Camera Armor

(Photo from BH Photo Supply, http://www.photosupply.com)

Today, while reading the latest issue of PC Photo magazine, I came across this awesome device that would be perfect for my camera and the situations I put it in.

Check it out:http://www.camerarmor.com/

It seems like it's an awesome invention. Does anyone have it?

I plan on purchasing it next week, along with my new Tamron 18-250 Di-II lens from B&H Photo supply next week. I'll report my findings as soon as I get better and can use my camera.

Getting In Touch With x635

I also wanted to add to everyone who's been trying to get in touch with me:

I do prefer email, and feel free to contact me at the addy's below:

x635@EMTBravo.com
-Or_
x635@x635Photos.com

Note although I may not reply to every message, I do read every single one. Since I can only tolerate the computer so much each day, I only have limited time on it. Kristen also types for me sometimes or reads me my messages. and conveys them to me when I am not feeling well more so then usual.

I will update my photo site, http://www.x635Photos.com as I can (unfortunetly, no "fresh" photos for a while, but I will try and post more of my photos that I have taken over the past few years.) as I can.

As for my phone, same thing. Please don't get offended if I don't call you back or answer......most of the time I am resting or awaiting a call from a doctor, or in the doctors office.

So email is your best best to get through to me.

Update On Me By Me

Thanks for the continuing support, guys. It means a ton to me.

Still in a ton of pain, but getting stronger everyday. There's still several things going on that need or are being addressed with my body and care. I miss my job and brothers a ton, and can't wait to get back.

Today, I was fitted for a back brace. I was suprised when the rep from the company said I could choose from a variety of colors, pattterns, and design.

So, I looked through the catalog. I saw photos of a John Deere tracotr, dump truck, ambulance. I figure there must be a firetruck. Sure enough, there was an Engine, that looked EXACTLY like an LAFD Pierce Arrow XT. So, on my back brace, I will have a fire engine graffic. Although it is a red engine, not lime green like they are supposed to be.

Today, I also got tennis balls installed on my walker, and they really improve the handling. Next thing I have to do is add a little bling to the walker, lol.

That's all for now, thanks again for all the support you all have given me in your emails, phone calls, visits, etc. It really means a lot.

Exam For Los Angeles County Entry-Level Firefighter Open For Filing

If you're interested in joining one of the best, biggest, and busiest fire departments in the US, here's the info:

We are proud to announce that the bulletin for the Fire Fighter Trainee (FFT)
Examination will post today and that applications for the exam will be accepted
beginning Monday, February 5, 2007.
As previously announced, the new
examination will include the following changes from the last exam:
•
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and the exam will be given
more frequently based on the needs of the Department.
• A Candidate Physical
Ability Test (CPAT) certification, issued within the previous 12 months, will be
required prior to filing an application.
• Applications can be filed
on-line, as well as mailed to the Department. The applications are valid for 12
months.
• Candidates will be randomly selected from the pool of applicants
to take the written examination.
• The written examination will be
pass/fail; and for those who pass, a structured interview will be conducted to
determine 100% of the candidate’s score. That score will determine band
placement on the register.
• As the needs of the Department dictate,
successful top-banded candidates from the continuous register will be invited to
begin the hiring process (background and medical exams.)
Please find
attached a copy of the FFT Examination bulletin, application, and frequently
asked questions (FAQs). Fire stations and other administrative sites that are
open to the public are requested to have copies of this information available
for distribution.
The above information is also available by logging on to
our Department’s website at http://www.lacofd.org/HelpWanted/BeAFirefighter.asp.
This site, as well as our toll free number 888.897.FIRE will be updated with the
most recent information.
If you have any questions, please contact the
Recruitment Unit at (323) 881-3076 or via e-mail at BeAFirefighter@lacofd.org

Seems to be quite a radical change in their hiring processes.

My Take On The jetBlue Crisis

As many of you know, I am an avid fan of jetBlue for many reasons. I have been following their current operational crisis, and I strongly maintain my faith in the airlines.

Even though jetBlue's actions this past week affected thousands of their passengers as well as got them some very bad publicity, I know jetBlue will recover from this and come out an even stronger airliner.

