J0nny Ling0

Wooly Bully. Love that old tune. Sang it just last Saturday night and the crowds went wild! Well.... And, hya DWBH!

Thanks Tom, really. And ya know, I thought of telling Joaquin that he could just have the TV, but I suspected that he would have been a bit proud to have accepted such charity. I did split the hundred with two of my kids who have been faithful at helping us move, while two of them who have been slackers didn't get a "cut". But also, this evening, I did give a really nice "single over double" bunk bed to Joaquin which I had been asking $100.00 for, because he is such a fine guy. He was ready to pay the $100.00, but was really happy to get "such a deal". And so, life has it's blessings, and good things like this happen. Hey Tom, take care buddy. Like I said on that other thread, I'll be off line for awhile. But thanks for enjoying my stowree, which happened as it was written. Ya know, I just like to write, and the best way for me to make a "point" is to tell a story in anecdote form. That's just me. Take care, JL

Yesterday, I had a delightful yet sobering experience. I had this "500 pound gorilla" (that's go-rilla, not gue-rilla-huge difference!) in my living room in the form of a 36 inch old style flat screen TV. Not the nice slender kind, but the old style with the deep and huge back on it like the old style tube tv's. We just bought a new house and have been moving over this Labor Day Weekend, and we decided to sell the dang thing and spring for a new tv, the flat and lightweight kind. The decision to sell it was made not only because it just plain takes up too much living room space, but because I dreaded lifting it again two more times-once to get it out of the house, and then again getting it into our new house. And so, after advertising with a sign out on the nearby street, we began to get a number of calls. I guess "36 inch flat screen TV-$100.00" was pretty attractive. And so. This guy named Joaquin, thirty years old, was the first one to come and look at it. He liked it, would buy it, and said he'd be back at 4:00 in the afternoon with the money when he got off work. He works with a state organization called "REACH" which helps those unfortunate people who are handicapped in one way or another. Most REACH care recipients whom I have known have been kids. Kids with brain damage, or terminally ill cancer victims who get to the place where they need constant care. And so, after speaking my broken Spanish with him, and learning what country he was originally from, he left, because one of his "clients" as he so professionally put it, was out in his car. After he left, we continued to get phone calls for the TV because the sign was still out on the road. One woman who could see our U-Haul out front, came and found us, loved the TV and even offered $150.00 for it after learning that we had a buyer who would be back at 4:00. But I told her that no, I'd given my word to this guy, but if he didn't call or come back by 5:00, she could have it for $150.00 At 4:20, Joaquin came back and apologized for being late, but that he still had his client with him, and he had needed to help him with some things. And there the little feller was, in the truck that he had borrowed. The thin, blond haired boy was eight years old, but hadn't been able to speak since he was four years old due to the five tumors that he had in his neck and up near where his brain stem is. Joaquin said that he definitely could hear and understand, but was physically incapable of talking. I smiled to him, waved and said; "Hey there! Nice to see you!" He smiled, but there was definite sadness there, God bless his little heart. And so, Juaquin and I wrestled the "500 pound Gorilla" out of the house and to the truck and got it safely into the back. It probably only weighed about 250 pounds, but of course, as with most TVs there were no handles! What is with TV manufacturers and "no handles?!" And it is so big and awkward! But the job was done. So, Joaquin handed me a one hundred dollar bill and we shook hands. Then I said; "Glad you have so much brute strength Joaquin, because I'm gettin' too old for this stuff", for he, smaller than myself, handled his end even better than I did. He smiled, liking the compliment and said with his nice Nicaraguan accent; "Well, I guess that eight years in the Army was good for somethin!" And so I asked; "Where in the Army did you serve"? And he said that he'd done fifteen months in Iraq, and had been deployed not long after September 11, 2001. I asked if he had been part of the initial assault on Baghdad, and he said that he had. He'd been a regular infantryman, and when I asked, he replied softly that he had seen lots of action, as his gaze drifted over to the boy sitting in the front of his truck. I asked him if he had gained his US Citizenship after he had been honorably discharged, and he said that this was a fact. And with that, I was struck deeply with a sense of pride in this fine young man. And my heart swelled with pride for my Country as well. I got kind of choked up and looked at him, extended my right hand and said; "You are fine young man and a Great American. Thank you ever so much for Serving and may God bless you abundantly" as we shook hands firmly looking at each other eye to eye...

