So tired it hurts

That's how I have felt most of this past week. I also am behind on all the things that I had been keeping up on. This blog is just one of them. I haven't even been reading the blogs that I used to read daily.

(My wife just looked at me oddly. "What?" I asked. "That's just the most I've heard you type in awhile." Notice I was only a couple lines into this when she said that.) Back to what I was saying...

It doesn't help that the blogs I read seem to have typed near book-length blogs this past week. I've missed the few shows I wanted to watch on TV. Luckily, my wife taped all but one of them. I've just felt so tired all day that when I get home all I want to do is go to bed.

When I get to bed, I am having trouble wearing my CPAP all night. I tend to wake up multiple times a night with the mask irritating me. I even have a new larger mask for my big "schnoz". I've decided I really hate the CPAP even though I likely just need to find another mask design. I have another sleep-study to go to Sunday night, so we'll see what happens.

Tonight my wife was offered (and accepted) a promotion at work. It's in the same general area, but she goes from being a pay-grade 9, supervisor, salaried, with occasional evenings and weekends to a pay-grade 11, M-F 8-5, hourly, non-supervisor. Not counting any possible overtime (probably not likely) it will still be a $5K/year raise!!! Thank you honey! The new pay rate will go into effect in two weeks. Just in time for my pay-cut when I go full-time paramedic. We'll almost be totally flipping pay rates. I'll be going to what she has been making and she'll be going to what I have been making. Kinda odd how life works out sometimes. I still plan on staying at the computer-job for 10-20 hours per week to earn some needed cash at a pay rate that I can't get anywhere else.

The computer-job is running me ragged this week and I think it will continue next week. I think they finally see the end of my full-time days coming and I have been slammed with a lot of projects that need to get done ASAP. We now have the domain upgraded to Active Directory but are still learning Group Policies and how to implement them well. I am still getting quotes from electricians and suppliers of battery-backups and generators for that project and that needs to get further along before we install the new VoIP phone system. They are also bidding to get some new clients and get some old clients back. Part of this involves asking me how fast we could implement some changes and design/publish some web sites for them. All of that is fun because I need to estimate fairly accurately taking into consideration that I will not be there and I am not too sure of the employee being left in my absence. Anyway...

Going to a Maize Maze on Sunday. The current activity for my son's cub scout den is to visit a farm or historical site. A local farm is having a corn maze this month in one of their fields. So, we are all going to meet up on Sunday with our families and go though the maze. I think it could be fun. Something I never did growing up as a city-boy.

My wife and daughters went to the high school football game tonight. While they were out, I took my sons to see Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon at the local IMAX theater. I still like the IMAX Space Station better, but what IMAX non-Hollywood films lack in length they really make up for in stunning visuals. Being 3D also is fun for the kids (and me too). There are some upcoming IMAX films that look good. The preview for Deep Sea 3D was amazing. Plus I do not know anything other than the title for "Wonders of the Great Lakes" and I already want to see it. (The Michigander missing home, I guess.)

Just over one week until a start as a full-time medic! WooHoo!

My mother, her husband, my grandparents and my aunt are all coming into town for a long weekend in about a week. (They leave the day before I start as a medic.) So, we'll see how much blogging I get done around then. There is a festival going on in town next week and that will give me something to do out of the ordinary. I've volunteered to work a fund-raising food booth for a local nature preserve on Tuesday night. I told them years ago that I would volunteer for them sometime and last week they actually called me. It's the least I can do.

I'm starting to feel like I have a full schedule coming up. I guess the tired feeling is not going away anytime soon. Enough for tonight..bed time and time to track down the teenage daughter.

I've said it before and I'll say it again

Children should not put anything smaller than their elbow into their ear.

No long-term damage but hopefully he will know better next time.

Now NOSES on the other hand....just kidding...just kidding

How about mouthes? OK, I'll stop now.

Don't go there...

Links: Poetry

I read my wife poetry tonight. I should probably do it again sometime.

This poem is in no way romantic, but still very interesting/good.

I'm that Guy

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Jed's other poem:
http://www.stewdio.org/jed/
Requires Quicktime

It's actually a music video. It's text from an old Apple II. What's drawn me to this is that I remember learning BASIC on an Apple IIe. Ahhh..the good old days! (eyeroll)

Link: CIA - The World Factbook

Rereading my post from last night made me remember this link that has been hiding in my favorites for a long time. Good trivia and statistics about the countries of the world.

http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

Canada goes that far west?

My wife can attest that I have been ranting about a few things tonight. But there is one thing that happened to me at work today that I am still going on about.

The following story is true, the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the ignorant.

The scene: Cubicle farm, four workers wasting time on the clock talking about one's recent vacation to Glacier National Park in Montana as well as Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada. Showing of pictures, postcards, etc.

