MM Vs Caliber

Something WAY off my normal rants. This has nothing to do with the city, the mayor or the council.



The other day I was Talking about 'Law & Order' and I mentioned that, although I love the show, they often get things wrong. The specific point I made was Detective Ed Green was looking for a small handgun which he called a 25 Millimeter.... What?!!
That HUGE round, the second from the left is a 20 mm, a 25 mm is MUCH larger. He should have said a 25 caliber. Look below the 20 mm, go ahead and strain. That tiny thing is a 25 caliber (AKA .25) case.
Just for info they go 40 mm grenade case with mechanical link, 20 mm, 50 Caliber, .30/06 (WW2 round for the M1 Garand), .308, 6.5 MM Carcano (the type of round that Oswald used), .30-30 (I've read it's The most popular deer hunting round in PA), 7.62 x 39 mm (the AK-47 ammo), a 5.56 x 45 mm blank (M16 round) and a .30 carbine (WW2 round) and beneath them the 25 caliber. Except for the .25 all are RIFLE rounds. Or Cannon and Grenade launcher.
Caliber is the rough diameter of the BULLETS base. The bullet is the actual projectile.
Just for fun here are some handgun rounds.

Again from left to right .44 Magnum, .44 Auto Mag (very Rare), .45 ACP (AKA just the .45, or .45 ACP), 10 mm, 40 caliber, .357 Sig, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, 9 mm (9 mm parabelum, 9 mm NATO or just the 9), 9 x 18 mm Makarov (the standard pistol caliber for the Soviet Union), .380 (AKA 9mm Kurtz), 32 S&W, .32 Auto (AKA .32 ACP), .25 ACP, .22 LR (Long Rifle).
Can you tell I'm a gun buff?

Enough for now,
Dan

Last nights council meeting

Well last night I went to the council meeting, The only topic was the vote for at-large elections, and I can say it was 40 minutes that I will never get back.
Unsurprisingly, the motion passed. I have no real opinion either way, mainly because everyone has an almost rabid opinion on the subject and actual facts are about as rare as '63 corvettes (the split window coupes).
What I don't like is the fact that the meeting was double secret (Thank you Bill O'Boyle and Matt Harris of the Times Leader and Citizens Voice Respectively for letting us know), that it was scheduled at a time that 'Joe Average-Dude' was just getting out of work and done in such a hurry that it could not be put off. This last part is the fishiest because back on June 10Th after I spoke at council, Mr. Barrett and Thomas talked at me and Mr. Thomas mentioned that they were planning this. So why wait to the last minute to put this in a meeting? I can only think of one reason, to minimize opposition. And if you have to minimize opposition maybe you should look at what you are doing.
On another note, I expected Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith or Bob Kadluboski (of City-Wide Towing) to be there, Both are opponents of this move. I don't really know why I expected them to be present but...
So I spoke even though I was VERY unprepared. I asked if the council put this part of their Charter on a vote, then they should put the FULL TIME benefits and retirement on the vote as well. I was told that this cannot be because of the terms of the Wilkes-Barre Home Rule Charter and the city attorney promised to email me a copy this afternoon. Guess what didn't get emailed to me. I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count. I'll wait till Monday and then call or email him to remind him.
And my last note. Kathy Kane Obviously reads this Blog and indirectly aimed a few comments at me. Yes I got the references to my abandoned house, street sweeper, and that council is letting us down rants. That and the direct comment about blogs.
Of all the council she is doing 'something'. The 'cell phone ban' is an excellent plan and has my FULL support. She had the 'mosquito farm' some call a creek across form my home cleaned out. BUT when this all started she also told an elderly lady, who was worried about her sick husband, that we were not picketing for public safety, we wanted more overtime. WRONG. If we got the manning we are trying for overtime would go DOWN. It's simple, More men less overtime. She is to smart not to realize this so it was a LIE. And that comment is why she has been mentioned so many times here.
Well enough for now.
Dan Emplit WBFD

Anyone elses fault pt 2

June 10, 2005 "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP)
AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias

June 8, 2005 "I would love to have a fire station in every neighborhood but you have to remember, this is neglect of the past," said Mayor Leighton. (WNEP)
AKA It's not my fault, it's McGroartys

Mar 12, 2010 "You left me with no choice, I'm not failing you, the city administration is not failing you and city council is not failing you. Your union is failing you." (Citizens' voice)
AKA It's not my fault, it's the Firefighter Unions

Oct 18, 2007 Leighton raised taxes 20 mills when he first took office in 2004, but has not raised taxes since. “I was forced to raise taxes because of past mistakes, because of past debt,” Leighton said. (Citizens' Voice political blog)
AKA It's not my fault, it's McGroartys

