THE OLYMPICS have had their share of drama with China's covid restrictions, the latest Russian drug scandal (of course they are not really there-banned you know), favorites failing to medal, a hockey team of amateurs taking down Goliath, real snow screwing up the artificial snow course, complementary condoms, monotonous food and robot bartenders, half-naked Samoan. However, my favorite is the accusation that six female skiers were actually....wait for it... flying squirrels!
Apparently, the same ensemble they had been wearing in practice were suddenly deemed "too billowy" when the actual competition began. Right. Was this an attempt to stifle women's downhill or a pathetic bid to not outshine the guys or the host country (I guess 110 pounds can really "fly" when going downhill with 2 extra ounces of material). When I remember the olden days of skiing outfits, it is laughable. And for us weekend skiers a pair of old jeans and a winter coat sufficed as aerodynamics was not a thing particularly
POLITICAL SATIRE So now I know where the orange one's complaint about multiple flushes of modern commodes came from. In one of the sillier news stories of the week, apparently "filing" papers down the toilet takes more than one swirlie. Reminiscent of "every" cop show where the perps frantically flush their stash down the potty. Interesting how many words there are for the "place whereof we empty". Can you imagine the conversations? "Where did that sheet marked Top Secret go" "Why is this paper yellowing (or browning) so soon?" "Maintenance - trouble in flush city". Boggles the mind, though in keeping with his M.O., I doubt the Chief would claim any relationship or responsibility to busted flushers.
Never fear. Though inflation is rampant, meat packers (300%), car dealers, retailers, health insurers, financial and communications entities and oil companies are making record profits (i.e.NPR, etc.) The extra is going for higher wages and benefits.....for the CEO.
SWITCHING GEARS. Heard a news report about several firefighters injured in a house fire backdraft (which occurs when oxygen is exhausted and someone opens a door or window resulting in an explosion). Reminded me of a contentious conversation I experienced when performing supervisory training with Fire Officers about the inability to predict some hazardous situations during a fire. Rather at a loss as pre-planning and prevention are hallmarks of my profession. There is a reason why most of us are running "away" from a fire.
Though I never rode down the pole at the fire station (I was tempted) I did ride in the back of a fire truck and inside a few ambulances during my tenure. Donning turn-out gear and entering after the fire is out, I was amazed at how long heat is held in the structure after the fire is extinguished which explains why they stay around so long drinking coffee after a fire is supposedly out. I was also present at enough house fires to learn: 1) there is a very distinct odor when manufactured items (plastics, insulation) are burning compared to a straight wood fire that you never forget; and 2) a picture frame backing of cardboard can keep a fire from burning the wall behind it.
In another learning opportunity I found that adrenaline actually has a major impact on one's psyche in an emergency situation regardless of training. The folks there wanted me to research the possibility of a blow-out plug that could be pulled loose without harming the wall outlet. Asking why, they pointed out how they wrapped the electrical cord around the steering wheel of the ambulance to charge the equipment between runs. Ok. As there had been damaged plug and outlet on more than one occasion they believed they needed a backup plan. Which made me wonder if not noticing a wad of electrical cord wound around your steering wheel could also affect one's motor skills when driving to an emergency. Firefighters are a special breed, bless 'em, and it takes a special mindset. Of that I am convinced.
JOE-ISM. Unexpected snow day Friday, so when things cleared up we asked if the boy wanted to go sledding. As he left his snow pants and boots at school we reverted to bowling. When asked why he left his stuff at school he said "it's not logical to carry them back and forth" says the boy who gets dropped off and picked up.
As anticipated, my jury summons came through for next week, so we shall see what we shall see if disagreement with a verdict produces the same outcry as not liking the outcome of an election. Peace out and justice for all....
Mr & Mrs Cardinal out for Valentine's Dinner
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