Wind Rider: An American Journal

Alice Cooper

2004-11-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Things have been crazy as of late. I hope that things will begin to get back to status quo. I need to post a blog today or certain people might wonder if I am dead. Sometime I myself wonder if I am dead. Wait a minute. O.K. the pulse is still going strong!

I was driving home from work late last night and dialed up 103.7 F.M. in Northern New Jersey. It is a really good station and last night I heard the one and only, the original Alice Cooper who it seems has a rock show unique to him. I guess that it is syndicated since he is way too big a star for a local show. I hope that it is a regular thing. I have always considered Alice to be one of the best rockers around.

During the campaign season I needed to listen to “Elected” just to keep everything in perspective. Of course ‘School’s Out” has always been a perennial favorite of mine! I keep the Greatest hits C.D. in the hypersonic ride at all times as I never know just when I might need a fix of Alice. And who can listen to “Is It My Body” without singing along. And yes, it is O.K. for me to sing along with Alice since I drive alone and pose no threat to any living creature.

Caren www.carenlissner.blogspot.com has been really busy with her new novel which I am looking forward to reading when published. I don’t think that I have ever read a 90,000 word novel before. She has been a little less than faithful with her blog entries lately because of the book. She has sadly reverted back to the “got up / dressed” thing! But who am I to be critical? Life without Caren’s sometimes liberal insight is sad. The really strange thing is that I know a conservative guy who has a crush on her. How twisted!

She is cool though. As Editor of the Hudson Newsgroup she gets to call the shots and I sometimes get in a letter. I have one coming out this weekend [if she didn’t forget] in which I take on a guy who wants it both ways. He is critical of Left and Right! I guess that you can’t be wrong if you cut down everyone. I think my letter was pretty good. I hope that people don’t think I am as pompous as the guy who wrote the original letter. But if they do think that they would likely be correct. I can be guilty of pomposity.

Can a United States Marine be guilty of murder in a war zone? Is there such a thing as an improper killing in a battlefield situation? Do the men in battle need to fill out a questioner before making a decision to pull the trigger. In an episode of the original “Star Trek” Captain Kirk found a race that fought “Civilized War.” When the computer reported that your zone had been attacked you had the civil obligation to report to the disintegration room. Kirk taught them that war really sucks. He made them fight the “good old fashioned way!” Blood, guts and all the horror!

(Self Edit) That is the true nature of war. Even Captain Kirk understood that. If you don’t like it then stop it. Bring the boys home now! Marine! Not Guilty.

Wind Rider

Ratta Tat Tat

2004-11-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

Well, after the computer crashed and burned it has been fixed, at great cost I might add. So what has happened recently? One of the more interesting things which come to mind is a story in the news about a New Jersey Air National guard fighter which inadvertently fired upon an elementary school in South Jersey.

So who would have thought that the military in New Jersey trains with live ammo in populated areas? Go figure! Talk about a drive by shooting. In New Jersey they take it to a new level. So no one got hurt, but I’ll bet that it surly woke up the janitor.

It seems to me that with modern technology they could use a simulator to train the flight crew. Perhaps the military should revise the policy and procedure manual. Here is a suggestion. Before discharging your weapons look out window and determine if target is on the test range. If you see a school or other non-military type structures it would be advisable to recalibrate the instruments on the flight deck before firing live rounds.

Perhaps they should consider doing combat training in less populated areas. A good place might be Nevada since nobody lives there. A great place would be Area 51 since they only have crashed U.F.O.s and alien beings from other worlds hidden in well fortified buildings. That way if some misguided fire hits the roof it won’t cause any real damage.

Be cool, stay in school! Don’t drop put, don’t cop out! Learn the golden rule! And I might add, run a zig zag pattern on the playground!

Wind Rider

Heartbreak Highway

2004-10-24T03:14:00.000-04:00

Heartbreak Highway
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

Click on Picture to see larger image

When someone you love, especially a child leaves the house tell them how much you love them. It might just be the last time that you will ever hear that child’s voice again! Such was the case with the friend of my son.

