Click on “pages” above to view more stuff about me
Click on “PAGES” on the top of the page, to view more stuff about me.
Stuff like my private stuff, my photography stuff, my storm chasing stuff, my nascar stuff, etc… Get to know the down and dirty stuff about me by clicking the “PAGES” on the top of the page.
Click “Topic” on the top of the page, to view my blogs
“All views on this website, are my personal views, my thoughts and opinions” 1st Amendment is Freedom of Speech
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NFL Salary – blog
I was sitting here just thinking about how much NFL players make. Holy Shit! Their salaries are outrageous! Why in the world would someone invest 100 million, in a player??? Everyone is prone to injuries. So what would happen if you paid 100 million, and the guy gets injured??? Your screwed! lol. Why don’t the NFL, just buy 100 players at 1 million a piece. I am sure you could find top talents in at least 5 of the 100 players. And you would get 5 top players, and it be way fucking cheaper! I just can’t believe salaries are so fucking high! The economy is in the shit hole, and these guys are making outrageous money and could care less about the economy. I think there should be a cap on salaries! And ticket prices to games are so fucking high as well, so they can pay for those salaries! They bitch and moan about attendance, well, lower the ticket prices, and we will go! It don’t take a rocket scientist to figure this shit out! Lower salaries, so you can lower ticket prices, and more people will come! DUH! From what I seen, no-one is worth 100 million! If I was paying 100 million, that QB better complete 100% his passes! It just pisses me off seeing these guys, get all this money, and not playing worth shit! Hell, pay me a million dollars, I will sit my ass on 3rd or 4th string!
Yes, I am going to get alot of opinions on this. And your more than welcome to post them. but if you read and think about it, I am 110% right! Why the hell would you pay 100 million on one person, when you can buy 100 people for a million dollars??? And get lots more people with equal or better talent!
Topics: blog | No Comments »
Dierks Bently tickets for sale $50 for the 2 tickets!
Dierks Bently tickets for sale $50 for the 2 tickets! Section 3, Row O, Seats 9&10
Email me if you want them - RockfordGhost@Gmail.com
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I won them, and now I can’t go. So, I figured I would offer em, cheap.
The seats are pretty much up front! Awesome seats!
Retail value of these are $40 a piece, so basically your buying one and getting one free! Since I am selling the pair for only $50!
Cash or trades!
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News – Obama ends the war in Iraq
Here is another news story, that I want to give my 2 cents on. So, here it goes.
I think it is about damn time, we ended the war in Iraq! I normally would not blog about politics or anything in that nature, because I am open minded in the politic field. But we have been at war with Iraq, for many years now. We have spent BILLIONS of dollars on the war and our country’s economy has went to hell, since the war as well! Hopefully, the president is true to his word, and focus on the economy! Quit outsourcing jobs, and bring the jobs back to America! I think we should focus on the import/exporting as well. I think we should make alot of stuff here in America, and quit importing stuff! But I know fixing the economy is going to be a huge thing to fix. I just hope the president is true to his word and helps America out! I think if he does, he will have my vote once again. There are many opinions on the war, and I will not blog about mine. Like I said, I don’t blog about that often. I am just happy it is over with in Iraq. Please read the story below, by visiting the WIFR website.
Please visit and read the story at WIFR website
http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/101943268.html
In march of 2003, the nation’s 43rd president declared war on Iraq. And now over 7 years, over 700 billion dollars, and over 4,400 casulties later, the country’s 44th president has declared an end to the combat.
“Tonight I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over,” Said President Obama, in just his second oval office address as Commander in Chief.
Mr. Obama told the nation that it is time to turn the page toward another war in Afghanistan and to the pressing economic prolems at home.
“At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of their service. Like all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.”
50 thousand troops will remain in Iraq in a support and training capacity.
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Nascar Driver Domains for sale
Nascar Driver Domains For Sale
Make an offer
Will sell individually or in bulk
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JEFFGORDON.INFO
JAMIEMCMURRAY.INFO
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JOEYLOGANO.INFO
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Email us at – RockfordGhost@Gmail.com
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8-30-2010
I am going to make this a misc. blog about whatever is on my mind. It may be offensive in nature and contain very adult language. You been warned, lol. So sit back and be prepared to be bored outta your mind. And maybe a laugh or two.
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I am excited about going to the WaterFront this year. they have a decent lineup scheduled. I am looking forward to seeing the following bands – Black Sunshine, Hinder, Billy Idol, Saving Abel. I am hoping to be able to bring in my DSLR camera. If they are allowed, than I plan on getting some good photos. I was suppose to have an On The Waterfront press apss, but for some reason it never came. But I have my own press pass, for my site. So regardless, I should be able to bring in my DSLR. I plan on getting lots of crowd photos and the bands as well. It is going to be a good time.
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I just got done reviewing the stuff from the recent paranormal investigation. And found absolutely nothing. So we have to go to tell the owners of the place, what we found. Absolutely nothing. Most the time, that is what we find or experience. Lots of people expect us to find something. Most people don’t realize the paranormal, does not happen on cue and is very hard to catch on tape. Everyone expects us to find something every time. As much as I would love for that to happen, it does not.
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X-Plane 9, I recently got. I am not happy my joystick will not calibrate with it. I think I would be happy and play it lots more if it did! Until than, it is probably going to sit here and collect dust, while I still play my FSX. I was excited about getting the game, but very disappointed my joystick didn’t calibrate with it.
Topics: Paranormal, blog | No Comments »
Selling – USASTORMCHASERS.com
I am selling one of my websites.
USASTORMCHASERS.com
I am selling it for only $85
It is a video auto-blog site, about storm chasing and tornadoes.
Email me at RockfordGhost@Gmail.com , if you want to buy it.
Topics: Web design | No Comments »
Lu Jenkin the mediator – blog
Well my day started off just peachy fucking keen! This “Mediator” Lu Jenkins, calls me at 8:30am to confirm the appointment we had today. I tried calling her yesterday to reschedule the appointment, but she didn’t answer. So, when she called me this morning, I told her right away I needed to reschedule. She got pissed at me. I tried explaining I didn’t have the money to pay for the appointment, and she became even angrier! I was like WTF, I have never had a “Professional” go off on me, because I had to reschedule. So, I went to go tell her my 2 cents, but I held it back. I wasn’t going to stoop to her level. She told me a few things that was not appropriate, all because I couldn’t pay her for the upcoming appointment and had to reschedule it, for when I do get the cash! I am sorry, but I have bills to pay and child support to pay as well! Everyone who knows me, knows my daughter is my heart and soul and I love her with all my heart! She went off on me, because I wanted to reschedule. Very unprofessional on her part. My best advice, if you have to go to this lady, Lu Jenkin, do NOT go to her! I repeat do NOT go to her. Get a different mediator! For those of you who don’t know what a mediator is, a person who sits on their butt, and listens to parents, to try and work out custody issues.
(my personal thoughts and opinion on Lu Jenkins, from my experience)
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8-28-2010
I am starting to sell my photos online. Check it out – Trigger Photography
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Well I got another tattoo a lil bit ago. It is my 8th tattoo. Bear, did my tattoo. It is of a dream-catcher. You can check it out here – http://rickietraeger.com/my-tattoos He did an awesome job on it! I am happy he done it, like he does most my other tattoos. 
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I started my 365 project, you should check it out! Click here - My 365 project
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I didn’t do much today. Spent time with my daughter, got a tattoo, visited my uncle for a bit, and worked on the new website for a bit. It was beautiful outside today. Tomm. is going to be an interesting day. I have to go to “medeation” Everytime we go to that, it never fucking works! I have no idea why the judge orders it. It would be easy, if both parents agreed on the same thing. But if they don’t agree (like us) it is fucking pointless! We have to pay $40 an hour, to sit there and fucking bitch and moan, and try to agree on something. How the hell you going to agree on something, if both parents want the same thing? (Custody) It is a standstill. Pointless! The only person thats hurting, is my daughter. My daughter doesnt want to live with her mom, but has too cuz the court ordered it! Enough bout this topic, cuz I am just fed up with our court system. I just got done eating a double quarter pounder meal! I havent ate that much in a loooong time, lol. I am sooooo full right now. I am probably going to go outside and look at the stars when i am done typing this. It is a beautiful night outside. I am glad it warmed back up for a few days. Summer just flew by us, and before we know it, we are going to be wearing jackets and shoveling snow once again! Don’t get me wrong, I love snow, but I wish it was warm outside when it snowed, lol. Well enough of the blog for now. I will blog in a lil bit. Until then, peace
Topics: blog, photography | No Comments »
Website help needed!
