USS New York - made from steel of the World Trade Center

The USS New York was built with 24 tons of scrap steel salvaged from the World Trade Center.

The USS New York is the fifth in a new class of US Navy warships designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. (What goes around comes around) It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Governor George Pataki said of the ship: "This new class of ships will project American power to the far corners of the Earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century. From the war for independence through the war on terrorism, which we wage today, the courage and heroism of the people of New York has been an inspiration. USS New York will play an important role in our Navy's future and will be a fitting tribute to the people of the Empire State." Pataki went on: "The USS New York will ensure that all New Yorkers and the world will never forget the evil attacks of September 11, and the courage and compassion New Yorkers showed in response to terror," said Governor Pataki. "I want to thank Secretary England for taking this extraordinary step and agreeing to pay special tribute to all New Yorkers by giving our name to a ship that will play an important role in the war on terror," the Governor said.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

On January 14, 1969, Red Skelton touched the hearts of millions of Americans with his "Pledge Of Allegiance", in which he explained the meaning of each and every word. Red Skelton's recitation of the "Pledge of Allegiance" was twice read into the Congressional Record of the United States and received numerous awards.

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton’s teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

RED SKELTON: "I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge Of Allegiance and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name... He said": "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge Of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word:

Mr. Lasswell went on “I
Me; an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge

Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance

My love and my devotion.
To the Flag

Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.
of the United

That means that we have all come together.
States

Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic

Republic -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
Pledge of Allegiance - buy this art print at AllPosters.com
Pledge of Allegiance
Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com
One Nation

One Nation -- meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible

Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty

Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice

The principle, or quality, of dealing fairly with others.
For All

For All -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine. And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:”

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?"

Editor's note: sadly, Red Skelton was prescient - the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (the most overturned court in the United States of America) has done exactly that.

Inside Jihad by Dr. Tawfik Hamid

Dr. Tawfik Hamid succinctly, categorically and comprehensively explains in his "must read book" what we are too lazy or ignorant to analyze for ourselves.I had the opportunity to see him speak, in Jackson Hole, and I am dang glad I did.

Dr. Tawfik Hamid, Speaker, Author, Muslim Reformer explains from his insider understanding of the terrorist mentality, Dr. Tawfik Hamid predicted the destruction of the Twin Towers (9-11), Madrid bombings, and London attacks. Now his mission has become "to speak out against radical Islam, a cancer that is spreading with frightening rapidity across the globe today."

A courageous as well as scholarly initiator of Islamic reformation, Dr. Tawfik Hamid seeks to build new thinking within Islam to overcome the hatred and violent extremism that have metastasized within his religious tradition as he states: "in order to make Love prevail you should defeat Hatred"!

Understanding the Islamic Jihadist's Mind

Dr. Hamid is able to explain why extremist Islam is far more prevalent and poses a far more serious threat than most Americans and the West in general appreciate; to our economy, ecology, and national security.

Who better to speak of the mindset of a radical Islamic jihadist than one who has been there. Dr. Tawfik Hamid can speak with authority on this topic from personal experience.

"What occupies the mind of a jihad-driven Muslim? How is such fervor planted in young and impressionable believers? Where does it originate? How did Hamid a once innocent child who grew up in a liberal, moderate and educated household-find himself a member of a radical Islamic group?

"These questions go to the root of Islamic violence and must be addressed if free societies are to combat radical Islam. To further this aim, He explores the psychological development of a jihadi's mind through my own first-hand experience as a former member of a Muslim terrorist organization.


Every American needs to read this book

http://www.insidejihad.com

Holland Taylor - LibForAll.org

I had the pleasure of hearing a talk sponsored by Foster Freiss, by founder of,  LibForAll.org;  C. Holland Taylor speak in person and had the opportunity to be heartened. I came away from this talk inspired and uplifted when I realized someone has finally found a way to directly challenge Radical Islam. With our help, his message of Love and Hope will reach the places where it will do the most good; every town, village and Mosque in the Muslim world.

How is it possible that a small, under-funded Foundation has Radical Islamists on the run in the World's largest Muslim country? Throughout the world, Radical Muslims will infiltrate Mosques. They twist the sacred teachings into a call for a politically motivated Jihad that preaches violence against anyone who stands in their way. In Indonesia, LibForAll.org countered this assault by seeking out distinguished Muslim Scholars, well-known and well-respected Mullahs, celebrities and political leaders and presenting a message of peaceful Islam to the people.

Despite the grave personal danger, top LibForAll.org associates including the former President of Indonesia, the country's top recording star and a host of Muslim religious leaders have made strong public statements showing the distortions of Radical Islam.

The Video on this link is a must see for everyone!

Holland Taylor Video

Ice skating comedy

My son Cody's first time on ice skates.

