Sunday, January 31, 2010

Mountain Lines by Nelson Haas




Photo of the Day

Some of you have seen this one before....a slithery summer friend on Hicks Run Road

`Elk Patrol,' Public Outreach Effort Beginning Second Year In Benezette Area

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The state Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesDepartment of Conservation and Natural Resources can refer to agencies of various governments: United States
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
..... Click the link for more information. (DCNR DCNR Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ) again will join other state agencies and Benezette Township officials in the second annual cooperative "Elk Patrol" and public education effort to improve wildlife-viewing tourism and lessen traffic and related problems in some areas of the elk's prime range. Buoyed by acclaim in 2002 from township residents and visiting tourists alike, and fine-tuned to improve effectiveness and education efforts, patrols will began Friday in the Benezette Township, Elk CountyElk County is the name of several counties in the United States:
Elk County, Kansas
Elk County, Pennsylvania Also, Ełk County is a county (powiat) in Poland. ..... Click the link for more information., area. ...READ MORE

Pennsylvanias Lost SILVER TREASURE !

PENNSYLVANIA’S LOSTSILVER TREASURE
By Francis X. Scully
At the time it was lost, it was valued at one and a half million dollars, but with the increasing value of pure silver the lost bars could conceivably be worth double that amount. Supposedly buried near the mini-village of Gardeau in McKean County, northern Pennsylvania, the lost treasure has been part of the folklore of the Keystone State’s oilfields for over a century. What is more, if you go after this one, you will be within fifty miles of four other lost treasures valued at five million dollars or more—-a rare opportunity for an enterprising treasure hunter.
In 1811, a Captain Blackbeard (not to be confused with Edward Teach) received a commission from the British Admiralty to raise the wreckage of a Spanish galleon, which had gone down off the Bahamas during a raging tropical hurricane in the early fall of 1680.
READ MORE

Friday, January 29, 2010

‘Buy America’ Puts People to Work

by James Parks, Jan 29, 2010



A new report presents clear evidence that including Buy America provisions in last year’s stimulus package has created jobs and makes the case that the rules should be strengthened in jobs legislation being considered on Capitol Hill.
The 17-page report, “Buy America Works,” by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), highlights success stories showing how Buy America provisions have benefited U.S. companies. Like United Streetcar in Oregon, that is manufacturing the first U.S.-made streetcars in 60 years and supporting a supply chain across the nation. Or Arcelor Mittal in Pennsylvania, that is building rail tracks for southeastern Pennsylvania.
Earlier this week, AAM field staff converged on Capitol Hill to urge their lawmakers to maintain and enhance Buy America requirements in jobs legislation now before the Senate, where some Republicans want to weaken the rules.
Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Photo of the Day



A photo of a t-shirt. This was part of Trevor Johnson's senior project to support the CCHS weight room

Monday, January 25, 2010

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Brace Yourselves

By Bob on January 23, 2010
I guess it shouldn’t come as any surprise when we get news releases from AccuWeather that tell us February weather is going to suck.
February weather always sucks – even after that furry little dude in Pennsylvania sticks his head out of his burrow and says, “Yup, spring’s on the way.”
And speaking of Phurry Phil, he’s decided to go high-tech this year.
The state’s most-famous groundhog will text his weather prediction Feb. 2 for all those who cannot trek to Gobbler’s Knob to see the rodent in person. Sign up now to be among the first to know if spring will come early. All you have to do to receive the officials prediction on your mobile device is to text “Groundhog” to 247365 between now and Feb. 2.
After the initial text, participants will be invited to submit their e-mail addresses to receive additional tourism-related messages. A Webcast of the Groundhog Day festivities, expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors, will be available at www.visitPA.com/groundhog and will include links to Punxsutawney Phil-related videos on YouTube.....read MORE

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Photo of the Day


while hunting mountain lions in the Clear Creek area, I saw this bobcat instead :)

Friday, January 22, 2010

Traffic Pattern Change in Cameron County

PennDOT has made traffic pattern changes to a Cameron County bridge on Route 4004 (Ridge Valley Road). Effective today, the Bobby’s Run Bridge in Shippen Township will feature a single-lane traffic pattern with a self-regulating stop sign. This change will require motorists to take turns crossing the bridge. The change allows PennDOT to remove the weight posting it put into place last week. The bridge is located on Route 4004 near the Lewis and Hockenberry sawmill. The Bobby’s Run Bridge was built in 1944; is 33 feet long and carries an average of 1,037 vehicles per day. The stop condition for the bridge will remain in place until repairs can be made later this year. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Pennsylvania Offers Free Nicotine Patches, Support for Tobacco Users Trying to Quit

