tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post7930850346366613147..comments2023-08-27T06:53:36.768-06:00Comments on LANL: The Rest of the Story: Frank Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02134775226991383924noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-64415658156395849562009-01-29T20:43:00.000-07:002009-01-29T20:43:00.000-07:00Hi Denise!!!!!!!! Shovelhead Ed knocking on...Hi Denise!!!!!!!! Shovelhead Ed knocking on the door!!!!<BR/>How are you this fine wonderful evening? Hope all is well with you and your world these days!! Read your blog entry and found myself wanting to say “hey thanks for the ole’ vote of confidence there.” So, I did…. I did say that…. then realized that was a somewhat ineffective way of communicating with you. So I opted to write it instead!!!!! LOL (grin) Let us imagine the greater success with the written word!!! Glad you’re diggin’ the verbage. I have a blast with it…… it’s fun. Gobs of enjoyment and bliss whilst still clothed!!!! Or not…. Who knows. Anyway, as my mentor , HST once said…. “ I cannot condon alcohol, drugs, or violence of any kind……-- but in my case, it’s worked!!!!” Well, having been in government service for many years now, the drug thing is a nonexistent, extinct way of life. Mutant water headed authority from someplace alien , came up with the idea that marijuana free is a great way to go through life. (Don’t step on the grass Sam!!) I disagree, but that matters not. I have willingly made this concession in order to deliver my service and expertise in my field to fellow humanity. So…. not a big deal. Once in a while, a parched palate presents itself leaving only one option. A tall Gentleman Jack with Ginger Ale and 5 ice cubes seems to enhance the flow of creative juices……. In addition to providing a great relief for the thirst incurred by incessant racka tacka tacking on the keyboard leading to all the excessive blogging of recent accusal.) But while late night blogging at work…. It’s au natural. Yeehhhs, maam…this is me….. unplugged!!!!! Or unjugged!!!! Or unhinged!!!! Ahem….. so many adjectives--- only one guy!!! Holy cow!!!!! What will they think of next Ethel!!!!! We’ll find out won’t we??!!?? Hey Denise…hope the sun’s always in your face and the cold wind at your back forgets to howl. Let’s do this again sometime. Hey also, for all readers, in the interest of time and space..... got a question for all… I’m going to put it here as opposed to the separate entry--- excessive thing … you guys understand!!!! Here goes….. OHHHHH KAY. ( Phrase only of course… not the casino!) TRIVIA TIME IN THE GREAT SOUTHWEST!!!!<BR/>There is a phrase known as “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” Who knows what this means??? And it’s origins?? Look forward to hearing from you all. Have great days. Hope you’re all content. Shovelhead Ed ………. goin’ back into the bush for now. See ya tomorrow!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-67049367884998629042009-01-28T20:50:00.000-07:002009-01-28T20:50:00.000-07:00Shovelhead, where can I get some of the stuff you ...Shovelhead, where can I get some of the stuff you use before writing? Funny, quirky, qizzical & truely mystical.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-25572775362338354182009-01-24T16:33:00.000-07:002009-01-24T16:33:00.000-07:00Message for sexy Rickster from the bus........ qu...Message for sexy Rickster from the bus........ quit blogging for yourself. We know it's you!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-8864645713082611862009-01-24T16:25:00.000-07:002009-01-24T16:25:00.000-07:00Wellllllllllll…… top o’ a beautiful day to all you...Wellllllllllll…… top o’ a beautiful day to all you wonderful, happy people out there in blogland. How is everyone this great day in January?? Hey ,everybody up for more word fun? I’d consider calling this Round 3 buuuuuut, in lieu of a certain blog entry previously entered, I do believe the dubious honor goes to the individual who came up with the idea of “unhinged”. So, Frank…. If you will please sir….. Here’s round three…perhaps better known as “Shovelhead Ed ….. Unhinged”. Kinda has a ring to it. I mean , think about it…. We’ve had many things in our society go “un” if you will. We’ve been blessed with Eric Clapton….unplugged, Jim Carey…… unmasked, 7UP…. The uncola. To name a few. Kudos to this kind and mentally thrifty individual who has come up with this cool segway . Many thanks. Please take this as a compliment with the use of said term!!! The prefix “un” is a direct connotation to the word “NOT”. Therefore let it be known that I am NOT hinged. Imagine my satisfaction and relief in knowing that I’m not related directly or indirectly for that matter, to any door or piano known to man!!! I’m ecstatic with that knowledge and just briefly cared enough to pass this on to all you who briefly cared long enough to read it. My sincerest wish is for ALL to have fun and enjoy themselves this evening. After all, it’s what writing’s all about…………. FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!! I exercise my freedom and I look forward to yours.