Jackson Hole's Willow Creek Trail

Willow Creek is a major drainage system for the Wyoming Range, the scenery is fantastic and provides prodigious, geographic, flora and fauna viewing and there are many trails you could get lost on. Take a map. The trail is popular with horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers hunters, and fisherman.

Willow Creek's headwaters begin high in the Wyoming Range on the south end of Jackson Hole. Fisherman may with to trying to outwit the feisty native Cutthroat that make Willow Creek their home. These fish are native, not stocked, so they offer a challenge for the most experienced fly fisherman and an opportunity to advance the skills of the novice. Catch and release only, please. The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Conservation Partnership Program is funded a project to improve a degraded area along Willow Creek.

From the trailhead at Bryan Flats sixteen miles south of the town of Jackson, Wyoming, the trail heads west out of the parking lot and starts a steady climb for one mile to a ridge top high above Willow Creek here, there is a fork in the trail where you can turn down to Alder Creek or continue down the ridge line, the junction is signed.-----------------------> More

Jackson Hole Slide Show

A slide show of the scenic splendor of Jackson Hole Wyoming

http://www.free-press.biz/theholepicture/scenic-Jackson-Hole/Jackson-Hole.html

Cowboy'n Up - A slide show

A slide show of my horseback travels in the Jackson Hole/Yellowstone region.

http://www.free-press.biz/theholepicture/cowboy-n-up/cowboy-n-up.html

Active Lifestyle Slide Show

A slide show of activities I have had the pleasure to observer or to participate in.

http://www.free-press.biz/theholepicture/active-lifestyle/active-lifestyle.html

Fly-fishing Slide Show

A Fly-fishing slide show of the fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region.
http://www.free-press.biz/theholepicture/fly-fishing/fly-fishing.html

Wildlife Slide Show

Slide show, elk, Grizzly Bear, etc.

http://www.free-press.biz/theholepicture/wildlife/yellowstone-wildlife.html

The Bison of the Greater Yellowstone Region

By Daryl L. Hunter

The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is the only place in the lower 48 states where an endemic population of wild bison has survived since prehistoric times. Perhaps no other animal symbolizes the American West like the American bison. In prehistoric times millions of these quintessential creatures of the plains roamed the North America from northern Canada, south into Mexico and from Atlantic to the pacific. No one knows how many bison were in America before Columbus arrived but the guesstimate is about sixty million. They were the largest community of wild animals that the world has ever known. For a good part of the 1800s bison were considered to be in limitless supply.

After the Civil War the push to settle the west was on, new army posts were established, coinciding with the westward push of the railroads. The army and railroads contracted with local men to supply buffalo meat to feed the troops and construction laborers.

Bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the late 1800’s ---------------------------> More

A Deist Among The Mormons

I live in a beautiful rural valley of 700 people in eastern Idaho and after I came to live here I found out that Utah isn’t the only place that is fifty percent Mormon.

As a compulsively inquisitive geo-political junkie I decided to look through the Book of Mormon so I could learn a little about the belief of my neighbors. As with any outsider looking into another’s faith, I found many outlandish passages that would require faith to swallow, however, this is a characteristic that all religions share. What I have learned of my Mormon neighbors in the years since my voyeuristic venture into the sacred book of the LDS Church is more telling. My anecdotal experiences have revealed to me that I couldn’t have better neighbors or live in a finer community.

Although I can’t achieve faith, I admire, and may be envious of those who do. One of the problems I find in my on going analysis of life and faith is the paradoxical dichotomy of religion that fosters the Achilles Heel of human nature, “tribalism.” The tribalism of religion pits one religion against another, hence 99% of the worlds problems. The tribalism of Evangelicals is undermining the ability of their conservative brethren, the Mormons, to carry forward the flag of conservatism and I find this as an affront to common sense-----------------------> More

North Yellowstone’s Winter Road

Winter in Yellowstone is truly a wonderful thing to experience, its deep snows, bitter cold, abundant wildlife and stark beauty can imprint memories that can last a lifetime.

Access to Yellowstone in winter is the problem, it has become illegal to take a private snowmobile into Yellowstone and very few of us have snow coaches of our own or are capable of marathon ski expeditions too access Yellowstone’s winter wonders, but it is not as inaccessible as many think.

The snowmobiling destination resort of Cooke City and Silver Gate Montana need groceries regularly to keep its citizens alive so Yellowstone Park maintains winter access to these communities. US-212 can be accessed through Yellowstone’s north entrance in Gardner Montana, so Yellowstone visitors can access a smidgen of Yellowstone’s treasures in winter by car.-----------------------> More

Politically Correct Bison Hunt

By Daryl L. Hunter
Montana, Gov. Brian Schweitzer's office is planning on changing how bison that wander out of Yellowstone are managed. Currently bison are rounded up and sent to slaughter but some are sent to a quarantined research facility in Corwin Springs MT.

