How Small We Are - In the Midst of a Volcanic Eruption (When Mother Nature Eats Your House with Lava!)

[smashradio]

Facing Mother Nature can sometimes be frightening. It can create sorrow, loss, pain, and even death. As I'm writing this, the volcano on our neighbouring island of La Palma is spewing out lava. It's destroying everything in its way towards the coast. At least one hundred homes have been devastated, 5000 evacuated. 

In a way, I wish I was there. As a journalist, I'd like nothing more than to be in the middle of sorrow, pain and destruction. It's my nature. At the same time, I'm glad I'm safe on another island since my wife is pregnant and expecting in just a few short weeks. 

Then again, I'm sure some of the evacuees who have lost their homes would be happy to switch places with me right now. Luckily, we need not worry here on Gran Canaria - for now. One day, Mount Teide - an even bigger volcano - will erupt. Let's just say that's an eruption I'd rather not be here to witness. 

While watching a video of lava eating someones home, it struck me just how tiny we are. How dispensable. How weak. We build massive skyscrapers, roads, houses, ships... We like to think we're in control. But the truth is, if Mother Nature wants to eat your house in a blaze of molten rock, she can. She will. 

And there's nothing you can do to stop it. 

My thoughts are with my island neighbours today. 
 

[theratypist]

Its devastating to see. Add on to the fact with everything else that is going on in the world.

How far off are you from that island? I hope you and your loved ones are safe. 

[smashradio]

Just now, theratypist said:

Its devastating to see. Add on to the fact with everything else that is going on in the world.

How far off are you from that island? I hope you and your loved ones are safe. 

Nearly 250 kilometers, so we're safe. But it's a strong reminder that we live on top of a space-floating ball of magma. There's just no messing with the planet when she's in a bad mood! 

Knowing that the world has had eruptions like this for billions of years, we should really expect this to happen. But it doesn't make it less devastating. 

[theratypist]

1 minute ago, smashradio said:

Nearly 250 kilometers, so we're safe. But it's a strong reminder that we live on top of a space-floating ball of magma. There's just no messing with the planet when she's in a bad mood! 

Knowing that the world has had eruptions like this for billions of years, we should really expect this to happen. But it doesn't make it less devastating. 

So true! Really puts things to perspective. A reminder that life is short, enjoy it while you can.

To lighten the mood, all the more reason why being 24 hours online on Fib3r is not a good idea lol hehe!

[smashradio]

2 minutes ago, theratypist said:

So true! Really puts things to perspective. A reminder that life is short, enjoy it while you can.

To lighten the mood, all the more reason why being 24 hours online on Fib3r is not a good idea lol hehe!

No 24 hours on Fibber isn't enough dear sister in law! You have to be 26/8, if no u rank down day by day :D 

[newsmike]

18 minutes ago, smashradio said:

There's just no messing with the planet when she's in a bad mood! 

Mr. Smash, what you do to anger Fiber Totem?

[smashradio]

Just now, newsmike said:

Mr. Smash, what you do to anger Fiber Totem?

I skipped reporting my inbox spam today. Maybe this is Fiber Totem telling me to report them all! 

[newsmike]

4 minutes ago, smashradio said:

I skipped reporting my inbox spam today. Maybe this is Fiber Totem telling me to report them all! 

Got it. For tonight, perhaps?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/

[smashradio]

1 minute ago, newsmike said:

Got it. For tonight, perhaps?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/

I'm thinking Dantes Peak on the big screen. 

Actually a good movie. The man was still allowed to save the woman back then. These days, it would probably be some skinny chick with a big rocket destroying the volcano and saving the earth single-handedly, while being a perfect carreer woman and a mom. Oh, and she would of course sacrifice the man to the Volcano.

[fiveroptic1]

Scary stuff! Saw a programme a while ago about the Gran Canaria volcano. If that erupts, breaks apart and collapses into the sea, there could be a massive knock on effect. Massive tidal waves over the Atlantic, causing devastation in New York - Mother nature eh! 😞  

[newsmike]

3 minutes ago, smashradio said:

and a mom.

Prolly not that. More like the awful, mute Ruby Rose in chapter 2, John Wick, only a little less cheery.  

[smashradio]

15 minutes ago, fiveroptic1 said:

Scary stuff! Saw a programme a while ago about the Gran Canaria volcano. If that erupts, breaks apart and collapses into the sea, there could be a massive knock on effect. Massive tidal waves over the Atlantic, causing devastation in New York - Mother nature eh! 😞  

That's not Gran Canaria, that's La Palma - the one that is errupting now. But like I said, that's extremely unlikely. Scientists have picked that stupid theory apart multiple times. The island isn't gonna come apart anytime soon. 

https://en.as.com/en/2021/09/19/latest_news/1632069096_343081.html

[newsmike]

30 minutes ago, smashradio said:

the one that is errupting now.

Mr. Smash, I am calling BS. I thought that we could control the environment? That's what everyone who wants to regulate what I can eat, wear, drive, purchase and think says. So, I say, find out who has the control of this and make them stop. After all, we are in charge, not anything cyclical or natural. There is nothing in the universe more powerful than the creep on the Homeowner's Association committee who gets to sends nasty letters when someone's grass is 1/8th inch longer than they mandate.  

