A Scary Public Service Message

This beautiful little girl gave us quite a scare early this morning.

My two-year old daughter Julia rarely sleeps through the night. When she wakes up halfway through, the missus brings her upstairs to sleep in our bed. This has been going on for as long as I can remember. Last night, the wife woke me up with, “SOMETHING’S WRONG WITH JULIA!!!” I jumped up and saw the missus holding Julia. Her eyes were glazed over, staring into space, and her mouth was making movements like she was a fish out of water. She wouldn’t respond to us when we called out her name. She was breathing, but something was wrong.

You know all of those stories where cops say their training kicked in? Not so much. I freaked out. I panicked. I knew she didn’t need CPR, but other than that, I just kept calling her name through tears. I thought she was dying right in front of our eyes.

I told the wife to get dressed and rush her to the hospital. She did, and as she left, Julia started crying. I figured that was a good sign. The missus called me a very long hour later and said Julia was okay. The doctors think she has a febrile seizure, which is brought about by a sudden, high fever in children. They pumped her full of liquids, did a few tests, and took a chest x-ray. Everything came back normal and the docs prescribed some medicines to help her through the cold/fever. We had a follow-up with our family practitioner this afternoon.

Suffice to say, after this nightmare I won’t be sleeping very soundly for a long, long time.

If you have young children, check out the information on febrile seizures by clicking here. Arm yourself with knowledge, in case this happens to your child.

Major Richard “Dick” Winters, 1918-2011

Longtime readers of SYLG know that Dick Winters is a personal hero of mine, and I wanted nothing more in life than to meet him in person. Sadly, that will never happen, as we lost Major Winters on January 2nd. He requested a private, unannounced funeral service, which took place on Saturday. He was 92 years old.

If I were king of the world, the news of Major Winters’ passing would be broadcast over every internet provider, television, radio, and cellphone. The tributes to this man, one of the greatest of “the greatest generation” would soon follow. Winters’ life story would be taught in schools, and told to every man, woman, and child on Earth.

But we know that’s not going to happen, because America’s priorities aren’t in order. In today’s America, people are more concerned with parasites like Lindsay Lohan and Michael Vick than a man who led one of the most decorated companies in World War II. And that disappoints me.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Winters and his troops from Easy Company, 506th regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, parachuted behind enemy lines to take on a German artillery nest on Utah Beach. His company fought through the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of a death camp at Dachau and to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden.

I still believe Major Winters deserved the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day, but you know that he would disagree.

Thankfully, Major Winters helped spread the good word about Easy Company after the war, and did so until his death.

Winters was always gracious about his new-found celebrity, but never really comfortable with it. He wanted people to understand that success in war depends not on heroics but on bonding, character, getting the job done and “hanging tough,” his lifelong motto. In combat, he wrote 50 years after the war, “your reward for a good job done is that you get the next tough mission.”

Following the miniseries, Winters turned down most requests for interviews because he said he didn’t want to appear like he was bragging. But he did feel the story of Easy Company was an important one, especially for young people.

The men who served under him and people who only met him later in life call him a hero, no matter what he says. According to the book, one wounded member of Easy Company wrote Winters from a hospital bed in 1945, “I would follow you into hell.”

Is there any American would wouldn’t? If Dick Winters was leading, at least you knew he was leading from a position of strength.

In November, I posted a story about a fund-raising effort to erect a statue of Major Winters in Normandy, France. An 11-year old Western Pennsylvania boy was selling wristbands to gather some of the money needed for the project. (The link for the wristbands is still in the right sidebar, where it will remain.) The organizers wanted to erect the statue “before it was too late” for Winters to see it. It was at the link that I learned that he contracted Parkinson’s Disease, and it finally dawned on me that our heroes are not going to live forever.

So what do we do? We live by the example our heroes set. We aspire to emulate our heroes and those actions and attributes that make them heroic. In Major Winters’ case, those actions had nothing to do with his combat record. They had to do with his humility, his leadership skills, and his ability to bring out the best in people, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom. If we can honor Dick Winters by being more like him, he can live forever in us all.

Godspeed, sir. Thank you for your service, your example, and your heroism. Currahee!

In honor of Major Winters, there will be no posts tomorrow.

1 Million Hits B.C.

Wow.