State and federal officials say the hazing, capture and slaughter of bison is part of the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) approved in 2000 intended to maintain a viable wild bison population in Yellowstone, The plan is designed to reduce the risk of transmitting brucellosis, a disease that can cause abortions, from bison to nearby livestock.

An agreement with Church Universal and Triumphant to open up thousands of acres that abuts Yellowstone for bison range was approved in 1999 but the deal hasn't been consummated, as it requires $13 million to be given to the church. Gov. Schweitzer's chief policy adviser Hal Harper said that this should become a priority.

The herd was estimated at-------------------------->More

The Search for Serendipity

By Daryl L. Hunter
Luck favors the prepared mind, as does serendipity. Webster's definition-Serendipity - an apparent aptitude for making fortunate discoveries accidentally. Audacious, is the photographer who chooses to make his living stalking serendipity from one location to another then back again hoping to capture light as it has never been captured before or tougher yet as they may have captured it in the past. But that is what we do, and that is what we live for.

Armed with our acquired knowledge of the magic hour, cloud diffused lighting, outdoorsmenship, storm lighting, instinct for peak action, wildlife behavior, camera mechanics, changes in seasons, composition, astronomy, etc., we set out to bring the natural world to armchair adventures, outdoor enthusiasts, publishers, and advertisers, And to do so we have to rely on serendipity. Accomplished photographers are serendipiters, a serendipiters are those with an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident--------------------> More

The Resort Town Curse

By Daryl L. Hunter

In 1962 as a child my family went through Carmel California and my mother explained to me that it was against the law to cut down a tree in the town and it was so beautiful I wondered why every town didn't do that. A few years later my hometown did enact all kinds of restricted zoning like Carmel's and now I couldn't afford to move back there if I wanted to. This town is now populated with what they call gray gold, rich retired people that ran up the property values so high that natives could no longer live there.

I have lived in many resort towns and I have noticed a trend. I am attracted to them when they are still little, quaint and undiscovered but it usually isn't long before word spreads about the next great place.

The newcomers arrive and they marvel at the scenery but yearn for a classier looking town. Then comes the planning and zoning like they had back home. Everyone's property value goes up and everyone is happy.

The town no longer looks like an old farm town; it starts looking like------------>More

Family Values - a journey of discovery

By Daryl L. Hunter

Growing up a child of alcoholics in a single parent home with a mother who sang the praises of liberalism because it was liberalism's socialism programs that delivered the welfare check, I had a front row seat to learn the failures of liberalism.

I learned I was a Republican by the time I was 18, just in time to help re-elect Nixon to his second term. Other than that I was the typical 70's something counter culture rebel. During the 70's and 80's I was libertarian in many ways and it was convenient for me to endorse a woman or her partner's right to choose.

Reagan was a breath of fresh air after Carter stagnated our economy, gave away the Panama Canal and showed Islam that liberals are-------------->More

Living a richer life without any money!

Since purchasing my first camera, I have been living a visual feast that has cost me a real estate career in a lucrative Southern California market. My scenery seemed to always be just over the next hill somewhere, cityscapes just were not my kind of inspiration, and I soon tired of local beach sunsets.

So it wasn't long before I was traveling farther a field, weekend trips to Big Sur, Lake Arrowhead, Yosemite, and yes, a three-day driving marathon to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. I decided that my weekends just were not long enough. I would just have to take more time off work, and then I could make it to Tahoe, the costal redwoods, and the Oregon coast.

All that driving wore out my car; it must be time to move to a prettier place-------------->More

Grand Teton National Park's Upper Snake River

fly-fisherman actress Heather Thomas Jackson Hole Wyoming
Originally uploaded by Daryl L. Hunter

The source of the mighty Snake River is in Yellowstone National Park, from there it flows past Flagg Ranch south through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, and into postcard perfect Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Below Jackson Lake Dam, the Snake River meanders through Grand Teton National Park. Above the river to the west, the Grand Teton mountains rise suddenly, with no foothills to soften their dramatic rise to the sky. These are mountains the way we always expect mountains to look, The snowcapped, Grand Tetons are America's quintessential mountain range, rearing up with sawtooth like exaggeration crowned by the 13,770-foot Grand Teton.