<BR/>Anonymous#10 (watching too much Foghorn Leghorn)<BR/>Ahhh say ahhhhh say ….. of course I did…… didn’t you sahn!!!! Ohhh uhhh sorry….. guess not. Oh well. And who can forget the rest of those wonderful “Looney Tuners” huh????!!!???? Immortalized forever in the annals of the American cartoon kingdom. Ever feel down man?? Feeling too serious….. analytical world reaching out and grabbin’ you by the boo-boo??? May I respectfully recommend an hour or so of Foghorn therapy. There’s just something about barnyard wisdom that can really put things into perspective!!!! Join the world……everybody has access to a computer man..Try to be less tense. Foghorn Leghorn helps with that affliction. Good luck with your rehab. Happy days!!! <BR/><BR/>Hi Frank….. whassss a happenin” man. How ya been? Hope all’s well on the front. Been busy with home remodel, family business, motorcycle maintenance for upcoming spring/summer/fall. You know the dance brother. The every day… modern day usual…… trying to cram 10 lbs. of shit in a 5 lb. bag!!!!!! Gonna have a little time here this next week. Give ya call later on tomorrow probably. Till then , to coin the old phrase…….” Sit back and leave the driving to us”. Gawd…. Remember that!!!!??? Go go Greyhound!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous 11 (15 minutes of fame)<BR/>Geeez Louise…… are you serious?? Or perhaps maybe you were inadvertently dropped on your head sometime throughout your life. If so… sorry that happened to you. Bagging on the handicapped is not what I consider to be an endearing activity, so I’ll explain this as gently as possible. If you’re not mentally deficient, then a gentle explanation will still be a real nice gesture on my part wouldn’t it?? So succinctly put…… Look--- once again, this writing back and forth etc.etc. etc….. is about word and idea exchange, freedom of speech and having fun if you like or love to write. The ability to scream openly into the night if you want…. And NOT be screwed for it. There’s no room for fame here dude. (dudette) And there’s certainly no stage. This platform I speak from is yours as well. You can and should be here as often as you…. And you alone……. want to be. Nobody’s holding you back, nor should you feebly attempt the same. See ya in the funny papers Gracie!!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #7 (wearing the 7 ……scarlet nature)<BR/>Mmmmmm I had no idea!!!!!! Hubba hubba. You have one of those too huh???!!!! We know who we are…….. don’t we!!! LOL Cool jammin’ with you. Keep it up!!! No pun intended!!!! A great weekend, I hope…. Is yours!!!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous # 12 (free exchange of ideas)<BR/>Words can’t express my thanks to you for your support. I’m guessing you’re enjoying this wonderful little show. Stay tuned dear friend!!!!! Lord willing and river don’t rise… there will be more. Ohhhh yeah… heard about that infamous Halloween party…. Word on the street has it he masqueraded as a Fire Chief and nobody recognized him. Won first prize for best costume even. Don’t know though. Just what we heard!!! Anyway, Godspeed…… we’ll leave the light for you. And noooooo…. it’s not a Motel 6 thing!!!! Enjoy the life!!!<BR/><BR/>Worried…………. Hi nice to meet you. You, Frank and I are the only people here with names. Well different names anyway. Welcome aboard. Enjoy your times here. I didn’t know he coached. Hmmmmm. <BR/><BR/>Anonymous #13 (someone from county….. computers….. abusing govt. property….blogging to excess) egads!!!!!!