WHY?
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Candidate Obama debates President Obama on Government Surveillance
Gotta love Hypocrites.
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Harvey's Lake home invasion
First the links (my embedding skills fail with WBRE)
WBRE
A second WBRE link
The text for those links:
####
A shooting leaves one man in critical condition and the alleged gunmen on the loose in Luzerne County. Police say it happened just after 1 a.m. at a home at 367 Second Street in Harveys Lake.
Officers say unknown assailants broke into that home, where two men in their 20s live. One of those men was shot. He was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. The other man is being questioned by police.
The alleged assailants are still at large. Police are waiting to obtain a search warrant.
#####
WNEP
And
Text
####
Troopers in Luzerne County are investigating a home break-in which landed one man in the hospital with a gunshot wound.
State police said they were called to a home invasion around 1 a.m. Wednesday on Second Street in Harveys Lake.
According to authorities, there were two men inside the home at the time. A scuffle ensued with the invaders and one man was shot multiple times. He is in the hospital in critical condition.
Police said the other man was beat up, but not seriously hurt.
Troopers said they are unsure at this time how many thieves were involved. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Wyoming at 570-670-2000.
####
Times Leader
####
A man was shot in his head and torso by four intruders who forced their way inside a house on Second Street just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to a search warrant affidavit.
The affidavit identifies the shooting victim as Paul Brace, no age listed.
Brace was shot multiple times as he laid in bed on a second floor of 367 Second St., the affidavit says.
State police said Brace was transported to a hospital where he remains in critical condition.
According to the search warrant affidavit:
Police in Harveys Lake and Dallas Township responded to the house at 1:13 a.m. for a report a person had been shot in the head.
When police arrived, they encountered Mitch Artsma who was screaming. Artsma was removed from the house as he told police to check the second floor where Brace was found lying on a bed with gunshot wounds to his forehead and chest area.
A bong was observed in the house that had an odor of burnt marijuana, the affidavit says.
State police interviewed Adam Weaver who lives at the residence with Brace.
Weaver told state police that four armed black men forced their way inside the house asking him “where the money was,” according to the affidavit.
Weaver claimed he was assaulted by the four men who were led to the second floor in Brace’s bedroom. Weaver related one of the intruders shot Brace multiple times and multiple shots were fired from several guns, the affidavit alleges.
Weaver told state police he gave the intruders $500, noting Brace deals drugs and always has money, according to the affidavit.
Weaver fled the house and ran to Artsma’s residence where he called 911.
####
Citizens Voice
####
Authorities have launched a manhunt following a home invasion early this morning that left a man severely injured with a gunshot wound to the head.
The victim, identified in court records as Paul Brace, 19, was taken to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, Harveys Lake police Chief Charles Musial said. A second resident of the home sustained minor injuries but was not transported for treatment, he said.
The second roommate, identified as Adam Weaver, 19, told investigators the intruders were after money and fled after shooting Brace with “multiple shots from multiple guns,” according to a search warrant application filed in court. Weaver told state police that Brace is a drug dealer and always has cash on him and in a safe at the home, the affidavit says.
The invasion at 367 Second St. began about 1 a.m., with a knock on the door. Weaver answered to find four men outside wearing bandanas over their faces and black hoodies on their heads, police said. The intruders entered, striking Weaver in the head with a pistol, and began to ransack the home, police said.
Weaver told police the men asked where the money was and assaulted him before rummaging through the house. Their search took them to the bedroom, where they shot Brace with “multiple shots from multiple guns,” the affidavit says.
Weaver reported he then gave the men $500 of his money and they fled the scene, police said. Weaver then ran to neighbor Mitch Artsma's home and called 911, the affidavit says.
Police entered the home on the first floor when Artsma came in from a side door screaming that they needed to go upstairs to find Brace, according to the search warrant application. Police went to a second floor bedroom, where they found Brace lying on a bed on his side. Brace was curled up and breathing, but had gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach and forehead, police said.
During a subsequent investigation, police observed a bong in the bedroom, which smelled of marijuana smoke, according to the affidavit.
Musial said police have not identified any suspects, but the shooting does not appear random.
“We believe that it’s an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the residents in the area,” Musial said.
State police and county detectives are investigating.
####
Now MY thoughts.
