Wed Jun 27, 2012, 05:41 AM

Are_grits_groceries (12,745 posts)

Photo of fire almost on top of the Air Force Academy. So this is what Armageddon looks like:

The football stadium is at the bottom.

I expect the Four Horseman to ride out of that any second now.

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63 replies	Author	Time	Post
Photo of fire almost on top of the Air Force Academy. So this is what Armageddon looks like: (Original post)	Are_grits_groceries	Jun 2012	OP
Armageddon indeed.	dipsydoodle	Jun 2012	#1
I know that area very well. Its one of the most beautiful places on earth.	DCBob	Jun 2012	#2
All forest need fire to regenerate	liberal N proud	Jun 2012	#12
true	ChairmanAgnostic	Jun 2012	#22
was just talking with a forestry person about this	Voice for Peace	Jun 2012	#30
One of our family members was evacuated the first day. Haven't heard if his house is gone. He just	jwirr	Jun 2012	#48
Even if his house is fine...	aquart	Jun 2012	#52
True but that very mild winter hasn't helped here n/t	malaise	Jun 2012	#31
I remember reading an article in the early 90s that detailed how, months after the fire	TheDebbieDee	Jun 2012	#33
Wow. Nt	xchrom	Jun 2012	#3
Wow!	Scurrilous	Jun 2012	#4
It might be closer to what the results of global warming look like	SkatmanRoth	Jun 2012	#5
I was thinking the pine beetle infestation has some bearing	Turn CO Blue	Jun 2012	#26
The pine beetle is a big problem now BECAUSE so many trees are weakened by years of poor rainfall	kestrel91316	Jun 2012	#34
Some news worth sharing on pine beetles:	hedgehog	Jun 2012	#58
Someone should stand Mittens	justgamma	Jun 2012	#6
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#8
We could furnish him with a Mission Accomplished sign to hold up.	jwirr	Jun 2012	#49
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#51
Yes, that would be perfect.	Brigid	Jun 2012	#17
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#7
To accomdate crowds watching their football team, I'm pretty sure	JHB	Jun 2012	#9
The US Military Academy, The Naval Academy, and The Air Force Academy all have D1 football teams.	Are_grits_groceries	Jun 2012	#10
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#13
The athletic departments pay for the sports scholarships.	Are_grits_groceries	Jun 2012	#14
There are no sports scholarships at military academies.	bluedigger	Jun 2012	#19
But their sports still bring in revenue.	hack89	Jun 2012	#21
Thanks.	Are_grits_groceries	Jun 2012	#24
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#50
I think you know better.	bluedigger	Jun 2012	#55
My God, what am I reading?	Marinedem	Jun 2012	#60
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#61
...	SidDithers	Jun 2012	#15
Why do you hate recess activities?	raouldukelives	Jun 2012	#46
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#53
don't forget their religious indoctrination, too.	ChairmanAgnostic	Jun 2012	#23
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#54
For their football team. It IS a university, you know.	kestrel91316	Jun 2012	#35
This message was self-deleted by its author	bupkus	Jun 2012	#62
Frightening	malaise	Jun 2012	#11
Either that or god is pissed off at the Talebangelicals harassing their fellow cadets.	Crowman1979	Jun 2012	#16
This post took waaay longer than I thought it would.	cherokeeprogressive	Jun 2012	#18
Someone reported on another thread that Freepers are speculating that	coalition_unwilling	Jun 2012	#29
WTF?!?!	Crowman1979	Jun 2012	#47
It's getting nuts out there	Marrah_G	Jun 2012	#20
Great photo! Did you shoot it?	snot	Jun 2012	#25
I see your point	tkmorris	Jun 2012	#37
Thanks! Me too.	snot	Jun 2012	#63
???????????	Are_grits_groceries	Jun 2012	#42
OMG	DearAbby	Jun 2012	#27
Cue the Wagner!	Swede	Jun 2012	#28
Kill the Wabbit.	FarCenter	Jun 2012	#43
Cue The Mussorgsky!!	thelordofhell	Jun 2012	#57
Scary pic	cwydro	Jun 2012	#32
As scary as this picture is,	rufus dog	Jun 2012	#36
wow	socialaidem	Jun 2012	#38
That photo is both beautiful and terrifying	nadinbrzezinski	Jun 2012	#39
Not in our lifetimes... Old growth forests take many decades.	hlthe2b	Jun 2012	#40
That's ok, I do have that long view	nadinbrzezinski	Jun 2012	#41
To long life....	hlthe2b	Jun 2012	#44
I used to live in CS. We had fires while I was living there - just not this bad.	Solly Mack	Jun 2012	#45
This picture reminds me of the scene of Mordor	Larkspur	Jun 2012	#56
watching this from my front door, not ordered to evacuate yet. has been very eerie.	niyad	Jun 2012	#59

Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 05:45 AM

dipsydoodle (33,162 posts)

1. Armageddon indeed.

Spooky.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 05:50 AM

DCBob (15,006 posts)

2. I know that area very well. Its one of the most beautiful places on earth.

maybe thats past tense at the moment.