Governor Rendell Proclaims January 24-30 as 'Determined To Quit' Week
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health will provide free nicotine patches to help Pennsylvanians who are trying to quit tobacco starting Monday, Jan. 25. Kits will be offered -- while supplies last -- through the PA Free Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
The Nicotine Replacement Therapy, or NRT, kits were paid for by funding from a legal settlement with the tobacco industry. No taxpayer funds were used.
"While many people use the start of a new year to make a new attempt at quitting tobacco, we know that quitting isn't easy. It takes practice and support," said Secretary of Health Everette James. "We hope that by providing free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and one-on-one support offered through our Quitline, more individuals will stay motivated to become tobacco-free."


Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, as well as a significant contributor to health care costs. Research by the federal Centers for Disease Control found nearly one of every five deaths nationwide is related to smoking - a staggering 440,000 preventable deaths each year.
The NRT kit promotion is in conjunction with Determined to Quit week, Jan. 24 - 30, as proclaimed by Governor Edward G. Rendell. The week is intended to raise awareness about the many resources available to help residents quit smoking. ....MORE

Photo of the Day


The "Red Raider Riders"

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Photo of the Day

ah....warmer days are coming

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Quarter Century Club

In one week from today, I will be celebrating 25 years of marriage to the most wonderful woman in the world.I have to know that I am the luckiest man on earth, and I have my wife Kim to thank for it.
She has given me everything that I could dream of. She has kept my feet firmly planted on the ground when needed, yet allowed me to soar when I wanted to. She has stood by me through good and bad, even when I wasn't the best husband that I could have been, and I am grateful for that.She has given me four sons and a beautiful daughter that I am very proud of, and is the best mother any kid could want.
She has given our whole family an amount of love that only God could surpass, and memories that no amount of money could buy.After 25 years, she still catches my eye and is more beautiful to me now than when we were young. I am looking forward to the next 25 years, and can only hope they will be as good as the first.
Why am I writing this on my blog? Because I am damned proud of my wife, and am proud to be married to her, and I want the world to know it. So if you see Kim, wish her a happy anniversay on the 26th.I love you Kim!Randy

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Book Review: "Woods Runner"

'Woods Runner'
Author: Gary Paulsen Data: Wendy Lamb Books, 164 pages, $15.99
Thirteen-year-old Samuel Smith is a child of the forest. To the delight of his bookish parents - he is a voracious reader - he finds very early that he has a real affinity for surviving in the verdant wilds. Despite his youth, he becomes so proficient as a hunter that he is the primary provider of game for his small village on the edge of civilization in far western Pennsylvania.
It's 1776. The revolution has started back east and his idyllic existence is shattered when the horrors of war arrive at his doorstep.
........READ MORE

Photo of the Day

A student applies a fresh coat of paint to the CCHS weight room as part of a senior project. The room has long been used by the community, but is rumored to soon be off limits to local weight lifting enthusiasts

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Photo of the Day

The CAMERON CRAZIES....the most enthusiastic student cheering group I have seen

Friday, January 15, 2010

Photo of the Day

This January thaw had me longing for summer weather, and I remembered this deer getting a drink on a hot August day

Bridge Posting in Cameron County

PennDOT has posted weight limit restrictions on another Cameron County bridge on Route 4004 (Ridge Valley Road). Effective today, the Fishing Creek Bridge in Shippen Township was posted for a 30-ton weight limit for single vehicles and a 40-ton weight limit for combination vehicles. Late in 2009, PennDOT also posted the Driftwood Branch Bridge on Route 4004 for 26 and 31 ton weight limits.The decision to post weight limits on the Fishing Creek Bridge was the result of a recent inspection. The Fishing Creek Bridge was built in 1944; is 33 feet long and carries an average of 1,037 vehicles per day. The posting for the bridge will remain in place until repairs can be made later this year.PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Pennsylvania Invests $1 Million To Improve Flood Protection Projects

As part of continuing efforts to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and safeguard communities, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that the commonwealth is investing nearly $1 million in 35 flood protection projects in 16 counties.

