Now it’s CCR not CPR • please read this life-saving article!

Why CCR works better than CPR

Cardiocerebral resuscitation for sudden cardiac arrest is now the technique that is being taught.
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Catching the bear

Two men went bear hunting. While one stayed in the cabin, the other went out looking for a bear. He soon found a huge bear, shot at it but only wounded it.

The enraged bear charged toward him, he dropped his rifle and started running for the cabin as fast as he could. He ran pretty fast but the bear was just a little faster and gained on him with every step. Just as he reached the open cabin door, he tripped and fell flat.
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I wish…. I wish…. I wish….

A blonde, a brunette and a redhead are stuck on an island. One day, the three of them are walking along the beach and discover a magic lamp.

They rub and rub, and sure enough, out pops a genie.
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Shop Talk – May 2010

I’m always being asked how I became a mechanic and I thought a little history might be fun to share.

My grandfather was a mechanic for over 50 years (Lordy, lordy, I’m not that far from being able to say the same thing) and had his own shop down on Oregon Way, where the U Haul business is now.

As a youngster, I loved going there and smelling the smells that were typical of a shop of old – such things as gear oil (whale oil was used), smoke from the barrel stove that was almost always burning (great place to burn those old oil filters and such), and other not so mundane odors that permeate old buildings

It seemed like there were always old timers hanging around telling stories that really made going there a fun experience. When I was about 10, my parent’s car broke down due to using a new type of oil that had detergents in it. Not a good idea when the first 70 thousand miles were driven using non-detergent oil. That new oil broke all the crud loose and plugged up the oil pump just as we were leaving on a trip for Canada.

It was a mad scramble to get the old Studebaker back running because reservations were made and money put down on deposit for our cabin at the lake up there and I got my first real introduction to engine work. What a thrill! My job was to free up all the pistons where they oscillate on the connecting rods. I felt like a real mechanic after that experience.

My grandfather had lots of stories to tell but the ones that stick with me I will share now. The first one was his first car; a 1927 model T.  He installed a Model B engine (newer engine from a Model A – more horse power and torque) and a second ‘T’  transmission in a back to back arrangement with a 2 speed Rukstill (could be the wrong spelling) rear axle.  He could do 62 mph with it!!

Another great story concerns the missing fingers on one hand. Seems there was a way to tie a shop rag onto the bands that were used in many of the early car’s transmissions so that a band could be changed real fast as opposed to the correct way, which required tearing the transmission apart.

Only problem was if you weren’t quick enough, the rag would pull your hand into the trans and, voila – no fingers! I believe this happened more than once. To top that one, after he retired, he was helping remodel a building for his fraternal organization and was planing some boards on a small power planer and of course, his hand slipped and several slices of finger appeared under the tool.

No problem, just rap a handkerchief around the stub and drive himself to the hospital. Grandma had a fit, but to Grandpa, no big deal.

Despite the reduction of fingers, my Grandma was always very proud of her husband and I remember many times her saying that he had the cleanest finger nails of any man she ever knew! He never came home with grease under the nails.

The last story concerns his patience with most anything that happened. In her later years, Grandma got to where her depth perception wasn’t so good and she occasionally would sideswipe the garage when pulling in or backing out. Not a problem, just run the car down to his buddy that owned a body shop and have it fixed. The last year Grandma drove, he had the car repainted 3 times! She didn’t fight the loss of driving privileges too bad. So now you know I come by my mechanical interest naturally, including the missing digit!

Happy Motoring, Ray

Comment on this column and others online at our web site, found at www.valleybugler.com! Questions or comments to Ray – rayscartalk@yahoo.com.

Senior enrichment activities • Intro to Movie Maker • Crochet • Sock Knitting • Cinco de Mayo

Introduction to Movie Maker
Learn Movie Maker and the many multipurpose uses for this program, including presentations and slide shows. Class is for adults 18 and over on Sat, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Building, 2121 Kessler Blvd. in Longview. The instructor is Dan Myers. Fee is $20 in-city or $25 out-of-city. To register for session #92445 or get more information please call Longview Recreation at 442.5400 or register online at www.mylongview.com/reconline.
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Local Doc worked with pro athletes

When Dr. Peter Kung arrived at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles in 2008 to begin a sports medicine fellowship, it took some getting used to.

Kung – who now works at Longview Orthopedic Associates – found himself treating athletes who are regularly featured on ESPNS’s Sports Center.
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Annual Food Drive: Postmasters Unite!

The Castle Rock Post Office is participating for the fourth year in the annual Letter Carrier’s Food Drive.

This May 8th, (Saturday), you can leave food in a bag at your mail box, or leave it at the Post Office. Please leave any non-perishable food donations before the  normal time your carrier arrives at your box. The Post Office will be open for donations until 2:30pm on Saturday.
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Art in the Park! Call for vendors

The Columbian Artists Association and the Longview Parks and Recreation Department are seeking artists to exhibit and sell their fine arts and crafts at our 2nd annual juried “Art in the Park” event.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 14 from 10:00 am.- 5:00 pm at Longview’s gem, Lake Sacajawea Park.
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Play poker and help the community!

Kelso Rotary
No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
Saturday, May 1
Moose Lodge – 921 Washington Way, Longview (parking in back)
Arrive at 5:30 p.m.
Shuffle up and deal at 6:00 p.m.
$100 buy-in/entry fee
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Memorial Day

May 30 is a special day to honor those who gave their lives for our country and our freedom. Though it’s a holiday that honors all, for most of Americans the ceremonies are a highly personal experience.

Casualties of  Iraq and Afghanistan are fresh in our memories. The services at  cemeteries give a public face to our appreciation of their sacrifices.
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