Wednesday, September 30, 2009
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
If you do a search in Second Life (SL) search using terms such as “slave,” “master,” “slavery,” “kidnapping,” or “force” you will probably get hundreds, if not thousands of hits. In your search results you will find SL sites catering to all sorts of slave-master roleplaying sims, you will find stores selling slave-master paraphernalia as well as “auction houses” where avatars are freely bought, exchanged, rented or sold.
The ready-availability of slave-master activities in SL parallels similar availability in Real Life (RL). If you do a Google search using the terms described above you will find thousands of websites catering to the fans of slave-master/BDSM. Some of the activity depicted on these sites is clearly consensual and it involves nothing more than people exploring a side of their personalities. Others, however, are far more sinister and do not appear to be of a consensual nature.
The recent case of Jaycee Lee Dugar the California girl who was kidnapped at age 11and then forced to spend the next 18 years of her life as the sex slave of convicted sex offender Phil Garrido, has sparked renewed focus on the subject of sexual slavery and human trafficking. Although Jaycee was abused “only” by her kidnapper (and “only” in this context is a very relative term), thousand of other girls face a far worse fate as modern-day victims of human trafficking.
The United Nations defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation.
The U.S. Government defines human trafficking as:
• Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.
• The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
This modern slave trade is a threat to all nations. A grave human rights abuse, it promotes breakdown of families and communities, fuels organized crime, deprives countries of human capital, undermines public health, creates opportunities for extortion and subversion among government officials, and imposes large economic costs.
Human trafficking is a largely hidden crime that has only recently gained the attention of law enforcement, human rights advocates, and policymakers.
Research conducted by United States Department of Justice has uncovered several key findings:
• Source countries for human trafficking often have poor economies; women are often unemployed and victims are easy to recruit.
• Most traffickers are the same nationality as their victims and usually have no criminal records.
• Trafficking victims are most likely to be young and reasonably healthy people from poor, but not necessarily the poorest, backgrounds.
• Recruitment is particularly effective when traffickers rely on victims whom they have turned into loyal enforcers or recruiters. Recruitment is also effective when the potential victim's family members are involved.
• In the United States, law enforcement agencies reported encountering more female (81 percent) than male (18 percent) victims. When victims were asked what type of trafficking was represented in their cases, the majority indicated forced prostitution, followed by domestic servitude, and agricultural labor. Whether this is the result of trafficking trends or training is not yet clear.
At Between Homes (BH) we are firmly opposed to any and all forms of human trafficking and slavery. This includes any form of real or imagined slavery or human trafficking in RL or SL. We are morally and philosophically against any kind of activity where humans (or their avatars) are abused, mistreated, humiliated or treated as chattels.
All humans (and by extension their SL avatars) are created equal and are each endowed with a soul. Slavery is the very antithesis of equality; it has a corrosive effect on the soul of the slave as well as the soul of the so-called master. Humans are not chattel, to be bought and sold at auctions; humans are not mindless automatons to be kept down on bent knees; and humans are definitely not put on this world (SL or RL) to be beaten and abused. This is as true in a virtual environment such as SL as it is in RL.
We understand that many treat SL as a game, where people can play out fantasy scenarios (I leave it up to each of you to decide for yourselves whether fantasizing about enslaving other humans is right or wrong). Some, however, have a difficult time establishing the line of demarcation between reality and fantasy. I know, from talking to many of you, that there are individuals who are liable to take SL fantasies a tad too far, thus blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. When this happens, people are bound to get hurt – what may start out as a “walk on the wild side” can end up having disastrous effects on the physical, mental and spiritual well being of individuals.
At BH we stand for the proposition that slavery, real or virtual, is wrong. Accordingly, from this moment on, any sort of activities, simulated or otherwise, that may be directly or indirectly related to human trafficking or slavery will no longer be permitted at BH. Anyone caught participating in these types of activities while on BH property will be summarily evicted and permanently banned from the group.
There are plenty of sites in SL where these activities are not only tolerated but are actually actively encouraged. We cannot control what the rest of SL does; we can, however, control what happens within the limits of our small community.