Cameron CountyEmporium Borough – $54,484 to perform an updated survey; riprap upgrade; add three new entrance gates; re-seal cracks in the concrete channel; re-seed, fertilize and cover the mowed area; provide specialized training; and purchase equipment
Emporium Borough — $50,000 to purchase dump truck for sediment removal

READ MORE

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Photo of the Day

Buckscahuda Railroad....St. Marys, Pa.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Worker killed at Erie locomotive plant

ERIE, Pa. -- A crane operator at a locomotive plant is dead after being crushed by a part he was moving.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook says 46-year-old William Huff was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon at the GE Transportation plant in Erie.
Mr. Cook says Mr. Huff was killed when a part that weighs several tons tipped over after he set it down with a remote-controlled crane. Mr. Cook says Mr. Huff was an experienced crane operator.
Police and investigators from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating.
GE Transportation spokesman Shaun Francis says the company is investigating the incident and providing counseling for employees and Mr. Huff's family.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10012/1027620-454.stm#ixzz0cQuIoeIw

Monday, January 11, 2010

Photo of the Day

This is an old postcard showing the swimming area at Sinnemahoning State Park. How many of you remember swimming there?

Denzel Washington learns the meaning of life - Unstoppable

FYI -- This article appeared in last Sundays USA Weekend ------ I highlighted the section about our area.

"I'm a work in progress"
Denzel Washington learns the meaning of life (and his name).
By Jeffrey Ressner


Even dressed down in black sweats, a Windbreaker and a New York Yankees cap, it's hard to hide when you're Denzel Washington. As he struts into a swanky Beverly Hills hotel bar, the star is instantly recognizable to everyone there. Indeed, he's a guy who was known only by his first name before being known by just your first name was cool.
Amazingly, it was only a few months ago that Washington learned what that famous appellation means. Playing armchair detective, the two-time Oscar winner ran his ID through an etymology search engine. Because he shares his father's name, he already knew the schmaltzy family story about how his dad was named after the physician who delivered him, Dr. Denzel. But no one ever explained the odd word itself.
When the website returned an answer, the actor was taken aback. "It turns out to be a British word that means 'fort,' " he says, incredulous, his expressive eyes beaming with genuine astonishment. "I never knew that."
Known to pals simply as "D," Washington is defined widely in yet another way: as America's favorite actor, an accolade he has won three years running in a national Harris poll.
Next Friday, he hits the big screen in "The Book of Eli," a post-apocalyptic tale in which he portrays a noble but butt-kicking nomad who roams the scorched Earth carrying a long-forgotten religious text. A bit of a downer, no?
"When I signed up for the film, the world wasn't quite headed in the direction it is now," Washington says. Still, "I thought it was a fascinating story and dug the guy's spiritual journey." Not to mention the reported $20 million a movie the actor typically commands.
Asked if he finds doing uplifting, even messianic roles like Eli difficult, he shoots a smart-alecky stare. "Well, it's a movie," he says, chuckling. "It's what I'm trained to do -- you take a part, you interpret it. It's not me! I don't look at it like, 'Oh, this is such a noble character.' ... I wouldn't even know how to do that."
More than ever, though, Washington says he feels a sense of obligation -- of purpose, even -- doing what he does best: offering a sense of dignity and hope, even if it's in a doomed sci-fi world.
"Having recently been in states with high unemployment, I feel -- more than ever before -- an obligation to entertain folks because it's rough out there," he explains, ticking off the recent schedule for his next movie, a runaway-train thriller called "Unstoppable," that filmed in Bradford, Penn., Canton, Ohio, and Wheeling, W.Va. -- what he calls "real America." "People are looking for something bigger than they are. They have a greater need to escape and fantasize."
Clearly, the actor is moved.
"Folks are struggling all over the place," he continues. "People are out of work. These giant factories are empty. In one location, we needed 50 extras and 2,000 men showed up."
I feel an obligation to entertain folks because it's rough out there.

...read more

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Photo of the Day


rust and nature at the black bridge

Friday, January 8, 2010

Photo of the Day


Lauren Topolski works to the inside in the 43-41 win over Port Allegany on Thursday night.

GE inks locomotive deal with Brazilian company

ERIE, Pa.
GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Co., said Thursday that it will sell 50 diesel-powered freight locomotives to Brazil's largest sugar and ethanol producer.
The AC44i locomotives were bought by Rumo, a subsidiary for Cosan SA Industria e Comercio. Terms were not disclosed.
GE said the locomotives, which will be used to haul sugar from a processing plant to a port, would be delivered beginning in 2010.
GE shares rose 80 cents, or 5.2 percent, to $16.25 Thursday.
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Thursday, January 7, 2010

Mountain Lines by Nelson Haas

Click on image to see full size


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Photo of the Day

A winter shot from a mountain top in upper Clear Creek. I took this in Dec. 03 with an old Olympus 1.3 mp digital camera