October 27, 2008 Leighton said the union contract demands that the city first call out all city firefighters before another community can be contacted for help. He said Luzerne County 911 does the call-out, but the mayor said a lot of time is lost during the process. (Times Leader)
AKA It's not my fault, it's the Call Centers

July 16, 2010 About claims by police officers the system is bogged down by technical glitches at times, Leighton said "they're (police) not happy about it because they think we should put more people on the streets." (WBRE)
AKA It's not my fault, it's the Policemens'

October 15, 2008 The mayor blames the hike on health care costs and a million-dollar firefighters’ arbitration award. "By no means am I happy or proud of this budget, but it's legitimate numbers, it's legitimate expenses," said Leighton.
AKA It's not my fault, it's the Firefighters'

May 16, 2010 "We've tried to work with them to help the city," he said. "They have to help. Employees have to help. We've had other unions help us" (Citizens Voice)
AKA It's not my fault, it's the Firefighters'
When mayor was elected he asked all the city unions to help the city financially in their contracts. the fire union did (concessions = approx 3.5 million dollars over 7 years). Mayor Leighton said "By making (these) substantial concessions, the firefighters' union has agreed to become partners with the city in its revitalization plan" The Fire Fighters Union did their part and who gets cut back? And what did the other unions do exactly?

October 15, 2008 Mayor Leighton blames the tough economy, increasing health insurance premiums and a recent award of one million dollars to the city's firefighters union for the budget gap. But he promises the financial squeeze won't mean fewer police patrols, or reduced services like salting, plowing and roadwork. (WNEP)
AKA It's not my fault, It's the tough economys', increasing health insurance premiums' and a recent award to the city's firefighters unions'

Oh and he he 'promises' the financial squeeze won't mean fewer police patrols, or reduced services like salting, plowing and roadwork.
What about essentail LIFE SAVING Services?

I firmly believe that if I wasn't VOCALLY opposing the mayor we would've been cut even further, south station would've been sold (probably to disgraced ex-judge Conahans' Medic 8), and the city would be in even worse shape safety wise.

We need to keep the pressure on him and council.

Dan Emplit WBFD

At large elections

At large elections

Well, Our usually silent council is trying to put one by us. A few years ago the way we elected our Council was changed from at-large to a district based system. The reason was that as a district system there would be a larger number of people running for election, giving us more control in who represents us. I don't know which system I would endorse (yet), but I do have a problem with the fact that if the papers hadn't been there, then we wouldn't have known about Thursdays meeting.
This fits with our council. A double secret meeting, No time for someone to oppose them, a time when most people are just getting out of work, and they will not be giving accurate information about the pluses and minuses of this.
Our council is taking steps to protect their sweet part time jobs, the ones with a FULL Time benefits and retirement.
I'm beginning to believe it is time to go back to a weak mayor form of government (In this form, the mayor is elected by voters, but has little real political power and less independence than a strong mayor. A weak mayor serves largely ceremonial duties).
In the weak-mayor form of the mayor–council government, the council possesses both legislative and executive authority. The council may appoint officials and might approve of mayoral nominations. The council also continues to exercise primary control over the municipal budget (This is the form of city level government envisioned by Andrew Jackson called, innovatively enough, Jacksonian democracy). The point is if a mayor has limited power and multiple checks, They can do little harm.
In the strong-mayor form the elected mayor is given almost total administrative authority and a clear, wide range of political independence, with the power to make unilateral decisions without council approval and little, or no public input. In this system, the strong-mayor prepares and administers the city budget, although that budget must be approved by the council.
Abuses in this form led to the development of the council–manager form of local government and its adoption widely throughout the United States.
So once again Wilkes-Barre is behind the times with an antiquated, easily manipulated system. Anyone who doubts this has only to look at the previous administration. Mayor McGroarty ran around doing anything he wanted, until he became a 'lame-duck' (having lost his re-election bid), and then with little to worry about in the way of repercussions from him, council finally stepped up and stopped his last few rampages.
I'm thinking the weak-mayor form of government may be better for Wilkes-Barre because council would have to make a stand on their decisions and not hide behind someone. This would at least make them EARN their pay, benefits, and retirement.

Enough for Now

Dan Emplit

Marines

This has got to be one of the greatest quotes of all time.
...conversation overheard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai.


Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Site: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
Air Defense Site: ( .... total silence)

God bless our troops.

Was sent this, Don't know if it's true but it is scary

JUDGE KITHIL wrote:

"I have reviewed selected sections of the bill, and find it unbelievable that our Congress, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, could come up with a bill loaded with so many wrong-headed elements."

"Both Republicans and Democrats are equally responsible for the financial mess of both Social Security and Medicare programs."

"I am opposed to HB 3200 for a number of reasons.

