Fire brand rekindled: N. Attleboro dealer makes new truck out of old Maxim

Fire brand rekindled: N. Attleboro dealer makes new truck out of old Maxim

"Southland" Picked Up By TNT

"Southland", the awesome drama about patrol officers working the streets of Los Angeles, which was cancelled by NBC, has been picked up by TNT.


They will start airing the show on January 2nd, starting from the pilot episode and the episodes NBC has already aired. However, they will also be showing the unaired episodes, and depending on ratings, ordering a complete season.
This is a great show, and I'm glad TNT picked it up....I think it will do well on TNT.

My Experience Visiting O'Hare Towing Chicago IL

I just got back from Chicago, what an awesome city! I was truly impressed by the O'Hare operation, and am very grateful for the hospitality of everyone there.

What impressed me the most was how friendly and down to earth EVERYONE employed at O'Hare is- truly not like a typical tow company! It also seems like everyone at O'Hare is truly dedicated to the company and the job. Also, at some point, you could tell everyone really loves Marci and Bill-seems even though they are bosses that the employees are one big family and truly have respect for their bosses. Out of a lot of different operations I have visited, I've never really seen anything like it.

Another thing that impressed me- even though the trucks are well maintained- is that you can tell the trucks earn their living and even though they are beautiful they are primarily functional and very well designed for the tasks they need to do.

I'd like to thanks Jane and everyone else that I met for showing me around and helping me to get some really nice photos despite the not-so-nice weather. What a great experience and I wish I had some more time to spend there.

Another thanks is for all O'Hare does for the towing industry that goes beyond "Wrecked", and I can now visualize how dangerous and tricky being a tow operator in Chicago can be- and O'Hare really is the best at it.

Here are some photos from my visit:
http://www.x635photos.com/thumbnails-383.html

O'Hare Towing

Many of you know how much I love the "Wrecked" show, but I really admire the O'Hare organization more. The article linked below is a great and really highlights how selfless and dedicated the Gratzianna's are, and how much they care utmost about safety and their employees, at times apparently more then themselves. There are a lot of great quotes from Bill and Marci, and some great insight in why they do what they do. Just great people, and the towing industry is lucky to have them. Just like Bill's father made a major impact that revolutionized the towing industry, his sons and daughter-in-law and O'Hare Towing are making another yet revolutionary impact. Anyway, I'll let this great article explain more about what I've said...

http://www.newhamptontribune.com/news/business/x1549046198/Zip-s-going-on-Speed

Being In The Right Place At The Right Time

Talk about being in the right place at the right time! I was just in shock when I had the oppurtunity to take this photo! To be in the end zone of one of the greatest college football teams in the nation, the University Of Texas Longhorns, on the turf in the endzone the day before 95,000 fans will fill the stadium to watch the UT Vs. Colorado matchup tommorow.This was my vantage point.....only shows a quarter of the stadium though....

Ford To Halt Production Of The Crown Vic/Police Interceptor

Police Worry About Demise of Crown Vic
Ford to halt production after 2011
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

BY REX HALL JR
Kalamazoo Gazette (Michigan)

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- For police agencies, the Ford Crown Victoria has been like an old friend -- dependable, always there.

So news that Ford Motor Co. plans to halt production of the sedan after 2011 worries local law enforcement leaders, who say they are worried about finding a suitable successor and about the potential costs of replacing equipment that has fit the "Crown Vic" year after year.

http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=48610

Austin FD's New Engines Sporting AFD's New Logo

Austin FD placed the new Engines 9,11,12, and 16 into service today. All are 2009 Pierce Contenders, and sport the department's new logo on the front doors.

Round Rock FD's New Quint 4

City Of Round Rock, Texas Fire Department
Quint 4
2009 Pierce Velocity
Job # 21832
2000GPM/500 Tank/CAFS/75' Aluminum aerial

New Firefighter Game For Nintendo Wii

Seems very cool!