Our aim is not offend those who may find pleasure in these types of activities. I know many persons, and their SL avatars, who engage in the consensual exploration of slave-master and BDSM scenarios. We do not wish to interfere with the right of adults who engage in consensual activity – we do not aspire to becoming the thought police. Too many of our sisters, however, are the real victims of real human trafficking. We cannot stand silently by while our sisters (and brothers) suffer unspeakable abuse. It is in solidarity with their RL plight that we have made the decision to ban all slave-master/BDSM activity from Between Homes.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
LIGHTHOUSES
Leo's recent lighthouse project at BH inspired me to search for video clips of lighthouses.
So for Leo and for everyone else who loves lighthouses...
Brittany’s Lighthouses
Some American Lighthouses
Lighthouses of New England
Great Lakes Lighthouses
Lighthouses during storms
If you have pictures of lighthouses, please send them to me and I will post them here. Thanks.
Monday, September 28, 2009
THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
To those who fight the good fight – don’t give up the struggle.
To those who dream of a better world – don’t give up the dreams.
To lovers all over the world – don’t give up on love.
Don’t stop the struggle, don’t stop dreaming, and never stop loving…
This is for you.
MAN OF LA MANCHA – The Impossible Dream (from the Broadway cast)
MAN OF LA MANCHA – The Impossible Dream (a cover by the late, great Luther Vandross)
The Impossible Dream (lyrics)
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
Sunday, September 27, 2009
SUNDAY AFTERNOON ROCK - DOG TRAINING FOR THE TOUR de FRANCE
No Sunday Comics today (they will be back next week, I promise). Instead, here is a selection of songs to help you crank up your Sunday.
First, a couple of hits from the Canadian rock band Steppenwolf . The first one, “Born to be Wild” was included in the soundtrack for the 1969 cult film classic “Easy Rider” starring Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper. Incidentally, though STEPPENWOLF was (technically, the band is still alive) a Canadian band, its lead singer John Kay (real name, Joachim Fritz Krauledat) was born in Germany.
STEPPENWOLF – Born to be Wild
STEPPENWOLF – Magic Carpet Ride
The following song was a hit for British pop band JIGSAW. The song was released in 1975 and it climbed all the way to the #5 spot in the British pop charts. The band JIGSAW never reached #10 status with any of their other songs.
JIGSAW – You’ve Blown It All Sky High
This is, without a doubt, one of the most romantic songs to come out of the 1950’s.
THE PLATTERS – Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Wayne Cochran, a blues singer, wrote the last song, “The Last Kiss.” He performed the song with his band, C.C. RIDERS. The “Last Kiss” was not a big hit for Wayne; later covers, however, by J. Frank Wilson and Pearl Jam became hits.
PEARL JAM – The Last Kiss
J. FRANK WILSON - The Last Kiss
For those who speak Spanish, here is a Spanish of The Last Kiss.
LOS DOLTONS – El Ultimo Beso (The Last Kiss)
Finally, here is a Dalmatian who really knows how to get around. Rumor has it that he is training for the 2010 Tour de France, so watch out Lance Armstrong, this dog has some strong legs (four to be precise). I also hear that the Dalmatian has been seen training in a secret camp, in Limoges, France. ARC, are you taking this dog with you to the top of Mt. Ventoux.
Dog training for the Tour
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Fire in Moorpark, California
I hope that everyone of you is good.
Today I am writing about a drama in California which is happening now ! That is the fire , the fire again in California !
This one is very dangerous too like the last one near Los Angeles. I have a thought for Debbie and her friends because she has friends here so that is dangerous and there is a risk for houses. So please have a thought too for them and for every people who live here ! California is quite dangerous with fire because it is dry and there is a lot of wind.
The Guiberson fire, which has prompted the closures of two elementary schools and a community college, is expected to grow to more than 10,000 acres today and maybe 16000 till the end of the week due to low humidity and strong winds.
The fire and the resultant poor air quality have prompted the evacuation of Moorpark Community College, Walnut Canyon Elementary and Campus Canyon Elementary, Mohler said.
Though the Santa Ana winds haven't picked up yet today, they are expected to blow from 12 mph to 22 mph in about an hour.
"We're preparing for almost an exact repeat of what we saw yesterday," said Steve Kaufman, a public information officer with the Ventura County Fire Department.
