Yesterday afternoon while Pancake was taking a break we happened upon this three-vehicle wreck accompanied by three police cruisers. Pancake had a wonderful run on the way to the pet store to get something for our new cat.

I pray no one was injured. We'd also passed a vehicle which skidded off the side of the road and was in a ditch but we could not make a u-turn to see if they were ok as I could not risk getting a ticket. I'm sure one of the many of the other vehicles passing this car in a ditch stopped to check it out.

Ohio River tops Nation for Industrial Pollution: www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/20...

Peeling Tree Bark Disease - Hardwood trees that have peeling bark may be suffering from a fungal disease called Hypoxylon canker. Peeling bark caused by this disease is accompanied by yellowing and wilting leaves and dying branches. In addition, the wood under the peeling bark is covered with a mat of fungus. There is no cure for this disease and the tree should be removed and the wood destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus. Cut down the tree as soon as possible to prevent damage and injury from falling branches.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Peeling Bark On Trees: What To Do For Trees That Have Peeling Bark www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/peeling-ba...

盼我瘋魔，

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I do not know more about CSX other than what I have seen & learned over the past few years in my own dealings with this company's spokespersons, representatives and agents. I can say unequivocally there indeed was an amazing turnaround with CSX over the past year but was not aware of the reason. I will also say that every CSX representative I've come in contact with over the years has been outstanding. The only impediment to the majority of the progress with this railway here in Kentucky was the Government itself. RIP Hunter Harrison - indeed what a brilliant man you were.

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

CSX CEO Hunter Harrison Dies at Age 73

www.thestreet.com/story/14422803/1/csx-ceo-hunter-harriso...

By Brian Sozzi and Anders Keitz

Dec 16, 2017 3:24 PM EST

The legendary railroad figure passes away after battling an unexplained illness, according to reports.

It is with great sadness that we announce that E. Hunter Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSX, died today in Wellington, Fla., due to unexpectedly severe complications from a recent illness," CSX said in a statement. "The entire CSX family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Hunter's family. Hunter was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy in railroading to CSX."

CSX chairman Ed Kelly added, "With the passing of Hunter Harrison, CSX has suffered a major loss. Notwithstanding that loss, the Board is confident that Jim Foote, as acting Chief Executive Officer, and the rest of the CSX team will capitalize on the changes that Hunter has made. The Board will continue to consider in a deliberative way how best to maximize CSX's performance over the long term."

Jim Foote, who joined the company in October as its chief operating officer, was named acting CEO on Friday. Foote, who worked with Harrison at Canadian National for 11 years, declined to provide further details of Harrison's condition and when he might return during a conference call with analysts Friday.

Shares of CSX fell by about 7.7% to $52.93 on Friday.

Harrison was installed as CEO of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based railroad company in April 2017 as part of activist investor Paul Hilal's efforts to shake up management at CSX. Prior to joining CSX, Harrison solidified his legacy at the helm of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. (CP - Get Report) for five years.

Harrison's age and overall health were in focus earlier this year as investors were asked to vote on an $84 million compensation package. The Wall Street Journal reported that Harrison has a medical condition that requires him to "frequently use an oxygen tank" and he declined requests by CSX's board to have an independent physician review his medical record during the brief proxy battle. Still, a vast majority of shareholder supported Harrison and rewarded him with the $84 million payment.

Despite Harrison's departure, Foote said that he does "not see any reason to diminish our expectations concerning the pace and magnitude of our future progress." He said that the real heavy lifting has been done.

"The Precision Scheduled Railroading framework has been put into place and the company has the critical railroad talent sufficient to follow through and execute on the PSR operating plan," Foote said. Precision Scheduled Railroading refers to repetitive on-time performance, a strategy that Harrison perfected and rode to great financial successes at prior stops.

BMO Capital markets analyst Fadi Chamoun concurred, saying that CSX has accomplished more than 50% of its restructuring targets, and Foote has the skill set to keep moving the ball forward.

"CSX has already made meaningful changes in its turnaround, with the heavier lifting complete and foundations of Precision Scheduled Railroading firmly in place," Chamoun wrote in a research note. "We sense that the company has already executed on over 50% of its estimated $1.1 billion cost improvement opportunity, which puts it at a run-rate of 65% operating ratio."

BMO has an Outperform rating on the stock with a $60 price target.