Be part of a squad as your fellow firefighters work with you to make sure everyone makes it out alive
Use full-motion swings to hack down doors with your axe and pry apart crushed metal with the hydraulic spreader, taking full advantage of the Wii's motion sensing controllers
Thinking Fire technology delivers a cunning and dangerous enemy unlike any that has been seen before as the flames have a mind of their own
Phenomenal Hollywood voice cast including James Marsters, Jack McGee, Michael Jace, Jamie Kennedy, and Jenette Goldstein

http://www.amazon.com/Real-Heroes-Firefighter-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B0027WNRFE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1253128686&sr=8-1

Wrecked - get ready for a 12 episode marathon of Wrecked, Sunday on Speed!!

Wrecked - get ready for a 12 episode marathon of Wrecked, Sunday on Speed!! More info @ http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/filter/date/2009-9-20

Wrecked Season 2 Finale: My Thoughts

Season 2 Finale:My Thoughts

The last two episodes of season 2 were basically clip shows, a retrospective of footage we've already seen. Boring and dissapointing. We already knew how they felt, as the show does a great job of explaining each recovery, while the camera documents the crews emotions. Nothing new was really shown.

I would have liked to see more action, like more use of the new Speed Crane for recoveries, or maybe a visit to Miller Industries to see 317 being built. Bill talks a lot about safety, but they should really show all the progressive things O'Hare has and does to keep it's operators safe. Show more of the Northlake facility and what it really takes to keep the trucks on the road. There are so many possibilities for this show then tractor trailer rollovers and winch outs. Hopefully, there will be a Season 3, and we'll delve more into the operation of one of the best towing and recovery operations in the world.

I've already sent my email to North-South productions and SPEED with my thoughts.........

The New jetBlue Terminal 5 At JFK

As many readers of this blog know, I love the airline jetBlue since day 1 and have awaiting the new Terminal 5 for years.

This past weekend, I had the oppurtunity to check out Terminal 5 as both an arriving and departing passenger.

Arriving, the terminal seemed very nice but I didn't have time to stop and check it out....not what I want to do after getting off a flight.

Departing, however, the terminal was an absolute madhouse, and I had to wait in the security line for 1/2 hour. The whole "fast security lanes" they promote is not correct, because most of the lanes were closed...and talking to a TSA agent, Monday morning is the busiest time. The jetBlue staff also herded us and treated us like cattle when we were lined up.

Terminal 5 is very nice, and has some cool features.......but looking around, it is a complete cheap ripoff of Austin's airport design and features. (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a BEAUTIFUL terminal, with much more attention to detail and community) I miss the old terminal 4...I thought the modern new terminal would be cool, but in retrospect, and with exception of the satellite terminal, the old terminal was great and I miss it.

Ultimate Factories - Fire Trucks

Ultimate Factories - Fire Trucks

It's a repeat, but a cool look inside Pierce for those who haven't seen it.

National Geographic Channel, Thursday, July 23, 2009 5PM EST

QUOTE
Go inside fire trucks mammoth 800,000 sq.ft. operation, where over 1,500 highly skilled workers mix muscle and high-tech tools to create made-to-order rigs in approximately 45 days.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/seri...s/3329/Overview

O'Hare Towing's New 2010 Kenworth T800/V70

Looks like O'Hare Towing has added a beautiful new, fully loaded 2010 Kenworth T800/V70 to their fleet:

http://www.zips.com/EquipmentGalleryDetail.aspx?ID=450

PHOTO FROM ZIPS TRUCK EQUIPMENT

I finally got my O'Hare Diecast Flatbed Replica!

I finally got my O'Hare flatbed limited edition diecast, produced by First Gear. It is AWESOME! Here are the photos:

For those that don't know, O'Hare Towing Service is featured in the hit show, "Wrecked: Life In The Crash Lane" Thursday nights on SPEED TV.It follows a large, highly trained and equipment towing and recovery operation in the Chicagoland area.

Check out some webisodes and more on the show at the following link:
http://www.speedtv.com/programs/wrecked

Season 3 The Academy: Orange County Fire

From a FOX REALITY CHANNEL Press Release....