<BR/>Ooooohhhh ……. hope you’re not superstitious. Well anyway, moving right along AND standing several paces from you in case of inadvertent lightning strike or something…….. hopefully not, but one can’t be too careful these days can we?? As I was saying, I must thank you for your diligent and tenacious logging of this writers computer time. Whew, I, personally was somewhat unsure of the endless hours, days, weeks, months that I have slaved , dripping sweat all over this keyboard in an attempt to not only entertain, and provoke thought amongst the readership and fellow writers, but to primarily focus on ensuring that you have something you could contribute also. However meaningless and incidental it might be….. thanks much….. it’s still something!!! And we ALL appreciate your fervor and dedication to this task. Nominations for the “Leaning Latrine” awards are soon to be accepted and I’m honored….. to send forth ….. with pride…. You… anonymous 13. You’re a credit to the race!!!! P.S. Here’s a clue to assist you with your task……. Look at my entries. Note the times of day of blog entry. Hmmmmmmmmm what do you see??? All my writings are entered……ENTERED at night. Rather late actually. Not written and entered during normal working hours. Not necessarily even written at work. News Flash bubba………. I have a computer at home. Can I get some ooooooh’s and aaaaaaah’s please, due to the fact that I’m one of the very few people in this beloved nation of ours who owns a “home computer”. Betcha didn’t figure that huh!!!!! Keep fishin’ Ismael……… maybe Moby Dick will show up some day for you. May your days be smooth and prosperous. <BR/><BR/>Hey readers and writers. Want to get some new topics introduced here?? Shall we? Whaddaya think? What’s on our minds? Let’s jam on some new stuff perhaps. Folks up for it?? Good night. God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-28487497181369563472009-01-23T19:46:00.000-07:002009-01-23T19:46:00.000-07:00and neither does Kurt Sickfus!!!!!!and neither does Kurt Sickfus!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-8059194895498399462009-01-23T19:28:00.000-07:002009-01-23T19:28:00.000-07:00That's only because Joe Martz doesn't live in Sant...That's only because Joe Martz doesn't live in Santa Fe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-21750655214088436762009-01-23T17:38:00.000-07:002009-01-23T17:38:00.000-07:00I've been watching the men and women of the LAFD f...I've been watching the men and women of the LAFD for some time now, and I'm sorry to say that I don't have many positive things to say about them. However, I will say that one man that works over there, Rick Gonzalez, has to be the sexiest man in all of Santa Fe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-9590628131257487482009-01-17T22:44:00.000-07:002009-01-17T22:44:00.000-07:00Kurt Sickfus is a great guy.Kurt Sickfus is not a ...Kurt Sickfus is a great guy.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus is not a great guy.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus is going postal.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus has been to the post office.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus is what he is.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus was what he was.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus holds controlling stock in MAD magazine.<BR/>Kurt Sickfus does synchronized diving stunts for cocktail waitresses at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Between African safaris of course.<BR/>Maybe we''ll find Kurt Sickfus somewhere on men's room stalls!!!<BR/>For a great time call.....????????<BR/>He's sure getting a lot of attention for being an exmample. Perhaps had he kept his current "mample" status he wouldn't be catching so much flack. We have it on good report that "Mample" retirement can be a bitch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-15533101454510002522009-01-14T12:39:00.000-07:002009-01-14T12:39:00.000-07:00I've been wondering why all the FD bashing. I do ...I've been wondering why all the FD bashing. I do not work for the LAFD but I do have several friends who do. From an outsiders view, let me just say a few things. These men and women are outstanding individuals in their field. They are highly trained professionals. Heros? Maybe or maybe not. After all, who really is a "hero." I was raised in a family of firefighters and I can truly say, the FF's of LAFD are truly top notch. This includes the EMTs, Paramedics, etc. I can say with nearly 100% assurance that they would not purposely abandon a home that was on fire. The individual who wrote that one life is not worth saving one house hit the nail on the head. We are so fortunate that there was not a single death in the Cerro Grande Fire. The stories I have heard from my FF friends are frightening and there could have very well been lots of deaths because of this raging fire. Who wouldn't run? I can't believe someone is criticizing them for running and getting the hell out. You probably would too! As far as the garden hoses