Risk Takers: Phoenix FD On Discovery HD Theatre

For anyone who has access to the Discovery HD Theatre channel, they have a great show that's filmed in HD called "Risk Takers".

Previous episodes I've seen have featured the Coast Guard and Loggers. With beautiful HD photography, this 51 minute shows takes a comprehensive look at inherently dangerous jobs.

Yesterday, I saw an episode that featured Phoenix FD Engine 25 and Engine 725. The camera crew rode along for a 24 hour shift. During this shift, they caught two structure fires, and numerous medical calls and car accidents.

I feel they did an excellent job of explaining why firefighting is so dangerous, and why firefighters do what they do. They also showcased Phoenix FD's extreme customer service. They showed the crew going to Wal-Mart in the middle of the night, after overhaul, to get one of the standed occupants a robe. For the other fire, they did SALVAGE- just like in the textbook- and provided the family with boxes and bags, and helped them collect what remained of their possesions.

The captain featured has many near-death experiences in his 25 year career, including a two story fall, and getting hit by a car driven by a drunk driver at 70MPH while unloading the stretcher from the back of the ambulance- his partner was killed, and he walked away.

They also showcased some of the technology used by Phoenix FD, like CAFS and GPS routing and aerial satellite views of structures, which was really impressive.

Another neat thing they showed is Phoenix FD has a "Family Day", every Sunday, where the working crew's families can come to the firehouse for dinner.

I did feel some portions of the show were redundant, at least for me on my level, but I really enjoyed it.

My Yonkers Code 3 Engine 306

I just got a very nice suprise gift (early from the Easter Bunny). Code 3's latest release, Yonkers Engine 306, the 2004 American Lafrance Eagle, and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! Very highly detailed, and I'm proud to add it to my collection. Goes great with the Mack CF Engine 306 released a few years ago.

Special thanks to the late Deputy Chief Chris Kiernan (Car 4), Yonkers Chief William Fitzpatrick, Commissioner Anthony Pagano, Joe Pinto and John Dunkel at Code 3 for making this model happen!

http://www.code3.net/product/detail.asp?item=12129

Here are some shots of mine. All photos by me. Sorry for the quality, for some reason I can't seem to shoot the minature apparatus inside, lol:

President Bush's Draft Plan

While listening to Sirius Satellite Radio, the "Raw Dog" live stand up comedy channel, I heard a really funny theory by a comedian. I forget his name, I want to say Lewis Black though.

As some may know, I feel "President" Bush and other political leaders are making the gap between the poor and rich bigger every day. Soon, they're won't be a middle class, IMO.

Anyways, with the 5th Anniversary of the War In Iraq, some group is always floating the "Draft!" scare tatic around.

As this comedian noted, it's in President Bush's plan to make a gap between the rich and the poor.....that way, the Army can advertise ""Need three square meals a day and a bed to sleep in, JOIN THE ARMY!!" No need for a draft when you have desperate poor people!

I thought that was a pretty funny observation-credit to the comedian who came up with that.

Banks Charge You More To Be Poor!

I think banks take advantage of the poor, and reward the rich.

Here's why.

When you overdraft because you don't have sufficient funds, they bang you with these ridiculous fees that are sometimes significantly higher then the overdraft was. You're already in a hole, and they're making it even harder for you to get out! Or, if your account falls below a certain limit, they charge your for that as well! They call you, or email you, and say that they're "concerned" about your "lack of funds", and that your account is in jeporady of being closed. YEAH, you're not the only one whose concerned about my "Lack Of Funds". Ugh!

And credit card companies- charge you higher APR's because your credit score is lower?

However, if you're rich, banks practically GIVE you more money. They reward you with points, lower interest rates, etc.

It's just not right. This is another reason why the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.

Hartsdale Fire District New Engine 170 Spy Shots

Here are some spy shots of Hartsdale FD's new Engine 170, that are on the dealer's page

It looks awesome! I was so looking foward to working and driving on this rig!

(Photo by Firehouse ApparatusAnd Equipment Inc)

http://www.firehouseapparatus.com/index.cfm?action=detailed&truckID=55

Chips, Candy, Or A Camera?

Well, it's official. You can now buy ANYTHING via a vending machine. Here's one I noticed selling Canon Digital Cameras, Apple Ipods, Microsft Zunes, etc while passing through a major airport recently.

Cool concept, and they do have somewhat of a captive audience in the airport...who are likely to make a purchase like that for their vacation or travel.