I mentioned this to Casey, It REALLY reminds me of the Jeffrey MacDonald case in Fort Bragg (February 1970). I really think that we are going to find out 'the roomy did it'.
Maybe I'm wrong. Lets assume I am and lets look at this from a pro gun standpoint.
Four armed men break into your home with evil intent.
Our Government wants to limit the law abiding public (the only ones that are affected by laws) to 10 (or less) rounds per magazine.
Anti-Gun Moron, "Well there are only four of them, that leaves you 6 more bullets!"
That (you Moron) assumes that the Good Guy doesn't miss and that the bullets we fire are magic and will stop the attack with one hit each.
The NYPD only hit, at best, 25% of the time and they are 'trained'. (I can't find the link, but the FBI and Secret Service only do slightly better).
AND handguns suck at stopping people, which is why our troops carry rifles.
So, assuming the BEST results, 4 attackers, a 25% hit rate, and a mythical 'one hit, one stop' rate. I come up with a 16 round MINIMUM for this instance.
My EDC (Every Day Carry) is a Glock 17. Which holds 17 rounds in its STANDARD capacity magazine (+1 in the chamber). I wouldn't want to depend on it in this instance. I would want an AR-15 with its 30 round STANDARD capacity magazines. Which, by design, allows for a fast reload if needed.
I don't think this story will change an Anti-gunners mind, but I hope they will think about this and MAYBE allow the reality that the stupid limitations they want to place on us (because if a middle aged white dude with a bad spray on tan can walk into a studio in Washington DC with an illegal, for DC, 30 round magazine, do you honestly think a Magazine ban will stop 'bad guys' from getting them?) can effect our lives in the most negative of ways.
BTW that middle aged white dude with a bad spray on tan was David Gregory
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
WBRE
A second WBRE link
The text for those links:
####
A shooting leaves one man in critical condition and the alleged gunmen on the loose in Luzerne County. Police say it happened just after 1 a.m. at a home at 367 Second Street in Harveys Lake.
Officers say unknown assailants broke into that home, where two men in their 20s live. One of those men was shot. He was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. The other man is being questioned by police.
The alleged assailants are still at large. Police are waiting to obtain a search warrant.
#####
WNEP
And
Text
####
Troopers in Luzerne County are investigating a home break-in which landed one man in the hospital with a gunshot wound.
State police said they were called to a home invasion around 1 a.m. Wednesday on Second Street in Harveys Lake.
According to authorities, there were two men inside the home at the time. A scuffle ensued with the invaders and one man was shot multiple times. He is in the hospital in critical condition.
Police said the other man was beat up, but not seriously hurt.
Troopers said they are unsure at this time how many thieves were involved. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Wyoming at 570-670-2000.
####
Times Leader
####
A man was shot in his head and torso by four intruders who forced their way inside a house on Second Street just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to a search warrant affidavit.
The affidavit identifies the shooting victim as Paul Brace, no age listed.
Brace was shot multiple times as he laid in bed on a second floor of 367 Second St., the affidavit says.
State police said Brace was transported to a hospital where he remains in critical condition.
According to the search warrant affidavit:
Police in Harveys Lake and Dallas Township responded to the house at 1:13 a.m. for a report a person had been shot in the head.
When police arrived, they encountered Mitch Artsma who was screaming. Artsma was removed from the house as he told police to check the second floor where Brace was found lying on a bed with gunshot wounds to his forehead and chest area.
A bong was observed in the house that had an odor of burnt marijuana, the affidavit says.
State police interviewed Adam Weaver who lives at the residence with Brace.
Weaver told state police that four armed black men forced their way inside the house asking him “where the money was,” according to the affidavit.
Weaver claimed he was assaulted by the four men who were led to the second floor in Brace’s bedroom. Weaver related one of the intruders shot Brace multiple times and multiple shots were fired from several guns, the affidavit alleges.
Weaver told state police he gave the intruders $500, noting Brace deals drugs and always has money, according to the affidavit.
Weaver fled the house and ran to Artsma’s residence where he called 911.
####
Citizens Voice
####
Authorities have launched a manhunt following a home invasion early this morning that left a man severely injured with a gunshot wound to the head.