This sounds AWESOME! Can't wait to see it, and I hope it does well!

QUOTE
Season 3 The Academy: Orange County Fire

LOS ANGELES, CA – Fox
Reality Channel announced it has begun production on the third season of its
original series, “The Academy.” “The Academy: Orange County Fire,” produced by
Scott Sternberg Productions, will return with 10 episodes, beginning Saturday,
October 24, 2009 (Time: TBD).

In 2007, fires burned more than 500,000
acres from California’s Santa Barbara County to the Mexico border. With its hot,
dry climate, and Santa Ana winds, Southern California is one of the country’s
most dangerous areas to fight fires. Fox Reality Channel’s “The Academy: Orange
County Fire” will take viewers on a journey with 29 recruits as they endure 18
weeks of intense physical and emotional training. The first two seasons of “The
Academy” followed recruits of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as
they participated in a rigorous 18-week training program.

For the first
time, the Orange Country Fire Authority (OCFA) has opened its doors to let
camera crews capture its training and firefighting tactics, along with all of
the action and drama associated with taking part in one of the most grueling
fire academy training programs in the nation.

“Fox Reality Channel is
eager to be working with Scott Sternberg Productions to extend ‘The Academy’
franchise from the Sheriff’s Department to the Fire Authority,” said Noel
Siegel, VP Production & Development, Fox Reality Channel. “’The Academy:
Orange County Fire’ gives viewers an unprecedented inside look at how
firefighters train, including the extreme personal highs and lows of recruits as
they aspire to take on one of the world’s most dangerous jobs.”
A team of
OCFA instructors known as “The Cadre” will guide the recruits through their
transformation into firefighters, training them how to fight wildfires and
structural fires, and deal with building collapses. Rigorous training with
The OCFA team also includes handling of hazardous materials, working with
vehicle and aircraft fires, and proficiency in emergency and rescue activities.

“We are extremely proud of the way we train and prepare our fire
recruits,” said OCFA Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion. “Providing Orange County
with high-quality fire service requires state-of-the-art training, which will be
shown in this series. We are excited that Fox Reality Channel will show the hard
work, dedication, and commitment it takes to be an OCFA firefighter.”

The OCFA, headquartered in Irvine, CA serves 22 cities in Orange County
and all unincorporated areas, protecting over 1,380,000 residents with its 62
fire stations located throughout the county.

“The firefighters of
Southern California have one of the toughest jobs in the world,” said Scott
Sternberg, President of Scott Sternberg Productions. “I am delighted to be
partnering with Fox Reality Channel and the OCFA to extend The Academy brand and
show viewers exactly what it takes to be part of this elite organization.”

City Of Austin Fire-Rescue NEW Battalion Chief Vehicles

City Of Austin Texas Fire Rescue
2009 Ford F-350 4x4
Soon to be Battalion Chief/IC Vehicle
Will replace the current white Ford Expeditions
Similar to ATCEMS District Commander vehicle spec

City Of Austin,TX Streets And Bridges 2009 International Navistar/Bronto Skylift S173XDT

The City Of Austin Streets And Bridges Dept. has taken delivery of this really cool 2009 International-Navistar Paystar/Bronto Skylift S173XDT

Washington DC Holocaust Museum Shooting 6-10-09-My Sister Was There - EMTBravo.net

My sister was at the Holocaust Musuem today in DC, and she witnessed this whole Holocaust Museum shooting, saw the man (James W. von Brunn) walk in with the gun, the guard engage and get shot, etc. Thank god there are people looking over her, and that she is alright, albeit a bit shaken up, due to the actions of the guards at the musuem.

The reason I am posting this is because the guard, who was killed when he engaged the shooter, is a hero. The shooter, who is 88 and a well-known white supremacist full of hate, and has a long history of spreading his hatred, was stopped because of this guards heroic actions. Unfortunetly, the shooter is still alive in critical condition and is at George Washington University Medical Center.