John, Jane and I are talking to each other. Ditz is talking to us and but we are not really talking to her (why? you'll see). Here is what I remember being said and how I was so amazed by her ignorance I wanted to vomit from the sheer effort to stay polite.

John: Yeah the trip was great. We left Glacier and then saw Banff and Jasper. I'll definitely go back again. That part of Canada is beautiful.

Me: I'd love to take a train from one side of Canada to the other. I think that we be just great...if only I could afford it.

Ditz: Canada goes that far west?

(there is a pause in conversation as all of us are thinking of what to say...)

John: Canada is the second largest country in the world...

Me: ...by area, not population.

Ditz: Where were you? I know you can get to Canada from Michigan...

John: I was in western Montana...

Me: Other than Alaska and Hawaii, you can head North from any state in the US and eventually end up in Canada.

Jane: Well, you could go east from Alaska...

Ditz: So how far does it go again?

John: The US and Canada have the world's longest undefended border. It goes from Maine to Washington...

The conversation changed from here as we all tried to ignore her again. John and I debated whether Nunavut was a province or not (it's actually a Canadian territory). But, Ditz is not a dumb person, she is in her mid-thirties and works in the accounting department. Heck, she is not even blonde. Notice how little I actually talked in that exchange. I have a degree in Geography and I am fully aware that American's are lacking in geographic literacy. But, come on now. A unimpaired adult in the US should be able to identify Canada and have at least an idea that it spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. I was truly just repeating in my head that I did not want to say anything that could be me fired...I was actually feeling sick from the effort.

Here is the SHORT list of what I believe every adult in the US should be able to identify on a world political map. (I have met many who can't, so I also would say that they need to be high school graduates before holding them to this list.)

1. The USA
2. Canada
3. Mexico
4. Iraq (someone you know could die there, please know where it is)
5. The state that they are in
6. They must locate the city they live in on a US map that has that city labeled. (like a road atlas or the like)

Sadly, I would require MANY more if I was teaching a class. How about these that I think are so simple but are so hard for many:

1. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
2. The Continents
3. Gulf of Mexico
4. Capitol of the state they live in
5. Washington DC
6. Those in Michigan (where I grew up) must name the Great Lakes and identify

I had to end the list there for now. I know I am not a good judge at this because I really do not understand. I am one of those freaks that can locate all the US states and the provinces/territories of Canada. I can locate over 90% of the countries of the world on the first try and I can even discuss some major cities (London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Moscow, etc.)

I just think this kind of geographic knowledge is why I have such an easy time following world news and even the US politics that involve international issues. Because, I may not know where a specific town in northern Iraq is I can understand how Kurd independence issues there can effect Turkey (borders Iraq to the North) because it also has a large Kurd population. Just knowing that they are in the same region/neighbors gives you that type of knowledge.

I just don't understand, this just seems to simple to me. I know it is harder from many others. But, I do not think it is because I am smarter. I really think this is all stuff that can be learned. Why are we not teaching it to the level that we should? Geography is one of the foundation subjects that so much other knowledge is based.

Some links on the topic:

Survey Reveals Geographic Illiteracy (2002)

Take part of the survey that article was about (really recommend)

National Geographic Bee (contest for Grades 4-8)

National Geographic GeoBee Challange (online game for kids)

GeoSpy (another online game for kids)

Play the games...I hope you get more than average.

*******
Pseudo-Related:
Picking Diplomatic Plums for Allies
Why do we pick Ambassadors that know so little about where they are going?

what do you believe?

NPR has an interesting series going on every Monday called "This I believe". It's a radio series originally from 1951 and reborn in 2005. I have found the 3 minute segments interesting. If not for the beliefs of the person's essay but for the thought they stir in my own mind.

First I suggest I suggest everyone check out the archives of This I believe. Make sure to notice that there is more than one page and also check out Edward R. Murrow's original introduction to the series from 1951.

My thought is that maybe some of us should think about writing our own essays of what we believe. Maybe we would not have the courage to share them with others, but it would do good for us all to think on our beliefs anyway. When I think of my beliefs I tend to go in one of two directions, I tend to be quiet or I will ramble on forever, depending the topic. So, I like the idea of limiting yourself to 350-500 words. It forces some sort of structure.

So, give it a try. At the very least, put your thoughts in a journal for just yourself. For those of you with blogs, think about sharing it with the rest of us. If you want, consider submitting it for inclusion in the radio program.

This I Believe

Edward R. Murrow's 1951 Introduction

Essay Tips

More Cub Scouts

Today, the Cubmaster (the person in charge of the whole Pack) called me to congratulate us on how well my son is doing. I had left him a message earlier on his answering machine. We had to call in to let him know because my son qualified for a special baseball cap as a prize for doing so well on the first day.

