To all who enjoy riding at the Knob in Akin,

Most everyone on here has ridin at the Knob or knows someone that has. I,m not in anyway responsible for that property nor do I want to be. I do think it is ashame that who ever the fine people that do own the proporty let us ride there for free and we cant keep it cleaned up.So with that in mind I'll get to the point of this blog.

As some that enjoys riding almost evey weekend with family and friends it is getting harder and harder to fine go places to ride. I would like to ask for help is cleaning the Knob up. You know just pick up the cans ,bottles and other trash that has been left out there. I and many otheres pack thier trash off when we ride, others take advantage of just throwing it on the ground. It is pretty easy to put your empty can back in your cooler or bag and carry it back out. Please ask you friends to take care of the Knob so we can continue to ride there.

On Saturday August 8th at 10:00am I would like others to join me and my family and friends for a day of clean-up and riding at the Knob. I will invest my time and a little money in providing some food for a great day of fun for the whole family to come out and help clean up the trash that has been left out there. If enough come out and help it wont tkae long at all. So let me know what you think. I'm am aware its not my resonsiblity but I do ride there and want to contine the fun we have. Invite your friends and family to come out,Lets clean up the Knob and show the owners we do care about our riding place. Contact me by Phone-..618-731-1749 or email me at cartracer24@..hotmail.com let me know if you will help.

Thanks to all and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.



Brian Cunningham

Swamp Landers ATV.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids....

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Please Join us in our fight..

The Owner Operators United is starting to grow and we need your support. The web site is up and going. Membership is very important because numbers count. Go to http://owneroperatorsunited. org/ and click on the membership app. or you can call me 618-923-2440 and I'll send you one. I am planning and Owner Operators United meeting in June. We are trying to get some of our elected officals involved here. Plesae repost and spead the word. Thank you. Owner Operators United INC. Illinois Rep. Brian Cunningham

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Helpful tools to assist you in your day-to-day business dealings with Brokers!
It is important to always remember that there are valuable resources available to assist you in choosing legitimate brokers to do business with.


For instance you can check the status of a broker's authority on the FMCSA website http://www.
fmcsa. dot. gov .


If you do not have access to a computer you can call them at either of these numbers: 866-637-0635 or 202-385-2423.


Additional information that can be obtained at this site is Bond and Trust information. Go to the insurance screen…here you can obtain the bond company's name and telephone number. Check the status of the bond before taking the load. If the broker authority is not active DO NOT TAKE THE LOAD.


There are also credit reporting services and tools available, such as RTS Credit Services, http://www.
RTSCredit. com or 800-506-7438. At this time RTS offers OOIDA members a 30-day free trial period.


OOIDA also has available our very own Check's in the Mail article, which is only available to OOIDA members through our members only site at www. ooida. com.


Here you can get a listing of brokers, carriers, freight forwarders and shippers complete with payment history.


Key things to remember and check before accepting a load through a broker:
*Ask for at least three (3) references. These should be carriers that have hauled for this broker consistently for one year. Check them.


*Do not move until you have a signed rate confirmation. Make sure the confirmation is complete with any additional charges you may incur, such as lumper fees, detention time, etc. Include a fuel surcharge to compensate for spiraling fuel costs. Once you sign and return the confirmation, it acts as your contract for that load.


*Use caution when asked to sign a Broker/Carrier Agreement. Avoid it if possible. If you decide to sign it, read it carefully. Make sure your position is stated. You as the carrier, want no relationship between yourself and the broker. Under no circumstance is the broker acting as your agent nor are you acting as the broker's agent. If the broker/carrier agreement does not say this, WRITE IT IN, INITIAL AND DATE THE CHANGE.


*Make sure all information is correct on the paperwork you receive pertaining to the load. You need the correct broker name, correct bond information and so on.


*Never wait for payment past your agreed upon payment date. Chances are if they are not paying you on time, they are not paying any drivers on time. The bond is only $10,000; it does not take long to exhaust it.


*Anytime there is a change while you are in route that concerns your pay, get an amended confirmation before proceeding, (i.e. layover, extra stops, etc.


*When hauling government loads, make sure you call ahead for delivery time verification.


*Take steps to ensure that the broker is paying you the percentage that was agreed upon. In order to do this you can turn to Title 49 CFR 371.3 of the FMCSRs.


Here's the wording:
Under Title 49 CFR 371.3 Records are to be kept by brokers.


(a) A broker shall keep a record of each transaction. For purposes of this section, brokers may keep master lists of consignors and the address and registration number of the carrier, rather than repeating this information for each transaction.


The record shall show:
(1)The name and address of the consignor;
(2)The name, address, and registration number of the originating motor carrier;
(3)The bill of lading or freight bill number;
(4)The amount of compensation received by the broker for the brokerage service performed and the name of the payer;
(5)A description of any non-brokerage service performed in connection with each shipment or other activity, the amount of compensation received for the service, and the name of the payer; and
(6)The amount of any freight charges collected by the broker and the date of payment to the carrier.


