Are All Red Sprites & Blue Jets Created Equal?

NASA (BW) Image: An Oblique View Of A Red Sprite (Edited by JeromeProphet)

The Red Sprite image above was taken from the Space Shuttle in 1993. The Red Sprite, approximately 1150 miles (1850 km) from the shuttle, appears to have originated from a thunderstorm just over the earth's limb. The portion of the Red Sprite that is visible (above the edge of the horizon) is approximately 29 miles (47 km) in length.

What can Red Sprites teach us about designing anti satellite weapons?

Are some Red Sprites actually the result of a covert particle beam weapon testing program?



Video (BW): Blue Jets ejected from a thunderstorm over eastern Arkansas July 1994.

To watch the video above you'll need Macromedia's Flashplayer installed on your browser.

Blue Jets also raise many questions. Since I've never seen, or heard anyone ask this question yet I'm going to do so here. Is the recently discovered phenomena of Blue Jets based entirely upon nature?


Here are some questions I have about Blue Jets:

• Are all Blue Jets the product of a natural, and random force of nature, or could some Blue Jets be the byproduct, or even an intended result of a covert particle beam weapon's testing program?
• Is the matter being ejected in a Blue Jet made up of ionized particles?
• If the ejecta from a Blue Jet consist mostly of ionized particles where did those particles originate?
• At what velocity do the particles of a Blue Jet move?
• What altitude do the particles from a Blue Jet reach (e.g., Ionosphere, Orbit, or Beyond Orbit)?
• What effect does a Blue Jet have on the Ionosphere, or the Ozone Layer above it?
• Do Blue Jets have an effect upon radio communications, or radar?
• Do all Blue Jets point away from the ground, or do some point horizontally into nearby clouds, or even toward the ground?
• If some Blue Jets eject high velocity charged particles toward nearby clouds what effect does this have on those clouds?
• If some Blue Jets eject high velocity charged particles toward the ground what effect does this have on what is below?
• If Blue Jets are entirely random natural events caused by clouds of water vapor, could human beings reproduce, or trigger, Blue Jets through the use of high energy electrical devices?
• If Blue Jets can be produced, or triggered, by technology to what use can they be put?
• How can the phenomena of Blue Jets be modified so as to be put to use in solving economic, and military goals?
• Has any group within the U.S. Intelligence Community, Military, and/or Defense Industry examined Blue Jets - and to what effect?
• Are Blue Jets in any way the result of nature?

Just a few starting points of inquiry I'd like to see addressed.

The South Will Rise Again - Pam Furr?

I was listening to WMAY's Pam Furr Thursday morning. She was commenting on some statements which Jim Leach, also of WMAY, had made earlier that morning - stating that Jim Leach had crossed a line - and that Jim Leach was wrong because he stated that Confederate Memorials were flying in the face of history.


The Lie of Southern Heritage

Pam Furr (which is probably just a on-air-name) began a rant on what a down home southern girl she is, stating that the Civil War wasn't really fought over slavery - but for state's rights (this is code talk by racist southerners through the promotion of myths (lies) about the nature of the Civil War - myths started by the KKK, and their ilk after the failure of reconstruction).

The nation had been heading for a civil war since its founding, and it was always about slavery.

Anyone denying that is ignorant of American history.

Southern heritage is a myth created by segregationist designed to create sympathy for whites after reconstruction. The myth of galant southern men, and women defending "Southern Heritage" instead of the institution of slavery was created as an end run around the question of how to deal with a recently freed black population.

As northern commitment to southern reconstruction wavered whites in the South began to act in every way possible to throw blacks back into the shackles of slavery - this time through segregration, economic oppression, and disenfranchisement.

At the end of WMAY's Pam Furr's "Southern Heritage" rant she opened up the phone lines for callers. The very first caller started in with a supportive, and sympathetic comparison between southerners celebrating their "heritage" (read that legacy of slavery, and segregation), and some poor old misunderstood German WWII veteran wishing to proudly display a photo of Adolf Hitler pinning a medal on his chest.

As it turns out the modern youth of Germany just don't understand why this veteran of Germany's most recent world war would ever feel pride at being pinned by one of history's greatest mass murders.

The caller stated that the poor misunderstood World War Two veteran saw Hitler as his nation's leader, and that he did many great things for Germany (despite the fact that Germany was in total ruins at the end of the war), so why shouldn't the veteran feel pride swell in his chest, and why shouldn't he display his Hitler photos?

