TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday September 3, 2025.
This is the 246th day of the year, there are 119 days left.

On this day...
The more
You shave
The brushless way
The more you'll be
Inclined to say--
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Re: Todays Classic Ad
By: Daryl Stout to All on Wed Sep 03 2025 00:01:08

On this day...
The more
You shave
The brushless way
The more you'll be
Inclined to say--
Burma-Shave

A little explanation would be helpful for those not in the know.
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (1:124/5016)

On this day...
The more
You shave
The brushless way
The more you'll be
Inclined to say--
Burma-Shave

A little explanation would be helpful for those not in the
know.

Well, this is the MEMORIES echo, or so I thought.

First, it was started years ago on FIDONet, and had several
moderators come and go. The last one was Joe Mackey, but I think
he lost his battle with cancer.

I had dropped the BBS networks just over a year ago, as I was
starting to get burned out. Then, after my younger brother's
suicide 14 months ago, I ended up having a nervous breakdown,
and a panic attack, that landed me in the psychiatric ward for
a week...where they fed us 2000 calories a MEAL...NOT a DAY...
as if WE were the turkeys being fattened up for Thanksgiving.

After my release, a fellow ham radio operator told me that
"You have an excuse to be sane...the rest of us aren't so
lucky". <G>

But, the burnout climaxed in early December, 2024, and I shut
the BBS down, because I just needed some time away from it. With
Windows 10 support ending in October, 2025, I thought the BBS
would end up going away, because it was on my late Mom's computer,
and it wouldn't run under Windows 11, as the motherboard and CPU
were too old.

Fellow Sysop and ham radio operator Dave Perussel, gifted me
a BeeLink mini computer, with a special built version of NTVDM64
on it, and a Synchronet Setup, where I could run the BBS on it.
After a stormy spring and summer (I get hellacious lightning
around here during storms), I finally got to get to work on
bringing the system back online after an extended hiatus.

Now, to the crux of the message.

Years ago, there was a company called Burma-Vita that made
shaving products for men, known as Burma Shave. Their ads were
painted on signs at certain intervals as one went down the road
on vacation or otherwise. More details are at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma-Shave

Daryl



... Blondes have more fun, but redheads have more pizazz.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday September 4, 2025.
This is the 247th day of the year, there are 118 days left.

On this day...
Highways are
No place
To sleep
Stop your car
To count your sheep
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday September 5, 2025.
This is the 248th day of the year, there are 117 days left.

On this day...
The minutes
Some folks
Save through speed
They never even
Live to need
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday September 6, 2025.
This is the 249th day of the year, there are 116 days left.

On this day...
At school zones
Heed instructions!
Protect
our little
Tax deductions
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday September 7, 2025.
This is the 250th day of the year, there are 115 days left.

On this day...
The midnight ride
Of Paul
For beer
Led to a
Warmer hemisphere
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday September 8, 2025.
This is the 251st day of the year, there are 114 days left.

On this day...
It's not
How fast or slow
You drive
The question is
How you arrive
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday September 9, 2025.
This is the 252nd day of the year, there are 113 days left.

On this day...
I've read
These signs
Since just a kid
Now that I shave
I'm glad I did
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday September 10, 2025.
This is the 253rd day of the year, there are 112 days left.

On this day...
We don't
Know how
To split an atom
But as to whiskers
Let us at 'em
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.23-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday September 11, 2025.
This is the 254th day of the year, there are 111 days left.

On this day...
Wild men pulled
Their whiskers out
That's what made
Them wild
No doubt--
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday September 12, 2025.
This is the 255th day of the year, there are 110 days left.

On this day...
Little Bo-Peep
Has lost her Jeep
It struck
A truck
When she went to sleep
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday September 13, 2025.
This is the 256th day of the year, there are 109 days left.

On this day...
A man
A miss
A car--a curve
He kissed the miss
And missed the curve
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday September 14, 2025.
This is the 257th day of the year, there are 108 days left.

On this day...
Whiskers
Easy come,
You know
Why not make them
Easy go?
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday September 15, 2025.
This is the 258th day of the year, there are 107 days left.