After leaving the house that day instead of going to school, the friend of my son, along with his friends’ 13 year old brother and 16 year old sister and 2 other children headed to Wilkes-Barre to see President George W. Bush. They never got there. After crossing the center line they were hit head on by a school bus.

The accident closed the roadway for several hours while Pennsylvania State Police investigated the accident. According the The News Eagle, the paper of record the situation required 2 life flights. The 13 year old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The entire school community and surrounding area is devastated by this tragedy. Sometimes days which seem to be so bright and full of the promise of tomorrow never materialize.

Love your children and be kind to others. There is nothing more than that which we might do.

Sometimes

When I feel like the world is slipping away
Like a rope that has been cut loose
When life seems dark and cold
As a feeling of despair creeps in

Sometimes

When no one seems to care
And joy is only a word
Or peace is just a dream
When hate fills the world

Sometimes

When words of hope fall down
Like a man who has failed at life
Because he knows not victory
When darkness is all around

Sometimes

If life seems as nothing
When hope is only a word
And dreams have gone away
When tomorrow never happens

Sometimes

In birth a child fills our heart with joy

Sometimes

In death a child fills our heart with sorrow

Sometimes

Is Sometimes Today

Sometimes

The world is cold

Wind Rider

Classic Ford Coupe

2004-10-24T02:09:00.000-04:00

aaa Ford Coupe From Behind
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

Here is a sweet little Ford Coupe. Just imagine the heads turning when you drive down the boulevard in this little gem! It is the latest in the Classic Collection. I always have my eye out for something to inspire the artistic heartbeat. I hope to add some new images of the classics from time to time as a feature of Wind Rider: An American Journal. And you can’t get much more American than vintage Ford roadsters.

Point and click on the picture for a larger version of it.

Wind Rider

New Civil War

2004-10-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

No matter how the election turns out the fact is that the nation will be more politically divided than it has ever been. Or I should more correctly say that level of division since the civil war. A radio talk show host, Michael Savage, believes that it will in fact lead to a new civil war in the United States of America, since the liberal left has been so effective in usurping the courts. Yes the lawyers have sure done a good job of subverting the courts.

And if all citizens can not get the protection of the courts, then the only option left is civil disobedience or worse, civil war. Then again the founders wanted the people to have the final say, and since they had their own tea party it is difficult to imagine that they would have a problem with the citizenry getting together to voice their collective F.U. to the courts and any administration in office. The real problem lies in the people being unwilling to do such a thing. Someone once said that violence begets violence. They failed to mention that violence also begets liberty!

Since the conservatives are so concerned with upholding the law, the likelihood that they will defy the law is slim at best. The situation would have to deteriorate to an all time low for the “right” to do much more than talk and bitch. Yet, emotions are running so high that even people who have no particular political affiliation are finding themselves taking sides in this election year. That should not be a surprise since the Kerry campaign is going to take the election even if it means tying the nation in knots through the courts. They are not going to allow a repeat of the Florida scenario this time around.

The fact that there are now more registered voters in Philadelphia than there are adults counted in the last census gives an indication of how strongly people feel about this election. This is being spun as an indication of voter registration fraud, but I would think that it is more of an indication of how poorly the census actually represents the states. This is especially so in urban areas being areas of high minority concentration. No comment as to whose fault that it. It is simply an observation.

The only way that the election isn’t going to be taken to the courts is if the Bush vote is so huge that there is no question that it was a mandate. That is the objective of talker Sean Hannity and I think that even he is feeling somewhat uncomfortable at this point in time. The polls wouldn’t indicate that this is a mandate year. But all bets are off. The “Security Moms” are going to play a huge role this year. It appears that the Jewish and Black vote is not going to hold to the standard democratic pattern this year. War veterans, especially those of the Kerry era a.k.a. Vietnam vets are surly going to play a strong role in favor of Bush thanks in large part to the swift boat vets.

Is this a horse race or what?