To start with, it is estimated that a federal bureaucracy of more than 150,000 new employees will be required to administer HB3200. That is an unacceptable expansion of a government that is already too intrusive in our lives. If we are going to hire 150,000 new employees, let's put them to work protecting our borders, fighting the massive drug problem and putting more law enforcement/firefighters out there."

JUDGE KITHIL continued: "Other problems I have with this bill include:

** Page 50/section 152: The bill will provide insurance to all non-U.S. residents, even if they are here illegally.

** Page 58 and 59: The government will have real-time access to an individual's bank account and will have the authority to make electronic fund transfers from those accounts.

** Page 65/section 164: The plan will be subsidized (by the government) for all union members, union retirees and for community organizations (such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now - ACORN).

** Page 203/line 14-15: The tax imposed under this section will not be treated as a tax. (How could anybody in their right mind come up with that?)

** Page 241 and 253: Doctors will all be paid the same regardless of specialty, and the government will set all doctors' fees.

** Page 272.! section 1145: Cancer hospital will ration care according to the patient's age.

** Page 317 and 321: The government will impose a prohibition on hospital expansion; however, communities may petition for an exception.

** Page 425, line 4-12: The government mandates advance-care planning consultations. Those on Social Security will be required to attend an "end-of-life planning" seminar every five years. (Death counceling.)

** Page 429, line 13-25: The government will specify which doctors can write an end-of-life order.

HAD ENOUGH???? Judge Kithil then goes on:

"Finally, it is specifically stated that this bill will not apply to members of Congress. Members of Congress are already exempt from the Social Security system, and have a well-funded private plan that covers their retirement needs. If they were on our Social Security plan, I believe they would find a very quick 'fix' to make the plan financially sound for their future."

Honorable David Kithil
Marble Falls , Texas

All of the above should give you the point blank ammo you need to support your opposition to Obamacare. Please send this information on to all of your email contacts.

Leading the Charge!

Leading the Charge!
Many years ago there was a huge oil refinery fire. Flames shot hundreds of feet into the air. The sky was thick with grimy black smoke. The heat was intense - so intense that firefighters had to park their trucks a block away and wait for the heat to die down before they could begin to fight the fire.
However, it was about to rage out of control.
Then, all of a sudden, from several blocks away came a fire truck racing down the street. With its brakes screeching, it hit the curb in front of the fire. The firefighters jumped out and began to battle the blaze. All the firefighters who were parked a block away saw this, and they jumped into their trucks, drove down the
block and began to fight the fire, too. As a result of that cooperative effort, they were just barely able to bring the fire under control.
The people who saw this teamwork thought, "My goodness, the man who drove that lead fire truck - what an act of bravery!" They decided to give him a special award to recognize him for his bravery in leading the charge.
At the ceremony the mayor said, "Captain, we want to honor you for a fantastic act of bravery. You prevented the loss of property, perhaps even the loss of life. If there is one special thing you could have - just about anything - what would it be?"
Without hesitation, the captain replied, "Your Honor, a new set of brakes would be nice!"

Was sent this, Its a good point about local gov too

Retribution is less than 4 Months away!
Take a look at this and just remember elections in November 2010.
U..S.. House &Senate have voted themselves $4,700 and $5,300 raises.
They voted to NOT give you a S.S. Cost of living raise in 2010 and 2011.
Your Medicare premiums will go up $285.60 for the 2-years
You will not get the 3% COLA: $660/yr.
Your total 2-yr loss and cost is -$1,600 or -$3,200 for husband and wife.
Over these same 2-years each Congress person will get $10,000
Do you feel SCREWED?
Will they have your cost of drugs - doctor fees - local taxes - food, etc., decrease?
NO WAY.
Congress received a raise and has better health and retirement benefits than you or I.
Why should they care about you?
You never did anything about it in the past.
You obviously are too stupid or don't care.
Do you really think that Nancy, Harry, Chris, Charlie, Barny, et al, care about you?
Send the message to these individuals --- "YOU'RE FIRED!"
In 2010 you will have a chance to get rid of the sitting Congress: up to 1/3 of the Senate and 100% of the House!
Make sure you're still mad in November 2010 and remind their replacements not to screw-up.
It is ok to forward this to your sphere of influence if you are finally tired of the abuse. Maybe it's time for Amendment 28 to the Constitution..
28th Amendment will be as follows:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives, and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ."
Let's get this passed around, folks - these people in Washington have brought this upon themselves! It's time for retribution. Let's take back America ..

If you don't forward this to all your friends you're just part of the problem of national apathy.

Robin Williams' plan

YOU HAVE TO LOVE HIM....A MUST READ...READ THIS!
HE MADE THIS SPEECH IN NEW YORK.
The Plan!?
Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says 'I love New York' in Arabic.

You gotta love Robin Williams........Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.
Robin Williams' plan...(Hard to argue with this logic!)

'I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan.'

