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To the tune of CSNY's "Teach Your Children Well" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQOaUnSmJr8
DOB: 12/21/1922
Died: 01/04/1999
He was 77 years old.
My Dad's Favorite Quotes:
"You know, Suzie (he called me Suzie) you can be replaced". - (He was right. Unfortunately, you couldn't be, Dad.)
"If you had half a brain you'd be dangerous." (Up for debate)
"Do the right thing" - Huh.
"Do as I say, not as I do".
"How do ya like them apples?"
"I just want you to live an honest life". (Refer to "Do as I say, not as I do".
"You're no prize"
"Eat your heart out"
"You're an accident waiting to happen"
"You don't know when to quit, do you?"
"They broke the mold when they made you". Which mold?
"I forgot more than you know"
"you have a one-track mind" - It's "inherited" (wink-wink)
"Do you know what time it is?" (No - I confuse right and left. It only took 60 years to figure that one out)
"Get your ass in gear"
"Motor Mouth" - His polite way of saying shut-up. He never said shut-up. He always said this with a smile.
"Shit for brains" His name for my brothers.
"Go run around the block" (We did - many times I did not go home).
"Asshole buddies" - (When one of his buddies went somewhere with one of his other buddies other than him.)
"He talks like he's got a paper asshole".
"Don't dish it out if you can't take it" - See "Do as I say, not as I do".
"If you're going to live in my house you live by my rules".
"Every cigarette you smoke is another nail in your coffin".
"Your eyes look like two piss holes in the snow" - (First time wearing makeup.)
"You got band-aids for those mosquito bites?" (First time I'd asked Mom for a bra.)
"You have exactly till 6:00PM to eat those tomatoes (two hours away) or you go to bed *again* without any dinner.". (And?)
"Watch the tips goddammit!" - (Bringing the fishing poles in from the boat).
"You smell like burnt toast".
"I don't trust him/her as far as I can throw him/her". I was a child, remember? Maybe throwing your beer cans, cigarettes, cigars and bottles in the garbage would've been a good start rather than throwing around your kids.
"You know, sometimes I think about suicide." (He said this to me on Christmas Day - 10 days prior to placing a high-powered rifle in his mouth while sitting on the toilet and blew his brains out. With the cooperation of many officials in NJ who scoured their records I was finally able to obtain the police reports and autopsy details in May 2022 after requesting them as I never really believed it was a suicide.
Mom said he'd always stated he was going to commit suicide when he was ready, although I was not aware or told of that one while he was alive. IOW, he always had a plan. "He did it his way" - on his mother-in-law's birthday. He probably didn't even know it was.
He suicided 20 years ago (or so) today - January 4, 1999. Nobody knew my phone number to let me know - my Son was finally able to reach me. Somehow I lost a year at that point. I only know *somebody* put that bullet hole in the bathroom ceiling and his neighbor cleaned up the bathroom. That neighbor developed early dementia as many people do after witnessing such a horrific sight they do not recover from without counseling or talking about it and coming to terms with it. Family trauma and abuse is much the same. That is how people are then labeled with psychiatric terms, unfortunately they were not in fact the "crazy" ones. The true "crazy" ones stay under the radar and appear fully functioning. IOW, "they have jobs" according to today's society. I'd been told my Dad was a "functioning alcoholic".
He tried quitting smoking many times. Once he tried replacing cigarettes with Regal Crown sour cherry & sour lemon drops. No sugar-free options back then. That's when he lost his teeth. After he quit he gained tons of weight.
He sat at the dinner table waving his fork up and down frequently....fair warning to get ready to duck. The five of us always had dinner together every night - that's good for the family structure, it's said. A few times he turned the dinner table over or threw dishes at one of us. I only know he generally missed. I would occasionally lock myself in the bathroom to get away from the violence. He generally knew how to unlock those doors. I ran away from home frequently. I accidentally drove his red Chevy pickup truck into a pond. Someone helped me get it back up on land. I also accidentally set his red Chevy pickup on fire but he wasn't mad. He just laughed. He was a good sport like that. Brother Bob finally totaled it after being broadsided by a UPS truck (malfunctioning traffic light) on the way home from a Grateful Dead concert in Philadelphia. It really was a pretty truck - fire engine red with hand painted gold leaf lettering. It had ladder racks which I'd used as a jungle gym. He mostly put up tin, slate and shingle roofs. The most fun was taking the old shingles, slate and tin he ripped off the old roofs to the landfill in his dump truck which he parked around the corner on Hudson St not far from Gliba's bar (Chambersburg, NJ), dumping it off a cliff along the embankments of the Delaware River - he would back up to the edge as close as he could and hit the gas to attempt to scare us. He didn't. This was also near the huge penicillin and pharmaceutical dump by the Trenton Marine Terminal off Rt. 29 towards White City Lake..
US Navy Veteran. He had one older brother and one older sister. They (Mom & Dad) had three boys (one died - the second one - Russell - his stomach never closed so his guts were exposed and baby Russell only lived a short time, I'm told . I do not know if or where baby Russell was buried) but Mom said he always wanted a girl, anyway. Often I wonder if baby Russell lived and was given up for adoption. I check with 23 and me occasionally to see if any new family surfaced. He told the same stories year after year for over 40 years, yet never spoke about his time in the Navy (the *brotherhood*, code of silence, whatever). He was the baby of his family. He had brown eyes. He said people had brown eyes because they were full of shit up to their forehead. His Mom died when he was 12. He had a severe hearing deficit that was never addressed, as many Veterans do. He was diabetic although it was never addressed. He had metabolic syndrome although it was never addressed. He always kept, cleaned and took great care of his German Ruger which was kept in the headboard of their bed. We learned at an early age where it was and to "respect" it.
He either fished or stayed in his bedroom watching old war movies in his later years and went to flea markets occasionally. His back also started giving out. He refused to go to a doctor. I do not recall that he ever did until his 70's when he developed skin cancer (fisherman's arms). Then he wore a hat like Lawrence of Arabia. They took real good care of him at whichever doctor / hospital he'd gone to. Someone trashed all of his records upon his death as I found only a few after Mom passed away - a statement from CMS Medicare - a summary of claims processed dated 6/13/2003 from a Dr. John W. Petrozzi in Barnegat - $70 for an office visit dated 4/25/03. It was denied. Reason? "a. Our records show that the date of death was before the date of service. b. You do not have to pay this amount., c. The name or Medicare number was incorrect or missing. Ask your provider to use the name or number shown on this notice for future claims." My oldest brother wanted his "Red Dawn" book back. We never found it in the house but we combed through everything looking for it.
