Gas Station Fire Dangers

Every year gas station fires occur when drivers refuel their cars.  These dangerous fires result in property damage, injury and death.

The video, below, has been out for some time, now, but is very important.  STATIC ELECTRICITY IS A SERIOUS FIRE DANGER for drivers fueling their cars at self service gas pumps and is the cause of most gas station refueling fires.  ALWAYS touch something metal before refueling to ground yourself (setting up the gas pump will do this).  NEVER get back in your car until you have completed fueling, have replaced the fuel nozzle and closed up your gas tank cover.

Watch carefully as the young lady in this video returns to her car after initiating fueling and takes her feet off the ground.  By doing so, her body built up static electricity that was present inside her car.  Because she, then, did not touch any metal object prior to putting her hand on the fuel nozzle, the static electricity in her body discharged on the nozzle, igniting the volatile gas fumes that are always present during refueling.

Cell phone use during refueling is also a fire risk, as radio waves emitted from your phone can also ignite the dangerous gas fumes.  Although some states do not require warnings about cell phone usage during fueling, you should NEVER use your cell phone while fueling.

Gasoline is a very volatile liquid.  Because we all grow up around it and see it every day, we often don't realize how very dangerous it is.  Always handle gasoline with great care and respect!

 [My thanks to Jennie Montoya whose e-mail inspired this article]

Our Alaska Cruise Honeymoon

On July 13th, Loretta and I departed Denver for our 11 day honeymoon. We spent a day and a half in Seattle where Loretta lived for several years. We toured the area during the day, then had dinner with some of her old friends. The next morning, we took a bus to Vancouver, where we boarded our Holland-America cruise ship, the Statendam. We departed that evening for a 7 day cruise along the coastline of British Columbia and Alaska with stops at Ketchican, Juneau and Skagway. We, then, sailed through Glacier Bay where we were treated to up close and personal views of two giant glaciers. We disembarked on Saturday, July 21st, in Seward, Alaska, where we boarded a train on the Alaska Railroad for a scenic 4 1/2 hour ride to Anchorage. We spent a day and a half in Anchorage. On the second day we drove to Wasilla, Alaska, where we toured the Iditarod headquarters. We returned to Denver on Monday morning, July 23rd, with unforgettable memories of our great honeymoon.

We took some great pictures and videos that I posted on my Picasa website.  Check them out.  I suggest selecting "Slide Show" and "Full Screen" for best viewing of the fantastic scenery.

Our Alaska Cruise Honeymoon

My Wedding

On May 25th I married the girl of my dreams. We were married at beautiful Three Trees Chapel overlooking the foothills by both a rabbi and a minister in a combined ceremony Loretta and I created for our special day. Loretta and I hand picked all the music, the bridesmaids' and bride's processionals, unity candle lighting and recessional. After we exchanged rings, we sang "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera to each other as an additional set of vows. I think it's safe to say there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  We exited the chapel to "This Will Be" by Natalie Cole.

The reception was also unique to us, as we had it at Q's Pub & Grille, a special place to both Loretta and me.

We were blessed to have so many of our family and friends from all around the world attend our special day. And we couldn't have asked for better weather. The sun was shining, the sky was a beautiful Colorado deep blue and temperatures were in the 70's.

Check out the video.

A Tribute to Mom

This month has triple meaning for me this year.  As we all know, next Sunday is Mother's Day; the day we all celebrate the miracle of mothers.  In addition, May 25th is my mother's birthday.  She has been gone for some years, now, and I still miss her love, caring, devotion and friendship.  Lastly, as my mother cannot be here for our special day, to honor her, Loretta and I chose Friday, May 25th to have our wedding.

This year, my tribute to all mothers for Mother's Day is a video I created to honor the life of my wonderful mother.  I hope you enjoy it.

Obama & Afghanistan Cartoons

The following cartoons about President Obama and the recent Koran burning in Afghanistan ring true and are the saddest of satire.  Click on each to view full size.

[My thanks to Tom Nick for forwarding these cartoons]