The shooter is an American terrorist, in my opinion. It's scary that we have people like him in this country still. Hits home now.

To Guard Stephen T. Johns, thank you and may you rest in peace.

New Jerr-Dan Element Roadside Assistance Vehicle

Jerr-Dan, a wrecker manufacturer that's owned by Oshkosh and a sister company to Pierce, has come out with this neat roadside assistance vehicle. This is the first truck I've seen to be designed specifically for roadside assistance purposes, with an intergrated wheellift. Very innovative.

Roadside Assistance Vehicle
The ELEMENT by Jerr-Dan Roadside Assistance Vehicle is engineered
especially for towing professionials who work with motor clubs to allow
one-person operation of both service and towing functions. It features a
3,500 lb lift rating and a 7,500 lb towing rating and combines reliability,
durability and ease of operation. Engineered around a light duty tow unit,
the vehicle offers a compliment of service equipment including; stowage for 30
batteries, tanks for three types of fuel, compressed air for power tools, four
storage cabinets, a heavy duty tool chest and six work lights.

MORE INFO: http://www.jerr-dan.com/wreckers/standard/index.asp?pCatID=3&pID=77

Austin-Travis County, TX EMS 2009 Dodge Sprinter/Wheeled Coach Type II

Austin-Travis County, TX EMS took delivery of this 2009 Dodge Sprinter/Wheeled Coach Type II. Two more are expected. They are expected to be utilized for numerous large special events held in Austin each year, including UT Football Games, Austin City Limits Music Festival, South By Southwest, and a host of other events. These are the first vehicle of their kind to be delivered to this agency.

Photo taken this afternoon by me.

Firefighters do More Than Save us From Fires

Check out this excellent editorial:"Firefighters do More Than Save us From Fires":

http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/articles/446/1/Firefighters-do-More-Than-Save-us-From-Fires/Page1.html

An Interesting Way To Commute

I usually see this guy around rush hour.

I'm Getting A Fire Museum 5 Minutes From My House!

I love my new hometown. Today, I read my local papers website, and find out that we're geting a new fire apparatus museum 5 minutes down the road from my house! I am psyched!

Old Settlers Association begins construction on fire engine museum

Written by Kelsey Wilkinson
Thursday, 14 May 2009

Members of the old volunteer fire department and members of the Old Settlers Association turn the dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new firehouse museum May 13.

One of Round Rock’s historic icons will finally have a home. A 1938 Ford fire engine that was used by the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department until the 1970s will be housed in a new vintage-inspired firehouse at the Old Settlers Association grounds at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock. The building will also house an old pump truck used by the fire department, as well as other firehouse memorabilia.

FULL STORY: http://impactnews.com/round-rock-pflugerville/recent-news/4456-old-settlers-association-begins-construction-on-fire-engine-museum

Cool New Paramedic Drama Coming This Fall To NBC!

Looks awesome! Hope it does well!

One-hour drama

Like an adrenaline shot to the heart, Trauma is an
intense, action-packed look at one of the most dangerous medical professions in
the world: first responder paramedics. When emergencies occur, the trauma team
from San Francisco General is first on the scene, traveling by land, by sea or
by air to reach their victims in time. From the heights of the Transamerica
Pyramid to the depths of the S.F. Bay, our heroes must face the most extreme
conditions to save lives, and give meaning to their own existence in the
process.

From executive producer Peter Berg (Friday Night
Lights), Trauma is the first high-octane medical franchise to live exclusively
in the field, where the real action is.

Ted Knoesel

Thursday nights used to be drill nights at Ardsley FD. Reminds me of Ted Knoesel. What an AWESOME guy. I really miss him. I knew him my whole life, and learned a lot from him. He is an Ardsley legacy, one of the last "true" Ardsley people I knew. hope him and Shiela are enjoying heaven.

It's a small village, but there were so many great people in the "old" Ardsley, my grandmother, my father, and so many more, that are now in heaven that I really miss-people who's time on this earth was too short. They really made an impact on me and on this world.

