uShip Forum / General uShip Discussions / uShip Cafe

How to tell if you're married

1MeanDog — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:22:47 GMT

Three women, one engaged, one married and one a mistress, are chatting
about their relationships and decide to amaze their men.

That night all three will wear black leather bras, stiletto heels and a
mask over their eyes.

After a few days they meet up for lunch.

The engaged woman: The other night when my boyfriend came over he found
me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and
said, "You are the woman of my life. I love yo u.." Then we made love
all night long.

The mistress: Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I
was wearing the leather bodice, heels, mask and a raincoat. When I
opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but we had wild sex all night.

The married woman: When my husband came home I was wearing the leather
bodice, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes.

As soon as he came in the door and saw me he said, "What's for dinner,
Batman?"

Presidential and VP comparison

1MeanDog — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:55:41 GMT

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS

ISSUE		JOHN McCAIN	BARACK OBAMA
Favors new drilling offshore US		Yes	No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it		Yes	No
Served in the US Armed Forces		Yes	No
Amount of time served in the US Senate		22 YEARS	173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan		No	Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy		No	Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately		No	Yes
Supports gun ownership rights		Yes	No
Supports homosexual marriage		No	Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase		No	Yes
Voted against making English the official language		No	Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals		No	Yes
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN	0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA	28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN	15% (no change)
OBAMA	39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)	Single making 30K - tax $4,500 Single making 50K - tax $12,500 Single making 75K - tax $18,750 Married making 60K- tax $9,000 Married making 75K - tax $18,750 Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)	Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN	- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA	Restore the inheritance tax Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

Take a look at the attached picture ... Any Questions?

Why Verify a Carrier's Credentials?

1MeanDog — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:22:08 GMT

Puckrein v ATI Transport, an opinion

Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 03:12 PM

America’s estimated 1,000,000 business establishments who purchase transportation, listen up.

The Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled that the estate of the deceased from a truck/car accident involving the cargo of the shipper “Allied Waste/Browning Ferris” can seek to hold the shipper liable in the deaths of Kevin and Alicia Puckrein, as the shipper ordered transportation service from an unqualified (incompetent) motor carrier (inadequate brakes and no insurance and not DOT registered). The Court held that “a non-delegable duty on the principle (shipper-BFI-NY/Allied Waste) to assure safe transport of its goods on the public highways” exists.

The net effect for Shippers is that they must check the Motor Carrier “Authority” the Public and Cargo Liability “Insurances”, and the “Safety Rating” of the motor carrier before contracting for transportation service . Failure to make the effort could be a costly exposure.

Shippers will be insulated from this exposure by working with a qualified Licensed Brokers, who will provide a test of motor carrier competency before hire, just as working with brokers shielded them in the past from “undercharges”

Throughout transportation history shippers have been immune from consideration of negligence in their for hire purchase of motor carriage. Prior to this case, shippers and manufacturers largely engaged in purchasing trucking services over Americas highway enjoyed certain immunity as argued by defendants lawyers(“common law negligence principles applicable to hiring an incompetent independent contractor”). Shippers were beyond reach for assignment of negligence in truck accidents involving their cargoes, until the “Puckrein” case.

Shippers have been completely misguided by the United States Government since 1/1/1981, the first day of trucking deregulation, in their relationship with for-hire motor carriage. Deregulation began with the adoption of a new national transportation policy, calling for complete hands off approach to the shipper –motor carrier interaction. But due to incapable executive leadership, bureaucrats left in place the so called “Filed Rate Doctrine” that lead to over $75 Billions in “Undercharge Claims” by bankrupt motor carriers against the shipping public. Now the court system is getting into the act in that the “Puckrein decision” makes the shipper liable for the “Public Safety” in the tender of their cargoes to motor carriers. The court is making “new law” according to the law firm who successfully argued Puckrein case for the plaintiffs.

Brokers are considered “shippers” by the Negotiated Rates Acts of 1993 and 1995, laws requiring written contract between shippers and motor carriers. Prior to these Acts, Brokers, in general were using simple contracts and checking motor qualification in contracting for motor carrier service. The new laws initially required a “written contract“ between a shipper and motor carrier for every load. The 1995 Act emasculated the 1993 requirement for a written contract by changing the word “must have” to the “may have a written contract”.