This poor ole war NAZI is understandibly proud of his moment of glory - supporting the fatherland in its triumpant destruction of Europe, and the killing of tens of millions of people - eventually leading to the very ruination of Germany itself. Yes, pride swells in the hearts of such brave blue eyed men - so why indeed should he hide his Hitler Photos, and his Hitler Medals?


Now Get This!

Pam Furr actually agreed with this lunatic Neo-Nazi caller by saying that his point was a perfect comparison which supported her ideas about how people need to feel the pain of the poor misunderstood white south - and their pride over "southern heritage" (Slavery, and Segregation)!

Yes, two groups of misunderstood martyrs - those who defended slavery, and those who wanted to create a world of slaves - there is indeed a commonality.


Is Pam Furr a Racist Nazi - Who Knows?

I don't know what Pam really feels about anything - radio is after all entertainment, and on air personalities do their schtick. For all we know Rush Limbaugh votes democrat.

We really can't trust what we hear on AM radio because in the end it's a business, and those folk working the airwaves are getting paid to get people to listen. Getting people worked up enough to call into their talk show is part of that business - but many people either don't know that, or don't care.

I'm not sure what Pam Furr was thinking when she agreed with the Hitler sympathizer, perhaps she was supporting what sounded like a conservative tone - just another right wing nutcase to stroke while keeping the calls coming in.

Yet the conservative caller was lamenting the end of the good ole days when blue eyed white men could proudly rule with an iron fist.

With swaztikas on their arms, iron crosses on their chest, and "Rat Jews"* under their storm trooper boots we must never forget that all things being equal being pinned by Hitler wasn't so bad. Yes, the good ole days of incinerators for the Jews of Europe, and segregation, and race based oppression in the U.S. really is a misunderstood time. Those poor ole white folk just wanted to have a good time.

There is a point which on air professionals like Pam Furr should not cross while on the air - which after all is a public resource (but controlled by corporate interest), and it was crossed that morning alright, but it wasn't by the intelligent, and thoughtful Jim Leach.


The Civil War Has Yet To End Here In The U.S.

A recent report was published, not sure by which organization, but it shows that 45% of children under the age of five in this country are minority - not white.

That's the future of this nation. By the time those reading this now (2006) are old enough to be rocking in their rocking chairs at the old folk's home this nation won't be the white nation it is today.

It might still be controlled by whites (barely), but it won't be a white nation.

The south will rise again - only it won't be racist white men in the red states calling the shots then. On that day I hope we as a nation have clearly stated our commitment to minority rights, and put to rest the notion of "southern heritage" which is nothing more than racist code talk.


Explanation of Anti-Jewish Phrase Use Above.

*My use of the term "Rat Jew" above is indeed offensive. I use it only because it illustrates just how revulsive the NAZI regime was. It illustrates the degree of insanity present within the social fabric of Europe, and even the U.S. during that time (and even now to some degree). Jews were being villified, and portrayed as if they were a type of plague similar to rats, which had to be taken care of. There simply can be no compromise, or advocation of this type of thought in any way shape or form. Not only is it evil to do so, it is irrational thinking, and extremely dangerous to everyone in this age of nuclear weapons.

Here's a link to Pam Furr's Blog (not a lot of material).

Here's a link to Pam Furr's MySpace Link (for you tweenie boppers).

Here's a link to Springfield, Illinois radio station WMAY

Take The "Mayor & Sheriff Test" On NSA's Domestic Spying

Ask yourself the following questions,

Do I want my town's Mayor to have the county Sheriff collect a list of every phone call I have ever made, or will make?

Do I want my town's Mayor to have the county Sheriff listen to my phone calls without asking a Judge first?

While it is true that a police state affords a greater level of safety it also entails a greater level or risk. Police states usually foster, and promote states in which violence is directed in state sanctioned ways.

Hysteria following 9/11 allowed a group of presumably well intentioned individuals within very powerful governmental institutions to bring the United States closer to being a secret police state than it has ever been during a time of peace.

The fact that a "War on Terror" is a never ending war dictates that any changes in the power equation between the individual and the state be made permanent. This should concern anyone who loves freedom, and democracy.

Please ask yourself what kind of nation you wish to live in. Do you want to live in a society in which you, your family, and everyone in your community is under constant surveillance?

Do you want to be considered a criminal until proven innocent?