Wind Rider

The Curse

2004-10-21T01:14:00.000-04:00

This is in no way an indication that the curse is off! The curse shall remain in effect until further notice from above! The curse involved the fact that the Bo-Sox would never win another World Series. The Bambino has not at this time removed the curse.

So what you say! They beat the Yanks and are on the way to the World Series Championship. One small problem with that though. They have to beat the competition and that is something which they have yet to accomplish. Curse on until he forgives them for selling him to New York! I don’t think he will ever do that.

Those Sox need a trim and a shave. Don’t they have barber shops in Bean Town?

Wind Rider

Classic Hudson Coupe

2004-10-17T01:44:00.000-04:00

aaa Hudson Coupe 1
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

The Hudson Coupe was a very nice automobile. It is really a tribute to the people who designed this machine back in the day when they didn’t have the advantages of computer design equipment.

This vehicle is truly a work of art. The proud owner of this machine was not around at the time I stumbled across it. I had to use my phone camera to get several images of it in order to reproduce it in detail for this artwork.

Wind Rider

Classic Collection

2004-10-10T23:52:00.000-04:00

aaa Black Beauty - Classic Collection
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

This is a classic which I shot while Eastbound on I-80 in Parsippany, New Jersey. This Lincoln Continental was a real head turner as everyone wanted to get a look at it. Here is yet one more example of why it is good to have a camera phone. Whoever said that driving and using a phone at the same time is dangerous was speaking about talking. They never said anything about photography at 70 M.P.H. anyway.

Wind Rider

Debate Two

2004-10-07T10:49:00.000-04:00

Friday night will be the second of three debates between the current President and the very possible next President, John Kerry. It is strange how so many on the right spin his first debate saying that Bush actually won.

Even if he did win on facts, debatable, he lost on perception, and perception is everything in America. It might be a piece of crap, but if it looks good then it must be good! And besides Kerry has better hair. And if Bush does come out fighting in round two, the spin from the media left will be that Bush is a bully boy.

So all I can say is follow your heart and ride the wind W, and let the chips fall where they will. Time is a wastin’ and the time is now. It is time to take off the gloves and get some blood on the camera lens. Yes children it is time for fight club. And what are the first two rules of fight club? Rule one: We don’t talk about fight club! Rule two: We don’t talk about fight club!

In the V.P. debate the results were in that Edwards “won” even before the debate was over. I suspect that the debate results were in even before the debate started. But I am not certain about that so I will have to call a reliable source such as Dan Rather at C.B.S. News a source that you can trust.

Bottom line, without regard to health care, jobs and all of the standard things which we Americans consider important, the fact is that the election hangs on one question, which is simply stated, who makes you feel safer? Last time I looked out my window no additional buildings have had any Jets flying into them intentionally.

In view of the Kerry platform, depending on the time of day, temperature, humidity, dew point, wind speed and direction and any other factors which come into play such as skin color of group being spoken to or age category and ethnicity, I can’t say that more buildings will not come down.

Though it is far more likely that the next attack, and there is a high probability that there will be another attack, will involve a tactical nuc. It is pretty well known in the intelligence world that Iran does control several suitcase nucs. Thank you North Korea and thank you Bill.

Be advised that there might very well be a “major” attack on U.S. terra firma between now and Election Day. Just as in Spain they wish to control the vote through fear. I expect to see an increase in the terror threat level before November. I hope that I am wrong and all is quiet on the streets of America. Ride the Wind everyday friend.

Wind Rider

Space Flight

2004-10-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

The new privately funded and built “Space Plane” made the second journey to the edge of space within the two week time frame yesterday and returned to earth successfully earning the designers the $10,000,000.00 prize. The sub-orbital flight went off without a hitch.

This represents about half the cost of the project. The rest will be covered by private investment in ownership of the technology. The owners of Virgin Atlantic Airlines already have its moniker on the craft. This might be the next generation of space flight opening the sky to at least the wealthy. I would go but I am short about $200,000.00 that it would cost for the ride.