I am sitting here trying to figure out a simple way to sell my photos online. I have a few free domains I can use, to sell my photos from. I just need to set the site up to do it. I am trying to figure out what software to use. I am trying to use zen cart, but it has been a pain in the ass to setup. So I am trying to find out an alternative program to setup to use. But I don’t know what other ones I could use. I am wanting to listen to other peoples experiences and ideas, on what they use to sell their photos and how they like it.
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What I am looking for –
I am looking to sell my digital photos online. I am wanting to post my photos, so people can look at them, and if they want to buy it, they can. I am wanting to post watermarked photo, and then when a person buys the photo, they will get the full sized photo that is not watermarked.
Topics: Web design, photography | No Comments »
8-26-2010
I am tired of all these spam bots signing up on my site! I been reporting each and every one of them! I am going to ask nicely, please stop signing up on my site if your spam. I am signing up for the project honey pot after I get done posting this.
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I got the game x-plane 9. It looked good, but I am so used to FSX, my standards were high. So, when I started playing, or trying to play it, I was very disappointed. It is very hard to just get the game going. You need to do alot of stuff, just to play the game. I just want to start the game and start playing right away! I guess maybe in time, it will get better. Hopefully, lol.
Nothing new with me lately, same ol shit just a different day. I am trying to refocus my attention on the balloon rally, but the economy is still effecting the donations. Noone is willing to donate to help bring it back. But at the same time, everyone wants the balloon rally to come back. I am trying my hardest to get donations, to bring it back, so please bear with me. It looks like it is still going to be awhile. (sighs)
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Topics: Web design, blog | No Comments »
8-23-2010
I haven’t really been in a blogging mood the last few days. I been kinda feeling blah, with all the shit going on in my life. Yes, this should be the best time to blog, but oh well, lol. I just haven’t been in the mood to go online much lately. Instead of spending hours online, I have been going outside and getting a lot of exercise. I also been pigging out on lots of junk food, so I guess the exercise is well needed, lol. I do have some good news, my dad will hopefully be released from the hospital tomm. Thats what they said, but we have found out over the last 2 weeks, that one doctor will say one thing and another doctor will say another thing, so we really have no idea what is going on and neither do the doctors. It has been a rough last 2 weeks with my dads health. But it is steady improving now. So, we are happy I was going to go plane spotting today, but my tummy hasn’t been feeling so well. Prob. cuz nerves. So, I decided to go for a hike, see my dad, and come home for the day. I am bout to go outside and take photos of the full moon tonight. After I get done blogging. I watched the Chicago Bears game (replay) earlier today, against the Oakland Raiders. Wow, is all I have to say. Chicago still needs a lot of improvement on their team. Injuries are plaguing them left and right. Hopefully they can get their shit together by week 1! I am dreading the upcoming winter! It is almost Sept.! When I went on that hike today, I already seen leaves falling off the trees. Sad sight to see! Since, I love summer! I can honestly say, this summer has been a good summer. We actually had summer temps., unlike last year when it hit 8 degrees like 4 times! This year heat indexes hit over 100 degrees a couple times I love hot weather!
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8-20-2010
I am going to write a misc. blog once again. Yes, one of those long meaningless blogs that you enjoy reading, because it is so random. So be prepared for whatever I may write, it will probably include graphic language, strong sexual content, and just random funny jokes bout kangaroos flying over a rainbow. Sit back and be prepared for straight boredom, of the excitement of my mighty brain.
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As you know I been stressed and just feeling so blah. It feels as life has stopped and the world is spinning and I am just standing here watching it as it revolves around me with no meaning. World spins, we sit and spin.
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I went to the airport today, to drop off my photos from the Rockford Airfest 2010. I talked to Dave, for a bit. He is a nice guy, and the operations manager out there. He gives me heads up on aircraft that come and go from KRFD. So, I can go and photograph them. Because of him, I got to see alot of interesting aircraft in the last few months. Such as the Antonov 124-100, T-38′s that did the flyover at the Chicagoland Motor Speedway, plus many more. I have been a huge aviation fan, for years! While I was out there today, I got to see the Kalitta Charter airplane. I been wanting to see that airplane for awhile now, and have yet to see it, until today. I think it is the Kalitta family business. The Kalitta family, drag races professionally. And I am a big race fan, so I to see both of both, aviation and racing And as big of an aviation fan I am, today was the first time I actually been inside KRFD. It has a place to sit and watch aircraft from, from inside! Actually right along the taxiway/parking. I might try and see if I can do some photography from inside there, I think that would make for some great photos! If they won’t let me, there are still some awesome spots all around the airport to watch the aircraft from. We as plane spotters in the Rockford area, are very lucky to have an airport that is so plane spotter friendly. I have been plane spotting there for many years. I have seen lots of aircraft types, and many great memories there. And many more to come The Rockford Airfest 2011 is coming in June 2011! Thats going to be an awesome show! 2010 was awesome, but whats in store for the 2011 show, that is going to be even better
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I can’t believe how fast summer has passed us by! It is almost September! Soon we will be shoveling snow once again and wearing winter jackets while freezing our asses off. But I did hear, this year, there might be a La Nina, which means warmer weather in store for us in the winter time. So let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope it will be a warmer than average winter for us!
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I am going to be posting alot of my Rockford Airfest 2010 photos in the next few days, so be sure to bookmark my site, and check back soon! There is going to be lots of photos! 
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Topics: blog, photography, plane spotting | No Comments »
8-18-2010
Been a roller coaster of a week! So many emotions, so many ups and downs. It is just nuts, I have no idea how in the hell I am still staying strong, considering what I been through the last two weeks.
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As many of you know, my dads health has been downhill. He has been in the hospital for the last week or so. He still can’t really move his leg. But while in there, they did lots of tests on him and they thought many things. They thought they might have found cancer, but we found out yesterday, it was not! Thank god! But he still cant move his leg, and they are going to do rehab, in the next few upcoming weeks.
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I haven’t really blogged or told many people about other stuff going on in my life. Because I didn’t want many to know. But we went to court today, for custody of my daughter. And long story short, the court is still in my baby mom favor! WTF! I have had my daughter for many months, and my daughter doesn’t want to live with her mom, and the court system still sticks her with my baby mom! The court system always says they want best for the kids, yeah fucking right! Our court system sucks ass! If they really wanted the best for my daughter, they would give me custody and let her live with me! I am speechless, on the situation. Words can not describe how pissed, yet saddened I am, by our court systems lack of judgment.
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My best friend Chad, became a daddy 8-17-2010 at 11:18am! Congrats! I am proud of you guys!
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8-15-2010
Just a quick misc. blog about random things.
As you read before, the last week has been pretty nerve wrecking! My dads health is not so good right now. They have found an abnormality, which they think is cancer. They are going to be doing a biopsy of the spot within the next day or so, to find out what exactly the spot is, and to determine more info. on it. They believe it is cancer, but it is not confirmed yet. That is what this biospy will do, either confirm or deny it. On another note, my dad is starting to get feeling back into his left leg, not alot, but a little bit. Which is awesome! They are still trying to determine what caused it. They have a few ideas on what caused it, but have not said a definitive reason why. Most the doctors and nurses up there have been pretty nice and informative. There has been a few instances where a few have not been. If you are interested in contacting my dad, email me and I will give you the info.
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The heat and humidity has broken for a few days, which sucks! I love the hot and humid weather! But good news, it is going to return in a few days! I am excited! I LOVE summer time! The hotter it is, the better.Plus it brings severe weather at times
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I was taking my trash cans back to the backyard after the trashman came by, and when I did, I noticed a spider within an inch of my hand! So, instead of freaking out, I decided that it would be a good photo opportunity! So, I took a few photos of it. I then thought it would be a good thing to look for other spiders in my house and yard. i ended up finding many different types of spiders in my house and yard. I was shocked at how many different types I found. I did alot of research on the types, and found out most are not poisonous, which really made me feel alot better. There was one, that if it did bite me, I would need to go to the doctor, but i wouldnt die, lol. I will post the photos, below. All photos were taken by me (Rickie Traeger) either in my house or my yard.