On this day...
He saw
The train
And tried to duck it
Kicked first the gas
And then the bucket
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday September 16, 2025.
This is the 259th day of the year, there are 106 days left.

On this day...
Headline news
For face
And chin
Now improved
With lanolin
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday September 17, 2025.
This is the 260th day of the year, there are 105 days left.

On this day...
His face
Was loved
By just his mother
He Burma-Shaved
And now--
Oh, brother
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday September 18, 2025.
This is the 261st day of the year, there are 104 days left.

On this day...
His beard
Was long
And strong and tough
He lost his
Chicken in the rough
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday September 19, 2025.
This is the 262nd day of the year, there are 103 days left.

On this day...
Just this once
And just for fun
We'll let you
Finish
What we've begun
? ? ?
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday September 19, 2025.
This is the 262nd day of the year, there are 103 days left.

On this day...
Just this once
And just for fun
We'll let you
Finish
What we've begun
? ? ?
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday September 20, 2025.
This is the 263rd day of the year, there are 102 days left.

On this day...
With television
On the set
Stars are
Running out
To get
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday September 21, 2025.
This is the 264th day of the year, there are 101 days left.

On this day...
With A sleek cheek
Pressed to hers
Jeepers! Creepers!
How she purrs
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday September 22, 2025.
This is the 265th day of the year, there are 100 days left.

On this day...
Men
Who have to
Travel light
Find the handy tube
Just right
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday September 23, 2025.
This is the 266th day of the year, there are 99 days left.

On this day...
Since hubby
Tried
That substitute
He's 1/3 man
And 2/3 brute
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday September 24, 2025.
This is the 267th day of the year, there are 98 days left.

On this day...
If you
Must sample
Her "pucker paint"
Better drive
Where traffic ain't
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday September 25, 2025.
This is the 268th day of the year, there are 97 days left.

On this day...
Pull off
The road
To change a flat
Protect your life--
No spare for that!
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday September 15, 2025.
This is the 258th day of the year, there are 107 days left.

On this day...
He saw
The train
And tried to duck it
Kicked first the gas
And then the bucket
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS -- Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl,
While reading this poem I thought that it might be a favorite of Yours and Mike since it topic is about Railroads.
Ed
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday September 26, 2025.
This is the 269th day of the year, there are 96 days left.

On this day...
These three
Prevent most accidents
Courtesy
Caution
Common sense
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Ed,

On this day...
He saw
The train
And tried to duck it
Kicked first the gas
And then the bucket
Burma-Shave

While reading this poem I thought that it might be a favorite
of Yours and Mike since it topic is about Railroads.

It is NO CONTEST betwen ANY vehicle and a train..whether it's
just a locomotive running light (with no other cars), or if it's
a fully loaded freight train.

One locomotive is over 300 tons...and a fully loaded freight
train is over 12,000 tons (likely much higher). If it's doing
over 50 mph, it can take from 1 to 3 miles to bring that train
to a stop, once the engineer "puts it in the big hole" (applies
the emergency brake)...and all the crew can do is "watch you die".

It's the equivalent of you driving your vehicle over a can of
soda pop or beer.

They will NEVER seat me on a jury involving a grade crossing
incident...the laws of physics win every time.

In a poem that The Good Lord gave me, called "No One Asks The
Engineer", it basically highlights the tragedy at a railroad
crossing, when a vehicle tried to beat the train. Normally, they
don't even consider the thoughts or feelings of the crew...but
as the poem notes, many had to quit, and have recurring nightmares
over the incident, which was totally preventable.

The 2 verses I highlight are as follows:

Had I been the engineer on the train that day,
And if you asked me how I felt, here is what I'd say.

"There was no way that I could stop, or out of the way, swerve".
"They ran a red light at a crossing, and got what they deserved!!".

You can read that poem at http://www.wx4qz.net/rxr.htm -- along
with a public service announcement I did for Operation Lifesaver,
the organization that promotes safety at highway grade crossings.

It takes far more inertia to stop something moving, than it does
to get it moving from a dead stop. For that matter, many folks think
that they can stop just as quick on a wet, snowy, or icy pavement,
as they can on a dry street. It easily becomes "demolition derby".