[vickiespencer]

My friend's home in Hawaii was consumed by a volcano. She posted pictures of it on FB as it was slowly surrounded and gradually fell apart. Here instead of volcanoes we have forest fires. Plus, you could lose your home to flood if you live near one of the three rivers that often rise over their banks durning the spring thaw. 

Congratulations on becoming a papa. Is this your first? 

[ahmwritingco]

17 minutes ago, newsmike said:

That's what everyone who wants to regulate what I can eat, wear, drive, purchase and think says.

That sounds like an independent thought. Quick, get back into your pod and eat your bug burger before somebody sees. 

[newsmike]

31 minutes ago, ahmwritingco said:

That sounds like an independent thought. Quick, get back into your pod and eat your bug burger before somebody sees. 

Ahh, the always tolerant of opposing viewpoints person I was just describing. Thanks for proving my point. 

[ahmwritingco]

24 minutes ago, newsmike said:

Ahh, the always tolerant of opposing viewpoints person I was just describing. Thanks for proving my point. 

Not quite. I once expressed doubt about Biden being fit for presidency, so as is customary when you go against the narrative, I'm no longer considered tolerant or on the right side of history™. Still, there might be hope for me. I've heard all sins are forgiven if the donation to the Clinton Foundation is large enough.

2 hours ago, smashradio said:

While watching a video of lava eating someones home, it struck me just how tiny we are. How dispensable. How weak. We build massive skyscrapers, roads, houses, ships... We like to think we're in control. But the truth is, if Mother Nature wants to eat your house in a blaze of molten rock, she can. She will. 

I often feel that way when near the ocean. It's so large, temperamental, and indifferent.

Was everyone safely evacuated from La Palma? 

[newsmike]

27 minutes ago, ahmwritingco said:

Still, there might be hope for me

Fiber Totem smiles upon you and your tribe. 😀

 

[fiveroptic1]

2 hours ago, smashradio said:

That's not Gran Canaria, that's La Palma - the one that is errupting now. But like I said, that's extremely unlikely. Scientists have picked that stupid theory apart multiple times. The island isn't gonna come apart anytime soon. 

https://en.as.com/en/2021/09/19/latest_news/1632069096_343081.html

Oh right - I stand corrected. Mind you, the programme in question was one of those "When nature Goes Wrong" type docs on a minor channel with a Don LaFontaine style voiceover , so not necessarily the most reliable source! 😄 

[newsmike]

19 minutes ago, fiveroptic1 said:

Don LaFontaine style voiceover

"In a world, where the earth splits open and belches molten lava skyward in an outburst of anger and raw destructive power...Only one man.... can save the world. But... can he save himself, from a past riddled with secret alliances and pure danger around every corner?  It's the white knuckled thrill ride of the year...... Find out in...." @smashradio vs the Volcano."  Coming this Christmas to a theater near you."

 

[andywarburton]

Seeing this makes me glad to live in the Netherlands, all I have to fear is the eventual rising of the sea and the whole country being consumed by the ocean. 😳

[newsmike]

8 minutes ago, andywarburton said:

Seeing this makes me glad to live in the Netherlands, all I have to fear is the eventual rising of the sea and the whole country being consumed by the ocean. 😳

I wouldn't worry too much about that. The Obama's just spent $12 million to live 50 feet from the Atlantic. 

[andywarburton]

1 hour ago, newsmike said:

I wouldn't worry too much about that. The Obama's just spent $12 million to live 50 feet from the Atlantic. 

I think when you can throw around 12 million you can probably afford to move inland if the water levels rise 😄

[newsmike]

Just now, andywarburton said:

I think when you can throw around 12 million you can probably afford to move inland if the water levels rise 😄

I Just find it funny that a lot of folks who make big $$ shaming you for using a plastic grocery bag, live in places like these.

Al Gore:

https://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/featured-columnists/celebrity-homes-column-al-gore-tipper-gore-oprah-winfrey-michael-douglas-christopher-lloyd-fred-couples-nicolas-cage-peter-reckell-kelly-moneymaker-2525.php

 

John Kerry:

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/real-estate/a9571432/john-kerry-marthas-vineyard/

 

There are dozens and dozens more examples, and from what I've seen, rich folks don't get or stay rich by throwing away millions.  Just sayin, watch the magician's right hand, not the lovely assistant. 

 

  

[smashradio]

6 hours ago, newsmike said:

Mr. Smash, I am calling BS. I thought that we could control the environment? That's what everyone who wants to regulate what I can eat, wear, drive, purchase and think says. So, I say, find out who has the control of this and make them stop. After all, we are in charge, not anything cyclical or natural. There is nothing in the universe more powerful than the creep on the Homeowner's Association committee who gets to sends nasty letters when someone's grass is 1/8th inch longer than they mandate.  

I blame the NRA and Greta Thunberg. It's a conspiracy, I'm sure. They must have put something in that volcano to make it blow up. The Homeowner's Assosciation has sent Karens to attack us.