The victim, identified in court records as Paul Brace, 19, was taken to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, Harveys Lake police Chief Charles Musial said. A second resident of the home sustained minor injuries but was not transported for treatment, he said.
The second roommate, identified as Adam Weaver, 19, told investigators the intruders were after money and fled after shooting Brace with “multiple shots from multiple guns,” according to a search warrant application filed in court. Weaver told state police that Brace is a drug dealer and always has cash on him and in a safe at the home, the affidavit says.
The invasion at 367 Second St. began about 1 a.m., with a knock on the door. Weaver answered to find four men outside wearing bandanas over their faces and black hoodies on their heads, police said. The intruders entered, striking Weaver in the head with a pistol, and began to ransack the home, police said.
Weaver told police the men asked where the money was and assaulted him before rummaging through the house. Their search took them to the bedroom, where they shot Brace with “multiple shots from multiple guns,” the affidavit says.
Weaver reported he then gave the men $500 of his money and they fled the scene, police said. Weaver then ran to neighbor Mitch Artsma's home and called 911, the affidavit says.
Police entered the home on the first floor when Artsma came in from a side door screaming that they needed to go upstairs to find Brace, according to the search warrant application. Police went to a second floor bedroom, where they found Brace lying on a bed on his side. Brace was curled up and breathing, but had gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach and forehead, police said.
During a subsequent investigation, police observed a bong in the bedroom, which smelled of marijuana smoke, according to the affidavit.
Musial said police have not identified any suspects, but the shooting does not appear random.
“We believe that it’s an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the residents in the area,” Musial said.
State police and county detectives are investigating.
####
Now MY thoughts.
I mentioned this to Casey, It REALLY reminds me of the Jeffrey MacDonald case in Fort Bragg (February 1970). I really think that we are going to find out 'the roomy did it'.
Maybe I'm wrong. Lets assume I am and lets look at this from a pro gun standpoint.
Four armed men break into your home with evil intent.
Our Government wants to limit the law abiding public (the only ones that are affected by laws) to 10 (or less) rounds per magazine.
Anti-Gun Moron, "Well there are only four of them, that leaves you 6 more bullets!"
That (you Moron) assumes that the Good Guy doesn't miss and that the bullets we fire are magic and will stop the attack with one hit each.
The NYPD only hit, at best, 25% of the time and they are 'trained'. (I can't find the link, but the FBI and Secret Service only do slightly better).
AND handguns suck at stopping people, which is why our troops carry rifles.
So, assuming the BEST results, 4 attackers, a 25% hit rate, and a mythical 'one hit, one stop' rate. I come up with a 16 round MINIMUM for this instance.
My EDC (Every Day Carry) is a Glock 17. Which holds 17 rounds in its STANDARD capacity magazine (+1 in the chamber). I wouldn't want to depend on it in this instance. I would want an AR-15 with its 30 round STANDARD capacity magazines. Which, by design, allows for a fast reload if needed.
I don't think this story will change an Anti-gunners mind, but I hope they will think about this and MAYBE allow the reality that the stupid limitations they want to place on us (because if a middle aged white dude with a bad spray on tan can walk into a studio in Washington DC with an illegal, for DC, 30 round magazine, do you honestly think a Magazine ban will stop 'bad guys' from getting them?) can effect our lives in the most negative of ways.
BTW that middle aged white dude with a bad spray on tan was David Gregory
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Someone looks constipated
From Citizens Voice Article #1
“The city has fully cooperated with investigators and provided hundreds of documents related to towing operations,I am disgusted and disappointed by the alleged conduct of a city contractor.” Leighton said.
Translation, "I am disgusted and disappointed he was stupid & greedy enough to get caught."
“We're very confident in the facts of this case, A wire was conducted where Mr. Glodzik was soliciting the FBI, basically, for money that was supposed to be in evidence. He, in fact, did take money and ended up splitting that money with someone who was on a task force with the FBI.”, Sanguedolce said.
Translation, "We've got him dead to rights."
Leighton, who has the sole power to terminate the contract, responded by pledging to investigate the company. The city has received more than 30 complaints since then.
How long ago did City Council vote to begin this? Oh right, 129 Days have gone by since the vote to begin the needed actions to fire LAG.
Citizens Voice Article #2
Leighton attributed his decision to the criminal charges and the city's own findings that Glodzik's company, LAG Towing, had violated its contract. However, he refused to elaborate on details of those violations.