Across the Earth...we rush to beat:

1) The traffic lights at intersections.
2) The trains at railroad crossings.
3) The boats at draw bridges.

But, we'll stand patiently for 3 hours on the golf course.

You figure it out.

Daryl, N5VLZ

... Try to beat a train to a railroad crossing, and you'll be DEAD WRONG!!
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday September 27, 2025.
This is the 270th day of the year, there are 95 days left.

On this day...
Said one whisker
To another
Can't get tough
With this stuff
Brother
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday September 28, 2025.
This is the 271st day of the year, there are 94 days left.

On this day...
One Burma-Shave
The school boy cried
At least
I'll smell
As if I tried
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday September 29, 2025.
This is the 272nd day of the year, there are 93 days left.

On this day...
His cheek
Was rough
His chick vamoosed
And now she won't
Come home to roost
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday September 30, 2025.
This is the 273rd day of the year, there are 92 days left.

On this day...
On curves ahead
Remember, sonny
That rabbit's foot
Didn't save
The bunny
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday October 1, 2025.
This is the 274th day of the year, there are 91 days left.

On this day...
When
Super-shaved
Remember, pard
You'll still get slapped
But not so hard
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday October 2, 2025.
This is the 275th day of the year, there are 90 days left.

On this day...
His brush is gone
So what'll we do
Said Mike Robe I
To Mike Robe II
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday October 3, 2025.
This is the 276th day of the year, there are 89 days left.

On this day...
The place to pass
On curves
You know
Is only at
A beauty show
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday October 4, 2025.
This is the 277th day of the year, there are 88 days left.

On this day...
A whiskery kiss
For the one
You adore
May not make her mad
But her face will be sore
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday October 5, 2025.
This is the 278th day of the year, there are 87 days left.

On this day...
Burma-Shave
Was such a boom
They passed
The bride
And kissed the groom
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday October 6, 2025.
This is the 279th day of the year, there are 86 days left.

On this day...
These signs
We gladly
Dedicate
To men who've had
No date of late
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday October 7, 2025.
This is the 280th day of the year, there are 85 days left.

On this day...
If your peach
Keeps out
Of reach
Better practice
What we preach
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday October 8, 2025.
This is the 281st day of the year, there are 84 days left.

On this day...
A guy
Who drives
A car wide open
Is not thinkin'
He's just hopin'
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday October 9, 2025.
This is the 282nd day of the year, there are 83 days left.

On this day...
To kiss
A mug
That's like a cactus
Takes more nerve
Than it does practice
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday October 10, 2025.
This is the 283rd day of the year, there are 82 days left.

On this day...
The whale
Put Jonah
Down the hatch
But coughed him up
Because he scratched
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Ed,

It is NO CONTEST betwen ANY vehicle and a train..whether it's
just a locomotive running light (with no other cars), or if it's
a fully loaded freight train.

One locomotive is over 300 tons...and a fully loaded freight
train is over 12,000 tons (likely much higher). If it's doing
over 50 mph, it can take from 1 to 3 miles to bring that train
to a stop, once the engineer "puts it in the big hole" (applies
the emergency brake)...and all the crew can do is "watch you die".

It's the equivalent of you driving your vehicle over a can of
soda pop or beer.

They will NEVER seat me on a jury involving a grade crossing
incident...the laws of physics win every time.

In a poem that The Good Lord gave me, called "No One Asks The
Engineer", it basically highlights the tragedy at a railroad
crossing, when a vehicle tried to beat the train. Normally, they
don't even consider the thoughts or feelings of the crew...but
as the poem notes, many had to quit, and have recurring nightmares
over the incident, which was totally preventable.

The 2 verses I highlight are as follows:

Had I been the engineer on the train that day,
And if you asked me how I felt, here is what I'd say.

"There was no way that I could stop, or out of the way, swerve".
"They ran a red light at a crossing, and got what they deserved!!".

You can read that poem at http://www.wx4qz.net/rxr.htm -- along
with a public service announcement I did for Operation Lifesaver,
the organization that promotes safety at highway grade crossings.

It takes far more inertia to stop something moving, than it does
to get it moving from a dead stop. For that matter, many folks think
that they can stop just as quick on a wet, snowy, or icy pavement,
as they can on a dry street. It easily becomes "demolition derby".

