Everyone's shocked. I didn't hear from Mr. Troutbend all day, so finally called him. We usually communicate by email, so me calling him is the equivalent of 'don't make me come down there.'

In Las Vegas, that shooting is all that's on TV, as you can imagine, since it's been so prominent all over the country. He said it's surprising how many guns that guy had accumulated, and he must have been planning this for a long time to put together such an arsenal. One has to wonder what the girlfriend was seeing and hearing during that time - maybe she's been in the Phillippines for a long time.

He is a long-time blood donor, but so many people are lined up to donate, the blood services are asking people to hold off for a few days.

What we can all learn from this is whenever we go out in public be aware of our surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Map out three or four exit strategies, avoid areas where there is only one exit. Bring a small first aid kit, including things you can use for tourniquets and to stop bleeding. In a mass shooting incident, it will take awhile for first responders to reach the injured, and you are the first line of help to save lives. Go to things in groups so you can help one another stay upright and help each other think of what to do. If you are in danger of being trampled, curl up in a ball to protect your chest cavity so you can breathe.

I hate even having to think of these sorts of things, but this is where we are these days.