10 August 2011 - Panorama - They say there's burros around here...

 I’ve seen these and other warning signs plenty of times, but I really can’t ever recall actually seeing a burro   Red Rock Canyon is part of a federal wild horse and burro management area and it’s not like they’ve got a whole lot holding them back from the road, so I guess the signs are a good idea…

10 August 2011 - Blue Diamond, NV - Burro population unknown

 I’d never actually turned onto the road into Blue Diamond, NV before but it looked like a place that might be worth seeing just for the heck of it.  Curiosity can be a real pain sometimes and end up costing plenty of time but there’s times when it pays off   I just loved this road sign and absolutely had to get a pic of the bike with it   Now, where the heck are those burros hiding

10 August 2011 - Blue Diamond, NV - Correction, burro population at least two

 I swear I didn’t notice these two burros until I was getting back on the bike after taking that picture of it with the road sign   Yes, those are wild burros munching on the lush, green grass of the local park in Blue Diamond, NV which is directly across the street from that great sign

10 August 2011 - Another burro along the road to Bonnie Springs

10 August 2011 - A couple of burros grabbing dinner in Red Rock Canyon

10 August 2011 - Burros heading off into the desert

 And then I saw even more burros along the road and even off the main road   I go from not remembering ever seeing a burro in Red Rock Canyon to having them practically everywhere I look   OK, I’m having a little fun with the smilies, but I really can’t remember seeing a burro out in Red Rock before today and then here they are all over the place.  I can’t say just why it is, but I like ‘em   Maybe it’s because they add even more character to one of my favorite places

10 August 2011 - My V-Star with the Old Spanish Trail historic place marker

10 August 2011 - Old Spanish Trail historic place marker west of Blue Diamond, NV

 I wasn’t really in the mood to stop today – I just wanted to keep riding   Why not ride up to Mountain Springs?  It’s there and the road to get to it has a nice 65 MPH speed limit and some nice, sweeping curves after all   I’d only been down that road one time before, but remembered it was nice.  It was back on my trip around Mt. Charleston that took me through Indian Springs and Pahrump and I didn’t remember seeing a marker for an historic place.  Having nowhere to be and all evening to get there, I turned around and rode the bike across the gravel (which was entertaining to say the least) for a couple pictures and to learn a bit.  I never knew about the Old Spanish Trail, but now I have yet another piece of fairly useless knowledge in my head

10 August 2011 - Panorama - Motorcyclist's view of the moon over the desert

 During my later evening travels through Red Rock Canyon, I noticed how the moon was coming up in the light sky, but still very visible.  I figured why not stop and get the shot for the blog?  I think it came out pretty good even if  it doesn’t live up to 10% of how it looked from inside my helmet

10 August 2011 - Panorama - Yamaha motorcycles at Red Rock Canyon Overlook

 My last stop during the ride (aside from grabbing sodas on the way home) was back at the Red Rock Canyon Overlook.  I noticed that just about every parking space was full, but there were also a couple of sport bikes parked off to one side.  I decided to be friendly and go say hi

I wish I could remember their names, but there was an older eastern European guy who was riding the blue bike and a young couple who’d arrived on the red bike.  All very nice people and we had some fun talking bikes for a while   The guy from the red bike asked if I was Jeff after seeing the plate and said he thought it was nice

I couldn’t pass up the chance to get this picture and I’m glad it came out as well as it did   All three of these bikes are Yamahas and they’re lined up in order according to their performance levels.  My bike’s really rather slow all things considered and is meant for cruising around, enjoying the sights, and doing so in comfort for a long time.  The red bike is a Yamaha R6 which is meant for spirited riding and fun on twisty bits of the road.  Think of it as a reasonably quick sports car with two wheels.  The blue bike is a Yamaha R1 which is fairly similar to the R6 only much faster   If the R6 were a Camaro Z/28, the R1 would be a Corvette Z-06   Both are more than capable of delivering power and handling in huge doses and both can also land you in jail before you’re out of second gear if you’re not diplomatic with the throttle   I’d love to ride one once I lose some more weight and after I’ve had a good deal more experience on the road

Well, it’s now properly late/early and I need to get some sleep before I head back to work in a few hours.  I’m going to end this post here, but I hope you enjoyed it at least 5% as much as I enjoyed riding the roads and taking the pics   Thanks again for reading and have a great Thursday

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The first time I heard “Love and Luck” was on the “Buffett Live – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays” album.  It’s a little different than the studio version naturally, but they’re both good

“Zouk” is a popular form of music from the French Antilles, the kind that makes you dance without knowing what the singer is saying. Since the songs are in patois French, this helps. I once received a request for permission to write new lyrics to the melody of Margaritaville by a very famous European singer and thought it was great and was interested to hear their interpretation. Well this is the melody to a song called “kole Sere,” written by my friend Joecely Beroard, the lead singer for a great Zouk band named Kaasav. The lyrics are mine and I hope that they like the way I interpret their music. This was the first song ever recorded at Shrimp Boat Sound in Key West and Steve Winwood is the guest organist. I thank him for taking time out from his fishing trip.