Firefighters are expecting temperatures around the 100-degree mark today as they continue to amp up efforts to control the blaze, which is 10% contained, Kaufman said. About 900 firefighters are battling the blaze helped by18 air tankers and 12 helicopters.
A DC-10 jumbo jet converted into an air tanker was put into use Wednesday, dropping retardant on vegetation.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Ventura County Sheriff's Department officials have said it appeared to have been started by spontaneous combustion of manure from a local ranch.
Voluntary-evacuation warnings have been issued for a few neighborhoods north of Moorpark, including Balcom Canyon, Bradley Road and areas around the college. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Ventura County
Example of fire in california and after the map of the place where there is the fire.
Residents run from the fast-moving flames. (KTLA-TV)
All mandatory evacuation orders in the area have been lifted. But voluntary evacuations are being recommended for the north end of Donlon Road, Coyote Canyon and Serano Verde.
Revers 911 calls recommending evacuations were made to 2,200 phones in unincorporated areas, but officials couldn't say how many people actually left.
The 15,000-student Moorpark College was closed because of its proximity to the fire.
A slow down in the winds allowed fire crews to build up defenses north of Moorpark, but the winds were expected to pick up again.
So that is a resume of the situation which is not good !
Debbie we are with you and your friends and with everyone who is here. We really hope that this situation will be better as soon as possible because fire is terrible !
And a big thanks to all these firefighters who fight always fight against the fire.
Bye bye my friends
arc
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was assembled from various news sources. The photographs used in this story are copyrighted. The copyright owners fully reserve all rights.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
SUNDAY MORNING COMICS - SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
Here are Sunday's comics. Click on image for larger view. Enjoy!
And finally...
This morning I took my Akita out for a long walk. Along the way, he greeted other walkers. One of the walkers reminded me of the legend of Hachiko. You can read all about Hachiko – the loyal Akita by clicking here:
Hachiko
To my Akita, and to all the Akitas of the world, here’s looking at you…
The Legend of Hachiko – the loyal Akita dog
Akita – Slide show
Akita – The Right Breed
Friday, September 18, 2009
FRIDAY MORNING MUSIC - MORE THAN A FEELING
Thursday, September 17, 2009
THURSADY NIGHT MUSIC - SUMMER BREEZE
Today, temperatures across Southern California began to climb once again – in other words, it has been hot.
But no matter how hot it may get during the day, summer nights are always very comfortable as ocean breezes sweep across the valleys cooling things down.
Summer is ending (autumn officially starts September 22) so I decided to enjoy these last, lazy days of summer, before the Sun’s shadows begin to lengthen. I went to the patio and sat down to a light repast of cheese, bread, a green apple and a glass of my favorite California Chardonnay. As I ate the cheese and bread and drank the wine, a cool breeze wafted through the flower garden, bringing along with it the last fragrant remnants of the summer star jasmine.
I closed my eyes and let the jasmine transport me to another time and place. All of the sudden I found myself sitting on my bed, back in my childhood home, listening to Dad play Seals & Croft’s “Summer Breeze” on his old stereo set. For an all-too brief moment, I was a little girl again - back in the days when everything was so easy and I did not have a care in the world.
SEALS & CROFT – Summer Breeze (the video and audio quality are not very good, sorry)
Summer Breeze - lyrics
See the curtains hangin' in the window
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light-a-shinin' through the window
Lets me know everything's all right
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' though the jasmine in my mind
See the paper layin' on the sidewalk
A little music from the house next door
So I walk on up to the doorstep
Through the screen and across the floor
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind
Sweet days of summer -- the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
And I come home from a hard day’s work
And you're waitin' there
Not a care in the world
See the smile awaitin' in the kitchen
Through cookin' and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
In the evening when the day is through
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind…
I hope that you are all having a wonderful evening.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
THE WORLD LOSES ANOTHER GIANT - MARY TRAVERS DEAD AT AGE 72
In the past couple of days, two giant figures in American popular culture have passed away. First, there was the passing of Patrick Swayze. Now, I am sad to report the death of Mary Travers.
Mary Travers died Wednesday at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut after suffering from leukemia for several years. She was 72.
Mary was best known as the blond with the bangs who commanded the middle microphone with Peter, Paul and Mary a trio that brought folk music from coffeehouses to top-40 radio.
