Is See the Beauty in Your Heart

I made this portrait of my friend Jai(like Jay) the other day just after he finished telling me about the 13.8 Billion Light Year distance of the ever expanding Universe that our galaxy(smaller indeed at around about 90,000 light years across) resides in, nestled like a tiny dot of light in its roughly middle placement. For those of you a little out of touch with the Physics meth, I mean math there are 5.87849981 x 10 to the power of 12 miles in just one light year. Botzie and Jai are tied in the race to be the smartest person that I know. The Cops just left Dooleyville and I told the truth in the front yard to a weight lifting African American CMPD officer with huge ripped biceps busting out of his vest under his short sleeve shirt. That conveyance of truth was met with anger by my dumb ass neighbor's side. What is brilliant about the truth is that just as dog behavior is Pavlovian, so is anger the response to truth. So, I was not the one who belled them but the callers made themselves out to be the fool, just like I have been taking pictures of for years.

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope for you a shred of authenticity over this Hoo-liday weekend. The only gift that I have for you is to look up into the sky if where you are is clear and think about the math that Jai shared with me.

Jordy on NPR

That's right Swazy, Jordan was wearing his VeloCity T-Shirt yesterday when he called in to NPR's Neal Conan and Talk of the Nation.

You may remember Jordy from his brilliant letter in last week's Op Ed piece to an Anonymous Republican who tried to tell me that America and captured women go hand in hand.

I attempted to embed the little clip right on the face of toonday's B Log but something is going wrong with the HTML transfer. So, to hear Jordan talk on the radio click here and either listen to the entire educational interview or scroll to minute 22 at 50 seconds when Neal takes the call from Jordan in Charlotte.

Christmas Song

Every artist is a cannibal, every poet a thief. Finally the Christmas spirit that has been in my face since the day before Halloween is finally almost over. Yes, all the little twinkly lights, the happy music, the decorative colored paper, the electro animated stuffed singing bears, the huge boxes containing nothing but entropy, the large colored balls, the garland reindeer with one hoof on their top hats and the other on the light poles are finally about to get thrown away onto the landscape(perhaps incinerated in a huge burning facility for us all to smell) or stuffed in a box that it will be transported in by Saudi Arabian diesel to the storage facility in Upstate New York until next year's joy returns.

In the context of that spirit I share with you a remake of the classic 12 Days of Christmas that came to me last night over a glass of red wine. Please enjoy and feel free to sing along, you know the melody.

Merry Christmas everyone and your pet too...

On the First day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, a Surly Seat Post Clamp.

On the Second day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Third day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Fourth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Fifth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Sixth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Seventh day of Christmas my sponsor(that does not exist)gave to me, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my sponsor(that does not exist) gave to me, 8 pieces of wool, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Ninth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist)gave to me, 9 work bike tubes, 8 pieces of wool, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Tenth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me 10 mountain bike rides, 9 work bike tubes, 8 pieces of wool, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me 11 months of Dirt Rag, 10 mountain bike rides, 9 work bike tubes, 8 pieces of wool, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp.

Finally...On the Twelfth day of Christmas my sponsor(that doesn't exist) gave to me, 12 cases of Fat Tire Amber Ale, 11 months of Dirt Rag, 10 mountain bike rides, 9 work bike tubes, 8 pieces of wool, 7 Tours de France, 6 rotor bolts, Fiiiiiiiive Nickel PC1s, 4 new 2010 Team Dicky Jerseys, 3 pairs of Swiftwick cycling socks, 2 Conty Gatorskins and a Surly Seat post Clamp!

Breaking News(3 days old)