Wrecked: Season 2 Airdate Announced!

We have an official airdate for the premiere of Season 2!

SPEED ventures into one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United
States. Follow another season of Chicago’s toughest towing family living
life in the crash lane. Ride with the brave crew of O’Hare Towing. Hear real
stories. Witness real danger. Discover the untold side of the business of towing
and get hooked on Wrecked, Life in the Crash Lane. Season 2 crashes into living
rooms May 21, 2009

My Local Movie Theater Chain And EMS

Here in Austin, we have this AWESOME movie theater chain. Not only do they show the newly released flicks, but they show a bunch of classics, have fun events like quote-alongs, and the best part- you have a table in front of you and they serve you food from a large menu throughout the movie! And the food is great, too!!

Anyways, here's one of the events the recently put on, and of the reason why I LOVE this place and love Austin!:

Austin EMS Benefit tomorrow - Mother Jugs and Speed!
To members of Alamo Drafthouse Fanatics

They risk life and limb to help save ours, but what do we do for
them? The Friends of EMS Foundation supports the heroes and heroines of our
local EMS Department and their continued effort towards public education,
awareness and prevention. We owe them A LOT of respect…and we thought, maybe a
little something to help them out in their efforts including CPR training at
public events!. So come out to this absurdly rare movie-going experience to
laugh and enjoy life and do some good for our EMS friends, because 100% of the
proceeds will go straight into life-saving programs!!!

Two privately owned ambulance companies compete for the city
contract in LA. F+B Ambulance Service has the wildest crew on the block with
Bill Cosby (Mother) in the driver’s seat. Harvey Keitel (Speed) is a cop under
suspicion for peddling drugs to minors for rent money. And Raquel Welch (Jugs)
is the dispatch secretary with secret ambitions and no patience for the boys in
the bunkhouse. Together they are MOTHER, JUGS & SPEED, and they are in no
way indicative of the quality and caliber of our own EMS. But damn, they take
you on one wild ride.

“Seriously folks, please come out and support this show. It’s a
fabulous film and all proceeds benefit the underfunded EMS public training and
safety programs, it’s a great cause!” - Tim League, founder, Alamo Drafthouse
Cinema

Here's the theaters website: http://www.originalalamo.com/

Skindred

Skindred. One of my favorite bands out there right now. Reggae meets Metal, and the lead singer is from Wales, UK. Very unique! Saw them in concert not too long ago opening for Disturbed, and the lead singer really engages the crowd and puts on a great show!" Love all their songs, check out their latest video for their single "Trouble":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_XILaLDr8

"Southland": New Show on NBC

"Southland" is a new show on NBC that airs on Thursday nights.

I think it's one of the best new shows I've seen in a while. It's a drama about the Los Angeles Police Department, the cops, and the victims. I think the show is very well done, kind of similar to "Third Watch"....in fact, the show is produced by the creator/producer of "Third Watch".

What I like most about the show is that it doesn't follow detectives or any elite units, it mainly focuses on the cops on the street, and what they face every day. I think the show is brilliant, and it's not afraid to be gritty and realistic. The show is compelling, and has a "you are there" feel. I hope NBC keeps it on it's lineup.

Check it out. Do NOT miss this show!

"Wrecked" On National Geographic Channel

Tonight, the National Geographic Channel (Nat Geo) will be airing episodes of the hit series "Wrecked: Life in the Crash Lane", previously only exclusively shown on the SPEED network.

There will be two, two hour episodes back to back starting at 8PM EST, and re-airing at 11PM EST. Also they will be reairing tommorow at 10AM EST.

This is my favorite show of all time. It's about a family owned towing and recovery business in the Chicago, IL area. They have a fleet of over 70 trucks, and 100 staff. The cameras follow them to some very interesting incidents, and it's fascinating to watch how they handle them.

They specialize in heavy truck recovery, and it's amazing the situations these trucks get into, and O'Hare has to get them out of. They have an awesome fleet including two heavy duty rotators, flatbeds, and everything inbetween. They are very safety oriented. They are very busy, and very fun to watch. There's more to the towing industry then meets the eye, and watching these pro's will prove that.The show's been picked up for a second season starting in May on SPEED.