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Response to DCBob (Reply #2)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:32 AM

liberal N proud (43,922 posts)

12. All forest need fire to regenerate

Man has prevented forest fires for so long that once they burn, they really burn.

We were frequent visitors to Yellowstone and were in the park during the great fires of 1988. It looked like the park would burn completely to the ground. By the next year everything was green again and new trees began sprouting immediately. They were not the 100' tall specimens lost in the fire, but it was interesting watching those trees grow. Our oldest daughter was born the year before, we have pictures of her next to trees in Yellowstone from after the fire until she was in High School, they show who quickly the forest regenerates after these seemingly devastating events.

The biggest loss is the personal belongings and homes and of course in the extreme event, loss of life. That is the risk one takes living among such beauty, same as those living on the Gulf coast have dealt with the flooding this week.

Mother Nature still has the upper hand.

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Response to liberal N proud (Reply #12)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 09:06 AM

ChairmanAgnostic (24,055 posts)

22. true

This allows certain species and seeds to replenish and become active again, and might, just might, point out that global climate change is not just for breakfast anymore.

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Response to liberal N proud (Reply #12)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:05 PM

Voice for Peace (8,510 posts)

30. was just talking with a forestry person about this

Last edited Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:13 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

She works for the parks dept and she was describing the project
she's working on, where forests are being groomed and cut in
such a way that there's less deadwood to burn, and more breaks in the
forest, so fires must slow down and become easier to contain.

She was emphasizing the importance of the fires, but as you
were saying, there's just too much there waiting to ignite.
My daughter was "pre-evacuated" from her neighborhood in
Boulder because the fire there was threatening.. it just had
started with a bolt of lightening.

Some of the forest creatures even eat the burned parts
of the forest. When the grasses etc. come back after a big
burn, lots of little critters move in, there is lots of food for
hunting birds, and more..
And NM is a fire trap.

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Response to Voice for Peace (Reply #30)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:27 PM

jwirr (20,966 posts)

48. One of our family members was evacuated the first day. Haven't heard if his house is gone. He just

made it out.

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Response to jwirr (Reply #48)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:37 PM

aquart (67,682 posts)

52. Even if his house is fine...

There's danger to his health in the ash and the stress. Evacuation takes a heavy toll on people and pets. Especially anyone with underlying health issues.

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Response to liberal N proud (Reply #12)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:06 PM

malaise (107,072 posts)

31. True but that very mild winter hasn't helped here n/t

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Response to liberal N proud (Reply #12)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:15 PM

TheDebbieDee (8,434 posts)

33. I remember reading an article in the early 90s that detailed how, months after the fire

scientists were surprised to find species of plants that weren't present in those same areas before the fire.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 05:55 AM

xchrom (91,612 posts)

3. Wow. Nt

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 06:02 AM

Scurrilous (24,740 posts)

4. Wow!

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 06:09 AM

SkatmanRoth (135 posts)

5. It might be closer to what the results of global warming look like

The changing weather patterns have disrupted the normal rainfall patterns. Long dry spells increase the opportunity for wild fires. The 'weather weirding' we are experiencing can be traced to human activities.

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Response to SkatmanRoth (Reply #5)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 11:28 AM

Turn CO Blue (3,447 posts)

26. I was thinking the pine beetle infestation has some bearing

on this - as for years now the pine beetle has been turning our forests into dry, dry, kindling.

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Response to Turn CO Blue (Reply #26)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:39 PM

kestrel91316 (45,676 posts)

34. The pine beetle is a big problem now BECAUSE so many trees are weakened by years of poor rainfall

and extreme heat/lack of enough winter cold. It normally doesn't kill anywhere near this many trees - it's a normal part of the ecosystem and not anything new. What's new is how many trees have been weakened, allowing the beetle to get the upper hand.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #34)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 03:08 PM

hedgehog (30,574 posts)

58. Some news worth sharing on pine beetles:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/12/1099377/-Senate-Republicans-Blocked-Pine-Beetle-Hearings-in-2010

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 06:21 AM

justgamma (2,557 posts)

6. Someone should stand Mittens

in front of this background and play his tape where he says he wants to fire the firefighters.

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Response to justgamma (Reply #6)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #8)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:30 PM

jwirr (20,966 posts)

49. We could furnish him with a Mission Accomplished sign to hold up.

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Response to jwirr (Reply #49)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to justgamma (Reply #6)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 08:08 AM

Brigid (10,744 posts)

17. Yes, that would be perfect.

The next Obama campaign ad.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #7)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:15 AM

JHB (17,904 posts)

9. To accomdate crowds watching their football team, I'm pretty sure

It's not exactly the Superdome, but when game attendance hits the tens of thousands, you do need a place to put everybody.

I don't know about the relative sizes, but that doesn't look like the best angle to judge. I don't see the academy's chapel, which is pretty distinctive, so that view doesn't show everything.

