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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 01/21/2014 11:23:33
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,489th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualties from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,307
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,108
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
$1, 507, 165, 225, 000 .00
I'm going to continue to run the table, so today's stories will likely end up having little to do with each other. But we'll head south to start, to a airbase in the wee state of Delaware. Nearly every deceased soldier returning from war has flown through Dover AFB. Of course, they are all accorded the solemn respect that those who made the ultimate sacrifice have earned. A very special group of American personnel carries out this somber duty. Not surprisingly, war takes it's toll on them as well...despite having never left the United States nor fired a shot in anger.
Shifting 180 degrees from those who gave their all to those who take all they can, we'll head north to Massachusetts. It's a local story that you probably haven't heard about, but there's been a years-long fight in this Commonwealth over whether or not to legalize and allow casino gambling. It's taken almost as long for several entities to go through the permitting and development proposal process, and it seems the home stretch is in sight. It might help the negotiation process if you had a prominent citizen on your side...say, a combat veteran...unless of course, he's a total fraud.
Finally this morning, a wee bit of history. These United States have often been in the forefront of aviation development for war. Besides inventing the thing, we've done many things with our aircraft that nobody on Earth is even capable of. But along the way, there have been more than a few "evolutionary dead ends". We've all heard of the ill-fated Hindenburg, but how many of you out there know that the US Navy once had a fleet of dirigibles, too?
Today is our 4,489th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualties from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,307
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,108
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
I'm going to continue to run the table, so today's stories will likely end up having little to do with each other. But we'll head south to start, to a airbase in the wee state of Delaware. Nearly every deceased soldier returning from war has flown through Dover AFB. Of course, they are all accorded the solemn respect that those who made the ultimate sacrifice have earned. A very special group of American personnel carries out this somber duty. Not surprisingly, war takes it's toll on them as well...despite having never left the United States nor fired a shot in anger.
"We deal with death here," said Col. John Devillier, commander of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, or AFMAO, the Dover, Del.-based organization that serves as the Defense Department's primary mortuary. "This is a tough place to work. There's no other organization in the DOD that sees the war the way we do.
"I cry a lot," he said.
One of his veteran sergeants had to stop to compose herself when asked about how she deals with facing so many fallen troops.
"I try not to put too much into it," said Master Sgt. Elvira Jameson, who helps dress remains for burial in picture-perfect uniforms. "Sometimes, there's no way around it. You see things that are there; you've just got to look through it, and press on."
Jameson, a member of Dover's 512th Airlift Wing who has been temporarily assigned to mortuary affairs operations five times, was here when the military and civilian casualties from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks began arriving. "That was devastating," she said.
Devillier and his 108 workers operate what amounts to the Defense Department's No. 1 funeral home. Next door, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, or AFMES, conducts autopsies and forensic examinations and, upstairs, operates the military's largest DNA lab.
It's tough work that wears on even the steeliest minds. Workers at civilian morgues and funeral homes rarely see the sorts of devastation that war can wreak on a body.
"I must admit, I was shocked. I was just shocked," said Army Col. Ladd Tremaine, a forensic pathologist and the director of AFMES, referring to 2006, his first year with the organization. "It's really hard to process and describe. I mean, they're feelings."
For Navy Capt. Stephen Robinson, a veteran medical pathologist who's been with AFMES since 2004, a difficult moment came when one of the troops shared his son's name.
"One of the decedents had my son's name. Same name. Very disturbing. Especially since he was about the same age my son was then. ... That one bothered me for a couple of weeks, actually."
It's important, some workers say, to not push the sadness away but rather acknowledge it, and allow oneself to feel empathy for the fallen.
"You have good days and bad days with it," said the 512th's Senior Master Sgt. Antoinette Worthey, who has been assigned to AFMAO about 10 times since 2003 and, like Jameson, worked a variety of jobs, such as overseeing the placement of dressed remains into caskets. "If you're ever to the point where you don't have those bad days, it's probably not the place for you to work."
Shifting 180 degrees from those who gave their all to those who take all they can, we'll head north to Massachusetts. It's a local story that you probably haven't heard about, but there's been a years-long fight in this Commonwealth over whether or not to legalize and allow casino gambling. It's taken almost as long for several entities to go through the permitting and development proposal process, and it seems the home stretch is in sight. It might help the negotiation process if you had a prominent citizen on your side...say, a combat veteran...unless of course, he's a total fraud.
In August of 2007, C. Douglas Sterner's attention was drawn to a story in a Connecticut newspaper about a decorated Vietnam veteran at the forefront of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's fledgling casino pursuit.