saving houses...I doubt that very much. Ed, I love that you pointed that out! I, too, would like to know why the person didn't stay and put out their house fire with their own garden hose; instead leaving it to the neighbor. After all, weren't you ALL told to leave? If the neighbor stayed, why didn't you? Oh...wait...you ran! Anyway, instead of tearing the department apart, maybe when you see a FF around town - thank them. Yeah, some days might be "cushy" but that's because those are the days when you, Los Alamos residents, didn't need them; whether it was from having no fires, traffic accidents, or no emergency calls for medical responses. Most of the time, that is not the case. I remember my cousin, who was a career FF, telling me that someone was very critical of him as a Paramedic on scene one day providing medical assistance to a heart attack victim. His response? "I hope someday when you need me, I'm there." I hope they will always be there for me and my family when needed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-90404236425446836612009-01-14T12:08:00.000-07:002009-01-14T12:08:00.000-07:00Does anyone realize that the FD has the "latest to...Does anyone realize that the FD has the "latest toys" because after the Cerro Grande Fire, it was determined that the equipment used to fight that devastating fire was so outdated and did not meet today's standards? The FD did not go out and "seek" the new equipment. It is, by Fire Code, required.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-5570604545634476262009-01-13T17:30:00.000-07:002009-01-13T17:30:00.000-07:00RE:My home was not saved by LAFD. They quickly aba...RE:<BR/>My home was not saved by LAFD. They quickly abandoned my street soon after the order to leave was given.<BR/><BR/>As was stated earlier, if a garden hose was used, it did NOT stop the fire. Hotspots maybe, but those are nothing more than glorified campfires that were no real threat to the house anyhow. A garden hose will not STOP a fire the size of that one. Do you people bash on all fire departments that have been faced with large fires? Almost all of them lose houses to those sized fires, but they don't also have to stand strong against a fire threatening a nuclear facility. By the way, you were ordered to leave, but your neighbor wasn't? Or did you just high tail it at the first smell of smoke and run like the &*$#% you probably are? Until you know about all the decisions that were made and why they were made, you should probably shut your trap, your comments make you sound like an idiot. The firefighters do not just randomly make decisions, they have commanders to report to and orders to take. Also, why is the LAFD catching the heat from the Cerro Grande, wasn't the forest service ultimately to blame for starting that fire in the first place? GO CRY TO THEM, or better yet, SHUT UP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-41340159042008527692009-01-13T12:42:00.000-07:002009-01-13T12:42:00.000-07:00"LAFD... made a tactical decision to hold the line..."LAFD... made a tactical decision to hold the line several blocks back from the forest boundary homes of North Community."<BR/><BR/>Then blame the incident commanders who made the strategic decisions on how to fight the fire, not the guys who were holding the hoses. <BR/><BR/>I'd have thought LANL employees would be sensitive to the difference!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-57752423009184551562009-01-13T00:14:00.000-07:002009-01-13T00:14:00.000-07:00Shovelhead Ed sez:I am a fireman. I am a Los ...Shovelhead Ed sez:<BR/>I am a fireman. I am a Los Alamos fireman. With this in mind, let us begin this literary soirée. First off, I consider “anonymous” writings to be an exercise in the lack of a quality known as “Pride in Ownership.” Whatever your reasons are for this, suffice it to say they are but yours…. And yours alone. This allows you pious mouthpieces within this hallowed blog hallway, to fire away clandestinely at everyone else without fear of retaliation or retribution. The veil of anonymity perhaps does hold a protective, sheltering quality for the timid of mind and heart. If what you write here ARE genuine truthful statements, why the anonymity? Be proud of your writing, of your opinion. Writing is an art form…. A gift. If you’re proud of it .. put your name on it. I will be now, and in the future; addressing some of these bloggers who have chosen to feebly attempt the degradation of my career and brotherhood with various examples of what one would only refer to a phonetic dungstorm. So…. Anonymous