What would you want your Mayor to do?

Do not allow words like "President", "CIA", "NSA" confuse the situation.

Is It Time For A Paradyne Shift?

Image: Video Capture Of Particle Beam Weapon Testing Over Oklahoma?

The image above is a high contrast capture nineteen seconds into a NASA video (see below) of a thunderstorm over Oklahoma. The lower cursor points to a linear ejecta of "lightning", while the upper cursor points to an area of synchronized lightning.

Could this particle ejecta have originated from a particle beam weapon?

It certainly doesn't look like normal lightning - looking far more like a spray of ionized particles - similar to what one might see ejected from a rocket.



Video: NASA Video Of Thunderstorm Over Oklahoma

Is the thunderstorm simply a natural phenomena, or has it become a manmade phenomena? In the NASA video above (you'll need a current version of Macromedia Flashplayer Installed) we see a "god's eye" view of either a purely random natural phenomena, or perhaps you'll see the deliberate manipulation of a thunderstorm through the use of particle beam generators (artificial lightning generators).

We live in an age of such incredible possibilities!

We live in an time in which stealth UPVs equipped with artificial lightning generators can deploy into thunderstorms with the mission of covertly altering weather.


Is It Time For A Paradyne Shift?

Is it time to ask, can thunder make it rain?

Hardee's Steak N Egg Burrito

Image: Hardee's Steak & Egg Burrito Windows - Jerome, Illinois - 05.06.06

I rarely go to Hardee's early in the morning. But Saturday I did. Friday night was rare for me, I actually went to bed early, and awoke early Saturday morning fully rested. What a treat!
So with a lawn to mow, and tons of little projects to do what other choice was there?
I took off to Hardee's to start the day. I took a photograph of the west facing wall of windows, and processed it. The right corner is filled with a poster facing opposite the camera. It advertises Hardee's Steak N Egg Burritos.



Image: Hardee's Steak N Egg Burrito Woman - Jerome, Illinois 05.06.06

I went with my daughter, and spotted an older woman eating alone.
I include an image of her above. Her long flowing white hair looks magnificient after digital processing doesn't it?

Saturday was a fun day.

Neil Young's Prairie Wind & Living With War

Image: Dedicated To Neil Young's Prairie Wind & Living With War

Dave from The11thhour provided this link to Neil's latest release titled LIVING WITH WAR.

Sounds pretty darned good for an old man, and he has much to say about our great "decision maker" G.W. Bush, and the lies that led this nation into war.

Here's a link to a site on Living With War.

Here's a link to an interview with Neil on NPR.

And another NPR Living With War Link.

A Prarie Wind Link.

Weather as a Force Multiplier - 1996

Weather as a Force Multiplier:
Owning the Weather in 2025

A Research Paper
Presented To
Air Force 2025

by

Col Tamzy J. House
Lt Col James B. Near, Jr.
LTC William B. Sheilds (USA)
Maj Ronald J. Celentano
Maj David M Husband
Maj Ann E. Mercer
Maj James E. Pugh

August 1996

Some Excerpts:

Page 15: "If this UAV technology were combined with stealth and carbon dust technologies, the result could be a UAV aircraft invisible to radar while en route to the targeted area, which could spontaneously create carbon dust in any location".

Page 19: " One area of storm research that would significantly benefit military operations is lighning modification. Most research efforts that would significantly benefit military operations is in lightning modification. Most research efforts are being conducted to develop techniques to lessen the occurrence or hazards associated with lightning. This is important research for military operations and resource protection, but some offensive military benefit could be obtained by doing research on increasing the potential and intensity of lightning. Concepts to explore include increasing the basic efficiency of the thunderstorm, stimulating the triggering mechanism that initiates the bolt, and triggering lightning such as that which struck Apollo 12 in 1968. Possible mechanisms to investigate would be ways to modify the electropotential characteristics over certain targets to induce lightning strikes on the desired targets as the storm passes over their location".

Here's an Air Force PDF version of the document.


My take on the weather modification document:

This document is a good primer on the subject of weather modification. It lays out general topics associated to weather modification's advantages, disadvantages. The report is unclassified, and dated to 1996, and so it is possible that what is being portrayed as a future possibility had in fact already been achieved at least a decade before its publication. I have argued in past postings that not only does the U.S. possess the ability to trigger lightning, but to precisely target it. I've also asked if thunder makes it rain?