Click on the photos, to see full size
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Possible Wolf Spider, above
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Orb Weaver Spider, above
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Daring Jumping Spider, above
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Possible Grass Funnel Weaver Spider, above
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Spider, unknown, above
Topics: blog, photo journalism, photography | No Comments »
misc.
I haven’t really blogged alot in the last few days, because alot has been going on and I haven’t had alot of time too. I know I have gotten many emails from people, wanting me to blog. So here is a brief blog on what has been happening the last few days in my exciting life.
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My dad has been in the hospital for a few days now, he lost all movement in his left leg. They are running alot of tests to figure out why it happened. When they did, they found some abnormalities. The abnormalities might be cancer, but they have yet to confirm it. It is metastatic, which means its originated in another part of the body, and the part they found, traveled from there to the spot they found it in. So now the doctors are running tests to figure out where the origin is, and when they find it, they need to do a biopsy on it, to figure more info. out. So, please keep my dad in your thoughts and prayers. It has been pretty stressful the last few days.
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I did a photo shoot, the other day. That t
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8-9-2010
I am going to keep this short and simple, sorry. My dad’s health is bad again, he is back in the hospital. So I dunno how often I am going to update this in the next few days.
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I got a few more songs recorded in the last few days. We are in the process of setting up a tour again
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I am excited Madden is going out tonight at midnight
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We went to the Milwaukee Zoo on Saturday, that was lots of fun …. I will blog and post photos, when I get a chance
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8/6/2010
Forest Hills Bowling Alley is having their .99 bowling from Aug.6th -8th! My dad paid for my daughter and I to bowl 4 games this morning. We had lots of fun! I bowled a 163 today! That is my highest game ever, I bowled! Heck, I am happy if I get 100, lol
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I am excited, Bears start in a week! Chicago Bears, Rules! I am a HUGE bears fan! I always wanted to go to a game, but I can’t afford too 
mmaybe I can get lucky and have someone buy me a ticket, or donate one to me
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Nascar is racing at Watkins Glen this weekend, grrrrrrr I hate road courses! I can’t complain to much though, cuz there are some nasty wrecks at those tracks, lmfao …..(Keeping fingers crossed, Jimmy Johnson, Juan Montoya, Carl Edwards, will wreck).
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My Rockford Airfest 2010 Personal Review
My Rockford Airfest 2010 Personal Review
5 Stars “Simply flying high”
I want to start this review off by saying Rockford Airfest 2010 was simply awesome! I can not wait until June 2011 for the next one! I really had alot of fun this year! I can honestly say it was one of the best ones to date!
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I went out Thursday and Friday to watch the arrivals of the planes, as they came in to land for the airfest. I sat off of Falcon rd, and got a really good spot to view the planes come in, and the demo teams practice. It was nice to see many others that came out to watch it as well. It really made me sit back and think how big of a family event this really was. I seen everyone from infants to senior citizens, that came out to watch the arrivals. I came out to see the planes, and got more than I was expecting. I got to see families with huge smiles on their faces, enjoying the same thing I was. Aviation at it’s best! I was watching this older guy, who was a veteran, and his face lit up so bright when the B-52 did a flyover, before it landed. I swear I haven’t seen anyone smile like that in years! It was definitely something I won’t forget for a long time. For the people who got to watch the arrivals, it was simply a pleasure noone will ever forget, many great planes, with many great people! 
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Saturday’s experience -
Weather was rain in the morning, and low ceiling, for awhile
I got up bright and early, and headed out the door, expecting to be stuck in traffic for awhile. I took S.Main down, and was pleasantly surprised how quickly the traffic was moving. We made it to our parking spot in no time at all. The traffic went smooth to go to the parking in the morning. And to top it off, we parked right by the “Snoopy Two, Met Life” blimp. That was such an amazing sight by itself, parking next to the blimp. I really enjoyed that alot. We started to walk up to the event, when Lockwood Park had a wagon that was taking people up to the gates for free (donations), so we hopped up on the wagon and took the short ride up to the gates. (We made a donation) I had press credentials this year, so I went through the gate pretty easy this year. No problems at all. (last year, 2009, was a pain) We walked in the gates, and was happy to see many upon many static displays. It was still raining a bit, so everything was soaked, and I didn’t get many photos due to the rain. We walked around for a bit, and went into the static displays that we could, before the crowd really came. I wanted to get inside them, that way I wouldn’t have to wait in lines later on. It was good to see how nice and open the crews were to talk about their experiences and about the aircrafts. We talked with many of the crews this year. That experience alone was worth the visit to the airshow! Meeting many great people and hearing the stories they told. The pilot of one of the Sea Dragons, told us on the way to the airfest, they were flying so low, kids playing in their backyards were waving to them. That was neat to hear. We walked around for awhile and looked at everyone of the static planes we could, before the show started. The show was delayed until 12:30ish, due to the low cloud ceiling. Which I didn’t mind, because it gave me more time to look at static planes. I then setup my camera equipment, to photography the event. The press credential people, were suppose to have an area, but they forgot to build it, so we were bounced around alot on Saturday morning, so I missed some really good photo opportunities of the veterans who opened the show. But once they finally choose a spot for us, we started to settle in and take photos. We watched as the aerobatics planes did some awesome tricks, and the A-10 & F-4 & F-18 did a heritage flight, which I liked alot. The only problem I had, was the poor lighting for the camera. It went from cloudy to sunny to cloudy almost nonstop all day. The performers put on a very good show. The Thunderbirds performed a great show as well. It was warm and humid, and many were complaining about the price of water ($3) which I couldn’t blame em, who would really want to spend $3 on water??? I did see many senior citizens and children, dehydrating, because of this. This was one of the downfalls, of the airfest. Prices from the vendors was too expensive, in times of an economic crisis. Sad to see. But after the event, for those who stayed, got to meet the Thunderbird team and get their autographs. That is another experience I will never forget. We ended the day with a long traffic line home.
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Sunday experience -
I woke up late, had a long night trying to edit photos from poor lighting from Saturday. So, I ended up getting to the show around 1pm, I had to park way out there, I mean way out there, lol. I definitely got my exercise in this day, before the show. I had a pleasant talk with a few people as we all walked up to the gates. I watched a bit of the jeep display, before I went into the show. That was cool to see. I went in the gates, and went over to watch the rock climbing display for a bit. It was nice to see all these families enjoying themselves with other stuff to do at the event. I took a stroll down by the vendors and seen they were doing good as well, even with prices being so high. I strolled along to the far east end of the airshow, and got pretty close to the parked demo teams aircraft. That was nice to see, I got some really good photos of the demo teams as the taxi to the runway. Some of the demo teams were meeting with the crowd as well. I was happy to see them interacting with the crowd. That is how an airshow should be So my day was starting off pretty good. I decided to go to the press credential area, to take some photos of the show, so I did that for a few, the lighting was a little bit better today for photos, but it still was poor. I decided I wanted to get some crowd photos, wow, I learned alot from this experience! I learned alot of people do not like their photos taken, lol. As i strolled through the crowd taking random photos of people, I had a few people trying to grab my camera, a few who yelled profanity at me, a few that spit at me, and others who gave me the “bird” in the photos, and many who tried avoiding the camera all together. It was an experience that I never had before as a photographer. Usually people are open to having their photos taken. But than it hit me, it is like 2:30 and the sun is beating down on everyone and hardly anyone had any drinks, so I figured people were cranky due to no water/drinks. I encountered many cranky people in the crowd as I walked through it. Not at me, just in general. I decided it was time to go photograph the stuff in the air again, since the crowd photos weren’t the best, lol. I was even so hot and dehydrated, I was starting to get a lil cranky as well. I refused to pay $3 for water, so I didn’t drink anything at all while at the event. I watched as the the Thunderbirds did their preshow, and I got some good photos of the T-Birds giving hand signas to the ground crew, which I thought was pretty neat. They taxi’d down the runway, and sat there for a bit, then they took off with a roar! 4 of them roared down the runway and took off, then another one came behind them and one more after that. They started right away with their air performance, which was nice to see. They did a little more maneuvers today than they did yesterday, I am assuming because of the higher cloud ceiling. It was nice to see the vapor trails coming off the F-16’s as they flew by us at phenomenal speeds! The sound of an F-16 flying past us at speeds in excess of 500 mph, is just mind blowing! You don’t hear the roar until it is just over your head. Then it is so intense and loud, words can not describe the feeling one gets when they experience this! It was a great performance by the T-Birds! Then they landed and taxi’d to the runway. I decided it was time for me to leave, since I was soooooo hot and exhausted from the heat and not having any liquids. I then walked the long trek back to my vehicle. Watching the crowd with smiles and joy from their experience at the Rockford Airfest 2010!