authors… you will be given a number. “Anonymous 1 thru ??? whatever. You will know who you are… who I’m referring to. Remember that number… It’s yours. You own it. How does it feel to be a number instead of a name? So, without further adieu, let us begin? O.K.???? Oh and let’s try not to get our feelers hurt …o.k? freedom of speech and all you know!!!! <BR/><BR/>Anonymous #1 ( a collection…..inexperienced prima donnas)<BR/>This inexperienced prima donna fireman you’re addressing here is a 19 vet. 17.8 years of that serving your shit spewing shell. Feel the need to bag on our trucks…… ok---- fine . Wanna trim some fat? Hey great… I’m all over it man… nobody’s bigger. Perhaps YOU should assist our administrative officers with the ordering of these apparatuses. Know anything about vehicle specs for a quad, a quint, an aerial?? Site and dept. specific for Los Alamos??? I’m sure they’d appreciate your vast knowledge and insight. You ARE the fire apparatus guru, to be sure!!! Yeahhhhh, guilty as charged goin’ to Smith’s. We’re kinda funny that way. Food procurement and daily meals has throughout the years been a mainstay and a constant for us. We’re strange people….. we like to and further more, have a need to eat. Starvation status quo for you? Or what?? We’ll never find you at Smith’s will we? Oh and by the way… thanks for compliment… I haven’t been called a young buck in decades. Feels good… as for response times…. We’ve been through this with you people before so I’ll tell you again. Maybe this time it’ll sink in. If we had a 4-5 minute response time on the scooter wreck it was from the SECOND IN ENGINE AND MEDIC (relocation companies) COMING FROM LOS ALAMOS. Not the first in response companies coming out of White Rock. Times are recorded. Perhaps before you inundate us all with diarrhea of the keyboard, you should know certain facts. One last thing……….. you have little use for us?? Best news I’ve heard today. Let’s keep it that way. You remember one thing…. When you have a need, or a use for us…… you’re having a bad day bubba. It is my sincerest wish that you and yours never need us. Thanks for your time. Have great days. <BR/><BR/>Anonymous #2 (Two points…… heroes of the Cerro Grande)<BR/>Hey 2 points. First off I’m a volunteer in one of those departments who showed up here to serve. I have extensive service with these brothers as well. We ARE extremely practiced. We fight a shitload of fire. You will understand one thing…… there may not be a lot of structure fires here in L.A. , but I’ll tell you, with my extensive training and experience, these brothers and sisters of mine here in L.A. are ready to and HAVE answered the call, and are damn good hands. Let’s talk about Cerro Grande. I am a Cerro Grande vet. Are you? Your job was to run out of town. Ours was to stay and fight. We did. The experienced right along with the inexperienced. All that stayed….. all that fought were the heroes. Where were you? Stand down… you don’t have a dog in this fight. Find something else to nitpick on. You a military vet? I’m seriously doubting that. If you were… you’d understand and have respect for those who do stand in the face of adversity. The experienced were the heroes huh??? Guess what genius. After that fire… everybody had experience. Good day. Hope the new year treats you well.<BR/><BR/>A special shout out and thanks to YOU…… Frank Young…… thanks much for your guidance and tutelage. Much appreciated. Enjoyed the phone conversation. Have great days brother!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #3 (true story…. Hour-by-hour)<BR/>Yeah sure man…. Abandoned by L.A.F.D. as too dangerous. You are to be addressed in the same fashion as your buddy 2 points above you there. Let’s look at your statements logically here….well we’ll ---attempt to anyway….. not much to work with certainly… but we’ll try. The large sections of town that were “written off” that you refer to, were the areas that we were in the god damn middle of (western area) attempting to extinguish fires that were already involving homes. Homes that were “written off” were the structures that had achieved or were about to achieve “full involvement” status, and there were a lot of THEM bubba. Those were let to burn in order to foam down and attempt to save those homes that were salvageable, or otherwise unimpinged by fire yet. And I mean YET. Also don’t give me your bull crap blog about saving homes with garden hoses. The north community burned. Have you seen aerial photos? Place looked like Rolling Thunder over Hanoi. Only thing standing were the chimneys. I’m all about learning from others, and I’m fascinated with learning new techniques to improve my quality of care and service that I provide throughout my beloved career. So I would really appreciate you and the rest of the garden hose fire company to come forth and teach us how to repel firestorms with 5/8 inch garden hoses. That’s cutting edge firefighting technology right there. And if you can pull THAT off….. market it buddy….. you’ll make millions. You’re pathetic. I was in the middle of it…………. You weren’t. And if you were you weren’t much help. Where was your silly ass know-it- all attitude then? Best of luck and times throughout your days!