AP News Headline Contest

The last photo caption contest went nowhere, so let's try something a little different. Let's suppose that this headline is incomplete. Woman with no pilot experience crash lands plane ______.

Let the commenting begin.

This Just In...

Sure, her husband who was flying the plane ended up dying. Sure, she was hurt during the landing. But surely we can all appreciate how ridiculous the headline to this story is by itself without all those details. Quite the news flash. And don't call me Shirley. 

Engine DAMMIT Is Available!

This just cracked me up too much not to post it. Our trucks have Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs to the cool kids) that look suspiciously like Toughbook laptop computers except the don't do all the things a computer usually does. They really only run a program to show us the calls we're dispatched to.

The picture above is from the status page this morning. They performed an upgrade to the system this morning and it wreaked havoc for most of the day. It was mostly just frustrating until this Engine showed up on the screen. Gave me quite a chuckle. 

So, This Is The Hill You Want To Die On?

US Infantry on top of Hill 937 after a ten day frontal assault. 72 killed, 372 wounded. Hill 937 was abandoned shortly thereafter.

I work with a lot of smart people.

Being surrounded by smart people tends to lull you into getting used to that level of thinking, so when one or two of them spits out some radical insight that you've never considered before, it can knock you back a bit.

About a year ago, a battalion chief friend of mine in the department was having a conversation with me about one of the people he supervises who was "making a stand" about a really insignificant issue. Doug's response to this person was, "So this is the hill you want to die on?" When Doug said those ten words, he summed up what I had been unable to convey, in an expression that instantly resonated with me. Now, in case you don't fully understand the expression, let me explain what it means; or at least explain what it means to me.

Anyone that knows me knows the sum of my knowledge has been gained watching television or movies. That sounds ridiculous, but it's actually pretty true. For instance, I have done very, very little reading on the Vietnam War (Ret. Lt. General Hal Moore's We Were Soldiers Once and Young is the only book on the conflict that I have read.) The rest of what I know about that war comes from movies and television. War films, documentaries, programs on legendary Marine Corps sniper Carlos Hathcock, whatever. If I watch it I usually learn something from it.

So one of the "truths" I know about the Vietnam War was that for much of that war men were tasked with capturing hills from the enemy (there were so many hills that they were only designated by number) that seemed to have little strategic value but were sometimes paid for heavily with wounded and killed.

That's what Doug's question, "So this is the hill you want to die on?" means. And if the listener understands the meaning, the expression very succinctly conveys to the listener three core concepts:

1. You're prepared to fight me to the death on this
2. I think what you're fighting me over is not strategically worth what you're willing to sacrifice
3. You are going to lose (die on this hill)

If you didn't notice, the concept that's missing from this list is righteousness. And that's the hardest pill for some people (me for a large portion of my life) to swallow. The person making the stand and willing to die is only doing so because they "know" they're right. 

Now, I'm not asking anyone to compromise their beliefs, and there are some things that are worth dying for. But what the expression says is: "Is this one of them?" Sometimes it is, but a lot of times it isn't. Case in point: a now retired Captain who lost a piece of his department issued uniform wrote a formal three page letter arguing against the fact that his supervisor gave him an informal note with the replacement uniform piece that basically said, "Don't lose this one." He felt he didn't deserve the note, refused to receive it, and was prepared to fight it to the end. Perhaps unforeseen to him was the fact that word about his grandstanding over nothing filtered out to the department and he lost all credibility; he died on that hill.

I was on a hill a few years ago as I was trying to get a subordinate to do their job. They had answered my persistence with an allegation of discrimination and harassment which was determined to be untrue after an internal affairs investigation. In other words, I was right. But I was also sure another allegation was soon to follow if I continued to try to get this person to perform. It was Paula that gave me a dose of "So this is the hill you're willing to die on?" when she told me after the IA investigation, "You're going to end up getting fired over that piece of shit." She was right. That hill was not worth taking. 

So fast forward to last night, when my buddy Shane added something to this expression. He was speaking of a person in our department that I have been having trouble supervising. Shane said about this person; "He's willing to die on every hill."

Damn. That hit me like a ton of bricks. It was so obvious but I hadn't seen it at all. And it completely wraps up exactly how this person thinks. He approaches every situation from the perspective of his own righteousness.

I don't know how I didn't see it before. But more importantly, I can't figure out how to use this new perspective on this individual to change how I supervise  him. How do you get someone to compromise, when they consider themselves to be absolutely right in their convictions, without risking appearing to them to be lacking in any convictions of your own?

Anyone want to help me with that?

Go Bag

This post was commissioned by a longtime friend (and reader) of mine, David. We had been discussing the contents of the ruck (backpack) I carry. I had told him that it was a kind of "Go" bag; a bag you have packed in case the end of the world starts and you need to grab a bag and go.

Now, that's not entirely true. My bag isn't really packed like the doomsday lists you can find on the internet. It's really just packed with everything I might need if I had to live out of it for a day or two without any other supplies. David suggested to me that I should detail the contents of my bag on this blog. So here goes.

Small Flat Black Pouch (top left):

This pouch was sold as a first aid pouch,  but it's perfect for all the stuff I've put in it. It's a about as big as the palm of your hand.

• Pencil
• Sharpies
• Pen Flashlight
• Safety Pins
• Fire Starter
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Paracord
• Band-aids
• Q-tips
• Glow Sticks
• Note Cards
• Moleskin

Small Glasses Bag (bottom left):

• iPhone earbuds
• iPhone charger

Hard Glasses Case (bottom left):

• Sunglasses

Pelican Waterproof Case (Yellow bottom center):

This is a truly waterproof case. I keep other stuff in it that doesn't need to be waterproof while I'm carrying it around in order to save space.

• Spare headlamp
• Monocular with case
• Magnifying Glass for map reading
• Small Roll of Heavy Duty Fabric Tape
• Compass
• Gerber Tool and belt case
• Ear plugs
• Paracord
• Spare batteries for headlamp

GoRuck Field Pocket (large black bag unfolded in center right in picture): This is a bag sold to be almost like a toiletry kit.

• Airborne tablets to ward off sickness
• Folding toothbrush
• Kidney Stone medicine
• Ibuprofen
• Lip Balm
• Nail Clippers (infant size are best)
• Folding Scissors
• Mouthwash
• Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Sinus Medicine (Single Tablet because I've run out)
• Unbreakable Plastic Spoon
• Shaving Cream
• Razor
• Container of Gatorade Powder
• Lint Brush
• Chlorox Bleach Pen
• Cotton Balls
• Q-Tips
• Spare Ziploc Bags
• Butt Wipes
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Plastic Mirror for Shaving or Signaling

Various Pockets of My Ruck:

• Hand Sanitizer
• Toothpicks (in the prescription bottle)
• Allergy Medicine
• Spare Underwear, Socks, and Shirt
• Headlamp (a decent one that cost a bit is more than worth the expense)

So, there it is. And it all fits in my GoRuck GR1 bag with room to spare for other stuff. 

A picture from the GoRuck website to show the size of the GR1.

The Sales Pitch

I hadn't planned on making a sales pitch here, but I started thinking about all of the bags I have from GoRuck, and I realized that I'm a living sales pitch. As a matter of fact, on July 31st after getting an email from them that their July sale was ending, I immediately called two friends to tell them about a bargain on the site, and they both bought bags before the day was over. I should be getting a commission or something.

Anyway, GoRuck bags are made to military specifications for durability, and come with a lifetime guarantee against everything but bullet holes and fire (seriously.) And the GoRuck Challenge I did? That event was actually developed by GoRuck as a proving ground to demonstrate how tough the bags are. It and the other events it spawned have grown into their own entity for GoRuck, but since I'm officially retired from Challenges, I'm relegated to buying the gear and posing. And I really like the gear.

To date, I have a complete GoRuck "luggage set." It wasn't anything I did intentionally, but the bags feed my love of design for function. When something is designed so well and with purpose, I have a hard time resisting.