He would go meet his buddies for breakfast at a local diner. He was always mad at one of them at any given time. He had a loud, infectious laugh and a loud boisterous voice. He was also a tinsmith and spent a good portion of his Winters melting lead in the basement to make fishing sinkers. He had freezers full of bait (and hundred dollar bills wrapped in tin-foil). He was a phenomenal cook - he loved the typical German/ Polish/ Hungarian meat & potatoes diet. He adored his fatty meats (bacon, pork, Szalolonna, etc....). He never ate anything sugary except for tons of fresh fruit nightly. He only ate Wonder Bread (white) and tons of processed lunch meats (favorite was Lebanon Bologna). He came home for lunch daily for his bread and tomato sandwich w. fresh radishes on the side w. salt, He did like his Navy Bean Soup with ham. He also spent his afternoons at the American Legion drinking beer. The only "ritual" I remember aside from cleaning his gun weekly and going to Church with us once a year (Christmas) was breaking out the Limburger cheese every Sunday. That was the day we would all hold our noses and run out of the house screaming.
He would go fishing twice a week - a 1 1/2 hr. drive from Trenton & Lawrenceville, NJ to Waretown, NJ, where he docked his boat. There was a sharp turn around Cranberry Lake where he would drive 100MPH to try to scare us. It didn't. While smoking his cigars (that was not fun). I did, however, have many, many night terrors most of my younger life about being trapped in a car underwater, among others. Until I learned how to escape one if it indeed happened. My friends all received a glass-break tool for the holidays one year. www.thebugoutbagguide.com/best-car-escape-tool/
He taught me how to shoot guns, ride horses, sail and swim (by throwing me in deep waters without any life vest while he laughed),. I am not sure why so many fathers do this to their daughters....one would think they'd teach them how to swim, first. He taught me how to handle a boat, to navigate through channels, sandbars and the Barnegat Inlet. He taught me how to surf. He taught me to water ski (without knowing how to swim). He taught me to snow ski. He taught me how to drive (while using a quick backhand across the face if I made my turns too wide). He taught me how to shoot bow and arrow. He taught me how to shuffle, deal and play cards. He taught me how to detail a truck. He left me a $2,000 John Hancock Life Insurance policy which allowed me to purchase a Windows Millenium Edition Dell Dimension computer - my first Windows computer which enabled me to go back to school after my aneurysm. He taught me how to "be kind to animals" (after he beat them till they would no longer move) - I skip that part (hurting them). He & Mom hunted wild game (rabbits, pheasants and deer)) with 2 beagles (Tiny and Nellie who was later replaced by Rosie) which were kept outside year long. He had another dog before them - Speck. And another beagle, Queenie. He didn't mind me bringing home as many animals (and amphibians) as I was able. Except for snakes. Mom had a snake phobia and even the tiniest garter snake upset her, so I learned not to bring home snakes after the first one.
He frequently had his drinking buddies at the house till late at night. Mom always loved Frank Sinatra, hence he did his best to emulate him in every way he could. He built a beautiful bar in the basement - I was the family bartender. He got a player piano which was quite fun. He set us up with pinball machines, pool table, juke boxes, bowling machines, arcades, etc....which he'd gotten from his friend, Whitey Bralynski from Browns Novelty, who supplied the arcade, pinball machines & shooting games.to local diners, bowling alleys, etc. - an all cash business.
He & Mom hunted deer with bow and arrow together, also. They beat the shit out of us, whipped my brothers and I frequently (I was the only one to hit back). One of the more favorite methods of "teaching" was total isolation for a day or night or more (locked in a completely dark cellar way). He was not the major disciplinarian (at least not for me). We won't go there. He taught me how to not give a fuck about life although it was against my grain. The medical profession convinced him knee implants (which his body rejected) and various other surgeries would improve his quality of life - while in his 70's. They, as well as Medicare or the V.A. (not sure which), squeezed the last bit of benefits out of him prior to his death. He began getting major headaches. He took shark cartilage which his buddies told him would help with pain. He died a few months after these surgeries after he insisted he did not want a nurse visiting his house to change the packings after they removed a good portion of his colon. Unless of course, his insurance would not cover it. Mom was unable to pack his wounds. His neighbor Bobby LeFebvre would go over and do this. Dad never exercised although climbing up and down a ladder in his younger years qualified for a while. Other than passive sports (bowling) while younger. he did practice his boxing skills on the family although that extended out to cage fighting, MMA and simply total loss of control of his anger (on 3 little kids). Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia attempted to convince him he needed to have an eye surgery - he left there in the middle of the night - Mom and her neighbor, Judy, drove to go get him at 2AM. I had just returned to work after the aneurysm and could not leave my job II was partially blind and was taking the bus) so I was on the phone with Mom throughout the night. The hospital also attempted to convince him he'd had a brain aneurysm (he did not). He did have a small stroke one Thanksgiving Day and refused treatment at that time. But one day a week or two later he walked into a wall, fell, knocked himself out splitting his head open (and one eye went crooked) which concerned them, hence a visit to the hospital. We all do love the holidays, after all. Wills Eye Hospital removed one of my Mother's eyes - she was in her 70's also. They like to take eyes when they can - someone can always use them. He was a Democratic Committeeman in Lawrenceville, NJ, USA. He was also a boxer on his ship, a ship's cook, a roofing contractor, a great singer and comedian, and made friends wherever he went. He could be a very sharp dresser. He was also a die hard fisherman, a Charter Boat captain, and skilled builder, card player, gardener and carpenter. He was also an asshole, bigot and a stubborn fuck all his life. To the best of my knowledge, in spite of his earlier years as a boxer, he was never evaluated for TBI, trauma, hearing loss or any other neurological impairment or injury.
His favorite song was Frank Sinatra's "My Way". He loved to watch Dean Martin, All In The Family and Three's Company. He liked Chrissy. He never liked any of my friends and called all of my girlfriends (since elementary school) whores. He left instructions for Mom on how much to sell his boat, cars and trucks for and what to do with all his fishing stuff (an entire garage full) - that was very considerate, I thought. Once he & Mom were going to get a divorce - Dad said we had to choose who we wanted to live with. Ironically, I chose Dad. Brother Bob (the middle child) went hysterical and could not choose. So they reconciled after counseling with our Church pastor, we became The Brady Bunch and moved to the illustrious suburbs. Both he & Mom had themselves cremated and dumped in the Barnegat Inlet. We took Mom out on a neighbor's boat (Al Casamente, one of his fishing buddies who later was hitting on Mom, she said) - not sure who took Dad - perhaps it was one of his fishing buddies Jimmy McCarty. When their cat, Max died here in Kentucky his ashes were shipped to NJ and his neighbor Bobby again took care of it, so Max should be out there living with the fishes as well. I do not even remember which war Dad was in. - with everyone in our families on both sides generations back in wars, it became impossible to remember whose was whose, mostly because when I'd asked there were many different answers their paperwork disappeared. There was no obituary. No memorial service.
