The Life of Sam

The Hurt Locker

2009-08-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

I know there is a lot of hype for this film, and sometimes that can ruin a movie due to expecting too much. But for me, The Hurt Locker really delivered. I Was expecting a graphic war movie. What was delivered, really surprised me. There wasn't the use of blood and violence for plot fillers. Instead it followed three soldiers and their emotional experiences during a period of the Iraq war. "War is a drug", is the theme of the movie and that really resonated in the writing. I won't give anything away, but it was very deep, and intense. Kathryn Bigelow has my respect.

Netbook Bitches

2009-08-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Peeps, I know its been like a year since I have blogged. I think I didn't have much to talk about, and no access to a computer to blog. All that has changed. I have tons to talk about after my travels and I just got a netbook. I can't wait to blog about everything and anything that comes to mind. It might get overwhelming, all the blogging that I will partake in. So take it in stride.

HWY 33 Motorcycle 50 ft Over the side (rider ok)

2008-09-28T18:49:00.001-07:00

HWY 33 Motorcycle 50 ft Over the side (rider ok)
Originally uploaded by sam9779

Another Sunday on the ambulance in Ojai. This rider went over the side about two miles North of Bodee's on Maricopa HWY. Responding lights and sirens to this incident was fun. Yet, we were almost hit by other crotch rocket riders that were coming into Ojai. The rider went over with the bike and was not injured.
Motorcycle collisions are expected on a sunny Sunday in Ojai. In fact, we had already responded to a rider who was going over 100mph and crashed his Ducati 1096s into the back of a Civic that was infront of him and traveling at the speed limit. It was amazing that both accidents were relatively minor.

NZ Rugby training

2008-09-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

All Blacks training
Originally uploaded by karetu

Oh Yeah.......after seeing this picture, I am definately going to be a Rugby fan. This is the New Zealand team during a training session. The All Blacks are bad ass. They have this tribal intimidation ritual that they perform before each game called: "The Haka". It is pretty intense and the fans eat it up.

I know I will be living in Australia and should root for the Kangaroos, but how can you not be a fan of these guys.

Top Ten List

2008-09-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

(2008) Martin McDonagh - In Bruges
Originally uploaded by Callipyge

I recently saw this brilliant film after a reccommendation from a good friend. It was one of the best tips I have receieved in a long time. This film blew me away.

I saw the preveiw when it came to theaters and was unable to see it. I regret it now, seeing it on the big screen would have been amazing. This film is pretty dark and twisted, hilarious, vulgar, and really moving. A very odd combination, but it sucks you in.

I think it has the record for the most cuse words in any film. The use of Fuck and C* word are rampant, but that gives it that cool European flare. I don't want to give away too much of the film. It was nice to be surprised when I saw it.

Let me know what you think of this movie when you see it. It is on DVD now so there is no excuse not to.

Rugby

2008-08-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

Offload
Originally uploaded by brettm8

Rugby is to Australia and NZ like Football and Baseball is to America. I really would love to figure this sport out and venture out for some games while I am there. I think it would be a great time, and
they take this soo serious there. I don't think it is as intense as Soccer in England though.

Pictured are the Aussie Kangaroos vs. the NZ team..unsure name might be the al blacks. I think I would have to root for Australia while there.

Sassy Sally's Re-opening Party

2008-08-30T16:53:00.001-07:00

The Walking Path
Originally uploaded by ::Topher::

I was invited by my friend Michele to attend a local Indie clothing design stores grand re-opening party. Sassy Sally's is a cute botique of local designs and supports living wage work. The reception was relaxing with music, wine, and free food. My friend is all about free food. We had a great time and met some really cool people from Ventura.

Sassy Sally's is in the El Jardin patio (pictured) in Downtown Ventura, and recently doubled the size of the shop. If you are in the area I would recommend checking it out.

Kurrawa Beach Lifesavers

2008-08-28T14:48:00.001-07:00

Surf Lifesaving Club Lifesavers
Originally uploaded by BadJohnnyBGood

I am thinking about joining one of these clubs when I relocate. I heard there are a lot of perks when joining, like not only competing in watersports, but there is a semi-private cafe and pub on the beach. You can usually store your surfboard there as well.

Plus hey, lets be honest wouldn't anyone want to hang out with these guys? They seem like fun. =)

Country 4x4 Ambo

2008-08-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

Country Ambulance
Originally uploaded by tahitianlime

Check out the snorkel on this ambulance to traverse waterways in the outback.....awesome. These are rigs that service remote/rural areas of queensland.

The Gold Coast

2008-08-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

First sunrise of 2007-Miami Beach Gold Coast AU.
Originally uploaded by mikevi80

This is an image from flickr looking towards Surfer's Paradise and Broadbeach. This is a major australian vaca spot. I am argeting this as my region to relocate to. More pics coming

Australia

2008-08-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about "Pulling the pin and moving to Queensland".....to borrow the cheesy quote from the Oz Government Website. I know, WTF? I have never left the VTA. But I think if I am ever going to see the world and travel, now is the time. What an experience it would be. I already live by the "No Worries Mate" way of life anyway.

