do you even begin to govern a nation of Herbs? Does anyone ride horses on logging roads anymore? Do they do it with their eyes open? Like how do you NOT see what's right in front of your own eyes? It literally gob smacks me... how does a progressive mommy in Jasper respond to a child who asks "Mommy, why are all the trees red?" At the most basic level of situational awareness did anyone look at a map and compare what they saw right in front of their own eyes with the prevailing winds? The question "WTF did you think was going to happen ?" isn't RW MAGA sarcasm or posturing... it's not political and it's not even rhetorical. In its purest form it's an expression of profound disbelief. Willful blindness at this level goes beyond religion... it has all the hallmarks of a cult.

The rating on MSN is left of centre but considered high for factual reporting by "Media Bias / Fact Check." I'm inclined to think that Liberals and Democrats are far too reluctant to set the crazies among their own ranks adrift in separate life rafts. If you're the type who down votes left of centre news reports I predict loneliness at the polling station in your future. Overall, we rate MSN News strongly Left-Center biased, with most stories coming from Left-Center sources. We also rate them High for factual reporting because the majority of sources used are credible media outlets.

There's a small part of me that would like to see all of your dreams come true but that's only to determine what pain threshold causes you to tap and how far into the vortex you're willing to venture before you do. My only hesitation in doing that is the amount of damage already inflicted and the amount of time it will take to unfu^% your efforts to date. By almost any metric, California is good model for assessing what happens when reality is ignored in favour of narrative. The Santa Anna winds are a reality, so is a vast collection of brush. Ever drive a motorcycle through Ontario at night during summer? The number of tree hugging motorists driving 40 KPH over the limit who toss lit cigarettes out their windows is staggering... funny how you tend to notice such things on a bike eh? I don't think it's all that complicated, https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/fires-rage-across-los-angeles-county-forcing-thousands-to-evacuate-their-homes Is there a better Canadian version of that than Jasper? Were you really expecting a different outcome there? I wasn't.... How is it that people who blame global warming aren't demanding better brush management prior to the Goddess of Reality taking her annual stroll through the California brush boonies? On any number of fronts I watch the machinations of madness in awe and it invariably generates the same two questions, when will they tap, and what did you think was going to happen? Personally, I always stop before anything gets broken but the Goddess doesn't possess any sense of compassion, moderation or remorse and that makes her dangerous. So, if you're relying on Harmony, Unity and Destiny to save the day I think you'll be disappointed. That "reality chick" is power house and she's going to tap out all three of them... and then, I fear, she's coming for you (and by extension we and us). And being as I've become so fond of you, I'd really hate to see that happen.

Ya know what, I actually started answering your questions before the snark detector went off... I'll get this one for you though: No, expats in places like Saudi don't set up nativity scenes all over the town square. Most companies place a bit of value on maintaining good relations with the host nation so it's a good way to get fired... but y'all knew that right? My point was (and is) that people don't easily divest themselves of things like religion, customs, traditions, celebrations or particularly, old animosities and hatreds that go way back. So, If Canadians are reluctant to give up frivolous sh&^ like beer and bikinis what would make anyone think a few breaths of Canadian air at the airport is going to change the hearts, minds and souls of new immigrants? If you choose to import people in bulk from radical and religiously fundamentalist countries were animosities run long and deep, and you do it with a pi$$ poor eye on security then I see the results as predictable. Then, If you reallt want to pour gas on the fire warehouse the new folks vertically as close as possible to the ethnic population they despise in their home country. Your milage may vary of course, especially if you're carpooling with Herb.

Lot of that going around... did you notice that the airplane (above) has MAD, see the boom on the tail? That was what made me smile... almost like the airplane is expressing a sympathetic condition intended to pacify tree huggers who see reducing our paltry 1.7% of world emissions to 1.0 as being worthy of shivering in the dark. Those who want to do something that has an immediate effect and save money at the same time could try... (GASP) driving the speed limit. Riding a motorcycle across Ontario should be all it takes to turn your smile into fits of laughter. If ever I see Ontario's drivers driving the speed limit with a big smile on their faces I'll believe that they've begun taking things as seriously as they say they want me to.

Got to run but I'd suggest that a woke mindset is more problematic than some of the "woke issues" you may be considering here. The notion of sheet music and advanced math being racist is pretty foolish, sensible people will just ignore you. Opening borders without the slightest consideration of supporting infrastructure, forcing DEI promotion criteria in your military, defunding police etc etc (and on and on) comes with real world consequences and long fix times though. I'd urge you not to lump woke nonsense in with the serious consequences that can result from a woke mindset with the power to act on it. And I'm not falling into the trap of defining woke either, anyone who types that question into the dialogue box knows exactly what I'm referring to here.