Translation, "Damn, I better distance myself from Leo." BTW, mayor, if charges were filed, you're TOO LATE.
Sangueldolce said his investigation didn't use evidence obtained in the Feb. 6 subpoena and said he couldn't comment on whether another investigation was ongoing. FBI spokeswoman Carrie Adamowski said the bureau does not comment on the status of investigations.
Translation, "HELL YES there's more. And we are going to dangle those charges in front off Leo until we get everything we want and more."
Citizens Voice Article #3
April 2005: Leo Glodzik III wins a contract to provide exclusive towing services in Wilkes-Barre until 2015 for a fee of $50,050 per year.
July 2009: The city in 2009 agreed to sell the abandoned Old River Road Bakery to Glodzik for $38,000, far below the county-assessed value of $478,000. A Wilkes-Barre couple sues, breaking up the sale.
Sept. 4, 2010: Glodzik tries to head-butt a police officer in a hospital emergency room after an arrest on charges he rammed an ex-girlfriend's car with his own vehicle.
OK, why was Leo not fired for this? I mean assaulting an officer! Even just attempting to assault one!!?
July 22, 2011: The Citizens' Voice files a Right-to-Know request for LAG Towing records amid allegations the company is overcharging customers.
Oct. 25, 2011: Glodzik pleads guilty to resisting arrest and harassment in connection with the hospital incident. Prosecutors drop a felony aggravated assault charge.
Obviously resisting arrest and harassment does NOT outweigh campaign contributor.
December 2011: In response to the Right-to-Know request, LAG Towing's lawyer says the company normally does not keep records after customers pay for impounded vehicles and does not have any documentation of what it charged or why it towed vehicles.
You know the IRS is just waiting for the FBI to give them the 'go ahead' on this.
March 8, 2012: Wilkes-Barre City Council approves a $50,000 bid to sell the Old River Road Bakery to the owner of nearby Harrold's Pharmacy.
July 12, 2012: Councilman Tony George unsuccessfully tries to get council to recommend Leighton fire LAG Towing. A motion by Councilman Bill Barrett for Leighton to form a committee to investigate LAG Towing passes.
Don't worry, the mayor will form a committee to look into why the other committee hasn't come up with a finding about the campaign contributor.
July 19, 2012: Leighton accepts council's recommendation to form a committee.
Sept. 13, 2012: Nearly two months later, the committee has not yet formed.
Surprise, surprise.
December 2012: A state police officer detailed to the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force goes undercover, claiming to be the head of a regional drug task force.
Jan. 24, 2013: City council unanimously approves recommending the city terminate its contract with LAG Towing. Leighton vowed to investigate the towing operator but did not act on the resolution.
It's ONLY 129 days later.
Jan. 25, 2013: Glodzik asks the undercover officer what happens to seized money and suggests they could split whatever is left in towed vehicles, according to charges.
Jan. 29, 2013: Glodzik takes $2,100 in bait money from a vehicle he believes has been seized in a drug operation and pockets $1,000, giving $1,100 to the officer, according to charges.
Feb. 6, 2013: An FBI agent delivers a subpoena to the mayor's office seeking police records related to LAG Towing.
This was just 'gravy', they already had him.
Feb. 14, 2013: Glodzik threatens to sue the city and city council for making "false and malicious statements." No suit was ever filed.
March 25, 2013: A bank in Florida seeks to foreclose on Glodzik's home at 1009 Morgan Drive in Wilkes-Barre, claiming he hasn't paid his mortgage in more than 15 months.
April 1, 2013: Glodzik reveals that he loans luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz and Chevrolet Camaro, to city police officers, despite a policy that forbids them from accepting favors and gifts.
May 31, 2013: Glodzik is charged with theft by unlawful taking and theft from a motor vehicle.
Here's a link to the CRIMINAL complaint
The next 5 or 6 months are going to be BRUTAL for Leo, the administration, and the citizens of Wilkes-Barre. This will not be pleasant for any of us.
Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Squirrel Grenade (EXTREMELY funny article)
A friend of mine sent me this with the warning, "be very careful reading this story,,do not drink anything while reading it or you will ruin your keyboard,"
The Squirrel Grenade
I never dreamed slowly cruising through a residential neighborhood could be so incredibly dangerous! Studies have shown that motorcycling requires more decisions per second, and more sheer data processing than nearly any other common activity or sport. The reactions and accurate decision making abilities needed have been likened to the reactions of fighter pilots! The consequences of bad decisions or poor situational awareness are pretty much the same for both groups too.
Occasionally, as a rider I have caught myself starting to make bad or late decisions while riding. In flight training, my instructors called this being "behind the power curve". It is a mark of experience that when this begins to happen, the rider recognizes the situation, and more importantly, does something about it. A short break, a meal, or even a gas stop can set things right again as it gives the brain a chance to catch up.
Good, accurate, and timely decisions are essential when riding a motorcycle.at least if you want to remain among the living. In short, the brain needs to keep up with the machine.
I had been banging around the roads of east Texas and as I headed back into Dallas, found myself in very heavy, high-speed traffic on the freeways. Normally, this is not a problem, I commute in these conditions daily, but suddenly I was nearly run down by a cage that decided it needed my lane more than I did. This is not normally a big deal either, as it happens around here often, but usually I can accurately predict which drivers are not paying attention and avoid them before we are even close. This one I missed seeing until it was nearly too late, and as I took evasive action I nearly broadsided another car that I was not even aware was there!
Two bad decisions and insufficient situational awareness.all within seconds. I was behind the power curve. Time to get off the freeway. I hit the next exit, and as I was in an area I knew pretty well, headed through a few big residential neighborhoods as a new route home. As I turned onto the nearly empty streets I opened the visor on my full-face helmet to help get some air. I figured some slow riding through the quiet surface streets would give me time to relax, think, and regain that "edge" so frequently required when riding. Little did I suspect.
As I passed an oncoming car, a brown furry missile shot out from under it and tumbled to a stop immediately in front of me. It was a squirrel, and must have been trying to run across the road when it encountered the car. I really was not going very fast, but there was no time to brake or avoid it-it was that close.
I hate to run over animals.and I really hate it on a motorcycle, but a squirrel should pose no danger to me. I barely had time to brace for the impact.
Animal lovers, never fear. Squirrels can take care of themselves!
Inches before impact, the squirrel flipped to his feet. He was standing on his hind legs and facing the oncoming Valkyrie with steadfast resolve in his little beady eyes. His mouth opened, and at the last possible second, he screamed and leapt! I am pretty sure the scream was squirrel for, "Banzai!" or maybe, "Die you gravy-sucking, heathen scum!" as the leap was spectacular and he flew over the windshield and impacted me squarely in the chest.
Instantly he set upon me. If I did not know better I would have sworn he brought twenty of his little buddies along for the attack. Snarling, hissing, and tearing at my clothes, he was a frenzy of activity. As I was dressed only in a light t-shirt, summer riding gloves, and jeans this was a bit of a cause for concern. This furry little tornado was doing some damage!
Picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and leather gloves puttering maybe 25mph down a quiet residential street.and in the fight of his life with a squirrel. And losing.
I grabbed for him with my left hand and managed to snag his tail. With all my strength I flung the evil rodent off the left of the bike, almost running into the right curb as I recoiled from the throw.
That should have done it. The matter should have ended right there. It really should have. The squirrel could have sailed into one of the pristinely kept yards and gone on about his business, and I could have headed home. No one would have been the wiser. But this was no ordinary squirrel. This was not even an ordinary pissed-off squirrel. This was an evil attack squirrel of death!
Somehow he caught my gloved finger with one of his little hands, and with the force of the throw swung around and with a resounding thump and an amazing impact he landed square on my back and resumed his rather anti-social and extremely distracting activities. He also managed to take my left glove with him!
The situation was not improved. Not improved at all. His attacks were continuing, and now I could not reach him. I was startled to say the least. The combination of the force of the throw, only having one hand (the throttle hand) on the handlebars, and my jerking back unfortunately put a healthy twist through my right hand and into the throttle. A healthy twist on the throttle of a Valkyrie can only have one result. Torque. This is what the Valkyrie is made for, and she is very, very good at it. The engine roared as the front wheel left the pavement. The squirrel screamed in anger. The Valkyrie screamed in ecstasy. I screamed in.well.I just plain screamed.
