I learned a lot of FEMA's flood maps and what they are not  intended to do from this article . In the wake of Camp Mystic, Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters, it is especially timely. The points made in the article continue to point for the need to reform FEMA but I doubt that will ever happen. 

There's been a lot of criticism of Elon's "flying car." Offer these immortal words (via Twitter/X) for your consideration.  HeiLender™ @Heilenderer · 7h Translated from German "The horse will always be there, but the automobile is just a fashion trend – a toy for the rich." Michigan Savings Bank, 1903 "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, 1943 "No chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share." Steve Ballmer, 2007 "The Internet has hardly more important effects on the economy than the fax machine." Paul Krugman, 1998 "Flying machines heavier than air are physically impossible." Lord Kelvin, 1895 "The spam problem with emails will be solved in at most two years." Bill Gates, 2004 "The television won't hold up in the market. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every evening." Darryl F. Zanuck, 1946 "There is ...

Since this blog was created in November, 2009, it has stated that, "we are passionate about liberty." Day by day, we are watching our liberties being taken away from us.  Here's yet Flock + police abuse published yesterday: Second example from yesterday: Do you think you or I would get away with this because we "didn't intend" to violate the law?  In my world, police should be held to a higher standard. But most of today's police don't even understand the very basics of constitutional rights and don't care.  Update: Flock won't let you cancel when your contract is up! In my opinion, this whole thing is evil. It needs to be stopped!

Out our back window.......  Click to see the entire photo. 

Damage from 1983 Los Angeles Tornado During El Ninos, California's "Southland" (coastal counties from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to San Diego up to the mountain foothills) has a significantly enhanced risk of tornadoes during the rainy season.  The worst tornado in Los Angeles' history occurred during the strong 1982-83 El Nino. It was an EF-2 that injured at least 30 people. There are reports that it killed six but there were no direct fatalities.  If you live in the Southland, I urge  you to check with your insurance company to make sure you have coverage for a tornado. Since this is forecast to be a record El Nino, who knows that the tornado situation may turn out to be? This includes people living in apartments as you need coverage for your contents.