(b)Brokers shall keep the records required by this section for a period of three
years.


(c)Each party to a brokered transaction has the right to review the record of the
transaction required to be kept by these rules.


This regulation is a very powerful tool for you to use when dealing with a broker to keep them honest. The impact of requesting this information after you haul the first load for a new broker is a strong tool to use. Remember 371.3 (c) states that each party to a brokered transaction has the right to review the record of the transaction required to be kept by these rules.


Whether the load was flat rated or a percentage the regulation still gives you the right to review the record. If this rule is ignored it is enforceable under private right of action, Federal law 49 USC 14704 (a), and 14707. This rule will allow you to obtain a court order requiring brokers

Immigrants

                           

100 years later 
  
                                                           The year is 1907, one hundred years ago......
                                                                   READ PRINT UNDER PICTURE

                                ..
                                Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.


'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'
Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Every American citizen needs to read this!


KEEP THIS MOVING

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----------------- Bulletin Message ----------------- From: Carlton Date: May 1, 2008 9:59 AM from one "Angry Woman" I don't know who wrote it but they should have signed it. Some powerful words. This woman should run for president. Written by a housewife from New Jersey and sounds like it! This is one ticked off lady. "Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?..Well, I don't. I don't care at all. I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia ... I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs. I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't care. When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran. " Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and-you guessed it-I don't care !! If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your E-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great Country! And may I add: "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem" -- Ronald Reagan I have another quote that I would like to add AND......I hope you forward all this. "If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Also by.. Ronald Reagan One last thought for the day: In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the Anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America , he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out. " Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ 2. The America n G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON,AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM. AMEN! Posted for a lady who cant remember why we should not blame our country and put the blame where it belongs

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----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Steven
Date: Apr 29, 2008 6:46 AM


----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Gary
Date: Apr 29, 2008 9:39 AM


From: WOMEN ON A MISSION
Date: Apr 29, 2008 12:05 AM





I Am Still The Same Old Flag

Hello, remember me? Some people call me Old Glory,
others call me Stars and Stripes;
I have been referred to as the Star Spangled Banner.








But whatever they call me,
I am your Flag, or as I proudly state
....the Flag of the United States of America.









There is something that has been bothering me,
so I thought I might talk it over with you....
because it's about you and me.








I remember some time ago, I think it was Memorial Day,
people were lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade.








The town's high school band was behind me,
and naturally, I was leading the parade.








When your Daddy saw me coming along, waving in the breeze,
he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder
so that his right hand was directly over his heart.







Remember?
And you, Yes, I remember you.








Standing there straight as a soldier.








You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the correct salute.








They taught you in school to place your right hand over your heart.








Remember little sister? Not to be outdone,
she was saluting the same as you.








Oh, I was very proud as I came down your street.









There were some soldiers home on leave
and they were standing at attention giving their military salute.








Also, some V.F.W. veterans with their caps at jaunty angles were saluting smartly.








Ladies as well as men, paid me the reverence I deserve.








Now, I may sound a little conceited.








Well, I am.







I have a right to be,
because I represent the finest country in the world....
the United States of America.








More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down,
but they all felt the fury of this freedom loving country.








Remember...many of you had to go overseas to defend me.









What has happened? I'm still the same old Flag.








Oh, I've had a couple more stars added since you were a boy.








A lot more blood has been shed since that Memorial Day parade long ago.








Dad is gone now, The home town has a new look.









The last time I came down your street,
I saw that some of the old landmarks were gone,
but in their place, shinning majestically in the sun,
were a number of new buildings and homes.








Yes sir, the old home town has changed.









But now....I don't feel as proud as I used to.








When I came down your street, you just stand there
with your hands in your pockets and give me a small glance,
then look or turn away.









When I think of all the places I've been...
Ansio, Guadalcanal, Battle of the Bulge, Korea, and Vietnam
I wonder what's happened? I'm still the same old Flag.









But now I see children running around and shouting as I pass by.








They don't seem to know who I am.








I saw an old man take his hat off, and then look around.








He didn't see anybody else with theirs off,
so he quickly put his back on.








Is it a sin to be an American anymore?

Have you forgotten what I stand for?
Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought
and died to keep this nation, your nation, free?
When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.









Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime.








Look at the names of those who never came back,
and are resting 'neath white crosses on a far away shore.









Some of them were friends or relatives of yours,
maybe even went to school with you.








That's who you're saluting....when you revere me.








Well, it won't be long until I come down your street again.








So when you see me, stand straight,
place your hand over your heart,
and you'll see me waving back.








My salute to you, I'll show you that I too, remember!

...Author Unknown

Truckers are Organizing Online: Is a Nationwide Shutdown Coming?
Posted By SilverSurfer

Is a nationwide truckers' strike just over the horizon? As gasoline prices climb towards and past $4 a gallon, something is brewing that--with the help of the web--could very well upend the flatlining presidential primaries and force hard economic questions that none of the presidential candidates really want to wrestle with to the center of the national conversation.



Lots of people are being hurt by the emerging recession--people whose homes are being foreclosed, people who are being laid off, people who can't find a job--but for the most part their pain is private, and their efforts to seek solutions or answers tend to also remain private, even in the age of what writer Clay Shirky has aptly called "ridiculously easy group formation." By contrast, truckers have always been uniquely well connected to each other, via old-fashioned CB radio technology.



But now the Internet may add a powerful boost to their nascent calls for a social response to economic pain.
Right now, on message boards like Topix. net and sites like The American Driver, truckers are debating what to do about rising fuel prices and their wrenching effects on their profession. You can watch YouTube videos of the convoy of trucks that tied up traffic last week in Harrisburg, PA. (These videos already have several thousand views.) Over on MySpace, TruckerStrike08 has nearly 2000 friends (and top on his list of people he wants to meet: Jimmy HOffa.) The truckers are talking about an immediate halt to taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil, the release of fuel from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and tougher regulation of their industry.



Barbara Ehrenreich, longtime chronicler of the American working class (see her book Nickel and Dimed), has just posted an eye-opening column that pulls together what is starting to happen:

...on April 1, in a wave of defiance, truck drivers began taking the strongest form of action they can take – inaction. Faced with $4/gallon diesel fuel, they slowed down, shut down and started honking. On the New Jersey Turnpike, a convoy of trucks stretching "as far as the eye can see," according to a turnpike spokesman, drove at a glacial 20 mph. Outside of Chicago, they slowed and drove three abreast, blocking traffic and taking arrests. They jammed into Harrisburg PA; they slowed down the Port of Tampa where 50 rigs sat idle in protest. Near Buffalo, one driver told the press he was taking the week off "to pray for the economy.

"

The truckers who organized the protests – by CB radio and internet – have a specific goal: reducing the price of diesel fuel. They are owner-operators, meaning they are also businesspeople, and they can't break even with current fuel costs. They want the government to release its fuel reserves. They want an investigation into oil company profits and government subsidies of the oil companies. Of the drivers I talked to, all were acutely aware that the government had found, in the course of a weekend, $30 billion to bail out Bear Stearns, while their own businesses are in a tailspin.



But the truckers' protests have ramifications far beyond the owner-operators' plight --first, because trucking is hardly a marginal business. You may imagine, here in the blogosphere, that everything important travels at the speed of pixels bouncing off of satellites, but 70 percent of the nation's goods – from Cheerios to Chapstick --travel by truck. We were able to survive a writers' strike, but a trucking strike would affect a lot more than your viewing options. As Donald Hayden, a Maine trucker put it to me: "If all the truckers decide to shut this country down, there's going to be nothing they can do about it.

"

More importantly, the activist truckers understand their protest to be part of a larger effort to "take back America," as one put it to me. "We continue to maintain this is not just about us," "JB"-- which is his CB handle and stands for the "Jake Brake" on large rigs-- told me from a rest stop in Virginia on his way to Florida. "It's about everybody – the homeowners, the construction workers, the elderly people who can't afford their heating bills… This is not the action of the truck drivers, but of the people." Hayden mentions his parents, ages and 81 and 76, who've fought the Maine winter on a fixed income. Missouri-based driver Dan Little sees stores shutting down in his little town of Carrollton. "We're Americans," he tells me, "We built this country, and I'll be damned if I'm going to lie down and take this.

"

If you question that this is about more than just the truckers' narrow need for cheaper diesel fuel, check out the language of their "National Shut-Down" flyer:
Professional drivers are asking American Citizens to participate with us in the "National Shut-Down"

This is an issue effecting all of us and we MUST take a stand NOW.


Our government IS a major contributing factor in the outrageous price of fuel, and the struggle American citizens are experiencing making ends meet.


We must take this action to get their attention. All other avenues has only fallen on deaf ears - our government is ignoring the will, and needs, of the American people.



In The Last Year
(63,000 Jobs Lost)
(2 Million American Citizens Lose Their Homes)
(28 Million American Citizens Projected To Be On Food Stamp Programs)

Our government officials are eating good dinners, are living in beautiful homes, are driving brand new vehicles and are collecting large salaries...on the American Citizen's dollar. It's time to take our country back.




It is far too soon to say whether the truckers will manage to organize themselves into a meaningful protest movement capable of coordinating mass action across the country. They're in a tough business, and going on strike means losing even more money than they're losing now--and it isn't as if these independent business owners have strike funds to rely on. But something is happening here, Mr. Jones, and the web is helping to make it happen faster and bigger.

Will the politicians be ready to respond?