After all the abuse that Michigan has taken at the hands of the sunbelt, I just have to indulge in a moment of regional schadenfreude. Here in Michigan, we've been enjoying blue skies and 70-odd degree days, and my tomato plants are still blooming. So, hey, California, how you doin'?

• boingboing - Southern CA wildfires: good Lord they are huge.

• California Requests Declaration of National Emergency Over Fires - "a clear indication that this is a fire possibly worse than anything in California's history."
• And, for good measure - Dry times ahead - even for the Bay Area

Hmm, I wonder what Mike Davis would say? Oh, right: "Told you so."

So, gee, what's happening on the other end of the sunbelt?

• Conserve Water Georgia - "our communities face water shortages that could challenge their ability to meet water supply needs."

• State might ration water - "As the state considers restrictions on commercial and industrial users, water experts around the nation say they don't recall any major U.S. metro area being forced into such dire drought measures in about two decades."
• Atlanta Water Shortage blog

So, folks, did you ever think of looking at a map when you moved down there? Sure, it's warm and sunny, but indulge me for a moment and recall what Michigan looks like.

Don't worry, we'll leave the light on for you and warm up some leftover casserole - remember, we're the upper midwest. We're hospitable and stuff.