I was told two versions of how his Mom died. One was she was at the "beauty parlor" and died from what was called "beauty parlor stroke syndrome". The other story was she was getting her hair done and there was a mob bombing in which she was killed.
While Mom was sorting out his belongings after he allegedly committed suicide, she said she found a black bra in his closet. This would most likely account for why all of his belongings were disposed of.
RIP, Dad. Thank you for preparing me to deal with senior citizens. I hope I haven't created too much havoc as your Daughter (if I really was).
With Love,
Dysfunctional Veteran's Daughter
Moral of Story: Drinking, drugs, babysitters & kids don't mix. Think about it.
Nobody knows, they said:
The above photo was taken at an "Audubon Sanctuary":
Cell towers can cause arrythmias, neuropathy, nerve demyelination, behavioral changes, autism, interference w. medically implanted devices, etc...
(note the civilian version of the below document is "different") - the RFEF's (radio frequency electromagnetic fields) travel downward much like the letter "A" and outward dependent on the height of the tower, frequencies and the number of transmitters - yet this does not include satellite transmissions from DISH networks, unregistered, unregulated pole & roof transmitters & antennas, etc - and no one in Louisville (and many other municipalities) is inspecting, monitoring, regulating or knows what those standards are as many are hidden or camouflaged. Neither did the FCC when contacted. The recommended standards in the USA are much more lax than Europe's with no accountability or enforcement. Local Governments have zero input as to placement of these towers as of 2014 unless they conflict with certain criterion (which are not being adhered to by looking at the Audubon Sanctuary below) or the Water Tower in a previous photo (there is a tower attached to that which is directly atop a "protected natural area". Yet the average monetary rate to realtors, municipalities and land owners for hosting these towers averages thousands of dollars per month. www.steelintheair.com/new-cell-tower-leases.html
From: IEEE C95.1-2345™-2014
Military Workplaces--Force Health Protection Regarding Personnel Exposure to Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields, 0Hz to 300GHz
"4.2 DRLs for frequencies between 100 kHz and 3 GHz
The whole-body average (WBA) DRLs shown in Table 6 are based on the exposure response reported for
disruption of food-motivated behavior in laboratory animals. The behavioral effect threshold of 4 W/kg is
associated with a rise in core temperature during whole-body exposure of approximately 1 °C (de Lorge
[B8]). This temporary behavioral effect has been demonstrated to be the most sensitive, reproducible,
potentially adverse health effect across animal species and frequencies (IEEE Std C95.1™-2005, Annex
C2). Consistent with the approach used in the prior standards, a traditional safety factor of ten (10) has been
applied to the established adverse effect threshold value for such effects, yielding a DRL of 0.4 W/kg
averaged over the whole body for Zone 1. The Zone 0 ERLs incorporate an additional safety factor of 5.14
Whenever personnel may have access to an environment where the exposure may exceed the Zone 0 ERLs,
a personnel protection program shall be instituted to avoid exposure that exceeds the Zone 1 or Zone 2
ERLs. ".........
Pancake's "Service Dog - I'm Working - Do Not Pet" jacket does work for her somewhat. We have an insane amount of difficulty with people attempting to stroke and grab her while we are out and about, in stores, at the bank, etc.... Yet even with 4 patches saying this and having it embroidered across the back another lady yet again today just walks up and starts petting her while we were attempting to get something done at a place of business.
What perplexes me is when you (once again) ask them to please not do so as she is a working dog, people get angry.
I said today to a woman who attempted to pet her while at Kroger's "M'aam, please do not pet her - she is working" and the woman says indignantly, "Well, you don't have to be rude". What makes people believe they have the right and privilege to touch, grab, and affront whomever they wish? Yet people wonder why things escalate?
If I raise my voice I'm told I'm combative when it is clearly stated to not touch or pet the dog. It's understood children and the elderly or developmentally disabled may not immediately understand and we understand that, but those who are clearly able to understand still want to exert their "privilege" to violate my dog's legal rights which are *supposed* to be protected by Federal Law, the Americans With Disabilities Act and Commonwealth of Kentucky laws. Many times that is a farce here in Kentucky as we did not encounter those issues in other states. To intentionally impede or interfere with a working dog in any way is a criminal offense in some states including Ohio.
Recently while getting ready for a very stressful interview, as I was in the car getting ready to leave and realized I'd forgotten one document. My service dog waited in the car while I'd gone into the house to locate it (it was 40 degrees outside). Next thing I know there was loud banging on my door. I looked out and saw a woman walking toward my car. I opened the door and said, "Can I help you"? She says, "Your dog's in the car". I said, "Maam, I am well aware my dog is in the car". She said, "Well, people steal dogs around here". Of course at that juncture this lady proceeds to walk up in my face. I shut the door. I did contact our local police department who'd said there was nothing they would do - they were not concerned a short, goth-looking woman with a bat-wing cape was walking through our subdevelopment looking inside people's cars and they refused to take a report. That is how statistics get skewered.
We have encountered so many problems here in Kentucky having a medical service dog it defies imagination. We have had TSA agents at Louisville International Airport attempt to completely strip the dog's jacket - I objected - they finally called a Sargent over along with 1/2 dozen other "agents", causing a commotion at the airport. We have had police officers separate me from my dog unlawfully.
We have had numerous store owners and employees flatly refuse her access and refused to allow her to walk through their front doors - threatening to call the police - some did - and my dog and I were "ordered" to leave? I have tried everything to keep people from distracting me and the dog while we are out trying to get things done. I really do not know what it takes to get people out there to understand what it's like with mobility/balance/disequilibrium challenges coupled with PTSD, ADD, vertibrobasilar insufficiency, a malfunctioning VP shunt, hydrocephalus, visual field challenges, herniated discs, TBI and hearing difficulties. Many times it is the same clerks & employees in the same stores (which is why we try to avoid these at all costs). We have tried enlisting the help of management. We have tried writing to and speaking with corporate offices. We have contacted the Department of Justice many times with regard to non-compliance with the ADA here in Kentucky.
A few months ago while in a retail establishment a UPS pilot reaches down and smacks the dog.
Someone just said, "Vicky, people are just assholes - you can't change them". This may be true, but that quote came from someone who's had NA/AA pounded into their heads - I neither drink alcohol or do drugs. Perhaps rather than getting a bigger dog, I carry a bigger stick so they'll leave us alone and let us get things done in life that we need to. We do our best to confront them in hopes to make a "lasting impression" for the sake of others with service dogs who may not be as kind and understanding as I am.
I've just ordered a large patch with a big red "STOP - DO NOT DISTRACT" in hopes people will get it. Or perhaps a can of mace or a stun gun.
I do not think there is anyone in this car. Perhaps someone might want to go check - it's been sitting here an awfully long time in the same spot.
A Kentucky Derby contender this Saturday, May 7.
Dawn at the Downs also tomorrow 7-9AM where you can go down to Churchill Downs to watch the Oaks and Derby contenders get their morning workouts.