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Photo of the Day

Photo of the NAPA fire. I have this dated 12/6/07
but not sure if that is correct.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Cops as a Revenue Source (as usual)

Drivers who get tickets in Pennsylvania pay much more than fines
Photo Gallery

By Tom FontainePITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW


Sometimes, a fine isn't just a fine.
In Pennsylvania, most of the money shelled out by ticketed motorists isn't for the fine itself, but for various surcharges that help fund state government.
"I hated giving out tickets," said Jim Beserock, a retired police chief in Munhall. "They were always used as a back-door tax increase."
If a proposal by a Montgomery County legislator is approved, Harrisburg will dig even deeper into motorists' pockets. A bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Vereb, a former police officer, would institute a $10 surcharge to help fund state police training. Some lawmakers estimate it could generate $13 million a year, enough to train and equip 130 state troopers.....MORE
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My “Fakebook” Rant


My “Fakebook” Rant

I have a facebook account. After having it for about a year or so, I am really wondering why. My kids told me I should have one, and people told me it was nice for communicating with friends , so I gave it a try, and decided to write a few words about my impressions.
I don’t check my facebook page as often as I used to. I have several webpages and blogs of my own that I find much more interesting and relevant to me. In fact, I am learning to despise facebook altogether, and sometimes wish I had never opened it. I would delete it, but after googling instructions for account termination, one would have to be a programming genius to do it successfully. So for now, I am just going to rant on about all the things that I find annoying about facebook (and that goes for myspace, hi5, and all the other lame “social networking” sites. I currently have 231 “friends” on my list, and.................read MORE
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Photo of the Day

This is a photo taken by my son while he was stationed in Iraq in July 2005. We sent him the thermometer, but as you can see, it wasn't up to the task of measuring the searing summer heat. It had pegged out at 120 degrees and melted the indicator before the temperature started to recede.
There are still lots of troops station in Iraq and Afghanistan, so please remember the extreme conditions that they have to endure while serving our country.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Photo of the Day



Just for fun, I thought I would upload a new photo everyday. They may be mine, or if you send some to me I will post them too. This photo is of Emporium, from the lookout, taken 12-5-09, while I was watching the fog lift off the valley floor.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Anglers Invited to Presentation Regarding Gas Well Drilling

EMPORIUM - With the promise of increased Marcellus Shale gas well drilling in the region over the next several years, many people are concerned about the potential harm that could be caused to our local natural resources. The region appears posed to benefit economically from the energy rush, but a lot is on the line in an area defined by its vast tracts of unbroken forest, pristine mountain trout streams, and wilderness character. On Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cameron County Courthouse, the Bucktail Watershed Association will be hosting a special presentation regarding the potential threats to our most precious resource, water. Jim Clark of Penn State Cooperative Extension will be the featured speaker and will be presenting “Gas Well Drilling and Water Quality.” Following the 45-minute presentation there will be a 15-minute question and answer session. After the presentation, the Bucktail Watershed Association will be sharing plans for the establishment of a volunteer water quality-monitoring network for portions of the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed. Interested individuals will have a chance to sign up as volunteer monitors. According to the Bucktail Watershed Association, "We, along with other local conservation organizations, are watchdogs for the Driftwood Branch and First Fork Watersheds. In other regions of the state, as Marcellus Shale gas well drilling has increased, there have been incidents where water quality degradation has occurred. As the Bucktail Watershed Association we are posed to work with our partners to prevent such degradation of our water quality resources in the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed. Developing a volunteer monitoring network is a proactive measure that we can take to make sure the development of our natural gas resources occur in a manner that has the smallest negative impact on our watershed."
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Friday, January 1, 2010

Gas driller cited for violation after environmentalist takes photos

A state investigation sparked by a local environmentalist who rented an airplane to gather photographic evidence has revealed an unreported contaminate release at a natural gas drilling site in Wayne County.

A preliminary investigation of the Oregon Twp. well pad, operated by Chesapeake Appalachia, found in October that a "weathered petroleum product" of unknown quantity was discharged onto the site and into a forested area, in breach of state environmental laws, according to the notice of violation issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The drilling firm reported no incidents, and DEP had been unaware of any problem. But Pat Carullo, a photographer and co-founder of Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, a Wayne and Pike county environmental watchdog organization, said he knew something was not quite right.

Mr. Carullo said he took aerial photographs in late August and September showing a direct line of leafless trees extending away from the well pad.

"It was completely obvious by the photographic evidence," he said......MORE

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