Living in America!

Good morning, America. At the dawn of our 233rd anniversary as a free and independent nation, I would like to take this moment to give you a snapshot of the America I have experienced this past week.


I've been in CT, NYC, Jersey, PA and Charleston WV. First of all, there are hotdog stands every 100 yards in West Virginia. They love their dogs. Also the best tattoos and beards remain in West Virginia...sported by both men and women. Tough folk in these parts. Lastly, do not speed in WV...the police officers do not care if it is pouring down rain, they will pull you over and they do not mind getting wet.



Also, this man is now the Minesota state Senator...










Black America, this man often represents you and ran for president....twice. Now he's negotiating Michael Jackson's legacy. Please do something.

























California, the Terminator is offering IOU's. Stock up, judgement day is coming.





Our Media is developing a banal story about Obama's evil eye...



And our jobless rate is up to 9.5% ...Come on now! let's get it in gear America. Work harder, suck it up, shake it off. Stop worrying about the little stuff. You've heard it all before. Get back to the basics, our country was founded on morals, ethics and compassion for our neighbors. God Bless America.

GIMME Some, home slice

Quick note:

Recently talk radio and the general internet media or GIM as I like to call it, has been discussing who is the leader of the republican party. Some say Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, The Chairman of the RNC, Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal. But I would like to share a brief article from the CNN.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/15/cia-panetta-doesnt-believe-cheney-rooting-for-terrorist-attack/

My favorite part is this:

"It's almost, a little bit, gallows politics," said Panetta. "When you read behind it, it's almost as if he's wishing that this country would be attacked again, in order to make his point."
Cheney's office released a terse statement from the vice president Monday responding to the comments, saying "I hope my old friend Leon was misquoted."
"The important thing is whether or not the Obama Administration will continue the policies that have kept us safe for the last 8 years," Cheney said.
Vice President Joe Biden also appeared to distance himself from Panetta's comments Sunday, telling NBC "I don't question [Cheney's] motive."

If that quote doesn't scream... Hi I'm Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney, republican leader of the free world than I don't know what does. Also please comment on this photo. I think he looks like Seinfeld when he was trying to cheer up his dying friend.

God Bless all you GIMMERS....the new internet media gamers,

rf

Trailers for Sale or Rent

I suppose I should rename this blog the Monthly Dope but that would be un-alliterable. Sorry its been so long, I've neglected our space here on the web.

Over the past month I have been researching the next big gas play in North America. It's called the Marcellus Shale. It is made up of 7.5 million acres of production zone stretching from Ohio to West Virginia up through Pennsylvania and across the southern portion of New York state. It is massive and geologists boast it may have enough gas to keep our country well stocked and supplied for the next 15-30 years. It is an impressive discovery.

Chesapeake Energy is the number on player in the Marcellus field and it has recently recorded excellent production figures after testing it's first batch of wells. These wells do not diminish. They produce at a steady and constant pace, unlike the Barnett and Haynesville formations which tend to lose 60-70% of their production value after 6 months. Do your research, buy some land in northwest, northeast or southwest PA and get the mineral rights...you may be a millionaire one day.

Aside from work I did enjoy my travels. It was funny because one lonely Tuesday evening I sat down at a local Williamsport establishment called the Bullfrog Brewery. I highly recommend it. Some pilots and I chewed the fat and shared some laughs. I: a truant of the road, they: captians of the sky were no strangers to strangers as we sat upon our bar stools like bobble-headed gargoyles. The majority of our conversation revolved around the economy and liquified natural gas prices. The pilots believed that the recent decrease in airfare is in direct correlation to the fuel prices. I agree, see we've been importing LNG from Africa for a while and we are starting to produce more and more. Plus there is a huge supply bubble in the South East US and the pipelines are beginning to disseminate fuel at cheaper and cheaper costs. Petroleum on the other hand is another story. Petroleum does not respond to typical market laws of supply and demand. Then the band showed up.

It was a treat because no one was expecting a band...not even Bullfrog. They were a group of mid-twenty music grads traveling from Chicago to Philly and eventually NYC. One pretty young woman with dark brown hair and an alto-jazz vent accompanied by a rag-tag bunch of skinny hipster dudes playing guitar, sax, drums, keyboard, viola and cello. A motley crew to say the least. As they began to play we turned around atop our mighty slings and faded into the woodwork as the music marched on.

As I left the Bullfrog that evening 3 of the band members were sharing a smoke. I told them how much I appreciated their sound and style and they traded thanks with me. They were just happy to find a gig as the bearded guitarist put it, "We're just playing for gas money, man." I had to laugh. I looked back at him and said, "Me too, brother."

Whether you dream of flying airplanes one day or making beautiful music on the open road it still comes down to filling up the tanks. You can't roll on empty. If you're having fun, it's not work, it's an art. Glug, glug, chug, chug. Until next time.

