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As we recently commemorated Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember our fallen servicemen and women, my thoughts have been centered on the incredible bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel. These reflections led me to a riveting documentary titled “Chronicles of Courage: B-17 and the Ball Turret.” This film caught my attention as it illuminated the extraordinary valor of those who served during World War II, specifically the ball turret gunners of the B-17 bombers. Their story, which I’m about to share with you, is a poignant reminder of the immense courage that our servicemembers embody, even in the face of the most terrifying circumstances. In the annals of WWII, there exist countless tales of bravery, valor, and sacrifice. Among these, the story of the B-17 bomber and its ball turret gunners stands out. These men served in the belly of the beast, manning one of the most dangerous and terrifying positions in aerial warfare: the ball turret. The ball turret was a small, spherical compartment attached to the belly of the B-17, also known as the Flying Fortress. This device housed a pair of .50-caliber machine guns and was responsible for defending the aircraft against enemy fighter attacks from below. The gunner, often the smallest man in the crew due to the turret’s confined space, would crouch in the turret, his knees tucked up to his chest, surrounded by a plexiglass dome. Given its location on the underbelly of the aircraft, the ball turret was one of the most vulnerable and exposed parts of the B-17. The gunners had a panoramic view of the world below and the vast skies around them, but this breathtaking sight was often marred by the terrifying spectacle of enemy fighters swooping in for an attack. ‘CHRONICLES OF COURAGE: B-17 AND THE BALL TURRET’
For the men assigned to this duty, the job was nothing short of harrowing. The turret was incredibly cramped, loud, and cold. The gunner was isolated from the rest of the crew, with only a radio link keeping him in touch. The constant threat of enemy fire, the deafening noise of the guns, and the chilling high-altitude wind rushing past the turret made the task almost unbearable. The chilling reality was that many of these brave men would not survive their missions. Ball turret gunners had one of the highest casualty rates among aircrew positions. The turret’s exposed position made it an easy target for enemy fire. In the event of a forced landing, the gunner’s chances of survival were slim as the turret was often crushed due to its low positioning. Yet, despite the terrifying odds, these gunners went into battle, mission after mission, with unwavering courage and dedication. Each time they climbed into that tiny sphere, they knew they were placing their lives on the line for the greater good. They were men of extraordinary bravery, fighting from one of the most terrifying positions in the war. The story of the B-17’s ball turret gunners is one of unyielding courage under fire. Their dedication and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds is a testament to the human spirit and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
–Tom Askeroth
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EXPLORING THE GHOSTLY ECHOES OF NEVADA :
A CAUTIONARY TALE OF ADVENTURE AND SAFETY
Nevada, a state known for its glittering casinos and bustling city life, is also home to a hidden world of history and mystery — abandoned ghost towns and mines. These deserted locations, once vibrant with life and industry, now stand as eerie reminders of a bygone era, drawing explorers and adventure-seekers from all over the world. However, these ventures are not without risk. Today, we’re going to highlight the dangers that lurk in the abandoned mines of Nevada and the safety measures one should take when exploring these fascinating, but potentially perilous, sites. Nevada is dotted with old mines, a testament to its rich mining history. The state’s geology is a treasure trove of gold, silver, and other precious minerals, which sparked a flurry of mining activity in the 19th and 20th centuries. When the mineral veins ran dry, the towns built around these mines were deserted, leaving behind ghost towns and abandoned mines. While they offer a tantalizing glimpse into the past, they also pose serious risks. One of the most significant dangers in these abandoned mines is their structural instability. Without maintenance, the supports can weaken over time, leading to sudden collapses. This poses a significant risk to explorers who venture too far into these mines. In addition to structural instability, there are risks of encountering pockets of poisonous gases, falling into unseen vertical shafts, and even finding unexploded historical explosives. Another concern is the wildlife that has taken up residence in these abandoned sites. Rattlesnakes, bats, and other potentially dangerous creatures may be lurking in these dark, undisturbed areas. So, how can you safely explore these historical sites? The first rule is “Stay Out and Stay Alive.” This is a national campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers of exploring abandoned mines. Despite the allure of these sites, it is advised to appreciate them from a distance.