1) 'The US, UK, CANADA and AUSTRALIA will apologize to the world for our 'interference' in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those 'good 'ole' boys', we will never 'interfere' again.

2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.

3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are from. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them.

4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5) No foreign 'students' over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a 'D' and it's back home baby.

6) The US, UK, CANADA and AUSTRALIA will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while

7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)

8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not 'interfere.' They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us 'Ugly Americans' any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH..learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan?
'The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?''

You might be in EMS if...

You might be in EMS if...
You find humor in other people's stupidity...
You believe that 90% of people are a poor excuse for protoplasm..
Discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal to you...
Your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat...
You get an almost irresistible urge to stand and wolf your food even in the nicest restaurants...
You plan your dinner break while lavaging an overdose patient...
Your diet consists of food that has gone through more processing than most computers...
You believe chocolate is a food group...
You refer to vegetables and are not talking about a food group..
You believe a good tape job will fix anything...
You have the bladder capacity of five people...
You can identify the positive teeth to tattoo ratio...
Your idea of a good time is a full arrest at shift change...
You believe in aerial spraying of Prozac...
You firmly believe that if Dilantin, Haldol, Noranyl, and Narcan were put in the water instead of fluoride. Dentists may be busier but EMS would grind to a halt...
You disbelieve 90% of what you are told and 75% of what you see..
You have your weekends off planned for a year in advance...
You automatically assume the patient is a drug seeker when presented with a complaint of: (choose one )
migraine
lower back pain
chronic myalgia
and
a list of numerous allergies to meds (except Demerol) the statement that the family doctor is from out of town...
Your idea of comforting a child includes placing them in a papoose restraint...
You encourage an obnoxious patient to sign out AMA so you don't have to deal with them any longer...
You believe that "shallow gene pool" should be a recognized diagnosis...
You have discovered a new condition that you call "hypo-Xanax-emia"...
You believe that the government should require a permit to reproduce...
You debate which is worse, spaghetti and meatballs with red wine or pizza with beer, while performing gastric lavage...
You believe that "Tele-Nurse" is an evil plot thought up by Satan...
You believe that having an ambulance at a "Health Fair" was his next idea...
You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if the phrase "Wow, it's really quiet" is uttered...
You threaten to strangle anyone who even starts to say the "q" word when it is even remotely calm...
You are totally astounded when someone from a convalescent home is understandable...
You take it as a compliment when someone calls you dirty name...
You say to yourself "great veins" when looking at complete strangers...
You don't think a referral to Dr. Kevorkian is inappropriate...
You have ever referred to someone's death as a "Celestial Transfer"...
You have ever referred to someone's death as a transfer to the "Eternal Care Unit"...
You have ever answered a "lost condom" call...
You refer to someone in severe respiratory distress as a "smurf"...
Your idea of a good time is dueling shock rooms...
You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled "Suicide...Doing It Right"...
You feel that most suicide attempts should be given a free subscription to "Guns and Ammo" magazine...
You believe that "too stupid to live" should be a diagnosis...
You have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say "I have no idea how that got stuck in there"...
You have ever had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably...
You have ever wanted to reply "yes" when someone calls the E.R. and asks "Is my (husband, wife, mother, brother, friend, etc.) there?"...
You have ever issued a "dead head" alert...
You have ever referred to the E.R. Doc , triage nurse, or partner as a "shit magnet"...
Your favorite hallucinogen is exhaustion...
You think that caffeine should be available in I.V. form...
You have ever restrained someone and it was not a sexual experience...
You have witnessed the charge nurse muttering down the hallway "Who's in charge of this mess anyway?"...
You have ever used the phrase "health care reform" to instill fear into your coworkers' hearts...
You believe the waiting room should be equipped with a Valium fountain...
You believe a "Supreme Being consult" is your patients only hope...
You want lab to order a "dumb shit profile"...
You have been exposed to so many X-rays that you consider radiation a form of birth control...
You believe your patient is demonically possessed...
You believe that waiting room time should be proportional to length of time from symptom onset ("You've had the pain for three weeks...well have a seat in the waiting room and we'll get to you in three days")...
Your most common assessment question is "what changed tonight to make it an emergency after 6 (hours, days, weeks, months, years)?"...
You know the phone number to the local Detox Center by heart...
You have ever had a patient say, "But I'm not pregnant, I can't be pregnant. How can I be having a baby?"...
You have ever had a patient control his seizures when offered some food...
You carry your own set of keys to the "leathers"...
Your idea of gambling is an blood alcohol level pool instead of a football pool...
Your bladder expands to the same size as a Winnebago's water tank...
Your feet are slightly flatter and tougher than Fred Flintstone's...
Your immune system is so well developed that it has been known to attack squirrels in the backyard...
You have a special shrine in your home to the inventor of Haldol...
Your idea of an X-ray prep is a second dose of Haldol...
You have recurring nightmares about being knocked to the floor and run over by a portable X-ray machine...
Your shoes have been seized and quarantined by either the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, OSHA, the EPA, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission...
You're able to tell the difference between a medical order and the ground around a poultry farm...
You've been chipping away at your Bachelors Degree for longer than most people take for a Doctorate...
Your idea of thawing the holiday turkey consists of an IV and warmed saline... (because the holiday turkey you usually see has arms instead of wings and is sauced instead basted)
You have every referred to subcutaneous emphysema as "Rice Krispies"...

