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OT: California Huskers

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My mother got evacuated, she is with me now. She is right over the mountain from the Altadena fire by Pasadena. I went to the house and we took what we could. I am torn about going back and trying to save my childhood home

Edit: I am not sure where the fire is, it seemed fairly close when we grabbed the stuff. There’s no fire fighters available from what I hear so it’s pure luck if the house survives and why I want to go back
 
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My mother got evacuated, she is with me now. She is right over the mountain from the Altadena fire by Pasadena. I went to the house and we took what we could. I am torn about going back and trying to save my childhood home

Edit: I am not sure where the fire is, it seemed fairly close when we grabbed the stuff. There’s no fire fighters available from what I hear so it’s pure luck if the house survives and why I want to go back
I'm hearing there is no water available? Truth??

Man I feel for you and your mom. Stay safe and I hope your childhood home is spared
 
I thought I read awhile back that several insurance companies were pulling out of California. Hopefully everyone was able to find insurance
 
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Watching your home burn is the worst...the decisions you have to make in a few minutes....terrible. Running thru your home knowing you have minutes .....what to save...where's the cat....Don't wish it on anyone.
Cats have to be the worst pet in an emergency situation. Those critters can make themselves hard to find even when you aren't in a panic. At least with a dog, you know they are going to meet you at the door.
 
Yes and I heard they didn't catich rain and snow pack melt.

I said years ago, if California was truly worried about global warming raising the ocean level, they should be desalinizing the ocean and pumping it into their reservoirs which were going dry
Is California worried about the ocean level rising? They have so much terrain I can't imagine that is their biggest concern.

The bottom line is everyone gets to pay for all these states problems. Doesn't matter if it's Florida and hurricanes, California fires, Texas hurricanes. All of it is federally paid for and then in the case of flooding, insurance is subsidized.
 
I think most Americans are fine with tax dollars subsidizing ins for areas rife with 'Canes and fire n flood....but using my ins company I work for as an example, last year we made 9Bil...with a B...in profit...so if the claim is ins companies are losing money by insuring these areas, fine, show us the books, then here's some tax dollars to help out fellow Americans...but if you made 9 Bil last year, how bout you stop whining and pay the claim?
 
People in NC still living in tents. I wouldn't count on the federal morons for shit.
What do you want the federal government to do? Build all these people houses in a couple months? Funny, NC has received millions of federal dollars and will end up with billions. But people are complaining about the federal government. Hilarious.
 
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Yes and I heard they didn't catich rain and snow pack melt.

I said years ago, if California was truly worried about global warming raising the ocean level, they should be desalinizing the ocean and pumping it into their reservoirs which were going dry

I've always wondered why too.

1. High Cost

  • Infrastructure Costs: Building and maintaining desalination plants require significant financial investment.
  • Operational Costs: The process is energy-intensive, leading to high operational expenses, particularly in regions with expensive energy.

2. Energy Consumption

  • Fossil Fuel Dependency: Many desalination plants rely on non-renewable energy sources, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainability Concerns: While renewable energy could offset this issue, implementing such systems can be expensive and logistically challenging.

3. Environmental Impact

  • Brine Disposal: Desalination generates highly concentrated brine (salty waste water), which can harm marine ecosystems if not properly managed.
  • Marine Life: The intake of seawater can trap and kill marine organisms, disrupting local ecosystems.

4. Limited Accessibility

  • Geographical Constraints: Desalination is primarily viable for coastal regions. Landlocked areas would face additional logistical and cost barriers to transport desalinated water.
  • Water Transport: Moving desalinated water from coastal areas to inland regions can be impractical and expensive.

5. Scale of Demand

  • Large-Scale Needs: In areas with severe water shortages, the scale of water demand might exceed the capacity of existing desalination plants.
  • Time to Build: Constructing new plants takes years, which may not address immediate water crises.

