Reading List Entry #1 - Wreck of the Penn Central

One of my new lists is my running list of books I've read (starting now). The first one on the list - that is, the last one I've finished - is The Wreck of the Penn Central by Joseph Daughan and Peter Binzen. I picked this book up at an estate sale for 25 cents a few weeks ago, and discovered it to be fascinating. The book is a non-fictional account, written by two newspaper journalists, of the disastrous 1968 merger of the Pennsylvania and New York Central Railroads, and the ensuing failure of the combined Penn Central slightly over two years later. At the time, this was the biggest business failure and bankruptcy in American history, caused largely by horrible decisions and personality conflicts between senior executives, corporate greed, bad planning, destructive U.S. government policies, petty politicians, and lousy economic times. Change the name of the company to AIG, Countrywide, or IndyMac, and you have a book written in 1971 that could just have easily have been written in real time in 2008. Alas, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Early Moon in Montana

On the drive to Glacier National Park, Montana - October 2008. The sun is going down, and the moon is rising. And lots of sky.

Today's numbers:

10

6234.05 (up - not good)

680 (up! - very good)

178.5

Wu's Chinese-Canadian

I love Chinese food. Good Chinese food, that is. I'm sure I'd love Canadian food, too - if I knew what really qualified as
"Canadian".


So, "Chinese-Canadian" cuisine? What's up with that? Egg Foo Young with Maple Syrup? Bacon Dim Sum in Molson? General Tsao's poutine?


I got nothin'.

Today's Moment of Zen

Nebraska - after the freak snow storm, on the road to O'Neill.

Todays numbers:

9

? (no change)

673 (still good)

178.5

Air-tight Security

This is the city jail in Interior, South Dakota Population 77 (last census, probably a bit less now), located about a mile outside of the Badlands National Park. Not much else to the town - one open grocery store, a gas station, a few blocks of not-too-pretty houses, and a one block "downtown" area with a school. There are a couple of tourist camps nearby, but that's about it. Frankly, the place was more than a little depressing. And, apparently, if you screw up there, this is where you end up. The escape-proof, modern, correctional facility.

OK, I've Got It - But Where's the Sonic?

Not exactly a tourist haven, but a nice diversion. But definitely on the list of weird places to visit. Located on Route 385 in South Dakota, the "town" of Sheridan was probably, at one time, a really cool place. Now, however, what's left of the town is sitting at the bottom of a lake. (the photo of the lake is, presumably, where Main Street used to be). It seems that in 1942, the U.S. government wanted to build a reservoir to supply water to the area. Only one problem - the town of Sheridan was in the middle of the desired reservoir area. End of story - town gets bought out and abandoned, proposed reservoir becomes Lake Sheridan, and the town is now at the bottom of the lake. Not a horrible story, really - but I bet the high school reunions aren't any fun.

Kamp Katie

Katie - this one's for you. From western Nebraska -October 2008.,

Would You Like Your Coke Grilled or Fried?

Grilled Coke? Fried Coke? OK -of course I realize there is a much simpler common-sense explanation for these signs. I just found these signs a bit, well, odd. Another sign from Pattaya, Thailand, where 'odd' abounds.

Gripe Water

I first ran across this stuff when I was living in Hong Kong. It's ostensibly kind of like a British Pepto-Bismal. It's clear and has a kind of licorice and peppermint flavor to it. It's supposed to settle babies tummies. I don't think it actually worked, from my experience. I tried it - at least it didn't taste too bad or kill me.

But I loved the name - "Gripe Water". To keep the gripes away, I suppose. Another one of those quaint British-isms I find so fascinating and/or amusing. Anyway, it reemerged during a trip to Thailand. I had long since disposed of my original bottle from Hong Kong, so I just had to snap a photo of it's reincarnation.

Glacier National Park - Snow

Just another nice photo.

Todays numbers:

8

? (a bit higher)

673 (way up!)

Provincial Highway - Southern Canada

This is another shot of a provincial "highway" in southern Canada. This part of the road - thick, swervy gravel with a grassy shoulder and not a town for 30 miles - is typical of the drive. And a fantastic drive at that, just so long as you're 100% certain your car isn't going to break down (as it could be several hours before you see another car passing by). You can never get tired of the rolling grasslands and foothills, elk and deer, and open skies. I can't wait to go back for another drive.