Of interest to Sterner, himself the recipient of two Bronze Stars in that war, was a reference to then Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chairman Glenn Marshall earning not only the Silver Star, one of the military's highest honors, but also five Purple Hearts — the medal given to soldiers and Marines injured by the enemy in battle.
Something in that story in The Day newspaper didn't jibe with Sterner, who has worked for nearly a decade to do what the military has never done — create a database of medal recipients called the Hall of Valor. He'd never heard of the Marines handing out so many Purple Hearts.
He used his connections to do some research and quickly found Marshall's story had the all-too-familiar whiff of a phony. He tried, with little success, to tell The Day reporter she'd been duped.
Six days later, the Cape Cod Times reported Marshall's biography was littered with embellishments. He had indeed served in Vietnam, but for four months. His frequently told story about being at the Battle of Khe Sanh in the spring of 1968 — to Vietnam-era Marines what Iwo Jima was to the few and proud in World War II — was completely bogus. Marshall was a senior at Lawrence High School in Falmouth while Marines fought back against the 77-day onslaught, the Times reported.
Marshall's lying, as well as a 1980 rape that was also uncovered by the Times, led to him initially stepping aside temporarily as tribe chairman and, ultimately, being ousted.
Sterner's role in uncovering Marshall's embellishments is detailed in a chapter of a new book written by him, his wife Pam Sterner and author Michael Mink called "Restoring Valor." The book is due to be released early next month by Skyhorse Publishing in New York.
"Stolen valor is still misunderstood. A lot of people see it as harmless — soldiers tell war stories — and not being as prevalent as it is or a major concern," Sterner said. "I took this on to help people realize that it is a prevalent and serious problem. It's not the lie. It's what they use it for."
Finally this morning, a wee bit of history. These United States have often been in the forefront of aviation development for war. Besides inventing the thing, we've done many things with our aircraft that nobody on Earth is even capable of. But along the way, there have been more than a few "evolutionary dead ends". We've all heard of the ill-fated Hindenburg, but how many of you out there know that the US Navy once had a fleet of dirigibles, too?
MACON, Ga. - A model ship in a large glass display case dominates the lobby of the former Macon City Hall: the USS Macon, a World War II-era cruiser named for the city.
Yet that was not the only USS Macon. Another U.S. Navy vessel, even larger than the 674-foot warship, plied the skies a decade before the cruiser was commissioned.
Despite that, no local monument stands to the rigid-framed, helium-filled dirigible that crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Feb. 12, 1935.
The flying USS Macon was a bold experiment, leading-edge technology for its time, said Bill Stubkjaer, curator of the Moffett Field Museum in Sunnyvale, Calif.
During its short working career, the airship was based at the field later named for U.S. Navy Adm. William Moffett, an advocate of airships killed in the 1933 crash of the USS Akron, the USS Macon's sister ship.
At one time, years ago, a large photograph of the airship USS Macon -- designated the ZRS-5 -- hung in City Hall, recently renamed the Macon-Bibb County Government Center. But where that picture went, no one seems to know.
Commissioner Ed DeFore, who served 42 years as a Macon city councilman before taking a seat on the new Macon-Bibb County Commission, said he has a vague memory of it as one of many displays that cycled through City Hall. A picture may also have hung at the city's Downtown Airport, he said.
But airport manager Doug Faour said someone familiar with local aviation history told him the USS Macon's picture was displayed at City Hall and not at the airport.
Nor is it commemorated at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, said Bill Paul, the museum's collections manager.
"I don't think we really have anything on it," he said. But there are a few things at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., Paul said.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 13:03:15
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 13:03:15
TriSec, thanks for a great blog!!
I agree that stolen valor is a serious issue. A person who lies about a military record will likely lie about other things as well.
I agree that stolen valor is a serious issue. A person who lies about a military record will likely lie about other things as well.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 13:54:59
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 13:54:59
Morning 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 13:59:23
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 13:59:23
Of course I knew about the Macon. 
Comment by 
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:01:29
Good morning!
No snow here yet.
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:01:29
Good morning! No snow here yet.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:11:30
I'd prefer we didn't get any.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:11:30
Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
I'd prefer we didn't get any.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 14:19:51
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:19:51
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:19:59
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:19:59
Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 14:30:26
Surprisingly the local media isn't all 
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:30:26
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:31:21
That guy was awesome.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:31:21
That guy was awesome.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:33:51
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:33:51
Quote by Raine:Surprisingly the local media isn't allQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:37:17
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:37:17
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:41:00
Mala you have a point. Starting during the day snow is the worst.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:41:00
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Surprisingly the local media isn't allQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
Mala you have a point. Starting during the day snow is the worst.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 14:44:15
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 14:44:15
Mornin' all..
bad way to start the morning.. I'm standing in line at Dunkin, and they have Fox & Friends on. They're doing some bit about companies that are hiring, and they mention Kellogs is hiring for their Memphis plant.