Now picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a slightly squirrel torn t-shirt, and only one leather glove roaring at maybe 70mph and rapidly accelerating down a quiet residential street.on one wheel and with a demonic squirrel on his back. The man and the squirrel are both screaming bloody murder.
With the sudden acceleration I was forced to put my other hand back on the handlebars and try to get control of the bike. This was leaving the mutant squirrel to his own devices, but I really did not want to crash into somebody's tree, house, or parked car. Also, I had not yet figured out how to release the throttle.my brain was just simply overloaded. I did manage to mash the back brake, but it had little affect against the massive power of the big cruiser.
About this time the squirrel decided that I was not paying sufficient attention to this very serious battle (maybe he is a Scottish attack squirrel of death), and he came around my neck and got IN my full-face helmet with me. As the faceplate closed partway and he began hissing in my face I am quite sure my screaming changed tone and intensity. It seemed to have little affect on the squirrel however. The rpm's on The Dragon maxed out (I was not concerned about shifting at the moment) and her front end started to drop. Now picture the large man on the huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a very ragged torn t-shirt, and wearing one leather glove, roaring at probably 80mph, still on one wheel, with a large puffy squirrel's tail sticking out his mostly closed full-face helmet. By now the screams are probably getting a little hoarse.
Finally I got the upper hand.I managed to grab his tail again, pulled him out of my helmet, and slung him to the left as hard as I could. This time it worked.sort-of. Spectacularly sort-of, so to speak.
Picture the scene. You are a cop. You and your partner have pulled off on a quiet residential street and parked with your windows down to do some paperwork.
Suddenly a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a torn t-shirt flapping in the breeze, and wearing one leather glove, moving at probably 80mph on one wheel, and screaming bloody murder roars by and with all his strength throws a live squirrel grenade directly into your police car.
I heard screams. They weren't mine...
I managed to get the big motorcycle under directional control and dropped the front wheel to the ground. I then used maximum braking and skidded to a stop in a cloud of tire smoke at the stop sign at a busy cross street.
I would have returned to fess up (and to get my glove back). I really would have. Really. But for two things. First, the cops did not seem interested or the slightest bit concerned about me at the moment. One of them was on his back in the front yard of the house they had been parked in front of and was rapidly crabbing backwards away from the patrol car. The other was standing in the street and was training a riot shotgun on the police cruiser.
So the cops were not interested in me. They often insist to "let the professionals handle it" anyway. That was one thing. The other? Well, I swear I could see the squirrel, standing in the back window of the patrol car among shredded and flying pieces of foam and upholstery, and shaking his little fist at me. I think he was shooting me the finger. That is one dangerous squirrel.
And now he has a patrol car.
I took a deep breath, turned on my turn-signal, made an easy right turn, and sedately left the neighborhood. As for my easy and slow drive home? Screw it. Faced with a choice of 80mph cars and inattentive drivers, or the evil, demonic, attack squirrel of death...I'll take my chances with the freeway. Every time. And I'll buy myself a new pair of gloves.
The Squirrel Grenade
I never dreamed slowly cruising through a residential neighborhood could be so incredibly dangerous! Studies have shown that motorcycling requires more decisions per second, and more sheer data processing than nearly any other common activity or sport. The reactions and accurate decision making abilities needed have been likened to the reactions of fighter pilots! The consequences of bad decisions or poor situational awareness are pretty much the same for both groups too.
Occasionally, as a rider I have caught myself starting to make bad or late decisions while riding. In flight training, my instructors called this being "behind the power curve". It is a mark of experience that when this begins to happen, the rider recognizes the situation, and more importantly, does something about it. A short break, a meal, or even a gas stop can set things right again as it gives the brain a chance to catch up.
Good, accurate, and timely decisions are essential when riding a motorcycle.at least if you want to remain among the living. In short, the brain needs to keep up with the machine.
I had been banging around the roads of east Texas and as I headed back into Dallas, found myself in very heavy, high-speed traffic on the freeways. Normally, this is not a problem, I commute in these conditions daily, but suddenly I was nearly run down by a cage that decided it needed my lane more than I did. This is not normally a big deal either, as it happens around here often, but usually I can accurately predict which drivers are not paying attention and avoid them before we are even close. This one I missed seeing until it was nearly too late, and as I took evasive action I nearly broadsided another car that I was not even aware was there!