Why Australia?

It is gorgeous, great surfing, lots of kayaking opportunities, and a great culture to explore. Yet, more importantly, there is a great opportunity to work as a Paramedic there. Apparently there is a PM shortage and they are offering permanent work visas and 5K moving expenses to qualified Paramedics. Paramedics are second only to lifesavers in Australia as the most respected professions. The scope of practice for PMs there is also very broad and the pay is a lot better as a NHS/ Govt. employee. Also, the cost of living is cheaper than VTA.

I have been doing a lot of research, and have been pondering the move since December. Everything I have read or seen, is reassuring my decision to relocate.

I am currently gathering all the information required for the extensive application. I hope to send it off within a week. My next move is to visit this fall or winter. I have a place to stay whn I go out there to visit, so that will help.

I will keep everyone updated and plan to post pics of where I am thinking of going in Queensland.

Wish me luck.

IAEP threatening a Strike with AMR Nationwide

2008-04-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

This is the best news story I have heard in a while. This is exactly what the EMS community needs, strong representation by a big union. I hope they get all that they want with this one. Just like my last post touched on, Paramedics and EMTs as a whole and underpaid.

A Strike in May will bring a lot of attention and I doubt AMR will let it go to that point. As AMR will most likely lose several of it's 911 provider contracts if the employees strike. We'll see what happens.

Surprise....I guess I should be Poor

2008-04-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

Paramedics

What they do: Paramedics respond to emergency situations and attempt to provide the necessary medical care, whether it involves transporting participants to a hospital or treating them on the scene.

Surprising salary: $27,070. Seeing as paramedics have high stress jobs that require them to be on call and ready to save lives at a moment's notice, you might expect their mean annual salary to be higher.
------------------------------

This was part of a recent Article on MSN's website homepage regarding five surprising salaries. The profession of Paramedicine was included in this article. Yet, not in a good way. It was surprising to MSN how little we make.

No Shit, It was surprising to me as well. But hey, I have to admit, things aren't as dismal as the 27,000 a year they mention, and honestly how they came up with that figure is unclear. Did they average all salaries from San Francisco to BumF### Kansas. Who knows, plus what about the volunteer Paramedics.

I really can't complain too much. But hey I will complain if given any opportunity.

I went through a lot of Shit to become a Paramedic. Schooling averages a minimum of two years with all the prerequisites and actual PM school together. Many never make it to PM school, and even more can't pass PM school so those of us that perservered and survived Didactic and Internship are on top of their stuff.

Paramedics are expected to perform well under extreme circumstances. They have to be able to perform advanced medical skills in an uncontrolled setting. We are expected to make life saving decisions in an instant and perform fast.

EMS has its perks as well. A great shcedule that allows for 24 hour shifts, 10 days a month. During our shifts we arrive at an apartment or small home and live there for the day, available for calls. Once our morning duties are completed, we are free to watch TV, surf the NET, play PS3, drive around town and complete errands in our area, and workout. We just have to be ready immediately for an emergency call. A great shift is spent chatting with your partner, renting a few flix, sitting in the relcliner and going on a few calls, then sleeping all night. All the while we are paid whether we get a call or not. There is little manual labor involved and as a rule we are usually respected by the people we serve. The job is rewarding and usually fun.

I knew going into this that Paramedics as a whole do not get paid what they deserve. This is mostly true in the Private sector, where profit margins and all expenses are tight. This is where most medics get their experience before moving on to the Fire Department or City/County run Ambulance. When you move to a government paid job, as with any career in Gov, the pay and benefits are better as they have a fixed budget to utilize and profits are not foremost in mind.

Working here in California, Paramedics make a lot more than the quoted salary above, due to cost of living expenses here. I make enough to live comfortably. But I know I will never be able to buy a house on this salary, nor travel and buy extravagant things. This is why EMS is a revolving door of faces. The Paramedics with 5-10 years experience are more of a rarity, than a norm in the private sector. How can someone imaging being a career medic. Most go to FD or into other allied health professions to better themselves.

This is where I am at. I am researching where my future role in the medical field might be. I am looking into respiratory therapy as well as RN. Although these positions allow for a much more inflated salary, upwards of 90,000. Yet, the excitement and comradary is missing. But hey, buying nice stuff might make up for that lack of excitement.

Technology sux

2008-04-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

I need a new computer soon. Mine is a pile and has been crashing lately. I guess it is time to face reality and purchase a Mac. I just have to decide between a desktop or a Laptop. Well, first of all, I better save some cash.

No More Artie on Howard

2008-04-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

My Favorite personality of the Howard Stern Show of Late might be leaving. As you know I am a proud Sirius subscriber, mainly for access to the uncensored Howard Stern Show. Artie Lange has been a fixture on Howard for over 7 years and according to recent polls, he is the most popular personality even beating out Howard.