"For what it's worth, we observed a mutually respectful, and even collegial, relationship between Mr. Harrison and Mr. Foote as they interacted during the keynote CSX fireside chat that we hosted at the CS Industrials conference two weeks ago," Credit Suisse analysts Allison Landry and Anuj Shah wrote in a research note. "This gives us reason to believe that Hunter - at his post or not - may very well pull it off after all."

"There is still much more work to be done here, but again everyone is focused," Foote said.

USDA Awards $203M+ for Rural Infrastructure Improvements Throughout Kentucky

By ROB CANNING • OCT 26, 2016

The United States Department of Agriculture is providing more than $203 million in loans to electric projects throughout Kentucky, including projects to improve electric service for many western Kentucky customers.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the loans will finance infrastructure projects, job creation and systematic improvements for rural electric customers.

"For 80 years, rural electric utilities have provided reliable and affordable electricity to help rural communities increase productivity and build stronger economies," said Vilsack. "These loans will help them continue to do that. The utilities and cooperatives will use some of the money to finance energy efficiency projects, renewable fuel systems and smart grid technologies to increase our energy independence and improve rural electric infrastructure."

Some $46.1 million in loans go towards Big Rivers Electric Corporation projects in western Kentucky aimed at bringing environmental systems up to federal mercury and air toxic standards as well as improve of utility line and build new substations and transformers.

West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative is offered $25 million to build and improve 180 miles of utility line; that loan includes $4.8 million for smart grid projects.

Combined, Big Rivers and WKREC service some 146,000 members in 26 Kentucky counties.

Vilsack says the money is part of $3.6 billion in loans issued to 82 electric projects nationwide through the Rural Utilities Service. To date, USDA has invested $38 billion in electric loans and more than $1 billion for smart grid technologies nationwide.

The complete list of Kentucky utility groups receiving loans are: (in bold are groups with a majority of customers within the WKMS region)

· Big River Electric Corp. $25,630,000 To make environmental system improvements to meet federal regulations for Mercury and Air Toxic Standards

· Big River Electric Corp. $20,511,000 To improve 4 miles of line, build two new substations, install two transformers at an existing substation, and make other transmission system improvements.

· Big Sandy Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. $10,000,000 To build or improve 47 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $392,975 for smart grid projects.

· Blue Grass Energy Cooperative Corp. $44,000,000 To build or improve 237 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $6,142,240 for smart grid projects.

· Clark Energy Cooperative $20,000,000 To build or improve 155 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,061,261 for smart grid projects.

· Cumberland Valley Electric $17,889,000 To build or improve 96 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,665,099 for smart grid projects.

· West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. $25,000,000 To build or improve 180 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $4,890,569 for smart grid projects.

· South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. $40,000,000 To build or improve 436 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $805,000 for smart grid projects.

wkms.org/post/usda-awards-203m-rural-infrastructure-impro...

Artist Coert Steynberg

2762 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Visited this local library a few weeks ago - it is indeed a majestic structure. We were there approximately 7PM and were the only ones there aside from the librarians.

It is a quiet library and the artwork, masonry, marble and workmanship throughout this beautiful structure are astounding. The mosaics on the wall you see in this photo are incredibly beautiful.

Louisville Free Public Library - Crescent Hill: History

The Crescent Hill Branch, constructed in 1908, was one of the first of nine Carnegie-endowed libraries in the City of Louisville. Designed by the local architectural firm of Thomas and Bohne, it is an excellent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The library building has been adapted over time, but the architectural integrity remains. An addition to the west side of the building was added in 1961, with a renovation in 1988.

The building underwent a major renovation in the early 1990s. During the renovation, the library was temporarily housed in the Masonic Home on Frankfort Ave. On March 24, 1994, the library reopened with a gala reception. Led by local designer, Dwight Cobb, the result is an elegant, stately building with breathtaking interior design. The building is handicapped accessible, and houses two floors of library services, reading/study areas with comfortable seating and lighting, a meeting room, and a periodicals room. The signature piece of the Library is the Children's wing, complete with a mural of children's literary characters and a castle (turret and all). One of the Library’s two handsome reading rooms was recognized in 2007 by USA Today as one of the top 10 reading rooms in American public libraries.