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #4 (cush job)<BR/>Hey c’mon man….. Cush jobs. Who has those? You? Me? Frankly, given human nature if there was one on the planet everybody would be clamoring and chomping at the bit to get it. Own a little piece or a bigger piece of the pie right? Everybody wants longer vacations, better vacation spots, nicer cars, bigger homes, mo’ money, the hottest women, the kinder, more sensitive understanding man…. I mean the human’s list goes on and on. We may not have a plethora of structure fires or metro type calls daily, but we still have many tasks and details to attend to. I cordially invite you to stop by Fire Station 1, on A-shift and I’ll give you the grand 25 cent tour. I would be happy to genuinely show you what we do, and why it’s to be done. It’s obvious that you are unaware of how we live by your choice of verbage. “Gotta be” and “must be” are what’s perceived as “ guess” terms. It’s cool. You don’t know…. I’d be happy and proud to enlighten you. Would love it if you’d stop by. Oh… and uhhhh …It’s not boring. Thanks for your time. May you be in heaven an hour before the devil ever knows your dead!!!!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #5 (suck it up young man)<BR/>Suck it up young man??????? Stick it in your g/d ear!!!! You need to understand something clown. I have credentials out the wazoo too. Your 24 yrs. of schooling and achievements have absolutely no bearing whatsoever on me serving here or anywhere else for that matter. I choose to serve here. Here’s just a small brief breakdown for you. While you’ve been in school and in your ivory tower, I’ve been out here and elsewhere….. serving 2 departments….. 2 cities for almost 18 and 20 years respectively. In that time, I’ve saved 3 lives. 3 people are walking this earth because of me. You got 24………. I got 3. Hmmmmmmm. 24 to 3? I win. You are a sad little soul… and I feel for you. I sincerely hope your psyche changes and you can feel better towards the world. Must be lonely being the only one, or one of very few in it. Good day. <BR/>Well that’s it… for now anyway. For those of you who have read these blogs and have supported , cared for, genuinely concerned yourselves on our behalf and well-being, I say unto you all…. Thank you so much from the bottom of mine and this family’s heart. WE appreciate you. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you. I look forward to many more years. For those who navigate by means of negativity , cynicism, and misinformation, I really hope you can find a more positive outlet for your frustrations. Try positive living …… you’ll be happier and there won’t be a need to attempt to bring others down. Best of luck in your endeavors. <BR/> One last thing…. This fireman does not ask for “hero” status. I don’t even give a damn if you thank me when we see each other on the street or at the lab sites. But the one thing that I will insist on… for me and this family of mine here…. Is basic respect. We have, by God earned it. I will accept nothing less. Thanks to all who have taken time in your lives to spend some time here with me. A peaceful good night to all.<BR/>Hunter<BR/>Los Alamos F.D. Firehouse 1Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-9923280277087541702009-01-12T23:12:00.000-07:002009-01-12T23:12:00.000-07:00My home was not saved by LAFD. They quickly aband...My home was not saved by LAFD. They quickly abandoned my street soon after the order to leave was given.<BR/><BR/>My home was saved by a brave neighbor using my garden hose, regardless of what the LAFD supporters may say. Water was available from garden houses until about 9PM on the day the fire raced through the town. <BR/><BR/>The neighbor stayed behind and put out the spot fires that where raging all around my home. I had left two hoses in my yard and was hoping someone might use them after I was ordered to leave.