Top Stories of 2008

Top News of 2008
While it might not be good news for some folks, we certainly enjoyed ourselves at their expense! Take a look at the most entertaining news stories of 2008 from Firelink.com.

Firefighters Break Down Wrong Door
FF Stops For Burger on Way to Call
FF Resuscitates Cat by Mouth-to-Mouth
Topless FF Busted for Flashing Badge

Todays Headlines

http://daily.firehouse.com/rmgo.asp?tid=869945&eid=744346&sb_id=298172,298172
LODDA longtime New York firefighter collapsed Tuesday while assisting at a crash scene, according to the USFA. The victim was identified as Fire Police Capt. Norm Koch with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies

53 Die in Bangkok Night Club Fire
A fire in a club celebrating the new year has left 53 dead and over 100 injured. The toll could climb as workers finish going through the club. The fire grew quickly, trapping and killing many who arrived to celebrate the start of 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7806658.stm

Murder Charges Filed in Delaware Firefighter's Death
A man allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash last week that injured a motorcyclist and killed a Delaware City firefighter was charged with murder today.

Eight Brooklyn FF’s Injured A 3-ALARM FIRE IN THE BENSONHURST SECTION of Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday injured eight firefighers including one seriously when he “rode down” with a collapsing rear wall from the 3rd floor. The firefighter, a member of Ladder 148 who has been with the FDNY for three years, was taken to the hospital for serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries, fire officials said.Initial investigation into the cause is not showing anything suspicious. WCBS-TV has the STORY

Campaign to Contain Blagojevich Hits Roadblocks
The case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich grows more complicated as events demonstrate that he can't be cowed as easily as U.S. senators and the U.S. attorney prosecuting the case would like.http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/31/fast-campaign-weaken-blagojevich-hits-roadblocks/

Report: Somali pirates hold 300 mariners
MOSCOW (UPI) -- A new assessment of pirate activity off the coast of Somalia has found that more than 300 mariners are being held hostage, a Russian publication says. Click to Continue...

NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:

NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:
F2007-38
Nov 21, 2007
Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death after responding to two calls - Kansas


http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200738.html
F2008-06
Feb 29, 2008
Volunteer fire fighter and trapped resident die and a volunteer lieutenant is injured following a duplex fire – Pennsylvania http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200806.html

F2007-09
Feb 09, 2007
Career probationary fire fighter dies while participating in a live-fire training evolution at an acquired structure – Maryland http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200709.html
F2008-17
Jun 14, 2008
Volunteer assistant chief killed when struck by tractor-trailer while operating at a motor vehicle crash - North Carolina http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200817.html
F2008-27
Jul 23, 2008
Volunteer fire chief dies from injuries received when privately owned vehicle crashes into bay door pinning him against fire tanker – Wisconsin http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200827.html

New WISER

WISER 4.2 is now available!
You may download it from the WISER web site
WebWISER http://webwiser.nlm.nih.gov/Highlights of this version include:
* In WISER for Windows, a substance's protective distance data can now be overlaid on an interactive map: view a substance and press the Map Protective Distances button (Internet connectivity is required. Please see the User's Guide for more details on this feature).
* Transportation criteria (DOT placard, rail car, road trailer) have been added to unknown chemical identification: enter the Help Identify Unknown feature and select the Transport option (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* Signs/symptoms imagery added to biological agents: view a biological agent and select Medical-->Imagery from the data menu (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* General data updates and several new substances.
* Printing support added to the ERG tool (WISER for Windows).
* Many more miscellaneous enhancements; see the release notes on the download pages of the web site.

Please note that the dependency WISER for Windows has on the Microsoft .NET Framework has changed from .NET 2.0 to .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1. Additional details are on the download page of the web site. We apologize for any inconvenience this additional install implies, but this enhances our ability to provide you with new features like the protective distance mapping.See the News <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/news.html> page of the WISER web site for our future plans. If you have other suggestions or want to influence priorities, please let us know; your feedback is crucial to the future direction of WISER!

Please use the Contact Us <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/feedback.html> page of the web site to submit your feedback and ideas or anything else related to WISER.Thank you!
The WISER Team

Nims 700

IS-700.a NIMS An Introduction
EMI has revised and updated the IS-700 course materials.
Please begin using the IS-700.a materials immediately. If you have previously started the IS-700 course and need to take the final exam, you must complete the exam and obtain a passing score before February 13, 2009. After February 13, 2009, the IS 700 exam will no longer be available.
You may complete your exam online by clicking here. If you are completing your final exam for IS 700 via OpScan bubble sheets, they must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 13, 2009.
At this time there are no downloadable materials for IS 700.a but they are forthcoming.

Course Overview
This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Describe the intent of NIMS.
Describe the key concepts and principles underlying NIMS.
Describe the purpose of the NIMS Components including: Preparedness, Communications and Information Management, Resource Management, and Command and Management.
Describe the purpose of the National Integration Center.

Note: This course provides a basic introduction to NIMS. It is not designed to replace Incident Command System and position-specific training.
Primary Audience: Individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.
Prerequisites: None
CEUs 0.3
Course Length: The overall length of the course will vary for each individual. IS 700A takes approximately 3 hours.

NIOSH release two new reports

NIOSH has released two fatality investigation reports.
One involved a long-time chief who was killed after being pinned between the bay door and tanker.
The other probe involved an assistant chief who was struck and killed on a North Carolina highway.

On June 14, Verona Volunteer Fire Company Second Assistant Chief Colin Thomas was assisting deputies on a highway when he was killed. Fog combined with smoke from a controlled burn on a military base had reduced visibility to zero.
An Onslow County deputy also was struck and killed by the tractor-trailer.
NIOSH investigators suggested departments establish procedures for parking apparatus along highways. They included a timeline of events and actions of personnel on the scene.