And finally
You might be an EMS professional if you find any of this funny!!!

I noticed that Mark Cour (the author of the former Wilkes-Barre online and current Circumlocution for Dummies), Put a link to my Blog on his Blog.
He was a strident supporter of the W-B fire dept and still is a vocal, strong supporter of the working every-man of the area. Somewhere along the way we lost his support, but the every-man has not and for that we are all still grateful. He offers a commonsense view that I wish more people would adopt.
I do not agree with everything he says, but then I don't agree with anyone all the time. He does however put his name out here in electronic land and doesn't hide behind a Pseudonym. He is one of this areas pioneers in the 'personal electronic news' and all of us owe him for that.
Thank you Mark and thank you for the link


http://mcour.blogspot.com
http://mcour.blogspot.com/2010/07/wbfd-goes-electronic.html

Dogs & Light Bulbs

How Many Dogs Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned-out light bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. And I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, checked to make sure I haven't missed any, and made just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Dachshund: I can't reach the stupid lamp!

Toy Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Rottweiler: Go Ahead! Make me!

Shi-tzu: Puh-leeze, dah-ling, Let the servants...

Lab: Oh me, me!! Pleeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I ?

Malamute: Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy.

Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

Doberman Pinscher: While it's dark, I'm going to sleep on the couch.

Mastiff: Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Basset Hound: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

Irish Wolfhound: Can somebody else do it? I've got a hangover.

Pointer: I see it, there it is, right there.

Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

Australian Shepherd: I put all the light bulbs in a little circle.

Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb?

The Cat's Answer:
"Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is: How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"

ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE MASTERS, CATS HAVE STAFF.

I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine. ~Kurt Vonnegut an American novelist and a battle of the bulge vet


What you call a hero, I call just doing my job. ~Firefighter/Author Unknown


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ~Bible, John 15:13


What is a firefighter?
He's the guy next door....
He's a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams.
Yet he stands taller than most of us.
He's a fireman....
A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.
He's a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.
He's a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.
He's responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again....
He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.
He lives it.
~Author Unknown

Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved. ~Susan Diane Murphree

So as you look at the firefighter with his rake, hose or axe,
His beet red face or ice covered mustache,
You should know why he goes through that smokey front door,
And is forced to crawl like a baby down on the floor.
He does it to save both lives and property,
All that is precious to you and to me.
So take a good look at this modern warrior who serves his call proud and true,
And know that he would die just to save me and you.
~Robert J. Athans

What it is all about

I'm once again answering the Question. You know why am I doing this? and what do I hope to gain? Well, I'll start with why I'm not doing this:
I don't like attention so that isn't a reason
I don't want a position in the unions E-board
I rarely take overtime, so thats not it
I hate politics so thats not it
I have nothing to prove about myself, so thats out
I'm not even doing this to get Engine 3 back (altough that would be a result)

I'm doing this because if the city orders a survey to determine the number of firefighters per shift but then ignores that number for their 'budget' they are telling everyone that dollars mean more than lives. And while we pay the HIGHEST taxes and fees in W-B history, Our money goes to a politicians pet projects.

Millions for a camera system that rarely works and most do not move.
A 'free' zamboni for the ice ring(free to them, the tax payers bought it)
an intermodel center that is going to be a home for the homeless and graffitti magnet.
Coal street that is in worse shape than downtown Bagdad
Has anyone seen a street sweeper (except in the downtown) on street sweeping day this year?
Abandoned homes that look like a scene from a bad 'B' horror flick (get on the owners to clean up the properties!)
A mayor who violated Denise Carey's Constitutional rights in attempting to stifle her opposition to the closing of the firehouse in the city's Heights section.(The Citizens' Voice Feb 5, 2009)
A mayor who spent how much of the tax payers money to fight an arbitration award for the fire fighters when his aid admitted in court that "the money was hidden from them"
The old river road bakery sold for 8 cents on the dollar (thats like the city selling gasoline for less than 23 cents a gallon!!)
Taking Engines out of service instead of hiring more fire fighters (anyone think this is punishment for him lossing that arbitration?)