6. Inefficiencies

  • Freshwater Alternatives: In many cases, other methods like water conservation, recycling, and improved irrigation systems may be more cost-effective and sustainable.
  • Limited Supply: Desalination may only provide a fraction of the water needed for agriculture, industry, and personal use in large populations.

7. Political and Social Barriers

  • Regional Conflicts
      • Sharing desalination technology or facilities across borders can lead to political disputes.
      • Public Resistance: Communities may resist desalination plants due to perceived risks or environmental concerns.
      Despite these challenges, desalination has been successfully implemented in water-scarce regions such as the Middle East, parts of California, and Australia. Advances in technology, like reverse osmosis and renewable energy integration, may make it a more viable solution in the future. However, it is unlikely to be a universal answer to global water shortages without addressing its limitations.

 
So, nothing to complain about? What did everyone expect the federal government to do? Other than pay billions of dollars?
The federal government is too busy sending all our money to Ukraine. But hey. I love me some big government. Time for DOGE to thin the herd of useless bureaucrats destroying our country and lining their own pockets.
 
I think most Americans are fine with tax dollars subsidizing ins for areas rife with 'Canes and fire n flood....but using my ins company I work for as an example, last year we made 9Bil...with a B...in profit...so if the claim is ins companies are losing money by insuring these areas, fine, show us the books, then here's some tax dollars to help out fellow Americans...but if you made 9 Bil last year, how bout you stop whining and pay the claim?
AMEN
 
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I've always wondered why too.

1. High Cost

  • Infrastructure Costs: Building and maintaining desalination plants require significant financial investment.
  • Operational Costs: The process is energy-intensive, leading to high operational expenses, particularly in regions with expensive energy.

2. Energy Consumption

  • Fossil Fuel Dependency: Many desalination plants rely on non-renewable energy sources, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainability Concerns: While renewable energy could offset this issue, implementing such systems can be expensive and logistically challenging.

3. Environmental Impact

  • Brine Disposal: Desalination generates highly concentrated brine (salty waste water), which can harm marine ecosystems if not properly managed.
  • Marine Life: The intake of seawater can trap and kill marine organisms, disrupting local ecosystems.

4. Limited Accessibility

  • Geographical Constraints: Desalination is primarily viable for coastal regions. Landlocked areas would face additional logistical and cost barriers to transport desalinated water.
  • Water Transport: Moving desalinated water from coastal areas to inland regions can be impractical and expensive.

5. Scale of Demand

  • Large-Scale Needs: In areas with severe water shortages, the scale of water demand might exceed the capacity of existing desalination plants.
  • Time to Build: Constructing new plants takes years, which may not address immediate water crises.

6. Inefficiencies

  • Freshwater Alternatives: In many cases, other methods like water conservation, recycling, and improved irrigation systems may be more cost-effective and sustainable.
  • Limited Supply: Desalination may only provide a fraction of the water needed for agriculture, industry, and personal use in large populations.

7. Political and Social Barriers

  • Regional Conflicts
      • Sharing desalination technology or facilities across borders can lead to political disputes.
      • Public Resistance: Communities may resist desalination plants due to perceived risks or environmental concerns.
      Despite these challenges, desalination has been successfully implemented in water-scarce regions such as the Middle East, parts of California, and Australia. Advances in technology, like reverse osmosis and renewable energy integration, may make it a more viable solution in the future. However, it is unlikely to be a universal answer to global water shortages without addressing its limitations.
LA Times

California is letting billions of gallons of stormwater wash out to sea each year, report finds​

Hayley Smith
Fri, March 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM CST
9 min read
 
The federal government is too busy sending all our money to Ukraine. But hey. I love me some big government. Time for DOGE to thin the herd of useless bureaucrats destroying our country and lining their own pockets.

While its true we are spending money.... we are also making shit loads. Don't kid yourself, The US doesn't do anything without getting something in return on the global stage. I know that this is all a giant political talking piece, the reality is US Companies and the fed are making hay.