On Friday morning at 0822 I was riding up Trade with two tubs of mail on my bars headed for the One Wacky Building when I came upon a car accident that had happened minutes earlier at Caldwell. The Medics were not there yet, only one fire truck and one CMPD police officer trying to manage the morning cross traffic. As I turned around the broken metal and I saw a CFD firefighter on one knee outside of the Mustang holding the head of the driver through what looked like a ripped open door. That was the picture that I missed because I kept on rolling towards my first mail drop. For the next 8 minutes I prioritized my day job with the image of what I saw and did not document bouncing around my brain. I had to get over it. I dropped that first tub, put the contents of the second one into my bag and sprinted back to the scene. I took out my camera and went to work with the idea that one of these images was headed to the Charlotte Observer. That was the real fear. For years I have wanted to take a picture of something that was happening Uptoon and deliver it to the Observer for print. I came close in 2001 with an extraction photo of a fellow who flipped his Ford Explorer but it was a 35mm Chrome and I could not get the image turned to positive fast enough. So, try today. Which I did after about 20 minutes on scene. After scanning through and doing a camera edit I rode over to the Observer Building and met a photo editor who recognized me from the street. He took my memory, disappeared to dump them on his machine and returned for a 15 minute stand up meeting where we discussed the unique position that a bike messenger who carries a camera in a city has. I took his card, he held on to my contact information and altho Friday was going to be a busy 'News' day, he said he would see what he could do. Even if none of the 38 images that I gave him went in, I truly feel better about meeting someone over there that I can call with the next batch.

At one point while I was on a knee looking through the big lens I felt a human presence crouch down along side of me. I pulled back from the camera and looked into the eyes of a fire fighter who spoke first. "Are you gonna put the pictures you are taking up on your blog?", he asked. I really thought that he was going to tell me about the protection of the identity of the victim and give me a light ball busting but instead I laughed and replied, "You read my blog?" Of course he does, does not every civil servant in Mecklenburg County? Hilarious. I explained that I was not motivated by my blog, that in this case I was planning to go to the Observer with them.

The images. The Mustang, according to the 3 people that I talked to at the scene who saw what happened accelerated through a red light and plowed into the white truck.

The Firefighter who recognized me from my blog. Hello Happy Reader...
Mustang Driver on back board and whereonearthisbill.blogspot.com reading fire fighter walking over to the truck.

The victim's co-workers and friends in the orange vests.

Victim #2 from the truck on the back board,

being wheeled away.

Look at these Puppies

Well, these foster fuzz balls have been here now for around about 10 days and are due back to the Humane Society of Charlotte this Sunday. Ginger Snap and Molasses are 2 really cute female dogs that should get snatched up in roughly 3.7 seconds from when they are made available to the public. If you or any of your circle are interested, you should call ahead and reserve dibs on the adoption of either or both of these 6-7 week old Australian Shepherds. Their behaviour over the past week and a half has been exceptional. They are Quiet in the kennel through the night, their house training is showing better than average progress, they are eating well and love to play quietly with each other and the bigger dogs in the permanent pack. They sleep all night!

If you cannot help in the puppy department, consider this. With all the cold air approaching The Humane Society of Charlotte is in need of slightly used or new blankets and/or any type of pet bedding. This time of year becomes extra difficult for those brave souls working directly with the animals in need. If you have the means or inclination please drop by their Toomey Avenue location and drop off some warmth in the form of blankets so that the humans at the humane society will be better prepared to deal with the safety of the animals in need.

As usual we have given characteristic names to these cuties who have been part of the pack.

Meet TM foster aka Molasses who likes the taste of Zoo Zoo hair..

Britches Foster aka Ginger Snap

Zoo and Britches...

A little ground to ground face bite action with the big dog.

Marquette Michigan!

Last night while looking for an image of Marquette Michigan I came across this little beauty shot on January 24, 1938. A standard American telephone pole is 40ft(12m). Photographer: Unidentified. One of the most interesting developments as a result of all the true humor/anger drama from the last 2 days here on the 'B'-log has been a comment from Bill Richards of Marquette Michigan. Bill left a speak up yesterday identifying himself as a daily reader from the quaint Upper Peninsula town of Marquette. Bill directly asked me to pull the previous day's post out of the over flowing blue barrel and put it up so that all y'all will know what I have been talking about. Bill, I appreciate and can understand your curiosity however at this point I no can do. The cat was out of the bag, then I had to shove it back in and as a lesson learned about true friendship I must leave it that way. I honestly hope you understand and further get that I am not in this to mess with and/or hurt anyone. If something happens to or around me that has an affect either positive or negative I simply try to poke fun at it because at this stage in my life funny is working quite well.

More importantly Bill, when I read your comment I was humbled to know that I have a daily reader in Marquette. Not only that but as it turns out you are a Democratic Politician who ran for the 100th District of the Michigan House of Representatives in 2008. There the Internet trail stops, so I assume you lost the vote for which I am sorry to discover. However, the positive news is that you are still reading my blog which could only further support your illustrious political career. The knowledge you can gain here at the Traffic Stop will be an asset to any one in government and I humbly ask that you pass my link around to all of your influential colleagues.