I started this blog on June 6, 2005 – just under five years ago. Since that fateful day, there have been 6,020 posts (most of them involving fabulous babes), 36,000+ comments (most of them from RT), and now, this tiny, insignificant blog reached an unbelievable milestone: one million unique visits!

Naturally, I have writer’s block today. Those of you who know me personally know how rare it is to see me speechless, but what can I say? The bloated gasbag you have all come to know and love/hate can’t put a coherent sentence together on the biggest day in this blog’s life. So instead, I’ll tell you a story:

In January of 2004, I was talking to a college pal of mine. He sent me a link to his “blog.” Being a wise-ass, I wrote back, “What the frak is a blog?” He explained that it was akin to an internet journal where people post their thoughts, stories, and rants. I thought, “People actually read that crap?” He assured me that they did. Being a self-centered blowhard, this was just the thing for me. I could rant about the things that annoyed me – like, “humans” – and practice what I love – writing- at the same time!

The first blog was born, and it lasted 11 months. I quit that one because of troll trouble and swore I wouldn’t go back. I was out of the game for six months when I christened SYLG, so it seems that I am a big, fat liar.

The first year was fun, but some of the posts were really raw. Check the archives; it’s true. I had a few loyal readers and made a couple of very good blog friends. Being an attention whore, I started reading and commenting on bigger and better blogs. Not a difficult task considering my posts, but I gained a few readers here and there. I worked really hard at writing posts and adopted a policy: I would try to respond to every single comment. It’s a policy I still employ because I think the interaction, the give-and-take makes the blog better.

Soon, more people stopped by to read. Then people stopped by to read and comment. I made new friends of both the “real world” and the “internet” variety, and this insipid little blog started to look like a family. An insane, inbred family, but a family nonetheless. In just five years, SYLG’s daily visits went from 10 to 1,000. And while that is a drop in the bucket for people like Ace and Rusty, it was more than enough to keep me fat and happy. But mostly fat.

The blog opened doors. I was asked to contribute at Blogs4Bauer. I was offered a writing position at Family Security Matters. I was interviewed by Deb Goodrich on her Topeka, Kansas radio show – twice! And I was asked to be part of something really huge, but I can’t talk about that yet. Soon, though.

None of this – my success, or whatever you would term it – is because of you good people. Without you, this blog disappears. So, thank you all for reading. Thank you all for commenting. Thank you for linking. Thank you all for making Support Your Local Gunfighter what it is: a pretty damned good blog. I hope I continue to earn your readership.

Oh, before I forget, it seems the lucky visitor is Sully! Congratulations, my friend! Let me know what you want for your victory!

Requiem For A Friend

My frequent commenter, fellow Penguins fan and blog friend Right Wing Prof lost his battle with cancer this morning. Xopher posted this comment on the Prof’s blog:

My beloved companion and dearest friend fell asleep in the Lord at 1:45 this morning, after a short struggle against an overwhelming foe, with the sweet acceptance that has characterized his gallant witness through this entire ordeal.

His brother Jan, sister-in-law Phyllis, and I were holding his hands at the moment of death.

It is no great understatement that the news is devastating.

I first met Clay Bond in person on July 23, 2007, when a few of us – including Sebastian and Bitter – met at Geno’s Steaks for lunch. I almost missed the opportunity. You know how you sometimes have a mental picture of someone that is completely different from the real picture? Well, that was the case that day. I had never seen a photo of the Prof before, and while I was walking around Geno’s looking for him, I walked right by without even knowing it. After searching for a bit, I decided that I would just go to the car and hope for the best. Thankfully, he and Sebastian saw me and flagged me down. I’m glad they did.

Clay was the exact opposite of what I expected. I pictured a tweed jacket with patches on the sleeves, flawlessly coiffed hair, and the perfect manicure. Instead, I got facial hair, tattoos, and more gun knowledge than more Marines.

Thankfully, I got the latter.

That day at Geno’s is one that I will always remember. The four of us talked and laughed for a few hours, and Clay gave me a parting gift: Season 1 of Sleeper Cell on DVD. I was very appreciative, but Clay dismissed it as nothing. That is the kind of person Clay Bond was. Thoughtful, kind, and selfless.

In the two and a half years since, we e-mailed each other frequently, discussing the Penn State/Michigan rivalry, the Steelers, politics, and the occasional link to a good news story for each others’ blogs. About a year ago, he asked me why I was such a big hockey fan. I used that as an opening to really expose him to the sport. Clay took in a few Penn State games and started following one of my favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins. I would beam with pride when he would send me an e-mail talking about “that awesome game” Sidney Crosby had. While Indiana basketball and Steelers football were first in his sports heart, the Pens earned their place there as well.