Back Row: Civvy Kit Bag 57 Liter, GR2 40 Liter, GR2 34 Liter, GR1 26 Liter. Front Row: Bullet Ruck 10L, Tough Bag
Note: I didn't realize the flags were upside down on the two GR2s that I just got. They came that way when they were shipped, and I didn't see it until I was looking at the picture on my computer.

So, it's pretty obvious I have an addiction, but in my defense, the purchase of one of those bags was an accident. And while I don't really think anyone is still reading this very long post, in case anyone is, I'll say a few words about each bag.

Kit Bag Civvy 57L - This is basically a large duffel bag, except of course for it's military durability, and the fact that it fits very well in the carry on sizing bin before you get on the plane. I use this one a lot of the time instead of a suitcase.

GR2 40L and 34L - This is GoRuck's largest ruck. The two sizes are for people with different size frames; basically the 40 Liter is for those over 6 feet tall, and the 34 Liter is for the rest of us. Even though I'm not over 6ft tall (and getting shorter if the woman that did my health insurance screening is right) I ended up with a 40 Liter bag, which I don't think is too big for me.

The GR2 is designed for use in their Selection event, which is the toughest event they offer; a 48+ hours endurance event that covers more than 80 miles with a pass rate of less than 5% of those who attempt it. This ruck has a lot of storage space as you can see by the amount of stuff packed in it in the picture above. I only just received this bag, and I'm in love. Seriously.

GR1 26L - This is the first ruck they made and still my favorite. It's a great size and the perfect bag for carrying around; even if you want to carry around an extra 30lbs of bricks or chain just for giggles. If you've seen me in the last three years, there's a good chance I had this with me. It's also the bag that all of the stuff I listed above fits in, with some room left for other stuff. And that caption they have on that photo about the bag opening flat? That's a seriously awesome feature once you realize it.

Bullet 10L - This is their hydration bag; basically their version of a camelback. Except it has room for stuff other than just the hydration bladder. A good all around hiking bag, but not really one that you can carry a lot of weight in. It was the bag that I think is pretty good for kids, but GoRuck apparently is now offering kids' size bags. Whenever I hike the Cherokee Trail, I hike with one of these with 20 lbs of chain in it.

Tough Bag - Formerly known as the brick bag, this is a stuff sack. As in, you stuff things into it and cram as much in as possible. What I found out about this bag is that it's perfect for the beach. I can get a beach towel, sunscreen, book, etc. into it, and the roll down top keeps the sand out from all of that.

Now, a friend of mine whom we'll call "Helen," was asking about the flag patches, so it might be prudent to explain for anyone that is confused.

The GoRuck logo is single color version of the American flag "backwards." The reason for that is that our military wears the American flag on the right shoulder of their uniforms. And since the stars of the flag are always to be forward when in motion, a patch with the stars on the left would imply that our soldiers were backing up or retreating. And that won't do.

It's not a sign of distress. That's an upside down flag, and like I mentioned in the caption of the picture of all of my bags, I didn't realize the patches were upside down when I unpacked my new bags.

In the picture of my bag, some of them have a spearhead with the number 279 on them. In case you were wondering those were patches we had made after completing our first GoRuck Challenge. We were their first all firefighter class; Class 279. That experience for me was really eye opening, and I wrote about it a few years ago. Maybe I'll post that here soon.

Well, I don't know how to end this post, so I'll end it with a picture from their website. They posted it to show their bags in action, but I really love the picture because of all of the other things it is saying.

I'm not sure what event this photo took place during, but these guys have obviously been at it for a while. The bags on their backs hang low with the 30+ lbs of weight inside. But what really strikes me about this photo is what's going on between these two; the guy on the left appears to be sharing his hydration with the guy on the right for whatever reason. That's the spirit of the challenges. It's all about making sure the guy or gal next to you finishes. And how about that guy on the right? He's got some mileage on him, but he's hanging in there. I hope I'm that tough when I have a few more miles on me.

Donald Trump, Dumb Jeopardy, and Being Apolitical

One of the best books I've read in the last ten years is Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team." It's a "leadership fable" which means it's a fictitious story constructed to teach you a lesson. That very idea makes me cringe.