But Artie has had his battles with alcohol, Heroin, and other controlled substances. This has led to some issues as of late with his performance on air. Not only is he tempermental, he falls asleep frequently while on air. Artie has gained over 100 pounds in the past year and is heading down the path of other comedians such as Farley and Belushi.

On Thurday's show Artie had an outburst of verbal and physical nature towards Teddy, his assistant. I did not hear the show that AM. And sadly they did not re-air the west coast feed in the afternoon like usual. According to reports, Artie became verbally abusive and quickly escalated to an attempt of physical violence which was thankfully detered by other staff.

This is shocking and sad. It is sad to think of Artie's demise and if this is rock bottom for him. As for now he has tendered his resignation from the show and Howard accepted. Howard stated that he cannot condone physical outbursts in the studio.

This is a big loss for the show and for fans of Howard and Artie's. I hope that things might resolve themselves over time, and Artie can return to the show. There will be a very difficult void to fill in Artie's absence.

I saw Artie in LA last week, at the Gibson Amphitheater and he did a great job. I wish him all the best.

A Day in the Life of a Paramedic

2007-12-03T00:28:00.001-08:00

This may take place in London, but it is on par with EMS here. I wish I had his Job. I love the rapid response car.

iPhone Costume Halloween 2007

2007-12-03T00:15:00.001-08:00

Can you be any F'n more of a geek than to wear this shit. I think these guys are the President and VP of the LOTR fan club.They probably have a shrine to the Sith Lord and smoke pot all day. How much time do some people have on their hands? I like the iPhone, I am saving for an iphone. But please I would never lower myself to this.

Sirius is on its way!!!

2007-11-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

After a much too long hiatus, I have just ordered a brand new Sirius Radio for my Jeep. I have spent the past 9 months without it and can't take another day. Back in March some asshole in Oxnard totaled my car as he blew through a red light. Well guess what that was the last day of Howard Stern that I heard. Of course, the car kit for my JVC plug and play radio was stuck in the wreckage, not to mention obsolete. I had to now invest in an entire new radio and car kit package. Note: That was not covered in the insurance. That asshole owes me big time.

The new shiny Sportster 5 will be here in a few days and then I can get it installed. The sportster 5 has a nice brushed metal face and blue accents that will look classy in my Jeep. I just can't wait to get back to my commercial free 80's and Modern Rock, and most importantly, Artie, Robin, and Howard. I have a lot of catching up to do.

Snooze Fest

2007-11-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

If someone says "Lets, go watch that new movie Into the Wild". Be prepared for the slowest movie in history. You better be in the right mood to watch some hippie discover himself in the woods over a few years in the early nineties. So bring some gronola and wear your birkenstocks, sit back and relax. I think this movie is geared for pot smokers, they would really be into this.

It might just be three hours of your life you can never get back. You'll not be any smarter at the end of it, just sleepy.

A partnership is broken

2007-11-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

My paramedic partner Garet passed his Level II exam and today is our last shift working as partners. After three months, we are being split up to work with EMT's. I alwys hate this point. I have worked with some great people over the past few years and it is always a difficult transition when partners are switched. I have noticed you become really close and find a routine working together. You build a trust and really begin to know eachothers strengths and weaknesses. 24 hours is along time to converse, work and live in close quarters with someone, let alone a stranger. Telling the same jokes and seeing some crazy shit along the way. From intense situations to being witness to some funcking idiocracy. Talking shit and reminiscing about past patients and encounters with the public. Then one day it is over, and you are reassigned to a new partner. To start over and build a personal and professional rapport, eventually to become comfortable saying what you really feel and not what you should.

I have made some life long friends along the way. Chris, Chris, and Chris....Jessica, Jon, Brandon, Tony..and now Garet. I wonder who will be next. Will they be cool or want to watch the History channel all day, have a stick up their ass, not know their shit, argue and question my judgement, talk on their phone all day. That would suck. I have been lucky soo far and hope nthat luck continues.

Wish me luck after the 4 day.

Don't fuck with Walker, Texas Ranger.

2007-10-16T16:08:00.001-07:00

Chuck Norris is awesome. I suggest you don't get him angry, he really did this, no special effects.

The Unicorn Kingdom Club

2007-10-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

This was introduced to me today by K. Bauerlein and it is genius...please enjoy. I am a new inductee.

Michael Scott -isms

2007-10-09T19:28:00.001-07:00

The Office- Michael Scott

2007-10-09T19:26:00.001-07:00

The Office: Top 10 That's What She Said

2007-10-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome

2007-10-05T16:04:00.001-07:00

Thanks for checking out my new blog. I have made some modifications and am looking forward to keeping this site current and up to date. I think this will be a very eclectic site. Topics will range from current events and gossip, to observations around Ventura. I hope you enjoy.