The Library has a long tradition of involvement in the community. Sallie T. Berryman, who served as the librarian from 1909-1939, organized the first story hour, night classes, boy's and girl's clubs, a child health clinic, and two groups that would later become the Crescent Hill Women's Club. A memorial to Crescent Hill residents killed in World War I was dedicated in 1922. The Library remains actively involved in its community and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008.

www.lfpl.org/branches/crescent-hill.htm#history

These front-line firefighters battling this Dodge Durango SUV fire here in Louisville, Kentucky, USA were outstanding. They put their lives on the line for us all each and every day.

While driving down Aiken Road, Louisville, KY 40245 we passed this construction site - this sign was posted at the end. Across from Target. Just in Case. They don't use Cats. : )

A case of dynamite was stolen from this site.

There's still one case missing: www.cbsnews.com/news/official-explosives-stolen-from-trai...

It has to be a joke.

Where'd all our trees go, says Mayor Fischer.

Still waiting for that air particulate sampling Jerry Abramson promised (in person) e.ons ago.

And the "Air Quality" warning is still flashing over I-64.

Happy Free Friday Download Day!

Pancake and I did an overnight photo-op downtown this night.

We were hoping to stay until 04:20 however an hour prior a van pulled up and winged a large solid object across the above courtyard which hit the front door - solid dead hit - Pancake thought it was a game and went to go get it. I stopped her and we immediately left the area. The person who pitched it had a very good arm. There was a very foul odor emanating from the grate in the sidewalk which was similar to natural gas but I'm told it was probably just raw sewage stench. It is difficult to fathom how a supposedly major health care company (Humana) can allow their employees to work here under those conditions. It was unfit for human habitation as it stands.

Update: June 29, 2021: I was informed today from a former employee that the Humana buildings were infested with Stink Bugs. That would explain the odor. The former employee said the stink bugs were the brown ones - like these: www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/stink-bugs-whe...

From Left to right - Gaspar Côrte-Real (navigator)

Martim Afonso de Sousa (navigator)

João de Barros (writer)

Estêvão de Gama (sea captain)

Actually, the gentleman on the right was wandering around this huge parking lot, stumbling, drooling, and eventually sat back onto some snow and laid down. What was so great about this scenario is the Burger King associates noticed this and sprung into action as they went outside and stood over him (he eventually was able to sit up, then stand up again) until the police arrived. One gentleman who stopped in a passing truck said he'd notified the police as he had a Son who was disabled and not able to walk and he was very concerned. Humanity is alive and well at Burger King.

The officers handled this very, very well. No one was beaten up. Eventually three officers were on the scene and all of them were very professional. I tip my hat to them on this one.

As I understood from what i could hear, he'd wandered from his Grandmother's house quite a distance away. There appeared to be some medication conflicts.

Burger King, unlike McDonald's, does not have a problem with customers or visitors using their phone to make 911 calls, if need be, which is always good to know.

Charles Benedict Carver founded the Maryland Agricultural College at Riversdale. It would later become the University of Maryland and thus home to the mascot a Maryland Terrapin.

Évora, Portugal

SAFETY:

Model-by-model road accident statistics from the UK Department for Transport show that the Land Rover Defender is one of the safest cars on British roads as measured by chance of death in two-car injury accidents.[46] The figures, which were based on data collected by police forces following accidents between 2000 and 2004 in Great Britain, showed that Defender drivers had a 1% chance of being killed or seriously injured and a 33% chance of sustaining any kind of injury. Other four-wheel-drive vehicles scored equally highly, and collectively these vehicles were much safer for their passengers than those in other classes such as passenger cars and MPVs. These figures reflect the fact that drivers of large mass vehicles are likely to be safer, often at the expense of other drivers if they collide with smaller cars.

After standing still in the water for quite some time I turned to look around and realized I was completely surrounded by a circle of fish - mostly bluegill, crappie, bass, some unknown, and many small fries. Even without pink nail polish they are attracted to humans and very curious, swimming up to my hands much like the tropical fish in the Caribbean. Pancake would not venture near these spawning beds and stayed on the shore under her favorite tree. Unfortunately snorkeling is not permitted in this lake for whatever reasons. Snakes, perhaps.

The dust conditions here are horrendous - residents with respiratory ailments, especially the young and elderly, struggle to breathe. Many are plagued with eye ailments and cataracts due to the constant exposure and corneal abrasions due to dust and grit long term. Our government, however is happy with the progress they've made in spite of the human and environmental repercussions.