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Response to bupkus (Reply #7)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:20 AM

Are_grits_groceries (12,745 posts)

10. The US Military Academy, The Naval Academy, and The Air Force Academy all have D1 football teams.

The cadets play at Michie Stadium. The midshipmen play at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.
They have many teams for both men and women in many sports. Many of them are varsity sports and compete in NCAA events.

This is considered part of the collegiate experince as well as a great recruiting tool. I have no problem with it. The students who compete carry a staggering academic load as well as their athletic schedule. Choosing to attend these institutions should not deprive them of this experience.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Reply #10)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #13)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:57 AM

Are_grits_groceries (12,745 posts)

14. The athletic departments pay for the sports scholarships.

In addition, FB revenue and donations to athletics pay for mamy non-revenue sports.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Reply #14)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 08:27 AM

bluedigger (10,726 posts)

19. There are no sports scholarships at military academies.

Once accepted, all student expenses are paid for by the government, to be reimbursed by the graduates in service to their country.

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Response to bluedigger (Reply #19)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 09:02 AM

hack89 (21,541 posts)

21. But their sports still bring in revenue.

which in turn in used to support student sports.

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Response to bluedigger (Reply #19)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 09:13 AM

Are_grits_groceries (12,745 posts)

24. Thanks.

I should have been specific. The military academies are different.

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Response to bluedigger (Reply #19)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #50)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:41 PM

bluedigger (10,726 posts)

55. I think you know better.

And if you are really serious that you have no idea how sports relate to the military, then we have no common language available to continue the conversation.

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Response to bupkus (Reply #50)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 04:00 PM

Marinedem (373 posts)

60. My God, what am I reading?

All expense paid vacation? ONLY service?

You honestly think four years at one of the toughest schools in the nation is a vacation?

I don't even have words for the "service" comment.

What the hell does Rutgers have to do with the Academy teams?

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Response to Marinedem (Reply #60)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #13)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:59 AM

SidDithers (27,616 posts)

15. ...

Sid

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Response to bupkus (Reply #13)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:24 PM

raouldukelives (2,408 posts)

46. Why do you hate recess activities?

If we want the pinnacle of educational achievement in this country to be a Doctorate of Recess, If we wish to chart our advancement as a species by the skill level of football, basketball or kick the can its our damn right.

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Response to raouldukelives (Reply #46)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to Are_grits_groceries (Reply #10)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 09:07 AM

ChairmanAgnostic (24,055 posts)

23. don't forget their religious indoctrination, too.

On top of the rest of that stuff.

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Response to ChairmanAgnostic (Reply #23)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to bupkus (Reply #7)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:40 PM

kestrel91316 (45,676 posts)

35. For their football team. It IS a university, you know.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #35)

bupkus This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 07:24 AM

malaise (107,072 posts)

11. Frightening

Rmoney may fire some more firefighters now

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 08:00 AM

Crowman1979 (3,121 posts)

16. Either that or god is pissed off at the Talebangelicals harassing their fellow cadets.

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Response to Crowman1979 (Reply #16)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 08:18 AM

cherokeeprogressive (15,320 posts)

18. This post took waaay longer than I thought it would.

Here's your gold star...

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Response to Crowman1979 (Reply #16)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 11:32 AM

coalition_unwilling (14,180 posts)

29. Someone reported on another thread that Freepers are speculating that

God has 'withdrawn his protection' from the Air Force Academy b/c of the military's repeal of DADT.

I swear, you can't make this shit up!

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Response to coalition_unwilling (Reply #29)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:27 PM

Crowman1979 (3,121 posts)

47. WTF?!?!

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 08:36 AM

Marrah_G (22,701 posts)

20. It's getting nuts out there

I was listening to a phone call at a friends last night as she tried to convince her sister to evacuate before it became to late. Apparently the roads are clogged and the fire is moving all over. Then the call dropped and her sister texted that they were being asked to limit cell use in the areas. Really scary!

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 11:23 AM

snot (8,177 posts)

25. Great photo! Did you shoot it?

If not, source?

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Response to snot (Reply #25)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:49 PM

tkmorris (9,342 posts)

37. I see your point

Photo via Twitter user @FSUKilroy. I'm not the OP but accreditation should be given.

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Response to tkmorris (Reply #37)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 06:09 PM

snot (8,177 posts)

63. Thanks! Me too.

Even more impt. re- factual political statements, of course.

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Response to snot (Reply #25)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 12:56 PM

Are_grits_groceries (12,745 posts)

42. ???????????

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/19428016/photo-wildfire-threatens-air-forces-falcon-stadium

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 11:29 AM

DearAbby (12,196 posts)

27. OMG

Where is Pike's Peak? I had always loved that stretch of road...I-25 going alongside the Academy. Always viewed it as God's paradise. (no pun intended) Our beautiful state is ablaze.

It looks like a volcano.

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Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)

Wed Jun 27, 2012, 11:31 AM

Swede (27,081 posts)