The other recently released report involved the death of Pulaski Tri-County Fire Chief Frank Wichlacz, 76.
He was in the station following a call. A firefighter was attempting to move a pickup truck when it lurched forward and crashed into the bay door.
The chief was pinned between the door and the tanker. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
NIOSH investigators suggested departments develop policies regarding the wearing of rubber boots while operating vehicles.
They also suggested vehicles be parked only in designated spaces.
Related Links:
Wisconsin LODD Report
North Carolina LODD Report

World FF deaths and More

At least 8 firefighters killed during collapse at shopping mall fire in Pakistan
Here are excerpts from an article at dawn.com:The death toll in the devastating Ghakhar Plaza fire rose to 12 on Sunday after seven bodies, including that of a fire-fighter, were found in the debris.


Colorado ice rescue turns ugly.
Definitely a stressful call for the fire department and the police that responded. Glad to see that they do finally rescue the dog. WARNING, IF YOU ARE offended by bad language DO NOT WATCH THIS.
http://www.wusa9.com/news/columnist/blogs/2008/12/must-see-tv-man-and-his-dog-along-with.html

Do you recall the dramatic mayday in Houston on April, 2007 involving Capt. Eric Abbt?
That same fire is currently in the news.
Read the story full from the AP: An insurance company is arguing in court that a policy it issued that excludes payments for pollution prevents the families of three people killed in a 2007 Houston office building fire from being compensated because the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation and not the actual flames. Great American Insurance Co. has asked U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal in Houston to rule that the deaths caused by the smoke, fumes and soot will not be covered by the policy because there is a specific exclusion for pollution and it mentions smoke, fumes and soot. A court hearing in the case is set for February. The blaze killed 52-year-old Jeanette Hargrove of Friendswood, and Houston residents 46-year-old Marvin Wells Sr. and 38-year-old Shana Ellis. In October, Misty Ann Weaver, a nurse, pleaded guilty to three counts of felony murder and one count of first-degree arson. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Weaver admitted she set the fire to hide that she had not completed some paperwork on time for her boss, a cosmetic surgeon, and feared she might lose her job. Great American's potential liability in the case is $25 million.

Some interesting photos I found on the net!

Oops - It did not say when this happened

Ocala Florida

Gov. Rod

The Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevish is expected to speak to the public today. If you ask me he should have done this last week. This should be an interesting talk?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6564209

Painted Helmet

This from the news, and I got to agree with the Chief on this one. Stickers of flags are more suited for this. This is, to me against the proper display of the US flag.

NEWTON, Mass. -- A local firefighter has spent three years fighting fires. Before that he was in Iraq fighting for our country. Now Richard Busa is in a battle with the Newton Fire Department.

Busa's fight was first brought to light in a column in the Newton Tab. He is being told that he has to remove the American flag design that is painted on his fire helmet, because the chief says it goes against uniform standards.

However, Busa says he won't do it and the threat of disciplinary action won't change his mind. He says if the majority of firefighters thought it was offensive or a safety issue, he would take it off. But that has not happened.

Chief Joseph LaCroix is a Vietnam war veteran. He says the request to remove the flag has nothing to do with patriotism or not wanting the flag, but a uniform is just that -- a uniform. If he allows one firefighter to paint his entire helmet, what is to stop others from choosing designs of their own.

LaCroix said small amounts of paint and stickers are okay on helmets, but Busa's design, he said, crosses the line.

I recently received this via email and knew I had to pass it along. Since I am retired from the fire service I can understand the words in this writing.

When a firefighter leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in a firefighters life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the fire service world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the firefighters for they shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

Civilian Friends vs. Firefighter friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
FIREFI GHTER FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,"You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!" Then carry you home safely and put you to bed.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will forward this.

Gone

Been on a trip to home area. Had an early Christmas dinner and gift exchange, So that's why you haven't seen any new post this past week. I will get back into it today hopefully.
We had a Good trip, got to see a few friends and visit the old fire department. They are still waiting for the new truck to arrive, hopefully in January, guess I'll see it in the spring.
Had a good drive back home even with the winter storm warning. We ran into snow just before St Cloud and drove the rest of the way in blowing snow sign on the interstate said the it was closed west of Fergus Falls MN.

I was in Illinois just when Blagjovich was arrested.
http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-461938-561423
I always knew he would get it. Just did not think it would take this long for him to do something like what he was arrested for. You will see me following that story for a while.

Only saw one line of duty death:

Wisconsin Fire Official Dies after Training Lt. Rick H. Borkin, a 16-year veteran of the Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department, died Monday evening after experiencing respiratory problems during a training exercise at the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus in Oak Creek, Ozaukee County Coroner John Holicek said this morning."He had a history of respiratory problems but wanted to participate in the exercise anyway," Holicek said.

What's Happening - Responding to a Meth Lab

Good article here on responding to a meth lab
http://www.firelink.com/training/articles/5124-how-to-spot-a-meth-lab?page=1&referral=fl_nlet_R1_20081204

O.J.
Dec. 5: Simpson is sentenced to a maximum of 33 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in nine years.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-oj-chrono6-2008dec06,0,7367806.story


Dems, White House Agree To Auto Bailout ( You see who they listed first)

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/06/business/main4651796.shtml

ON Franken Vs. Coleman If you live in MN and havn't noticed this fight is still going on if you've been following the news pretty closely. In the Franken vs. Coleman race, Coleman's strategy is basically the same as Bush's was in Florida, challenge everything but make sure your votes are the ones that stay in the public eye and in play. I'm not saying Franken has won, What I do think, however, is that there should be a run-off. It's basically a tie at this point as they are so close. So, let's have a runoff and get it over with!

Recession Effects on Emergency Services

It is common knowledge that numerous Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies have experienced shrinking budgets resulting from the economic downturn. However, the current recession has prompted even more direct challenges for first responders. For example, spiraling foreclosures have triggered a significant increase in abandoned properties, which have always been dangerous environments for emergency personnel.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the adverse effects of the recession have become problematic for the operations and safety of ESS organizations for the following reasons in addition to other causes:
· More homeless people have surreptitiously occupied vacant structures.
· The structural integrity of empty buildings has often been compromised by squatters.
· Abandoned houses have increasingly been the source of criminal activities including arson.
· Destitute individuals have moved in with family or friends causing perilous overcrowding conditions.
· More basements and attics have been occupied and heated with unsafe appliances.