He also wanted to ask me again if I would be the Den Leader for my son's den. My son's den consists of 5 Tiger Cub's and their Parent Partner, including my son and I. The Cubmaster said that they (the other Leaders) thought I would be the best selection. They saw how well my son and I have been doing and I had already said once that I would be OK doing it once I figure out my new work schedule. So, by the end of the conversation, I agreed to be the Den Leader. My son was sitting with me and he said it would be "so cool" to have me as the Den Leader.

Being a Den Leader for the Tiger Cubs is slightly different than being a normal Den Leader. Tiger Cub parents are expected to host one meeting and plan/do the meeting for the night. My job is to coordinate the schedule and assist the parent. I also sign-off on the scouts activities completed and award advancements when earned. Well, I have Leader training this Thursday. A night of awareness training about things like child abuse & neglect and various other stuff.

******

Saw a copy of this on the web and I wanted to share it. A brochure came to my son last week. It had information about selling popcorn and the prizes he could earn. But, what I found cool was how most of the information was in comic form. It immediately got my son's attention and he read the whole thing himself without prompting by me. It seems like a very good idea for a company wanting to get information to children.

Check it out: http://www.trails-end.com/TEPublic/docs/ComicBook.pdf

Would you like some popcorn?

My six year old is in his first year of Cub Scouts. Today was our fist day ever of selling popcorn. It starts with a "Blitz Day" where we try to sell to at least 10 customers. The popcorn sale lasts for one month, but the hope is to get the majority of the selling done this weekend. The goal this year for every scout in his pack is $200 plus one extra sale. The proceeds from the extra sale will go to the packs in the area affected by the hurricane. The thought being those scouts will not be able to raise any funds this year and they could really use the help.

The lowest priced item sells for $10, Carmel Corn with Peanuts in a collectible tin. Very popular item, but the boxes of microwavable popcorn are said to be better than anything in the store and many people bought those too...$15 for a box of 15.

I got a head start by selling to my coworkers on Friday. But, my son and I added on to that greatly today. We started at 10:00, door to door. We ended around 18:30. We did stop for lunch and some other small errands. But, most of the time it was him and I walking the neighborhoods.

At the end of the day, including my pre-sales at work, 65 customers for orders totaling $1,225.00. He'll get a special "Super Seller" recognition if he can reach $1,500 buy the end of the sale, to recognize those who are well above average. All of this will help pay for local scouting events but also for my son to go to summer camp next summer.

I'm proud of my son for all his hard work. His voice is raspy tonight from all the talking he did, his feet are tired and he fell asleep quickly when his bed-time came. But, he never complained and he was always ready for the next house. I never forced him or told him to keep going, he was always, "Where should we go next?" He was always polite and gave his little speech well to every home we went to. He remembered to not walk on people’s lawns and always thanked everyone, even if they did not want to purchase anything.

Got nothing else done today, but it was good weather and a good day to be a dad.

I'm tired.

******

Note to everyone: Hopefully next week we will get the code we need to sell the popcorn online. The website is there but you need to enter a code for the scout to get credit for the sale. The credit is important because an average of 70% of the proceeds make it to the scouts, 45% to the specific pack who did the selling. We want to make sure the right pack gets credit. orderpopcorn.com . The prices are the same as buying it directly from the scout, you can buy them anytime (but now is good) and it is free shipping directly to your home. This way out of town relatives can support their little Cub Scouts.

For those of you from outside the USA or Canada, my son is a "Tiger Cub", the youngest level in the Cub Scouts. The Cub Scouts are the young version (6-10yo) of the Boy Scouts of America. Information on the Boy Scouts can be found at http://www.scouting.org/

local monopoly/pseudo-resignation letter

So, on my lunch today, I went to the local ambulance providers office and signed the offer of employment. The rest of the meeting just made me think of them being a local monopoly and you can tell. Though I have not been an ex-employee long enough to get a sign-on bonus, I have been away long enough that I have to go through orientation again, drug screening, phyical agility test, Field Officer Training, emergency vehicle drivers training, etc...everything all over again. What is the logic in that? I was told it was important to be consistant. Sadly, I do not see the consistancy in one key point that is important to me. If I am "new" in every other way why am I not new when it comes to a sign-on bonus? Ugh.

******

After returning from lunch and signing the letter at the ambulance office. I wrote the letter below and gave it to who I think is kind of "my boss". I actually answer to the entire executive committee, but this is the person who approves my time-off requests and other activities like that.

The pseudo-resignation letter/request to go part-time:

(Ambulance Company Name), the local 911 ambulance service, has made me an offer of full-time employment as a Paramedic starting October 10, 2005. That week I will be working during the day completing my new hire training. The following two weeks I will be with a Field Training Officer (FTO) and working during that FTO’s shift. After that I will be assigned a shift that is still open for this current rotation (for the next six months).

