Black Hawks on the Bay

[Johnny L.A.]

I decided to check out the local hostel, which is located on the former Blaine Air Force Station. (The hostel is actually the old BOQ building.) As I approached I saw something unexpected: A UH-60 Black Hawk sitting in a lot. There was another one behind the hostel. It seems they're here for an exercise that is supposed to take place Tuesday, simulating a terrorist attack. Army, Sheriff, ICE, Fire... Sounds like a big show. Unfortunately, Tuesday is one of my not-telecommuting days.

As they were getting ready to take off I saw a crewman unwinding a coil as he walked away. I told the guy standing next to me (who had said he used to work on Sea Kings) that the UH-60 has a pull-starter, like a lawn mower. The guy's letting out the starter cord. He said, 'Really?' I told him no, it's a comm cord so the crewman can communicate with the people inside. I've really got to stop making things up and telling them to people I don't know. Or at least stop doing it deadpan. I'm likely to get a poke in the snot locker.