"I was the one who went to them (union officials) and proposed the wage freeze and the 30 percent copays," said Leighton. "And I told them it would start at the top -- it would start with me, the other elected officials and my managers," he added. (The Times Leader Feb 3, 2004)
No kidding this isn't him being generous, He gets the lowest raise of the cities unions!! and if we have to pay for health care so does he!!!

"I have people saying, 'How could you give yourself a raise?' But I haven't given myself anything," said Leighton. "And I haven't given council anything.
"The increases are based on the lowest negotiated union contract." (The Times Leader Feb 3, 2004)
He's the third highest paid mayor in the state (he makes as much as the mayor of our states capital!), but he keeps cutting public services.

"I have delivered Jobs and Public safety to the citizens of the city" His own political add.
How by cutting the FD to unsafe levels? This is a fact, The cities own study says 17/shift is the minimum. He says 12!!!
His senate campaign was claimed he made this city prosperous again, but in council meeting he claimed we almost had payless paydays(March 24, 2010)!!! Obviously one was a lie. Can we afford to belive anything he says?

I have spoken at several council meetings but at this last one he wouldn't even address my very real concerns about public safety! Leighton said he couldn’t say much because of the ongoing contract negotiations with the department. (Times Leader July 7, 2010). Then why was he blaming everything on the fire dept at the other council meetings?

When too much power is concentrated in one person, the government loses touch with the citizens they are there to serve.

Make sure this person is NOT reelected!

Myths

Myth: Firefighters only respond to fires, and they have a limited work load.

Fact: The fire department makes thousands of responses every year. If you pick up the phone and call 911, you will most likely see a firefighter. Firefighters respond to a lot of different types of incidents, including: all types of fires, medical emergencies including chest pain, cardiac arrest, seizures, falls, overdoses, shootings, stabbings and auto accidents. They also respond to hazardous materials spills, chemical odors, gas leaks, and electrical lines down, water emergencies, system alarms on homes or businesses, and citizens who have fallen and cannot get up. When a responding agency is not clearly defined, the fire department is dispatched.

Just a quick list of our SERVICES
--------------
1 structure fire
Fight fire
Size up
ventilate fire
Search & Rescue
Rapid intervention Team
Water Supply
Protect Exposures
Overhaul
Investigate
2 Emergency Medical
3 light scene
4 clean up scene
5 sweep up debris
6 flooding indoors
7 flooding outdoors
8 assist incapacitated
9 secure wires downed
10 road subside
11 cave ins
12 structure collapse
13 wash down bio materials & fluids
14 save animals
15 remove wild animals
16 unexploded ordinance
17 wetting down debris
18 Check the Welfare of
19 asssist lock outs
20 searches
21 unknown Investigations
22 suicide/attemted suicides
23 brush fires
24 hazardous materials
25 vehicle accidents/extrication
26 Child locked in vehicle
27 River Rescues
28 Rope rescues
29 Vehicle fires
30 possible terror attacks
31. Oh Yes and Public relations tours


ANY situation you can think of that is life/property threatening or assists the public

The Rottweiler

Rottweiler Rules

1. The Rottweiler is NOT allowed in the house.
2. Okay, The Rottweiler is allowed in the house but only in certain rooms.
3. The Rottweiler is allowed in all the rooms, but not on the furnature.
4. The Rottweiler is allowed on the old furnature only.
5. Fine,The Rottweiler is allowed on all the furnature, but is NOT allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.
6. All Right, The Rottweiler is allowed on the bed, but only with an invitation.
7. The Rottweiler may sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but NOT under the covers.
8. The Rottweiler may sleep under the covers every night.
9. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with The Rottweiler!
10. In all cases of dispute... Ask The Rottweiler !!!

Show some guts and use your real names

OK people, I don't mind comments, even insulting ones, but when someone sends them in while hiding behind a comic book name (yes I know who Lamount Cranston, Barry Allen and Ben Reilly are) or just Anonymous will not be posted. I have the guts to put my name out here and will not even read the ones that don't. These cowards keep trying to ignore quotes from the papers and TV that I put out, while trying to annoy someone who wants only to save some lives.
If you want to post put your name out there and have the guts to take the consequences that go with it. Anything else is cowardly. If your not going to act responsibly don't bother to post here.

Dan Emplit W-B Firefighter

The back pay Controversy

Last night I was asked what was up with the large sum of money that 'caused' Leighton to raise taxes.
1. If that was the cause then why didn't 'Mr I Believe' lower taxes after the money was put into an escrow account, mandated by the court. This was done last year.
2. The Fire contract from 8 years ago (That the city APPROVED) gave us monetary parity with the Police. The police gave up parking enforcement and were given a pay raise to compensate for it. The city, under mayor McGroarty, (Leighton was on council then) hid this money from us. When Leighton became mayor he continued to hide this. This is an act of bad faith on the cities part, especially since when Leighton was elected he asked all the city unions to help the city financially in their contracts. the fire union did (1 year no raises, pay part of health care, gave up parity for 7 yrs( approx 3.5 million dollars). Mayor Leighton said "By making (these) substantial concessions, the firefighters' union has agreed to become partners with the city in its revitalization plan" (the other unions did what? and who gets cut back?)