One of the main reason I fly jetBlue is because their customer service is superior, and the in-flight comfort is the best in the industry. As many of you have read, the cause of this situation was jetBlue trying to get flights out during an icestorm, and that didn't pan out. It snowballed from there, and jetBlue was not prepared to handle a crisis of that magnitude. However, the issue of passengers being trapped on planes for the amount of time they were is inexusable.

I am proud that David Neelman stood up and took full responsiblity for his company's problem. I like that they are introducing a Passenger Bill Of Rights. I know many customers will continue to fly jetBlue, and I know jetBlue will take the right road to recovery from this meltdown.

And BTW, the other major airlines have their issues too. I too would be pissed if I was a passenger of jetBlue at this time, but I know that jetBlue cares more about it's customers then any other airline does. That shines through this crisis.

Photos Of Ardsley PD's New Car 98

Ask and you shall recieve. Still can't wait to photograph it myself though!

Special thanks to Stiloski's for sharing what is one of this year's hottest new police car deliveries.

This vehicle was equipped by Stiloski's new Emergency Vehicle Division, and features a Sound-Off lights and siren package. Also other custom details by Stiloskis, such as a console instal, custom paint job, l and a hand painted Ardsley PD patch on the door (When my father was an officer with APD, he helped to design the now famous patch)

Check out more photos of Ardsley PD's new Car 98 on EMTBravo.com:

http://www.emtbravophotos.com/SpyShots/ArdsleyPDCar98.html

Very impressive!l I have to post some photos of my father with the old Car 98 when he was assigned to it, whatever it was, in the late 70's.

Ardsley Police's New Car 98- A 2007 Dodge Charger

Recently, Ardsley PD recieved a brand new 2007 Dodge Charger, equipped by Stiloskis new Emergency Vehicle dvivison.

It features a brand new paint scheme, with hand painted details (such as the famous Ardsley patch- which my father helped design in the '70s) . I've only seen photos of this car in the process of being painted, but I imagine the completed product is awesome! Ordinarily, I'd already have the photo :-(

It's my understanding that this car will replace APD 98, and the current 98 will be transferred over to Ardsley FD and assigned to Car 2013.

If anyone has a good shot of this car completed, please email it ASAP to x635@x635Photos.com

I'm adding the new Ardsley Car 98 to my "incentive to recover as fast as possible" list. It seems as of late there's tons of things I've added to my photo want (to shoot myself) list.

Peapod!

Yesterday, Kris and I decided to try the online grocery delivery service, Peapod.

Peaapod, along with Stop and Shop, allows you to shop for groceries online, including deli and bakery items. . Anything they have in the store, they have online. Prices are the same as in store, and you can use coupons and the many Peapod special offers. We got 15% off our first order The site is very easy to navigate and use. The products are very high quality, and delivered in trucks designed to keep the products at the proper tempature. They are the same products you'd find in your local Stop & Shop, but they come from a special Peapod delivery depot

Among it's many features is it allows you to keep a grocery list during the week, and then automatically place an order. It allows you to organize the store in a variety of ways, such as based on your diet. Other features allow you to view nutritional information, and compare products.There is also a "Reorder" section so you can quickly reorder the products you commonly use. You can schedule a delivery for anytime you want, and they bring the bags right into your kitchen.

The delivery fee is very reasonable, $9.95 for purchases under $100, and $6.95 for purchases over $100.

Our order was delivered within the timeframe promised, all items that we ordered were there, the produce waas very fresh and looked good, and most importantly, the driver was courteous and freindly.

I highly reccomend trying Peapod for your grocery shopping. Especially with me being immobile right now, it's a great way to shop for groceries without having to go to the grocery store, go up and down the aisles and play BattleCarts, wait on lines, and schlep the groceries to your car and then into your house.

Peapod- Easy, Convienent, Competitevly priced, very low delivery fee...it rocks! Definetly try it out once.

http://www.peapod.com

Think Commuting’s Tough? Try Being the Train

There was an excellent article that appeared in today's NY Times about Metro North's New Haven Division. It's from the perspective of a railcar, and what it and the staff that keeps it on the rails goes through. As many of you know, CT's Metro North New Haven line's cM2 cars are over 30 years old, and falling apart. New cars (the M8's) are on order from Kawasaki in Yonkers, NY- but they won't be delivered until late 2009...at the earliest. Very interesting read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/11ctcol.html?ex=1328763600&en=dd502eed4b826f46&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

A Must Have For Any Seagrave Fan

Recently, I purchased "Seagrave 125th Anniversary- A Pictoral History Of Seagrave Fire Apparatus" by Matthew Lee.