Across the Earth...we rush to beat:

1) The traffic lights at intersections.
2) The trains at railroad crossings.
3) The boats at draw bridges.

But, we'll stand patiently for 3 hours on the golf course.

You figure it out.

Daryl, N5VLZ

... Try to beat a train to a railroad crossing, and you'll be DEAD WRONG!! === MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl, When rereading this today I thought about Tow Boats on the rivers and Large Vessels on the oceans.
Those can't stop quickly either.

Reminded me of what a Tow Boat Captain told me , he saw a motorboat was coming towards the head of the barges in his towon his Starboard (right) side, he then put both engines in full reverse but didn't see the boat appear on the Port (left) side.
He thought his tow had ran over the smallcraft and it made his guts tear up.
A few minutes later the motor boat appeared traveling away from the tow.
The motorboat operator had made a right turn as he traveled in front of the barges and had slowed to the same speed as the tow was traveling and stayed in front of them for a while until speeding away from the tow.

That Captain had the same feelings that Railroad Engineers have when vehicles are on the Tracks in front of them.

Myself, I cause Road Rage at a nearby Crossing because I slow way down and look left and right before going through the crossing.
I do that because I am afraid there may be a Electrical Power Failure that has prevented the Signals or Guard Gate operating.

Yes, I am a case. They haven't found me yet.
Please don't tell em.
Ed . .
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Ed,

Daryl, When rereading this today I thought about Tow Boats on
the rivers and Large Vessels on the oceans.
Those can't stop quickly either.

<snip!>

That Captain had the same feelings that Railroad Engineers have
when vehicles are on the Tracks in front of them.

Exactly. And, the moving current doesn't help things, either.

Myself, I cause Road Rage at a nearby Crossing because I slow
way down and look left and right before going through the
crossing. I do that because I am afraid there may be a
Electrical Power Failure that has prevented the Signals or
Guard Gate operating.

Normally, the crossings where electronic signals are, have a
battery backup power supply, which usually will activate the
signals, and lower the gates, when power is lost to the bungalo
signal box. However, those batteries don't last forever (as does
nothing in this life). Apparently, the signals deactivate when
the battery backup is about to run out, then they don't work at
all. At that point, it's the same is a private grade crossing
with only a crossbuck.

After Hurricane Charlie several years ago devastated much of
Florida, damaging much of the railroad and other infrastructure,
most of the signals went dark. As a result, there were "slow orders"
for all the trains (including Amtrak), and the crossings had to be
"flagged", where a member of the crew (likely the Conductor) would
get off, walk to the crossing, with a flag, and possibly the flares,
to stop traffic. When the locomotive eased into the crossing to fully
block it, the Conductor got back on, and the train went on its way.

Or, if some of the railroad management were involved as flaggers,
they had HT's to communicate with the dispatcher and the engineer,
to advise that they could proceed at restricted speed, and that the
crossing was flagged. The flagger would also check once the rear of
the train had passed, to verify that the end of train device/marker
was there, and was activated.

I remember while still living in Florida, there were warning
signs at one crossing noting that "the signals were not working,
and to use caution".

Before I had to quit driving, the grade crossing only 1/4 mile
away from my house was activated (gates down and lights flashing),
but there was no train. I called the number on the Emergency
Notification System (ENS) sign, and was told which options to
choose.

If there was a derailment, a hotbox or railcar fire (especially
if there was hazardous materials involved (with a colored placard
on the side))...you would choose option 1. If there was a vehicle
blocking the crossing, the signals weren't working, or they were
broken, to choose option 2.

On the ENS sign was the location of the crossing, the host
railroad, the milepost, and a department of transportation ID
number. You would give all that to the dispatcher at the other
end of the line. They, in turn, would change the signals, issue
slow orders, and contact the crew...along with other local area
emergency personnel. They will also dispatch maintenance of way
(MOW) personnel, to work on repairing the signals.

If this is done as soon as it occurs (or very shortly thereafter),
there is a higher chance of stopping an approaching train before it
slams into stuff at the crossing, or a derailment and fiery explosion
results, which requires evacuations.