Hopefully in the near future the dozens of construction and earth-moving sites upstream (as well as the government inspectors) will be more diligent with their soil erosion and sediment control measures to protect the humans, wildlife, animals, lakes and waterways here in Kentucky and adhere to laws in place to protect habitats such as this one. And hopefully local residents and visitors will one day be more diligent about taking their trash, cans, bottles, litter and fishing line strewn across the park home with them to either dispose or recycle .

***********

Why pay for Garra-Rufa (Doctor Fish) pedicures when you can get them for free?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_fish

"Doctor fish facilities at spa resorts exist in many countries worldwide. In 2006, doctor fish spa resorts opened in Kangal, Turkey, Hakone, Japan, and Umag, Croatia, where the fish are used to clean the bathers at the spa.[citation needed] In 2008, two widely known doctor fish pedicure services were opened in the United States in Alexandria, Virginia, and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin ordered the closure of the doctor fish service shortly after its opening. In 2010 the first spa opened in the United Kingdom in Sheffield.[3][2][6][7] In 2011 the UK Health Protection Agency issued a report assigning a "very low" risk of transferring infection from the procedure.[8]

The practice is banned in several of the states in the United States and Canadian provinces as cosmetology regulators believe the practice is unsanitary, with the Wall Street Journal saying that "cosmetology regulations generally mandate that tools need to be discarded or sanitized after each use. But epidermis-eating fish are too expensive to throw away".[7] The procedure is legal in Quebec, with a few clinics in Montreal.[9] The animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals denounces the practice, citing callous methods of international transportation and suggesting that the fish are deliberately starved between treatments to force them to take this abnormal food.[10]"

We visited Mohammed Ali's grave site in Louisville, KY, USA and it is indeed a beautiful site. It is said he wanted a modest burial place. The caretaker there today noted Ali had come himself to choose this particular site, and well chosen it is. In comparison with other memorials in this cemetery, it is indeed humble, beautifully designed, maintained and watched over. There are benches on each side of the steps if one wishes to sit and reflect and there is a small urn where passersby drop change after walking up a small grouping of solidly placed stone steps. It is beautifully landscaped with petunias, dahlias, ivy, begonias and other bright, colorful flowers. This is definitely a peaceful, inspiring place and well worth the visit. Pictured: Nadia and David.

About our friend, Nadia:

Nadia Kennedy (adopted name), born 10/16/98, was possibly born in Kiev, Ukraine. She relays that her birth parents in Russia were reported to the government as being addicts and alcoholics and their neighbors called the police on them. Both babies (or toddlers) Nadia and her sister were removed from the home and placed in separate "baby houses", aka a place where they sorted out babies to determine which were healthy enough to stay in Russia and which would be offered out to other nations for care and adoption.

Nadia stated her sister is one year younger than she is. Her sister's birthday is 8/4/99. She wants to locate her sister. Please do share this link/photo with anyone you know who might know the whereabouts of her long lost Ukraine sister.

Nadia says she was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. You can read about fetal alcohol syndrome here: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html

Her maternal adopted Grandparents currently reside Woodbury, NJ. Her adoptive parents currently reside in Florida.

Interestingly enough, 2 1/2 years later, this mushroom planted itself adjacent to this Sons of the American Revolution Blankenbaker family grave marker at the cemetery located on Papa Johns Pizza's property.

Inspected by Inspector #22 (on 4/4/03 per the green sticker on the electric panel - illegible signature - John something). Cert. #0264313. Contractor: John Waters Electrical, Heating & Cooling Company.

Not sure what black substance is being emitted there - might possibly just be soot damage from a "controlled burn" done across the street years ago by the local fire department: youtu.be/1WC9ol3aEtQ OR the toxic Chinese Drywall installed throughout this area: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_drywall

Home inspection by:

Mr. William H. Osborne

Home Inspections, Inc.

1025 Skyview Drive

New Albany, IN 47150

A local builder recently stated most of the building and housing inspectors here are "on the take". I am grateful I do not live in a high-rise.

Llandudno North Wales #LetsGuide Great Orme

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...

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

www.wlky.com/news/bullitt-county-officials-at-scene-of-de...

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

UPDATE: I was informed today June 7, 2018, 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.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX