Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society

A former Menomonee Falls coworker informed me about what's called the "Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society" a while back.  His dad, who works on MFD, got the local chapter of Brew City Fools organized within the last year or so, and runs these trainings.  What it is, from my perspective, a chance to continue to learn and train outside of the firehouse.  And not just guys within the Milwaukee Fire Department.  Any member of local departments are welcomed to come and learn with us.  Perhaps give us another point of view on certain practices that would make us all better firefighters. More importantly though, make sure we all go home safely in the morning.

Tonight at our FOOLS meeting, we had the pleasure of attending a refresher on Haz-Mat.  And it just so happens that one of my adjunct instructors from the academy spoke on this topic.  I have to say, it brought back memories of what I enjoyed about him being one of my instructors at the BIT.  Now I don't know if it was because of this Lt speaking, or something else, but I had a strange feeling that I almost miss the classroom.  Whatever, I guess that since I haven't been in a class over a year now, I just enjoyed his.

Some of the highlights -

• quad gas meter, reads oxygen levels, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and the lower explosive limit otherwise known as the LEL, will alarm if the O2 reads above 23.5% (highly flammable) or below 19.5% (oxygen being replaced with another gas), LEL reads a percentage 0-100 with 100 being the LEL and 0 being just plain 0, carbon monoxide reads out at parts per million or PPM
• received a DOT Emergency Response Guidebook and quick hits on how to use
• four things one would want to know about a given substance on a response:  1) flammability 2) vapor pressure 3) immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) and 4)
• HAHAMICE - acronym for gases that are lighter than air, hydrogen, ammonia, helium, acetylene, methane, illuminating gases, carbon monoxide and ethylene
• NFPA 704 placard - placed on fixed facilities, blue - health, red - flammability, yellow - reactivity with each color given a numerical rating up to 4, Lt best described it as 0 = no kids, life pretty wonderful and 4 = four kids, you're ready to shoot yourself

Byrge

If You are Going...to San Francisco

Volleyball Resume

• four years at Nathan Hale 1993-96
• four years club with Southwest 1994-1997
• one year with UW-Milwaukee 1998, took 1999 year off, transferred to MATC
• four years with MATC 2000-02, 2004

I miss playing.

And I wish I never stopped.  After the 2004 season with MATC, I continued to play a little.  Mostly indoor, which I prefer, but some outdoor sand as well.  But for some reason, along the way, I no longer returned to the court.  Now some seven years later, I still think about playing again.  I've tried to get into mountain biking and BMX racing, but those will never come close to the amount of joy I have for volleyball.

Came across some photos from the team's 2004 trip to Sacramento.  We arrived I believe a day or two earlier in San Francisco to live it up.  Having the time to, we were able to visit Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and the best spot for me, Alcatraz.

view of downtown San Francisco, weather was a little dismal during our visit

approaching Alcatraz, approx. 1.5 miles from island to shore

unable to locate a toliet, Steve found the nearest one available, at least he's got some reading material

team photo on the island, going left to right, Adam, Carrie, Dan, Steve, Andy, Mariusz?, Dan, Matthew, Jason, Todd, Chad and Rick

Fisherman's Wharf, I do recall eating at a fabulous Joe's Crab Shack, too bad I wasn't wearing my JCS bowling shirt!

I believe we all had a great time on this trip.  For one, the team won the tournament in Sacramento where we saw some highly talented teams from Cal-Berekley and Fresno State.  Who would of thought that two months later, we would be playing Fresno for the national championship.  Also, the trip to Chinatown was fun.  I remember Adam and I finding stink bombs at a local shop, looked at each other and both had the same idea.  Place some into the other guys van.  Only problem was that we both were in different vans.  Plan shot down.  Instead, I still paid for mine, and tossed one into a corner of the parking garage elevator that we all were getting into.  What's funny yet, another guy was able to squeeze into the elevator with us and had to deal with the stench.  Once we stopped on our floor, we couldn't get off fast enough.  Sadly for the other guy, he wasn't getting off quite yet.  Sorry pal.

Hoping someday get back to San Francisco.  Just not in February.

Byrge

Where's My Order?

When sending an email, you usually title it in regards of what kind of info you're seeking.  Well then, "Where's My Order?" fits.

Pissed.  It's been a week since I got the email regarding my IAFF decal and patch.  Guess what?  Still not here.  What I don't understand is that the company is located just outside of Indianapolis.  Which, is only four hours from my residence of Milwaukee.  Hmm...quite odd.  Sent an email yesterday and was surprised as to how quick a response came back stating that he had a family emergency and has gotten behind.  Really?  Then why the hell did I receive an email stating that items were to be shipped out within 24 hours?  A WEEK AGO!!  Whatever.  Soon enough I'll have the items in hand and will be able to get my C-Ruck all stitched up with the IAFF, FOOLS and Brewer's patches. 

As for Project Fallen Axe, got washed for the first time since the new protection was mounted.  Took me awhile because I was at work, and kept getting interrupted trying to clean the JK.  Looks good though.  Coming back from runs, as I'm waiting for Engine 31 to back in, I'll give a quick glance at the JK and just smile.  Still waiting for assistance to mount KC lights.

Oh yeah, perhaps I'll start working out again.  Been ten days since I've done anything.

Byrge

To Do List...

Ok, so I don't forget, here's a list of things needed to done on Project Fallen Axe

1. Locate screws and bolts that will fit for the front license plate, including the plate holder.  Once found, drill out specific size to fit screws and prime and paint before mounting license.  Need to purchase primer and black paint for steel bumper.  Possibly a new license plate holder as well?
2. Finish the rear end by taking existing third brake light wiring and slide inside of rear brace that came with the Rockhard 4x4 tire carrier.  Once able to, paint the heads of the new screws with the primer and paint that was bought for the front license plate.  Need to purchase rubber gaskets / washers to fit with the screws that are to be mounted.
3. Hoping to be finished with the front end this week by mounting KC Lights on front bumper.  Possibly Wednesday night.
4. After almost two weeks, the IAFF decal and patch are to be shipped.  Once received, get together the FOOLS and IAFF patch along with a Brewers patch, to be purchased very soon, and contact Renee's Alterations for her to place on the Red Oxx Ruck Sack.  Also, to have name and pension number sewn into Red Oxx Aviator bag.

Ok, so that's it for now.  If I'm able to complete these items this week, I'll be very happy.  My Urban Overland vehicle is starting to look pretty good.  Don't want to post pics quite yet.  Perhaps after the lights are on the front end.

Byrge

Wrenching!!

The time has finally come to start work on Project Fallen Axe.  After a day working in the Hyperbaric Dept, Scott meet me at home to load up the new front and rear protection for the JK.  A few weeks back, he was willing to assist with my project and knowing his expertise on wrenching, I knew I found the right man to help me out. 

front and rear bumper with tire carrier unloaded inside Scott's garage, where he had all the right tools and would make most men jealous of his work space...aka man cave!

front of JK with stock bumper removed - took off all of the front shrouding, noted that many parts were made of plastic, including the hardware / had to drill some of those out, others were pulled out with pliers / disconnected fog lights by removing eight screws which would not be used on the new bumper / was disappointed that no directions at all were given for the front bumper

JK rear bumper removed - quite a few threaded bolts removed with some to be used again on the Rockhard 4x4 rear bumper / delighted to see that detailed instructions given on mounting the rear bumper and tire carrier / otherwise the stock JK bumper removal very simple and straight forward

After all was off, I was shocked to feel how light the stock bumpers were compared to the Rockhard 4x4 protection I'll have.  Then again, anything compared to what looked like 1/4" steel should be light.  On another note, I regret not taking more photos of the process that could help someone else down the road.  Finished installation photos to come soon.  Next step: KC Slim Lites Install

Byrge

Routine

Able to log some time at Bally's before work at Luke's on Thursday.  If I wait until after my shift in the Hyperbaric Department, I might just find something else to occupy my time.  Perhaps, wrenching on Project Fallen Axe.  At least that would be a good excuse not to go.

04-14-11
1.05 minutes - 681 cal 198 max / 131 avg
db bench 50, 60, 70, 80
db fly 24, 30, 40
db incline 40, 50, 60
db single arm 25, 30, 35
three laps
bench press 65, 75, 85, 95
incline row 15, 25, 35
calf raises 135, 155, 175
lat pull 60, 75, 90
chest press 60, 75, 90
six laps

The next day I returned after what seemed like a long hiatus from the firehouse.  Volunteering to cook, I decided on blt's for lunch and the usual fish fry for dinner.  A short while after the midday meal, I headed upstairs to hit the weights.  Not having the best to work with, I did what I could, only to get interrupted by an ems run towards the end of my workout.  Was nice as I had my workout book to use as a guide for a few different routines.  The total time noted includes a few minutes while on the call.

04-15-11
1.16 minutes - 664 cal 176 max / 122 avg
ez bar curl  30, 40, 50
db shoulder 50, 60 70*
hammer curl 20, 40, 50
weight plate front raise 10, 25, 25*
shoulder shrug 40, 50, 60
db box step 40, 50 ,60, 90
db overhead ext 20, 25, 30

*last set, split 4/4 reps
**last set, AMAP

Byrge

Mad-Town!

While shopping in Memphis, I came across a shoe company that intrigued me.  What caught my eye was the logo.  So I tried a pair of shoes on and was extremely surprised at how light they felt on my feet.  But I hesitated to buy them.  Once we arrived back in Milwaukee, I looked the company up to see which local retailers had them.  And you know what?  Not a single store sells them in the Milwaukee area.  Only two shops in the entire state sell this brand.  Inov-8 can be found in the state capital and in Schofield, near Wausau.  Guess I'm going to visit Bucky.

Now packing the kids up for a short drive is never a quick process.  Bottles, water and formula?  Check.  Diapers and wipes?  Check.  Change of clothes for Mr. Poopy man?  Check.  Diaper changes before the car ride?  Check.  So after that was all done, it was off to Mad-Town.  Now finding Berkeley Running Company was easy.  Right on University Ave. by the UW campus. 

After trying on the Roclite 295, I was curious to know if they had any other shoes that would work for me.  Hey, they did!  The F-Lite 195...in RED.  Honestly, I think these are the first pair of red shoes I've ever bought.  But damn, they are extremely comfortable.

So here's to hitting the pavement, and dirt!  Detailed report to come in a few weeks of how these Inov-8 shoes are working out for me.

Byrge

Where the Dumbbells?

Usually, I prefer to workout earlier in the day.  Unless I'm on the bike, then it really doesn't matter.  Anyway, getting to Bally's about 8pm I hoped that I'd be able to get a decent workout in knowing that it would be hectic.  Well, it wasn't too bad.  The only complaint I had was that I couldn't find any of the dumbbells I typically use.  And all the others were on the rack, but in no order.  Are people just too busy they can't spend the extra three seconds it takes to put certain bells back in there correct spots?  I guess so.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do some of the dumbbell workouts due to the loss of certain weights.  Next time I'll make sure I'm there earlier in the day.

04-12-11
1.11 minutes - 852 cal 194 max / 141 avg
arm ext 40, 50, 60
arm curl 30, 40, 50
leg ext 45, 60, 75, 90
leg curl 40, 50, 60, 70*
three laps
upright row 30, 40, 50, 60
preacher curl 35, 45, 55**
leg press 120, 140, 160, 180
hammer curl 30***
shoulder press 40, 50, 60, 70
seven laps

*hard to finish last set
**last set, failed at 7th rep
***able to do one set couldn't find weights for next two

Byrge

What Did Shelby Do?