Yes, this is the same plant that is currently in the midst of a lockout of unionized workers. So...they are hiring scabs.
bad way to start the morning.. I'm standing in line at Dunkin, and they have Fox & Friends on. They're doing some bit about companies that are hiring, and they mention Kellogs is hiring for their Memphis plant.Yes, this is the same plant that is currently in the midst of a lockout of unionized workers. So...they are hiring scabs.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 14:52:41
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:52:41
This comment made me laugh:
if you have to work, your free pass to complain about working on a snow day.
On behalf of the private sector, I hate you all.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 14:54:33
WTOP, I love them but yes, they do engage in the hyperbole.
Mala, are you looking into a hotel just in case, for later?
Raine on 01/21/2014 14:54:33
Quote by wickedpam:
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
Mala, are you looking into a hotel just in case, for later?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:54:53
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 14:54:53
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:55:18
and to top it off I know our sales reps are at home calling accounts not out in the market.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:55:18
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Surprisingly the local media isn't allQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
Mala you have a point. Starting during the day snow is the worst.
and to top it off I know our sales reps are at home calling accounts not out in the market.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:58:51
No. we'll have to go home. Pretty much everything has to work around mom's insulin and her dislike of having to travel with it. So home we'll go. My mom may not appear high maintenance but I swear there are times she's worse then Paris Hilton.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 14:58:51
Quote by Raine:WTOP, I love them but yes, they do engage in the hyperbole.Quote by wickedpam:
four letters - WTOP
And to be quite honest, I'm at work and very anxious about driving home later. We will not get out early. These are times I wish the office were closer to home.
Mala, are you looking into a hotel just in case, for later?
No. we'll have to go home. Pretty much everything has to work around mom's insulin and her dislike of having to travel with it. So home we'll go. My mom may not appear high maintenance but I swear there are times she's worse then Paris Hilton.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2014 15:00:09
They're already cancelling & postponing stuff here and in CT for today, and the snow's not even supposed to start until early evening here!
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 15:00:09
Quote by Raine:Surprisingly the local media isn't allQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
They're already cancelling & postponing stuff here and in CT for today, and the snow's not even supposed to start until early evening here!
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 15:11:01
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 15:11:01
and its started - about an hour earlier then weather.com said it would
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 15:11:08
SNOW IS HERE
Raine on 01/21/2014 15:11:08
SNOW IS HERE
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 15:16:17
Yeah commuter trains from WVA to DC have been canceled. My friend Amy can't get to work today.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 15:16:17
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Surprisingly the local media isn't allQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
No snow here yet.
Has the BREAKINGSNOWMAGGEDON201424/7IMPORTANTNEWSYOUNEEDNOWCOVERAGE! started?
They're already cancelling & postponing stuff here and in CT for today, and the snow's not even supposed to start until early evening here!
Yeah commuter trains from WVA to DC have been canceled. My friend Amy can't get to work today.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 15:38:31
Neo In The Matrix • 24 minutes ago −
Raine on 01/21/2014 15:38:31
Quote by Raine:Woah.Quote by Scoopster:
Ezra Klein is leaving WaPo
Neo In The Matrix • 24 minutes ago −
Great. Now we're going to end up with another ultra liberal biased news organization to carry obama's water.
Disgusting, and yes, so sad...
America, rightward!
wpb
You don't even make sense!
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/21/2014 15:44:11
Hrm? 'round these parts, we run more trains when it snows. Hizzoner doesn't want people driving into the city when it snows. [Boston]. Besides, rail travel is far more reliable than road in conditions like this. What's the commuter agency down there?
And of course, working in a snow-dependent retail shop, I say Bring it ON!
TriSec on 01/21/2014 15:44:11
Quote by Mondobubba:
Yeah commuter trains from WVA to DC have been canceled. My friend Amy can't get to work today.
Hrm? 'round these parts, we run more trains when it snows. Hizzoner doesn't want people driving into the city when it snows. [Boston]. Besides, rail travel is far more reliable than road in conditions like this. What's the commuter agency down there?
And of course, working in a snow-dependent retail shop, I say Bring it ON!
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2014 15:51:31
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 15:51:31
Jeez.. this snow is coming a LOT faster than they said it would. The radar has it already covering CT and into the bottom corner of RI!