Two bad decisions and insufficient situational awareness.all within seconds. I was behind the power curve. Time to get off the freeway. I hit the next exit, and as I was in an area I knew pretty well, headed through a few big residential neighborhoods as a new route home. As I turned onto the nearly empty streets I opened the visor on my full-face helmet to help get some air. I figured some slow riding through the quiet surface streets would give me time to relax, think, and regain that "edge" so frequently required when riding. Little did I suspect.
As I passed an oncoming car, a brown furry missile shot out from under it and tumbled to a stop immediately in front of me. It was a squirrel, and must have been trying to run across the road when it encountered the car. I really was not going very fast, but there was no time to brake or avoid it-it was that close.
I hate to run over animals.and I really hate it on a motorcycle, but a squirrel should pose no danger to me. I barely had time to brace for the impact.
Animal lovers, never fear. Squirrels can take care of themselves!
Inches before impact, the squirrel flipped to his feet. He was standing on his hind legs and facing the oncoming Valkyrie with steadfast resolve in his little beady eyes. His mouth opened, and at the last possible second, he screamed and leapt! I am pretty sure the scream was squirrel for, "Banzai!" or maybe, "Die you gravy-sucking, heathen scum!" as the leap was spectacular and he flew over the windshield and impacted me squarely in the chest.
Instantly he set upon me. If I did not know better I would have sworn he brought twenty of his little buddies along for the attack. Snarling, hissing, and tearing at my clothes, he was a frenzy of activity. As I was dressed only in a light t-shirt, summer riding gloves, and jeans this was a bit of a cause for concern. This furry little tornado was doing some damage!
Picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and leather gloves puttering maybe 25mph down a quiet residential street.and in the fight of his life with a squirrel. And losing.
I grabbed for him with my left hand and managed to snag his tail. With all my strength I flung the evil rodent off the left of the bike, almost running into the right curb as I recoiled from the throw.
That should have done it. The matter should have ended right there. It really should have. The squirrel could have sailed into one of the pristinely kept yards and gone on about his business, and I could have headed home. No one would have been the wiser. But this was no ordinary squirrel. This was not even an ordinary pissed-off squirrel. This was an evil attack squirrel of death!
Somehow he caught my gloved finger with one of his little hands, and with the force of the throw swung around and with a resounding thump and an amazing impact he landed square on my back and resumed his rather anti-social and extremely distracting activities. He also managed to take my left glove with him!
The situation was not improved. Not improved at all. His attacks were continuing, and now I could not reach him. I was startled to say the least. The combination of the force of the throw, only having one hand (the throttle hand) on the handlebars, and my jerking back unfortunately put a healthy twist through my right hand and into the throttle. A healthy twist on the throttle of a Valkyrie can only have one result. Torque. This is what the Valkyrie is made for, and she is very, very good at it. The engine roared as the front wheel left the pavement. The squirrel screamed in anger. The Valkyrie screamed in ecstasy. I screamed in.well.I just plain screamed.
Now picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a slightly squirrel torn t-shirt, and only one leather glove roaring at maybe 70mph and rapidly accelerating down a quiet residential street.on one wheel and with a demonic squirrel on his back. The man and the squirrel are both screaming bloody murder.
With the sudden acceleration I was forced to put my other hand back on the handlebars and try to get control of the bike. This was leaving the mutant squirrel to his own devices, but I really did not want to crash into somebody's tree, house, or parked car. Also, I had not yet figured out how to release the throttle.my brain was just simply overloaded. I did manage to mash the back brake, but it had little affect against the massive power of the big cruiser.
About this time the squirrel decided that I was not paying sufficient attention to this very serious battle (maybe he is a Scottish attack squirrel of death), and he came around my neck and got IN my full-face helmet with me. As the faceplate closed partway and he began hissing in my face I am quite sure my screaming changed tone and intensity. It seemed to have little affect on the squirrel however. The rpm's on The Dragon maxed out (I was not concerned about shifting at the moment) and her front end started to drop. Now picture the large man on the huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a very ragged torn t-shirt, and wearing one leather glove, roaring at probably 80mph, still on one wheel, with a large puffy squirrel's tail sticking out his mostly closed full-face helmet. By now the screams are probably getting a little hoarse.
