Monday April 12, 2011 Amazon Kindle

I've been reading a lot lately. Thanks to my new Kindle from Amazon. As you all know I live in Greenville Mississippi, a vast wilderness of dollar stores and chain restaurants completely void of book stores except for the small best-seller section in Walmart and a very limited store that sells books mainly by Mississippi artists. My wife Angela and I often travel to Jackson Mississippi where we hit the book stores hardcore. Comparatively we have a music store or two with limited supplies. Thank God I already have the instruments of my dreams so I have no desire to look for and "fiddle" around with guitars when we go to Jackson. So, naturally we would have spent an hour or two (often longer) in Border's Books upon every visit. That is.. before we bought each other Kindles. At first I was a little worried that I would miss the feel of holding a nice new paperback. The smell of a new book always got me excited even though it was always a horrible smell of bleached flattened wood and ink. You know what? I didn't and still don't miss books a bit! Save a tree, buy a Kindle. One night I had just finished reading Bram Stoker's Dracula and I began to google vampires and their origins on my Kindle's browser. (Dracula was a free book by the way). Anyway, I stumbled across H.P. Lovecraft's name and decided I would read a few of his short stories seeing as I never had. Not only did I find a complete collection of his short stories but one that cost ONE DOLLAR! One dollar!? Oh I freaked out and now I'm currently reading more books than I can handle. I can't even finish one because as soon as the author of the book I'm currently reading references another book, it sends me on a witchhunt for the referred book. I'm so excited! I used to read encyclopedias when I was a kid and since then I have not enjoyed reading so much. I've read more books in the past few weeks than I've read in the past 5 years. I remember watching a television show on which a man stated that because of some new form of mathematics, we would learn more in the next ten years than humans have learned since the dawn of man! I think because of this new ease of information tranferrence, we are all getting to be more learned and intellegent. We haven't realized it just yet. We're learning more by googling and chatting than we ever have in classrooms. What I love about this vast ocean of information is that there should be no more excuses for ignorance. Of course, there have always been librarys but now... you can have a library in your purse or backpack. And the battery usually lasts a full MONTH on a single charge (as long as you remember to turn the wireless adapter off). Thanks Amazon! Five stars

Okay Where Did We Leave Off?

Wow! It has been a busy couple of Months: Career Change, Major Auto Repair, Arson Investigations, Playing Gigs left and right.. (I haven't told anyone because I've been playing with other bands.... so it's not technically me playing my music). I'm going to start telling you guys about every time I play though.. even if it's not MY music because I'm not just a singer/songwriter anyway. I like to spread out like smallpox.

Well, I have too much to say so I'm going to say it mostly with my favorite pics since my last blog.... enjoy. And I'll try to do better... Private Party in Maghee Arkansas (hope it's spelled right). The chicks dig me.
Lucy didn't want to leave the lake.


Played lead guitar for Alanna Mosley at Walnut Street Blues Bar.


Learned that replacing a timing belt on a VW Passat ain't worth the $1000.00 I saved.


Saw Junior Adams. Old friend from "Ye Olde Neighborhoode"


Inspected a huge scrap iron company! I got to be 5 years old again.

Realized just how influential the porn industry is on the "modern world". This device is named after a sex toy called the "Oral Exiter". (don't ask what it does and how I know this). Anyway I saw it in a very well known department store security room during an inspection.

Had a Fire Investigation seminar in Tunica. This was how you got into the rear of the hotel. Notice the scrapes from countless drunks entering through the back door after getting lost in the confusing hotel.

The hotel in Tunica had a bidet. I just had to do it. (And NO I didn't actually drink from it!) **(see "Pickles on Pizza's blog")

Ralph is an old guy who hangs out around Headquarters Fire Station. I was doing an inspection at Scott electric where Ralph "works." Mr. Scott, being a nice ole fella gives Ralph work to do which consists mainly of digging a hole in the yard and then filling it back up when he's through. I saw this sign in the bathroom and it just made my day.