Currently, I do not know any details about what shifts I will be working past the first week. As I get more details, I will share them with you.

I know (Company Name) has a lot of important IT-infrastructure projects coming up between now and the end of the year. During past meetings, it was mentioned that (Company Name) would work with me on my schedule so I could remain an employee here, even part-time, during this transition to my new career. I would like to see that happen, if at all possible. The one favor I ask is that I would be able to keep my medical benefits until I am able to get them at (the Ambulance Company) (after 90 days).

I believe this transition period will prove beneficial for all involved. I will be working in a field I feel drawn to while (Company Name) will still have access to all the IT knowledge and experience I have gained, including all those (Company Name)-specific details that are so hard to train people on, but so useful in long-term employees. I’ve mentioned in the past how there has only been enough work in IT for 1.5 employees, meaning that some days there was little to do while others even two employees were overloaded. I believe that by keeping me as a part-time employee while (Technician who I currently supervise) works full-time, we can have a better fit, give (Technician) a chance to grow into more of a leadership position while still having me here for the harder projects, where my experience is key.

Please, let me know any questions you may have and I will answer them as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

(My signature and typed name below it)
------------

Well, the VP I gave this to said he would discuss it with the other VP's and get back with me. He said it did not sound unreasonable. The thing going for me is that I have been totally open and upfront about leaving. I actually gave a two-year notice back when I enrolled in paramedic school. Also, at a recent meeting where the whole executive committee was there, including the owners, I was told by the CEO that they were willing to work with me to keep me in whatever capacity they could. But, who knows. I've seen this company do some pretty stupid things over the years. I also don't want to be too optomistic about it, look what happened to the sign-on bonus thing..that would have been nice too. So, even though this was only a letter stating my request to go part-time, I am considering it a pseudo-resignation letter because who knows how it will end.

Also a note for family members who read this: I put October 10th. I actually start on October 11th. Yes, honesty is important to me but the 10th is my wedding anniversary and I in-no-way want to start a new job on that day. The 10th is a Monday and so, it makes it easier to start any change at the current work to reference a Monday as the day it changes.

Keeps on ticking

My IT job gave me a watch today. Actually, I had ordered it using this "point" system they have here. I've aquired enough points over the last couple years to be able to get this watch and have the company pay for it. I think it's funny to have a nice new watch to show how little time I have left at the company...at least as a full-time employee. I still plan on working for them part-time for at least a few months.

I called the local 911 ambulance provider and agreed to sign the offer of employment letter. I'll be going in tomorrow to get that formality done. After that, I'll start working on my letter to my current employer requesting a change to part-time status. My first day as a full-time paramedic will be October 11, 2005.

I am pretty sure my current employer will want to keep me for awhile because we have some big-time projects going on until at least the end of October: Upgrading the domain from Windows NT to Windows 2003/Active Directory. Installing a new UPS and emergency generator for the server room and installing a new VoIP phone system for the whole building. Lots of fun stuff. A lot easier if they keep me around and all the various information that I keep filed in my head. We'll see...

Remember

Thousands died on September 11th, 2001 due to the madness of human violence.

Please Read:
In Memoriam
Honoring EMS personnel who
made the ultimate sacrifice,
not for family or friends,
but for strangers

PDF file

******

National EMS Memorial Service

******

Exhibit 13

Interesting site featuring scraps of paper found in the debris of the World Trade Center and music from Blue Man Group. Broadband REALLY recommended.

******

Not only should we remember the courage of our fellow first responders, but we should also take this as a chance to learn how to improve to help keep it from happening again. Yes, that really could go into talk of some political issues and terrorism. But, to keep it EMS related, JEMS has a list of things here that they put together in 2002. http://www.jems.com/911/

******

Sadly, when putting this post together I noticed how few current sites are out there discussing 9/11. Those I saw, including television coverage and special events, here locally were 9/11-Katrina mixed events. Now, I do believe it is appropriate to mix these issues this year. But, I am worried to think that 9/11 might not have been mentioned as much this year. I guess next year will be a test. Katrina will have it's own mark on US history. 9/11 will not be the day to remember it...but to clarify it makes sense this year, it is still an ongoing current event.

Good Example from Firehouse.com:
Firefighters in New Orleans, Mississippi Remember Another American Tragedy - 9/11

shelter from the storm

a good mix of music styles and performances. But, the little monologues were the moving parts.

I think non-AOL users can connect using this link.
Windows Media Player required.