I have reported this to Union Pacific Railroad (the main railroad
through Little Rock) more than once...and I gave them my name, and
my amateur radio callsign.

Only in America...we rush to beat:

1) The traffic lights at intersections.
2) The trains at railroad crossings.
3) The boats at draw bridges.

Yet, we'll stand patiently for 3 hours on the golf course.

Yes, I am a case. They haven't found me yet.
Please don't tell em.

They probably wouldn't want you...or me, either. <G>

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... And there were plagues of locusts, and frogs, and MS-DOS, and MS Windows. === MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday October 11, 2025.
This is the 284th day of the year, there are 81 days left.

On this day...
Violets are blue
Roses are pink
On graves
Of those
Who drive and drink
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday October 12, 2025.
This is the 285th day of the year, there are 80 days left.

On this day...
My job is
Keeping faces clean
And nobody knows
De stubble
I've seen
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Ed,

<snip!>

Exactly. And, the moving current doesn't help things, either.

Normally, the crossings where electronic signals are, have a
battery backup power supply, which usually will activate the
signals, and lower the gates, when power is lost to the bungalo
signal box. However, those batteries don't last forever (as does
nothing in this life). Apparently, the signals deactivate when
the battery backup is about to run out, then they don't work at
all. At that point, it's the same is a private grade crossing
with only a crossbuck.

After Hurricane Charlie several years ago devastated much of
Florida, damaging much of the railroad and other infrastructure,
most of the signals went dark. As a result, there were "slow orders"
for all the trains (including Amtrak), and the crossings had to be
"flagged", where a member of the crew (likely the Conductor) would
get off, walk to the crossing, with a flag, and possibly the flares,
to stop traffic. When the locomotive eased into the crossing to fully
block it, the Conductor got back on, and the train went on its way.

Or, if some of the railroad management were involved as flaggers,
they had HT's to communicate with the dispatcher and the engineer,
to advise that they could proceed at restricted speed, and that the
crossing was flagged. The flagger would also check once the rear of
the train had passed, to verify that the end of train device/marker
was there, and was activated.

I remember while still living in Florida, there were warning
signs at one crossing noting that "the signals were not working,
and to use caution".

Before I had to quit driving, the grade crossing only 1/4 mile
away from my house was activated (gates down and lights flashing),
but there was no train. I called the number on the Emergency
Notification System (ENS) sign, and was told which options to
choose.

If there was a derailment, a hotbox or railcar fire (especially
if there was hazardous materials involved (with a colored placard
on the side))...you would choose option 1. If there was a vehicle
blocking the crossing, the signals weren't working, or they were
broken, to choose option 2.

On the ENS sign was the location of the crossing, the host
railroad, the milepost, and a department of transportation ID
number. You would give all that to the dispatcher at the other
end of the line. They, in turn, would change the signals, issue
slow orders, and contact the crew...along with other local area
emergency personnel. They will also dispatch maintenance of way
(MOW) personnel, to work on repairing the signals.

If this is done as soon as it occurs (or very shortly thereafter),
there is a higher chance of stopping an approaching train before it
slams into stuff at the crossing, or a derailment and fiery explosion results, which requires evacuations.

I have reported this to Union Pacific Railroad (the main railroad
through Little Rock) more than once...and I gave them my name, and
my amateur radio callsign.

Only in America...we rush to beat:

1) The traffic lights at intersections.
2) The trains at railroad crossings.
3) The boats at draw bridges.

Yet, we'll stand patiently for 3 hours on the golf course.

They probably wouldn't want you...or me, either. <G>

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... And there were plagues of locusts, and frogs, and MS-DOS, and MS Windows. === MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl, Your Tagline included DOS amoung the list of plagues
Maybe MS-DOS but not IBM-DOS.
On my 486 desktop with MS-DOS 5.0 I later added IBM-DOS 7 to it after finding a IBM-DOS 7 CD at a thrift store.