This book is AWESOME, and very comprehensive. There are some great photos of Seagrave apparatus from the begining up until now

Due to unprecedented demand, Matt Lee, renowned author of many fire truck
history books, has decided to update, and re-release his 1991 book, originally
entitled "Seagrave".
Written in an easy-to-read manner, Mr. Lee traces the
history of the Seagrave Company from its 1881 beginning, right up to 2006
deliveries.
There are over 1,000 photos or sketches. Rather than using
captions, he discusses the significance of each and what makes that photo
unique. The photos are superb. They are not only from Mr. Lee's extensive
collection, but also from the collections of over 36 noted fire historians and
photo collectors. Some photos are very old, but none-the-less remarkably crisp
and clear.
Included is one remarkable 1937 photo testifying to the strength
of the truss ladder showing 35 men, weighing 5,822 pounds standing on the base
of an 85 foot ladder and causing a deflection of 5/8 of an inch. The book is
structured as follows: The Early Years (1881-1912); The Buckboard Era
(1907-1916); The Gable Hood Era (1913-1926); The Round Hood Era (1921-1935); The
Full Grille Era (1935-1951); The 70th Anniversary Series (1951-1970); and The
Modern Era (1959-2006).

It's available from the FSP Books And Videos, the BEST exclusive fire and EMS bookstore on the internet.

Here's the link:

http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/bs6398.shtml

Peterbilt 357 on "Ultimate Factories" National Geographic Channel

So, I've been watching a lot of TV lately. One of the shows I caught on the National Geographic Channel was "Ultimate Factories". The episode I caught was the factory of the Peterbilt 357 in Denton, Texas.

It's quite awesome to see the process that goes into building one of my favorite trucks. Other "Ultimate Factory" episodes include the John Deere Harvester factory, the Harley Davidson V-Rod factory, and the Budwesier factory.

Ultimate Factories: Peterbilt [TV-G]

Sunday, February 11, 2007, at 05P

They are workhorses of the U.S. economy and a cultural icon of our open highways. Each day these trailblazing titans transport 25 million tons of goods across America,
clocking more than 412 billion miles annually. Last year, more than 80 percent
of America's cities and towns would have come to a screeching halt as they rely
solely on trucks to deliver all their cargo. At the Peterbilt factory in Denton,
Texas, NGC uncovers the power and secrets behind Peterbilt's design as viewers
witness one built.
Also airs:Friday, February 16, 2ATuesday, February 27, 3P

Battalion 14's Been Busy

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Los Angeles on a photo hunt. I spent a lot of time in Battalion 14's area, since they seem to get a lot of good jobs. But while I was there, nothing.

However, a week after I left, they had several noteable incidents. I encourage you to check out their blog entries on these incidents. They do a AWESOME job with their blog, and I think you'll enjoy the write ups and photos.

First, they had a crane overturn on the Northbound 405 by Ventura Boulevard on Friday, February 2nd.
http://battalion14.blogspot.com/2007/02/physical-rescue-crane-overturns-onto.html

Then, they had a Major Emergency Trench Collapse on February 5th in the Hollywood Hills
http://battalion14.blogspot.com/2007/02/major-emergency-trench-rescue.html

Also, they responded to a car down a cliff with extrication on La Tuna Canyon Road on January 31st.
http://battalion14.blogspot.com/2007/01/physical-rescue-auto-over-side.html

To my friends in Battalion 14, great job and great job keeping us up to date on your blog!

Panera Bread Coming To Greenburgh

While in the hospital, I found out that Panera Bread is coming to Greenburgh. According to my sources, they are supposed to be opening at the Midway Shopping Center (Central Avenue and Ardsley Road) in the spring. It will be located in a portion of the building that used to house "Nobody Beats The Wiz".

Panera Bread is a bakery cafe that bakes a ton of different breads in house each day. They also offer a great selection of fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and other items. The typical Panera Bread has a nice sit down atmpsphere. After you eat, you go into their dining area, which is decorated quite nicely. In most locations, they have a fireplace.

