Being a WWII/History junkie, there are a couple of books that, after reading them, caused me to read a few novels to take a break.  One is Killing the Bismarck: Destroying the Pride of Hitler’s Fleet by Iain Ballantyne.  The description of the Bismark’s final hours are graphic and drive home the horrors endured. LODD: […]

You can ask my wife…I will try just about any food wrapped in a tortilla! Anytime we are near the coast, I’m looking for fish tacos on the menu! But living 5 hours from the coast and on a public servant’s salary makes enjoying fish tacos at home a bit difficult. I adapted various recipes […]

Dad Joke: How do you get a country girl’s attention? A tractor. LODD: 2002 Fire fighter dies during night at fire station – Mississippi. 1971 Four Atlanta Firefighters are killed when the floor collapses after an explosion at a restaurant fire.  24 other firefighters were injured. Major Incidents: 2011 The Wallo Fire injures 16, destroys […]

“Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant LODD: 2007 Career fire fighter dies and captain is injured during a civilian rescue […]

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill LODD: 2005 Lieutenant suffers sudden cardiac death after SCBA training – Florida. 2000 Pumper truck rollover claims the life of a volunteer fire fighter – Missouri. 1921 A Lynchburg, VA FF […]

While looking for today’s leadership quote, I found an article based on UVA’s Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Bennett’s “Five Pillars”. How can you apply them to your team/crew/shift/department? LODD: 1982 A North Carolina firefighter dies in a collapse at a church fire 1930 A Washington, DC firefighter dies at a factory fire when he falls […]

“Don’t take control and attract followers.  Give control and create leaders” – L. David Marquet, Captain USN, ret. LODD: 1978 Two New York firefighters die in a flashover at a pool supply store 1979 Four North Carolina firefighters are killed in a explosion and collapse at a burning clothing store 1979 A Florida Lieutenant died […]

Today’s  history link is about the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883.  I found David McCullough’s book,  The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge an interesting read about one of the most ambitious construction projects of the era. LODD: 1922 Three Wisconsin firefighters killed trying to rescue two missing […]

Today’s recipe is very simple and quick but tastes great!  Giada de Laurentiis’ Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil is a favorite.  We substitute spinach for the arugula as it is easier to find and less expensive.  I suggest you do all the “prep work” first as the dish comes together very quickly and you […]

Dad Joke:  What kind of noise does a witch’s vehicle make? Brrrroooom, brrroooom. LODD: 2018 Structure collapse at 140-year old mill building kills 2 career fire fighters and injures 2 others – Pennsylvania. 2010 Career Fire Fighter Dies While Conducting a Search in a Residential House Fire – Kansas 2003 Junior volunteer fire fighter is […]