So why did I read it? A good friend recommended it. And this book is so good, I forgot about my prejudices against its structure and method. Mr. Lencioni, among other things, offers a truly insightful definition of "politics." Lencioni says, "Politics is when people choose their words and actions based on how they want others to react rather than based on what they really think."

That's a huge statement, for me it gets to the heart of what's wrong with politicians (telling you what they think will make you feel happy, sad, angry, etc.), but it also hits the nail on the head when we get to talking about regular people (non-"politicians") who tell you something they don't believe because it is what they think will get a desired reaction out of you.

I try to live an apolitical life, but like everyone, struggle from time to time. It's easy to tell people what they want to hear; very hard to tell them what you actually think. So I could tell you that you are very smart to get so many questions on Jeopardy right, but the apolitical thing to tell you is that you aren't smarter, Jeopardy is dumber.

Years ago when I watched Jeopardy, I felt dumb. Really dumb. I sat in amazement as contestants answered questions about subjects I didn't even realize existed. And I felt exhilaration when I actually knew an answer. But as the years have gone on, I've noticed that the questions have gotten easier and easier to answer. I'm not getting smarter. As a matter of fact, I seem to be getting dumber exponentially with each passing day as my now middle-aged brain dwindles.

I think the producers of the show have, for the sake of not making their television audience feel stupid (precisely what I treasured), made the questions substantially easier. I think they realized that more people would watch if the show made them feel good about themselves as opposed to bad about themselves. More viewers equals more advertisers, which means more revenue for the producers. If you doubt this at all, take the success of Wheel of Fortune as an example. This televised version of Hangman, is now in its 32nd year of its present incarnation. We're talking about a show where a woman touches monitors to make them light up; something that could easily be done remotely, but done here in an evening gown and high heels.

Jeopardy, which pretends to be the high road of game shows has actually lowered their standard as the years have passed. Take this question for instance:

What might be a somewhat difficult question about Don McLean's only real hit "American Pie" is made terrifically easy with the clue of "dessert." It's even easier (perhaps intentionally) if you read the question as "U.S. DESSERT."

A favorite clue that Jeopardy likes to throw in to an answer is "this Eiffel Tower city." For example: "This Eiffel Tower city was home to this Swiss painter and sculptor who was born in 1901." You don't have to know anything about art. This question is now a geography question, and a potentially difficult question about Alberto Giacometti is now a question my ten year old could probably answer.

Which leads me to my Sunday mornings. Sunday mornings for me are a big breakfast followed by Meet The Press at 10:00 and then This Week at 11:00. And just like the reason why I used to like to watch Jeopardy, I watch these shows because they make me feel stupid. Regardless of which commentators you side with as they debate the week's issues from politics, you can't deny that all of them are very educated. They make me feel stupid. I might not agree with all of them, but it's not a matter of them being uneducated about the issue.

Cue Donald Trump. This morning on Meet The Press, they interviewed Trump by phone and asked him about statements he made in his book from only a couple of years ago praising many persons who are now his competitors for president; the very people he now blasts as being terrifically unprepared for the Oval Office. Trump's response is what gave me a chuckle. He defended his previous praise of Hillary Clinton, Rand Paul, etc. as a requirement of him being a good businessman. He said that he wasn't going to say anything bad about them when he wrote the book because it wasn't good for his business. So he seems to be admitting that he was blowing smoke at these people to get their favor. Complimenting them so they would feel good and perhaps benefit him in his business dealings. That's exactly Patrick Lencioni's definition of being political, and something that should fly in the face of the 20% that support him because of his folksy straight talk and his outsider status as a "non-politician."

The other thing that struck me as funny during the segment on him, was a group of Trumpists who were interviewed together with regard to why they like Trump the candidate. A twenty-something male spoke up and said something to the effect of, "He's successful. I want to be successful like him." What's interesting to me about that perspective is the total lack of understanding of the fact that Trump has become "successful" by making others unsuccessful. It's the nature of competition; there has to be a winner and at least one loser.

Anyway, it all makes me laugh.