They say it's "East vs. West" w. Mohayamen vs. Nyaquist: The racing operation of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, Shadwell has one homebred (Shagaf) and one auction purchase (Mohaymen) in Derby contention. Mohayamen was extremely jittery on the track but once he got going was fast. This horse appears to have had a lot of care with handling however whether he can take the Derby remains to be seen. Not sure of the reason for the boots as he did not appear to have an overreach, but he is indeed a stunning, fast little horse.
Something very serious caught Pancake's attention this evening. I haven't seen her ears go up like this for quite a while. After hiking and swimming for about an hour we went across to another field - lo and behold it was something a little smaller than she was and I am unsure what exactly it was. It may have been a coyote or some type of thinned out Shephard - but in this large field, she finally found a friend to romp with. She chased him (or her) away, then he (or she) came back, closer. They eyed each other at a distance and seemed to inherently know neither was a threat to the other. He (or she) would lay down in the grass to watch her but she then would not approach him (or her). This went on for at least an hour until they both decided they'd had enough excitement for the evening and the coyote disappeared into the darkness. Pancake was exhausted from the excitement and we left. I was only able to get one shot of the other one but it did not turn out well. I need to hone up on my night shooting skills.
Interestingly enough she did not foam at the mouth from anxiety as she generally does when she has interactions with other dogs. Hopefully, we'll see her new friend again.
This is Miss Jane Doxsey serving dinner to her beloved cat, Shadow, with whom she shared a group home for the developmentally disabled and the aged. This nicely constructed and maintained stucco and cedar shake one-story home consisted of approximately 4 units in each building, with four buildings total.
I'd met Jane while working part-time for a telecommunications company/s 24/7 live answering service in Princeton , NJ, USA. while working elsewhere circa 1994. Jane was one of the residents in this facility we took calls for. She would call numerous times during the day and night. My fellow co-workers prepared me during training that Jane was a "frequent" caller on this particular account, and indeed she was.
Our instructions were to listen to her, basically say ok, ok, we'll pass the message on, but in reality placate her as soon as possible in order to take another call. IOW, do nothing, relay no messages and get paid by that account. Those instructions originated from the trainers. I did listen to what she was saying, relayed each message and chose to go visit her. I knew nothing further about Jane except for what she'd relayed in those calls - she was one of the most precious souls I had ever encountered.
In this group home, Jane had a friend and co-resident named John. John was in his 40's, approximately 250 lbs, was diabetic and much taller than Jane. Jane was in her late 70's or so. They loved each other very much and were great companions for each other going shopping together as well as other activities at this residential group home.
Most of the complaints Janie called in were valid.
She and John shared many years together there. One day she called and said John went to the surgery center to have a routine medical procedure performed - a colonoscopy. John did not survive the procedure and passed away. That call was simply, "Vicky, John kicked the bucket".
John came from a very prominent family and memorial services were held in Newark, New Jersey, a two hour drive. She and I went together. She did not like the Celine Dion cassette playing in the car, "she sounds like she's dying", she said.
Upon arriving at the funeral home, Jane was indeed welcomed like royalty by John's family and the facility's employees. Being extremely short in stature (approximately 4'5") Jane could not see over the coffin to view John's face in the casket. as it was set too high for her. She then stood up on the lower casket moulding, leaned over and while giving John his last kiss, said goodbye to her dearest friend and companion, John.
That last kiss was one of the most heart-rendering, touching moments in my lifetime which will never be forgotten.
This may be Jane's family: sites.rootsweb.com/~nynassau/1850hcdf.html
Spotted behind a local AT&T outlet. Interestingly enough Cricket is one of the major recipients (and subsequently AT&T) of what used to be known as the Lifeline Phone which provided a means of communication for the aged, indigent and disabled. Unfortunately, what's now referred to as the Obamaphone has reverted to wireless communication only for the majority of those recipients and not a home landline, making communication difficult if not impossible for those who either have no electricity or cannot remember to charge those devices or utilize the devices due to physical impairments. It has not improved the quality of life for the aged, disabled or indigent - it has further compounded their already overloaded burdens in life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_Wireless
Cricket Wireless -
Cricket Wireless LLC is an American prepaid wireless service provider in the United States. Cricket Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Inc. that offers mobile voice, text, and data. Cricket Wireless was founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, Inc. On July 12, 2013, AT&T Inc. agreed to acquire Cricket's parent company Leap Wireless International for $1.2 billion. The merger was approved by the Federal Communications Commission on March 13, 2014,[2] and later that same day, Leap Wireless announced the completion of its acquisition by AT&T.[3]
Contents [hide]
1History
2Coverage area
3Service rate plans
4End of CDMA Service
5See also
6References
7External links
History[edit]
Typical Cricket retail store in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Cricket's first market was Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1999 and through much of its early growth became known as a network focused on small, rural markets.[4]
On September 4, 2007, competing carrier MetroPCS announced a $5.3 billion bid to merge with Leap Wireless.[5] Leap informally rejected the bid less than two weeks later.[6] MetroPCS officially withdrew the bid less than two months later, on November 1, 2007.[7]
Former Cricket Wireless logo, before acquisition by AT&T.
On September 17, 2007, Cricket launched Wireless Broadband Service using EV-DO.[8]
On December 12, 2007, Cricket agreed to acquire Hargray Communications Group's wireless telecommunications business.[9]
On April 8, 2008, Cricket launched in Oklahoma City.[10]
On September 29, 2008, Cricket announced that they had entered into a 10-year roaming agreement with MetroPCS covering both companies' existing and future markets. The companies also entered into a spectrum exchange agreement covering licenses in certain markets[11] and on November 13, 2008, Cricket launched "Premium Extended Coverage", a roaming partnership with 14 wireless companies.[12] On February 2009, Cricket launched in Chicago.
On March 10, 2009, Cricket launched in the Philadelphia market, including eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.[13]
On June 23, 2009, Cricket launched in the Washington, DC and Baltimore markets.[13]
On September 28, 2009, Cricket changed its domain name to "mycricket.com".[13]
On April 13, 2010, Cricket launched Cricket Navigator, a GPS application that offers audible turn-by-turn navigation, hyper-local search and maps.[14]
On August 2010, Cricket and Sprint signed a five-year wholesale agreement (MVNO) which allows Cricket to utilize Sprint's nationwide 3G EVDO network in the U.S.
On August 12, 2010, Cricket was a launch operator for the Kyocera Rio low cost touch phone.[15]
On May 31, 2012, Cricket announced the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S availability on its network.[16]
On September 5, 2012, Electronic retailer RadioShack in partnership with Leap launched RadioShack No Contract Wireless, the service is powered by Cricket.[17]
On October 21, 2012, Cricket discontinued its daily PayGO plans. [18]
On July 12, 2013, AT&T Inc. agreed to buy Cricket Wireless' parent for $1.2 billion and on March 13, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission approved the acquisition between AT&T and Leap Wireless.[2]
On May 18, 2014, Cricket's website (mycricket.com) and Aio Wireless's website (aiowireless.com) were redirected to the new cricketwireless.com site. This signaled the beginning of operations as the new Cricket. GSM operations for Cricket Wireless began this day as well, all Aio Wireless dealer stores were officially converted to the Cricket brand and the Aio Wireless brand was retired.
On September 24, 2015 Cricket Wireless launched their variants of Apple's iPhone 6s and 6s Plus smartphones. Cricket Wireless's advantage is their Cricket Protect insurance plan covering users from physical damage, water damage, loss, and theft. [19]
Coverage area[edit]
Cricket’s CDMA network used its home network and roaming agreements with Sprint, among other CDMA carriers. However, Cricket’s CDMA network was shut down and the spectrum was refarmed for use on AT&T’s HSPA+ and LTE networks.
Following the acquisition by AT&T, Cricket Wireless released devices that use AT&T’s 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE networks. Cricket Wireless now covers 99% of Americans and often boasts about their new, strong network since its coverage area is larger than that of T-Mobile (including MetroPCS,) and Sprint (including Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile.) Cricket Wireless users on the "Smart" and "Unlimited" plans can roam in Mexico and Canada at no additional costs.
Service rate plans[edit]
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Cricket offers a variety of rate plans that include data allowance. Plans start at $30 for 2GB of full-speed data, $40 for 5GB of full-speed data, or $60 for unlimited full-speed data. Exceeding high-speed data allotments results in reduced data speed (throttling), up to a maximum of 128 kbit/s with the exception of the $60 unlimited plan, in which users are deprioritized after 22GB in heavily congested areas.[20] The base monthly price is reduced by $5/mo if Auto Pay is set-up.[21] Cricket's throttling use follows that of its competitors (T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, etc.). The 128kbit/s speeds reflect typical 2G/Edge data speeds.[22] Standard LTE network speeds are 8 Mbit/s while HSPA+ network speeds are 4 Mbit/s. As of October 2015, Cricket also offers unlimited talk, text, and data roaming in Mexico and Canada on plan tiers starting at $50/mo.[23]
Cricket also offers family plans, with the following prices:[24]
2 Lines for $80
3 Lines for $105
4 Lines for $100
5 Lines for $155
End of CDMA Service[edit]
Cricket Wireless noted on their old website[25] that CDMA service will be terminated as early as September 2015. Most devices prior to the merger will not be compatible on the GSM network except the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s. Compatible iPhone devices will only require a new SIM card, provided for $9.99[26] at any Cricket Wireless store or through Customer Service.
The title of each photo in this series is a translated line from a poem found in the Chapel of Bones. See the full poem in the original language here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_dos_Ossos#Poem .
From our tour guide - the Franciscan monks who used the bones of approximately 5000 corpses, built this to send a message to the nobles that in death, no one can tell the difference between the rich and the poor, royal or common.
Another half-lit sign spotted in Louisville. Depends on what you're focused on. I have to give them a big thumbs up for doing their part in energy conservation (didn't drive around front to see the Health Department rating). Didn't eat here as we'd just had some Pho across the street. Only recommendation by looking at the exterior? Hire a pressure washing company - I don't know what it's raining in Louisville but it does't look right.
Here's your scores right here - can you find 'em? portal.louisvilleky.gov/service/data
El Nopal, 12937 Shelbyville Road Suite 105, Louisville, KY 40243
*************
Paris Agreement climate proposals need a boost to keep warming well below 2 °C
The Paris climate agreement aims at holding global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to “pursue efforts” to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To accomplish this, countries have submitted Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining their post-2020 climate action. Here we assess the effect of current INDCs on reducing aggregate greenhouse gas emissions, its implications for achieving the temperature objective of the Paris climate agreement, and potential options for overachievement. The INDCs collectively lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to where current policies stand, but still imply a median warming of 2.6–3.1 degrees Celsius by 2100. More can be achieved, because the agreement stipulates that targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are strengthened over time, both in ambition and scope. Substantial enhancement or over-delivery on current INDCs by additional national, sub-national and non-state actions is required to maintain a reasonable chance of meeting the target of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius.
www.nature.com/nature/journal/v534/n7609/full/nature18307...
Their food was incredible - even if they were "sandwiches" - we'd also had their Winter Kale Slaw which had finely chopped kale, purple onions and cabbage, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, pomegranate seeds with a citrus molasses dressing.
Yes, that is gasoline flowing down along the curb. The white you see in the below photos is from the fire extinguishers, not snow. The local environmental protection agency says they have it "under control". Welcome to "Light Up Louisville". As of 17 November we did not see any evidence of "action taken by an environmental agency".
While we're waiting,
Kentucky is projected to receive $19 million as part of a national Settlement with the automaker Volkswagen over allegations of cheating on emission tests. Kentucky will be required to develop and submit a plan for how the funds will be used to reduce excess emissions. Watch the following web page for updates on the process as they become available. Go to the Volkswagen (VW) Partial Settlement page here. air.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Not where I live. They were blasting down the street frequently. Fortunately we used to ride our horses on the edge of Stavola's Trap Rock Quarry in Kingston, NJ where we knew the difference between blasting, drilling, undermining, tremors & earthquakes so it didn't bother me or the horses (mine was a blind Appaloosa). It is helpful for some to place and remove signs in the appropriate areas at the appropriate times and stay on top of that. Didn't bother me but a few of my neighbors here seemed a little shook.
You might want to check your homeowner's insurance because most do not cover damage from earthquakes or undermining although they do from blasting, or at least the blasting company will if you can prove the damage was done by them, assuming you were notified beforehand of blasting being done so you could take photos - at that point their insurance company is required to pick up the tab. Do not expect to be notified - most companies do not. Some do. If you see earthmoving around your area and rock being excavated there is most likely blasting going on. Take photos of your home inside and out including all corners, ceilings and foundation edges - date them and post them somewhere online for your records or back them up in a safe place (other than your home).
Does this town check anything? Do we even have Louisville Metro employees other than entertainers, social services, police & fire? Has our Mayor touched down yet?
Aiken Road, Louisville - Across from Target.
Sharp as a bowling ball: www.wlky.com/news/atf-offers-reward-for-dynamite-stolen-o...
History
Isaac W. Bernheim established Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in 1929. I. W. Bernheim (1848-1945) was a German immigrant who settled in Kentucky. From a humble beginning as a peddler, he became successful in the whiskey distilling business where he established the I.W. Harper brand. Grateful for his good fortune, he gave Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to the people of Kentucky as a gift.
bernheim.org/explore/
Pancake and I had gone to a huge park to get her outside - we spent 2 hours there and never saw one sign of any type of animal or bird. She thought she saw something move here but never did find whatever she thought she saw. We did see one huge dead fish - an Asian carp.
From: Pilgrimage to Russia 1988
"In Cathedral Square the oldest church is Assumption of the Dornition. The Tsars were baptized and crowned there. It was completed in 1479. There was a fire and the bell was not put up yet. It was still on the ground. It was so hot the men tried to cool it off by pouring water on it. Of course it cracked and still sits there. It's really big - it weighs 200 tons."
Touring The Kremlin: www.musement.com/us/moscow/moscow-kremlin-entry-ticket-to...
*******
Tzar Bell History:
The Tsar Bell (Russian: Царь–колокол, Tsar-kolokol), also known as the Tsarsky Kolokol, Tsar Kolokol III, or Royal Bell, is a 6.14-metre (20.1 ft) tall, 6.6-metre (22 ft) diameter bell on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin. The bell was commissioned by Empress Anna Ivanovna, niece of Peter the Great.
It has never been in working order, suspended, or rung.
The present bell is sometimes referred to as Kolokol III (Bell III), because it is the third generation.[citation needed]
General description
The Tsar Bell is located between the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Kremlin Wall. Made of bronze, the bell cracked during a fire after being completed and has never been rung. The bell is the largest bell in the world,[1] weighing 201,924 kilograms (445,166 lb),[citation needed] with a height of 6.14 metres (20.1 ft) and diameter of 6.6 metres (22 ft), and thickness of up to 61 centimetres (24 in). The broken piece weighs 11,500 kilograms (25,400 lb). [Note 1]
The bell is decorated with relief images of baroque angels, plants, oval medallions with saints, and nearly life-size images of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexey, who was reigning at the time the previous Tsar Bell was cast.
History
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The history of Russian bell founding goes back to the 10th century, but in the medieval Russian Orthodox Church, bells were not typically rung to indicate church service, but to announce important ceremonies, celebrations, and as an alarm in case of fire or enemy attack. One of the largest of the early bells was the original Tsar Bell, cast in the 16th century. Completed in 1600, it weighed 18,000 kilograms (40,000 lb) and required 24 men to ring its clapper. Housed in the original wooden Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Moscow Kremlin, it crashed to the ground in a fire in the mid-17th century and was broken to pieces.[citation needed]
The second Tsar Bell was cast in 1655, using the remnants of the former bell, but on a much larger scale. This bell weighed 100,000 kilograms (220,000 lb), but was again destroyed by fire in 1701.[citation needed]
After becoming Empress, Anna ordered that the pieces be cast into a new bell with its weight increased by another hundred tons, and dispatched the son of Field Marshal Münnich to Paris to solicit technical help from the master craftsmen there. However, a bell of such size was unprecedented, and Münnich was not taken seriously. In 1733, the job was assigned to local foundry masters, Ivan Motorin and his son Mikhail, based on their experience in casting a bronze cannon.[citation needed]
A pit 10 metres (33 ft) deep was dug (near the location of the present bell), with a clay form, and walls reinforced with rammed earth to withstand the pressure of the molten metal. Obtaining the necessary metals proved a challenge, for in addition to the parts of the old bell, an additional 525 kilograms (1,157 lb) of silver and 72 kilograms (159 lb) of gold were added to the mixture. After months of preparation, casting work commenced at the end of November 1734. The first attempt was not successful, and the project was incomplete when Ivan Motorin died in August, 1735. His son Mikhail carried on the work, and the second attempt at casting succeeded on November 25, 1735. Ornaments were added as the bell was cooling while raised above the casting pit through 1737.
However, before the last ornamentation was completed, a major fire broke out at the Kremlin in May 1737. The fire spread to the temporary wooden support structure for the bell, and fearing damage, guards threw cold water on it, causing eleven cracks, and a huge 10,432.6 kilograms (23,000 lb) slab to break off. The fire burned through the wooden supports, and the damaged bell fell back into its casting pit. The Tsar Bell remained in its pit for almost a century. Unsuccessful attempts to raise it were made in 1792 and 1819. Napoleon Bonaparte, during his occupation of Moscow in 1812, considered removing it as a trophy to France, but was unable to do so, due to its size and weight.[citation needed]
It was finally successfully raised in the summer of 1836 by the French architect Auguste de Montferrand and placed on a stone pedestal. The broken slab alone is nearly three times larger than the world's largest bell hung for full circle ringing, the tenor bell at Liverpool Cathedral.
For a time, the bell served as a chapel, with the broken area forming the door.[2]
Computational simulation of sound
Voltaire joked that the Kremlin's two greatest items were a bell which was never rung and a cannon (the Tsar Pushka) that was never fired.[3] In the spring of 2016, a team of UC Berkeley, Stanford, and University of Michigan researchers publicly performed an electronic reproduction of how the Tsar Bell would sound if it had not been damaged during casting.[4] To simulate the sound of the bell, the team researched the bell's material characteristics and constructed a polygon mesh that modeled the shape of the bell. The team then used finite element analysis to compute the component frequencies of the bell when rung.[5] For the first public performance, a stack of twelve speakers installed below the campanile on the UC Berkeley campus played the digital simulation of the Tsar Bell. The fundamental frequency of the sound was approximately 81 Hz.[6]
她不是你能看的形象，
能聽到歌聲，
卻是你雖閉目時也能看見的形象，
雖掩耳時也能聽見的歌聲。__________Kahlil Gibran
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......underwater on top a hill - Murphy Lane & Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky, USA - the Ford plant is across the street.
This tragic train vs. auto accident occurred a few weeks ago and a young life was taken - he was only 19 years old. He apparently attempted to make a right hand turn crossing the tracks. From looking at the scene it appears the train pushed the car with such a force it went airborne and landed over a hundred feet into a deep ditch. My sincerest condolences to all involved. But there are *no* gates. The following photos depict the scene and are quite disturbing considering this loss of a promising young life could have and should have been prevented and was not.
There have been similar accidents at this same crossing in the past.
This is what is confusing to me:
East Blue Lick Road Add gates to existing flashing lights and bell system at CSX Railroad Crossing on East Blue Lick Road. (343 526X) Add to TIP as part of KIPDA #174 Various general rail/highway protection improvement program projects. Add FY2014 Construction $240,000 federal; RHPD funding
So WHERE ARE THE GATES? Better yet where is our $240,000 and the BIDS for a $50,000 job.
www.kipda.org/files/PDF/Transportation_Division/TIP/FY201...
State - KENTUCKY County - All January To December, 2015
Total fatalities: 16 Total nonfatal conditions: 90 (42 civilians)
Total train miles: 854,031
1 killed every 53,377 train miles
1,873 killed in 100 million miles
*****************************
www.wlky.com/news/bullitt-county-officials-at-scene-of-de...
******************
UPDATE: I was informed today June 7, 2018, that gates have been installed at this crossing now - unsure how long ago they were installed, but they're up and hopefully functioning correctly. Thank you.
0/0
(List of Board of Directors Below)
Reps from CSX, ATT attempting to find a resolution to the "Poltergeist Gates" that have been malfunctioning for close to a decade. There are numerous oil spills visible along these tracks as far as the eye can see. There have been many auto accidents/fatalities on/near this corner. There is one unregistered "American Towers" cell mast to the left of these trucks and at least 4 within a one-mile area. This is typical for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Drunk driving, cancer, auto fatalities and suicide rates are skewered yet still rank among the highest in the Nation. Air, water and environmental quality due to lack of local and State Government enforcement is atrocious - this County is still dumping raw sewage into streams, rivers and brooks. There is no oversight or enforcement to local industries or quarries nor is there enforcement of laws in place to protect the environment or The People from further destruction to air and water pollution other than to place a lighted sign over freeways stating "air quality warning". Quarry roadways are not watered down as required, roadways are not swept, maintained, repaired or cleaned, no dust or erosion control measures are practiced, trucks are not correctly tarped or not tarped at all and the public's best interests are not being protected. Yet the medical profession is making a killing. And all they'll say is, "Welcome to the Ohio Valley".
I will say the response, communication and investigation from the above agencies was swift and thorough after receiving a call from a concerned resident - kudos to them!
Corner of LaGrange Road, Factory Lane, Chamberlain Lane,
Louisville, Kentucky 40245
Louisville Kentucky is only #6 in the top ranked "Sinful Cities" in the Nation. We've got to do better if we want to be #1! www.trulia.com/blog/trends/sin-cities/ only to be beat out by Toledo, Tampa, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New Orleans. #pollution #corruption #cancer #crime #plasticsurgery #substanceabuse #alcoholabuse #prescriptiondrugs #medicalmalpractice #suicides #kamikaze #realtors #e.coli #disease #autoimmune #lupus #MS #braintumors #leukemia #EPA #DEP #hazardouswaste #toxicspills #nonresponsive #letsguide
**********************************************
CSX Divestitures and Distinuations:
CSX Hotels, Inc.
Greenbrier Hotel Corporation sold to Justice Family Group in 2009
Sea-Land Corporation split into two shipping lines and a terminal operator:
CSX Lines, LLC (Domestic liner, sold and renamed Horizon Lines, Inc.)
Sea-Land Corporation (International liner, sold to the A. P. Moller-Maersk Group in 1999)
CSX World Terminals, LLC (International Terminals business)[7]
SL Services, Inc. (“SLSI”) sold to Dubai Ports International FZE (“DPI”) in 2005[8]
Orange Blossom Investment Company, Ltd sold to Dubai Ports International FZE (“DPI”) in 2005
CSA Acquisition Corp.
Texas Gas Transmission Corporation bought in 1983, sold in 1988 to Transco.[9]
Energy and utilities
********************************
CSX Board of Directors:
Mr. Steven T. Halverson
Steven T. Halverson, 57, has served as a director of CSX since September 2006. Mr. Halverson is the Chief Executive Officer of The Haskell Company, one of the largest design and construction firms in the United States. Prior to joining the Haskell Company in 1999, Mr. Halverson served as a Senior Vice President of M.A. Mortenson, a national construction firm.
Mr. Halverson also serves as a director for PSS World Medical, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, ACIG Insurance Co., the Florida Counsel of 100 (chair), and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Halverson is also a St. John's University regent.
Through his roles with key organizations in the state of Florida, Mr. Halverson provides broad leadership capabilities to the CSX Board. He also provides insight and perspective on the economy in general and the construction industry in particular.
************
Mr. John D. McPherson
John D. McPherson, 65, joined the Board in July 2008. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida East Coast Railway, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc., from 1999 until his retirement in 2007. From 1993-1998, Mr. McPherson served as Senior Vice President-Operations, and from 1998-1999, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Central Railroad. Prior to joining the Illinois Central Railroad, Mr. McPherson served in various capacities at Santa Fe Railroad for 25 years. As a result of his extensive career in the rail industry, Mr. McPherson serves as an expert in railroad operations.
Mr. McPherson currently serves on the board of directors of Las Vegas Railway Express, a start-up passenger railroad which will operate between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. From 1997-2007, Mr. McPherson served as a member of the board of directors of TTX Company, a railcar provider and freight car management services joint venture of North American railroads.
******
Mr. David M. Moffet
David M. Moffett served as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation from September 2008 until his retirement in March 2009. He previously served as a Senior Advisor with the Carlyle Group LLC from May 2007 to September 2008, as the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Bancorp from 2001 to 2007, after its merger with Firstar Corporation where he served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Moffett also served as Chief Financial Officer of StarBanc Corporation, a predecessor to Firstar Corporation, from 1993 to 1998.
In addition to the directorships noted above, Mr. Moffett currently serves as a trustee on the boards of Columbia Fund Series Trust I and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust, overseeing approximately 52 funds within the Columbia Funds mutual fund complex. He also serves as a trustee for the University of Oklahoma Foundation.
*****
Mr. Timothy T. O'Toole
Timothy T. O'Toole, 56, joined the Board in September 2008. Mr. O'Toole is currently the Chief Executive Officer of FirstGroup, plc, a leading transportation company that primarily provides rail and bus services. FirstGroup, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, employs approximately 130,000 staff throughout the U.K. and North America and transports some 2.5 billion passengers a year. Mr. O'Toole previously served as the Managing Director of the London Underground from 2003 through April 2009, where he was responsible for operating and rebuilding the Tube, the world's oldest metropolitan railway. Mr. O'Toole brings to the Board over 25 years of railroad industry experience. He also provides invaluable operational experience in crisis management evidenced by his leadership following a terror attack on the London Underground in 2005.
Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Conrail from 1998 to 2001. During his more than 20 years at Conrail, he served in various senior management roles, including Senior Vice President of Law and Government Affairs, Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer, and Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. O'Toole also serves as a member of the board of FirstGroup.
***************
Mr. David M. Ratcliffe
David M. Ratcliffe, 63, has served as a director of CSX since January 2003. Mr. Ratcliffe retired from his position as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company, one of America's largest producers of electricity, in December of 2010. He had held that position since 2004. From 1999 until 2004, Mr. Ratcliffe was President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power, Southern Company's largest subsidiary. Prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power in 1999, Mr. Ratcliffe served as Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Ratcliffe serves on the board of SunTrust Bank. He also serves as a member of the boards of various organizations, including GRA Venture Fund, LLC, Georgia Research Alliance, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Urjanet, a software startup company, and the Centers for Disease Control Foundation. As Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company, Mr. Ratcliffe participated in a heavily regulated industry with operations in substantial portions of our service territory. Through this experience, he provides expertise in an ever-changing regulatory environment, which includes important public policy matters such as climate change legislation.
*************
Ms. Donna M. Alvarado
Donna M. Alvarado, 63, has served as a CSX director since September 2006. Ms. Alvarado is the founder and current President of Aguila International, a business-consulting firm.
Previously, Ms. Alvarado served as President and Chief Executive Officer of a global educational publishing company from 1989-1993. She has served on corporate boards in the manufacturing, banking, transportation, and services industries. During the past five years, she has also led state and national workforce policy boards. Ms. Alvarado currently serves on the board of directors of Corrections Corporation of America and as immediate past Chairwoman of the Ohio Board of Regents.
Following executive and legislative staff appointments at the U.S. Department of Defense and in the U.S. Congress, Ms. Alvarado was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to lead the federal agency ACTION, the nation's premier agency for civic engagement and volunteerism, a position which she held from 1985-1989.
As a result of her experience in the public and private sector, Ms. Alvarado brings to the Board significant workforce planning expertise, as evidenced by her previous high-level government appointments, which is complemented by her role with the Ohio Board of Regents.
*****
Senator John B. Breaux
Senator John B. Breaux, 68, has served as a director of CSX since shortly after his retirement from the U.S. Senate in 2005. Senator Breaux held numerous leadership positions during his 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and 18-year tenure in the U.S. Senate, where he served on the House Public Works and Transportation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Commerce Committee. Senator Breaux also founded the Centrist Coalition of Senate Democrats and Republicans and served as chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council. He brings extensive public policy and regulatory experience to the CSX Board at a time when Congress is considering additional legislation that could have a material effect on railroad operations.
From 2005 through 2007, Senator Breaux served as Senior Counsel at Patton Boggs LLP. Currently, Senator Breaux is a partner in the Breaux-Lott Leadership Group, a private consulting firm in Washington, DC. In 2010, the Breaux-Lott Leadership Group was purchased by Patton Boggs LLP. He also serves as a director of LHC Group, Inc.
****
Ms. Pamela L. Carter
Pamela L. Carter, 62, joined the Board in June 2010. Ms. Carter is President of Cummins Distribution, a division of Cummins, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of diesel engines and related components and power systems. Ms. Carter joined Cummins in 1997 as Vice President - General Counsel and held various management positions up until her appointment as President of Cummins Distribution in 2008.
Prior to her career with Cummins, Ms. Carter served in various capacities with the State of Indiana and in the private practice of law. Ms. Carter was the first woman and the first African-American to hold the office of Attorney General in Indiana. Ms. Carter also served as Parliamentarian in the Indiana House of Representatives, Deputy Chief-of-Staff to Governor Evan Bayh, Executive Assistant for Health Policy & Human Services and Securities Enforcement Attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State.
Ms. Carter currently serves on the board of directors of Spectra Energy Corporation. She brings strong operational experience to the Board via her career with Cummins, Inc. Her extensive experience in government allows Ms. Carter to provide in-depth knowledge and insight into regulatory and public policy matters.
*****
Mr. Edward J. Kelly, III
Edward J. Kelly, III, 58, has served as a director of CSX since July 2002. Mr. Kelly is currently Chairman of the Institutional Clients Group at Citigroup, Inc. He has previously served as Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Global Banking at Citigroup, Inc., as well as Chief Executive Officer of Citi Alternative Investments, an integrated alternative investments platform within Citigroup, Inc.
Mr. Kelly previously served as a Managing Director at The Carlyle Group and Vice Chairman of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. following PNC's acquisition of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation in March 2007. At Mercantile, Mr. Kelly held the offices of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President from March 2003 until March 2007, and was Chief Executive Officer and President from March 2001 to March 2003. Before joining Mercantile, Mr. Kelly served as Managing Director and co-head of Investment Banking Client Management at J.P. Morgan Chase and Managing Director and Head of Global Financial Institutions at J.P. Morgan. Previously, Mr. Kelly was a partner at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell, where he specialized in matters related to financial institutions. Early in his career, Mr. Kelly served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr.
Mr. Kelly has previously served on the boards of directors for The Hartford Financial Services Group, The Hershey Company and Paris RE Holdings. As an executive in the banking industry, Mr. Kelly provides extensive financial and regulatory experience to the Board. He offers important perspective on global financial markets.
**************
Mr. Donald J. Shepard
Donald J. Shepard, 65, has served as a director of CSX since January 2003. In 2008, Mr. Shepard retired as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AEGON, N.V., an international life insurance and pension company.
He currently serves as a member of the boards of directors of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ("PNC") and the Travelers Companies, Inc. Mr. Shepard was also a director of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation until 2007, when the company was acquired by PNC. He is also a director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Through his executive positions with AEGON, Mr. Shepard brings financial and risk management expertise to the CSX Board. Through his leadership role with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Shepard also brings significant insight into developing business trends and opportunities.
*****
Mr. Michael J. Ward
Michael J. Ward is chairman and chief executive officer of CSX Corporation, one of the nation's premier transportation and logistics companies. Over his 39-year career, Mr. Ward has headed CSX's operations, coal sales and marketing, and finance departments.
Under Mr. Ward's leadership, the company continues to achieve record safety performance while providing vital services to customers and posting strong financial results for shareholders.
The company's commitment to safety and preparing its network for increasing freight demand is demonstrated by its planned 2016 capital investment of $2.4 billion and its long-term plan to invest approximately 16 to 17 percent of its revenues back into its core business to support growth.
A native of Baltimore, Md., Mr. Ward's commitment to personal philanthropy and corporate citizenship has been recognized with City Year's prestigious Lifetime of Idealism Award. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1972, and received a master's degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School in 1976. Mr. Ward is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of American Railroads, and also serves on the boards of Ashland Inc., City Year, United Way of Northeast Florida, and Hubbard House. His other business affiliations include The Florida Council of 100 and The Business Roundtable.
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com..
**************
Mr. J. Steven Whisler
J. Steven Whisler, 57, is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phelps Dodge Corporation, a mining and manufacturing company, where he served in many roles from 1981 until being named Chief Executive Officer in 2000. During his tenure at Phelps Dodge, Mr. Whisler was instrumental in the implementation of its "Zero and Beyond" safety program designed to eliminate workplace injuries and its "Quest for Zero" process-improvement program designed to, among other things, eliminate environmental waste while enhancing product quality.
Mr. Whisler currently serves on the boards of directors of Brunswick Corporation and International Paper Co. He also served as director of US Airways Group, Inc. from 2005 until 2011, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe from 1995 until its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway in 2010. Through his tenure on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe board of directors and as a former executive in the mining industry, Mr. Whisler brings invaluable railroad knowledge to the CSX Board and a strong understanding of one of the Company's largest customer bases. Mr. Whisler's support of safety and environmental programs aligns closely with the Company's goals.