One of the summer traditions in Phoenix is unfortunately forest fires to the north of the city. At this point, the big one is called the “Willow” fire. Firefighters have set controlled burns that have expanded the size of the fire to 65,000 acres–a real monster, large enough now that the plumes are visible from downtown Phoenix 60 miles south of the fire.
The Arizona Republic has the story, including this freaky picture:

[Source: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic]
The big building to the lower right of the image is the hospital where Andrea was born.
**Listening To: **“Together” by Front 242 
Posted Saturday, 03 July, 2004 by Nic Lindh
Another book roundup, including some stellar athletes and soldiers, what might be the most jaded, soul-weary protagonist ever, and some grimdark fantasy.
The Internet is getting creepy, and Nic is breaking out his tinfoil hat after newspaper paywalls push him over the edge.
Nic is tired of tech sites obsessing over Apple’s financials and business strategy. So very tired.
Nic reads a book about the processed food industry and is incensed.
Computers are complicated. This brings out the irrational in people.
Nic proposes the loan word Rechthaberei be incorporated into American English.
The Core Dump is back! Books were read during the hiatus. Includes The Coldest Winter, Oh, Myyy!, Tough Sh*t, The Revolution Was Televised, The Rook, Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore, Gun Machine, Fortress Frontier, Standing in Another Man’s Grave, and The Memory of Light.
This site will return in February.
From a true patriot to a world-weary detective, a dead god, and a civilization about to sublime from the galaxy, this book roundup spans the gamut. Includes Where Men Win Glory, Wild, Inside the Box, The Black Box, Three Parts Dead, Red Country, and The Hydrogen Sonata.
Springsteen gives a concert in Phoenix. It’s fantastic.