My highest was "The Helper" My second highest "The Reformer". My lowest-"Peacemaker. 2nd lowest-"The Skeptic"

Hey Bud, happy birthday, and if I am around any rum, I'll have a shot in toast to you! http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1024/132461...3774247.jpg?v=0 Damn. I tried to post the pic, but it would go. You'll just have to click the URL. Maybe someone else can figger it out?

Well Shell, That just wuddn't fair. Uggh! I just count my blessings that my kids are healthy and well! I just don't know what I'd do if the unspeakable ever happened! I believe in the "positive prayer", but when it comes to my kids, I flat our beg Him that they be spared any sickness or catastrophic accident! I think that the shortest verse in the Bible "Jesus wept" is in order here.....

Can't make it. In Alaska, we work hard all summer (construction industry for me), gearing up for the long winter. It is during the winter that we take off for parts South where the sun shines and life is warmer. Like, Mexico or Central America. OR, Viva La Vegas like we did last winter. And what a fine time it was! but, we won't be heading to Tejas this time. But what fun it would be to see you all! Even if it is me, "Jonny Lingo"!

Well now, I have pulled a tear on every one of these songs youz guys have presented fore shore. But, no song in this World gets me like "Hello In There" by John Prine. As a matter of fact, I saw John Prine live just last night for the first time, and once again, he reduced me to weeping when he played this one. Live was very good, even better than the recorded version that you will get to hear in a moment. But, when I found this YouTube deal just minutes ago, I really wept all over again. The song is about "Old People", and how we should take the time to say "hello in there". Every Old Person we ever see was once a vibrant youth, and even some one's bouncing baby boy or baby girl. Anyway, just enjoy the song, and I am thinking that it will definitely touch your very soul...

Why Dan, like me, your Better Half's beautiful good looks have shone through! What beauties! You have so much to be proud of. And a Grand Pa Pa you are as well I see! I have not garnered that distinction as of yet, but Meagan, our oldest is but twenty three, "boyfriendless" at the moment and the Boys, well, so far so good! Our oldest boy who is 21 doesn't have a steady gal just yet, but there certainly is Time for alla that! Riley at 16 is fine and handsome and has a black Mustang 5.0 with mag wheels, tinted windows, booming stereo, and all of the sudden, a new girlfriend who looks amazingly like Paris Hilton! Surprise! So much so that we call her "Paris". Anyways, so far the boys have not had any dalliances that have gotten any girls in the Family Way. Hopefully they will constrain themselves and remember that people are to be loved and not used...

Wash 'n Wear, So glad you you have been able to tell us of this, instead of us "reading about it"! Thankful to God that you made it through, and now, you can begin to take measures that will help you avoid another. And Rocky, I didn't know about your brother and sister, God rest their souls. I had a brother, Miles, who passed away some three years ago to some sort of a heart attack, so, I truly feel your pain there on that one. But hey, this thread's about the living! Congratulations on making it through W 'n W! :eusa_clap: :wave: :) :) :dance: Edited to add the dancing cool guy with the sunglasses!

Yeah, I still have more interest in my daughter and the lovely engineroom, but, I am wondering just what particular line Bumpy crossed to get banned for Life. I mean, was it as bad as a Comanche woman who was caught cheating on her husband and then therefore had her nose cut off or banned from the Tribe for Life? I mean, I know that Bumpy has/had an irascible nature at times, but to kick him out for Life? Sorry, I still don't get it... Oh wait, Excathedra, I should have said "lovely daughter" and not "lovely engine room....." Silly me! But, I spent many a watch down in that ER, and got to know the heartbeat of that ship quite well! And, I miss all of that fore shore. Oh, and here is a political quote that rings very true to me in relation to "ships and engine rooms, and Free Enterprise and Taxes". Here ya go: Obama says that he will only tax the Rich and Rich Corporations. That is the same as saying; "I won't shut down the entire ship, just the engine room". Yeah, I liked that one when I heard it. I think that one of Clinton's ex advisers made that comment. I think it was Dick Morris who made that statement. Very wise saying...

Yes, that Meagan is truly something. And, Thank you!

Well Dan, we already had that discussion in a thread called "Where's Bumpy"? But the thread got locked down by The Moderators. You can find it in the archives somewhere. I just read through it the other day when Le Bump was here.

Yeah...she's a beauty.... Thanks RsGrrlll....