Big Fire! Can't say. .. Don't Ask.

One of my favorite shots.

Getting ready to attack.


Todd had to dig a hole or two before we left. I can picture him with a green plastic shovel, yellow rubber boots, and a plastic red bucket. Day at the beach. Memorial Day.


Airport Grocery in Cleveland. Private party with "LazyBone".


Airport Grocery


Wide open at the Crawfish Festival in Leland, MS.

Brown Water Blues

My town is drying up.  You would never know it by the amount of cars you see every day.  The traffic is pretty rough if you consider the size of the town.  (Population wise that is).  Well now a bypass is being built which means everyone will soon be passing us by.  Maybe that's a good thing though.  Less traffic.  More peace and quiet.  Less damage to our streets.  Maybe the whole town will sleep better and because of it we'll all become clear headed and some intelligence will spawn somewhere in our brown water brains.  Yeah our tap water is brown by the way.  We're famous for it.  But the water is magical though.  For writers that is.  Legend is... if you drink it you will get a writing deal.  It doesn't apply to locals sadly.  It will render you insane if you drink too much.  You'll get so many ideas that you will never finish one.  You'll become so creative that you won't know where to start and where to end.  I swear!  It happened to me.   Of course it only makes you more of what you already are.  I.e.  if you're an idiot you may suffer permanent brain damage.  It's happened to so many people around here.... it's sad really.  Anyway if you ever make it out to this old run down town.  Get you a drink of the brown water.  If you think you can handle it.    SIP"  "ah.... that's good stuff"  

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An All Day Job

I recently had to do a fire safety inspection at the local hospital. DRMC.  It was an all day job!  I can't imagine inspecting a New York City hospital!  It was very interesting though.  First time I ever saw a morgue.  Call it a morbid fascination but I had to look inside one of the chambers.  No comment.  Sadly I had my first fire death as an investigator this past Sunday night.  Pretty sad but it was good experience.  Our first fire deaths of the new year.  Hopefully our last. (And my second look at the morgue).  The poor people couldn't get out of the house because of the security door and Windows.   At the same time we couldn't get in fast enough.  I can't stress how dangerous security bars are.  Sure they keep criminals out but they hold you hostage at the same time.  They're just not worth it.  I've had quite a few experiences lately that have brought me to realize the importance of my job as first, a safety inspector and second, a fire investigator.  As much as I hate being the bad guy.. all you business owners and daycare owners etc...  I'll be as sweet as I can be but don't even THINK you're going to run a dangerous business on MY watch!  Fire Marshal Aub Dawg is in yo hizzle,  all up in yo grizzle fo rizzle!  All day long!
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Two Dog Night

It's so friggin' frigid tonight! 17 degrees is about as cold as we southerners can handle. We had to bring the dogs in. They are living it up! Can you imagine if life were that simple for us? Just a warm bed and food to eat. Not even clothes. Not even underwear! Well I'm glad to have both. I do admit that it would be nice though... walking out to the mailbox... not completely naked just fur all over. Like a permanent set of footie pajamas of the most comfortable fabric growing through my skin. I'd never have to wash it. Just hop right into the shower and shake off the excess water.. towel off, blow dry and get straight into bed. Of course the whole genitals on the outside would be a matter but if people can walk down a beach and have picnics in the nude I guess I could get used to it. Well if it weren't for the fur shedding and the Cheetoes smell rising off these two furry animals lying around in our living room.... I think I would rather enjoy snuggling up to these mutts tonight! It wouldn't be quite a '3 dog night' but... its not really THAT cold anyway.