One day nineteen years from now (2025) we may discover that the United States has magically obtained the ability to modify the weather. Then again maybe it will take a covert program using science & technology several decades to provide that capability. If the latter is true we would very likely be living in one of those decades in which weather is being covertly modified.

A Prophet On The Edge

Image: Google Results on "Particle Beams Artificial Lightning"

At least I'm not the only one discussing this subject.

Yet there is something strange about just how far up the Google Search Results list my humble little blog has climbed relating to the subject of Particle Beams, and Artificial Lightning.

Perhaps it takes a paranoid person to distrust Google?

Sure Google works hand in hand with the oppresive government of China to censor Google search results which are provided to the people of China, but Google would never do anything remotely similar for the U.S. government - would they?

The United States after all is a freedom loving democracy, and Google has vowed "To do no harm".

So perhaps I am paranoid, and my mad ramblings pertaining to a covert weather modification program are simply that - mad ramblings. That would seem to explain why my posting related to this subject are rated so darned high on Google. My ideas are so off the wall that no one else has thought of them, and for good reason - they're just plain crazy talk!

Still being a paranoid prophet means I have my doubts, and my lingering concerns.

I recall an incredible story in which a psychiatrist discovers two psychotic individuals who each believe they are Napoleon Bonaparte. They live within the same psych ward. The psychiatrist attempting to force one of these patients to confront their delusion ask how both could be Napoleon Bonaparte. Instead of confronting any previously held beliefs the patient responds, "Well, that other guy is just plain crazy!".

It's a funny story which illustrates the power of the mind to maintain a sense of balance even under the most incredible of circumstances.

I'm using the story here in another way though, for even abnormal thoughts fall into predictable categories. There really aren't that many original thoughts. Even those society deems based in mental illness are repeated in various forms the world over.

So I am stuck having to ask that if indeed I am insane, and my ideas are so out of synch with normal reality - so off the wall that the very rarity of their appearnce on the Internet is responsible for their high Google ranking then shouldn't there be at least a few other mentally ill individuals with the same insane fascination?

Shouldn't I be able to locate these insane people using Google's incredibly sophisticated search engine service so as to communicate with, and form associations with these like minded people?

By statistical probability there should be at least a few such individuals who have posted on the subject of using artificial lightning as both a weapon, and for altering rainfall patterns - shouldn't there be? The world wide web is made up of BILLIONS OF PAGES OF CONTENT created by hundreds of millions of people over the last decade, and so the odds are pretty good most searches will result in some type of valid response.

Yet it appears that I am all alone. I am unique, and alien in my thoughts. That's right folks for I AM NEW UNDER THE SUN!

Alone, and quite mad is what I must be. It's time for me to give up my search for other like minded people who hold a similar interest in the covert weather modification program being operated over the skies of the United States. The program which answers the question: CAN THUNDER MAKE IT RAIN?

I have grown so weak in my resolve to open up a dialogue about this off the wall subject - ESPECIALLY NOW THAT GOOGLE HAS PRONOUNCED ME INSANE!

Then again Google is doing its best to create the exact same feeling of isolation, and alienation in the hearts, and minds of millions of Chinese - those yearning for freedom, and democracy in China!

So just why in the hell would I ever put my trust a corporation like Google? Well, I guess I can't now can I? I'd have to be insane to do so.

And just in case you think that I'm blaming Google, and not MSN, or Yahoo, let me add that all the major search engines are being rigged by the companies which run them on behalf of the oppressive Chinese government.

An Unauthorized Portrait Of Squinting "L"

Image: An Unauthorized Portrait Of Squinting "L" - Springfield, IL

Mr. "L" is a regular reader of JeromeProphet. Mr. "L" works in downtown Springfield, Illinois, but I won't say for whom - that's a secret. Mr. "L" has made several intriguing suggestions for possible post to this blog over the last ten months, but I'm waiting for Mr. "L" to begin his own blog.

I'm sure it would be an interesting read.

Flowers Ephemeral

Photo: A Beautiful Flower - Horace Mann Plaza - Springfield, Illinois 04.27.006


Flowers Ephemeral
-JeromeProphet-

Flowers ephemeral.
You live a life of beauty.
An essence in a sense of innocence.



Image: A Beautiful Flower - Gives More Than It Takes.

In the borrowing of a moment.
Your existence is to share.
Not to capture, control, or possess.