<BR/><BR/>Most of my neighbors lost their homes. I was lucky that I had someone watching over my home during the critical first evening of the fire. <BR/><BR/>LAFD abandoned my home and my whole street to the Cerro Grande fire. This I know for a fact. They made a tactical decision to hold the line several blocks back from the forest boundary homes of North Community. I'm sure LAFD made some valiant efforts to save many homes, but they made little effort to save most of the homes that bordered the forest in North Community. To this day I'm mystified as to why they pulled back so far from the fire on that critical first night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-59006323617386564472009-01-12T22:01:00.000-07:002009-01-12T22:01:00.000-07:00I forgot to mention, my information is that all th...I forgot to mention, my information is that all three lines were used as the acid line at some point before they were replaced. Is that correct?Frank Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02134775226991383924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-86206270739294689982009-01-12T21:56:00.000-07:002009-01-12T21:56:00.000-07:001/12/09 9:05 PM,Thanks for the information. Instal...1/12/09 9:05 PM,<BR/>Thanks for the information. Installation of new waste lines was completed in February 2007. See <A HREF="http://www.lanl.gov/news/index.php/fuseaction/home.story/story_id/9787" REL="nofollow">this article</A> and <A HREF="http://www.lanl.gov/news/index.php/fuseaction/home.story/story_id/9780" REL="nofollow">this article</A> from the LANL News Bulletin. The spill in question occurred sometime prior to 1 April 2002. Does your information apply to the old (pre-2007) waste lines or the new ones?<BR/><BR/>Also, there were three lines. My research indicates one was a spare, though it must have been placed in service prior to April 2002 because there was a spill from each of them by then.<BR/><BR/>The <A HREF="http://lanl.the.rest.of.the.story.googlepages.com/LA-UR-02-1673.pdf" REL="nofollow">report</A> I cited in my earlier comments gives readings for TA-50 influent. If the spill occurred upstream of the evaporator/nitric acid recycle process you describe then (if I understood you correctly) the alpha activity would be even higher than measured in the TA-50 influent. Does the evaporator/nitric acid recycle process take place outside of PF-4?Frank Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02134775226991383924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-32172986644027928322009-01-12T21:45:00.000-07:002009-01-12T21:45:00.000-07:00"What exactly did the person mean who wrote that h..."What exactly did the person mean who wrote that he has 24 years of schooling and professionalism? Does that mean you are a "professional" student if you were in school THAT LONG? And what exactly does your schooling have to do with a firefighter having a job? Wow, you need a life!<BR/><BR/>1/12/09 1:35 PM"<BR/><BR/>That person is a fake who is trying to make people at LANL look bad. There are a few "Mechels" types who hate the lab and world. They are sad bitter amd pathetic people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-39869945262770187572009-01-12T21:05:00.000-07:002009-01-12T21:05:00.000-07:00There are 2 discharge lines to TA-50, one for Cl a...There are 2 discharge lines to TA-50, one for Cl and one for NO3. Anything that goes over to TA-50 from PF-4 nitrate lines has been processed through an evaporator/nitric acid recycle process to low-level water essentially. Most of the alpha activity has been removed due to the discharge limits set forth from TA=55 to TA-50.<BR/><BR/>The industrial line is notably water from sinks, mop bucket water(as the person said).<BR/><BR/>Chloride line to TA-50 hasn't been operational for years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-69762363525396774002009-01-12T19:40:00.000-07:002009-01-12T19:40:00.000-07:001/12/09 7:00 PM,Are you serious? The report explic...1/12/09 7:00 PM,<BR/>Are you serious? The report explicitly faults NNSA and requires them to respond within 90 days and again within 180 days with more details. Did you read the <A HREF="http://www.dnfsb.gov/pub_docs/lanl/sir_20081208_la.pdf" REL="nofollow">DNFSB report</A>?Frank Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02134775226991383924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-20835837226737395972009-01-12T19:29:00.000-07:002009-01-12T19:29:00.000-07:00LAFD is the only ISO class 1 department in the sta...LAFD is the only ISO class 1 department in the state. To get this rating they must be able to do a number of things. Some of these include getting the appropriate amount of water to the fire, either w/ hydrants or by shuttling it w/ tanker trucks. They must also be able to respond quickly and accurately to the scene, they must have enough personnel to handle the situation. They can be interviewed by the ISO inspector and basically be graded on their answers. If all these things are not in place, the ISO rating drops. 