How are things in Marquette? I have been to Michigan once a few years ago on the Lower P to a small town near Traverse City to give a mediocre performance in the Ice Man Cometh. I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful that landscape was and can only imagine that it is even better across the open water where you live. Do you ride? Are there any messengers in Marquette? If so, one day I may ask you to use some of your political pull to help me find a solid job in your town. Is it cold there? How are the winters? Are these the questions that people ask you when they find out you live in Michigan?

At any rate I appreciate your daily viewing and hope that it will continue. Of course Bill I know that there is a chance that the Bill Richards Politician is perhaps not the Bill Richards that you are. Please understand that I found the synchro funny which is why I am portraying it that way. Hopefully you see that funny and are not all pissed off at me for insinuating that you are a democrat in Michigan. What ever you do please do not come down here and kick my ass, violence scares me and I hate being scared.

42 to 41 over night I lost a follower but I bet you still look every day.

EW-ADDENDUM-I STILL HAVE NOT FOUND THE CULPRIT THAT TOOK MY LY, ALTHO I AM HOT ON HIS OR HER TRAIL. THE BLOG BEING PULLED THE DAY BEFORE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STOLEN LY. MORE TO FOLLOW SOON WHEN I HAVE THE CONCLUSIVE PIECE OF EVIDENCE THAT I AM SEARCHING FOR.


Bill Richards' political bio form the great state of Michigan.

Home Your Party Calendar Links Photo Gallery Bill Richards/Bill Richards is the Democratic candidate for the 100th District of the Michigan House of Representatives which covers Lake, Oceana and Newaygo Counties. Unfo

Education

Bill graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1965. In 1974 he received his B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. Continuing his education he was awarded an M.A. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University in 1976. In 1992 he received a B.S. degree from Indiana University in Secondary Education.

Career

Bill retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections in 2002. For the seven years prior to his retirement, he worked at the Lake County TRV as a correction officer, crew leader and instructor. Bill is also a former public school teacher and administrator.

Military

Bill served in the armed forces for 24 years. He served in the U.S. Navy on an underwater demolition team. Later on he served in the Michigan National Guard as a recruiter. He retired from the National Guard as a Sergeant First Class.

Endorsements/Ratings

West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades – Local Union #17 – Coopersville
Michigan State AFL-CIO
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – Lansing
International Union of Operating Engineers – Local #324 PAC – Livonia
Michigan Equality – Lansing
Michigan UAW V-PAC
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
100% rating by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan
B rating by the National Rifle Association
Organizations

Bill is a member in the following organizations:

UDT-SEAL Association
Croton American Legion Post #381
White Cloud Eagles #4170
Whitetails Unlimited
Michigan Corrections Organization (SEIU/525M)
Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation
Bitely Better Conservation Club
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Video


How can I Help?

To find out how you can help Bill win in November, contact his campaign at richardsforstatehouse@yahoo.com or call (231) 250-8655.

Posted Monday, July 14, 2008 at 5:10 pm ContributeCounty Party News
Executive Committee meeting, Nov. 11
District Dinner, Oct. 24th *Update*
Executive Committee meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 6th
Hoekstra to hold town halls on health care reform
Join us in the Grant Frontier Festival parade this Saturday
State Party News
Dems Honor Veterans for Service and Sacrifice
Dems Win Municipal Elections All Across Michigan
President Clinton to Kick Off Environmental Event in Windsor
CMU Student Identifies Candidates and Parties with Underage Drinking
Michigan Dems Call for Investigation of Underage Drinking on Mackinac Island
Connect

Humor in Truth-Always Anger

I made this picture the other night in the cold rain. Notice how the photons of light move around the tree limbs. Based on sub quanta physics and the speed of light those photons travel so fast that they are smart enough to know that the limbs are in their path. Contrast and Shadow. For those of you who caught my truth document yesterday morning before I had to pull it down count yourselves lucky. You prolly saw the humor and had a laugh based on what really happened the day before. See, what I had originally put up was not hateful, negative or holding any sorrowful emotions regarding the aesthetic damage to what is mine. I honestly believe that no material object is really mine because it could be taken away or scratched at any second by the actions of others. What is mine is the truth and from this day hence forth no one's actions will be able to scrub my blog again. Like 5 Dollar Frank used to say, "If my opinion offends you, it was purely intended." Pictures do not lie unless of course they have been photo shopped. I say you sir get over it and consider your own actions against this sea of shit we are all swimming in. It was really no big deal until you took your own actions as personally as you did which are yours to begin with.