Watchu Lookin' At?

Saskatchewan, Canada - October 2008. South of Highway 1 in Canada, there is a provincial highway - Provincial Highway 18, if I recall correctly. "Highway" is a pretty relative term. For a couple hundred miles, it's a gravel/dirt road. In at least one lcation, you have to pass through a Texas gate to keep the free-range cattle from getting loose. But it's a great drive. You pass through small towns (more on that later), and see miles and miles of nature, sky, fresh air, and game. These two white tailed deer are about the only ones that stood still long enough to allow me to catch a clear photo. There were tons of elk as well. Very cool.

Oh, today's numbers:

7

? (but up a little)

657

Glacier National Park - The Lake

When you first enter the southern gate of Glacier National Park in Montana, you pass by this beautiful lake. Perfectly blue, both sky and water. This is a great place to go bike riding, and is so stunning and peaceful that it warrants at least another full day at GNC. Before you even start heading up into the mountains, a day of reflection and contemplation at the lake is probably worth years of therapy.

Today's numbers

4

5549.39

657

List of Lists

I've been thinking about what projects I want to blog about. Mainly, I'm going to start by putting together some lists of things I like - movies, mainly. So far, I've thought up a few possible starters:

- The 10 Best Obscure War Movies You've Never Seen

- The 10 Worst War Movies

- The 10 Best to Watch on an new HiDef TV

- Worst. Movies. Ever.

- The 10 Best Foreign Language Movies

- The 10 Best Date Movies

- The 10 Best Steve Martin Movies

- The 10 Best Early Obscure Movie Roles for Actors Who Later Made it Big

- The 10 Best Errol Flynn Movies

I guess some rules are called for. The only movies I'll list are movies I've actually seen. So if someone disagrees with me, or cites a (to them) noticeable omission, it might well be because I haven't seen it - yet.

Next, the choices are my own preferences or whims. I'm not a professional film critic, or even that knowledgeable on them. I just like good movies . Think I'm wrong about one of my choices? Let's have at it!

As I'm typing this, "Ben Hur" is on AMC. A good omen, and a good way to start.

Today's numbers

3

5549.29

657

Talk About Burying the Lede

Posted today on Craigslist:

1966 Ford Bronco Early Bronco - $850 (NKC)
Date: 2009-09-22, 9:25PM CDTReply to: sale-7gbb6-1387867xxx@craigslist.org

302 runs with lots of power but may need a little bit of a carb tune up. It has a good roll bar for a Bronco. It also has the 4 speed manual NP435 conversion. Manual steering, is tough to steer with big tires and could use some adjustment. Bronco is rough but runs and drives and will go anywhere. It has no doors, could use some exhaust since it does not have any. Dana 44 front end with brand new warn lockouts, new brakes, some brake lines, alternator, and front end bushings. New oil spark plugs and air filter. Clear title in hand. For more information contact John @ 816-916-xxxx.
Location: NKC

[[I added the picture of a 1966 Ford Bronco for reference, but a picture of the vehicle for sale wasn't posted with the Craigslist ad.]] But talk about burying the lede - after you get past the "may need a tune up"and "tough to steer with big tires" and "needs some adjustment"comments (all legitimate comments for a 1966 Bronco), then - hey, hey hey - you run across these gems in line 6 - 'has no doors" and "could use some exhaust since it doesn't have any" (which I took to mean it doesn't have a muffler or other major exhaust system components). Has no doors? What? No exhaust system? Yeah, you might have wanted to mention that a bit more prominently in the posting. Unfortunately, a typical Craiglist ad, kinda like "it runs real well right up until the point when it blows up". Priceless.

Sunset in Montana

Enjoy!

Like all of the photos thus far (except the stock photo of the 1966 Bronco), I took them during my travels thoughout the U.S. (Midwest, mainly) and overseas (Asia, mainly). So if you're reading this, I hope you like sunsets, mountains, and the long flat, Midwestern plains. I got hundreds of 'em.

Todays Numbers:
2
5548
657

Your Moment of Zen

In western Nebraska. Beautiful. No additional comment needed.

The Gods Love Fanta

Of course, everyone knows that! Strawberry Fanta is a favorite of gods and deities everywhere. Another view from the street in Pattaya, Thailand.

