Short Story
A year or so ago I wrote a short story called "Shady Business." It was my first attempt and it pretty much lacked a lot of substance. So, the last couple of days I sat down and re-worked it. I would love comments and or suggestions.
I'll break it down into sections so that people like me with little precious time can read smaller bits.
Remember, take into account that I have no formal training in the English language other then high school so, my grammar and such may be ugly.
Part One will begin with the next post.
Poor Monkey
Chicky Monkey
This is a candid picture of our cat, China also known as Chicky Monkey. You know the saying that goes, "Dogs have owners and Cats have staff." That's a true enough statement that I've ever heard. When Chicky talks, I listen. I've created a monster but she's just so darn precious.
We rescued her eight years ago from the animal shelter in Camarillo, California. The wife and I worked at the shelter and she was housed in the vet's office because she was so small. When I was scheduled to work in the vets office I would put on my white coat and put her in my coat pocket and she would curl up and fall asleep. When it was time to put her back into her cage she would release the locking mechanism and she would run wild and free strutting her stuff.
She's deffinately captured my heart. We're pretty sure she's a Japanese Bobtail mix, from her stance, attitude and sheer feline sexiness.
Pyrotechnic/Fireworks Crew Wanted
Pyrotechnic/Fireworks Crew Clovis-Fresno 2009
Exploratory committee of one is actively looking for a few individuals who is team focused and is dedicated to preserving the highest standards of safety and showmanship with a thirst for knowledge in the field of pyrotechnics entertainment.
Hardcore Pyrotechnics is looking for a few people who want to be part of a fireworks crew starting in 2009. This is not a paid employment opportunity! I repeat this is not a paid employment opportunity. It is however a chance to be part of something spectacular. Bragging rights so to speak.
IF selected as a crew member you will be taught how to set up shows, handle high explosive (1.3G) fireworks, wiring, etc.
If you have questions, I have answers. Please feel free to contact me through craigslist and I will do my best to answer them quickly and honestly.
Discipline Documentation For SquirrelZone
Employee Information
Name of Employee: SquirrelZone aka; Nutboy
Employee’s Job Title: Supervisor Nut Gatherer
Incident Information
Date/Time of Incident: Yesterday
Location of Incident: North tree limb
Description of Incident: While leaning through some branches to gather his nuts said nutboy exposed his natural goodness to unsuspected passerby’s.
Witnesses to Incident: Protected Identity
Was this incident in violation of a company policy? Yes
If yes, specify which policy and how the incident violated it. Nutboy has been warned numerous times that his nut gathering practices caused injuries of whiplash of unsuspected lady squirrels looking at his nuts.
Action Taken
What action will be taken against the employee? What else can we do to him that we haven’t already tried? He’s just that damn good.
Has the impropriety of the employee’s actions been explained to the employee? Yes
Did the employee offer any explanation for the conduct? If so, what was it? Yes, but it was to difficult to hear it over the soulful sounds of Rod Steward’s “Do you think I’m sexy” sound track as he’s spilling his nuts for all to see.
Signature of person preparing report: Pea Nut
Date: Today
Professional Fireworks 101
Being a pyrotechnician has always brought excitement and a little anxiety for me days and minutes before the show. Regardless of the size of the show, the thrill of hearing the mortars firing out from the tubes along with the chanting of the crowd is what makes it truly spectacular. Having had some great opportunities to do shows in a variety of different venues I can say that there are two shows that stand apart from other shows. The first show that I was part of was an Independence Day celebration for the city of Vacaville, California. It took two full back breaking days to set up and the show was choreographed to a compilation of patriotic music. The second most memorable show was another Independence Day show held in the city of Fowler, California. This particular show was doomed from the get go. It too was supposed to be choreographed but due toe a few major problems such as location and electrical problems we had no choice but to hand fire the show.
Being part of a crew is a great experience; it builds trust, camaraderie and teamwork. The pyro crew can range in the number of personnel depending on the size, type and the location of the show. The key to becoming a successful crew member are quite simple. First and foremost safety should be practiced at all times whether transporting, handling or in close proximity. Getting onto a crew can be a difficult at best and depending on where you reside in this vast country will be determined to which pyrotechnic company you ultimately will sub-contract with.
Professional fireworks can be set off by wiring them for an electrical show (digital and analog) or by hand firing (my personal favorite). Shows can also be synchronized to music or left up to the imagination of the licensed shooter. Firework mortars come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. On an average the mortar shell will travel approximately 100 feet per inch of diameter. A 12 inch mortar shell will travel approximately 1,200 feet high before bursting and revealing its colorful center.
Other keys are patience, knowledge of product, showmanship, and hazmat endorsement on your driver license. If you’re looking to becoming a licensed shooter it takes time, documented shows, recommendations from other licensed shooters, passing a test given by the state fire marshals office and the licensing fees.
Project Hardcore Pyro
Pyrotechnics have played an intricate part in today's society as well as yesteryear. For centuries society has used fireworks are a form of entertainment, celebration or to elicit fear in rival territories. In the early days of pyrotechnics the individuals shooting off the colorful fireworks would wear large wet leaves draped over their head, shoulders and arms to protect themselves from the hot burning ambers. And from the spectators point of view they would look like little "green men" as they touched off the special effects and fireworks.
In 2001, I began my quest as a beginner crewman not fully aware that I would be making a life long commitment to my new passion of pyrotechnics. I tried to soak up every bit of knowledge from the other seasoned crew members as well as the licensed shooter. I would watch the fire marshal interact with the shooter and observe the fire department check out our equipment, location and wiring and hand firing practices so I could know what they were looking for. It has taken time to learn all of the different forms and techniques to pull off a full fledge show. From choreographed shows to digital to electrical and manual hand fire shows, each procedure is different but the end result is the same. Consumer and spectator satisfaction. It's known as the crowd factor, they are ultimately the ones that will give you their stamp of approval regardless if it's a high school graduation or an all out fourth of July event.
Green Men of America , was inspired by myself as a way of paying tribute to the men and women who risk danger in order to bring the night sky to life with vibrant colors and explosions.
Green Men of America
Kenneth Ketterman - Founder and President
Please email at: kenketter3@aol.com
My Company Profile
I got to thinking that my little company biography and $1.25 would get me a cup of coffee at any Denny's Restaurant. A cautionary note to any diabetic who may find themselves reading this may dip into a diabetic shock of sorts.
Kenneth is the newest addition to the Electric Communications Inc. team and will be responsible for the daily operational needs of the office. Kenneth has 17 years of selfless public service with 10 of those years spent in the military specializing in law enforcement as a Military Police Narcotics Detector Dog Handler and Trainer. His primary responsibility was to provide law enforcement and protection for the men and women and their families on the military installation through effective policing practices, apprehension and deterring criminal activity. Kenneth has assisted other state and government agencies such as city and county police agencies, the Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency to combat the flow of illegal drugs into this country utilizing his K-9 partner and experiences.
With countless hours of diversity, cultural awareness and effective communications training, Kenneth has developed a sense of understanding for our client needs and personal experiences.
Electric Communications is honored to have a dedicated individual who will compliment the team here. Kenneth’s duties will include data analysis, workshop facilitation, counseling, event coordinator, employer educational seminar coordinator, building resumes and keeping many of the databases current. He will also fill in as needed and will assist our clients with his specialized services and keen eye to detail. Kenneth wants every client to succeed in finding full time employment and treats each person as a priority case.
Washington Union Fireworks Show
The very first thing we completed was the "set piece" which was wired and set high above the stage and read; CLASS OF 2008.
We then prepared for the post graduation fireworks show which included wiring and setting 25 three inch mortars (shells) of various colors and designs and then 8 various multi-shot devices that once you've thrown the switch it launches a timed miniature show that the crowd just absolutely loves. Once eveything was put in place it was my responsibility to wire everything to the firing system, I set it up so that after three mortars there would be a multi-shot device.
The principle came over and greeted us and asked if there would be fireworks during the Nation Anthem which I replied, "And you know this." He was pleased and told us that the singer had backed out so the band would be playing the National Anthem. It's a good thing we all know the words. Time went by and the conductor struck up the band and we began to sing the National Anthem to ourselfs...."And the rockets red Glare" (up went two red 3" mortars)......"Bombs bursting in air" (sent up five more 3" mortars in various colors). The class and spectators went absoluting insane with appreciation. I love bringing the National Anthem to life.
After the last name was announced the Principle stood before the class and said, "Parents, family and friends I present to you the class of 2008." The set piece came to life before all who attended and the fireworks filled the night sky and I thought to myself, it's a good day to be a pyrotechnician.