This is the sort of thing which we were told by our science teacher Miss. Singer many years ago. She failed to mention the $200,000.00 for the ticket. Interestingly, Gordon “Gordo” Cooper the younger of the first “Mercury” astronauts passed away the same day that space flight had taken a new direction. I don’t know how aware he was of the new mode of flight; however I am sure that he would have been pleased to know that what he and others had begun is moving forward.

Wind Rider

Biker Louis and Crew

2004-10-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

Biker Louis and Crew
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

Biker Louis

Today while working at one of our diagnostic facilities in Ramsey, New Jersey, I encountered an outstanding biker named Louis. He sure seemed to know how to handle his new motorcycle as he made the circuit throughout the parking lot.

Louis took a break and gave me the opportunity to take this picture of him on his racing machine. He is being supported by his able pit crew and friend. With two proud fathers standing nearby it was difficult to say for sure just who was having more fun. The boys had a great time today and I suspect that their fathers did as well.

It is really great to see guys spend quality time with their sons. This is what the Wind Rider likes to see. It puts a smile on my face to see parents spending time with their children in a celebration of freedom. I hope that you continue to ride Louis, and remember to always ride with the wind. And always wear your safety gear.

Wind Rider

Game Plan

2004-09-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

According to a local writer and newspaper editor the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey needs to have a talk with the staff. It seems some individuals still haven't gotten the message that there are people in the world who would like nothing better than to hurt us. The strange thing is that they protect themselves as well.

Somehow I just don't feel safe at the moment. I wonder why?

Wind Rider

Nothing but Weather

2004-09-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Today the rain from what is left of hurricane Jeanne, the forth hurricane to hit Florida in a single season, all within six weeks of each other is falling on my house. I really don’t like to work in the rain but it looks like I don’t have much choice today.

The last time four hurricanes hit the same state in a single season was 118 years ago when it happened to Texas. You have to feel sorry for the people of Florida. Perhaps they should consider moving to a safer part of the country. Then again I guess that during much of the year Florida is an attractive place to live. Oh well, as they say “too each his own.” Here in the North East we have to deal with snow, ice and an occasional blizzard.

I find that I am missing valuable blog time here at Wind Rider since I started my other blog Savage Nation. I must find more time here. Enough of this for now.

Wind Rider

Making Sacrifice

2004-09-24T13:10:00.000-04:00

It is funny to read what some people have to say about sacrifice. Caren Lissner, writer, newspaper editor and blog comic writes the following about the subject of personal sacrifice and includes her own plan of action:

Tonight starts Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in which Jewish people are not supposed to eat or work. I'm not religious, but I think it's good to take stock of what you've done wrong, atone, try to do better...the fasting can be worthwhile because it reminds me what it's like to not be able to snap my fingers and have whatever I want instantly. There certainly are people all over the world, and in our own country, who can't have the things that some of us take for granted. So while I don't necessarily follow religious customs for the traditional reasons, I do think there is value to them.

Thus...no black and white cookie tomorrow. ;)
Posted by: AddledWriter / 11:39 AM

Wind Rider

Flood

2004-09-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

aaa River Park 4
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

Today the Upper Delaware River Valley is feeling the effects of the former Hurricane Ivan as it left behind large quantities of rainfall over the entire region. The Delaware is expected to crest Sunday at over 28 feet.

Roads have been washed out and bridges closed due to the flooding. Matamorus, Pennsylvania has been evacuated and power to the town turned off! Even the evacuation center has been evacuated.

Wind Rider

What is halal?

2004-09-17T13:32:00.000-04:00

In the Jersey Journal, Friday, September 17, 2004 an article on halal food raises a question put to New Jersey officials from a religious perspective. That question is 'What kind of food is halal?'

Since when is it the place of the State to define the parameters of any religion? If a religion wants to eat pig then let that religion make such a determination. If the belief is to refrain from pig then let that be their decision. The only concern which the State has is public health and sanitation.