  1. 1. Defense and Weapons Manufacturing

    The largest financial beneficiaries of the Ukraine war are U.S. defense contractors due to increased arms production and sales. For example:
    • Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies: Major suppliers of systems like Javelin missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers, and Stinger missiles have reported increased revenues due to orders from the U.S. government to support Ukraine.
      • Lockheed Martin saw revenue growth in its missiles and fire control division, with contracts awarded for replenishing U.S. and allied stockpiles.
      • Raytheon Technologies benefited from missile production and defense-related services.
    • Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics: These companies also experienced revenue increases tied to military assistance programs.

    Estimates:​

    • The U.S. government has committed over $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine, a significant portion of which is spent on procurement from U.S. defense contractors.

    2. Energy Companies

    The war has reshaped global energy markets, with the U.S. stepping in as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, replacing Russian gas.
    • LNG Exporters:
      • Cheniere Energy and Tellurian Inc. have seen higher revenues due to increased exports to Europe at elevated prices.
      • The U.S. became the world's largest LNG exporter in 2022, partly due to the Ukraine conflict.
    • Oil and Gas Companies:
      • Companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips benefited from higher oil prices in 2022, driven by global supply disruptions.

    Estimates:​

    • The energy sector reported record profits in 2022, with some companies attributing a portion of their gains to the reshaped global energy market caused by the war.

    3. Agricultural and Commodities Companies

    The war disrupted global grain exports, increasing prices for wheat, corn, and other staples. U.S. agricultural companies gained from:
    • Higher export volumes to countries that previously relied on Ukrainian or Russian grains.
    • Rising prices boosting profit margins.

    Key Beneficiaries:​

    • Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Cargill: Major agribusinesses reported revenue growth due to increased global demand.

    4. Cybersecurity Firms

    The war spurred heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks, especially with increased Russian cyber activity targeting Ukraine and NATO allies. This led to:
    • Increased spending on cybersecurity services by governments and corporations.
    • Boosted revenues for companies like Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and FireEye.

    5. Reconstruction and Development Firms (Future Earnings)

    While profits from reconstruction efforts in Ukraine are not yet realized, U.S. engineering, construction, and logistics companies may see significant opportunities in rebuilding Ukraine once the war ends. Firms specializing in infrastructure development and project management, like Bechtel, are expected to be involved.

    Overall Financial Impact

    While specific dollar amounts vary by company and industry, analysts estimate that U.S. companies in defense, energy, agriculture, and cybersecurity have collectively gained tens of billions of dollars due to the war. Defense contractors alone are seeing multi-billion-dollar boosts due to increased government spending on weapons and munitions.
    However, exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to the complexities of global markets, indirect impacts, and the interplay of other factors like inflation and post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
 

While its true we are spending money.... we are also making shit loads. Don't kid yourself, The US doesn't do anything without getting something in return on the global stage. I know that this is all a giant political talking piece, the reality is US Companies and the fed are making hay.

  1. 1. Defense and Weapons Manufacturing

    The largest financial beneficiaries of the Ukraine war are U.S. defense contractors due to increased arms production and sales. For example:
    • Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies: Major suppliers of systems like Javelin missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers, and Stinger missiles have reported increased revenues due to orders from the U.S. government to support Ukraine.
      • Lockheed Martin saw revenue growth in its missiles and fire control division, with contracts awarded for replenishing U.S. and allied stockpiles.
      • Raytheon Technologies benefited from missile production and defense-related services.
    • Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics: These companies also experienced revenue increases tied to military assistance programs.
    • Estimates:
    • The U.S. government has committed over $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine, a significant portion of which is spent on procurement from U.S. defense contractors.

    2. Energy Companies

    The war has reshaped global energy markets, with the U.S. stepping in as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, replacing Russian gas.
    • LNG Exporters:
      • Cheniere Energy and Tellurian Inc. have seen higher revenues due to increased exports to Europe at elevated prices.
      • The U.S. became the world's largest LNG exporter in 2022, partly due to the Ukraine conflict.
    • Oil and Gas Companies:
      • Companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips benefited from higher oil prices in 2022, driven by global supply disruptions.
    • Estimates:
    • The energy sector reported record profits in 2022, with some companies attributing a portion of their gains to the reshaped global energy market caused by the war.