Travers, like Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow, saw folk music both as an art and as an instrument for change. They sang a number of sociopolitical songs, which Travers later defended.
"I'm not sure I want to be singing 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' when I'm 75," she said in one interview. "But I know I'll still be singing 'Blowin' in the Wind.' "
Peter, Paul and Mary took considerable criticism from fellow folk singers for developing a sound that some considered too "commercial" and not "authentic" enough.
Travers always strongly defended the trio's sound, saying that they were in the folk tradition by making music accessible to everyone, not just academic collectors.
P, P and M were inducted into the Sammy Cahn Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. Travers is survived by two daughters.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to see Peter, Paul and Mary perform live at a concert. I have never been so moved by a musical performance.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Rest in Peace Mary!
Puff the Magic Dragon - my childhood favorite.
Leaving on a Jet Plane – for lovers the world over.
Blowing in the Wind – Mary’s own favorite song and the anthem for an entire generation of Americans who believed in the power of music to change the world.
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, n how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, n how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before theyre forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, n how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, n how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
How many years can a mountain exist
Before its washed to the sea?
Yes, n how many years can some people exist
Before theyre allowed to be free?
Yes, n how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesnt see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Grito de Dolores ("Cry of/from Dolores") was the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence, uttered on September 16, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest from the small town of Dolores, near Guanajuato.
In the early hours of September 16 father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators –Ignacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortiz de DomĂnguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years.
Flanked by Allende and Juan Aldama, Father Hidalgo addressed the people in front of his church, encouraging them to revolt. The exact words of the speech are lost. Father Hidalgo, however, is believed to have cried: "Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe [a symbol of the Amerindians' faith], death to bad government, and death to the Spaniards!" The Battle of Guanajuato, the first major engagement of the insurgency, occurred 4 days later. Mexico's independence would not be recognized by the Spanish crown until September 27, 1821, after a decade of war.
Since the late 19th century, Hidalgo’s "cry of independence" has become emblematic of Mexican independence. Each year on the night of September 15, the President of Mexico re-enacts the event by ringing the bells of the National Palace in Mexico City. He repeats a cry of patriotism based upon the "Grito de Dolores" from the balcony of the palace to the assembled crowd in the Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn, or ZĂłcalo, one of the largest public plazas in the world. This event draws up to half a million spectators. On the dawn of September 16, or Independence Day, the national military parade starts in the ZĂłcalo, passes the Hidalgo Memorial and ends on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main boulevard.
The following day, September 16, is recognized as Mexican Independence Day. Celebrations are held all over the country to commemorate Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spain.
To all my Mexican brothers and sisters - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
A todos mis hermanos y hermanas Mexicanos – FELIZ DIA DE INDEPENDENCIA
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
PATRICK SWAYZE - August 18, 1952 - September 14, 2009
Actor, dancer and conservationist Patrick Swayze died yesterday, after a long and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. He was only 57 years old.
Patrick left behind a body of some of the most iconic films of recent years. “Dirty Dancing,” “Ghost” and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" are just a few of his many Hollywood hits.
Patrick was best known for his role in “Dirty Dancing,” as the handsome, "bad-boy" dance instructor at a summer camp who steals all the girls’ hearts. For me, however, his performance, opposite Demi Moore in “Ghost” just left me breathless. His portrayal of a young husband whose life is cut short by a street thug and his efforts to get in touch with his grieving wife touched the hearts of all viewers.
Off-screen, Patrick was an avid conservationist who was moved by his time in Africa to shine a light on "man's greed and absolute unwillingness to operate according to Mother Nature's laws," he told the AP in 2004.
Rest in Peace Mr. Swayze!
GHOST – “Unchained Melody” (performed by the Righteous Brothers)
“Unchained Melody” – Righteous Brothers (their original hit)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC - MIRACLES
I really love this song. I heard it the other day while having lunch and again tonight while driving back from the store.
It’s a nice way to end the weekend and begin the workweek.
MIRACLES by Jefferson Starship
MIRACLES (lyrics):
If only you believe like I believe, baby
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, baby
So would I
If only you believe like I believe, baby
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, baby
So would I.