Comment by BobR on 01/21/2014 15:53:46
The bulk of it seems to be veering north of us. Areas north and west of us (including Balmore) will get it a lot worse than we will.
BobR on 01/21/2014 15:53:46
Quote by Scoopster:
Jeez.. this snow is coming a LOT faster than they said it would. The radar has it already covering CT and into the bottom corner of RI!
The bulk of it seems to be veering north of us. Areas north and west of us (including Balmore) will get it a lot worse than we will.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 15:57:54
Not subways, real trains. You with conductors and engine drivers and brakemen.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 15:57:54
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Yeah commuter trains from WVA to DC have been canceled. My friend Amy can't get to work today.
Hrm? 'round these parts, we run more trains when it snows. Hizzoner doesn't want people driving into the city when it snows. [Boston]. Besides, rail travel is far more reliable than road in conditions like this. What's the commuter agency down there?
And of course, working in a snow-dependent retail shop, I say Bring it ON!
Not subways, real trains. You with conductors and engine drivers and brakemen.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2014 16:11:24
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 16:11:24
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 16:12:16
I hope he was. Louisiana can keep him all to themselves.
Raine on 01/21/2014 16:12:16
Quote by Scoopster:
Diaper Dandy David is leaving the Senate to run for LA-Gov..
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 16:14:06
Raine on 01/21/2014 16:14:06
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 16:17:01
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 16:17:01
In NW Indiana, we may get a foot of snow but the wind chill is what will hurt us. It was clocked at -20 earlier.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 16:23:35
Indeed, good sir. We have a vast, multi-state network feeding into both North and South stations....I rode the Fitchburg/Gardner branch for many a year. I would reasonably reliably make the connection to the subway in Cambridge in about 15 minutes from Waltham.
TriSec on 01/21/2014 16:23:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Not subways, real trains. You with conductors and engine drivers and brakemen.
Indeed, good sir. We have a vast, multi-state network feeding into both North and South stations....I rode the Fitchburg/Gardner branch for many a year. I would reasonably reliably make the connection to the subway in Cambridge in about 15 minutes from Waltham.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 16:55:08
Raine on 01/21/2014 16:55:08
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 16:57:10
Raine on 01/21/2014 16:57:10
Quote by Raine:
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:09:13
Well, um.. at least he's a black guy?
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:09:13
Well, um.. at least he's a black guy?
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 17:12:00
Raine on 01/21/2014 17:12:00
Quote by Mondobubba:
Well, um.. at least he's a black guy?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:32:40
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:32:40
Oh, man! Gordon Ramsey didn't have porn star dwarf look alike who was eaten by badgers.
DAMNIT!
Mondo regrets his error.
DAMNIT!
Mondo regrets his error.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:40:09
While the distance from Providence to Boston is about 18 miles less from distance from Shepardstown to Silver Spring (where Amy lives to where she works) the population density is significantly less than in the Greater Boston Co-Prosperity Sphere. This mean less trains traveling through a much more decidedly rural parts of both West Virginia and Maryland.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 17:40:09
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Not subways, real trains. You with conductors and engine drivers and brakemen.
Indeed, good sir. We have a vast, multi-state network feeding into both North and South stations....I rode the Fitchburg/Gardner branch for many a year. I would reasonably reliably make the connection to the subway in Cambridge in about 15 minutes from Waltham.
While the distance from Providence to Boston is about 18 miles less from distance from Shepardstown to Silver Spring (where Amy lives to where she works) the population density is significantly less than in the Greater Boston Co-Prosperity Sphere. This mean less trains traveling through a much more decidedly rural parts of both West Virginia and Maryland.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 17:41:30
TriSec on 01/21/2014 17:41:30
Massachusetts poised to become hotbed of voter fraud!
Why, I can't wait to vote early and often next time!
It was great day for election modernization and voting rights in Massachusetts yesterday. By a vote of 37 to 1, the Senate passed a comprehensive election modernization bill (S.1975) that included online voter registration and early voting (passed in the House version late last year) as well as pre-registration, Election Day Registration, post-election audits, and permanent registration. These reforms will go a long way in expanding voter access, increasing voter participation and ensuring accurate election results.
Why, I can't wait to vote early and often next time!
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 17:52:06
Forget it, he's rolling.
Raine on 01/21/2014 17:52:06
Quote by Mondobubba:
While the distance from Providence to Boston is about 18 miles less from distance from Shepardstown to Silver Spring (where Amy lives to where she works) the population density is significantly less than in the Greater Boston Co-Prosperity Sphere. This mean less trains traveling through a much more decidedly rural parts of both West Virginia and Maryland.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 17:54:36
TriSec on 01/21/2014 17:54:36
Herr Mondo, trains work the same way in urban and rural environments. We're getting more snow than Virginia/Maryland, I'd wager. The MBTA will have trains running all night to keep the tracks clear for the morning. We do have wedge plows and one rotary for extreme conditions, but I've never seen them out on the mainline.