He read SYLG often, and commented frequently – sometimes to my embarrassment. When I posted about my skin cancer, he seemed more concerned with my dinky little basal cell issue than his own battle with lung cancer. Again, selfless.

I never posted about this, but I drove out to see Clay on November 20. It was something I simply had to do, and I am glad I did. When I walked into his room, he looked at me and smiled. Pointing to his dry erase board, I saw a list of visitors for the day. There were a few names there, and at the bottom of the list was a large WYATT! It was enough to make me well up.

After we exchanged pleasantries, he asked me, “Wyatt, why the hell did you drive all the way out here?” I looked at him and realized that he was serious. He thought I was insane. Instead of getting all emotional, I went into sarcastic mode and replied, “I’m here to kick your ass out of bed, and if you don’t beat this soon, I’m bringing the SWAT team, MP-5s and flash-bangs.”

I was fortunate enough to spend four hours with him and his son – a terrific person, by the way. I also met Father Alexander, the man who brought Clay back to the Orthodox Church and a few of Clay’s caregivers. When it was time to go, I told him that he better keep fighting, and I would try to visit again soon. Sadly, I will not get the chance.

The drive home was a sad one. I cried for a while and was only comforted by the fact that Clay’s faith kept him strong. He had a terrific support system and was surrounded by family and friends until the end. I am confident that he is with God now.

I apologize of this post is all over the place, but I’m just in stream-of-consciousness mode. In honor of Clay Bond, the Right Wing Prof, there will be no other posts today.

Dorothy Krysiuk Is Leaving Fox 29!

This is not happening. THIS IS NOT HAPPENING!

As regular readers can tell you, Dorothy is the traffic gal on the local FOXNews affiliate. She’s dreamy, and I love her. (Figuratively, of course – I’m not a stalker.) There is no one in the tri-state area that is a bigger fan of hers than I. And that is why I am depressed today.

The traffic jam between Dorothy Krysiuk and Fox29 was over hours, as management wanted Krysiuk to add the 5 p.m. show to her day. Krysiuk is the traffic person for “Good Day Philadelphia,” which begins at 5 a.m. Other traffic reporters such as John Ogden of NBC10 and Bob Kelly of CBS3 work the morning and evening shifts.

Krysiuk did not immediately return an email and Fox29 also did not respond to a previous email about why Krysiuk was leaving the station.

Krysiuk, a Temple University graduate worked for Fox29 since 2001, and before that was on Channel 10.

As terrific as it would be to see Dorothy once every twelve hours, I can’t condemn her for not wanting to do both shows. (Of course, I couldn’t condemn her if she came on this blog and told me my writing made her violently ill. This is Dorothy we’re talking about!) Putting in a 12+ hour workday would be terrible for her hair that resembles spun gold, her alabaster skin, and her sunny disposition.

Sources are saying that Dorothy wants to “take a break from television,” and will not be signing on with another outlet. You thought I was grumpy and miserable in the mornings now? Wait until you see me without my daily dose of Dorothy!

Somewhere, the other angels are crying.

The Big Move

Today is the three-year anniversary of Support Your Local Gunfighter. And, in true Wyattian fashion, you won't be reading the anniversary post - or any more new posts - here for, well, forever. That's because I'm packing up the pistols, the babe pics, and my poodle, er, Doberman, and moving to some fresh, new gigs.

Here's the back story. When I reached my 200,000th hit, my friend Jim from bRight & Early sent me an e-mail stating he wrangled me a new site/domain name. Bought and paid for: all for me.

What do you say to something like that besides, "Thank you?"

So, I did, and we were off and running. The new site was secured in mid-April, but I wanted to wait until the blogiversary for the release. And that day is today. As of midnight on June 6, 2008, Support Your Local Gunfighter can now be seen at supportyourlocalgunfighter.com.

I'm hoping you follow me over to the new digs, but I wouldn't blame you if you didn't. I mean, it'll just be the same drivel, just with better scenery. Oh, and Haloscan will not be invited along. Get bent, you lousy system!

I would also like to make a plea to my fellow bloggers. Please, please, please update your blogrolls to reflect the new address. I'd appreciate it. (Wow, that was the most pathetic begging I ever had to do.) Well, the second-most pathetic begging. First place was when I begged the missus to marry me.