The abundant wildlife and lush landscape of the upper Snake River Valley, which is Jackson Hole, leaves a lasting impression in the mind of any visitor to Grand Teton National Park. Approximately 50 miles of the 1056-mile long Snake River winds though Grand Teton National Park. Areas around Snake River are a great place to spot wildlife, such as Moose, Bison, Elk, Beavers, Otters, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys, and there is hardly a better way to experience Grand Teton Park than floating or standing knee deep in one of it's treasures.
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Cascade - Paintbrush Canyon Loop Trail

Lake Solitude Grand Teton National Park
Originally uploaded by Daryl L. Hunter

By Daryl L. Hunter
The Paintbrush Divide trail makes up the first part of a great loop hike that carries you across the Divide (10,720 feet), passing Lake Solitude as it winds back down to the Cascade Canyon. It's best to go up the Paintbrush Canyon first because it allows for turning around if the quicker if ice/snow at the divide is a problem. Also, its steeper which is more pleasant to go up than down, and gets the hard part over with while you are still fresh. A snowfield makes the trail a bit tricky as you cross the Divide until early August. After August is easily traversed without the need of an ice axe trekking poles are always useful on extreme day hikes and make the small snow excursions even easier but it might not hunt to have an ice axe along if you go earlier than August.

In Cascade and Paintbrush Canyons you will see boulder fields and subalpine forests of fir, Engelmann Spruce, Limber and Whitebark Pines; Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, American Pikas, and Yellow-bellied Marmots may be seen in the area. Higher up youll find the alpine country, with its talus slopes, glaciers, and globeflowers, Glacier Lilies, and Alpine Forget-me-nots, the park flower.

Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon for most of the summer. For that reason, it's advisable to get an early start and try to cross the open divide by noon, .........................................More

Henrys Fork of Snake River

fishermen, drift boat, Henrys Fork, Snake River
Originally uploaded by Daryl L. Hunter

By Daryl L. Hunter
The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, located in eastern Idaho, is one of the most famous trout streams in all of the United States. It's legendary hatches and abundant large wild rainbow trout make the Henry's Fork one of America's top fly-fishing destinations. The river flows for approximately 150 miles and within its journey passes some of the more classic dry fly water in the United States. Gentle flowing meadowland, pocket water, and spring creek like sections make up much of this legendary fishery made popular by Avril Harriman the railroad man. The Henry's Fork of the Snake is a spectacular river and fishery. Anglers come from all over the world to this river to fish its diverse and productive waters.

Henry's Lake is the source of the Henry's Fork River. The lake is fed by seven creeks, and by springs in the lake bottom. It is very rich water for trout, loaded with weeds and insects. Henry's lake is an awesome fishery in its own right and has produced many state records.
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Turquoise Lake Trail - Gros Ventre Wilderness

By Daryl L. Hunter
Turquoise Lake is an alpine gem in the middle of the Gros Ventre Wilderness and there are many ways to get there but the most expeditious one is via the Goodwin Lake Trail. This access facilitates a 2,000-foot elevation head start over most others by virtue of its 8,000-foot trailhead.......................... About 2.5 miles from the trailhead you come to Goodwin Lake which is at the base of a steep flank of Jackson Peak............................... Climbing out of the cirque that hosts Goodwin Lake you enter sub alpine terrain with fewer trees and a lot more meadows revealing awesome views in every direction.....................More

Teton Crest Trail

Teton-Creek-ride-13.JPG
Originally uploaded by Daryl L. Hunter

The Teton Crest Trail can be done many different ways; the full route is 39 miles, from Teton Pass on Highway 22 to String Lake in Grand Teton National Park, just north of Jenny Lake. Backpacking the Teton Crest Trail takes about three days but this hike is no place to rush if you can budget the time. Ambitious backpackers or horseback riders can extend the trip to seventy-five mile trek
along the entire crest of the Teton Mountains with some creative trail daisy chaining. Much of the Teton Crest Trail cuts a serpentine path through Grand Teton National Park and the adjacent Jedediah Smith Wilderness, rarely dipping below 8,000 feet. This rugged mountain environmentês jagged spires, alpine meadows, glaciers, lakes and vistas provide a challenging trip with limitless and rewarding sections for off trail exploration.

Most start the Teton Crest Trail from the Phillips Pass Trailhead on Teton Pass however there is a myriad of other choices. A shortcut option is to take the Teton Village Tram and hike to Marion Lake and to pick up the Teton Crest Trail from there. Other southern starting points include Coal Creek, and Moose Creek trailheads.

After about 10 miles from the southern starting points you leave the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness and enter Grand Teton National Park, here Marion Lake makes a good camping spot. Marion Lake has limited campsites, which require a permit as do all Grand Teton designated camping spots.........................More

The South Fork of the Snake River

Fly-fishing Southfork Snake River Drift boat
Originally uploaded by Daryl L. Hunter

The South Fork of the Snake River is in southeastern Idaho close to the Wyoming border. The South Fork begins as it flows out of 20 mile long Palisades Reservoir in the community of Swan Valley, forming a 64-mile stretch of legendary tail-water fly-fishing. The South Fork is also a beautiful river for flat water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. If you float this river in a canoe know what you are doing as it is big water and its flat-water appearance can fool you to its dangers.

Bald eagles and Ospreys are prevalent and many nest high above on treetops along the riverbanks, it is always a treat to see one swoop down and catch an unsuspecting fish........................More