But then there's "Trackzilla", which is a utility railcar with a GE J-79 mounted at a 45 degree angle to blast hot jet exaust at the "points" in order to melt any ice accumulating in the track switches...
But then there's "Trackzilla", which is a utility railcar with a GE J-79 mounted at a 45 degree angle to blast hot jet exaust at the "points" in order to melt any ice accumulating in the track switches...
Comment by BobR on 01/21/2014 18:01:43
You know why Atlanta shuts down when they get 3 inches of snow? They don't have a lot of snow plows and salt trucks. Why don't they have a lot of them? Because it doesn't make sense to invest in that much equipment when it only gets used 1-2 days / year.
Same goes for train track equipment for dealing with heavy snows. Why would VA transit buy something they might only need 1 day every other year?
BobR on 01/21/2014 18:01:43
Quote by TriSec:
Herr Mondo, trains work the same way in urban and rural environments. We're getting more snow than Virginia/Maryland, I'd wager. The MBTA will have trains running all night to keep the tracks clear for the morning. We do have wedge plows and one rotary for extreme conditions, but I've never seen them out on the mainline.
But then there's "Trackzilla", which is a utility railcar with a GE J-79 mounted at a 45 degree angle to blast hot jet exaust at the "points" in order to melt any ice accumulating in the track switches...
You know why Atlanta shuts down when they get 3 inches of snow? They don't have a lot of snow plows and salt trucks. Why don't they have a lot of them? Because it doesn't make sense to invest in that much equipment when it only gets used 1-2 days / year.
Same goes for train track equipment for dealing with heavy snows. Why would VA transit buy something they might only need 1 day every other year?
Comment by BobR on 01/21/2014 18:03:19
BobR on 01/21/2014 18:03:19
This is the same reasoning that lots of houses up north don't have central air conditioning.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 18:13:17
Best.use.of.clip.EVER!
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 18:13:17
Quote by Raine:Forget it, he's rolling.Quote by Mondobubba:
While the distance from Providence to Boston is about 18 miles less from distance from Shepardstown to Silver Spring (where Amy lives to where she works) the population density is significantly less than in the Greater Boston Co-Prosperity Sphere. This mean less trains traveling through a much more decidedly rural parts of both West Virginia and Maryland.
Best.use.of.clip.EVER!
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 18:21:21
TriSec on 01/21/2014 18:21:21
Rrrgh! This has nothing to do with snowplows!
Trains will run through many inches of snow without using a plow - they merely need to run one down the line every hour or so. It's when the trains don't run and the snow accumulates that a plow is needed. And even then, what passes for a "cowcatcher" underneath most diesels will suffice.
I think your transit agency is being lazy, folks.
And I *do* have central air.
Trains will run through many inches of snow without using a plow - they merely need to run one down the line every hour or so. It's when the trains don't run and the snow accumulates that a plow is needed. And even then, what passes for a "cowcatcher" underneath most diesels will suffice.
I think your transit agency is being lazy, folks.
And I *do* have central air.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 18:32:12
Lazy?
Dude, I'm a yankee and I gotta tell you, I don't even say that to Southerners.
Try looking up the schedule of the VRE. It's a weekday commuting line. It's a cost benefit thing: If they only run it 10 times over 24 hrs, why would they run trains constantly just to clear the tracks? To do otherwise is stupid and wasteful -- not lazy.
Not everything is supposed to be just like your Commonwealth. We are talking about 2 states, a mountain range and a different region altogether. It's still called the South.
Raine on 01/21/2014 18:32:12
Quote by TriSec:
Rrrgh! This has nothing to do with snowplows!
Trains will run through many inches of snow without using a plow - they merely need to run one down the line every hour or so. It's when the trains don't run and the snow accumulates that a plow is needed. And even then, what passes for a "cowcatcher" underneath most diesels will suffice.
I think your transit agency is being lazy, folks.
And I *do* have central air.
Lazy?
Dude, I'm a yankee and I gotta tell you, I don't even say that to Southerners.
Try looking up the schedule of the VRE. It's a weekday commuting line. It's a cost benefit thing: If they only run it 10 times over 24 hrs, why would they run trains constantly just to clear the tracks? To do otherwise is stupid and wasteful -- not lazy.
