A Palpably Toxic Tuesday
Acres of Southern California forest land are being consumed by flames and, even miles away, the air is acrid with ash. These fires, threatening life and property in the area, have burned since a couple of days before this past weekend, and the situation is beyond critical. Billows of smoke are mushrooming in the sky above the stricken area. Although Los Angeles proper, Hollywood, and Burbank are unscathed and the business of show continues unabated, there is a sinking feeling that accompanies every news report about the overwhelming blaze.
Vesuvius? Mt. St. Helens? No. Angeles National Forest.
Last night, from the back deck of a friend's home in the hills overlooking Studio City, the ridges and mountains of Angeles National Forest - far in the distance - looked as if Pele, Hawaiian goddess of fire and violence, was having a party in a volcano. Believe me, this ain't no back-yard summer barbecue. And now, the hellish conflagration surrounds a cluster of antennas on Mt. Wilson. Their destruction would jeopardize radio and TV broadcasts - with cell phone and internet access also being affected, and that, in turn, would undermine some crucial ways our music is delivered. It is, without a doubt, a toxic situation.
We all hope that the experts get this thing under control and extinguished sooner than soon. But the word is that the swiftly-growing pyre will not be contained for another two weeks. Until then, an awful lot of people are going to be displaced, and even more will need to seek respite from the polluted atmosphere.
We'd certainly be better off if the situation was more like a revered number by clever Long Island, New York-spawned art-metal innovators Blue Öyster Cult: "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll," from the band's 1972 debut album. As infernos go, that would be infinitely preferable - and a tonic to beat back toxicity.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (13)
Certainly hope and pray things take a better turn for the western brethren, that's a frightening scenario for sure.
That's a nice turn of the tail, of course you had my toxic sensitivity bristling.
Thanks for the words of support, scot. I have some friends who are directly impacted by this. And I mean directly, as in living on a hill that's just on the other side of a small town and freeway from the fire. And no, BOC's classic material should never be mistaken for toxic. They RAWKed!
Not sure about radio, Mike, but I heard KABC say that if the fires took out their antenna, it would only effect the over the air television feed of those who get their TV via antenna.
They said that if it is consumed, they would stream over the internet, and cable and satellite would not be effected.
Hopefully that means that internet pipelines are not housed there. Cell service??? Could be another story though. I haven't heard the latest today.
I hope your friends are safe and I'll send up a prayer for them.
Stay safe. & keep these toxic tuesday selections coming. I don't always listin (hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
But i like readin what you say about your poor victims.
ah yes, the poison pen of Mike the Knife
Whoa- you scared me, Mike. I thought you were coming down on BOC for being toxic and I was really going to be upset!
Okay, seriously, best wishes through this ordeal. I have several friends out that way so I know how hazardous this is. I pray for all of you there.
A bit late to question the wisdom of the real estate developers who built such major developments in the middle of historical areas for wild forest fires I guess, huh?
man that is really crazy out there
much love and luck to the left coast
*sigh* I do remember the seemingly annual wildfires in California while growing up there, but this one sure seems to be much worse than normal. My heart goes out to all those affected by the wildfires, and pray for a good spot of rain soon. :)
Again, thanks for the kind words, everybody. I'm fine, but things remain dicey for my peeps who are close to the hotspots. Here's hoping that they and the firefighters prevail. It's starting to look better tonight (Tuesday). Keeping fingers crossed.
MusicRX: True. Only antenna broadcasts would be affected by any tower destructions, but you'd be surprised how many people still get their TV that way as opposed to cable or satellite.
dmdm: Don't worry. We'll return to our regularly scheduled nastiness next week.
inrumford: Hmmm. I'd better get a new ink cartridge...
Fasted: Insult BOC? At my own risk.
Pimpster: Yup. Cray-to-tha-zee, man!
Dale: It's reportedly one of the worst. I'm thinking like the J & M Chain and Shirley Manson. We'd all be happy when (if?) it rains.
Remember thos etimes when you could smell smoke and ash and the far horison was filled with smoke clouds. Hope yr peeps are OK. Meanwhile, those twin guitars sound exhilerating.
Jonh: Fire and smoke everywhere. The seven deadly sins on constant display. No wonder we often call it Hell A. Oh yeah. Buck Dharma rules!
I'm very sensitive to this matter and I'm really sorry to see that it's still 'on the loose'. We have fires like these in Greece every summer, and it's just dreadful. Here's hoping it will be under control soon and the losses will be as little devastating as possible.
Anna: Your thoughful note is appreciated. Everyone's keeping as cool as possible, considering.