1 is the best and 10 is the worst, and i repeat, LAFD is the only 1 in the state. P.S. this is one factor that homeowners insurance is based on, the lower ISO rating, the cheaper the insurance. According to the insurance standardization inspectors, LAFD is up to par. Maybe the "drills" that are referred to in the article are the problem. If the people setting up the drills don't really know about a fire department response, how can they accurately judge one?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-91850783433739739802009-01-12T19:00:00.000-07:002009-01-12T19:00:00.000-07:00come on you guy's LAFD have it made, yes they must...come on you guy's LAFD have it made, yes they must under-go training but so does everyone else, you guy's are missing the point of the news article. LAFD is not up to parr...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-63996892373420158842009-01-12T18:18:00.000-07:002009-01-12T18:18:00.000-07:00Addition to "the truth" On more than one occasion ...Addition to "the truth" On more than one occasion homes were destroyed while the neighbors house may not have been. . . Reason for many? Metal roofs. . . I happened to lose my house in the fire and I still thank those heros who abandoned my neighborhood. Why should they risk their lives for my property? One lost life is not worth 1 house, let alone the neighborhood.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-75615649448842245472009-01-12T16:35:00.000-07:002009-01-12T16:35:00.000-07:00RE:Anonymous said... The true story of the hour-by...RE:<BR/>Anonymous said... <BR/>The true story of the hour-by-hour, street-by-street actions of LAFD during the Cerro Grande Fire has not been written, and never will be. Large sections of town were abandoned by LAFD as "too dangerous." The fact that some North Community homeowners succeeded in saving their own homes with garden hoses when LAFD was nowhere to be found speaks volumes about the "heroes."<BR/><BR/>Its obvious you know absolutely nothing about fire behavior so let me give you a little heads up. THE GARDEN HOSE DID NOT PROTECT THE HOUSE FROM THE FIRE! If it seems a garden hose with a small amount of water saved the house, guess what, the fire wasn't that close to that particular house. That size of fire is not going to be stopped by a garden hose. Say what you may, but that's the truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-23380534874362075542009-01-12T13:35:00.000-07:002009-01-12T13:35:00.000-07:00What exactly did the person mean who wrote that he...What exactly did the person mean who wrote that he has 24 years of schooling and professionalism? Does that mean you are a "professional" student if you were in school THAT LONG? And what exactly does your schooling have to do with a firefighter having a job? Wow, you need a life!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220200.post-14077784180337796562009-01-12T11:54:00.000-07:002009-01-12T11:54:00.000-07:00Thank you. And yes, they are nuts, but the problem...Thank you. And yes, they are nuts, but the problem goes a lot higher than LANS. <BR/><BR/>That there was uptake is not in question. Knowing how much doesn't help me either, since nothing can be done about it. However I want to know and deserve to know how much. Were I an employee rather than a contractor I think the scan would have already been done. And yes, it would buy (much belated) good will.<BR/><BR/>I will probably have a whole body count done somewhere else eventually. I've never asked LANS to provide one for me, and I'm not asking for it now. As I stated in my 10:29 PM comment last night, all I want is "a letter from LANL stating that <A HREF="http://lanl.the.rest.of.the.story.googlepages.com/LA-UR-02-1673.pdf" REL="nofollow">this information</A> characterizes the contaminants in the spill, which occurred on [insert date]" That is all it would take to get me off their back. This is what I was promised when I first contacted the lab. I've never asked for an apology or for them to assign blame to anyone.Frank Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02134775226991383924noreply@blogger.com