Trucking Fleets Idle in Eastern Iowa

A visible sign of the nation's economic health can be seen within a city block of each other in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For several months two large trucking firms based in 42N country, CRST International and Westside Transport Systems have parked a large number of semi-trailer truck fleets at their respective corporate headquarters. At no time in recent memory have these two regional icons been so concentrated in their idle behavior. At CRST, the maintenance garage is completely filled with trucks being tuned. A positive sign in recent weeks is a few less trucks parked in these lots. Perhaps the freight transportation industry is turning around. Know that.

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Ultralights Fly in Marion, Iowa

Update from December 30, 2008 post: Each year around Independence Day the small private airport located in Marion, Iowa hosts the fly-in/drive-in breakfast. Highlights of the one day event include plane rides (always a crowd pleaser) and static displays of small aircraft sometimes including ultralights. The event in 2009 will be held rain or shine on June 28 from 6:00 am to 11:30 am. This video was taken at the 2005 event and remains my number one most watched YouTube posted video - currently at 17, 735 views to date. Who would have guessed? Apparently there is enormous interest in ultralights worldwide. Know that.

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Ford Model T Battery / Coil Survives into 21st Century

Placed in a lot box of old mason jars at a recent auction in Raymond, Iowa was this ancient-looking battery or coil housing. Clearly the Ford logo is still recognizable on the hardwood case that had metal parts on one end. I don't know if this is a battery or a coil housing. A search of the Internet provides that use of these objects were in Ford's Model T roadsters back in the day. While I was not present when the item (and the jars) sold, one can find examples for sale on eBay for about $15 to $35. Know that.

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JOB 38:11 Stop Right Here

Basically the translation of verse 11 of chapter 38 is 'stop right here and go no further.' Silas did not accept that notion but Sister the guardian did. Each edition is different depending on the translation. The Priory used it to throw off those who sought the sangreal. You decide. Know that.

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BNSF Moves Coal Through Raymond, Iowa

A fast moving line of freight cars trekked through Raymond, Iowa on Sunday, afternoon June 7th. Led by two locomotives from the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) the dominant item of transport was eastbound coal in open cars. Following up the long train was an attached locomotive (bottom photo) pushing the line. I have been told that the coal is mined in Wyoming. America at work. Know that.

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Statue of Liberty on a Dry May's Island

About a year ago this miniature Statue of Liberty was up to her heels in Cedar River flood water on May's Island in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - the heart of 42N country. Today she oversees a much more normal Cedar River, an abandoned City Hall, and a vibrant Quaker Oats plant. City officials are still deciding how to proceed with the Veterans' Coliseum building as it relates to housing the city's government offices. Here's a view of the flooded river from last year. Note the statue's location in the flood waters to the far right. Know that.

(Photo courtesy of sbphotoblog.com)

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Demon's Hole in 42N Country

Though not quite an ossuary annex, this fixture located at the heart of 42N country certainly holds one of its Renaissance church counterpart's features - stench. A year ago this fixture was covered by a historic river flood. Now the likely manhole cover is visited by more than one Angels and Demons clue finders. But unlike the movie where the demon's hole held a victim branded with "Earth," this oculus holds no more than water - another of the infamous four brands. Know that.

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