Yes R'sGirl, she certainly is lovely to be sure. And thanks for the compliment on the story. The next one I'm gonna send you is called: "Dances With Coyotes".... And yeah Bill, there seemed to be a bit of confusion on that one. But I assure you, Mrs. Bump knows what's what on that all. But yes, Meagan does look a bit like Snow White in that she si beautiful, and so was Snow White. I'll send another photo of her to R'sGirl so she can post a photo of my Snow White beauty of a daughter... And Jim! American President Lines eh? I never had the privilege to sail for them, but I did work a few Sea-Land ships in my time. And, sorry, I never was a shutter bug and didn't take the photos like I should have. Dum bass me....

Unfortunately, Bumpy has been banned for Life here at the GSC. Last I heard though, this morning he and his Lovely were in Seattle still dining on salmon, King Crab and fine French wines...

Thanks Rainbow's Girl! The first photo is of Bumpy and my daughter, Meagan. She is 23 years old, and they are situated on the upper deck of the Main Engineroom just above the Port Maine Engine. Meagan is the 6-12 Oiler, standing engine room watches around the clock from 0600 to 1200 hrs, and then from 1800 to 0000 hrs (0000hrs means midnight) for seven days straight until she is relieved on the beach back in the Home Port of Juneau. That's 12 hours a day, seven days a week, 84 hours a week. Right now she got held over for two more weeks which will be a total of three 84 hour weeks. Quite grueling, really, but most excellent money! She and one other "start 'em up and shut 'em down", and while running, watch myriad pressure and temp gauges, rpms, generators, all the while maintaining close contact with the Bridge, etc. You know, what "Scotty" did on the Starship Enterprise! They care for, watch and maintain the machinery. The next photo is basically the same, except that you can see the Port Main Engine, or, the PME. Notice the letters "MaK". MaK is the name of the German company that made these engines. And I will tell you, that the Germans have no "corner on marine engineering", although I would say that Finland does, with their excellent Wartsilla diesels. Anyway, I used to work that same ship, and during "drydock time" when we would dismantle those engines all the way down to the main bearings, we found that the German MaKs were no better and many times worse than our faithful American made Enterprise diesels that are used on the Matanuska's sister ship the M/V Malaspina, as well as on our flag ship, the M/V Colombia. Just to the left of Meagan in this second photo is a view forward to the inside of the ECC (engine control center or, control booth). You can see it by way of noting the gauges on the bulkhead (wall). For those curious, those engines, port and starboard are "in line nines". That is, nine cylinders in a straight row, unlike the two v-12 Enterprise diesels on the Malaspina. The Enterprise diesels on the Colombia are V-16's with each piston 16 inches in diameter. Those white covers with the MaK on them are the covers for the valve gear. Each engine puts out approximately 4,000 horse power apiece. I worked the Mat for three years straight, and as I've mentioned before, my daughter not only works my old ship, but also has my old crew's quarters. My oh my so cool how God works things out! The last photo is of Meagan and Bumpy on the lower deck of the engineroom, right next to the inboard side of the PME. That photo gives a good view of the catwalk upon which one stands when making an inspection while running, as well as a good work place when tearing into them during overhaul. That photo is looking aft. The engines were running at the time of the photo, probably at 530 RPMs (main engine speed) and 72 RPM's propeller shaft speed after the shaft comes out of the reduction gear. The propeller shaft is approximately 15 inches in diameter. When working, one not only wears earplugs as is noticed in Bumpy's ears, but one also wears head phones like Meagan is wearing as well. Those engines scream, which is a characteristik of the MaKs. Maybe somewhat akin to the Stuka Dive Bombers of WWII? And so! I'm home sick for my old ship the Matanuska! Can you tell? But I know she's in good hands with my sweet daughter keeping a watchful eye on her! But I tell her my old mantra every other week when she heads off for work to: "Remember, anything can happen at any time!" Which is oh so true. A fire, a piece of machinery vibrating apart, a fuel leak, an oil leak, a main engine having a crank case explosion, a steam break, an oil line breaking and spewing hot oil onto the deck plates and into the bilges, and on and on. And then there's the boredom of nothing happening at all, which of course is when one should be even more attentive. Yeah....I miss the action myself...Thanks for the photos Le Bump! And thanks for posting them for me Rainbows Girl! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Matanuska

And so, let's keep this thread from turning into a fight. And, R'sGirl is going to post those photos for me. Please stand by... :-)

Actually, I have a couple of photos of Bumpy and my daughter in the engine room of her ship as they came up from British Colombia, but I don't know how to post them here. And RG, do you have an e-mail address. I have a story about some time I spent with some Eskimos in a village where I worked that you might like to read. Oh wait. I just went to your profile and found your Yahoo address. I would copy and paste it here, but it would be off topic, and a tad bit politically incorrect, for this old Eskimo kept using the "n" word..

