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What’s up storm chasers?! Are you glad to be back?

Sorry for the sad post last weekend: I asked for my coffee with a double shot of Depresso. We all know that’s part of the job, and it’s what we sign up for, but man was I ready to head home.

We ended up getting released by Duke on Tuesday morning, and got home Wednesday. There isn’t many things in this world that are better than seeing your family’s faces light up as you walk in the door.

All in all, it ended up being 22 days gone, a pocket full of money, a sore back, and a renewed appreciation for my own bed.

We’d love to hear how your week went—drop us a line and share your stories! But before we gear up for the weekend, let’s dive into what this issue has in store:

• ☁️ Next on the Doppler

• 🪜 Transmission Time!

• 📷 On the Job Beanbag?

• 📖 A Poem

• 🕷️ Welcome to the jungle

• 🧐 Check out Local 17!

🌪️Storm Outlook

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30, is projected to remain highly active. NOAA predicts an above-normal season with 17 to 25 named storms, including 8 to 13 hurricanes, of which 4 to 7 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). This heightened activity is attributed to factors like unusually warm ocean temperatures, low wind shear, and favorable atmospheric conditions such as the weakening of El Niño and the onset of La Niña​.

The Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico remain areas of concern for new tropical cyclone formations during October and November. Current forecasts indicate the potential for additional storms, including one system under close watch in the western Caribbean, which may develop into a significant event. During this late phase of the season, the western Caribbean often sees an uptick in storm activity due to favorable moisture levels and reduced wind shear​.

As hurricane activity persists, preparedness remains essential. Storms like Hurricane Milton have recently highlighted the importance of being ready, as they can still cause widespread damage and flooding even later in the season. It’s crucial for residents in hurricane-prone areas to stay informed, monitor forecasts closely, and have emergency plans in place for the remaining weeks of the season​.

💡Father’s of the Trade:

William Stanley, Jr., made vital contributions to the development of modern electrical infrastructure, directly impacting the lineman trade. Working alongside George Westinghouse, Stanley developed the first practical alternating current (AC) transformer in 1886. This transformer allowed for the stepping up and down of voltage, which made it feasible to transmit electricity efficiently over long distances.

This innovation laid the foundation for the high-voltage transmission systems that linemen maintain today, making power accessible to remote areas and greatly expanding the reach of electrical grids.

Stanley’s successful demonstration of the AC transformer in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, marked a turning point in the electrical industry. His system was the first to show that high-voltage AC power could be transmitted over miles and then reduced safely for use in homes and businesses.

This achievement not only validated the AC system but also shifted the work scope of linemen, who now had to install and manage more complex electrical infrastructure, including transformers and extended power lines.

Additionally, Stanley’s innovations improved the safety and reliability of electrical systems, influencing the standards linemen follow to this day. By making long-distance power transmission practical, his work required linemen to develop specialized skills and tools for working with high-voltage equipment.

Stanley's contributions remain essential in modern electrical engineering, as transformers are key components of the power grids that linemen operate and maintain, ensuring that electricity reaches consumers safely and efficiently.

JNCTN is a company specializing in digital identity and credential management. Their platform helps organizations transition from paper-based verification processes to a digital system, allowing for secure and efficient management of employee credentials.

JNCTN's solutions are used across various industries to ensure that the right people with the right qualifications are in the right locations, streamlining compliance, onboarding, and credential verification. The platform also offers features like automated notifications, real-time monitoring, and easy integration with existing systems.

The plan is for them to be a partnership with the man power. There’s an app in development, being built with the Lineman in mind. The IBEW isn’t partnered up yet, but hopefully soon.

I Remember My First Time Using Pole Foam

Poem And A Cause!

The Lineman

by Scarlet K. Gibbs

The Lineman is a rare breed of man with a lionhearted soul. A genuine lofty testimonial of aspiration for mankind, his impassioned devotion to get the power on is illimitable. A traveler of many roads, barriers left behind by a storm’s demise will not daunt his presence.

No storm is going to undermine his efforts. No storm’s fury will hold him back. He pauses none to face head-on its aftermath. The lineman will walk through the depths of water, the forces of snow and ice, the wild breaths of wind, and the valleys of dessert heat to get the lights on for those stranded in the dark. He is a no-nonsense kind of man; nothing will hinder his numinous perseverance to complete his mission

The lineman is a dedicated storm-soldier with flawless aim. Shooting trouble on the line is his gain. When the line begins to rumble, snap goes the pole, crackle goes the wire, and pop goes the transformer, with his armor and tools of trade, the lineman readies to conquer his quest.

With swiftly stabbing steps, the lineman valiantly commences his climb. As he ascends closer to the heavens, a deadly force awaits for his presence. There on the line is a grand force of fiery anger and immense power, so ruthless nothing dare stands in its way, except maybe he who is a lineman. Fighting with all its might the force discharges fire-hot sparks all about. Wearing his shield and armor of faith for protection, the lineman marches on. With keen reconnaissance and poetic courage, the lineman wrangles the blazing outrage to a halt. Tools in hand, he victoriously bestows peace on the line. At the end of the day, the lineman’s numinous persistence once again lights up the dark.

A power-lineman is not an ordinary job. It is ranked in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world. These brave linemen and linewomen risk their lives not just during storm time, but every day when they go on the line. They love what they do, and very rarely seek recognition. All they desire is to get the power back on.

The Fallen Lineman Foundation and The Fallen Lineman Organization aids in supporting and helping line-families in need due to an unforeseen accident or death.

Please show your support by clicking on the links below.

http://www.fallenlinemen.org

🎒Looking For Work?🎒

If you’re not working on these storms right now, and looking to tramp, I’d recommend coming up to Local 17 in Detroit. It’s not for everyone, but wages:cost of living is one of the best in the country.

Currently there is 45 open calls for Distro, and 11 for Transmission

🫡 Time for “The Business”

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See ya next week,