Not everything is supposed to be just like your Commonwealth. We are talking about 2 states, a mountain range and a different region altogether. It's still called the South.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 18:39:09
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 18:39:09
Here in Northwest Indiana, we are having the lake effect snow continuing through mid afternoon. I spent an hour shoveling.
In some bad news, there is a report of a shooting at the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
In some bad news, there is a report of a shooting at the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/21/2014 18:40:26
livingonli on 01/21/2014 18:40:26
It sucks up here and it's not going to be fun driving to work or driving home tonight but at least I will be off the next two days after tonight to recover my senses.
Comment by BobR on 01/21/2014 18:42:00
What Raine said - this line really only runs during rush hours. I wish it ran more often, because it would be nice to make use of it on the weekend, but their just isn't enough demand to warrant the expense of running it then.
And where I grew up inupstate NY the western tier, very few houses had central air. Ours didn't. You might see the occasional window unit. Up there, people spend money on space heaters, not A/C units. It's a matter of priorities bumping up against a fixed budget.
BobR on 01/21/2014 18:42:00
Quote by TriSec:
Rrrgh! This has nothing to do with snowplows!
Trains will run through many inches of snow without using a plow - they merely need to run one down the line every hour or so. It's when the trains don't run and the snow accumulates that a plow is needed. And even then, what passes for a "cowcatcher" underneath most diesels will suffice.
I think your transit agency is being lazy, folks.
And I *do* have central air.
What Raine said - this line really only runs during rush hours. I wish it ran more often, because it would be nice to make use of it on the weekend, but their just isn't enough demand to warrant the expense of running it then.
And where I grew up in
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2014 18:45:35
Not again....
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 18:45:35
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Here in Northwest Indiana, we are having the lake effect snow continuing through mid afternoon. I spent an hour shoveling.
In some bad news, there is a report of a shooting at the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Not again....
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 18:48:02
TriSec on 01/21/2014 18:48:02
Grunt.
Just seems ridiculous to me. But then I have the same issues in this city (Waltham) when the mayor declares a "snow emergency" based on a 4-inch forecast. The last time, we didn't even get a dusting.
If it makes you happy, I expect the Green Line (surface light rail) to be in a shambles tomorrow, but that's a trolley line - they don't do too well in the snow.
In other news, did you all see the photos I posted on the ol' Book of Face from this past weekend? A fine time was had by all!
Just seems ridiculous to me. But then I have the same issues in this city (Waltham) when the mayor declares a "snow emergency" based on a 4-inch forecast. The last time, we didn't even get a dusting.
If it makes you happy, I expect the Green Line (surface light rail) to be in a shambles tomorrow, but that's a trolley line - they don't do too well in the snow.
In other news, did you all see the photos I posted on the ol' Book of Face from this past weekend? A fine time was had by all!
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 19:02:15
Liv be careful driving tonight.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 19:02:15
Quote by livingonli:
It sucks up here and it's not going to be fun driving to work or driving home tonight but at least I will be off the next two days after tonight to recover my senses.
Liv be careful driving tonight.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 19:06:53
TriSec on 01/21/2014 19:06:53
Hasn't even started snowing here yet.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 19:32:35
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 19:32:35
Okay guys we are finally closing - let you know when I get home
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 19:34:18
Good luck getting home, Mala. Be safe!
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 19:34:18
Quote by wickedpam:
Okay guys we are finally closing - let you know when I get home
Good luck getting home, Mala. Be safe!
Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2014 19:36:52
livingonli on 01/21/2014 19:36:52
Safe travels, Mala!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 19:39:02
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 19:39:02
I am taking a lunch break from shoveling, and checking on jobs. I just applied to two jobs out East -- proofreader with Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston and Education Fund Programming Associate at J Street in Washington DC, in addition to checking on several local teaching jobs. (If anything happens, I will let all of you know. You have been a great support to me, especially of late with the passing of my friend. I forgot to share it last week, but I did do a memorial post on the message board where I first meet him.)
Meanwhile, police earlier asked motorists to stay off of Interstate 80 in Lake County, IN. The snow is diminishing now, so I imagine all will be fine.
Meanwhile, police earlier asked motorists to stay off of Interstate 80 in Lake County, IN. The snow is diminishing now, so I imagine all will be fine.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 19:52:10
TriSec on 01/21/2014 19:52:10
You know I read a lot of military news for "Ask a Vet". There have been reams of stories about the Olympics, to the point now that I'm starting to get the distinct impression that some quarters are going to be disappointed if there is not a terrorist attack at Sochi.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:10:47
You are not the only one.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:10:47
Quote by TriSec:
You know I read a lot of military news for "Ask a Vet". There have been reams of stories about the Olympics, to the point now that I'm starting to get the distinct impression that some quarters are going to be disappointed if there is not a terrorist attack at Sochi.