So we didn't cause taxes to go up, the city tring to put one over us did. and of course Leighton blamed us, he blames everyone else.

June 10, 2005 (WNEP) "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said.

June 8, 2005 (WNEP) "I would love to have a fire station in every neighborhood but you have to remember, this is neglect of the past," said Mayor Leighton.


Mar 12, 2010 (Citizens' voice) "You left me with no choice, I'm not failing you, the city administration is not failing you and city council is not failing you. Your union is failing you."

Got a few problems with taking responsibility.

Enough for now

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".
Edmund Burke


Dan Emplit

LAG Towing - Old River Road Bakery - Leighton

LAG Towing - Old River Road Bakery
was scheduled to be sold at the Sept. 16 tax sale conducted by the county. One day before the sale the city removed the property from the sale list.

The selling of the old river road bakery to LAG towing for $38,000 when it was appraised at $478,300. That's less than 8 percent of the value!!!
8 cents on the dollar. and the mayor says he is fiscally responsible. "We were very thankful to get $38,000." Leighton said Oct 9 2009 Citizens Voice

Mr. Leo Glodzik donated more than $10,000 to Leighton's campaign in the last four years. He also owns LAG Towing.

The City asked the county commissioners to forgive $42,349 in back taxes which they did with the understanding the city would acquire it and sell it to a developer for townhouses. LAG is in the towing Business not construction.

Leighton has said the city intervened because the building was deteriorating. The city would have no control over who bought the property at a tax sale, which means the city could risk a new buyer who would not clean up the site, Leighton said.

LAG is a towing company. What do you think they will do with the property? I think the will store damaged, leaking cars there.
Doesn't sound 'Cleaned up' to me.

July council meeting

-In the wake of these dangerous staffing cuts, I would like to present the citizens of Wilkes-Barre with factual, independent data compiled by fire service experts.

When fires are extinguished in the early stages:

• Loss of life is minimal. 93 percent of all fire-related deaths occur once the fire has progressed beyond the early stages.
• Direct property damage is minimal. 95 percent of all direct property damage occur once the fire has progressed beyond the early stages. (1991-1995 NFIRS {National Fire Incident Reporting System} study)
• The United States has the third highest number of people killed by fires each year.
• Every 18 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States.
(NFPA's "1998 U.S. Fire Loss" by M.J. Karter, Jr.; "Fire in the U.S.A. and Canada," by J.R. Hall, Jr.;"U.S. Fire Department Profile through 1998" by M.J. Karter, Jr.; "1999 Firefighter Fatalities," by P.R. LeBlanc and R.F. Fahy; and "U.S. Fire Fighter Injuries in 1998" by M.J. Karter, Jr. and P.R. LeBlanc.)

-Although the number of building fires are reducing somewhat we now have a situation where the death rate amongst firefighters is spiraling to the highest levels for thirty years. (Firetactics.com and Fire2000.com)

-In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Considering how close buildings are in this city, instead of a room, multiple homes & lives could be destroyed.

-WHO IS AT RISK Senior citizens age 65 and older and children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk. The fire death risk among seniors over 65 is more than double; over the age 75 triple; over the age 85, 3 and on half times the average population. Children under the age of 10 accounted for 22.2 % of all fire deaths. Without the manning we need, an extensive search takes too much time! If you don't believe this is a threat, then you should know this happened at 10:05 a.m June 12 in Seattle. 5 dead, four children ,two girls ages 6 and 7, two boys ages 5 and 13, and a 22-year-old woman. At the time the Seattle mayor, was considering Fire dept cuts. Now he is NOT.
-Understaffing of fire departments is a life threatening problem. So much so in fact, that the International City Managers Association (ICMA) has conducted studies to determine the effectiveness of fire companies based on staffing. (Managing Fire Services, 2nd edition). This international organization of city leaders recognizes the importance of a properly staffed fire department. The summary of the finding: If SIXTEEN trained firefighters are not operating at the scene of a working fire within the critical time period, then DOLLAR LOSS and INJURIES are significantly INCREASED as is fire spread. (International City Managers Association {ICMA} Study)

- With the dramatically increased work load that reduced manning causes, we are at much greater risk for heat stroke and Cardiovascular incidents.

-Early detection of heat issues is critical to stop dehydration and heat stress becoming fatal. But with the reduced manning Firefighters will be unable to take the water breaks that our paramedics use to evaluate their conditions, compounding the problem and putting us at unacceptable risk.

-Firefighting has long been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. In the United States, the most common cause of on-duty fatalities for firefighters is sudden cardiac death. With the added work load of not having proper manning this possibility is closer to a probability.