Well, that's the news, and I am outta here!

Obama's Credibility Suffering From Shrinkage

I am completely fascinated with Barack Obama's ability to speak so eloquently about so many things, and at the same time, say absolutely nothing. Especially when it comes to Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, and convicted corrupt fundraiser Tony Rezko.

Of course, maybe it's because I am so tired of hearing about the "HopeChange Express" that I want to vomit. President Bush is leaving office, Barack. No matter who wins the Presidency, there will be change! Idiot.

9-11 Mastermind Requests Death Sentence

Well, by all means, let's fire up Ol' Sparky!

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - Khalid Sheikh Mohammed said Thursday that he would welcome the death penalty for his confessed role as mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"Yes, this is what I wish, to be a martyr for a long time," Mohammed told a military judge who warned that he faces execution if convicted of organizing the attacks on America. "I will, God willing, have this, by you."

The former No. 3 leader of al-Qaida and four alleged co-conspirators were being arraigned Thursday in their long-awaited first appearance before a war-crimes tribunal. All five face death if convicted of war crimes including murder, conspiracy, attacking civilians and terrorism in the 2001 attacks, which killed 2,973 people. (H/T - AP via Yahoo!)

Believe it or not, I am torn by this request. On the one hand, I would like to see Mohammed be spared, so he can rot in prison and lose his desired martyr status. On the other hand, I would very much like to see him be put to death in one of the following ways:

• Sex with Rosie O'Donnell.
• Rusty, dull guillotine.
  
• Pig blood transfusion.

The Detroit Red Wings: Stanley Cup Champions

Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings!
If you missed this game, you missed one of the greats. It's why I think hockey is the greatest sport in the world.

The Red Wings were the better team this series, and although I am a Penguins fan, I have to admit Detroit wanted it more. Wings goaltender Chris Osgood played out of his mind, forward Henrik Zetterberg - winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy for MVP of the playoffs - was clutch, and captain Nicklas Lidstrom anchored the defense in a total team effort.

The Penguins, to their credit, played very well, too. Say what you want about Sid the Kid, but forward Evgeni Malkin and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury carried this team. After starting the Finals in a funk, they regrouped and gave it their all. It's a damned shame they fell short.

I give credit to the Pittsburgh fans. They stayed and showed respect (and applause) to Detroit even though they won the Cup in the Pens' building. It's also a good time to mention one of the truly classy traditions in the NHL: the handshake.

After the final game of every series, the opposing teams line up and shake hands. Sure, they were just beating themselves half to death, but they (usually) give each other the respect that is all too uncommon in sports today. Hopefully, the citizens of Detroit will exhibit the same respect tonight, and not burn their city down.

Humpday History Highlight

Remember this story the next time you expect your heroes to be perfect and infallible.

June 4, 1754 - George Washington Builds Fort Necessity

On this day in 1754, during the Seven Years’ War, a 22-year-old lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia named George Washington begins construction of a makeshift “Fort Necessity.” The fort was built to defend his forces from French soldiers enraged by the murder of Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville while in Washington’s custody. One month later, the French, led by Jumonville’s half-brother, won Washington’s surrender and forced confession to Jumonville’s murder.

The Ohio Valley had long been a contested territory among French Canadians, various Indian groups and the British colonies of Pennsylvania and Virginia. When the French began to establish fortifications along the river and refused Virginia’s written demand that they depart, Virginia’s governor, Robert Dinwiddie, dispatched Washington to complete and defend a Virginian fort at the forks of the Ohio.

Upon their arrival, Washington discovered that a scouting party led by Jumonville was nearby. Fearing that the French were planning an attack, Washington struck first, successfully ambushing the small party. In one of history’s murkier moments, Jumonville was murdered by Washington’s Indian ally, Tanaghrisson, while the monolingual Washington struggled to interrogate the French-speaking Canadian.

Jumonville’s murder in captivity incited a strong French response, and Washington was unable to defend his makeshift “Fort Necessity” from French forces led by Jumonville’s half-brother. Washington surrendered on July 4 and signed a confession—in French, which he could not read--to Jumonville’s assassination. (H/T - History.com)

The moral of the story: even the greatest men make terrible mistakes. The History Channel's miniseries, "Washington the Warrior" included this incident. As usual, it was very well done.