While down in Memphis, we were quite impressed with how active the people were.  The weather definitely helps as the low temperatures never went below 50 while we were there.  And that of course was in the evening.  On our last full day there, we visited Shelby Farms, a beautiful park that seems to stretch for miles.  With so many people out for a easy stroll or pushing the bike pedals to even a guy on a longboard (also known as a stretched skateboard), we were encouraged to get our own activity level up once we got home. 

After driving straight home, the next day we started.  She ran while I returned to the gym.  It's been quite sometime since I've walked through the doors at Bally's and after two days of work, I was hurting.  But.  I wasn't giving in to the pain.

04-07-11
0.53 minutes - 491 cal 184 max / 126 avg
upright row 30, 40, 50
db shoulder 40, 50, 60
overhead db ext 20, 25, 30
preacher curl 25, 35, 45, 55
arm ext 30, 40, 50, 60
shoulder press 30, 40, 50, 60
leg ext 45, 60, 75
leg curl 40, 50, 60
three laps

04-08-11
1.22 minutes - 817 cal 196 max / 129 avg
decline press 65, 75, 85
incline row 15, 25, 35
db bench 50, 60, 70
db single arm row 25, 30, 35
db fly 24, 30, 40
db incline 40, 50, 60
bench press 65, 75, 85
chest press 45, 60, 75, 90
calf raises 135, 155, 175
seated row 60, 75, 90, 105*
six or seven laps?

*last set, felt using more lower than upper back

Byrge

Bally's

Ok, so not that Bally's.  Even though my first trip to Vegas since 2004 is soon approaching, my visits to Bally's have been to the local gym.  Now that my vasectomy is almost a month past now, I'm able to start getting back into shape again.  That freshman 15 has made itself known, mostly in my mid section.  I'll try to keep tabs here in the journal.

04-05-11

1.08 minutes - 861 cal  210 max / 145 avg

db shoulder 40, 50, 60

preacher curl 25, 35, 45, 55, 25

hammer curl 30, 40, 50*

squats 65, 75, 85 - tightness in right hamstring

three laps

overhead db ext 15, 20, 25, 30

arm curl 30, 40, 50

shoulder press 30, 40, 50, 60

leg ext 45, 60, 75

leg curl 30, 40, 50

six laps

*failed at halfway point

04-06-11

1.32 minutes - 1185 cal 196 max / 145 avg

db bench 30, 40, 50, 60

db fly 24, 30, 40

db single arm row 20, 25, 30

bench press 65, 75, 85

incline row 15, 25, 35

decline press 55, 65, 75, 85*

calf raises 95, 135, 175

seated row 45, 60, 75, 90

lat pull 45, 60, 75, 90**

incline db 30, 40, 50

one mile timed run - 9.17 minutes!

*first three sets - half wide / half narrow grip

**last set, split 6 /3 reps

Byrge

Fallen Axe

Soon, Project Fallen Axe will start being built.  In stock trim, the JK is a stout vehicle, which is where it stands today.  My goal, a lofty one, is to have an overland Jeep.  But truth be told, this JK will not be utilized as a true overland vehicle like any of the Turtle's or Unicat's.  I guess what I'm looking for is making an Urban Overland Jeep.  You see, my travels with this does not include any long expeditions or explorations.  This JK is confined to travel to local firehouses for work, Cream City BMX for races and day trips to trails to get out on the mountain bikes.  What I need from Project Fallen Axe is to be able to handle carrying the nessary items when asked.  Also, not bear so much resemblence to all the other JK's out there. 

Byrge

MFD - E10 / T9

148 South Parkway West, Memphis

Memphis Engine 10

Memphis Truck 9

After meeting Ryan, a Paramedic-Firefighter for Memphis, I was surprised that Fire Station 10 serves quite an extensive area.  Serving the southwestern patch of the city, along with a large industrial section seems like an abundant task.  They are one of 57 firehouses in the city.  And just like any other, they handle their business.

While visiting Engine 10's quarters, I learned somewhat of how Memphis runs their department.  Was told that they're a "shotgun" department.  Honestly, I have no idea what that meant.  Going to find out once I return home.  Anyway, for a full assignment, they get three engines and a truck.  Mentioned something of a second in truck, but cannot recall exactly what he cited.

Now the residency policy that Milwaukee has, Memphis has recently adopted a similar rule.  Right now, if you're on Memphis and live outside city limits, that is allowed.  However, if you move from your current residence, you must move into the city.  That bites.  In Mil-Town, our governor is looking to lift the residency requirement that we have to abide by.  As sweet as that sounds, with the housing market the way it is, I don't see us being able to get out of Milwaukee if and when allowed.

Byrge

Beale Street

Night Life on Beale Steet 

Not knowing much about the better Memphis food establishments, I trusted that my friends knew of some.  So for lunch, we headed down to the world famous Beale Street.  Home of B.B. Kings Restaurant, Blues City Cafe and Dyer's Burgers.  Now we ended up at Dyer's Burgers for food, and let me just say it was one of the best burgers I've ever had.  Supposedly their "secret" is that they've been using the same cooking grease for decades.  And that the only cleaning it gets is a daily straining.  Whatever they do, I hope they never change it.  Damn good burger. 

As seen on the Travel Channel, Dyer's Burgers

Byrge

GRACELAND!!

Going to Graceland, I had no reservations of what to expect.  The only real thought I had was soon I'll be walking where the king himself strolled.  Where Elvis "took care of business." 

Coming up the driveway, I was impressed with the stature of his home.  And upon entering, the decor instantly took me to a place in time that I never knew.  I was impressed.   

front of Graceland mansion, built in 1939

custom-made stained glass panels by Laukaf Stained Glass of Memphis

Elvis Presley's dining room, where he enjoyed his peanut butter & banana sandwiches...c'mon, really?

one of many rooms in his basement

Graceland's former racquetball building, turned into a place of memorabilia



Elvis Presley's grave site where he and his family lay, and the small plaque shown is a memorial to Jesse Garon, his still born twin brother

after a failed break-in to his gravesite at Forest Hill Cemetary, Elvis was reburied on Graceland's grounds

just a few of his many automobiles that were on display, unfortunately my camera failed to take quality photos of most cars

Mercedes 280 SL Roadster - bought for Priscilla in 1970

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood - one of many Caddy's that Elvis owned

After my daughter heard Elvis sing for the first time, I knew she was hooked.  Upon telling a die-hard fan of the King that works at the firehouse about the incident, he lent me some of his music.  And after a few days, I was a fan as well.  Having the chance to see Graceland was a great experience.  To walk where he once did.  So if you ever get to Memphis, take the time and visit the Elvis Presley Mansion.  Being the second most visited home in the states, you won't be dissappointed.

Byrge

Walking in Memphis!

The goal was Paducah, Kentucky on day one.  Then to have only a short three hour commute to Memphis the second driving day.  Guess what?  It got done.  After leaving Milwaukee around 10am, we rolled into Paducah's Country Inn and Suites shortly before 8pm.  Then the next day, we found ourselves walking in Memphis just before noon. 

After arriving in the Home of the Blues, we met up with Amanda for lunch at Central BBQ.  Our first taste of the southern style food.  Now this restaurant looked like alot of other places that we drove by in the area.  Nothing flashy.  And not knowing any better, I probably would of just kept driving by until I found something else.  Sure glad that she suggested this place.  Ordered a pork sandwich and chicken nachos.  Oh how my palate was jumping for joy at first bite.  The flavor in both items were spot on.  The sauce wasn't spicey hot either, just extremely flavorful.

That afternoon, we found Germantown and an charming local park where the kids could play.  Savannah was able to stretch her legs and enjoyed her time gliding down the slide into mommy's arms.  And wouldn't you know it, while there, a fire truck pulled into the lot.  She was all smiles, but yet too scared to go in the cab when offered.  I laughed.  She does the same at home.     

Tomorrow we are headed to Graceland.  Can't wait.

Byrge