-rf

Memphis In May

Ok dope fiends...sorry for yet another delay. Since we last shared the web I've traveled another 2100 miles in my tank all across the deep south, mid-south and northeast. As you know driving across country requires gas and there are some amazing gas stations out there folks. Loves is a great stop, with a big bright red, yellow and black heart as it's moniker. The RoadRunner truck stops are cool too, similar color scheme and they offer always hot to trot coffee. Of course there is the traditional 76 Truck Stop but you don't see many of them any more. And my favorite stop BUC-EES. I don't know if it's their Beaver T's or the gratuitous use of billboard signage announcing the next upcoming Buc-ees. But I think it's a bit of both, plus considering they are only found in the Bible belt they employee risque double-entendre wherever possible. Of course the Flying J gas stations are the consummate winners boasting the cheapest gas prices on the open road.

After Shreveport, Louisiana I made a 500+ mile trek down to Freer, TX. First, I'll say this...most Texans desire a South Texas Ranch. The possibility of oil is great but the main attraction is the hunting. The South Texas landscape can best be described as a dustier amalgamation of the African Savannah and the Australian bush. It's quite pretty but very flat. The roads in this part of the country stretch straight on for miles until your eyes turn the blacktop into liquefied tar and little kids fry eggs on the streets. By the way if you're ever in Beeville, TX stop at the Burger Depot and order a double bacon cheese burger "all-the-way", with some tots and a Dr. Pepper. It'll throw you back a couple generations....all Americana, baby.

This past week I've been on the road to the great state of Pennsylvania. I spent a night in Memphis and happened upon the Blues City Cafe. Absolutely amazing music. The Dempseys from "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou" played a few sets, a Johnny Cash cover band stomped the stage and I was about all worn out when I decided to cross the street to BB Kings bar. And guess who walked in. BB King himself. They had just finished the 2009 Blues Award and he felt he deserved a cold drink. Stunning my friends. And no, the thrill is not yet gone... Aside from this surreal experience, May is just a great time to be in Memphis. The Beale Street Music Festival is a modern day Woodstock and they have the greatest BBQ competition on the planet.

We live in an absolutely beautiful country. We don't appreciate it, I swear. Today I passed through Ohio on my way to PA where anyone can mistake this landscape for that of New Zealand. Grassy hills so green that when the wind blows it looks like a shimmering ocean rolling with waves cradling a bunch of sheep as they float around on top.

Each state is unique in their laws, economy, agriculture and people. All of our great states also have a motto. Texas is "Friendship." Louisiana's is "Union, Justice, Confidence." In Arkansas, "The People Rule." Tennessee, who's RT.40 river valley watershed is a stellar road trip, is "Agriculture & Commerce." Kentucky: "Let Us Be Grateful to God." Ohio: "With God All Things Are Possible." I like West Virginia's motto which reads: "Mountaineers Are Always Free." But I think it's fitting that my favorite state motto comes from my home state of Connecticut. It reads, Qui Transtulit Sustinet, "He Who is Transplanted Sustains." I've been transplanted and translated many times in my life especially within the last month, however God Bless the USA because I feel right at home no matter where I am.

With Love,
RF

Stop and Go

Well its been a few weeks...my apologies. I've been writing, just not publicly. Since we last spoke I have been to a couple of rigs in Fort Worth, Texas (currently America's number 1 producing natural gas field). I have also been to Nacogdoches, The oldest town in Texas...so they say. They do have an impressive brick laden downtown in Nacogdoches and they are home to Stephen F. Austin University.

But I want to talk about the Red & Green machine. To some of my readers this term conjures up high school memories of ashy green elbows, red hair, large craniums and even bigger bosoms (if you don't know, don't ask). But I'm currently working in Bossier City, Louisiana. Close to Shreveport and part of Caddo Parish. The formation here is called the Haynesville Shale and it produces an extreme amount of gas very quickly. It is also a red hot patch in the oilfield. Besides Texas, there is more active drilling in Northern Louisiana than any other area in the US...but the Northeast's Marcellus Shale is nipping at their heals (more to come on the Marcellus later in the week).

The official colors of Louisiana are prbably purple and gold thanks to the LSU Tigers but let's take a look at the pervasive red culture in ole Louisianne...Crawfish are red...and delicious. If you've driven in Louisiana you are well aware of the red clay that cakes your wheels after a good rain. The Casino signs, much like the liquor store signs, are big, bold and red. The Red River runs through most of Louisiana producing most of the aforementioned red clay. You will regularly see truck beds craddling fishing rods and reels as the anglers go after Redfish. From Houston to Shreveport you must pass through a nice, little town called Redland (which has the coolest 1940's style drive-in movies theatre I've ever seen). I also hit a cardinal in Redland, which is colloquially referred to as a Red-Bird. Which reminds me that Louisiana is home to roadkill restaurants. There is a lot of red shed on the thouroghfares of Louisiana but they don't waste it. All roadkill ingenuity aside, for many years, especially since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's budget has been in the red. I even brainstormed this blog in Red ink.