However, if you’re a seasoned explorer and still wish to delve into these mines, make sure you are properly prepared. Wear a helmet with a headlamp to protect your head and provide illumination. Carry a multi-gas detector to alert you of harmful gases. It is also crucial to wear sturdy, protective clothing and boots to protect against sharp objects and potential wildlife encounters. Always go with a partner and let someone know your plans before you head out. This way, in case of any mishap, someone is aware of your location. Ensure you have a fully charged cellphone or a radio for emergency communication. Take a map of the mine if it’s available, but remember that old mines can be maze-like and the layout may have changed over the years due to collapses or other alterations. Never rely solely on a map for navigation. A good rule of thumb is to avoid entering areas where you can no longer see the entrance. Another crucial piece of advice is to respect the site. These are historic locations with a rich heritage. Vandalism and theft not only disrespect the site’s history but can also cause structural damage, making the mine even more dangerous for future explorers. Exploring Nevada’s abandoned ghost towns and mines can be an adventure like no other, but it’s paramount to prioritize safety. There is a lot to learn from these historic sites, but we must also respect their potential dangers. After all, the echoes of the past are best heard when we’re safe and sound. Remember, the adage “Look but don’t touch” is a good guide when it comes to exploring these sites. With the right precautions, your adventure into Nevada’s past can be a thrilling, safe, and enriching experience.
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WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
GRILLED STEAK SALAD WITH PEACHES
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW CHANGES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Inspired by Delish.com
This summer salad is both hearty and healthy!
Ingredients
• 1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tbsp light brown sugar • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • Kosher salt • Black pepper • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
In the latest legislative session, a number of significant changes were made to workers’ compensation (WC) laws. The first bill to pass was AB165. This bill safeguards lump sum permanent partial disability (PPD) payments. Following this, AB410 was passed, allowing for the gradual onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims for police, firefighters, and first responders. In a significant development, the comprehensive WC bill SB274 was passed. This was a joint effort by both employers/insurer and labor organizations. This bill is extensive and covers a range of provisions:
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Fines are automatically doubled if insurers appeal benefit penalties (BPs) and lose their appeal. DIR penalties must be publicly available on their website for at least five years. It removes the “specialization” language from assigning PPD doctors, therefore eliminating the basis for which it exists in regulation. PPD will now be assigned randomly rather than by “rotation.” Rating doctors can refuse assignments they don’t feel they can carry out. PPD statistics have to be posted on the DIR website every quarter. The DIR must update its master panel list of physicians and remove doctors who don’t actively treat WC claimants. A form will be available for any interested person to report a doctor who doesn’t accept and treat claimants for a particular specialty, prompting a DIR investigation. The DIR has a 120-day limit to process, investigate, and issue a determination on a complaint for BP. If they fail to do so, the claimant has 30 days to appeal, after which the DIR loses all jurisdiction to render any decision.
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• 1 large lemon, juiced • 6 cups baby arugula • 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
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Directions
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1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or pan set to high heat, cook steak until desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.
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It permits out-of-state industrial insurance adjusters. It allows insurers to recoup owed assessment monies from the Department of Business & Industry Industrial Relations (DIR) for the 2.3% increases to spousal death benefits. It increases the DIR penalty minimum from $5,000 to $17,000 and the maximum from $50,000 to $120,000 for claims made after Jan. 1, 2024.
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Most of the provisions of SB274 come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
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INSIDE
1 Commemorating the Brave WWII Soldiers 2 3 Find Out if You’ll Be Affected by These New Laws Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches Read This Before You Dive Into Adventure 4 WD-40 Has Over 2,000 Uses
YOU CAN DO WHAT WITH WD-40?
It’s More Than a Lubricant!
If you’ve looked into your cabinets, you might find a can of WD-40 lying around. That’s good because it has more capabilities than just lubricating rusted parts. Did you know that WD-40 has over 2,000 uses? You read that right — you can use it for all kinds of things! Here are a few of our favorite uses. CLEANING CARPETS It can be difficult and expensive to deep-clean your carpet to remove those pesky stains. However, if you spray the stains with WD-40, wait a few minutes, and then use a sponge and soapy water, you can get those stains out in no time! If you go through this process and the stains remain, retry the above steps or try a carpet cleaner with soapy water. INSTANTLY WATERPROOFING SHOES No one likes going outside when it’s raining. While you can purchase water-resistant sprays for your shoes, you may have to wait a day or two before wearing them. But if you spray your shoes with WD-40, you can instantly make
them waterproof! WD-40 acts as a barrier, meaning that moisture won’t be able to seep into your shoes and get your socks wet. REMOVING PAINT SMUDGES FROM CARS Sometimes when you’re out and about, your car can get dinged as other drivers open their doors. A shopping cart might even collide with your vehicle and leave a paint smudge. But there’s no need to spend hours trying to remove the smudge. Simply spray the area with WD-40 and wipe it clean with a rag. GETTING RID OF STICKY RESIDUE Trying to peel off a sticker or label without leaving any residue can be difficult. To help with this issue, spray WD-40 on the residue, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a cloth. Then voila! No more annoying residue! Can you believe that WD-40 can be used for all this and more? It’s mind-blowing how many uses it has. Learn more about what you can do with this incredible multi-functional item at WD40.co.uk/tips-and-tricks/uses-for-WD40 .
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