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About Pickles on Pizza

I thought I would take a moment of our time (mine and yours) to tell you a bit about our beloved "Pickles On Pizza.  I just got back from playing at an almost local restaurant the "Cow Pen".  It was a decent crowd.  Sold some cds and had a good time.  Anyway, when I got home Angela greeted me with open arms and some good reviews news about our 'swiss cheese cake'.  We had a quick dinner and she proceeded to make her cookies for tomorrow's bakery.   Maybe its the Patron or the ease of the 4 day weekend but I caught myself staring at her and grinning ear to ear tonight .   I love that there is a side to my cute cuddly significant other that only I know.  She's absolutely, hands down, (brand new puppy) adorable.  And she's my best friend.  I got all mushy feeling when I saw her in her apron baking cookies.  We have a rare. love that I believe few people experience or even understand.  I just had to get a plain old everyday .photo to share with you guys and gals.  Take a good look folks... that there's the love of my life. Oh and  we've been busy so mind the kitchen.

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Wal-Mart is Dead

New years day and I'm in Wal-Mart.  My heater went out in the studio so I treked down to get a new one.  If you don't know me you would think I love Wal-Mart by the countless hours I spend there.  In truth I'm just trying my best not to return a crappy product.   Sometimes I get paranoid with all the cameras staring at me.   If I spend too much time on a certain aisle I feel like they send the secret shopper around to see me.  Trust me my moms friends with one.... they do exist.  Maybe my paranoia comes from that time when I was with a friend who sorta plotted to steal a Nintendo cartridge.  Yep.  To make a long story short... I chickened out and later saw him crying with his arm locked in the firm grip of a security guard.  He got a years probation and I got a lifetime of supermarket shame.  We were about 9 years or younger of age.  Yeah that just about nipped theft in the bud for me.  So the point was....  Happy New year and can you believe how empty that aisle is?  

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Chickacarrabra

These amature photos were taken by an anonymous photographer in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in the quiet rural town of Greenville Mississippi. This photo is thought to be solid evidence of the existence of the elusive Chickacarrabra. Real or fake? You decide.

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Swiss Cheese Cake

Ok I know it's been a long time.  Sorry.  Been busy with the new job.  I'm finally settling down enough to start blogging again.  Here is something Angela and I made last night.  It's our first cake!  Were so proud!  Hope you like it and ill be on track again soon.

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What's Up DOC?

Well I started my new position this week as Assistant Fire Marshal. I'll have to admit that most of this week I was thinking that I made a mistake taking this position. All the time alone that I had on my two days off after a 24 hour shift at a fire station... gone. It's been hard adjusting. I've been on 24/48 shift work for the past 5 1/2 years! What was I thinking going back to 8 to 5? Anyway, I was really getting a little depressed about it this morning and my mind was not all that sharp. Today was also my first day on my own. The Fire Marshal took the day off and left me to inspect about 20 businesses. The first one of the day was a doctor's billing office which was supposed to be in this particular

building in section "C". I went inside and spoke to the first person I saw. He looked very busy but I didn't have the mentality to be polite. I found out he was in charge and I quickly informed him of my obligation to inspect his office. He didn't look too happy about it and seemed puzzled that I was there in the first place. So, I did my inspection and found that both fire extinguishers were expired for over a year. I told the guy that and he sort of gave me this, "ok but exactly who do you think you're talking to?" look. I guess he felt I was trying to bully him or something and I wondered why someone in charge of medical billing would be so irritated by my inspection. Anyway I told him I wouldn't fail

him if he could get the extinguishers inspected today and I would gladly come back this afternoon. That seemed to really piss him off but I just said: "hey that's HIS problem". So when I finally returned that afternoon I noticed right off when I walked into the door that there was a big bulletin board full of mug shots of "Wanted" suspects, which I thought was odd for a doctors office. Anyway, I talked to the guy and he said that the extinguishers were inspected and tagged and I inspected them and they were. I told him thank you and then exited the building. When I looked back I saw MDOC on the doorway above the door. Didn't see that this morning in my early funk of mind. I couldn't help but laugh. I went back in and informed him of my mistake and promised not to hassle them anymore t

his year. "At least you're up to date" I told him and he agreed and I left snapping the above pic. I never did find the doctors office though. It wasn't all my mistake the paper read 819 Main Suite C plain as day. I felt better after that. I think I will like this job. I'm giving it until next weekend before I start questioning my new career choice. Hopefully it will all work out. I'm still a little worried it will affect my music career but then again, unless I'm playing some major gigs I don't think I'll miss playing local bars and restaurants that much. Time will tell. When it does... I'll tell you all about it.