So I've been thinking about Red lately. Psychologically most people associated Red with either Black or Green. Seeing as our economy won't be in the black anytime soon and I love Christmas, I'll stick with Green. As I see red all around me my system is shocked into meditating on all the green things there are. It's nearly May and the grass is getting greener. Tax season is finished and hopefully we get a little more green back...doubtful as it may be. I too have been watching the market. As natural gas prices slowly sink and supply increases natural gas becomes a more affordable resource and cleaner, "greener" source of energy than coal or crude oil imported from Russia. Sounds like NG is a sound investment. The Wall Street Journal agrees. With natural gas supply at record highs in the US and millions of acres left to be explored, I believe we need to develop natural gas vehicles and use the resources that we have at home. Gas is not as clean as solar or wind energy but it could be a profitable gateway resource that will create jobs and energy for our citizens for many decades to come. Just as T. Boone Pickens.

As the sun heats up we can all feel the red setting in...go get that green, y'all. Either way keep the pace and mind the traffic lights or else those bubble-gum lights will git ya.

-rf

The Next Great Generation

Long time no see...where ya been?

As Americans, we live in an amazing world and great country. Every state has it's perks but Texas just keeps on giving and keeps on growing. As I sit in this hammock, I am thinking about baseball-- the Houston Astros open up the season this weekend. I think about the Shell Houston Open-- also being played this weekend and I am reminded of the financial trials many people face, where they can not experience these classic past times. Meanwhile the G20 meets in London amongst riots and North Korean missile launch threats and our unemployment rate waxes closer to 10%.

I am currently reading Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" which poetically and somberly, in a cadence that only Brokaw's voice can march on, tells the stories of WWII Americans. These were men and women who faced the Great Depression and battled a the most massive war of our time. People who were earmarked for college and business gave up their hopes and dreams for God and country. This generation lived day to day with uncertain futures but pure convictions and steady minds. Brokaw reminds us that they were not without fault, as these same men and women enabled McCarthyism and the Vietnam War. They also gave birth to the Baby Boomers. They gave us Medicare along with breakthroughs in medicine, science and civil rights legislation. Truly a great nation.

Most of these Americans were 18-35 years old when all of these changes were being formulated. Brokaw makes the distinction that generations are a product of society as a whole and not a set age group. However, if you were in your mid-twenties during the late 30's and early 40's then you were a member of the Greatest Generation. A time of war heroes, fighter aces, families, farmers and factory workers moving together. This was a time when people loved one another, they loved their country and they would not be ashamed to share their love.

Herein lies our generational gap. I know we have passion and power and purpose...but do we have love. Do we have love of country and do we love one another. I believe we are the next greatest generation. We face an economic crisis unlike any other. We face wars abroad and uncertain futures. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 then you are a people that must overcome outstanding odds. In our formative years as young adults and societal leaders we have come to know global terrorism, economic strife, civil unrest and a new world focused on continuity rather than sovereignty. The nation-states have changed since FDR and the formation of the UN. Monetary value has come into question again. Now our world is a chessboard being surveyed and staked for natural resources and we must determine how to distribute our resources well.

We can create a new global economic paradigm. The next ten years will determine our next 50 years...but I only want to work with people who will tell me what it is they love. What will we create? What is worth fighting for? ... I want to work with the Greatest Generation.

YeeHaa

March/Spring has got to be one of the greatest times of the year to be in Houston. Usually, the weather is a clear and sunny 75 degrees during the day while a warm breeze keeps the crisp and cool evenings at a perfect 55. In addition to the great weather, the month of March is Rodeo Houston month-- the largest rodeo in the world. The rodeo is not just about cowboys and bull riding. It is a 20 day event with headlining concert acts each night, International Wine Festivals and dinners, world-class BBQ competitions, carnival and circus rides, charities and an heritage built from all parts of the country.

I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a week off of work. Aside from enjoying the rodeo, here are some other activities that one can only experience in Texas...

I convinced and introduced some pedigree Texans to Guinness and Irish car-bombs on St. Patty's Day by revealing it's close resemblance to Texas Tea...black gold...OIL!

At 2AM after enjoying some Shiner Boch with old work buddies the only place to stop is Whataburger. Get 2 Potato, sausage and cheese Taquitos...you won't be disappointed.

Sit in The Woodlands Park and watch the Red Birds (cardinals) invade people's privacy.

Of course you can golf all year round and every course in the greater Houston area is top-notch.

That's all for now. Speak with y'all soon. Much Love.
rf