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My overall experience -
My overall experience was one I will never forget. The sights and sounds of families having lots of fun with great big smiles. This you don’t see to often nowadays, due to the economy. I got to see everyone from infants to senior citizens be happy for a day. A day that will remain in everyones minds for many years to come. The sight of the veteran watching the B-52, is priceless. That alone I will cherish till the day I die. It made me realize how veterans loved serving our country, their hard work and dedication, that made America, what it is today.
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Pros -
Many great experiences
Met alot of great people
Seen families smiling and getting along
Many static displays (including the Dreamlifter)
Great air demo teams
Press credentials
Thousands and thousands of people
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Cons -
High vendor prices
Heat and humidity
Rain and low ceiling on Saturday
Poor lighting for photos
Sun burn
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As you can see, it was a very pleasant experience and one I will not forget in years to come! I had loads of fun, and as well as thousands of others! The Rockford Airfest 2010 was one of their best to date, and we are looking forward to many to come! I know it takes lots of hard work and dedication to many people, to get this event going. So I want to send out a special thanks to a few people, Dave Lindberg, Bob O Brian, Dan S., Thomas Bona, staff at KRFD, the demo teams, Static display teams, and the many volunteers! We could not of had this show, without your help and dedication! Thank you!
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brief update
Well I been pretty busy the last few days, going through all the photos I took at the airfest. I had a blast there, and got some decent photos. The lighting was very poor, so alot of my photos didn’t turn out at all. But it was still a blast! I am going to be writing a review about my airfest experience, and posting photos in the next day or so, so be sure to check back soon!
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July 31st
I went to the airshow today, and had a blast! I plan on going again today! i got some decent photos, but the lighting was very poor, most of the time. So it was very difficult to get photos. But it was a blast watching the show. It was cool the T-Bird “Mother Hubbard” remembered me from the other day. I talked briefly to her through a fence, while she was at emery air ramp. And i seen her today, getting autographs, and talked to her again briefly, and she was like “arent you the guy the other day through the fence” I was kind of flattered
I will post some photos in the next few days
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Pix from today
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Photo Credit - Rickie Traeger
Photo Credit - Rickie Traeger
Went out and seen some of the arrivals for the airshow, I got some really good photos and I also got to meet the T-Birds female pilot, as well It was really a good day today! I had many fighters fly right over my head,as they landed for the airshow, A-10′s, F-15, F-16, Harrier, B-52, F-4, C-130…..Was a good day
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News Event – Grain Bin Accident in Mt Carrol
I read this on RRSTAR.com, and thought it was sad, and thought I would write about it.
There was a grain bin accident in Mt Carrol, I guess it is west of Rockford. But it says 3 teens were trapped in a grain bin, and 1 has died, 1 is in critical condition, and 1 is still missing. It is sad to hear of such a tragedy to such young kids. From what I read in the article, it said 1 teen fell in, and the other two tried to save him. This is like the 3rd grain bin accident on the news in the last few years. I never knew grain bins could be so dangerous! When i drive down the road and see one, I would never think they could be dangerous. Hopefully they find the 3rd teen soon, hopefully alive! But from the article, they are making it a recovery rescue now. Hopefully this kid beats the odds and is still alive.
RRSTAR Article -
More than 12 hours after three teens became trapped in a grain bin, one was rescued and one was still missing late Wednesday night.
The whereabouts and condition of the third teen could not be verified.
As late as 11 p.m. Wednesday, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department had provided no details about the incident, including exactly how many people were in the grain bin and how the accident happened.
A 911 call was placed to Carroll County authorities shortly before 10 a.m.
Ten Rockford firefighters along with emergency personnel from across northwestern Illinois traveled 58 miles west to Mount Carroll, a Carroll County town of about 1,800 people, to provide mutual aid. At 5:30 p.m. Rockford fire division Chief Jim Strey said the rescue operation had evolved into a recovery operation.
The bin, located at 10650 Mill Road, belongs to Consolidated Grain & Barge Enterprises.
According to the company’s website, the grain and transportation company is a global enterprise with more than 70 locations and 1,200 employees.
Read it here – http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1123440086/People-trapped-in-Mount-Carroll-grain-bin
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Snoopy Two has landed
I got to watch and photograph the “Snoopy Two” Met Life Blimp. It was so awesome to see and photograph a blimp! I have never photographed one before in my life, so it was neat! I went out to the airport, and it flew right over my head. It was only like 30 feet above my head, pretty damn close! It was awesome!
I am planning on going out to the airport Thursday and Friday to watch and photograph the arrivals! That is going to be pretty cool, the Thunderbird and the b-52 are arriving Thursday. I heard they may be practicing a bit on Thursday, that be cool. I have seen the Thunderbird 3 times in the last 2 years, they are pretty good to see. I enjoy them alot. I think I am going to photograph the crowd alot more this year. I got some really good crowd photos last year. I got my press credentials for the airshow, and they want me to focus on ground stuff. So I think it will work out good that way as well.
Here are a couple of my photos of the Snoopy Two blimp
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Photo by Rickie Traeger
Topics: blog, photo journalism, photography, plane spotting | Comments Off
1st attempt at videoing the moon
I thought I would try attempting to video the moon tonight!
Here is my results
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Airshow just a few days away
Few more days away, for the airshow! I have my press credentials and am ready to take some awesome photos! I think I am going to photograph the crowd and static displays, more than the stuff in the air. Last year, I focused on the air stuff, this year I am going to do the ground stuff. I am going to go Thurs and Friday to watch the aircrafts come in, so I know I will get some good photos then I definitely need to bring and wear sunscreen! Major sunburn last year and also this year at Janesville Airport as well! You would of thought I learned my lesson from last year, being major sunburnt, but I didn’t lol. I have spf100 sunscreen to wear I am ready to go
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My best lightning photos to date!
I just took alot of photos of the storm that rolled through about an hour ago. And I got my best photos of lightning to date! I been trying for years to get a decent photo of lightning, and I got a couple tonight! What amazing luck I had! Here are some of the lightning photos I took a lil bit ago!
Click on the photo, for full size
Lightning Photo Rickie Traeger Rockford, Illinois
Lightning Photo Rickie Traeger Rockford, Illinois
Lightning Photo Rickie Traeger Rockford, Illinois
Lightning Photo Rickie Traeger Rockford, Illinois
Topics: Storm chasing, blog, photo journalism, photography | Comments Off
Lightning photos
<font color=”#0000ff”>I set a couple goals for photography today. I accomplished them both. The #1 goal was to get a lightning bolt photo from tonights storms. I succeeded in doing so, I actually got 2 photos! I was photographing from inside my house, through a window. It was pouring down rain, so the photos didn’t turn out as good as I wanted it too, but hey, I got my lightning bolt photo’s! My other goal was to experiment with different camera settings for action shots. This way I can get my settings to almost perfect, for the upcoming airshow next week. So I went down to the Ski Broncs, since they were practicing. I figured they were a good opportunity for action shot, ski team on the river and also crowd photos as well. I tried a lot of different variations of settings on my camera. I have to look at the photos and also the EXIF data to see what turned out and what didn’t. Last years photos of the airshow turned out really well, so i am going to go back and look at the EXIF data on those photos as well. I got my press credentials today for the airshow, and they want me to take photos of certain things. So I think on Saturday, I am going to focus on those things, and than on Sunday, I will do photos for myself. I am really excited about the airshow! It is one of the things in the year I look forward too! As you know I am a huge aviation fan! </font>
Photos of the lightning I took a few hours ago =
And here is a misc. photo of the sky I took earlier
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Misc. blog July 21st 2010
I thought I would make a misc blog. cuz I am sitting here bored, about to start making the page on here, for selling my photos. I am excited to start selling some of my photos. I won’t be asking for alot of money for the photos, cuz I know the economy sucks and everyone is hurting for money. I just want to be able to share my photography with the world. Yes, it will be nice if I can make some extra money doing it, but that is not my goal. I just want to be able to share my photos with the world
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I am still excited about seeing the Antonov! That was a huge airplane! I won’t blog about it much, cuz I already blogged about it, lol. But it was such an amazing sight!