    3. Agricultural and Commodities Companies

    The war disrupted global grain exports, increasing prices for wheat, corn, and other staples. U.S. agricultural companies gained from:
    • Higher export volumes to countries that previously relied on Ukrainian or Russian grains.
    • Rising prices boosting profit margins.
    • Key Beneficiaries:
    • Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Cargill: Major agribusinesses reported revenue growth due to increased global demand.

    4. Cybersecurity Firms

    The war spurred heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks, especially with increased Russian cyber activity targeting Ukraine and NATO allies. This led to:
    • Increased spending on cybersecurity services by governments and corporations.
    • Boosted revenues for companies like Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and FireEye.

    5. Reconstruction and Development Firms (Future Earnings)

    While profits from reconstruction efforts in Ukraine are not yet realized, U.S. engineering, construction, and logistics companies may see significant opportunities in rebuilding Ukraine once the war ends. Firms specializing in infrastructure development and project management, like Bechtel, are expected to be involved.

    Overall Financial Impact

    While specific dollar amounts vary by company and industry, analysts estimate that U.S. companies in defense, energy, agriculture, and cybersecurity have collectively gained tens of billions of dollars due to the war. Defense contractors alone are seeing multi-billion-dollar boosts due to increased government spending on weapons and munitions.
    However, exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to the complexities of global markets, indirect impacts, and the interplay of other factors like inflation and post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
Of course. Worthless politicians are getting kickbacks after our tax money is laundered over there. Perfectly normal for swamp rats who make 180k a year to be worth 100 to 200 million dollars. Nothing to see here IRS. Move along. Gravy train ends soon.
 
The federal government is too busy sending all our money to Ukraine. But hey. I love me some big government. Time for DOGE to thin the herd of useless bureaucrats destroying our country and lining their own pockets.
What do mean too busy? You think NC needs more federal money then they already received and are going to receive?

The head of DOGE runs companies receiving billions of federal dollars, in addition to running a company that sells a product that receives a federal tax rebate. And you think that guy is actually for smaller government? LOL
 
What do mean too busy? You think NC needs more federal money then they already received and are going to receive?

The head of DOGE runs companies receiving billions of federal dollars, in addition to running a company that sells a product that receives a federal tax rebate. And you think that guy is actually for smaller government? LOL
Well. Elon became the richest man in the world by being a smart businessman. A genius and an innovator. Not by being a swamp rat who's fleeced the American tax payers for 50 years. But keep voting wrong. I'll keep voting RIGHT.👈
 
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Of course. Worthless politicians are getting kickbacks after our tax money is laundered over there. Perfectly normal for swamp rats who make 180k a year to be worth 100 to 200 million dollars. Nothing to see here IRS. Move along. Gravy train ends soon.
I can't figure out if you are naive or just totally brainwashed. You are aware that federal spending went up under the previous administration? If anyone in the incoming administration was serious about not over spending, they would just not raise the debt ceiling. But they want to spend money we don't have, just like the previous 4 administrations.
 
Well. Elon became the richest man in the world by being a smart businessman. Not by being a swamp rat who's fleeced the American tax payers for 50 years. But keep voting wrong. I'll keep voting RIGHT.👈
Are you aware that Elon was in this country on a student visa but didn't go to school? That makes him an illegal, right?
 
Of course. Worthless politicians are getting kickbacks after our tax money is laundered over there. Perfectly normal for swamp rats who make 180k a year to be worth 100 to 200 million dollars. Nothing to see here IRS. Move along. Gravy train ends soon.
Agreed Politicians should not be getting kickbacks. Not sure how you think that will be different from 2016-2020. Been that way for a long, long time. Want that to end. Term limits would be a start.

Doesn't change the facts that war is good for business. Always has been always will be. Lots of hands in that pot. Not just politicians.
 
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