The State made the correct decision in this matter. It is not, nor should it ever be the place of the government at any level to make decisions which involve how any individual or group practices religion up to the point that such practice does not jepardize the health and safety of the member of that ideology or any other member of the larger community.

By giving a recommendation of what is considered halal, any governmental agency would be giving sanction to the practice of a religion and no governmental agencies of any State or Federal authority shall do such a thing.

Wind Rider

Other Opinions

2004-09-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

Since Wind Rider: An American Journal: represents itself as a journal dedicated to the ideals of "Free Speech" it occurs to me that it might be a good idea to have others express views which are contrary to my own. It seems to me that it might make this it more interesting to those who might find the time to read it.

For this reason I might seek out those who have a strong sense of opinion and who wish to express it on this medium of blogging. Such an individual might not have the time to build and maintain their own blog.

Having read something published in the Secaucus Reporter has helped me to focus my attention on this issue. I will attempt to communicate my thoughts to this individual via his e-mail address. It should be interesting to see what sort of response I get.

Wind Rider

Bleak Outlook

2004-09-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

IMG_2263
Originally uploaded by jessamyn.

Well, let’s see. What does this day bring? National News! The assault weapons ban has expired and it is now legal for the average citizen to purchase and own military type assault weapons.

This is a good thing since you never know just when a war might break out in your neighborhood. And since it seems that North Korea now has nuclear capability, that possibility might be coming to a neighborhood very soon.

Scene #1: I have an assault weapon, you have food.

Scene #2: I have assault weapon and I have food.

And now we look at the next big story. Hurricane time again America! Once again the folks down South in Dixie are about to get blasted by strong winds. These are not the type of winds that Wind Rider likes.

I hope you folks make out well. Enjoy the Sun Flower!

Wind Rider

Beautiful Color

2004-09-14T01:05:00.000-04:00

IMG_2270
Originally uploaded by jessamyn.

Once Again I offer a photo by Jessamyn as a good example of fine photography. I believe that this is a Tiger Lilly. I hope that you like this photo as much as I do!

Wind Rider

Dale Earnhardt

2004-09-13T01:27:00.000-04:00

AAA_Earnhardt
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

This is an image I created some time ago using a photo tool from PhotoDeluxe Business Edition. It is not as good as other programs, or so I am told, but I like working with it and don’t care to spend the time learning some other software.

I think I do just fine with this tool. Every time I look at it I have a difficult time believing that it started life as someone’s photograph. That is why I like the program so much. It allows me to enhance some images from simple and plain to artistic. I can even make photos from a low end digital camera look like they were taken with a better camera.

Even the Self Portrait of Wind Rider a.k.a. Mickey Si started out as a very poor quality photo. I am now reaching out with the best of all worlds. A blog and a web site designed to help bloggers up load and down load images and share them with the world.

I might add that I did not enhance the work of Jessamyn and that is their talent that you see in those images.

Wind Rider

Sunflower Close Up

2004-09-13T01:15:00.000-04:00

IMG_2266
Originally uploaded by jessamyn.

This image of a Sunflower close up is very interesting. I really like the focus on the lens. It must have been a very good macro lens. I think that I could manage to make a really nice blog simply by using the photos of other people. If you want to see more of this work, simply click on the hyperlink under the photo.

Thank you jessamyn and thank you www.flickr.com

Wind Rider

The Bee

2004-09-13T01:02:00.000-04:00

IMG_2269
Originally uploaded by jessamyn.

This image of a bee at a flower is really a great photo. The photographer had to be very good to get a rare shot like this. I really enjoy this type of craftsmanship!

Wind Rider

A Lamp at Dusk

2004-09-12T09:54:00.000-04:00

The day was clear and warm although it started out with fog rising out of the Upper Delaware River Valley. There were things to do around the house in preparation for winter. Things such as painting and general maintenance, all of the things that home ownership requires. Painting never seems to end. Protect against rust and rot and repairs of wood rot from water damage caused by past negligence.

But before that there was time to attend the memorial service for the victims of 9 /11 held at Remembrance Park. It was good to see that people have not forgotten. Each year the group seems to get smaller. But I am sure that people take a moment to remember in their own way.