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I am thinking about just starting to photograph one genre, such as weather, people, nature, airplanes, etc… Right now I photograph alot of different stuff, I want to start limiting my genres down a bit, so i can focus and be a pro in just one of a couple genres. I may just stick with people, weather and aviation. I seem to like these genres the best I guess i will have to see how well the selling my photos page does, and go from there lol.
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I am thinking about posting some of my poetry on here, but I know if i do, someone will steal it from me and take credit for it lol. Yes, it is only words, but alot of my poetry is from the heart, and has lots of meaning to it. So I probably won’t post any, anytime soon. LOL
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There is a meteor shower in a few days, I am looking forward to viewing. When i was younger, i would sit outside for hours watching meteors! I used to watch satellites as well, omg viewing the sky is just amazing! The beautiful sights of stars twinkling in the night sky, an occasional satellite moving across the sky, and the once in awhile meteor. How can I forget the moon! That alone, is a sight in it self! So bright, so detailed, it is like a home away from home. I would sit for hours many night just staring at that alone! Can you imagine what it must have been like to land on the moon? WOW! Heck, I would just love to be in the Space Station! Just to look down on earth! I have seen many photos and video from nasa, and the sight of looking down at earth is just so surreal.
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Photo of the moon I took earlier tonight -
Topics: Goals, blog, photo journalism, photography | Comments Off
Antonov @ KRFD
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VDA4990
I got to see the Antonov AH 124-100 today! I went out to Rockford Airport and seen it parked there, so I took some really good photos of it! It was a massive aircraft! I got to see it up close, and from a distance. I guess it stopped in Rockford to refuel and to rest the crew. It was such a beautiful plane! It will be an experience I will never forget!
I got to meet some fencecheck buddies tonight, to watch the Antonov takeoff. My photos did not turn out at all, for the night take off. But it will be an experience I will never forget, and met some great people! I also seen another group of people there as well, but i never did talk to them to see who they were, but it was good to see so many aviation fans! It is nice to see such a hobby bring so many people together. Years ago, there were not to many aviation fans in the Rockford area. Now it looks like theres alot. I think the airshow has alot to do with that, lol.
Here are a few photos and a video, I took today. The video is kinda hazy, cuz the heat rising from the runway. So I apologize of the quality of the video. It was 94 degrees outside and the runway was producing alot of heat!
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No longer a Carl Edwards fan!
I just added Carl Edwards to my Nascar driver DISLIKE list, on my nascar page.
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Carl Edwards should be ashamed of himself, and should pay for all the cars that were involved, as well as be suspended for a long time, and points deducted! What he did was uncalled for, and a total disregard for human life! They should throw the book at Carl Edwards for this accident! Carl Edwards, admitted he spun Brad Keslowski, on purpose to get the win!
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Yes, racing is racing, but when it comes to spinning a person on purpose for a win, is just fucking insane! He could of rubbed Brad on the side, but no, Carl got into the back fender and spun him on purpose! Put Brad into the wall on purpose! What the fuck kind of idiot, drives dirty like that! I swear Carl and Juan, are twins! Fucking stupidity, Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
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I USED to be a Carl Edwards fan, but after tonight’s race. Fuck that! No more! I lost ALL respect for Carl Edwards! Fuck Him! If he decides to man up and drive like a regular driver, and pay for everyone’s cars, and has the win taken away, and points deducted, I just might gain a lil respect for him. But until than, he has made my official dislike list!
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I think I just might become a Keslowski fan, just to piss Edwards off!
Here is what I am talking about – http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationwide-series/2010/news/headlines/bg/07/17/cedwards.bkeselowski.nationwide.gateway.win/#viewSingle100404121
Misc. blog (Photography, Hot Air balloon Rally, etc…)
I am going to make a misc. blog that I will be rambling about anything that comes to mind. Yes, one of these long and boring blogs that you just never know what you might read, at times they can be boring, other times just right down shocking, and other times my emotions just run wild and I let my heart do the writing. So I will warn you now, before you go any further, you may not like what you read. It may offend you, it may make you mad, or hell it just might make you laugh. So if you are easily offended, I would suggest you go no further, LOL.
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I am starting to really advertise the hot air balloon rally, to try and get more support and donations for it. It has slowed down alot and we haven’t had any donations in a few weeks now! I am really wanting to bring it back in 2011, but it has slowed down alot, so the way it looks, it might be a little longer now, grrrrrr. I just have to keep my head up, and keep pushing and advertising it. And hope for the best! Keep your fingers crossed and help spread the word, we need donations!
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I am in the process of making a 2011 calender, and need a few more models to volunteer!
Here is the info. on it – http://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/790585
I am looking for 6 more female models to do a photo shoot in nature. (Semi & Nude) You must be 18 years old or older.
2011 Erotic Nature Calender
The model will get a copy of the calender, when it’s done.
The money made for the photo shoot, will go to the Illinois Dept. Natural Resources.
70% Charity
20% Models
10% Photographer
I am hoping to get the photo shoot done before October 2010.
All photo shoots will be in an outdoor environment.
No Exp. needed
This is going for a good cause!
If your interested, Please contact me at TriggerPhotography@Gmail.com
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I am going to be selling alot of my photos, CHEAP! I am going to be making a page on this site and also my photography website as well. I am going to be selling the unwatermarked and full sized photos, for cheap! When I started photography, I was not in it to sell my photos, but over the years, many people email me all the time, wanting to buy my photos. So I figured, I may as well sell them, so others can enjoy them. I am going to be selling the following rights -
Commercial Rights
Commercial rights can be a very murky term when corporate lawyers get involved. However, a general explanation would be that commercial means any endeavor designed to create income or use by a commercial entity. Some examples would include: a sales brochure, magazine, advertisement, or billboard.
Non-Commercial Rights
Non-commercial rights would be items that are not designed to create significant income or use by individuals or other non-corporate type groups. Things such as church bulletins, or someone printing an image to put on their school binder would be non-commercial usage.
First Rights
When the word “first” is placed in front of other rights it simply means that the entity purchasing these rights gets to publish/use the image BEFORE anyone else who has purchased license rights.
Serial Rights
Serial rights apply to magazines. This means that the magazine is licensing the right to use the image in magazine format. In other words, if you sell serial rights to magazine A you can’t sell licensing rights to magazine B as well (unless you only sell “FIRST” rights – then you can sell more rights later).
Non-Exclusive Rights
Watch out for this clause. Non-exclusive rights can be a reasonable license to sell but they can also be a quick way to loose the use of your image. Non-exclusive rights means that the licenser has a specific set of rights at the same time someone else has them as well. The problem is that this clause is usually followed with a large amount of specific rights and many companies use this type of clause to allow them to reprint and resell your work on their own.
One Time Use Rights
I love one time use rights. Its very easy to manage. One time use means that the entity buying the license can use your image “one time”, for one specified project.
(http://photography.about.com/od/copyrightinformation/a/photorights.htm)
So, if your interested in any of my photos, contact me, and we can work something out!
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One of my plane spotting videos
Here is one of my plane spotting videos, from Rockford Airport
Topics: blog, photo journalism, plane spotting | Comments Off
Brief video of rollover accident
Here is a brief video, of the rollover accident, that happened right in front of me and I helped the victims out of their cars. More info is here – http://rickietraeger.com/archives/614
Topics: News Events, blog, photo journalism | Comments Off
My rants about Tornado Siren Protocall in Winnebago County
A tornado siren is suppose to be used when a rotating wall cloud, funnel cloud, or a tornado is spotted…Right?
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According to my training, and knowledge, this is when a tornado siren is suppose to go off, to warn the citizens of the danger.
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I can personally say from me chasing this year (2010) I have seen at least 3 times, the tornado siren should have been used, and it was NOT used! Yesterdays storm, brung a brief tornado and several funnel clouds, and they actually used the sirens to warn people, BUT THEY SAID IT WAS A “FALSE TRIP” …..How in the fuck can it be a false trip when a tornado was spotted and many funnels were spotted as well? Does a tornado need to be on the ground for many miles and cause alot of damage, before they use the sirens and says its an “official trip”
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What bothers me most, is they spent millions of dollars on these sirens, and they refuse to use them properly! When the severe weather criteria is there, use the fucking sirens, before it is too late! Yes, we have dodged many bullets this year, but it only take one tornado to seriously injure or kill a person! Boone County tornado in 2008, was the primary reason for the sirens, that was an eye opener, but I guess not enough!
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So my rant and rave is – WHAT THE HELL IS THE “RIGHT” PROTOCOL OF USING THESE TORNADO SIRENS?
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The reason why I am ranting – look at this below!
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http://www.rrstar.com/news/publicsafety/x1143358215/Sheriff-s-Department-Tornado-sirens-were-false-alarm
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department is calling activation of the county’s tornado sirens shortly after 5 p.m. today a false trip.
Illinois State Police District 16 officers reportedly spotted funnel clouds in western Stephenson County while other officers spotted such formations near South Beloit.
The National Weather Service said neither a tornado warning or watch was issued. The NWS is calling the reported tornado cloud formations “very, very weak” and said no tornado activity was seen on radar.
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Harrison called the siren activation a “false trip.”
Photos of the funnel cloud (photos are NOT from me)
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7-12-2010
Wow, I need to blog a lil more often, I haven’t updated this in a few days, lol
I been feeling like shit again lately (my liver) it is starting to take an effect on my everyday life now. As many of you know, I have been diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver, awhile ago. And within the last few months, I have really started to feel the effects of it. It is not pleasant, and i know it is only going to get worse. I just have to learn to deal with it. I have for awhile now, but last night at work, I had to leave early, because of it. It is a shitty feeling, having to tell my boss that I have to leave work, due to my illness. I was trying to keep it from work, that way they don’t fire me. But last night I had no choice. Now my work is aware of my illness, so I guess I will see if I have a job in the near future. I just hope my liver gets better, but I know it won’t. Sad face of reality is it will never get better.
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“We are all on a one way adventure to the unknown. But some of us are going faster than the rest.” – Rickie Traeger
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I went to go see the T-38′s that were briefly stationed at the Rockford Airport over the weekend. The T-38′s are stationed in Oklahoma. They flew to Rockford, so they can do the Nascar flyover at Chicago-Land Motor Speedway, for Saturdays race. It was awesome to be able to photo graph them and briefly speak to one of the pilots. I also got to meet a fellow photographer. We are both aviation photographer/fans. It was nice to chat with another aviation photographer. We ended up getting some really good photos of the T-38′s as they sat on the Emery Ramp. Also when they taxi to takeoff and the takeoff. I was going to photograph them landing, but I didn’t stick around, cuz I wanted to watch the race. I missed out on some really good photos on their landing. O well, I got some really good ones already I will post a few below.
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“Life seems as a roller coaster, with the ups and downs and many loops, just to wind down to the sudden stop” – Rickie Traeger
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I been writing alot of songs within the last few days. They are mostly just random thoughts I was thinking of at the time, but I made them into songs. I am excited about how some of them actually turned out. Then again some of them i am not, lol. Oh well, the joys of song writing. Some that I may not think are good, may be awesome in another person’s eyes. I don’t think I am going to publish them anytime soon though. I have a few songs I am working on right now
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Experimenting with Black and White photography
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Accident – I helped a lady out of the rollover accident…..Perryville in Loves Park
I was traveling north on Perryville road, in Loves Park, a few hours ago. I looked ahead and seen a car rolling over into a ditch. It was a roll over accident, that happened right in front of me! I quickly stopped my car, and ran over to the car. A lady walking on the bike path, also ran over to help as well. The lady and I climbed down in the ditch to help the rollover accident victims. We seen a foot sticking out from the drivers side door, I looked at the lady and asked her if she was prepared for what we were about to see. The lady was calm. We grabbed items to break the window in the vehicle, to help the victims get out of the car. Come to find out, the victim was trying to kick the drivers side door as well, so we knew they were still alive! Thank god! The victim ended up crawling out the back window, which was gone. The lady and I helped the victim out of her car. We asked if there were anymore in the car, and it ended up being one victim in the car, and we just helped her out of the rollover vehicle. Thank god she was the only one in the car and she was doing good! We were knee high in weeds and water, in the ditch, helping the victims! So the lady that helped me, we went over to the other car and helped out the elderly couple in that car. We helped them get out of their car as well. They were doing ok as well. I was shocked at how bad this accident was, the only injuries were a cut hand, from the rollover vehicle! There was alot of smoke, from the vehicle that rolled over, the car was still running and fluids were getting all over the hot engine and exhaust. So it produced alot of smoke!
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So, to put a long story short. A lady walking the bike path and I, helped out the victims in the rollover accident. The police showed up not to long after the victims were out of their cars. And there were no serious injuries! Thank god!
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I was shocked at how much traffic was going by, and NOT helping out! That was very sad to see! But there were a few others that did stop and help out, a lil after the victims were out their cars. So there were a couple others that also deserve a praise for helping out.
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The lady walking the bike path, that helped out in the rollover accident, if you read this, please contact me!
You are a hero, and I would like to thank you for helping!
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Here is the news story about it, from rrstar.com
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http://www.rrstar.com/news/yourtown/x1849228835/Accidents-may-cause-delays-in-Loves-Park-Rockford
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Loves Park firefighters are at the scene of a rollover accident on Perryville Road north of East Riverside Boulevard near the entrance to Peak Fitness.
Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle on its top and still running. Lots of smoke was observed, apparently from leaking oil. Another vehicle was in the same ditch as the rollover on the west side of Perryville Road. Firefighters determined that extrication was not needed.
The southbound lanes of Perryville Road have been closed to traffic at Windsor Road.
Topics: News Events, blog | 1 Comment »
Trigger Modeling (Nude Artistic)
Offers FREE artistic nude photo shoots to women in the Rockford area!
TriggerModeling.com
Contact info. – TriggerPhotography@Gmail.com
Topics: Services, blog, photo journalism, photography | Comments Off
July 6th
I am getting ready to play one of my favorite games, Battlefield 2. I thought I would blog for a sec. before i started to play. Today went pretty good. It was a warm and humid day and just gorgeous outside! As you know, I love hot weather! So it was a good day! I also got to eat one of my favorite foods as well, banana pudding! My grandma made it for me, awesome! I am looking forward to going to the airshow in 3 weeks! Alot of neat aircraft are going to be there this year. I don’t know if I can say it on here, due to the fact i have gotten some inside info. and i don’t want to spoil it yet, since it hasn’t been made public. But let’s just say, it is going to be a “huge” airshow I am planning on writing a review on my other website, which has to do with the airshow. Plus posting photos and blogging about my experience. As many of you know, I own a website in reference with the airport, but not an official site about the airport. I sure hope they add more bathrooms this year, last year I had to wait over an hour to go pee! I am also looking forward to going to the waterfront as well this year. I bought my tickets recently, so that will be fun to go to, in the beginning of Sept. I am looking forward to seeing HINDER and also BILLY IDOL. Hopefully I can get close enough to get some good photos! But I am going to stop blogging for now, I am wanting to play my game.
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July 5th
I took my daughter to go see the fireworks last night, we seen the Shorewood and also the Downtown fireworks as well! We had lots fun, I was kind of wondering if we were going to see em or not, cuz the rain. But it stopped raining and we were able to see them!
Tuesday, July 6th is my Birth Day…I am an old fart!
I went to the S. Beloit park today, walked around a bit. It is a pretty park, well the lake is really pretty! I am thinking about doing a photo shoot there, it would be a good park to do one in! The lake in the background, the misc. scenery, would be awesome!
The last few days, has been good. My parents threw a lil get together for the holidays yesterday, and celebrated my brother and I, birthdays. I got to spend time with my parents and grandparents.It was fun to spend time with the family. Thats one of my fav. things to do in life, spend it with friends and family.
It is suppose to be warm out on my b-day. I hope so! I LOVE hot weather!
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July 3rd 2010
I can not believe tomorrow is July 4th! It is suppose to rain, hopefully it doesn’t! July 4th is my favorite holiday of the year! Fireworks are so beautiful! It is in the middle of summer, warm temps., and it is just plain fun! So, I hope it doesn’t rain tomm.! We have yet to make our plans for tomm night yet. We were thinking about going to Davis Park, but have not yet decided yet. (70% chance of rain tomm night during fireworks)
I got some good news the other day, actually really good news! I am on the list, for news credentials for the Rockford Airfest 2010. I photograph alot of events over the year, but one of my favorite things to photograph are aircraft. As many of you know, I am an aviation fan for many years, so I am really excited about this event!
I am currently watching the Nascar race as I type this, and there is 44 to go, as I type this. An accident just happened that took a few cars out the race. But I wanted to blog about Juan Puablo Montoya, once again! Yes, i am not a Kyle Busch fan, but Montoya spun him out a few ago. Montoya just races so damn dirty! What an asshole! Yes, it is easy for me to sit here and write about this, and it’s different to be driving. But do you see other drivers out there spinning others out on a weekly basis, NO! If he can’t drive, than why the fuck is he in Nascar??? It is just stupid to see Montoya, get his little whiny attitudes and spin someone out on purpose. But it was funny last week, he was spun on purpose! Like I said before, Montoya, if you play with fire, you get burnt! And you got spun out, it sucks don’t it! Awhile ago, at one time, I did like Montoya, but after he started to race dirty, I lost ALL respect for him! And I hope someone spins him this race too!
I am going to be offering FREE computer repair services! I will do any type of computer services for free! If you need hardware or software, you need to buy it, and I can install it for you. I can format, data erase, recover data, anti virus and anti spy-ware scans, defragment, install or uninstall software or hardware, etc… all for FREE! Get a hold of me, if your interested!
News Event – Accident at Perryville and Harlem in Loves park
As you know, I recently started to post news events on my website. I like to talk about the event, mostly just read about the news event online, than give my two cents on it, and post the article I read about.
I will post the article that was just posted a few ago on RRSTAR.com, about a bad accident at Perryville and Harlem, around 4PM today.
http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1143345343/Responders-busy-with-two-Winnebago-County-accidents
(Click the link to read the full story)
Accident at Perryville and Harlem, in Loves Park
My two cents - It is a brief article and did not give alot of info about the accident. But the reason why I wanted to post this, is because I travel that intersection alot, and I have seen how dangerous this intersection is! All the people who speed and disregard the red lights there, I am actually shocked more accidents don’t happen there more often! Years ago, I seen an accident there, that killed a guy. I have seen at least 20 different accidents there, and alot of them are severe ones. Coming from the east and also the south, you have hills the cars are coming off of, coming from the north, the cars are on a straight and very long narrow stretch, which cars like to excessively speed, and from the west is probably the safest direction from that intersection. So many people, drive and use their cell phones or text, so many people drive under the influence, or speeding to fast to slow down, or just plain don’t pay attention. It is sad to see people taking life for granted. They think they are invincible and won’t get hurt. News flash, accidents leads to injuries and deaths! It is sad to see an accident. But back to my two cents on the accident today, I hope everyone is ok. But from the article, it said it was a rollover and had to be extricated. So that alone, does not sound good at all. Hopefully everyone will be ok, and whoever caused the accident gets a lot of tickets and has to pay alot of money to the victims! Ok, that was my two cents, lol I will paste the article below.
Article -
Loves Park firefighters are en route to a rollover accident involving three vehicles and extrication at Harlem and Perryville roads. The accident was reported at 4:07 p.m.
Traffic on Harlem is being diverted from the area. Motorists are advised to use a different route.
The extent of injuries was not immediately available.
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July 1st 2010
We all take life for granted! You could be here one minute and not the next. I have had a weird day to say the least. I was passing the cemetery on main and auburn, and for some odd reason I decided to go in it. All these years passing it, I never been in it. So I turned the car around and went in it. This cemetery is huge, I was shocked at how big it really was. So I am slowly driving through it, admiring the tombstones in it, and I decided to pull over. I was not planning on getting out of the car, just driving through it. I had that urge, the same urge I got to go in the place, the urge was to pull over and get out. So I pulled over and got out, and started to walk around looking at the tombstones. I then had an urge to walk along the fence, I was still looking at all the tombstones, and I came across my uncles tombstone. He was my grandma/grandpa stillborn baby. He is the one, who I am named after. It was a very weird and surreal moment. I heard bout him being buried there, but I never been there before. So I took a few photos of his tombstone and walked back to the car. I get in and start to drive around some more, then all sudden I see a tombstone/headstone that has my name on it! I slammed on the brakes, and pulled over and got out to look at it. But as I got closer to it, it had a different name on it! I was like WTF, cuz a second ago, it had my name on it. So i sat there for a minute or so, trying to comprehend what the hell is going on. I decided to get in the car and take off, cuz it was getting a lil to weird. So then I went for a drive around town, just to go for a drive and kind of think about what the heck just happened. Why did I have the urges? Why did I find my uncles tombstone? Why did I see my name on a tombstone then it wasn’t? What the fuck was going on? I then started to think of the movie final destination, for some reason, lol. How all these “signs” appear but you don’t recognize them unless you know what your looking for. Then as soon as I thought of that, I seen a funeral in front of me, a few minutes later I seen 3 dead animals, about 20 min later I seen a priest blessing a guy…. So i started to wonder in the back of my head, are these signs or just a coincidence. Like I said, Why did I have the urges? Why did I find my uncles tombstone? Why did I see my name on a tombstone then it wasn’t? What the fuck was going on?
Today is my brother’s B-Day as well! Happy B-Day!
(The photo of my uncles tombstone)
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Spider Bite
I had a lovely night at work last night, I was bitten by a spider. I am not 100% sure on the type of spider, but I think it was a brown recluse. But I am not 100% sure. I have not went to the doctor yet, and I probably won’t. I feel fine, but my leg is starting to look nasty. It don’t hurt at all, but does itch at times. I was unloading the semi, and it fell from a box. On an avg. night unloading the semis, I encounter about 6 spiders a night, but I have yet to experience and bites. Until last night! The thing fell from the box, onto me! It went down my shirt, than down my pants! I couldn’t take my pants off at work, to get it out. So I started to shake my leg, to get it out. Big mistake! I think I spooked it, and it bit me! I felt it, but barely. I think it was more of a shock, than anything. Like omg, I was just bitten. It than fell out my pants leg and scurried under some boxes and disappeared. I went to the bathroom about 30 min later to check the area, and it was starting to develop and area, where the bite was. I was feeling sick to my stomach and extremely dizzy. I knew it was going to be a loooong night at work. I made it through the night, and I came home. I laid down and got rest, i was really exhausted. very rare for me, so I knew it had to do with the bite. I woke up, and took a photo of it (posted below) you can see how it is starting to eat some the skin away. Very disgusting!
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6/28/2010
I had a pretty good day today. I put up the slip and slide today, and my daughter and I used that for awhile today. I honestly wasn’t going to go down it, but heck, it is a slip and slide! How can you not! It was extremely cold water though! Oh well, it was worth it! It was so much fun, and my daughter had lots fun as well. I just wish it was a lil warmer outside today. I plan on putting it back up again this week, when it warms up a bit. I can’t wait!
I talked to a few old friends of mine, I haven’t talked to in awhile. It was nice! Time flies by so fast, and we all grown up fast as well! We are getting older, and it is kind of funny looking back at how young we were. I know i am far from being “old” but it sure feels like it aint that far away! We talked bout old times and caught up a bit. Hopefully one day soon, we can get together in person.
I made a few more songs, with in the last few days. I am going to need to make some tabs for them though. Speaking of music, i went into work to check my schedule, and one of my bosses knew I was into music somehow. I barely told anyone at work about my musical side, because i didn’t want them to think different of me, so I kept it from them. Well come to find out, one my bosses knew I was into music, weird, lol.
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Juan Pablo Montoya – in the wall! LMFAO
Juan Pablo Montoya was racing very aggressive today, hitting cars, etc… Well with 20 to go, Juan was spun out!
Juan – If you play with fire, you get burned, LOL Stop racing aggressive, and others might respect you. But I forgot, you can’t and that’s why you got put in the wall! Quit your whining in your interviews. You are the one who caused it, not the others! Your the one who was hitting them first, they just finished it for ya!
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6/26/2010 (What a fucking shitty day it turned out to be)
What a fucking day this has been! Fuck man, I just wish it get over with and I can start a new days tomm.!!!
- No Camping
- Roadrage
- Speeding Ticket
I will order them and do a quick blog bout each one, lol So here it goes…………….