A 19 November Fire Rescue article discussed a strategy that can be implemented to mitigate the foreclosure problem. The article suggested ESS departments should partner with lending institutions as well as housing and community organizations to develop methods to prevent home foreclosures and the abandonment of homes. “It’s about working with organizations, letting them know the concerns of the fire department and how foreclosures and vacant homes generally may affect fire and arson rates,” said the NFPA director of high-risk outreach programs.Additionally, the chief of the Columbus Fire Department in Ohio recommended categorizing buildings certified as abandoned and vacant, and arranging for them to be tagged with appropriate signage. “This action should help to eliminate the risk of injury to responders unless they have reason to believe a rescue is necessary.”

The complete Fire Rescue article can be seen at the following link:

http://www.firerescue1.com/Firefighter-Training/articles/439214-Foreclusures-challenge.

Safety: Are We Doing Enough?

Note: I had the opportunity to go to a NFA class with this gentleman. He is one of those that really is taking an active role with firefighter safety and really one to follow on the issues.

Excerpt from today's article by Chief Ron Kanterman:

I personally believe (safety) is a three pronged approach. First and foremost, it starts at the top. The Chief of each and every fire department in this country must make a time and resource commitment to good safety programs and practices. I'm sure there's not a chief out there who would argue with "safety" but it's time to put up or shut up. One clip from the Everyone Goes Home - Courage to Be Safe (EGH-CTBS) program shows Chief Dave Daniels (Washington State) discussing that the chief's job is to insure that everyone goes home every day. "That's your job," Chief Daniels reiterates on the video. There is no specific reference to career or volunteer.

Prong number 2 is first line supervision. The guy or gal in the front seat on the right side of the cab is responsible for insuring that we get to the call and back in one piece. "Arrive alive and don't kill anyone on the way." (Not a bad motto to hang on the inside of the apparatus bay doors along with "buckle up every time.") The company officer must set the example for the rest of the crew. Chief Dennis Rubin (Washington, D.C. Fire/EMS) is quoted on the EGH-CTBS program video as saying "if the company officer buckles his seatbelt, the rest of the members will absolutely buckle their seatbelts." I believe he's right. Safety policies and procedures must be enforced at the line level. Again, there is no reference to career or volunteer.

Prong 3 is personal accountability. No one will "deliver safety" on a silver tray to our firefighters each time the bell rings. They need to bring safety to the game on their own. It's part of putting on a uniform or donning PPE. Personnel must be trained and engrained with the safety culture and told they must be responsible and accountable for their actions and that bad or "stupid, goofy acts will not be tolerated." (Chief Ronny Coleman, California).

Read More »
http://blog.usfa.dhs.gov/2008/12/safety-are-we-doing-enough.html

Rookies for R.I.T. ???

RIT Isn't A Rookie Function
One of the more popular topics in the fire service is Rapid Intervention. Used to get firefighters out of harms way which the entire concept is one that requires training and practice. While many basic skills go in to RIT training the operation itself is complex.

A crew of four is assigned as a RIT team at a one story single family dwelling. All hands are working and the fire is darkening down. Suddenly a mayday is heard over the radio. As command responds the order for a RIT deployment is given. The team moves into position.
Of the four person team three have less than a year on the job. Two aren't yet certified and neither of those have ever been in a fire other than a training burn. The fourth member realizes she must act as a leader but this isn't raising a ladder nor is it advancing a hoseline. This is advanced. She isn't an officer but she does what she is told.

As the team makes its way to the Delta entrance the senior firefighter is trying to rapidly go over what is expected of each person. She can see the confusion and fear but a firefighter is down and this is her team.
Entry is made and as the first RIT member makes entry contact is suddenly lost. Another pass device begins shrieking and as other firefighters move to where the RIT team was deployed they see a member being pulled out. Suddenly exposed to a dangerous situation the rookie firefighter pulled his SCBA mask off. Now there are two firefighters down.
Sound like a pipe dream? Don't bet on it. RIT isn't a rookie task. Any jury in America will look upon departmental leaders as deficient if they are overseeing this type of operation. Talk about being handcuffed-that is a real possibility.

USFA Release of Communications Guide

Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service Released
Emmitsburg, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has completed a project with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to study what important areas of safety and technology discussed in the USFA manual Fire Department Communications Manual - A Basic Guide to System Concepts and Equipment (FA-160) needed to be updated or revised, as well as what topics and technology related to fire department communications not discussed in the manual needed to be added since its development in 1996. This joint USFA and IAFF study was conducted with support from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) SAFECOM Program Office.
"The need for an understanding of today's modern communications concepts and technology for firefighter and citizen life safety and operational effectiveness remains as valid, if not more so today, than it did when this USFA document was first produced in 1996,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "USFA was pleased to work with DHS SAFECOM and the IAFF on this study to provide critical information to the fire service."

The new manual, Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service (PDF, 3.8 Mb), provides updated information on communications technology and discusses critical homeland security issues and concepts, such as SAFECOM, that did not exist when the original manual was first published. It also provides a wide fire service audience with a minimum level of familiarity with basic communications issues such as hardware, policy and procedures, and human interface.

"The safety of both firefighters and citizens depends on reliable, functional communication tools that work in the harshest and most hostile of environments," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "The IAFF was pleased to work with USFA on this important project."
Further information about this partnership effort may be found under the Research section of the USFA Web site.

Answers from Yesterday

Yesterdays trivia answers

Whats a two four?
This refers to a case of beer having 24 cans, or two four

Whats a hoser?
Like the very similar term hosehead, the term may have referred to farmers of the Canadian prairies, who would siphon gas from farming vehicles with a hose during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The expression has since been converted to the verb 'to hose' as in to trick, deceive, or steal - for example: Hosed has an additional meaning of becoming drunk - for example: "Let's go out and get hosed."

On the lighter side

A little Trivia now that the Christmas songs are playing on the radio.

In Bob & Doug McKenzie's 12 Days of Christmas that does the term two, four refer to?
I bet some you hosers know.

What's a hoser?