Perhaps I'm jaded, but that's pretty much what I've seen of the world... and despite Easter Bunny rhetoric to the contrary, keeping the peace in places with lots of diversity in a small area (that demographic concentration thingy) can be a bit of a challenge. People here (who themselves are incapable of minding their own damn business) often view it through the lens of ethnic food, festivals and colourful clothing. In reality, we can't even decide on which bathroom to use or whether male powerlifters competing in female events have an unfair advantage, Imagine being in a country with real problems and having to explain our little bathroom dilemma to village elders in a scenario where your own credibility is the key to resolving THEIR issues. I nominate Herb for the job. I had a peace keeping tour cancelled at short notice prior to retiring, the UN mandate was modified and my line number was cut. Lot's of issues there to be sure but one of them (at least IMO) was the existence of 64 different tribes and about 60 different languages. I've yet to meet anyone who's ever been to places like that who came back thinking it's EBE (Easter Bunny Easy). Then again, what is EBE, even for Herb, is filling the damn potholes in front of my house...we can't get that sh&^ right. At the lowest level of consideration... I don't know a single person who's doing (or has done) the expat thing in a Muslim country who didn't/doesn't live in company supplied accommodations / compounds... not one, why is that? Well, in my jaded opinion it's because they want to drink beer whilst watching their coworker's wives cavort by the pool in bikinis... and celebrate Christmas like they did back home. In other words, they take their baggage with them whilst expecting everyone who comes here (that would be the people with real problems again) not to do the very same thing. Well, best of luck with that Herb, I'm rooting for ya.

Morning Michael. I admit to not knowing all the details here, but if the stories are true it appears his accuser was the school itself, likely the HR folks. Then... he went directly from career counselling (arguably an adversarial process) to having his ridiculous antics defended by the very same people who just debriefed him on toxic masculinity... that's not light dining IMO. Maybe it's just me but I enjoyed watching the school defend him without choking on the absurdity of their own situation between mouthfuls. He used absurdity as tool to shine a light on how far the pandering of special interests groups had gone and how far total madness could be taken with the full support of the very people who previously criticized his conduct. IMO, he generated more controversy, more outrage, and more discussion than you seem to be acknowledging. Were you expecting a profound, game changing transition in western society as a result of a low level passive aggressive display of absurdity? I wasn't, and I don't think he was either. Or it can draw attention to something in need of change and that objective can be accomplished in a number of ways. In this case I doubt the other options available to him would have generated the headlines and controversy that playing dress up did. I've probably written the word absurdity more in the last few posts than I have in a very long time. Applauding the effectiveness of his efforts is not the same as applauding (or supporting) his actions though. On the other hand, I admit to having some admiration for his tenacity and the amount of coverage he got. I also think (albeit grudgingly), that he deserves extra points for original thinking. I'm not going to pursue the issue further but in closing I'd invite you to look at the amount of discussion that he managed to generate right here on the forum. I think that was the point of the exercise. Cheers

Yes, he did all of that but (I think) that was exactly what he set out to accomplish. Maybe he saw wrecking his career as a cost he was willing to pay... I have no idea though, I'm just guessing. There must have been some motivating factor to produce such an extravagant over the top performance on his part. Everyone knows who he is, they recognize his picture and they have strong opinions (one way or the other) about what he’s doing. He’s become a lightning rod for discussions and whether it’s intentional or not, he’s managed to shine a spotlight on absurdity like few others have. His picture has been on this forum numerous times, he’s been mentioned in threads repeatedly and we’re talking about him right now. So whether you support him or not, like him or not, and regardless of differing opinions on trans rights… pretty much everyone can agree with the notion that what he’s doing is, indeed, totally absurd by any definition. The only thing more absurd is that he can get away with it so easily. I dare say there are few other topics on this issue that creates such unity of opinion. After being accused of “toxic masculinity,” he’s managed to make his accusers eat their words and look utterly ridiculous while they’re chewing on them with the same grimace normally associated with skunks. Can you think of anyone else who's accomplished that in such a public manner or any other reason that he would choose to proceed in the way he did? I'm starting to think that total absurdity might be a valuable tool in fighting some of the madness that bedevils us.

I don't know all the details here but when this guy first hit the news, I read or heard (gym talk maybe) that he was a shop teacher and decidedly ruff and gruff by nature. He had been reprimanded by the school for "toxic masculinity" and his revenge for that was the creation of his now famous, over the top, alter ego pictured above. There was no "transition" and no pretence of converting . He just showed up looking to create a spectacle of absurdity in order to shine a light on.... absurdity. He got a bad rap as a poser but that was the point (I think) he was trying to make and admitting it would have ended the charade and gotten him fired. He certainly ran the school, school board, media, politicians, parents and general population down the tracks, over the hill and around the bend with it though. So, if what I head was true, or even partially true, it was deliberate, hilarious and actually pretty gutsy... I'm just twisted enough to come up with an idea like that but I'd surely chicken out before leaving the house. In fact, I wouldn't even make it out of the bathroom. Assuming it's true, I'm inclined to applaud the effort rather than vilify him. He accomplished more doing it his way than any letter writing campaign could ever have achieved. Hats off to him...

Are you asserting that the quote, from a Russian News paper no less, is accepted reality and that the people who don't view Russian propaganda as reality qualify as and Trumpers because of it? Never mind, I don't actually believe that's what you're doing... Jorden Peterson made me write that.