After a four day weekend, I’m doing better than I was on Friday and I know that I’ve only got a three day work week ahead of me.  I can do this!  Still, it’s back to the trenches to fight it out with the forces of all that break technology and not the least stressful or most fun thing on the planet by a long shot.  Therefore, I try to find something to keep me on more of an even keel.  This song will do nicely – it’s got a good beat, a nice melody, and it’s catchy enough to get stuck in my head which is exactly what I need

So here’s the lyrics from Buffettworld.com:

Better days are in the cards I feel
Feel it in the changin’ wind
I feel it when I fly
So talk to me I’ll listen to your story
I’ve been around enough to know
That there’s more than meets the eye

Everybody needs a little good luck charm
A little gris gris keeps you safe from harm
Rub yours on me, and I’ll rub mine on you
Luckiest couple on the avenue

With a little love and luck
You will get by
With a little love and luck
We’ll take the sky
In this megalo-modern world
You’ve got to try
Try a little love and luck
And you’ll get by

Mysteries don’t ever try to solve them
We’re just players in a game
And no one’s keeping score
So have your fun
Go ahead and tell your story
Find yourself a lover
Who will glue you to the floor

Everybody needs a little good luck charm
A little gris gris keeps you safe from harm
Rub yours on me, and I’ll rub mine on you
Luckiest couple on the avenue

With a little love and luck
You will get by
With a little love and luck
We’ll take the sky
In this megalo-modern world
We’ve got to try
Try a little love and luck
And you’ll get by

Kole sere kole sere
Kole sere kole sere
Kole sere kole sere
Kole sere kole sere

With a little love and luck
You will get by
With a little love and luck
We’ll take the sky
In this megalo-modern world
You’ve got to try
Try a little love and luck
And you’ll get by

Kole sere, kole sere
Kole sere, kole sere
Kole sere, kole sere
Kole sere, kole sere

With a little love and luck
You will get by
With a little love and luck
We’ll take the sky
Love and luck
We will get by

I even found the studio version of the song on YouTube for everyone to kick back, listen, relax, and enjoy life with

Yeah, it’s one of my favorite Buffett songs   Of course, it helps that I think of quite a few good friends anytime I hear it

Have a fantastic day everyone

I’m kicking off this series of posts with the Bill of Rights.  It’s short, clearly written, and easily understood as any good law should be.  I’m including a high resolution scan as well as the transcript of the document.  All of this is available from the website of the National Archives.

Here without further delay is the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights: A Transcription

The Preamble to The Bill of Rights

Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the “Bill of Rights.”

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

This song entered my life quite a few years ago thanks to Adrienne – it was one of her favorites and it’s still one of mine today.  It’s another one of those tunes that works for a few different times – like when stuff is going downhill fast or when you just can’t sleep because of all the loose marbles rolling around in your noggin.  Being human, both of those happen to me from time to time – no, I haven’t lost all my marbles yet despite reports to the contrary

Kick back, relax, and see if you can’t find a way this fits into your world view somehow.  I know it fits mine quite often.

What cha wanna be – when you grow up
What cha gonna do – when your time is up
What cha gonna say – when things go wrong
What cha wanna do – when you’re on your own

There’s a road – long and winding
The lights are blindin’ – but it gets there
Don’t give up – don’t look back
There’s a silver linin’ – it’s out there somewhere
Everybody wants an answer – everybody needs a friend
We all need a shinin’ star on which we can depend
N’ so tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before – (to find what you’re
Looking for)
There’ll be times – in your life
Ya when you’ be dancin’ n’ shit – but you ain’t gettin it
But don’t get disillusioned – no, don’t expect too much
’cause if what you have is all you can get – just keep on
Tryin’ – it just ain’t happened yet
Everybody wants ta be winner – everybody has a dream
We all need a shinin’ star when things ain’t what they seem
So tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before – (gotta get where you’re
Headed for)

Everybody wants some kindness – everybody needs a break
We all need a shinin’ star when things get hard to take
So tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before

Take care, get some good rest, and don’t forget to wish upon a star every now and then everyone

I don’t know about the rest of you out there, but there’s a few songs I like to listen to on certain occasions.  When I’ve had one helluva day (or in this case one helluva weekend), I can find it difficult to get any shuteye.  The stuff just kinda swirls around in my subconscious and pops into my conscious mind from time to time.  It really sucks when I’m either as tired or as sick as I am right now.

Most people probably don’t think of ballads when they think of the Rolling Stones.  I’ll bet they don’t know as much of the band’s material as I do.  I’m not trying to boast here – I’ve just grown up listening to them due to my brother being a big fan.  I’ve seen ‘em five times in concert and loved them all.  While I might like their hard rock and roll in songs like “It’s Only Rock and Roll,” “Paint it Black,” and “Saint of Me,” I also like their slower tunes like this one.

“Sleep Tonight” just has a nice, mellow, kicked back sound that puts me into a much more restful and relaxed frame of mind when I really need it.  Check out the YouTube recording above to see what I’m talking about

You better get some sleep tonight
You better get some sleep tonight
Honey, just warn your friends
You better get some sleep tonight

You always watch the sun go down
The same old shadows crawl over town
Those thoughts of you it shivvers me
The moon grows cold in memory

Baby you better get some sleep tonight
All you got to do is close your eyes
You better get some sleep tonight

I wish you baby, all the best
If you turn out like all the rest
This darkness baby, it’s chilling me
Stars store down in sympathy

Baby you better get some sleep tonight
All you got to do is close your eyes
Baby you better get some sleep tonight

You better get some sleep tonight
You better get some sleep tonight
Warn all your friends
You better keep them out of sight
You better get some sleep tonight

They robbed you of your dignity
They even steal your heart from me
It ain’t revenge, you understand
Baby I just want to know who dealth this hand

Baby, ah that’s alright
Baby you better get some sleep tonight
All you got to do is close your eyes
Baby you better get some sleep tonight
You better get some sleep tonight
You better get some sleep tonight

Yep, I’d better get some sleep tonight – there’s rain and thunderstorms predicted for tomorrow and I’m going to have to power through whatever work throws me no matter whether or not I feel like I’ve been used as a chew toy by a grizzly bear

Y’all have a good day and here’s hoping you get some rest as well