I might have to move heaven and earth to prove
It to you, baby
So we’re makin’ love and you feel the power
And I feel the power
Then there’s really nothing that we can’t do
If we wanted to, baby
We could exist on the stars
It’d be so easy
All we gotta do
Is get a little faith in you
Oh, I’ve been (to) so many places
I’ve seen some things
I know, love is the answer
Keeps holding this world together
Ain’t nothing better
Ain’t nothing better
And all the answers to our prayers
Hell , it’s the same everywheres, baby
Nothing ever breaks up the heart
Only tears give you away
Then you’re right where I found ya
With my arms around ya
Oh baby, baby, baby, love is a magic word, yeah
Few ever find in a lifetime
But from that very first look in your eyes
I knew you and I had but one heart
Only our bodies were apart
That was so easy, so easy
I had a taste of the real world
When I went down on you, girl.
If only you believe like I believe, baby
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, baby
So would I
If only you believe like I believe, baby
We’d get by
If only you believe in miracles, baby
So would I.
I can hear windmills and rainbows
Whenever you’re talkin’ to me
I feel like swirling and dancin’
Whenever you’re walking with me
You ripple like a river when I touch you
When I pluck your body like a string
When I start dancin’ inside ya
Oh baby, you make me wanna sing
Yeah, baby, baby, baby, baby
Oh yeah, all right
Baby, we’re sure doin’ it tonight
Every time you come by, let me try
Pretty, please sugar on it
That’s how I like it
I can’t even believe it, with you
It’s like having every dream I ever wanted
Come true
I picked up your vibes
You know it opened my eyes
But I’m still dreamin’ yeah
And you’re right where I found ya
With my arms around ya.
SUNDAY MORNING COMICS - SEPTEMBER 13, 2009
Here are today's "Sunday Comics." I am still having problems signing in to the website ("COMICS.COM") that carries most of the comics re-printed here. So, except with the exception of FOXTROT and CALVIN & HOBBES (both of which are available from "GOCOMICS.COM") you are getting the weekday version of the comics, not the Sunday version. I apologize for that.
(Click on image for larger view.)
The University of Southern California (USC) beat Ohio State University 18-15 in a thrilling football match.
GO TROJANS!
Friday, September 11, 2009
ROUTE 66 - THE MOTHER ROAD
Much of the day today has been spent remembering the victims of the cowardly terrorist attack of 09.11.01. There has been enough sadness, compressed into one single day, to last for a lifetime of tears. So I thought that I would end the day by bringing you a piece of genuine American folklore.
Route 66 is the stuff of legend. So please join me in this magical, mystery trip on America's Mother Road.
If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, the highway that's the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66!
U.S. Route 66, (also known as the Will Rogers Highway after the American humorist, and colloquially known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road") is a magical strip of blacktop that once reached from Chicago, Illinois in the heart of the Midwest to sunny Santa Monica, on the California Pacific coast.
Since its creation, Route 66 has been the stuff of legend – songs have been written about it, a television show was named after it and countless stories and movies ( most recently Disney/Pixar’s Cars ) have featured the “Mother Road.” In fact, it was American novelist John Steinbeck who in his 1939 classic novel, Grapes of Wrath proclaimed Route 66 as the “Mother Road.” A year later, when a movie based on the novel was made in Hollywood, it immortalized Route 66 in the American consciousness. Shortly after that, more than 200,000 people migrated to California to escape the Dust Bowl of the Midwest, symbolizing the highway as the “road to opportunity.”
Route 66 represented unprecedented freedom to travel across the American West. Spawned by the rapidly changing demands of America, entrepreneurs, Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma and John Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri conceived of the grand idea of linking Chicago to Los Angeles and began lobbying efforts to promote the new highway. While other East/West highways existed at the time, most followed a linear course, leaving out the rural communities, dependent upon transportation for farm products and other goods.
The Mother Road was a major path for the migrants who went West, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The road supported the economies of the communities through which it passed. People doing business along the route became prosperous due to the growing popularity of the highway. Those same people later fought to keep the highway alive even with the growing threat of being bypassed by the new Interstate Highway System.
Perhaps more than any other American highway, the Mother Road symbolized a new positive outlook that spread through the nation’s postwar economic recovery. For thousands of returning servicemen and their families, Route 66 was more than just a highway. "It became," according to one admirer, "an icon of free-spirited independence linking the United States across the Rocky Mountain divide to the Pacific Ocean."
In spite of its immense popularity and near magical mystique, Route 66 was doomed. The beginning of the end for Route 66 came in 1956 with the signing of the Interstate Highway Act by President Dwight Eisenhower. President Eisenhower, who was influenced by his appreciation of the German Autobahn, was convinced that a network of modern, “super highways” crossing the USA was a necessary component of a national defense system.
Doomed or not, however, by the 1960s many points of interest along Route 66 had become familiar landmarks to a new generation of travelers. The television series, “Route 66,” was aired “driving” the Mother Road into homes all over America. Though the series created great interest in the American public, it was to be short-lived, as by 1970, nearly all segments of original Route 66 were bypassed by modern four-lane highways.
In 1984, Arizona saw its final stretch of Route 66 decommissioned when the final section of the original road was bypassed by Interstate 40 at Williams, Arizona. With decertification of the highway by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials the following year, U.S. Route 66 officially ceased to exist.
Almost as soon as Route 66 was decommissioned, efforts began to preserve it. Route 66 associations were founded in Arizona (1987) and Missouri (1989). Other groups in the other Route 66 states soon followed. In 1990, the state of Missouri declared Route 66 in that state a "State Historic Route". The first "Historic Route 66" marker in Missouri was erected on Kearney Street at Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, Missouri. Other historic markers now line the entire 2,400 mile (3,860 km) length of road.
Even the Federal government, which was originally responsible for the early demise of Route 66, has now become involved in the preservation efforts. In 1999, the National Route 66 Preservation Bill was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton. The Preservation Bill provided for $10M in matching fund grants for preserving and restoring the historic features along the route.
As the popularity and mythical stature of Route 66 has continued to grow, demands have begun to mount to improve signage, return Route 66 to road atlases and revive its status as a continuous routing.
The glory days of Route 66 may well be over. As long, however, as its memory lives in music, literature and film, Route 66 will never be fully off the map.
Well, I’m a standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see
Its a girl, my lord, in a flatbed
Ford slowing down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don’t say maybe
I got to know if your sweet love is
Gonna save me
Finally, I found this music video from the band Threadspinners. I think it is a nice number and a good way to end the week and start the weekend.
Enjoy!
09.11.01 - NEVER FORGET
Sunday, September 6, 2009
POST #200 !!! - NO SUNDAY COMICS - MUSIC AND DOLPHINS
Well, well, this is a milestone for the Between Homes blog. We have reached post #200. WOW. I had no idea, when I first set out to create a blog for Between Homes that I would ever get to post #200. Back in the beginning, even posting one single article seemed like a lot of work. With your help (including all those articles by our French correspondent, Monsieur Arcabulle Odriscoll) we have now reached this new milestone.
Just recently an in-world resident told me that when he Googled his avatar’s name, the Between Homes blog came up firt in the search. I guess we have finally arrived.
Well, again thanks for your support. Please, keep reading the articles, leave me comments (I do read them and they help a great deal) and please feel free to contribute stories, photographs, poetry – anything you like. After all, this is OUR blog.
For sime odd reason, this morning I could not log into the Comics.com website, the source of Sunday’s comics. So instead, here is some oldies but goodies music to brighten up your Sunday.
AIN’T NO SUNSHINE – BILL WITHERS
USE ME – BILL WITHERS
LEAN ON ME – BILL WITHERS
PHOTOGRAPH – RINGO STARR
IT DON’T COME EASY – RINGO STARR
And for a certain someone who wears a Pink Floyd shirt here is...
PINK FLOYD – THE WALL (ANOTHER BRICK ON THE WALL)
Finally, after a few weeks’ hiatus, I went back to riding my bike by the beach. I was feeling lazy this morning. Well, I was tired about attending USC’s football home opener at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Nice victory Trojans, 56 - 3). So I almost did not go riding, but I finally dragged my butt and went to the beach.
I am glad I did. For my “efforts” I was rewarded by the sight of a dolphin pod swimming less than 20 yards (60 feet) from the shore. It was amazing to see them racing each other up and down the beach. It is not often that dolphins swim this close to the shore; I think that they may have been following a school of fish. Obviously, dolphins like sushi too!
Here are some photos. Hope you enjoy them.