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What I'm Going to Miss

I thought I would take some pics of some things I would miss about the fire station and about being a firefighter.  The uncomfortable recliners?   The interrupted movies?  The 3 am snot-slingers?  I couldn't think of a whole lot I would miss here except for my crew.  I never shared a college dorm with room mates so I did gain an appreciation for the male comradery that came along with the shift work.  I will miss the guys.  Also engine 6 was my first truck I drove as an engineer.  Coincidentally it was just retired to rest at this very station with me.   I guess ill miss old engine 6.  I still say its the best truck we have..  rides like a Bitch but it rarely ran out of water...  1250 gallons can put out lots of fire.  Besides its a Pierce which any fireman knows is a much better truck than our newer smooth driving E Ones.  I've always said the Pierce was like having a vintage Mercedes rather than a brand new Dodge sedan.  It's the only truck that still has the original door handles.  Quality.  Well its 8:30 pm and nearing my last night at the station.  I hope to God we don't have a fire.  I hope we all get a good nights rest... the entire department,  the entire city, and all my friends, fans and family.   Love you all.  Captain Aubrey Holman... signing off.  

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We Got a New Fire Engine

I rode around all yesterday in this baby.  Fire station 6 got a new engine. Of course I'm not stationed at 6 anymore I was only working for another captain.  I am stationed today and tonight at station 5.  *see new station blog. After this shift I will have been at work for 48 hours.  Normally I would be a little crazy by now but I have some excellent news!  After this shift I will be off my usual 2 days and report to work Monday morning as Assistant Fire Marshal!  Yep I got promoted!  No more 24 hour shifts for me!  I'm 8 to 5 now.   Off on weekends but I will be on call some nights.    So enough about me..  the new truck drives like a Cadillac.  It holds plenty of water.  Over 1000 gallons.  We needed one badly.  It's our second new truck this year.  You know, if a town as poor as Greenville Mississippi can afford 2 new fire trucks and give 60 of its fire department members a raise during a financial drought, then why the hell can't our government manage our tax dollars with the same care?   Ah.... I'm too happy to complain about all that.   Later.

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Nothing special

<untitled>Ok I'm going to try this.I'm just testing thing out.  I'm hoping this is the kind of program that will allow me to type freely and then copy and paste into another application.  So far it seems to do the trick.  I'm really beginning to enjoy this little program.  

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Letter to Kenmore

To any and everyone at Sears and Kenmore:

I've owned my Kenmore "True" (drop-in) glass top stove for less than 16 months and the handle stripped off of it. I examined it and realized that it was a design flaw. The screws were too short and the plastic the handle was made of was too soft. I can already tell by the comments here:

http://www.epinions.com/msg/sec_~forums/show_~threads/cat_id_~17/id_~5493/forum_id_~409/pp_~2

that I will get no useful help on this matter. I assure you that I will fix it myself but I will never buy a single Sears, Kenmore, or any other related product as long as I live. This problem is not one of ignorance or even neglect it's a lack of basic human consideration towards the people who put food in your mouths. Make better products or you will fail as a business. Feel free to contact me if you care to keep or lose a lifelong customer and a future generation.. over a set of screws.

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I'm Alive!