A diecast version of an O'Hare flatbed is on it's way.

Photo from National Geographic Channel's website within term.

Update On Austin's New Engine 45

After some digging on the City's website, I found the following information about Austin's New Engine 45 and the two new brush trucks.

This contract is for the purchase two new brush and one new pumper fire trucks
manufactured by Siddons Manufacturing that will be assigned to the Austin Fire
Department. The pumper truck is equipped with a standard foam system, 750 gallon
water tank, 1500 gallon per minute fire pump, and assorted firefighting tools,
hose and equipment. The pumper truck includes a 4-door custom-built crew cab
with a fire pumper body capable of carrying a maximum of six firefighters. The
pumper is capable of pumping water from either a fire hydrant or its own
on-board water tank. The two brush trucks will be built according to National
Wildfire Coordinating Group, Type V specifications and will meet current
National Fire Protection Association standards. These trucks are equipped with a
4x4 crew cab chassis that is capable of seating at least four fire fighters
inside the cab, a 400-gallon water tank with a standard foam pumping system, a
250 gallons per minute pump, tools, hose, and equipment specific to wildland
firefighting. These trucks will be used in various capacities depending on the
size and nature of the fire. One pumper and one brush truck will be assigned to
the new Fire Station 45 serving the Avery area. One brush truck will be assigned
to Fire Station 42 serving the Del Valle area. These are new vehicles to the
City's fire fighting fleet and have an expected use of 15 years before
replacement. These fire trucks are equipped with engines capable of burning
biodiesel (B20) fuel. B20 is a blend of 20% bio-material and 80% petro-diesel.
In line with Austin Climate Protection Program goals, B20 provides an
approximate reduction of 25% of greenhouse gas emissions versus using gasoline,
and an approximate reduction of 5% of greenhouse gas emissions versus using
petro-diesel. The onboard pump engines for the brush trucks also operate on B20.
Siddons Fire Apparatus, Inc is under contract with BuyBoard to supply various
types of fire fighting vehicles statewide as a result of a competitive bidding
process. Utilizing the BuyBoard contract provides for volume discount pricing as
well as the earliest opportunity to get the City’s equipment on order.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2009/council_032609.htm

Austin Fire Department's New Engine 45

Austin (Texas) Fire Department's NEW Engine 45
2009 Pierce Contender (Chasis actually a Pierce Saber)

Only one of these Engines being delivered currently....no one knows for sure what the four other Engines on order are going to be...with Austin tightening it's belt, and the Quantum's price over the value of a Contender, I think this might spell the end of Austin's Quantums if this Contender holds up.

I also maybe think this could have been an emergency purchase, I don't know if Engine 1 ended up being totalled or what. Maybe someone here has the scoop? Send me an email, x635@emtbravo.com

Job #: 21586

Finally, The Book I've Been Waiting For!!

As many of you know, I love "In-N-Out". Those that have been there know what I'm talking about. I've always wanted to learn more about this chain, and today, a book I'm not going to be able to put down came out.

"In-N-Out Burger:
A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules"

by Stacy Perman

Available from Amazon.com by clicking the graphic above, also available at Barnes and Noble.

Blogging Drought

I know I haven't been blogging much lately, but I promise to start blooging away again soon! I have so much to write about, especially all the great experiences here in Texas! Stay tuned...

St. Luke's New Ambualnce

Check out this AWESOME new ambulance!!!

2nd agency in NYC to use Frazer (Generator Powered module, widely popular here in Texas), after Lennox Hill.





http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php]http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php

GO TO:>Recent Deliveries>St. Lukes Roosevelt


Looks sharp and functional, and th extended cab is definelty unique. And I know the color scheme isn't new, but I still love it.