I placed my storm lantern outside the house at dusk. As I look out the window it glows in the night. At midnight I shall go out there and bring it in. After I placed it on my lawn lamp hanging off of the cross bar I returned to the porch and simply sat and looked at it glow.

As the sky began to grow darker the stars started to appear in the sky. The Pennsylvania night sky is so beautiful in summer. I have to believe that it is Gods way of telling us that he really does care about us. When I stand and look at it and think of how awesome it all is I can’t help but think just how small and insignificant we really are. Yet he cares for us as the loving father which he is.

How can such an awesome God who is capable of creating the entire Universe care enough about us to offer us his Son as a redeemer for each of us? Yet he did. And because of that, we are able to find within us the strength to accept the fate which has befallen the victims of that horrible and vicious attack only three short years ago.

Wind Rider

Wind Rider Self Portrait

2004-09-12T01:53:00.000-04:00

Mickey Si Self Portrait
Originally uploaded by Wind Rider.

I am working on this flickr web site hosting images. The point is to be able to upload and transfer to blogger to post photo images on the blogger web site, and if this works as easy as I think that it will, then all that I can say is this is one of the best sites that I have ever used!

And it is free. I have to spend some serious time here learning more about this site and what it has to offer.

Wind Rider

To Be American

2004-09-11T01:06:00.000-04:00

Three years ago today the world changed. Sick, twisted and hateful people turned airliners into flying bombs killing thousands. These connected acts of evil were a wake up call to America. It was an attack which put the United States of America and all freedom loving people on notice.

Now three years later have we learned from past mistakes? Are things being done to keep us safe or at least safer? Some argue that the war in Iraq is the answer to issues of safety. “Kill them on their own soil,” some would say. But is that the answer? Others say that it is an ill advised war being fought for oil and paid for with the blood of now over a thousand American services personal.

That does not even consider the lives lost by civilians of Iraq. All of this because of the ambitions of a very few people who have hijacked the religion of Islam and twisted it just as Adolph Hitler and others have at one time or another twisted the Christian Church.

So, since this war is being fought, a person might ask is this a justifiable war? Indeed, is any war ever justifiable? It could be rationalized that an eye for an eye serves no good purpose and only breeds more hate. But, based on standards by which men gage justifiable war, one would be hard pressed to conclude that a war against such evil is anything less than justifiable.

Without embracing the logic that “eye for eye” is a workable issue viewpoint, you would have to believe that these evil and twisted men would stop and change their way of thinking. That is not a likely scenario. When push comes to shove it is no wonder why we are involved in this ongoing conflict. The war is not about revenge, though it might be that to some people. The war is in fact about worldwide peace and security.

So, everyone should be prepared to take up arms or at least give up a son or daughter to serve in the armed forces. Why then is that not the case? If it is a legal war and you understand the issues, then it is time to enlist. For those who sing of the honor of serving that might not seem like a difficult decision. But what of those who have objections to any war for moral reason? Are they less of an American because of their stand? Or are they more courageous for standing up and saying no!

Each individual can answer that for her or himself. Indeed, to send a child to war is a difficult thing for the average person. It is always easy to root for the war, to follow the cheerleader, especially when you have no emotional stake in the matter. I believe that if one enters the military one must be prepared to face the consequence of that decision.

Having said the above statement, we must consider that the idea of a draft does not leave much wiggle room for the draftee. No one wished this plague upon America. And war surely is a plague.

The Twin Towers fell three years ago. The rumble of war has just begun. We are all Americans. That does not suggest that we all share the same values. Towers fell on this date. No one will ever forget. We all remember in our own way.

On this day, September 11, 2004 the American spirit rides the wind. Tonight my oil filled storm lantern shall glow outside my house in the darkness of the Pennsylvania countryside, a prayer for sanity! A beacon to those lost souls who have found a home in the memory which they left behind. For whatever it means to be American, they were American.

Wind Rider