Well of course we had a fire last night. Several in town actually. And they were this morning actually. The first that I heard about was one of my firefighter's rental properties. He left to tend to that and I rolled over, said "ok" and fell back asleep. That was about 4 am. My engineer (driver/operator) woke me at 5:30 am and told me that we had a house fire to tend to. I never heard the fire phone or even the radio crackle so it seemed sort of unreal. In fact all I knew when I got in the truck was that we were going to a fire. I assumed, because of all the radio traffic that we would be second or third on the scene. I was wrong. All the other companies were at the other 2 fires! We were the first on scene and the entire back corner of the house was blazing. Worst part was that there was a family supposedly still inside. I kicked the front door in while my firefighter began the attack. It was too hot and there was too much smoke and fire to go any further than a few steps into the living room so I pulled a second line of hoses around the other side of the house and attacked the fire until it was down enough to do a quick search. "Where the _____is everyone?" , I said out loud to myself. I knew it was foolish and against department policy to go in alone but I had to even though I thought it was too late. We're trained to do a right-hand search pattern so I put my axe under my arm, held my flashlight in my right hand and stepped into the blackness. Not to brag but I never get scared or even nervous at fires and I had no reason to be scared so I did my thing and searched the first 3 rooms. Even in broad daylight a fully involved burning house is as dark as any cave. With my flashlight I could see about two feet in front of me. The house was bigger than I thought. The 3rd room was huge compared to the other child-sized rooms before. I took a few steps in and I heard my air pack whistling. That sound meant that (under normal circumstances) I should have about 5 minutes of air left..... only it went off way too soon. It had been leaking... For the first time in my six year firefighting career I was afraid. I immediately turned around and headed back down the hallway towards the entrance. All was well until, what should have been an open entrance to the living room, ended up being a bathroom. My heart quickened a bit and I backed out and headed left again but ended up in an entirely different room... I backed out of that room and headed left again. Surely the entrance was right there..but it wasn't. Just a wall. I stood there a second and gathered my thoughts. 'calm down and figure a way out or you're going to die in this house". Sounds discouraging but I needed a wake up call and I was alone. I knew that if my air ran out my mask would suck to my face and there would be no one to keep me from tearing it off filling my lungs with super heated air and smoke. That's when the real panic sets in. That's the reason we find bodies under beds an in closets. That's how a mother or father can leave their children behind in a burning house. It's instinct. Instinct is not something you want to rely on in a house-fire. So I told myself to calm down, take a breath, slow my breathing and heart rate and find my way out. Still I just couldn't seem to get back on track. It would be at least 10 minutes or even longer before anyone would even notice I was gone. I was sure no one even saw me go in. I've never felt so alone in my life. I cursed myself for being so stupid. I cursed myself for having no sense of direction. I get lost in shoe stores! What the hell am I doing alone in a burning house? Why am I even a captain? How did I get this far? I made one last attempt to back track my way out but still I ran into a wall... I forgot my radio. I couldn't even call for help. I nearly lost it. I was going to die. I thought of Paul Smith... station 8 was named after him. I would be the next fireman to have something named after. But I was not going out like that... lonely crying.. I had an axe and by God I was going to pick a room and chop my way out! Only my mask was tightening on my mouth like a huge hand slowly closing over my mouth. I would run out of air after the third swing.... Think.. think... I heard water splashing! The fire was at the left rear of the house so.... there was at least a reference point! I kept the sound at about 11 o clock and made my way across a room and there it was. The window I'd opened earlier out back to put the fire out. I don't remember if it was daylight or fire that I saw from the outside but it looked just fine to me. I leaned my head out of the window, pulled my mask off and shouted, 'how much have you knocked down?" The captain on the nozzle said, "not much!" All was well. I pulled my air pack off, threw it out of the window along with my axe and dove head first onto the safety of the soaked back lawn. By now the house was blazing. I ran around front and an engineer loaded me up with another air tank. That's when we noticed the air leak. Until then I thought I was just breathing too hard. After a new air pack I went to help the other team who had arrived and were trying to control the fire. After the fire was under control I did a thorough search. No one was in the house. Thinking about it now I can't help but laugh at how I got so lost in such a small area. However I made a promise to myself and my wife (not out loud) that I will never enter another burning building alone. I'm alive to fight another fire.... yeah... now I know I can handle it. Now its me time.... where's my guitar?

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Other Pics from Fire

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