-Closing 60% of the Fire Stations and reducing manpower places everyone in Wilkes-Barre at risk, the residents, visitors and those that are employees of City or State Businesses. Response time to South Wilkes-Barre has increased as it is obvious that Firefighters have further to go.

New quotes from our mayor

-April 29 2010 “Firefighter rehabilitation at all emergency incidents is important,” (Times Leader) Proper manning is much more important.

-"I have delivered Jobs and Public safety to the citizens of the city" His own political add.
How by cutting the FD to unsafe levels? This is a fact, The cities own study says 17 is the minimum.
-Oct 27,2008 "With the location of three city fire houses the department can respond promptly to all calls" (Times Leader) Now there are only 2

Is the life of a firefighter, a family or a child worth taking chances

Will the doors be locked on YOUR neighborhood fire station? Will another excuse be uttered to explain why the mayor closed it?

IN THE ESTIMATED TIME IT TOOK ME TO READ THIS PAGE THERE HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY 16 STRUCTURE FIRES REPORTED IN THE UNITED STATES.

Hangovers

One Star Hangover (*)
No pain.
No real feeling of illness.
You're able to function relatively well.
However, you are still parched. You can drink 5 sodas and still feel this way.
For some reason, you are craving a steak & fries.


Two Star Hangover (**)
No pain, but something is definitely amiss.
You may look okay, but you have the mental capacity of a staple gun.
The coffee you are chugging is only increasing your rumbling gut, which is still tossing around the fruity pancake from the 3:00 AM, Waffle House excursion.
There is some definite havoc being wreaked upon your bowels.

Three Star Hangover (***)
Slight headache. Stomach feels crappy.
You are definitely not productive.
Anytime a girl walks by you gag because her perfume reminds you of the flavored schnapps shots your alcoholic friends dared you to drink.
Life would be better right now if you were home in your bed watching I love Lucy reruns.
You've had 4 cups of coffee, a gallon of water, 3 iced teas and a diet Coke yet you haven't peed once.

Four Star Hangover (****)
Life sucks. Your head is throbbing.
You can't speak too quickly or else you might puke.
Your boss has already lambasted you for being late and has given you a lecture for reeking of booze.
You wore nice clothes, but that can't hide the fact that you only shaved one side of your face. (For the ladies, it looks like you put your make-up on while riding the bumper cars.)
Your eyes look like one big red vein, and even your hair hurts.
Your sphincter is in perpetual spasm, and the first of about five shits you take during the day brings water to the eyes of everyone who enters the bathroom.

Five Star Hangover, (*****)
You have a second heartbeat in your head, which is actually annoying the employee who sits in the next cube.
Vodka vapor is seeping out of every pore and making you dizzy.
You still have toothpaste crust in the corners of your mouth from brushing your teeth in an attempt to get the remnants of the poop fairy out.
Your body has lost the ability to generate saliva so your tongue is suffocating you.
You don't have the foggiest idea who the hell the stranger was passed out in your bed this morning.
Any attempt to defecate results in a fire hose like discharge of alcohol-scented fluid with a rare 'floater' thrown in.
The sole purpose of this 'floater' seems to be to splash the toilet water all over your ass.

Death sounds pretty good about right now....

THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN YOU'RE DRUNK:

Indubitably
Innovative
Preliminary
Proliferation
Cinnamon

THINGS THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN YOU'RE
DRUNK:

Specificity
British Constitution
Passive-aggressive disorder
Loquacious Transubstantiate

THINGS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN
YOU'RE DRUNK:

Thanks, but I don't want to have sex.
Nope, no more booze for me.
Sorry, but you're not really my type.
Good evening officer, isn't it lovely out tonight.
Oh, I just couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.
Sorry I'm being such a jackass.

Show ID

I'm a legal American citizen and I must show my ID when:
1. Pulled over by the police.
2. Making purchases on my department store credit card.
3. When I show up for a doctor's appointment.
4. When filling out a credit card or loan application.
5. When applying for or renewing a driver's license or passport.
6. When applying for any kind of insurance.
7. When filling out college applications.
8. When donating blood.
9. When obtaining certain prescription drugs.
10. When making some debit purchases, especially if I'm out of state.
11. When collecting a boarding pass for airline or train travel.

I'm sure there are more instances, but the point is that we citizens of the USA are required to prove who we are nearly every day!

Why should people in this country illegally, be exempt!!!!!

Pet Diaries

Subject: Pet Diaries



The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments aout what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now...

Had this sent to me, I like it

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS AND SENATE!!!


I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends.. My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2010". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I know many of you will say, "this is impossible". Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.

We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American hero's..

Thanks,
A Fellow American

Congressional Reform Act of 2010

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.