Finally I got the upper hand.I managed to grab his tail again, pulled him out of my helmet, and slung him to the left as hard as I could. This time it worked.sort-of. Spectacularly sort-of, so to speak.
Picture the scene. You are a cop. You and your partner have pulled off on a quiet residential street and parked with your windows down to do some paperwork.
Suddenly a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a torn t-shirt flapping in the breeze, and wearing one leather glove, moving at probably 80mph on one wheel, and screaming bloody murder roars by and with all his strength throws a live squirrel grenade directly into your police car.
I heard screams. They weren't mine...
I managed to get the big motorcycle under directional control and dropped the front wheel to the ground. I then used maximum braking and skidded to a stop in a cloud of tire smoke at the stop sign at a busy cross street.
I would have returned to fess up (and to get my glove back). I really would have. Really. But for two things. First, the cops did not seem interested or the slightest bit concerned about me at the moment. One of them was on his back in the front yard of the house they had been parked in front of and was rapidly crabbing backwards away from the patrol car. The other was standing in the street and was training a riot shotgun on the police cruiser.
So the cops were not interested in me. They often insist to "let the professionals handle it" anyway. That was one thing. The other? Well, I swear I could see the squirrel, standing in the back window of the patrol car among shredded and flying pieces of foam and upholstery, and shaking his little fist at me. I think he was shooting me the finger. That is one dangerous squirrel.
And now he has a patrol car.
I took a deep breath, turned on my turn-signal, made an easy right turn, and sedately left the neighborhood. As for my easy and slow drive home? Screw it. Faced with a choice of 80mph cars and inattentive drivers, or the evil, demonic, attack squirrel of death...I'll take my chances with the freeway. Every time. And I'll buy myself a new pair of gloves.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Warning To American Gun Owners From Canadian News Anchor
Yeah, It's just a national gun registry. It can't be used to confiscate guns.
Right.
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Right.
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Jon Stewart Destroys Obama Over IRS Scandal & Lack Of 'Managerial Compet...
While I almost never agree with Stewart, I've got to say, this time he hits the nail on the head.
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Brush fire to Structure fire
Well the papers are finally noticing something I've been saying for 3 years.
Would YOU want to go into something like this without the number of people that are needed?
Or this?
I KNOW people have died because of the cuts, but can I prove it?
This is how the 'conversation' would go:
Me: I know this person died because of the cuts.
TL: Can you prove that this person would've survived without the cuts?
Me: You know that's not possible.
TL: Too bad now go away while I think of a way to pay my buddy $300 an hour again.
Another sticking point to this call is that for a 'brush fire', we respond 'priority two'. No lights or siren. Take note of that (I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, just take note of it).
With Engine 2 coming from Hollenback station that means an even LONGER response time. Now if we had correct manning, we would've had an Engine on scene sooner and the call would've been changed to a structure fire MUCH sooner, reducing the amount of damage to the house.
Most people in this city DON'T live in Barney Farms, where the homes are MUCH further apart than the rest of the city. And most people don't realize that the 500 gallons of water that our Engines carry is only about 4 minutes of water! We NEED that hydrant most of the time! And that means we NEED manpower!
Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote
Would YOU want to go into something like this without the number of people that are needed?
Or this?
I KNOW people have died because of the cuts, but can I prove it?
This is how the 'conversation' would go:
Me: I know this person died because of the cuts.
TL: Can you prove that this person would've survived without the cuts?
Me: You know that's not possible.
TL: Too bad now go away while I think of a way to pay my buddy $300 an hour again.
Another sticking point to this call is that for a 'brush fire', we respond 'priority two'. No lights or siren. Take note of that (I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, just take note of it).
With Engine 2 coming from Hollenback station that means an even LONGER response time. Now if we had correct manning, we would've had an Engine on scene sooner and the call would've been changed to a structure fire MUCH sooner, reducing the amount of damage to the house.
Most people in this city DON'T live in Barney Farms, where the homes are MUCH further apart than the rest of the city. And most people don't realize that the 500 gallons of water that our Engines carry is only about 4 minutes of water! We NEED that hydrant most of the time! And that means we NEED manpower!
Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote
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