I understand they just opened a store in Yorktown, and it's quite popular already.

Back To The Blog

Hi guys. I'm back online, from my laptop in bed.

I am in a ton of pain, and basically confined to bed at my house at this time. My activities are extremly limited. I can only tolerate the computer a little bit right now. My main focus right now is recovery and getting back to the job I love and miss as soon as possible. It's been difficult being on the "other end" of the care we give, and definetly a learning experience. The Trauma ICU and the Trauma step down unit was hard for me, but I feel lucky- very lucky- to come out of this alive and able to hopefully make a full recovery.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and support. It means a ton to me knowing I have such great friends out there. This thread means a lot to me. Thanks. Truck4 and tbendick printed them out and brought them to the hospital for me to see, and it really lifted my spirits a great deal.

Kristen, who is now my nurse 24/7, I know it is a great stress to you but you have shined through out this incident. I know getting that phone call was not easy, but you were strong. I love you, and thank you for the excellent care you have given me that has made the pain and all the thing's I've dealt with bearable. I love you. You are amazing.

Also, I am in great gratitude to my mother Susan who fought with WMC to get me the care I needed and sat by my side from sunrise to late night, my mother and father in law Ann and Tom, my great longtime friend Dave Bergman, my good friend and fellow former Probie Tim Mentrasti, Deputy Chief Leo and Patty, Captain Kelley, Chip, Tim Ryan, and the numerous others who spent hours by my bedside supporting and comforting me and my family and tending to my every need and still are. I'm sorry for being such a diificult patient, lol. Danielle (my sister), I know you couldn't be here and it was frusterating for you, but I felt your support from "across the pond". And to my brothers in Hartsdale FD who rescued me and have supported me and my family since, you guys have made it clear the #1 reason why I love my job. Thanks also to the Greenburgh PD & EMS, the other FD's who came to assist, and the Westchester Medical Center Trauma team, doctors, nurses and staff. I'm sorry if I can't recall everyone.

P.S. I'm sorry if I am unable to return some of your emails and phone calls, I am just a little overwhelmed. I also ask that members bear with me and have patience with the lack of updates with the EMTBravo sites, I have a lot that I will be working on, I am just very weak right now and can only tolerate so much.

Another Update On Seth

Hi everyone, thank you again for your kind notes. Unfortunately we don't have much new to report. Seth's in good spirits but still in a lot of pain and anxious to get back on his feet. His recovery will be a slow process but for the immediate future he is focused on resting and letting his body heal.

Of course you know he hates being offline for this long and hopes to be back blogging about the events in his life as soon as he's able .

Seth also wanted me to relay that he had a lot he wanted to post on this blog and appreciates your patience and continued support until he's able to get back online to blog. He definitely misses his interaction with all of you on here and hopes he is able to participate again soon. He also hopes you'll stick with the blog until he's able to write again.

Thank you again for everything!
Kris

Update on Seth

Hi everyone,

This is Kris, Seth's fiance, and I wanted to send a quick message with an update and message from Seth (for those of you who hadn't heard, unfortunately Seth was involved in an accident at work last Sunday).

First, please accept our heartfelt thanks for all of your thougths, prayers and concern. Although it was a frightening week, Seth is extremely strong and recovers more every day. He is very appreciative to hear about how many friends were thinking of him.

Of course we're thrilled to have him home! Please note he is not currently on his cell phone but when he's up to it I'm sure you'll definitely be hearing from him.

While I wish it were under different circumstances, it was wonderful to meet so many of Seth's wonderful friends and co-workers. We are so fortunate to have such fantastic support.

Seth's recovery will be difficult and slow but we're very optimistic and staying positive. Seth's activities are very limited and he won't be on the computer for a while. As soon as he's able to walk and sit up for longer periods I'm certain you'll see a blog from him. He's very anxious to start therapy and get back to the firehouse as soon as possible. His wait staff (me ) is taking good care of him and will ensure he stays positive and as comfortable as possible.

Thank you again so much for everything. Should you need to reach Seth in the next few days please feel free to email me at kristenliptak@aol.com and he'll get the message.

With gratitude,
Kris