(Photo from Frazer Bilt)

Loom Up

While driving west on Highway 71 towards Bastrop County, noticed this loom uip from a massive brush fire. 200 acres at the time, heavy winds. Evacuations in progressive and defensive ops- smoke was so thick in area and fire was moving so quicky Kris and I were not in a safe position to photograph it. At time of writing, fire is less then 10% contained, is rapidly expanding, and has consumed 10 homes, 3business, and 4 vehicles.

Wrecked On Nat Geo This Saturday!

This Saturday, February 21st, the National Geographic Channel (Nat Geo) will begin airing episodes of the hit series "Wrecked: Life in the Crash Lane", previously only exclusively shown on the SPEED network.

There will be two half-hour episodes starting at 8PM EST, and re-airing at 11PM EST.
This is my favorite show of all time. It's about a family owned towing and recovery business in the Chicago, IL area. They have a fleet of over 70 trucks, and 100 staff. The cameras follow them to some very interesting incidents, and it's fascinating to watch how they handle them.

They specialize in heavy truck recovery, and it's amazing the situations these trucks get into, and O'Hare has to get them out of.

They have an awesome fleet including two heavy duty rotators.

They are very safety oriented, very busy, and very fun to watch. There's more to the towing industry then meets the eye, and watching these pro's will prove that.

The show's been picked up for a second season starting in May on SPEED, and a diecast version of an O'Hare flatbed is on it's way.

Tune in!

My New Mountain Bike

I have loved to bike in urban areas since I was a teenager. Biking is one of the few forms of excercise that I actually enjoy doing, especially since I love to explore which drives me to pedal farther and farther.

Since my injury, and because of it, I've gained over 40 pounds. Those who knew me knew how skinny I was, and now not so much. On the move down here, the movers couldn't fit my beloved bike, so I haven't taken advantage of the Austin area's numerous cycling oppurtunities.

Since I'm unemployed right now, my mother was kind enough to purchase this mountain bike for me. We have this AWESOME sporting goods chain down here called Academy, and I got it for only $159. It's dual suspension as you can see, and I can't wait to hit the streets and try it out. The brand is Mongoose, and the model is the 26" "Domain". One day, I hope to figure out how to get my beloved Specialized Hard Rock Comp down from NY here to Austin though.

I hope to take my first ride tommorow, and I will keep you all advised. I'm also hoping that I shed some pounds, I really miss being "Sticks".

"Wrecked" AKA O'Hare Towing Diecast Flatbed Replica

Those who read this blog regularly know that I'm absolutely fascinated by the TV show "Wrecked: Life In The Crash Lane", which is a series on the SPEED channel about O'Hare Towing, and the many traffic incidents and recoveries they respond to with their wide variety of trucks.

They've released a diecast replica of one of their fleet workhorses, the flatbed:


http://www.oharewear.com/limited-run--1st-edition--o39hare-diecast-flatbed-tr139.html








(Photo from oharewear.com)





Now, I'm just waiting for Joey's "Mistress", the Kenworth/Century 60 Ton Rotator to be produced!

"It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke"

From President Obama's Inugaration Speech:

"It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke"

Not only the fact that he mentioned firefighters in his speech, he didn't use 9/11 or anything general to triumph firefighters or just use it to embelish his speech.......his words, and the entire speech spoke volume and was one of the best I've ever heard. The comment about storming a stairway filled with smoke shows, to me, that he really understands firefighters and their true job, and how firefighters represent true Americans.

"Wrecked" Update

From the "Wrecked" Facebook fan page:

Just to let everyone know....Season two is currently being filmed. We are
all excited about it because it has been a crazy winter for us so far. A release
date has NOT been announced, but we have heard rumors of March or May.

Until then though, Speed will be airing repeats regularly and National
Geographic Channel will be airing the series in its entirety starting sometime
in January 2009.

We are also working on getting a Diecast in production, but are still a
couple of months out.

Once I have more info I will be posting it online for people to view and
preorder if interested!

Hope you have all had a Great Holiday Season.
From my family to yours, please stay safe!- Jane G.

www.oharetowing.com

www.oharewear.com