You are not the only one.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:40:38
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:40:38
Tri, did you know there was a movie that featured the USS Macon? Here Comes the Navy staring Jimmy Cagney and Pat O'Brien. I have actually seen it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:42:17
Speaking of rigid airships filled with safe helium...
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 20:42:17
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2014 20:51:17
Scoopster on 01/21/2014 20:51:17
clintster
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 20:52:38
He treats his momma good too.
He's a good man. His acting, meh -- but I totally respect him as a human being who has done good with his wealth.
Raine on 01/21/2014 20:52:38
Quote by BobR:
That tough guy thing is only an act
He's a good man. His acting, meh -- but I totally respect him as a human being who has done good with his wealth.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 20:55:58
Raine on 01/21/2014 20:55:58
You and Clint owe each other a beer.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 20:58:21
Raine on 01/21/2014 20:58:21
Christie MUST be crappinig his pants right about now.
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2014 20:59:41
TriSec on 01/21/2014 20:59:41
*chortle*
I saw a link on the side of the Virginia acticle referencing "major" snowfall of 5 - 10 inches. (Yes, I realize it's perception.)
But based on our railway disagreements earlier, just sharing our local news perspective.
Under an inch is generally dismissed and derided.
Under 3 inches is considered a "dusting".
Between 4 inches and a foot is "Plowable snow".
12-18 inches is "Significant"
And anything more than that is "Major snowstorm".
But our guys also tell us the general moisture content...because 10 inches of light, powdery stuff is often easier to deal with than 4 inches of heavy, wet snow.
I saw a link on the side of the Virginia acticle referencing "major" snowfall of 5 - 10 inches. (Yes, I realize it's perception.)
But based on our railway disagreements earlier, just sharing our local news perspective.
Under an inch is generally dismissed and derided.
Under 3 inches is considered a "dusting".
Between 4 inches and a foot is "Plowable snow".
12-18 inches is "Significant"
And anything more than that is "Major snowstorm".
But our guys also tell us the general moisture content...because 10 inches of light, powdery stuff is often easier to deal with than 4 inches of heavy, wet snow.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 21:02:12
Raine on 01/21/2014 21:02:12
(I have to use this Scoop.)
Blago went to jail for less than what transvag bob did and BOTH did FAR less than what we are seeing from Christie.
Let the plotzing begin.
Blago went to jail for less than what transvag bob did and BOTH did FAR less than what we are seeing from Christie.
Let the plotzing begin.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 21:22:01
Yes! Yes, I have. I have many feeds on BoF devoted to this, as well as related topics.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 21:22:01
Quote by Raine:
Mondo, did you see this?
Yes! Yes, I have. I have many feeds on BoF devoted to this, as well as related topics.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 21:23:39
So, we do know what the Rock is cooking.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 21:23:39
Quote by Raine:He treats his momma good too.Quote by BobR:
That tough guy thing is only an act
He's a good man. His acting, meh -- but I totally respect him as a human being who has done good with his wealth.
So, we do know what the Rock is cooking.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:35:55
Yes, and I think that it would be nice if Blago can start fluffing up the pillows for McDonnell and Chritie.
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:35:55
Quote by Raine:
(I have to use this Scoop.)
Blago went to jail for less than what transvag bob did and BOTH did FAR less than what we are seeing from Christie.
Let the plotzing begin.
Yes, and I think that it would be nice if Blago can start fluffing up the pillows for McDonnell and Chritie.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 21:53:00
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 21:53:00
HOME!!!!!
Only went off the road once. Thank God for the embankment or I would have been in the ditch or ravine. We're okay, car's okay as far as I can tell.
If you go out be careful - its that really slippery snow that gets even slipperier when it turns to that thin slush or packed down.
Office will be open regular time tomorrow.
Only went off the road once. Thank God for the embankment or I would have been in the ditch or ravine. We're okay, car's okay as far as I can tell.
If you go out be careful - its that really slippery snow that gets even slipperier when it turns to that thin slush or packed down.
Office will be open regular time tomorrow.
Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2014 21:53:20
livingonli on 01/21/2014 21:53:20
I started to head out to work and after digging the car out and getting on the LIE service road. It was very slow going because the cars only got one sanding and I was getting nervous driving which probably would have meant I would have been scared shitless going home tonight so I ended up just going back home and calling it a personal day. I have truly become a winter wuss.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:57:31
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:57:31
Well, this storm is officially a major snow event for Lake County, IN. One town here got 20 inches of snow in the past day/
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:59:19
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 21:59:19
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:05:51
Yay!