Answers tomorrow.
To play the song Click the link below.

http://bobanddoug.com/old/GreatWhiteNorth/Bob_and_Doug_McKenzie_-_15_-_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas.mp3

More on the Our Lady Of Angels Fire

This weekend people will gather in Chicago to pray and remember the victims of a tragic fire that struck the city 50-years-ago on Monday. Ninety-two children and three nuns died in a fire that broke out in a stairwell during that last hour of classes at Our Lady of the Angels school on December 1, 1958. The impact of this fire was felt across the country and the world. It had a great influence on the building codes and safety features and procedures that we now take for granted in schools and other public assembly buildings.

Some of the many factors that contributed to this large loss of life included a delayed alarm due to nuns who didn't have authority to pull the fire alarm after discovering the fire, open stairwells and a lack of exit capacity. The fire started in the 1910 built north wing of the school. It had been "grandfathered" due to being constructed before 1949 code changes that addressed stairwell and exit issues. For some reason, a 1953 school annex also had open stairwells.

There is a lot of other information, along with pictures and videos, available on the Internet about this fire.

Here some links worth checking out.
Watch part of a documentary on human behavior in fires that includes film of the fire, an interview with a firefighter and a survivor

Promo for WTTW-TV documentary, Angels Too Soon, has more film from the fire
List of CFD companies that responded to the fire

Coroner's jury findings

Commissioner Robert J. Quinn's January, 1959 article in Fire Engineering

NFPA Quarterly Report, January, 1959

Website OLA.com with links to archival material (****this site has a substanial amount of information about the fire, including diagrams, reports and pictures****)

Journey keyboardist is one of the survivors of the fire

Historical perspective on school fires from Thomas Cunningham at WithTheCommand.com

UPDATE: FIRE CHIEF DESCRIBES EXPLOSION IN STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER FIRE: Propane Tank Suspected

Your friend, has give information about news

UPDATE: FIRE CHIEF DESCRIBES EXPLOSION IN STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER FIRE: Propane Tank Suspected

To read the news story, Please click the link:

http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?75909

Ahbama (I like his new name) Something to think about?

 

 

Got a few snippets from the opinion blogs and feedback sites thought there were interesting and decided to pass them along. Whats your oponion?


Finally, I understand why the "Birth Certificate" that Obama has produced is not sufficient to prove he is a natural born citizen. The original certificate of life birth is necessary to prove he was born in Hawaii (hence, a natural born citizen), rather than that his birth was merely REGISTERED in Hawaii.

The video with his Kenyan Grandmother claiming he was born in Kenya is a pretty compelling reason to demand that Obama fork over the definitive proof or we will be making a mockery of our constitution and are election certification processes.

It's also been reported by NBC, BET, and Drudge. This latest suit by Alan Keyes and Libertarian candidates for the Presidency is the best one yet. All of the other suits have been dismissed on the grounds that the person requesting the information did not have "standing" before the court. Although I think any citizen has standing to want expect that the constitutional requirements for the presidency be enforced and that candidates be thoroughly, particularly when there is a controversy about eligibility, there is no question that another presidential candidate has perhaps the best standing one could ever hope for before the court.

I can't figure out why liberals are not leaning on Obama to provide this evidence. It makes him look VERY bad, in the sense that it appears he doesn't give a rip about the constitution. If he was born in Hawaii, a smarter tactic would be to provide the long form birth certificate. OTOH, if he was born in Kenya...



Ahbama is nothing more than the House Boy for the Clinton Machine and the proof is starting to show.

Think Obama voters are educated on the issues?
Think the media had no bias in this election?
(Worth watching though to the end)



And on a Final Note I found this interesting, it's from earlier in November?

Man who pleaded guilty on drug charge gets to vote
The Associated Press ST. PAUL, Minn. — A man facing prison time on a drug charge has gotten a break from a judge — so that he can vote.
Twenty-four-year-old Javontez Lavel Ross pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing several bags of suspected heroin with intent to sell. But he asked Ramsey County District Judge Margaret Marrinan to postpone his sentencing so he could vote in the Nov. 4 election. Ross, who said he recently moved to the Twin Cities from Chicago, would have been barred from voting if he had been sentenced before Election Day. The judge granted his request, calling the contest a "historic election." She set his sentencing for Nov. 12. Asked which candidate would get his vote for president, Ross said he hadn't decided.

People convicted of felonies are banned from voting until they finish their jail or prison time and probation.———

This borders on the ridiculous and criminal. Every election "could be'" historic. This judge needs to be removed promptly.

Aurora Fire Museum

For anyone that doesn't know about this local Gem In Aurora, Illinois, I am sending out this notice that I got from them. I used to take my high school classes up here once a year about this time or year, but they hadn't done this before.


Aurora Regional Fire Museum's holiday exhibit opening
Sat. Nov. 29th 1-4pm
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru' the old firehouse, Not a creature was stirring, ‘cept “Cinders” the firefighting mouse. His boots were placed by the firefighter’s bunks with care, In hopes that Santa the Fire Chief, soon would be there…

A family of festive holiday mice have invaded the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. The museum’s north bunkroom -- home to Aurora’s real “north pole” (the brass fire pole that served the north-side of the old Central Fire Station) -- has been transformed with the holiday exhibit, “All I want for Christmas… is a Fire Engine under the Tree”.
This temporary holiday exhibit includes more than five hundred (all different) firefighting Christmas ornaments, from the collection of John and Barbara Nolan, displayed on three nine-foot tall Christmas trees. Some ornaments are whimsical -- featuring cartoon characters -- while others are more realistic and boast working sirens and flashing lights. There are more than one hundred versions of Santa dressed in firefighting gear, at least fifty firefighting snowmen, and another one hundred fire engines of every size and shape. Placed beneath the trees are firefighting toys -- including a cast-iron ladder truck from the nineteenth century, a popular Tonka fire pumper from the 1960s, a contemporary Fisher-Price fire engine, and even a firefighting Barbie doll.
After Cinders and his firehouse friends put the finishing touches on the tree decorations upstairs, the firefighting mice took up residence in the museum’s ground-floor interactive exhibit "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued."
Holiday visitors to the museum are encouraged to find Cinders as he sleeps in the steam fire engine’s boiler, his friend Sparks as he tries to ring the fire bell, and their best friend Ashes as he decorates a 1948 fire engine. Please join us from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday November 29th for the FREE holiday exhibit opening and celebration. There will be a visit from Santa the Fire Chief, storytelling, a holiday mouse hunt, and more.
This holiday exhibit will run though the end of January, visit the museum website for details. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum features five pieces of fire apparatus and an award winning interactive exhibit in a fully restored vintage firehouse.
The museum is located at the corner of New York (Rt 25) and Broadway in downtown Aurora, IL. Free parking in the lot behind the museum.

