They Call Them Santa Anas

Many U.S. residents are themselves largely unaware of the actual size of the State of California...but I assure you it is "area-wise", the Third largest State in our country...after Alaska and Texas.

...and the terrain is as varied as one could possibly imagine.

Around the San Diego area in particular, the thermal effects of the many hills coupled with a gusty proximity to the Pacific Ocean, dense coniferous forests, and the renown "Santa Ana" winds...make San Diego one of the MOST DANGEROUS places in the world to have a fire burning out-of-control.

So my sincerest respect goes out to the people who fight fires under these highly unpredictable conditions, and my best wishes to the local residents...

Santa Anas Wreaking Havoc

WEIRD ADDENDUM:
If you haven't heard, former Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee won a share of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 (along with the contributing researchers), for his environmental patronage and promotion of environmental science worldwide.

What's next...SIR Al Gore?

WEIRD ADDENDUM 2:
I guess my facts around this honor conferred upon Al Gore are mistaken...he won a SECOND QUILL (which is no small honor, I guess), for the issues he addressed in his book: The Assault on Reason.