#1 No camping
I had plans on going camping today. I been looking forward to it all week! I was looking at the weather forecast and it said strong storms for today. So I decided it be best if I did not go camping, because of the strong storms. So here it is now 10pm, and now a fucking storm in sight! God damn I am so pissed at myself for not going! It was a beautiful day outside and dam good night outside tonight! Now look, here I am typing on the computer, because I choose not to go, because i didn’t want to go camping during storms. And not a fucking storm in sight! GRRRRRRR
#2 Roadrage
I was driving down State street earlier today and this older guy was flying (est. 80 MPH) down State street. He decided to pull in front of me, and cut me off! Then after he did that, the asshole slammed on his brakes for no fucking reason. He did this 3 times! So I pulled along side of hiom, and gave him the finger. I normally wouldn’t do that, but he cut me off and slammed on his brakes 3 times. So that is the only reason why I gave him the finger. Then after I gave him the finger, he rolled his window down and started yelling at me. So, I let him yell for a few seconds, so I could hear what he had to say. Then I snapped right back at him. The guy was about in tears. What the fuck he expect, him to yell at me and me not yell back? What an idiot! Dude if your going to yell at someone, expect to be yell at back! So after I said my 2 cents, I gave him the finger one more time and left……. The guy fucking was speeding, cut me off, brake checks me 3 times, what the fuck was he thinking??? I know my driving is not the best, but when this happened, I was doing the speed limit and minding my own business! Maybe the guy was having a bad day, and was trying to take it out on me? He looked like a man who had a good life going for himself. So who knows…………
#3 Speeding ticket
I was heading up to S.Beloit to see a friend of mine, and I was traveling Route 2 going north. I had the music up loud and minding my own business. It was a highway and no cars, so I was speeding. I was almost into Rockton, when I was coming around a curve and seen the state trooper coming the other direction. I didn’t think nothing of it, because he was going the opposite way. I did slow down and do the speed limit though. So about 3 minutes later, I see the cop in my rear view mirror. I was like where the heck did he come from, lol. It was a few miles down the road from where I seen him. The cop ended up turning around to pull me over! So anyways, I see him in my mirror and I decided to turn, and he followed me. So, I knew he was going to pull me over. But I had no idea why at the time. Because when I seen him in my mirror, I wasn’t speeding. He turned his lights on , and I pull over. He gets out the car and walks up to my car. He asks me if I knew why I was getting pulled over. I told him no, because when I seen him in my mirror, I wasn’t speeding, so I had no idea why. He than told me he was the cop going the other direction and turned around to pull me over. I was like wtf. He asked me why i was speeding, I told him I had the music up and didn’t know how fast I was going. Which was true. So he walks back to his car, writes the ticket out, and takes forever to do it! I had to take a pee, so I was wishing he would hurry up. He walks back to my car, like 10 minutes later, and explains the ticket and stuff. I told him I wanted to pay for it right then. He looked at me all puzzled, lol. I told him I wanted to pay for the ticket right than, I told him we could go to the gas station down the road, and I could go to the ATM, and get the cash. He was reluctant at first, but I told him I wanted to. So the cop gave in and followed me to the gas station so i could get the cash. So to put a long story short, I got a speeding ticket.
Are you tired of reading all of that, lol. I bet ya are! Thats alot of typing I just did, lol. SO, I will be nice and stop blogging for now I am wishing this day would get over with soon! I am wanting to start a new day, a fresh day!
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6/24/2010 (yesterdays chase, taco bell complaint, rock cut hiking)
I went for a hike today with my daughter at Rock Cut. It is very beautiful out there nowadays! The trees are fully bloomed, the streams are pretty and the sound of rushing water is just indescribable! I love Rock Cut State Park alot! I go hiking there often, and it always amazes me on the beauty of nature there.
Taco Bell screwed our order up once again! I am going to not eat there for awhile! I am now on an official boycott of Taco Bell! They screwed our order up the last 4 times now! Fucking ridiculous! How hard is it to order 2 meals? Geez I suggest and recommend everyone who reads this, if you don’t want them to screw your orders up as well, to not eat there for awhile!
I took my daughter storm chasing yesterday, it was her first chase. We had lots of fun! It was a very high precipitation storm (HP) but we did see a wall cloud and some “Scud funnel” It was scud clouds with slow rotation. Some people call it scud, Some call it a funnel. I was trained, if it has any rotation, it is a funnel. We were pretty close to it and had a good view of it. I will post the video below. I had to edit it so it is small enough to be able to upload to the internet.I will also post the radar image of it as well. We chased it for a few, but the storm was moving very quickly. My video, made the news as well
Click Below to watch the video of our chase
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO - chase 6-23-2010
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RADAR image = cell “B3″ at 17:30 is the video. The “B3″ is the meso we were chasing.
Details on the storm chase - I knew it might be a good day to chase after I seen the sun out for awhile. I was keeping a close eye on the radar and seen the storms starting to pop up in Iowa. They were popping up pretty quickly and organizing and moving very rapidly to the east. I knew if I wanted to chase, i had to move quickly to the south. I took my daughter on her first storm chase. We got the equipment ready and got in the car and started to head out. We went to the gas station a half mile away and filled up the car. When I was pumping the gas, it started to rain. It started off lightly, but quickly became a steady heavy rainfall. I went in and paid for the gas and got something to drink and munch on, cuz I knew we might have a long trip ahead of us. We headed south, as we did a warning came out for the county below us. I knew there was a meso in that area. The rain was coming down hard, so it was very hard to drive! We started to go south east, to try to get ahead of the storm. We couldn’t travel fast, because the rain was coming down hard and the visibility was very poor. We traveled east for a bit into Boone County, and I pulled over in the country to take a look at the clouds. I seen a well defined wall cloud to my west, south west. I knew that we were going to be in for a treat. I wanted to take photos, but the rain was still coming down good. I moved a lil south, so I could get out of the rain. I got a pretty good view of the wall cloud, and it started to rotate. About a minute or so later, it started to drop a funnel cloud. It was rotating slowly counter clock wise. It than started to dissipate, than form a funnel again, it did this 4 times. The funnel was rotating slowly. I don’t know if you would call it scud, since it was rotating slowly, or a funnel cloud. I was trained, if it is rotating, it is a funnel cloud. If it is not rotating, it is scud. It was rotating, so I personally considered it a funnel. Others think it as scud. I heard of a phenomenon called scud funnel, which is scud clouds rotating very slowly. That is what I seen. So I guess it was scud funnel, we saw. It started to lift up again, and it started to rain pretty hard once again, so we started to head east again. The storm was moving pretty quickly. We tried to keep up with it, but were unable too, due to the heavy rain. So after awhile, we decided to turn back and head back home.
Topics: Storm chasing, blog, photo journalism, photography | Comments Off
6/23/2010
Time for me to blog a bit. It has been 2 days since I last blogged, I am slacking!
I wanted to start this blog off by something so sweet! As you know, I am trying to bring back the hot air balloon rally to Rockford. The other day, I had a 9 year old girl donated her allowance, to help bring back the event! She told me that she has never seen a hot air balloon and has always wanted too. I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t cry in front of her, lol. But it was so sad, knowing she hasn’t ever seen a hot air balloon in real life. They used to be popular in our area years ago, and the kids nowadays don’t get the chance to see them float across our skies! I am so happy that hopefully by this time next year, we will have the event. We still have a ways to go before we can though! We need donations and sponsors!!!
Today there is a moderate chance for severe weather in our area, but it has been cloudy since the storms blew through our area this morning. So I don’t think we will be getting a lot of severe weather since the sun hasn’t came out to destabilize our area. I hope we do get severe weather, but it is looking very doubtful. I think if we do, it will be lots of rain and some wind.
My brother was in a car accident the other night, a lady ran the red light at Perryville and Harrison and totaled the car. My brother is ok, bumps and bruises, thank god. It made me realize though, how quick we can be here one day and gone the next. I am glad it wasn’t worse than it was and he will be ok. The lady didn’t have insurance, so it will be a long haul for this to be settled. I highly recommended Todd Ramlow for him to get, and sue her. He is a damn good lawyer! I got him on my accident case, and he was awesome! Words can not describe how happy I was with his service! So, I told my brother to look into getting him as his lawyer.
I can’t believe in 2 or so weeks, it will be my birthday! WTF, time is flying this year! And I am getting old! lol
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