Broadband is HIGHLY recommended.

http://music.aol.com/videos/katrina_benefit

******

The story of Demonte Love, 6 years old and a great big brother.

http://noonesin.mishmishah.com/?p=73

wanting to go

The thing that has been bugging me this week is that, like so many I know, I would really prefer to be down on the Gulf Coast helping than being here in the Midwest. I have the web sites where I could apply to be deployed. I have skills that would be useful and I have the desire to help. The thing is, I have a large family and I am unsure how I could afford to be without a paycheck for two weeks. I know the people from the coast have bigger problems than that, but my responsibilities to my family are stronger than my ability and desire to go there and help. It makes me feel bad though. I'd like to find a way to raise money, or even just vacation hours, at the office I work at to pay part of my salary while I am away. But, where I work is not large enough for such a fundraiser.

That is a thought though...would you consider yourself a volunteer if you were still getting paid by your regular job even though you were not there? It seems like a way some company owners could give back to the victims and their employees could give also by spending their days helping others in need. If my employer believed in such a program, it would really help me feel better about working there and likely make me a longer-term employee. Just an idea…

******

This article makes me wonder though about going at all. Or at least really lose faith in the distribution of volunteers. I think I would do anything...but I also know that my skills would really make me more useful in some areas than others.

Please read/or watch the video:
Firefighters: We were misused in Katrina efforts.

Thoughts?

******

But, in the same vein...

This guy's mom reminds me of the dad I want to be for my boys:
http://maddogmedic.blogspot.com/
(Read 9/9/05, 9/8/05 and in that post there is a link to 8/22/04)

Oh, how they grow!

Happy birthday to my youngest! He turns 5 years old today.

How is it that they grow so fast while we do not? (At least that is what I am telling myself.)

Heck, my wife barely looks a day older than when I married her. Why the eyeroll dear? I love you too.

I'm taking the day off from work and blogging. Time to play with the kids while they still want to be with us without a fight.

***

RE: Offer of Employment. I've decided to not talk to that company again...until next week.

More Katrina stuff

This reporter used to work as a medic. So, of course, I am going to read his article. It seems to me that he notices the EMS perspective better than other writers I've seen.

Reporter's notebook: Treating those left behind
By Robert Davis in USA Today

The disappearing bonus...

Offer of Employment Letter Part 2.

Where to begin...where to begin...

They say that I cannot have the bonus because I was employed there less than a year ago...mind you not much less..but less just the same. The part I don't get is that on the advertisement on their website there is no mention of the bonus being conditional and I talked with the Operations Manager when I applied and she also did not seem to know of this condition.

Here are some bits of emails today about this:

Mr. (MidwestMedic):

(Operations Manager) is out of the office this week – so, I will do my best to respond to you today. The (regional) office provided me with a copy of the actual ad. I had no idea what it stated until this morning.

(HR Assistant)

***

Thank you for the update. I have copies of the ad I read at home, if that would help you, they are in a form I can email to you. It's just the listing on the (companywebsite.com) website when you do a search for a opening and go to the one for Paramedics in (my town). The part that gets me is that it does not say anything like "certain restrictions may apply" or anything like that. I also did the extra step of emailing (Ops Manager) and asking her also.

As always, your help is greatly appreciated.

(MidwestMedic)

--I then emailed PDF files of printouts of the listings on their website.

***

Mr. (MidwestMedic):

Please accept my apologies for taking so long to get this matter resolved. I received a copy of the information on the sign-on bonus from our Human Resource Dept in (regional office). The program outlined specific terms and conditions. One of the conditions stated: “former employees are eligible for the bonus only if more than one year had passed since they had worked for (company name) and were eligible for rehire”. They indicated that the program was developed with specified terms and conditions. They must remain consistent. It appears that you would not be entitled to the sign-on bonus due to the fact that it has been less than one year since you terminated employment with (company name).

I sincerely hope that this does not cause you to completely rethink your decision of working with us again.

Let me know your thoughts and thanks again for your patience.

(HR Assistant)

***

Again, I thank you for your time on this matter. Would you please email me what you have as the date I terminated employment at (company name)? I do not want this to be a deal breaker also. But, it is really something that could change me from being able to work full-time to only Per Diem at best. I have financial responsibilites that I am unsure (company name)'s pay could support without me getting the sign-on bonus or getting my medical benefits before 90 days. Since neither of these seems to be possible, I will need to rethink your offer, talk with my wife, and get back with you.

(MidwestMedic)

***

I then forwarded this to the Operations Manager's personal email address with the following added:

(Ops Mgr First Name - We are on 1st name basis), I know this might be out of your control but I think (company name) is being a bit misleading with this whole bonus thing. I have attached a copy of the job postings that I applied to. Also, it seems even local management like yourself didn't seem to be fully aware of these policies. That just seems to be counter-productive from (company name). You know I really *want* to work for you and (company name). It's just this issue plus my ability to financially survive the first 90 days and then the first year. It's just a money issue like so many other things. I'm sorry. I really am not sure what I am going to do.

So, that is where things are at the moment. It's bothering me a bit tonight, so I am not sure I want to blog on it more than I have at this time. I know they really need people. But, it would really be bad for me to wait until January to start working for them. It would be too much time outside the industry with my skills melting out of my memory the whole time. This is just frustrating at best.

Medical professionals wanting to help

1-866-KATMEDI

Also,

https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/

and

http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/

Update from New Orleans/Acadian Ambulance

I really recommend this post that has been relayed from someone at Acadian Ambulance in New Orleans. It is way too long for me to copy here.

Update from New Orleans/Acadian Ambulance at EMSLive Forum

EMSLive: Katrina and Acadian Ambulance

Make sure to check out EMSLive tonight. The interview is going to be with someone from the ambulance service in New Orleans.

Show listing:

"What can I do help?" seems to be the raging question that many of us at home are asking as we watch the images from the affected areas in Louisiana and Mississippi. We would all like to jump in a plane and offer our services, but that may not be the best thing to do. So how can we support the men and woman of the Acadian Ambulance Service? To find out, we will talk directly to Paramedic Mike Burny, the Operations Manager with Acadian Ambulance Service. Tune into EMS Live to find out what you can do to help out.

EMSLive has a weekly online broadcast and there is a chatroom during the show.
www.emslive.com
Every Tuesday
9PM-10PM Eastern
8PM-9PM Central
7PM-8PM Mountain
6PM-7PM Pacific

I'll see you there.

UPDATE: For those of you who missed this, there is a podcast you can download and listen to.

Suspended disbelief...

Most of the blogs I read out there are in one way or another journal-like. Some are news, pundits or whatever. But, by far, almost all are non-fiction.

I came across a blog today that is fiction. But delivered in a blog form that never tells you it is fiction, it just assumes you will figure it out. It's a bit dark and it's a bit twisted. But, it is neat when you first read it, you wonder if it is real..or maybe based on something real. It's an interesting read. The author is definately talented.

Not something I would recommend for everyone, but it is something I will read each time a new post comes out. It reminds me of how I heard Charles Dickens' stories used to come out...as a serial in the paper. Each post is just a bit more of the story.

The Man on the Clapham Ambulance:
http://claphambulance.blogspot.com

Computer Guy: HTML Tags

In a past comment, a reader asked what an HTML tag was. What I found is that Blogger tells you that you can use the b, i, and a tags in comments but gives you no hints as to what any of that means. You either know already or too bad. Well reader, don't feel too singled out, I suspect you are not the only one who wants to know. (Hi mom.)

I'll put some links at the bottom of this posting that have all the details that I am going to just skip over. It's just that a topic like this could go on for a lot more than one post...heck one of the links is a book.

The quick basics:

• Web pages are made in a number of computer languages, but what you see in a web browser is called HTML (Hyper-Text Markup Language).
• It says Markup because there are little marks you can't see without knowing where to look.
• As someone writting a web page (or a comment), you can place markups (aka tags) in those little brackets to control how the text looks or add images, links and so on.
• The comments section on Blogger pages only allow certain tags. (b, i, and a.)
• b = bold
• i= italics
• a= anchor, or what you use to make a link to another page
• there is more to it than just typing the tag, you have to have a tag to close it...tell it when to STOP being bold, etc. I could get into it here, but the links I have provided go into that.

HTMLDog: HTML Beginners Guide

HTMLDog: HTML Tags

Dummies: Looking into Text and Tags

To see the HTML tags for this page, right-click off where there is no text or image and select "View Source". (Assuming you are using Windows and Internet Explorer. There are ways in other browsers and such, they tend to say view source, you'll just have to look around for it.) Note: This page uses something called style sheets and a little bit of javascript. So, it's a bit more complicated than just tags, but it is all stuff that a beginner can do with help...and patience. The web is full of resources on this far greater than I could ever be. Good ol' Google can show you the way.

Red Cross Ad

Some ads I don't mind.

Attn: Bloggers - Give some of your blogspace to a worthy cause. Heck, then follow the link and give some money too. I've even heard of a campaign that asks that you give "some amount" plus a penny. They are using that as a clue that the donation came from a blog ad/link.

Bloggers: Use this link to get instructions on adding an ad to your site..they come in all shapes and sizes.

Think of it as an easy way to do some public service.

http://www.redcross.org/psa/bannerorder/all/

Primer + trivia = wikipedia

NOTE: I want to start of by saying Wikipedia is not a totally reliable source for information. It is community written. But, it does have editors and it tends to be good from a lot of information. Actually one of the links I am putting here tonight is tagged for needing revisions. Any volunteers?

The purpose of tonights blog are for people who want some good trivia like information about the history of ambulances or paramedics or just want an easy primer on what some of the stuff I talk about. If you have a problem with any of the information on the pages linked, take it up with Wikipedia...they would likely just say become a member and fix it yourself.

Ambulance:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambulance

Paramedic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramedic

I went to these as part of my general surfing I do, but I think they fit with the "I am..." blog from earlier.

My soft spot

Pictured: Dottie, 8yo Dalmatian/? mix and Nevada, 6 month old German Sheppard/Lab mix.

I read this article: Katrina Evacuees Distraught Over Lost Pets and couldn't help but wonder what I would do. Mind you, I would have had my family & pets on the highway long before that hurricane hit. My wife will back me up when I say I can be a blunt pushy @$$ when it comes to getting my family someplace safe when a big storm is coming. And the one time the field beside my house was ablaze, Dottie and I were the only ones home. I made darn sure she was at my side when I left the house.

But, if I really was in the situations mentioned in the article, I'm not sure what I would do. I am experienced with dealing with blood, guts, gore, etc. But, don't mess with my family and my dogs are family too. I would make sure my family got on a bus out of town. But, would I be able to stay behind with our dogs to look for another way? How bad does it have to get for me to tell my puppies goodbye? I feel bad for those who had to face that and, unlike me, actually had to make the decision. Like my shifts on the ambulance, I am able to care for people but still emotionally keep my guard up. But, this article really hit one of my soft spots.

Please read the article and if you have a furry one at your home, give them an extra treat tonight and tell them you love 'em.

I am...

Sometimes I wonder how much people really realize we are out there until there is the actual moment where they call 911 or somebody else calls for them. I think most people think of us almost zero..even zero compared to other public service professions...fire, police, even the water main repair folks. That is part of the problem EMS is having. Tax payers do not want to pay anything, nevermind MORE, for a service they do not even think of as a service to them. EMS as an industry needs to get more into the public consciousness. I used to watch a show call Paramedics - Life on the street. It was pretty much a knock-off of the Cops concept. But, I loved it because it showed real paramedics doing there job. I know Cops is still on, if not as popular. Reality TV still seems to be going strong, even if it is all contests now. Can't we have a great show like Paramedics back?

Also, how about some more exposure in mainstream media..or even the non-mainstream media. Here is a link to a photo essay that I wish there was more of:
http://www.hyperreal.org/~doug/stories/para/.
The photo at the start of this entry is from that story.

I also hope that there are more medics out there that think about how we look to the public when we are out there, just sitting in our trucks. Remember for most of the population, that's as close as they get to seeing us until the 911 moment. We want to give them the impression that we are the people they WANT to show up, not the people they are stuck with getting. That's one of the steps in beating the "Ambulance Driver" misconception.

I am more than the fastest ride to the ER.
I am more than a taxi that Medicare will pay for.

I am a skilled heathcare professional that stands ready to face poor work conditions, even worse pay to go where we are needed...no matter the circumstance...to be the one to breathe for you, shock your heart, or dry your tears and take your hand in the first moments of what you may one day just remember as the worst day of your life.

Links: The Map Room & Cartography

OK, so this might be my old geography degree showing itself. But, I really thought this was a neat blog. Also, for those of you looking at Katrina info all the time, there are some nice satellite images.

The Map Room:
http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/

another good one is Cartography:
http://ccablog.blogspot.com/

Day of Rest

Well, somehow I managed to do almost nothing today. I ran to the store and got dog food and a new collar for my amazingly growing puppy. I cleaned the trash out of the car. I went to the video rental store and got some movies. That's it. If you really think about the time spent on those things, I managed to do a lot of nothing today. Know what? It was a good day.

***

I received a letter today from the other service I applied to. A letter is never good. If you are going to get hired, you get a call not a letter. Well, somebody else was selected for the position and my application would be on file for the next 12 months. Oh well, it would have been nice, but I think I saw it coming. My testing that day was not my best showing and combine that with my lack of experience compared to some other applicants there, and that was that.

***

My wife showed that "Offer of Employment" letter to a lawyer friend/coworker of hers...really really smart guy. Well, he felt the same way. Something just didn't smell right.

Part of me wished it could be resolved Monday, but I shouldn't curse a holiday off when I am lucky enough to have it. I'm worried that they are going to try to find some reason to get out of it. Now with my options more limited for employment in this area, I have more pressure to accept a worse offer than I would really like. But, I am lucky to have full-time employment already, even if it is not in the field I want. I have to remember it could be worse...much worse.

***

Another link to share. It needs Microsoft Media player to play the videos. So sorry for anyone without that. But, it does have some really good news clips about Katrina and after.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm

Six Degrees of Separation

So, I am ok with the idea of becoming a father-in-law. My step daughter is 21 and she is to be married this December. He's a nice enough guy. Mr. "Always" Right a little too often for my tastes...likely because I am Mr. Always Right. (just kidding dear). But, seriously, I am glad to see my step-daughter happy.