I have always wondered if I got caught and committed if the place would allow me to have my Kenwood TS-520S in my room.
I have a Husler Mobile antenna bottom section with upper portions for 75M through 10M.
If the institution didn't want to hear my squeaky voice I would bring Headsets and a J-38 Key.
At least that's the plan I have in my mind
/Portable# should work O.K. unless I was transmitting on the 15M band.
73
Ed
. .
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Daryl, I am not to ng to quote all of your post again.
I read my reply to youand noticed I feegit to write about learning the circuit box at Signal Crossings had a Back-uo Battery in case line power was off in the area.
Thanks!
Ed
. .
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday October 13, 2025.
This is the 286th day of the year, there are 79 days left.

On this day...
Doesn't
Kiss you
Like she useter?
Perhaps she's seen
A smoother rooster!!
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday October 13, 2025.
This is the 286th day of the year, there are 79 days left.

On this day...
Doesn't
Kiss you
Like she useter?
Perhaps she's seen
A smoother rooster!!
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Ed,

Daryl, Your Tagline included DOS amoung the list of plagues
Maybe MS-DOS but not IBM-DOS.

Details, details, details. <G>

On my 486 desktop with MS-DOS 5.0 I later added IBM-DOS 7 to it
after finding a IBM-DOS 7 CD at a thrift store.

I had a fellow ham radio operator on my BBS years ago (when it was
still on dial-up. At a "flea market", he found a most unusual system,
with the following:

1) A 3.5" and a 5.25" floppy drive
2) A monochrome amber monitor (with complimentary burn-in <G>).
3) A keyboard and a mouse

What was missing?? A hard drive, and an operating system!!

So, I created a 3.5" floppy disk with the COMMAND.COM from
Windows 95, and we booted up on A: (3.5") drive. Then, on the
B: (5.25") drive, I had the minimal setup of GTO -- GT Power,
Terminal Only. At the time, it was on dial-up only. But, he was
able to logon to my BBS, and play the games...from a computer
that didn't have a hard drive or an OS!!

I have always wondered if I got caught and committed if the
place would allow me to have my Kenwood TS-520S in my room.

Don't give these folks ideas!! <G>

I have a Husler Mobile antenna bottom section with upper
portions for 75M through 10M.

I went to the link on that HOA petition, entered my callsign,
and clicked SEND, once the data was populated.

If the institution didn't want to hear my squeaky voice I would
bring Headsets and a J-38 Key.

That'd work...let the computer or keyer do all the work.

At least that's the plan I have in my mind
/Portable# should work O.K. unless I was transmitting on the
15M band.

It depends on the propagation conditions. I'm hoping they will
get better in the winter.

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... I got angry at an Italian chef, gave him a pizza my mind.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday October 14, 2025.
This is the 287th day of the year, there are 78 days left.

On this day...
No use
Knowing
How to pick 'em
If your half-shaved
Whiskers stick 'em
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Ed,

Details, details, details. <G>

I had a fellow ham radio operator on my BBS years ago (when it was
still on dial-up. At a "flea market", he found a most unusual system,
with the following:

1) A 3.5" and a 5.25" floppy drive
2) A monochrome amber monitor (with complimentary burn-in <G>).
3) A keyboard and a mouse

What was missing?? A hard drive, and an operating system!!

So, I created a 3.5" floppy disk with the COMMAND.COM from
Windows 95, and we booted up on A: (3.5") drive. Then, on the
B: (5.25") drive, I had the minimal setup of GTO -- GT Power,
Terminal Only. At the time, it was on dial-up only. But, he was
able to logon to my BBS, and play the games...from a computer
that didn't have a hard drive or an OS!!

Don't give these folks ideas!! <G>

I went to the link on that HOA petition, entered my callsign,
and clicked SEND, once the data was populated.

That'd work...let the computer or keyer do all the work.

It depends on the propagation conditions. I'm hoping they will
get better in the winter.

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... I got angry at an Italian chef, gave him a pizza my mind.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

That was a nice idea to boot from a floppy so he could read and write posts on your BBS

Reading about booting from floppy made me recall about the day after the delicery of a 486DX33 DOS 5.0/WIN 3.1 desktop here, I was looking at the Files installed on the HDD and removing some of those that I thought I would never need to run.
When I got done I turned the power switch off and back on after waiting a bit. NOTHING HAPPENED!

One of those Files Ithought wasn't needed was CONFIG.SYS .
Luckily I had the sense to put the 5.25" disk in the A: drive and turned the power off and back on to get the PC running so I could Copy CONFIG.SYS from the floppy tothe HDD.