For more information, hours, and directions, visit the website: http://www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org/

Best wishes,
Debby Deborah Davis
Executive Director

Black Friday

Black Friday

Having a Blog and having something to write about are two different things, today I though of something. Today I found out why they call it Black Friday, The day after Thanksgiving; The beginning of the Christmas sales. Supposedly the busiest sale day of the year and when all businesses make a profit or back in the black, indicating a profit. (Not the day to go shopping). What a zoo, I don’t know if you attempted to go out today but it was really a mad house. In Wal Mart, for example as we went about 7:30 and found that a lot of the stuff advertized was gone already. Too bad I wasn’t in the market for the 50 inch Plasma; they still had 4 of those puppies left. Go figure, but that’s probably to be expected. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the stores to have plenty of all the items advertized available to all, not just the ones that freeze their butts off all night? To go with that there was the typical Christmas rush of shoppers. We had then sleeping outside the stores as I see was the case all over. Of course here they were in Ice fishing shelters, typical Minnesotans. What got me was the way the people were behaving inside of the stores. You couldn’t’ walk down hardly any aisles. People would just stop in the middle of the aisle and be talking to on another blocking the whole aisle. They then get out their cell phones and then cant’ walk and talk at the same time. Wonder what would happen of they tried to chew gum too? Also we did see full carts left in isles with no one around. Guess they were collecting the stuff for Santa and leaving it there for him to pick up later? Went to a store in the mall and you know the type, a small store, popular gift items, and where is the check out? All the way in the back of the store. Guess where the line was? Yep all the way out of the front of the store. Can’t see where the economy is hurting up here? But then again looking out their store and down the mall there is a closed Steve and Berry’s store with all the shelves empty and all they were selling were the furnishings.

More On LOA Fire

More on Our Lady of Angels Fire

Lady of Angels Fire Web Sites

http://www.olafire.com/

http://www.withthecommand.com/09-Sept/MD-Ourlady-0904.html

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1303922,CST-NWS-olafire28.article

News Today

FBI: Terrorist Warning on NYC Subway An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press says the FBI has received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida terrorists in late September may have discussed attacking the subway system. The internal bulletin says al-Qaida terrorists "in late September may have discussed targeting transit systems in and around New York City. These discussions reportedly involved the use of suicide bombers or explosives placed on subway/passenger rail systems," according to the document."If you get scared that means they win," commuter Omid Sima said on the platform of the subway below Rockefeller Center. "There's always been terror warnings. I can't change my life because of that."Read on for more information.

Syracuse FF’s Rescued From Roof
TWO SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, FIREFIGHTERS BECAME TRAPPED early this morning on a roof of a fire building.
The older, 2-story dwelling had been split into two living units and a woman who lived in the second-floor looked our her window shortly before midnight and saw flames coming from a 1st-floor window.
She called in the alarm and got out safely. When the FD arrived the fire had extended into the upper floor and the attic of the house. Two FF’s were operating on the roof opening a ventilation hole when suddenly they were surrounded by the fire and isolated. They put in a mayday call and the other FF’s on the scene raised another ladder and got to them.
One of the trapped firefighters made it back down on his own, but the other had to be taken down by his fellow-FF’s. Both of them were taken to a hospital where they are being treated for smoke inhalation.



December 1 marks 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Angels School Fire
Shortly before the end of classes on December 1, 1958, a fire broke out at the Our Lady of Angels Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. The fire left 95 dead and many others seriously injured. This fire, which occurred 50 years ago, is still one of the deadliest school fires in the history of the United States.
"Poor fire protection design was a major contributing factor to the significant number of deaths and injuries," said Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with the Bethesda, Maryland-based Society of Fire Protection Engineers. "Additionally, many lives were lost because the fire burned out of control for a considerable amount of time before the children were notified that an emergency existed in the building."
At the time of the fire about 1,600 children--grades kindergarten through 8th occupied the two-story brick and wood joist building.
The fire started in the basement at the bottom of one of the building's interior stairways. The open stairway did not have fire-rated doors at the top of the stair. As a result, the fire spread quickly up the stair into the second floor corridors.
"Once the fire started, the stairway effectively became a chimney--allowing the hot smoke and deadly gases to spread quickly up this stair and throughout the second floor corridors," said Jelenewicz. "This prevented the occupants from exiting through the corridors which was the only safe escape route."
The fire department rescued many children with ground ladders or by catching those who jumped out the windows. Despite these efforts, many of the children died in their classrooms and others were forced to jump out windows to their deaths.
Moreover, the building was not equipped with a sprinkler system or an automatic fire alarm/detection system.
"Because of the delay in notification, the lack of adequate fire protection systems and the unprotected stairs, the occupants just didn't have enough time to get out alive," explained Jelenewicz.
Additional contributing factors to the number of deaths and injuries included a delay in calling the fire department.
As a result of this fire, many building requirements were enhanced to make schools safer from fire. Some of these requirements include the installation of fire alarm and automatic fire suppression systems and increasing the frequency of exit drills.
"The Our Lady of Angels Fire reminds us of the threat that is posed by fire and the importance of designing buildings that that keep people safe from fire," said Jelenewicz. "The fact of the matter, however, is that today schools are much better protected. This is in large part due to the fire-safety strategies and systems designed by fire protection engineers that make our world safer from fire."
More Society of Fire Protection Engineers: www.sfpe.org

North Carolina Firefighter Struck at Crash Scene

Reported today that a North Carolina, High Point firefighter who was responding to the scene of a crash on Business 40 westbound near Bunker Hill Road Tuesday morning was struck by a passing vehicle at about 8:20 a.m. as he stepped out of his vehicle.
The firefighter, whose name wasn't released to the media, was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Officials with the High Point Fire Department said his injuries weren't serious and he was later released.
The man who was driving the car that hit the firefighter was charged with a failure to move over violation.
DID he have his new approved safety vest on? Was he cited for not wearing it? I am all for the move over law and in this case it should have protected this firefighter. But then again it would be interesting to know if he had a vest on. This would be a good thing to start tracking?

Chicago firefighter laid to rest 113 years after his death

November 23, 2008
During a chilly, lakeside memorial Saturday in Evanston, Chicago firefighters laid to rest own of their own—more than a century after his death.
Lt. Patrick O'Donnell was one of four firefighters killed Nov. 21, 1895, fighting a blaze in the Dry Goods and Woolen Exchange building in downtown Chicago. The 36-year-old father of eight was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Evanston four days after the fire, but—and no one seems to know why—without a grave marker. That changed on Saturday.

Read the full story here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-evanston-fireman-grave-23nov23,0,4710840.story

FDNY Firefighter Killed at Staten Island House Fire

FDNY Firefighter Dies In Staten House Island Fire

Last updated: 2:35 pm

November 23, 2008

Posted: 1:38 pm November 23, 2008

A veteran Fire Department lieutenant was killed battling a Staten Island blaze early this morning after the ceiling of a burning home collapsed on his head, the FDNY said.Lt. Robert Ryan, 46, was rushed from the scene of the fire at 39 Van Buren Street in the New Brighton section, to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11232008/news/regionalnews/fdny_lt__dies_fighting_staten_island_bla_140399.htm

http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/In-The-Line-Of-Duty/FDNY-Firefighter-Dies-Following-Ceiling-Collapse/39$61732

With Hillary Clinton do we get Bill Clinton?

Hillary and the SOS
Is she setting herself up to run in 2012? Is Hillary's acceptance of the Secretary of State job to set herself up to run for President again in 4 years if Obama falters as president. Being in this position will get her a lot of chances to make even more influential Friends. Yes, they say she will do a good job and maybe she will, but is there an underling reason for Obama's appointment of her to this spotlighted position?Here is a link to a article and video on the appointment.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2008/11/21/report-hillary-clinton-accepts-secretary-state-nod/

NIOSH Reports

NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:

F2007-29 Mar 28, 2008
A Volunteer Mutual Aid Captain and Fire Fighter Die in a Remodeled Residential Structure Fire - Texas

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200729.html

F2007-35 Oct 29, 2007
Four career fire fighters injured while providing interior exposure protection at a row house fire - District of Columbia
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200735.html

F2007-16 May 28, 2007
Career fire fighter dies and captain is injured during a civilian rescue attempt at a residential structure fire – Georgia
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200716.html

Obama and Hillary?

Los Angeles Times - Antiwar groups fear Barack Obama may create hawkish Cabinet. Activists note that most of the candidates for top security posts voted for the 2002 resolution authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq or otherwise supported launching the war.

Antiwar groups and other liberal activists are increasingly concerned at signs that Barack Obama's national security team will be dominated by appointees who favored the Iraq invasion and hold hawkish views on other important foreign policy issues.

The activists are uneasy not only about signs that both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates could be in the Obama Cabinet, but at reports suggesting that several other short-list candidates for top security posts backed the decision to go to war.

"Obama ran his campaign around the idea the war was not legitimate, but it sends a very different message when you bring in people who supported the war from the beginning," said Kelly Dougherty, executive director of the 54-chapter Iraq Veterans Against the War.

CHICAGO (AP) – Former President Bill Clinton has offered several concessions to help Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, his wife, become secretary of state, people familiar with President-elect Barack Obama's transition vetting process said Wednesday.

Clinton has agreed to release the names of several major donors to his charitable foundation and will submit future foundation activities and paid speeches to a strict ethics review, said Democrats knowledgeable about the discussions.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=182892

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after Thanksgiving, a new milestone for the former first lady and a convergence of two political forces who fought hard for the presidency.

One week after the former primary rivals met secretly to discuss the idea of Clinton becoming the nation's top diplomat, an Obama adviser said Thursday that the two sides were moving quickly toward making it a reality, barring any unforeseen problems.

The senior adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity because the president-elect is not prepared to officially announce the nomination, said Obama believes Clinton would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations.

Obama is convinced the advantages of Clinton serving far outweighed potential downsides, the adviser said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-obama-cabinet,0,2543668.story

Winter Weather is Coming

Winter Weather Preparedness
Extreme cold weather in some parts of the United States in recent days again reminds Emergency Services Sector (ESS) leaders that the ordinary events of nature (e.g., cold and hot weather) can potentially diminish response capabilities and threaten critical infrastructures, including emergency personnel. From an operational effectiveness perspective, extreme cold weather occurrences can be disruptive to the performance of duties and mission accomplishment. Freezing conditions make response operating conditions more hazardous and adversely affect the available water supply. These consequences can potentially degrade an organization’s critical infrastructures by endangering personnel, damaging equipment, and disrupting “response-ability.” It is not too late to prepare personnel, apparatus, and equipment, and review cold-weather operating procedures. The EMR-ISAC offers cold weather preparedness gleaned from numerous sources, including FireChief.com and FireRescue1.com:

· Establish procedures with jurisdictional stakeholders to assist fire and emergency operations by setting priorities for snow removal at stations, on primary response routes, and at essential areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other designated critical sites.
· Plan to work in concert with other emergency agencies to ensure that abandoned vehicles are removed, traffic is controlled during operations, and streets are closed for emergency responses.
· Stock sand or salt at station locations and carry smaller quantities on apparatus along with shovels.
· Carry extra hose and hydrant and water supply appliances on apparatus to increase operational options in case of delays by other apparatus.
· Test hydrants before use to ensure they are not frozen and drain and replace hose as soon as possible.
· Place water extinguishers inside apparatus to prevent freezing.
· Use layers of warm clothing, and carry extra gloves (structural firefighting and work gloves) and socks whenever operating outdoors.
· Ensure that bunker boots and station boots are water repellent, provide traction, and are repaired or reconditioned, if necessary.
· Review rehabilitation procedures for cold weather and ensure that personnel can be monitored for hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and frostbite.
· Monitor the condition of breathing apparatus components for adverse effects from the cold.
· Carry large amounts of cat litter or sand in each emergency vehicle.
· Carry a snow or flat shovel, flares, and lock de-icers in each vehicle.
· Carry extra window cleaning materials such as ice scrapers and window-washer fluid.
· Review procedures for "dry pump" versus "wet pump" operations.
· Ensure availability and operating condition of tire traction devices.
· Inspect functionality of seatbelts and require their use.
· Encourage safe speeds and driving habits consistent with road conditions.
· Check antifreeze levels in vehicles, switch to cold-weather-appropriate blends of oil and fuel, and verify whether hydraulic systems need special cold weather fluids.
· Use engine block heaters for vehicles stored in unheated stations. Keep the water level above the level of the plates in batteries equipped with removable fill caps. Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery because it could explode. Instead, remove the battery from the vehicle, bring it into a warm room, and let it thaw before recharging.
· Consult pump operation and maintenance manual for specific recommendations regarding the storage and operation of pumps under very cold conditions.
· Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for the installation of apparatus “winter fronts” when appropriate.

To see the full text of the articles cited above, go to http://www.firerescue1.com/Columnists/Michael-Lee/articles/438586-Winter-Impacts-to-Personnel-Part-1/ and http://firechief.com/apparatus/out_in_the_cold_1119/.

USFA Releases After-Action Critiques Technical Report

USFA Releases After-Action Critiques Technical Report

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) released today, as part of their technical report series, a new report titled The After Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned. This report is designed to assist all fire service members to be able to gather critical preparedness, response, and recovery information from all emergencies; document the lessons learned; and assist with the continuous evolution of firefighter training.

To download a copy of this report, go here: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr_159.pdf

Pirate Ship Destroyed

This in from UPI

Indian navy destroys pirate ship
NEW DELHI (UPI) -- An Indian naval warship destroyed a pirate "mother vessel" in the Gulf of Aden off the Horn of Africa after a fierce battle, a spokesman said Wednesday. The Tuesday battle between the Indian frigate Tabar and the pirate vessels occurred about 326 miles southwest of Oman's Salalah port, CNN reported, quoting the Indian Defense Ministry. "This vessel was similar in description to the 'Mother Vessel' mentioned in various piracy bulletins," the ministry said in a statement.
The incident comes after a number of attacks in the region, the most bold being the hijacking of Saudi-owned oil supertanker Sirius Star by pirates. The Indian ministry said the Tabar asked the pirate ship to stop for inspection but the pirates threatened to destroy the warship and later fired on it, the report said. Returning the fire, the Tabar set the pirate ship on fire and there were explosions on board the pirate ship, the report said. The ministry said the two speedboats fled, one of which was later found abandoned. In the Saudi supertanker incident, the BBC quoted Vela International, operators of the Sirius Star, as saying there has been no demand so far from the pirates. It said the 25-member crew was safe. The tanker, which lay anchored off the Somali coast, was carrying 2 million barrels of oil worth more than $100 million when it was hijacked.

California Fire Update

November 18, 2008
Firefighters have made good progress toward containment goals on the large fires in California. The Freeway and Sayre fires have burned 40,096 acres. Many residences are threatened and evacuation orders are still in effect for Brea and Chino Hills. The Tea fire was contained yesterday at 1,940 acres.
Weather: Southern California will see cooler temperatures, higher humidity and light winds along the coast today and Wednesday. However, the mountains and inland areas will remain very warm and dry. The Southeast will be dry through Wednesday with gusty winds over Florida today.
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm

New addition for Sirens

Ambulance Siren Uses Vibrations

In Oklahoma, the Emergency Medical Services Authority has equipped one ambulance with a new Howler siren that emits low-frequency tones, as well as sirens, that penetrate objects such as cars with vibrations within 200 feet to alert drivers. According to the Associated Press, EMSA plans to install these sirens on all 77 units in Oklahoma within six months, so if radios are too loud and approaching ambulances aren't heard, they will be felt.
The EMSA told AP that its vehicles have been involved in 16 intersection accidents this year, typically caused by an unyielding driver. Ambulances accounted for all but one of those, EMSA spokeswoman Tina Wells told AP.
"The most frequent thing motorists say to us is they didn't see the ambulance coming," Wells said at a news conference on Nov. 11, where the new technology was demonstrated. During the demonstration, two ambulances (one with and one without the Howler siren) were parked near each other with plastic stepladder with three glasses of liquid in between. The liquids in all three glass rippled when the Howler sounded.
"It's going to make going through intersections much safer," Tulsa Police Officer Mike Avey told AP. "People are on their cell phones, people have $1,000 sound systems. You're going to feel it."
The new sirens cost less than $400 each, meaning the entire EMSA fleet in Oklahoma can be outfitted for less than $40,000.
"A moderate accident is going to cost $15,000 in body damage alone," Wells told AP. "We see the potential for recouping this almost immediately."

http://www.whelen.com/details_prod.php?head_id=9&cat_id=68&prod_id=415

This Funny Video about Obama Supporters

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

FW: [MFSN] Minnesota Fire Service News IAFF clashes with IAFC over 'two-hatter' issue

 

 

---

Another source in for information on this issue on IAFF and Volunteers (Hope the links work you)

Truckie

 

IAFF clashes with IAFC over 'two-hatter' issue http://www.fireresc ue1.com/labor- issues/articles/ 437621-IAFF- clashes-with- IAFC-over- two-hatter- issue/   Editor's note: Commentators at FireRescue1' s new blog, The Kitchen Table are weighing in on the 'two-hatter' debate. Read blogger Art Goodrich's take, 'Why Legislate Against Volunteerism?' and voice your opinion at The Kitchen Table.  http://thekitchenta ble.firerescue1. com/2008/ 11/why-legislate -against- volunteerism. html By Jamie Thompson FireRescue1 Editor WASHINGTON, DC — The IAFF has clashed with the IAFC over its decision to back the rights of firefighters to become "two-hatters. " On Friday, the IAFC released a position statement on the rights of volunteer, career, and paid-on-call firefighters to serve multiple organizations or communities. In an open letter to the IAFC, Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the IAFF, responded Tuesday by saying "this is not an issue that welcomes or warrants an opinion from the IAFC." He went on to call the statement an attempt to "meddle" in the IAFF's internal affairs. According to Schaitberger, the IAFF's clear position remains that secondary employment of IAFF members – including part-time, paid-on-call or volunteer -- as a firefighter or other public safety worker is wrong, unsafe and against the IAFF's constitution. In the IAFC's original statement, the group said it recommends that no membership organization should restrict the right to serve in multiple organizations or communities. "Each man and woman who chooses to live a life of volunteer service does so out of a selfless and personal commitment," it said. "It should not be incumbent upon any organization to dictate or influence the extent of this deeply personal act." Writing on FireRescue1' s new blog, The Kitchen Table, Art Goodrich has offered his perspective on the debate. "I don’t believe that it is wise to volunteer in the rural portion of the municipal department that a firefighter works full time for, but I see nothing wrong with that same firefighter volunteering outside of the community where he works. It should be his/her individual right to volunteer or not."  Full TKT Post: Why Legislate Against Volunteerism?

 

Deer Camp

I couldn’t let this second weekend of MN Deer Season Go by with out letting you in on this oldie but a goodie!

 

Click the link below to play

http://www.quicksall.net/images/Second%20Week%20Of%20Deer%20Camp.mp3

 

 

New Baby Boomers

Returning Iraq vets trigger N.C. baby boom From UPI

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Nine months after an entire U.S. Army division began returning from Iraq, the "largest-ever military baby shower" was held in North Carolina, observers say. Nearly 22,000 members of the 82nd Airborne division began coming home from Iraq last October, and by August, the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., was delivering nearly 300 babies per month, The New York Times reported Sunday. So many babies are now coming to Fort Bragg that the community turned it into a celebration this weekend as about 1,000 recent mothers and mothers-to-be gathered for what was billed as the largest military shower ever, entitled Boots & Booties, the newspaper said. The birth surge is being felt all over Fayetteville, the newspaper said, especially in medical practices. At Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the overflow of military patients sometimes has forced women to labor in the waiting room. And Dr. David Schutzer, who heads Fayetteville's Highland Ob-Gyn Clinic, told The Times his practice delivered 50 percent more babies than usual in October, most of them military.

OZZY

Have you seen OZZY's new commerical?

West Coast Fire Update

West Coast Fire

THE FAST AND STUBBORN TEA FIRE in Santa Barbara County is now being aggressively attacked and the 2,235 firefighters on the job have it 40% contained at midday.

The weather largely cooperated last night with reduced winds allowing the crews to set up a fire line. So far, 111 homes have been lost with 9 more damaged. But that is only an estimate until they can get in the area for a more detailed review of the damaged area. Approximately 5,400 homes in Montecito have been evacuated.

“We’re cautiously optimistic that wind conditions will remain cooperative today,” said Andrew Burmond, a spokesman with the city of Santa Barbara. This is an urban fire, and containment is a tricky thing,” Burmond said, noting that fire lines are more difficult to build in an urban environment than in a wildland blaze.

According to the Lompoc Record, mandatory evacuations remain in effect for much of Montecito and parts of the city of Santa Barbara, and Cal Fire officials, who are now in charge of fighting the blaze, say some 1,500 residences remain potentially in harm’s way.

The AP has this video report:

At least 13 people were injured in Montecito. A 98-year-old man with multiple medical problems died after being evacuated, but it was unclear if his death was directly related to the blaze, Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown said. At least three people were treated for burn injuries.

This is not the first time that Montecito has suffered from wildfire. They had a major fire in 1977, when more than 200 homes burned. A fire in 1964 burned about 67,000 acres and damaged 150 houses and buildings.

Reminder to look out for Engineered wood products

http://www.wisn.com/video/17971947/

As firefighters put their lives on the line to save others, a common manufactured wood I-joist holding up floors in newer and remodeled homes can pose a deadly risk.

The beams are lightweight, strong and inexpensive to use but they have one very serious flaw.

Milwaukee fire Capt. Ted Stribling lay unconscious and badly injured inside a burning home one evening in May. The last thing he remembers was walking into the blaze in a home on Second and Meineke alongside fellow firefighter Tony Rueda. He has no memory of what happened next.

"Tony and I fell through the floor. Tony did not lose consciousness and he rescued me," Stribling said.

The floor beneath their feet gave way, sending the two firefighters crashing to the concrete basement below.

When pulled from the blaze, at first glance, firefighters thought Stribling was dead. But thanks to his colleague, both men escaped -- injured, but alive.

When Stribling returned to the scene days later, he noticed something alarming.

"And what I could see was these wafer thin I-beams made of composites of wood and glue," Stribling said.

The older home had been remodeled with newer manufactured wood I-joists, supporting the floor.

Following the blaze, 12 News went inside that home with a Milwaukee firefighter, and saw why those floor beams failed when the firefighters stepped on them.

"They're perfectly good contrstruction materials. They can make a fine home. The problem with them is, they burn really quickly," Stribling said.

They burn so quickly, in fact, that they have proven deadly for many firefighters.

A veteran firefighter was killed when the floor collapsed below him in a Green Bay home in 2006, trapping him inside the blaze.

The Department of Homeland Security report describes what happened last year when a Tennessee firefighter crashed through a hole in the floor of a burning home as follows:

"A firefighter who had been behind firefighter Shawn Daughetee reached down into the hole, but was unable to reach his hand. Firefighters made contact with him, but were unable to retrieve him. Firefighter Daughetee's remains were recovered after the fire was controlled."

The floor that failed was constructed with engineered lumber