The thing is, today I met part of his family for the first time. They are nice people. The mom was very polite and complimented my wife’s cooking and my grilling more than once. (Always a plus.) But, it is just an odd thing to think about relations like that. I thought of being a father-in-law and eventual grandparent (no time soon please). But, being related to all these other people even in some extended way is nothing I ever really thought about.

Kind of reminds me of the game "Six degrees of Kevin Bacon." Or the whole theory of people are connected to almost everyone else by 6 or less acquaintances. (See the play/fim Six Degrees of Separation.)

So, if you thought of the blogosphere. This whole six degrees could reach even further...don't even think of how Google connects us all. (So, how small of a world is it becoming?)

Offer of Employment

So, today I get an Offer of Employment Letter faxed to me. Actually, I asked for it to be faxed to me so I could look it over before going in to sign it. Good thing.

The majority of the letter was no big deal. It stated the pay rate, the starting date of the position, certifications I would need to prove I had. I also would have to pass a background check, driving record check, drug test, and physical agility test. But, what it said was not an issue. The issue was what was missing. In the ad on their web site there was mentioned a $3000 sign-on bonus. I had also asked the Operations Manager prior to applying if I would be eligible since I was a prior employee (not a current employee). She said she believed so. Please also note that this service is extremely short staffed and would likely hire any medic they could right now. So, I called and talked with the HR person.

I had two questions:

1. Where is the sign-on bonus?
2. Is there any way I could get the medical benefits moved forward from the normal 90 day waiting period?

Later in the day, I was told that the 90 day period was a corporate-wide rule and she would not be able to move it. So, I explained the costs involved with renting the CPAP I just received and that I would not like doing that out-of-pocket without getting the sign-on bonus. I figured the 90-days rule would not change but I figured it would just strengthen my request for the bonus by asking. Well, the jury is still out on the bonus, they said they needed to contact the corporate office...

The whole thing that makes me nervous about this is that I felt like I was talking to a used car salesman the whole time. They kept asking me to come in sometime today and sign this letter. They asked multiple times and tried to get me to commit to a certain time. I never did. I said I needed these issues addressed first. That seemed to be an issue with them because Monday was a holiday and so the HR person would not be in until Tuesday. What makes it really odd, my agreed upon start date is October 11th. So what’s the rush? Just did not seem right to me to rush in and sign this so fast.

What am I not being told?

Doctor's visit

I went to the doctor's office today. Not for being sick, just a normal follow-up to that sleep study I had last week. I can actually say that it was an interesting visit. Usually when I go to the doctor's office I do not hear anything I do not already know. Mind you, I say that with a lot of respect for my current's MD's. But, heck, this is my body and I am knowledgable enough to have an idea what's going on...even when I choose to ignore it.

But, like I was saying. Today was good. The main issue I already knew. I have sleep apnea. The neat thing as all the stuff the sleep study showed. I kinda figured what it showed, I knew what all the wires were for. It was just neat to see all the results spelled out in a report.

First a definition for those who need it, the results refer to AHI or Apnea/Hypopnea Index. Apnea = not breathing, Hypopnea = breathing slower than you should. AHI is the two combined into one total. Also, they only count times that were over 10 seconds long. The average is 4-5 times per hour for a normal adult of my size.

Believe it or not, I do not mind sharing this information with the net:

• In a 6.6 hour span, I slept 5.5 hours.
• My AHI was 191 during that time. So, think of it as that I stopped or near stopped breathing 191 times in 5.5 hours. The doc considers this severe sleep apnea (go fig).
• My apnea was just as bad on my side (33/hr) as on my back (36/hr).
• My blood oxygen level dropped to 90%, which in the scheme of things is not so bad.
• My heart rate dropped to 55/min (60-65 is normal for me) during apnea and then rose to 87 at the end of apneas.
• Perecent of sleep time in each stage of sleep: Stage 1: 16.7%, Stage 2: 63.9%, Stage 3&4: 6.6%, REM: 12.8%. Notice the amount in stage one and two compared the the rest. Never got enough deep sleep.

This lack of deep sleep along with the low oxygen level and up-down changes in heart rate lead to greater risks for hypertension, stroke, heart attack, etc. All the bad stress on body type problems.

So, guess what. I now have a CPAP machine to blow up my nose when I'm sleeping to hold the airway open. We'll see how it goes. I have another sleep study to go to in about a month for them to see if it needs to be calibrated more and to see how I am doing. Fun, Fun.

***

Thank you DJ for the great comment to a post I made a few days ago about medic pay vs. nurse pay. Please check out his blog at:

http://psychonomic.blogspot.com/