Next, I called the builder on the L/L and told him what I did
He laughed.
Ed
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

In re-reading your post instead of CONFIG.SYS it could have been COMMAND.COM that I deleated back then.
Ed
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday October 15, 2025.
This is the 288th day of the year, there are 77 days left.

On this day...
He tried
To cross
As fast train neared
Death didn't draft him
He volunteered
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday October 16, 2025.
This is the 289th day of the year, there are 76 days left.

On this day...
Her chariot
Raced 80 per
They hauled away
What had
Ben Her
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday October 17, 2025.
This is the 290th day of the year, there are 75 days left.

On this day...
I'd heard
It praised
By drug store clerks
I tried the stuff
Hot dog! It works
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

That was a nice idea to boot from a floppy so he could read and
write posts on your BBS

It was the only way he could do it. Plus, with the setup to the
landline BBS, one didn't have to worry about hard drive viruses.

One of those Files Ithought wasn't needed was CONFIG.SYS .
Luckily I had the sense to put the 5.25" disk in the A: drive
and turned the power off and back on to get the PC running so I
could Copy CONFIG.SYS from the floppy tothe HDD.

Next, I called the builder on the L/L and told him what I did
He laughed.

I knew a former Sysop who had no idea what the AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS files were for!! Now, they're AUTOEXEC.NT and CONFIG.NT
but I don't think much goes in them...yet, I'd have to look to be
sure.

Daryl

... All computers wait at the same speed.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday October 18, 2025.
This is the 291st day of the year, there are 74 days left.

On this day...
Train wrecks few
Reason clear
Fireman
Never hugs
Engineer
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday October 19, 2025.
This is the 292nd day of the year, there are 73 days left.

On this day...
Altho insured
Remember, kiddo
They don't pay you
They pay
Your widow
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday October 20, 2025.
This is the 293rd day of the year, there are 72 days left.

On this day...
Soap
May do
For lads with fuzz
But sir, you ain't
The kid you wuz
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday October 21, 2025.
This is the 294th day of the year, there are 71 days left.

On this day...
She eyed
His beard
And said no dice
The wedding's off--
I'll COOK the rice
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday October 22, 2025.
This is the 295th day of the year, there are 70 days left.

On this day...
Train approaching
Whistle squealing
Pause!
Avoid that
Rundown feeling!
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday October 23, 2025.
This is the 296th day of the year, there are 69 days left.

On this day...
Unless
Your face
Is stinger free
You'd better let
Your honey be
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday October 24, 2025.
This is the 297th day of the year, there are 68 days left.

On this day...
Another
Red skin
Bit the dust
When Pa tried
What these signs discussed
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Saturday October 25, 2025.
This is the 298th day of the year, there are 67 days left.

On this day...
The band
For which
The grand stand roots
Is not made up
Substi-toots!
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Sunday October 26, 2025.
This is the 299th day of the year, there are 66 days left.

On this day...
The cream
Preserves
Pa's razor blade
The jar preserves
Ma's marmalade
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Monday October 27, 2025.
This is the 300th day of the year, there are 65 days left.

On this day...
Big blue tube
It's a honey
Best squeeze play
For love
Or money
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.29-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Tuesday October 28, 2025.
This is the 301st day of the year, there are 64 days left.

On this day...
Proper
Distance
To him was bunk
They pulled him out
Of some guy's trunk
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.30-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Wednesday October 29, 2025.
This is the 302nd day of the year, there are 63 days left.

On this day...
Substitutes
Can do
More harm
Than city fellers
On a farm
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.30-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Thursday October 30, 2025.
This is the 303rd day of the year, there are 62 days left.

On this day...
Pat's bristles
Scratched
Bridget's nose
That's when
Her wild irish rose
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.30-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

TODAY Version 3.7 06/24/94 Copyright 1986, 1994 By Patrick Kincaid

Today is Friday October 31, 2025.
This is the 304th day of the year, there are 61 days left.

On this day...
Cautious rider
To her
Reckless dear
Let's have less bull
And lots more steer
Burma-Shave
--- SBBSecho 3.30-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)