Affordable Housing - SF Style

Also seen in western Kansas. Why? Huh? Like there is more than one Niners fan in Kansas.

Anyway, I thought this was pretty funny-looking.

Oliver's Burgers & Bait

I was on an overnight business trip to Abilene, Kansas. On my way to the B&B (much nicer than a hotel for a short overnighter), I passed this sign. Not in one of Abilene's best neighborhoods, as if any neighborhood in Abilene, Kansas, can be all that bad.

Burgers & Bait? I mean, who gets a little hungry and thinks to himself, "Man, I could really use a nice, juicy burger. I sure wish there was a place to get a hamburger, and pick up some bait at the same time! Wouldn't that be convenient?"

So if you're ever in western Kansas, and have a hankering for both a burger and shredded fish guts, stop by Oliver's. Or call - I think you can get the bait carry out.

13 October 2008 - Glacier National Park

My first view of the mountains at Glacier National Park in Montana; arriving within sight just at sunset. The destination for a personal sojourn. You see that sky, and you know that God exists. A true "Wow!" moment.

Wild and Wonderful West Virginia

I snapped this picture of a wooden footbridge over a river while working in West Virginia during the summer of 2007. Nothing sinister or goofy - just a nice shot of the bridge. Who knows where it could take you if you let it.

Light Reading in Pattaya!

So, you're kicking it back on the beach in Pattaya with your fried egg-flavored lollypop and your coffee-flavored Pepsi, and it hits you: "You know, the sun and sand is so idyllic and restful, I can't think of anything I'd like to do more than sit back on a lounge chair on the beach with a good book and allow all my troubles to just melt away."

But not just any book. A paperback. A Western. Yes - a tale of the Old West. Cowboys. Indians. Saloons. Gunfights. Sixshooters. Yeah!

Did I mention that it has to be written in Icelandic? Then "Saga Fra Texas" is the book for you!

That's one of the things I loved about Thailand. You never knew what you were going to find in some small shop, or a hotel bookshelf, or a street vendor. My other great book find in Pattaya -on the 'read and share" shelf of a small, private hotel (where you drop your book for other travellers after you've finished reading it) - a brand-new French cookbook specializing in recipes using liquour (like Grand Marnier). Great cookbook - but who humped it all the way from France on their vacation, only to abandon it unread for me to find? I dunno, but if I could I'd thank them anyway.

The. Worst. Candy. Idea. Ever.

This one - yes, another wonderful find from Thailand - is, without doubt, the worst candy flavor idea ever thought up. "Hmmm. I have a bit of a sweet tooth. How about a sweet and tasty lollypop (or, sucker, depending on what part of the country you're from)? Cherry? Grape? Strawberry, perhaps?"

No - Fried Egg. WTF? Fried egg flavored candy? How the hell did they think that one up? Can you think of any taste combination even remotely less disgusting?

On the other hand, you can always wash it down with a nice cold can of coffee-flavored Pepsi.

Bad Marketing Ideas #1 - Coffee Flavored Pepsi

When I saw this this in Thailand, I just about choked. Coffee-flavored Pepsi? What the hell were they thinking? Imagine the guys sitting around the product development department at Pepsi: "Hmm, we need to come up with a new flavor. Pepsi Clear bombed. Pepsi with Lime tastes horrible. Lemon-flavored Pepsi tasted slightly like battery acid. Hmm. What other horrible taste could we add. Hey- coffee!".

"But just to be safe, we'll only sell it in Thailand. Brilliant."

And, for the record, it does taste just as bad as it sounds. Kinda like caffeinated, sugary motor oil.

Oh, Which One To Choose?

I saw these two t-shirts in a small shop in Pattaya, Thailand. OK, so I'm thinking, of course, who wouldn't want a Ghandi t-shirt? But, damn - that 50 Cent one is a real draw as well. Man, this is tough. Can I get them both?

First Post -Let 'er Rip!

OK, so we'll see how this goes. The photograph on the header is the road west of the Glacier National Park in Montana that takes you to the US-Canadian border. I took it during my October 2008 road trip from Kansas City to Montana and back. I'm still playing around with the whole formatting thing, so I'll try to add another photo from the trip.