Now, on to toonday's business. The other day in an effort to share some real journalism coming out of Afghanistan I posted a shorty titled: Reality Cheque. A few days passed and then yesterday an anonymous Republican whose written voice sounded like the rodeo clown Glenn Beck, left the following comment:

Do you know what paper tiger means. Look it up. Ever think about being in a real death march, while the female members of your family get taken away by enemy soldiers.
Well now that you looked up paper tiger and know what it is, the USA will not be a paper tiger to no one, that includes Big China or stateless terrorists with infrastructure and tons of Ca$h.

I only took a second to reply:

Anon...You missed the boat and are obviously not looking within but I bet you are paying roughly 2.60 a gallon.

Then over night came the truth in the blog-o-sphere from none other than Jordy M. Moore(the M stands for Money):

"the USA will not be a paper tiger to no one"

dude, a-ninny-moose, may i suggest you look up (into your brain) "double negative". your statement reverses your intended meaning, assuming you meant to say that the U.S.A. will not be a paper tiger to anyone. if we are not a paper tiger to no one it means we are in fact a paper tiger to someone. is that what you meant? what DO you mean to say here? whats this enemy soldier taking away your "female's" fantasy about? who is the enemy?
China is pretty tied to our consumer lifestyle and doesn't seem to mind. sure, it's tempting to entertain scenarios of them wanting more control of hydrocarbon resources and who can blame em?!? this shits great, you ever ridden a jet ski? wow, nothing quite like it. in order for china to fulfil your "female-stealing" fantasy they would have to mobilize millions of men on thousands of expensive ships and planes and over a series of months move those poor saps to fight in the USA (without us noticing), the home of all unknowing, the moral abyss, full of guns guns guns, gangs, mutated-meat aggression, jocks, SUV's, interstate. . . i mean, sure, china's got the men and the money and the ships and the planes and stuff, but they'd have to be bats hit loony to try and OCCUPY a nation with the moral compass of a goat. no, your fantasy stems from something deeper inside yourself, for in my world i would simply remove my own femur and kill whatever enemy soldier stood before me to take my "female's" or my "dog" or "me". look into that.
and cash. ahhhh, i can smell it now, because im holding some up to my nose. it smells like an old book. remember those? books? after "looking into" a few of those i was able to draw a lot of conclusions about exactly where the cash that "stateless" (bill, take note of the banner of nationalism this is falling under), ah hem, "stateless" terrorists got their dirty, ugly, stinky, bloody cash. yep, theres a paper trail. the paper tiger left it. guess where it goes? vroom vroom. 57 chevy, baby. how you gettin to work tomorrow? so any ways, did you know that kenny rogers knows when to hold em? he also bought a 10-20million $$$ horse from saudi arabia. he also wrote "christmas in cannan" staring billy ray cyrus, you can catch that on the hallmark channel and get your beliefs on. yeah, 10 to 20 million, for one horse. theres some cash for ya.
sir or ma'am, i think youre drinkin. you come in here to the old traffic stop and you want to talk all this "female" abduction fantasy, and knock chinese people around and fly the banner of the USA like you own a share. but you dont. your shares were bought and sold on the auctioning block along with the rest of us, and whatever fear you have about dying and reading, or reading and dying, you need to get over, because you are inevitably going to die so you may as well read and figure out something else to say besides encoded, anonymous, trite, uncreative, rape fantasy's that sound like the pile of letters that didn't make the final cut of Rambo 8.
sincerely,
Jordy MOOre (the moor's were Muslim's, but i wrote this within arms reach of two christmas trees.)
have a cracked day!
wv: fruisi

Jordy,
Brilliant work and I appreciate your understanding of what is happening all around us. No need to be consumed by it when all we have to do is actively throw up decoys to the truth while we toon it up living the life is good and never take the look in but stay consistent in throwing it in the trash like I did my blog post yesterday. Is it not amazing how the truth is always met with anger. No question mark because it is not a question.