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:05:51
Quote by wickedpam:
HOME!!!!!
Only went off the road once. Thank God for the embankment or I would have been in the ditch or ravine. We're okay, car's okay as far as I can tell.
If you go out be careful - its that really slippery snow that gets even slipperier when it turns to that thin slush or packed down.
Office will be open regular time tomorrow.
Yay!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 22:15:01
I am glad that you made it home safely. Travel this time of year can be very challenging.
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2014 22:15:01
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
HOME!!!!!
Only went off the road once. Thank God for the embankment or I would have been in the ditch or ravine. We're okay, car's okay as far as I can tell.
If you go out be careful - its that really slippery snow that gets even slipperier when it turns to that thin slush or packed down.
Office will be open regular time tomorrow.
Yay!
I am glad that you made it home safely. Travel this time of year can be very challenging.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:22:04
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:22:04
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
HOME!!!!!
Only went off the road once. Thank God for the embankment or I would have been in the ditch or ravine. We're okay, car's okay as far as I can tell.
If you go out be careful - its that really slippery snow that gets even slipperier when it turns to that thin slush or packed down.
Office will be open regular time tomorrow.
Yay!
I am glad that you made it home safely. Travel this time of year can be very challenging.
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 22:24:39
For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.
that was weird.
Raine on 01/21/2014 22:24:39
Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:35:52
They were really hit an miss on the roads out west. Fairfax Co Parkway was horrible so I went back road which was okay till I hit that spot going down hill by the lake.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:35:52
Quote by Raine:For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
They were really hit an miss on the roads out west. Fairfax Co Parkway was horrible so I went back road which was okay till I hit that spot going down hill by the lake.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:41:20
Maybe they know you blog?
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:41:20
Quote by Raine:For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
Maybe they know you blog?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:42:37
Hello VDOT? Fairfax County Parkway is a main artery.
Asshattery.
Mondobubba on 01/21/2014 22:42:37
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
They were really hit an miss on the roads out west. Fairfax Co Parkway was horrible so I went back road which was okay till I hit that spot going down hill by the lake.
Hello VDOT? Fairfax County Parkway is a main artery.
Asshattery.
Comment by BobR on 01/21/2014 22:49:06
I grew up in the snow belt. We did not call 3 inches "a dusting", nor dismiss a foot as "plowable".
I find your macho posturing tiresome... 
BobR on 01/21/2014 22:49:06
Quote by TriSec:
*chortle*
I saw a link on the side of the Virginia acticle referencing "major" snowfall of 5 - 10 inches. (Yes, I realize it's perception.)
But based on our railway disagreements earlier, just sharing our local news perspective.
Under an inch is generally dismissed and derided.
Under 3 inches is considered a "dusting".
Between 4 inches and a foot is "Plowable snow".
12-18 inches is "Significant"
And anything more than that is "Major snowstorm".
But our guys also tell us the general moisture content...because 10 inches of light, powdery stuff is often easier to deal with than 4 inches of heavy, wet snow.
I grew up in the snow belt. We did not call 3 inches "a dusting", nor dismiss a foot as "plowable".
I find your macho posturing tiresome...
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 22:51:13
Oh I wish.
Linda is our street captain (the Sycamore Street godmother) and even she was shocked. She's lived here for almost 30 years and never saw such a site.
Raine on 01/21/2014 22:51:13
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
Maybe they know you blog?
Linda is our street captain (the Sycamore Street godmother) and even she was shocked. She's lived here for almost 30 years and never saw such a site.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:51:55
They even upped officially from secondary to main last year.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 22:51:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:For the fist time they actually pre-salted OUR STREET.Quote by wickedpam:
Esp on roads that haven't been as treated as they should have been.
that was weird.
They were really hit an miss on the roads out west. Fairfax Co Parkway was horrible so I went back road which was okay till I hit that spot going down hill by the lake.
Hello VDOT? Fairfax County Parkway is a main artery.
They even upped officially from secondary to main last year.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 22:55:03
Raine on 01/21/2014 22:55:03
Mala, I'm glad you and Momma Mala are home safe.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2014 23:24:25
trust me, so are we. it was scary there for a few minutes.
wickedpam on 01/21/2014 23:24:25
Quote by Raine:
Mala, I'm glad you and Momma Mala are home safe.
trust me, so are we. it was scary there for a few minutes.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 23:43:38
Raine on 01/21/2014 23:43:38
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, I'm glad you and Momma Mala are home safe.
trust me, so are we. it was scary there for a few minutes.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2014 23:44:07
Raine on 01/21/2014 23:44:07