That was a lovely post Rainbow's Girl, and I thank you for that. And what you said about "visiting" via the internet is lovely also. And, thank you for not doubting that Bumpy was actually here as well. Hoping that Hap was just being humorous? AND those verses you supplied were very well received, for, those really ARE the things we should think on and dwell on! :)

Yeah, it was really cool to spend time with them. And, his wife was so very sweet, nice, and, very smart! Nice girl, and Bumpy is a fortunate man! A real looker too I might add. His wife I mean...Sorry Bump, you are a fine lookin man, but I don't swing that way...haha! And so RG's girl, have you ever been to Bumpy's web site? You can visit them at www.bumpytours.com , look at all of their pics, and even write him/them from the website! It's a neat site with lots of pics from Africa and Europe where they like to spend their time... And ya know, because the weather has been terrible here (a violent North Pacific storm) which kept us from the fishing grounds, no photos came about. Drat! AND to top it off, a volcano erupted up North causing enough air born ash to ground the planes, and Bumpy and his Lovely got out of here just in time! They grounded a number of planes here in Juneau just after they left. And, because of the abrupt change in plans, we never got any photos of us together, which burns me to a degree.... Dammitt all! As the Brits would say.... I think they may be headed to New Zealand where the sun shines way more than here, or perhaps down to Zamboanga. I don't think the rain here was much of a blessing to them... "Oh the monkeys have no tails in Zamboanga, In Zamboanga, in Zamboanga! Oh the monkeys have no tails because they were bitten off by the whale.....! That's an old Bob Hope/Bing Crosby song, which, in a politically incorrect era long gone by, was referring to the little Filipino people as little "monkey people" without "tails". Personally, I would go to NZ, or, to the Cooke Islands in order to get away from our cool and wet weather!

Your other points in the post were well made (although I don't necessarily agree with them), but it just seemed to me that the overly dramatic "danger factor" added into it was just a bit of the "usual emotionalism" that commonly accompanies arguments presented by the Anti Development Establishment. Sorry, but the community I am living in is in the heat of a major battle to open/stop a mine and build/not build a road out of this place, and the "emotionalism" accompanying their arguments is so tiring, and to me, dishonest. "Anything to achieve their objectives" ya know. I just think you can say what you want to say without adding that bleeding heart stuff to it, that's all... Naturally you can bet that I want The Mine and The Road...

It's not about being "willing to die" in order to provide coal for America silly, it's about doing a risky job to be able to provide for ones family. I have done it myself (worked a risky job) when out commercial fishing in the North Pacific or working aboard an ocean class car ferry when crossing the Gulf of Alaska during the winter time. Or, when flying all around western Alaska in small planes, going from Eskimo village to Eskimo village in order to built free housing for them. But I didn't leave home when off to work saying to my wife; "I am going forth and willing to die so that the Eskimos will have nice new homes. Bye bye honey!" But rather; "See ya soon honey, I'll be back with the bacon, and don't worry, God will take care of me"! People have worked risky jobs since time immemorial. Have you ever watched Deadliest Catch or Ice Road Truckers? No one (at least in this country) makes people become loggers, iron workers, commercial fishermen, merchant mariners, miners, police officers, high rise window cleaners, etc. People simply choose to do those things because they want to make the money they will paid for having done the job. So, that is a silly argument. You may not choose to work a risky job, and that is fine. But just remember that the oil and gas in your car was provided by some one doing a risky job. The wood in your home, the steel in your car, your barbecue grill, the precious and or semi precious metals in your computer, and possibly your teeth, were provided to you by someone who did a risky job. All of the things we take for granted every single day came to us by way of either a merchant ship, barge, by rail, or by over the road truckers. And so much of it came into being as a product by way of mining, oil drilling then refining, logging, etc. And all of those jobs at their root are dangerous jobs that are manned or "womaned" by people who are doing it to earn money. And they don't take those jobs because they have "an intense desire to provide for the American People", but rather to simply make a good living. To make money, and that's capitalism. We accept the risks because of the potential prize, so, the "danger thing" is a dum bass argument...

Hi Hills!

Bumpy and his wife were just here in Juneau for a brief three day visit. We enjoyed some fine local seafood, had a few cocktails, "champagne and King Crab", and then they were off again in a different direction on yet another Bumpy Tour. It was fun. He said he'd come to see me and by golly he did!