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 […]

The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege. – Charles Kuralt 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 […]

“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 […]

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’! – Audrey Hepburn 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 […]

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 […]

I realized that the past failures had strengthened me, taught me that no one is immune from mistakes.  True leaders must learn from their failures, use the lessons to motivate themselves, and not be afraid to try again or to make the next tough decision. – Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) LODD: 2018 […]