In the process of this Contracting the Broker(shipper) obtained and verified the Motor Carriers “competence” by reviewing and verifying the motor carriers “fitness” often using devices such as “safer system” found on DOT website. It would seem then that shippers, who are not brokers, should be doing the same thing, or are they now required by this “New Law” in order to avoid possible liabilities?

Today the written broker/motor carrier contracts have ballooned to as many as 30 pages. These typical extensive agreements have generally been at the expense of motor carrier rights and for the broker’s assumption of liability (both public and cargo), whether they know it or not.

Broker consider themselves immune from public or cargo liability because they have a “License” . Under certain and very select criteria they may be immune. The truth as found in common practice is that 90% of brokered transactions that occur, (estimated at $350 Billions in 2005) , the Broker, with his extensive Contract, create several liabilities for public and cargo loss. Example, the Broker Contract that requires motor carrier “Driver” to call in to the Broker before 9 AM or pay a fine” broker is definitely controlling the actions of the motor carrier person liable for Public Safety. Why a Broker, who is in the transportation contract for 15 to 20% commission, make themselves 100% liable for loss, I will never understand.

As the US Government got out of the business of enforcing motor carrier tariffs, fuel surcharges, and the other forms of economic regulation, they left open the door for laissez faire shipper-motor carrier interaction. In fact, under the Clinton Administration this hands-off government policy reached its zenith, only to settle back into a pro active hands-on safety interaction with new motor carriers by the Bush administration. Obviously, government regulations will not extend government regulatory oversight to shippers and their motor carrier relationships, making them easy prey for lawyers in the over 5,000 annual fatal truck accidents.

Shippers beware hiring an unqualified broker or motor carrier. Your new exposures to this liability may be insurable. Shippers can very quickly and easily require all motor carriers who bump their, or their vendors docks, to prove “fitness” to haul their cargo. They can with a few “clicks” access www.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter the motor carrier MC or DOT number to get a clear verifiable picture of the tendered motor carrier qualifications and “Fitness”. The mere act of doing this will protect them, something the shipper in this case should be deeply involved in. Or the Shipper can tender their loads through a qualified licensed property broker, who will provide this service for their own protection as well as that of the shipper.

Here are some suggestions to help shippers avoid hidden liabilities of purchasing transportation:

First obtain and verify (1) Motor Carrier DOT Authority, (Grant from US Government to cross State lines with your freight in possession).(2) Motor Carrierr’s Insurance Acord Form, or visit fmcsa.dot.gov using motor carriers MC number and verify Motor Carriers fitness in safety to haul your goods, (3) collect the obligatory W-9 for the IRS 1099 report for any motor carrier you intend to vend more than $600/year,

Second, require a written Contract signed by the motor carrier specifying the following simple declarations that they have represented themselves as qualified within the meaning of the law.
a) Motor Carrier represents they are an Independent Contractor who is competent to haul freight and is one hundred percent liable and responsible for and insuring the public and cargo against loss,
b) Motor carrier is entitled to engage the services of another motor carrier or broker to another motor carrier, but remains one hundred percent liable for public safety or cargo loss, as this Contract may not be assigned or construed to be otherwise.

Introducing myself

DieselPower1966 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:43:52 GMT

Hi all, My name is John, Dieselpower1966. I am a professional class A driver with 11 yrs experience. No accidents or violations.

I am new on this site, and am impressed with everyone here, especially the longtimers. I have made a few bids, contacted a few sellers etc. But as of yet, I have not won any bids. I've noticed that the shippers do take their sweet time, if they contact you at all. That's something that I'm not used to.

So obviously I could use a couple of deliveries so I'm offering my services to anyone of you that may need them.

I have an F350 7.3 c/c longbed Dually. for towing I only have a Bumper hitch and a Goosneck setup. I am located in Lincoln Rhode Island, I will go just about anywhere if the price is right. Excluding NYC .

So that's me in a nutshell. You all have a great day.

....WAKE UP AMERICA..........

1MeanDog — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:03:08 GMT

It is a fact, we here in the United States have become so passive....and self centered we don't seem to see that we are traveling the same road that Rome traveled, that WWII Germany traveled, USSR, China, and on and on in history.....it may already be too late....WAKE UP AMERICA..........

A German's View on Islam

This is an excellent explanation of the Muslim terrorist
situation. Dr. Tanay's references to past history are
accurate and clear. Not long, but easy to understand, and well worth
the read.
The author of this email is reportedly Dr. Emanuel Tanay, a well known and well respected psychiatrist.
A German's View on Islam

A man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II,
owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many
German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our
attitude toward fanaticism. 'Very few people were true Nazis,' he
said, 'but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were
too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a
bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen.
Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and
the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up
in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.'
"""We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that
Islam is the religion of peace, and that the vast majority of Muslims
just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be
true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningle ss fluff, meant to
make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the spectra of
fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.
The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It
is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50
shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically
slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are
gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is
the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honor-kill. It is the
fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who
zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and
homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to
become suicide bombers.

The hard quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the "silent
majority," is cowed and extraneous.

Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in
peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of
about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.

China's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists
managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.

The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a
warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way
across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the
systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by
sword, shovel, and bayonet.

And, who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it
no t be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?

History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our
powers of reason we often miss the most basic and unc omplicated of
points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their
silence. Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't
speak up, because like my friend from Germany, they will awaken one
day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world
will have begun.

Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs,
Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many
others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until
it was too late.
(Note: Indonesia is not mentioned - 95% Muslims/5% Christians)
As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only
group that counts; the fanatics who threaten our way of life.

Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just deletes
this email without sending it on, is contributing to the passiveness
that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and send
this on and on and on! Let us hope that thousands, world wide, read
this and think about it, and send it on - before it's too late. """

Trucker fired for helping police on company time

1MeanDog — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:07:29 GMT

From OOIDA's Land Line Mag***************

Trucker fired for helping police on company time

A trucker who helped the New York City Police Department make five arrests has been fired for

doing the good deeds on company time.

The New York Post reported that on Aug. 4 John Acheson witnessed two passengers get out of a BMW and shoot a 22-year-old man dead. Acheson wrote down the license number of the assailants before calling police, who later arrested four people.

Acheson’s boss at the Massachusetts-based Sid Wainer & Son trucking company (no FMCSA record of interstate authority) was not pleased and accused him of acting like a cowboy, according to the Post.

Then, while in Harlem on Tuesday, Aug. 19, Acheson called 9-1-1 when he saw a woman hit another truck driver with a hammer. He chased down the woman and held her for police.

The next day, his boss fired him.

Acheson told the New York Post that his boss said, “John, I gotta let you go. You don’t know how to mind your own business.”

*************************************************************

....personal observation.......This company must be managed by idiots. All that great publicity and image building gone to waste.

SOMA151

privatecoach — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:16:09 GMT

Hey Steve hows it going in Portland OR.? Big change from Belize I bet! Are you still teaching, how are classes going? Have you written anything good lately? Do you get much chance to go diving? Oh by the way Harriette sends her love LOL. Sorry for all the questions, it's just been awhile.

I see your still yanking peoples chains on the web, seems like that would get a little old to me but I guess everyone needs a hobby, if not much of a life LOL. I tried to send you an e-mail but wouldn't go. Are you still using [email removed] that's all I have. Is the wife still putting up with you LOL. Like I said been a while trying to catch up.

Give me a call I'd like to meet up when I get that way.

PRIVATECOACH

Mexico...Please take California back

1MeanDog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:22:54 GMT

From OOIDA's Land Line Mag...............

government intrusion...What's your opinion

August 19, 2008

California bill advances; would ban pets on drivers’ laps

A bill nearing passage in the California Senate is intended to encourage pet lovers to keep their animals off their laps while at the wheel.

Current state law prohibits people from driving with their view obstructed or if there is interference with their control of the vehicle. There is no limitation that prevents pets from roaming freely in vehicles.

The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee voted to advance a bill to the full Senate that would prohibit people from driving while holding a live animal in their arms or lap.

Sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, the bill would fine violators between $35 and $100.

If approved by the Senate, the bill – AB2233 – would head back to the Assembly for approval of changes before moving to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.

Supporters say that keeping pets restrained in back seats will help keep them safe. If left free to roam throughout a vehicle, pets can be become “a deadly projectile” during sudden stops or crashes, they say.

Others say that pets can become a distraction that put drivers and their passengers at risk.

Opponents say that government shouldn’t dictate who can sit on drivers’ laps.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Go Git Cha Momma:

1MeanDog — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:22:29 GMT

Go Git Cha Momma:

A redneck family from the hills was visiting the city and they were in a mall for the first time in their lives. The father and son were strolling around while the wife shopped. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again.

The boy asked, 'Paw, what's at?'

The father (never having seen an elevator) responded, 'Son, I dunno. I ain't never seen anything like that in my whole life, I ain't got no idea'r what it is.'

While the boy and his father were watching with amazement, a fat old lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular number above the walls light up sequentially.

They continued to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order.

Then the walls opened up again and a gorgeous, voluptuous 24 year-old blonde woman stepped out.

The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said quietly to his son 'Boy................ ..go git cha Momma..............

Bizarre Driving Laws

1MeanDog — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:23:08 GMT

Alabama

Apparently ‘Bama is an acronym for Blunt All Motorist Adventures, for officials there have inexplicably made it illegal to drive while blindfolded.

Alaska

Contrary to public opinion roof racks are not specifically designed for skis, snowboards and cocker spaniels. Or at least not in Alaska, where authorities have found it necessary to declare it illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car.

Arkansas

Think twice while in Arkansas if you harbor an unflagging passion for cold cut sandwiches and honking your car horn. Arkansas authorities have deemed it illegal to blare a car horn where ice cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

No matter how luxuriously comfortable that divided highway may look, it is illegal in Eureka, California, to use a road as a bed.

In order to save money on having to crop dust their streets, officials in Chico, California, have made it illegal to plant rutabagas in roadways.

Officials in Glendale, California, no doubt, caved in to insurance lobbyists when they inexplicably decided to make it illegal to jump from a car at 65 mph.

Don’t expect to find any salt-rimmed curbs in Hermosa Beach, California. Officials there have made it illegal to spill your Margarita on any street.

Connecticut

No need to get your Lexus Sport Luxury Sedan painted blaze orange. Hunting from cars in Connecticut is illegal, even during deer season.

Georgia

Going on an intuitive hunch that teeter-totters and cars don’t mix, officials in Dublin, Georgia, have made it illegal to drive through playgrounds.

Illinois

Beware if you own a bicycle in Galesburg, Illinois. The police there have no tolerance for “fancy riding.”

Iowa

Throw it and they (police) will come. In Mount Vernon, Iowa, it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway.

Kansas

In Derby, Kansas, it is considered a misdemeanor to screech your tires while driving. This abominable act can cost you 30 days in jail.

In Topeka, Kansas, it is unlawful to transport dead poultry along Kansas Avenue. Lesson: look elsewhere for a KFC.

Kentucky

Make sure your canine does not harbor a weird fetish for tailgate lights or trailer hitches while in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. You’ll be fined if your pet molests a vehicle.

Maine

Be careful about Jonesing for a Bavarian Cream while in South Berwick, Maine. You’ll be ticketed if you park in front of Dunkin Donuts.

Maryland

Keep in mind while traveling through Rockville, Maryland, that the streets there are rated G. If you possess a PG-17 vocabulary, take the bypass. Swearing from a vehicle in Rockville is considered a misdemeanor.

Minnesota

In Minnetonka, Minnesota if you drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road you will be considered a public nuisance that is harming the peace, safety and general welfare of the town.

Missouri

If you are a horn-honking hooligan you better be carrying your vehicle’s bill of sale if you have the nerve to toot your horn while in University City, Missouri. Officials there have wisely made it illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car.

Nevada

To prevent any literal interpretation of Reno’s No Standing signs, authorities there have made it illegal to place a bench or chair in the middle of the road.

New Jersey

Don’t be feeling all fuzzy-warm about New Jersey residents if you’re driving through the state with a “Honk if You Love Skippy the Kangaroo” bumper sticker soldered to your vehicle’s trunk. New Jersey residents are required by law to honk before passing.

Arbor Day requires careful planning in Blairstown, New Jersey, for local officials there have made it illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street.

New York

Be sure to enter your vehicle feeling sartorially content while in Sag Harbor, New York. Officials there have made it illegal to disrobe while in your car.

North Carolina

Officials in Dunn, North Carolina, apparently harbor no faith in the intuitive powers of common sense:

First, they have made it illegal to play in traffic. So if you’re a parent make sure your kids play Candyland on the floor of a living room rather than on the asphalt of a passing lane.

Second, it is illegal to drive through a cemetery if you’re not there to dig a grave or bury someone. So if you intend to visit the grave of a loved one bring really powerful binoculars.

And third, even if you are considerate enough to yell “On your left,” officials still deem it illegal to drive on sidewalks.

Ohio

In Canton, Ohio, people wearing roller skates cannot share the streets with cars. And yes, this applies even during the “couples only” skate.

Oregon

In Oregon you need to be not only alert for state troopers with speed guns, but also with stop watches. For you can be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary.

You will be slapped with a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.

If you opt for driving on a sidewalk while in Oregon, be sure to not attract the wrath of the law by not yielding to pedestrians.

Rhode Island

In Scituate, Rhode Island, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. So, in other words, if you’re a beer delivery driver you’re screwed.

South Carolina

There’s a good reason why automakers don’t manufacture models named the Dodge Dumpster or the Lexus Litterbin. For in Hilton Head, South Carolina, it is illegal to store trash in your vehicle due to rat problems.

West Virginia

Virginia may be for lovers, but West Virginia is for meat lovers. Officials in the Mountain State have deemed it perfectly legal for anyone to scavenge road kill.

Executive Summary

1MeanDog — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:26:22 GMT

I know that some of you don't like to read long drawn out missives...so here's the executive summary.........

Congress Military

John McCain 26 Years 22 years

Barack Obama 143 days 0

Summary Concluded.

What happens when a cat...

KineticHotShot — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:12:55 GMT

This.

"Big Rig" Movie

KineticHotShot — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:32:02 GMT

I saw a movie on the shelf the other day called "Big Rig". It is supposedly a documentary type film from the prospective of a few different truck drivers about the industry etc etc etc...
Just wondering if anyone has seen it and what they think of it.
Laterz,
Gator
>|--|~

Is it just me?... or did you notice it too?

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:04:26 GMT

Is it just me? ....

... As you watched the flooding in the Midwest, have you noticed that there
are no farmers running around with stolen plasma TVs or holding stolen
liquor over their heads? There's no looting or yelling "Where's Bush?",
"Where's FEMA?, Where's my check?", or "Why isn't the Gov't out here
saving me and my farm?"

Likewise, I've also noticed there are no reports of any other country coming
to help or sending aid.

Where were all of the Hollywood celebrities holding telethons asking for help in restoring Iowa and helping the folks affected by the floods?

Where was all the media asking the tough questions about why the federal government hasn't solved the problem? Asking where the FEMA trucks (and trailers) are?

Why didn't the Federal Government relocating Iowa people to free hotels in Chicago?

Where were the pre-paid credit cards?

When will Spike Lee say that the Federal Government blew up the levees that failed in Des Moines?

Where were Sean Penn and the Dixie Chicks?

Where were all the looters stealing high-end tennis shoes and big screen television sets?

When will we hear Governor Chet Culver say that he wants to rebuild a "vanilla" Iowa, because that's the way God wants it?

Where was the hysterical 24/7 media coverage complete with reports of cannibalism?

Where were the people declaring that George Bush hates white, rural people?

How come in a few weeks, you will never hear about the Iowa flooding ever again?

Shocking contrast isn't it???!!!!

I'm Proud to be a Midwesterner!

NOT MY JOB.....

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:56:08 GMT

Nope....not my job

Toll Booth Crowd

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:36:28 GMT

Someone is in a hurry to pay............

ha ha...I beat you!

Golf Courses Can Dangerous

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:50:14 GMT

OUCH........That's a pretty tough penalty

I just got a beer and.....

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:41:56 GMT

Just one of those days....

You get up and get a beer and the damn cat runs off!

Chinese Fortune Cookie

1MeanDog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:21:03 GMT

The fortune cookie you'd really rather not get................

uShip's Guarantee

1MeanDog — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:54:23 GMT

Wow! I've never noticed this before. When was this implemented? Sounds like the bad publicity from all the rip offs may be eroding some potential shipper's confidence. I wonder how this impacts uShip's position as a "neutral venue"?

uShip's Ship with Confidence Guarantee

uShip is committed to providing its members with a safe marketplace for finding transportation services. While all transactions, including transactions completed on the internet, carry some degree of risk, we don't want you to have to worry about transacting on uShip. We are so sure that uShip is the safest and most secure way to ship that our guarantee provides protection up to $200 from certain types of fraud.

What does the "Ship with Confidence" Guarantee promise?

If, after accepting a bid, you are not 100% comfortable with your Service Provider, you can cancel and your deposit you paid via uShip will be 100% refunded.
In the event that payment is made to a uShip Service Provider and services are not rendered, uShip will reimburse your unrefunded payments up to $200.
You will not be a victim of fraud as long as you follow our Fraud Prevention Guidelines.

What is not covered?

Physical Damage to goods (cargo insurance may be available from uShip and/or your Service Provider).
Transactions that are consummated "off-site" as well as on-site transactions that are subsequently cancelled.
Problems that arise from not following our Fraud Prevention Guidelines.

How does it work?

Every uShip transaction is automatically covered.
Follow our Fraud Prevention Guidelines during the shipping process.
Try to work out any issues directly with your Service Provider.
Notify us immediately of any problems and give our Resolution Team a chance to help out.
If we are unable to help you resolve the issue with your Service Provider, we will reimburse you up to $200.

A True Potato Story

1MeanDog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:07:26 GMT

Well, Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other, and finally they got married, and had a little sweet potato, which they called 'Yam.'

Of course, they wanted the best for Yam.

When it was time, they told her about the facts of life.

They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with a bunch of Tater Tots.

Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her!

But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home and become a Couch Potato either.

She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her Shoestring cousins.

When she went off to Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland .

And the greasy guys from France called the French Fries. And when she went out west, to watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped.

Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associate with those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.'

Mr. an d Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University ) so that when she graduated she'd really be in the Chips.

But in spite of all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw.

Tom Brokaw!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset.

They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he's just...... a COMMONTATER

SHIPMENT THEFT

1MeanDog — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:17:30 GMT

I'm posting the following for a couple of purposes. One, it is sensational,but evidently it is somewhat typical of some of the schemes in trucking. The second reason I'm posting it is to emphasize that, as despicable as some of the rip offs on uShip are, collectively, they're such a small problem that the likelihood of the authorities doing much is near zilch when they have these supersize fish to fry. So when a uShip shipper gets screwed out of a few hundred bucks, usually as a result of their own greed and failure to do the research and follow guidance, just where do you think they fall in line as a priority for authorities to investigate? My bet is way...way...way...down the list.

July 21, 2008.....courtesy of OOIDA's Land Line News

Truckload with $44 million in pharmaceuticals stolen, trailer found empty

A truck loaded with $44 million worth of expensive cancer-fighting medication was stolen Wednesday, July 16, in what appears to be the latest instance a growing trend of highly organized truck and trailer thefts.

The director of a security company said organized thieves appear to be behind the theft.

The truck was stolen from a TA truck stop parking lot in Jeffersonville, OH, while its team drivers were inside for about seven minutes.

The thieves disabled the truck’s GPS before quickly swapping out a tractor and trailer, which is consistent with how some Miami-based gangs operate, said Chuck Forsaith, corporate director for supply chain security at Coventry, Rhode Island-based Purdue Pharma Technologies Inc.

The trailer of cancer-fighting prescription drugs had an estimated retail value of $44 million.

In an unrelated case, a Penske truck hauling $288,000 worth of morphine, methadone and oxycodone was hijacked at gunpoint Thursday, July 17, in Tuscaloosa, AL.

The driver in that incident was tied up, and the truck was later found burned about 100 miles away.

“To date, none of these products have been recovered,” Forsaith said Friday, July 19.

It didn’t take long for both cargo thefts to reach the radar of the Tactical Operations Multi-Agency Cargo Anti-Theft Squad, a commercial truck oriented anti-theft and anti-terrorism task force housed at the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Miami-Dade officials are aware of the thefts but are not specifically investigating them, Lt. Commander Twan Uptgrow, who heads up the TOMCATS task force.

In an interview with Land Line, Uptgrow said the number and value of stolen goods in cargo thefts from commercial trucks have exploded in recent years as highly organized theft rings have targeted freight moved by truck drivers.

The estimated annual loss from cargo theft “from the FBI is upwards of $30 billion,” Uptgrow said.

“What we have is these theft groups, organized theft groups, that target cargo all across the nation,” Uptgrow said. “These groups are based everywhere, and they’re often organized through ethnic-based groups.”

– By Reed Black and Charlie Morasch, staff writers

!!! Credit Cards.....

1MeanDog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:45:18 GMT

courtesy OOIDA's Land Line News.....

July 23, 2008

Indiana trucking company files bankruptcy, leaves bills behind

Say what you will about Hoosier Tradewinds, but the trucking company didn’t leave home without its plastic.

The Indiana trucking firm recently filed for bankruptcy, leaving many drivers unpaid for loads billed.

According to court documents, Hoosier Tradewinds of Arcadia, IN, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 10 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Indiana.

Court documents filed by Hoosier Tradewinds show the company’s largest debts include $293,819 to American Express for credit card purchases; $283,095 to Fleet-Tech Transportation in trade debt; and $102,169 to Stoops Freightliner in trade debt. Other debts include $41,024 to Chase Card Services and $102,051 to TCH of Ogden, UT, which offers fuel cards and other financing services.

The company estimated it owes money to anywhere between 200 to 999 creditors, and listed its assets within a range of $1 million and $10 million.

Federal bankruptcy case administrator James Curry said his phone has been ringing from creditors with claims against Hoosier Tradewinds, though he couldn’t estimate the total amount of debt the company had racked up.

Truckers owed money by Hoosier Tradewinds can visit the court office’s Web site at www.insb.uscourts.gov, and click on the bankruptcy forms link to download a “proof of claims” form.

“They need to file a proof of claims form,” Curry told Land Line.

A July 11 court filing by the company detailed its relatively short history, starting with the company’s 1997 founding by J. Andrew Cook and Benjamin H. Cook as a mostly dry van business to its recent operation in the 48 contiguous states.

“In early 2008, the debtors began to suffer the effects of the perfect storm of significantly increased fuel costs, a sharp reduction in credit by vendors (particularly fuel vendors), an increased cost of all goods, and the current economic downturn,” the document states. “In an effort to combat these issues and maintain profitability, the debtors began to significantly reduce their fleet in May 2008 down to its current 80 tractor size from its high of 150 tractors.”

One online publication reported Hoosier Tradewinds and Jim Palmer Trucking may be just the start of “a wave” of trucking companies beginning to file bankruptcy, succumbing to high diesel prices and a bad economy.

Hooiser Tradewinds’ company Web site didn’t list a contact phone number, and the company didn’t immediately respond to Land Line’s e-mail request for an interview.

Will Hoosier Tradewind’s debt eventually tally into the millions?

“Probably,” Curry replied.

– By Charlie Morasch, staff writer

'Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated,

1MeanDog — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:48:16 GMT

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, 'Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me.

Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans'

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, 'You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.'

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.

'Noah!' He roared, 'I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?'

'Forgive me, Lord,' begged Noah, 'but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond
Be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl.
I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me.

They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was
Too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.'

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, 'You mean you're not going to
Destroy the world?'

'No,' said the Lord. 'The government beat me to it.'

Over-Taxed American

Clyde10horse — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:20:22 GMT

This is an insult and a kick in the butt to all of us...

If the immigrant is over 65 he can apply for SSI and Medicaid and gets more than a woman on Social Security, who worked from 1944 till 2004, only getting $791 per month because she was born in 1924 and there is a 'catch 22'.

It is interesting that the federal government provides a single refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890.00 and each can also obtain an additional $580.00 in social assistance for a total of $2,470.00/month.

This compares very well to a single pensioner who after contributing to the growth and development of America for 40 to 50 years can

only receive a monthly maximum of $1,012.00 in old age This compares very well to a single pensioner who after contributing to the growth and development of America for 40 to 50 years can pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees!

Consider sending this to all your American friends, so we can all be ticked off and maybe get the refugees cut back to $1,012.00 and the pensioners up to $2,470.00 and enjoy some of the money we were forced to submit to the Government over the last 40, 50 or 60 years.

Please forward to every American to expose what our elected politicians (Nancy P. included) have been doing over the past 11 years -- to the

Over-Taxed American.

OLD COWBOY LOGIC

Clyde10horse