Image: A Beautiful Flower - It Must Perish But It's Gift Remains

But to experience all at once.
With never a true understanding.
Of your gift.

The Incredible Lockheed/Martin ABL/IRSS

The Airborne Laser (ABL) is the U.S. Air Force's radical new approach for disabling or destroying threat ballistic missiles immediately after launch, during their vulnerable boost phase of launch. Onboard a Boeing 747, the ABL will use the Infrared Surveillance Subsystem (IRSS) to detect and precisely locate threat missiles for engagement by the ABL's megawatt class laser. IRSS leverages some of the latest Infrared Search and Track (IRST) and Active Ranging Sensor (ARS) technologies to perform the real-time detection and precise target tracking functions.

The ABL team is comprised of Boeing, responsible for building the 747 aircraft and the BMC⁴I computer; TRW, responsible for building the laser; and Lockheed Martin, responsible for Beam Control/Fire Control and the IRSS. Employing six IRSTs, IRSS is capable of rapidly searching a large airspace volume, generating precise two-dimensional tracks on threat missiles during both their boost and post-boost phases of flight. The IRST system can generate detections at very long ranges, then handing off to a CO_² laser ARS for track refinement and precise range measurement. The ABL project is currently in the Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) phase. Live fire testing of the entire ABL system is scheduled for 2003.

Caption: Airborne Laser (ABL) is an aircraft-mounted laser weapon system that is capable of destroying chemical, biological, and nuclear missiles almost immediately after launch and before they would pose a threat to civilian populations and military assets. This beam control system provides autonomous acquisition, pointing, and tracking capabilities against the theater ballistic missiles.

CREDIT: "Lockheed Martin photo"





CAPTION: Airborne laser (ABL) is an aircraft-mounted laser that is capable of destroying chemical, biological, and nuclear missiles.

CREDIT: "Lockheed Martin photo"


ABOUT THE MATERIAL ABOVE:

Both the written, and graphic material above was reproduced from the LockheedMartin website. It's facinating to me, and so I reproduced it for my readers - for scientific purposes. I'm sure it's copyrighted, but I can use it here under FAIRUSE Copyright rules. I cropped, and resized the two larger "photos" above to fit those images on my blog page.


MY FEELINGS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

If the U.S. could deploy dozens of these airborn ABM systems, once they are fully functional, they might prove worthwhile. They could find an immediate role in shielding Japan, and the U.S. from a nuclear missile attack from North Korea.

Despite the promise of this program I'm hoping that U.S. foreign policy never comes to depend upon this type of defense system. All it takes is one warhead to make it past such a system to incinerate millions of people.

I've always believed that it's best to promote positive relations with all nations, and hopefully reduce the chances of conflict in the first place. Having said that I believe that such a program is vital to the interest of the U.S.

Bar Stools On Table

Image: Clyde's Bar Stools On Table - Springfield, Illinois 04.25.06

A little color to pick up your spirits on a cold rainy April day?

CIA Agent Visits Downtown Springfield, Illinois!

Photo: CIA Agent - Umbrella Man - Springfield, Illinois

This was one scary dude! Randy at Photos-Etc has another photo of this CIA agent on his blog!

Jerome Illinois' Barrel Head Is Demolished

Photo: Barrel Head Demolished - Victim Of Jerome, Illinois' 2006 Tornado

Owners of The Barrel Head located on Wabash Avenue in Jerome, Illinois demolished the severely damaged eatery six weeks after an F2 tornado ripped it's roof off.

According to an article in the Illinois State Journal Register the building is to be rebuilt. Where, and when exactly that rebuilding takes place are two questions I'd like to ask the owners.

Being a resident of the Village of Jerome, I sure hope the rebuild right here in Jerome!

I took several photos of the demolished remains of the Barrel Head. In the photograph above, under the arch of the demolition crane, Steak & Shake can be seen across Wabash Avenue. It's sign is still damaged, and actually looks better - being brighter.



Photo: Jerome, Illinois Barell Head Demolished - A Last Reunion?

A table and several chairs were assembled next to the debris. It looked as if a small group of people had come, and sat down at that table - perhaps for one last get together at the old Barrel Head.

Barrel Head Jingle

Barrel Head.
Good Times, and Good Friends.
Barrel Head.
Where The Party Never Ends.

The Barrel Head is now just as much of a memory as is the Wabash Curve. The Barrel Head Jingle which played for decades on radio, and television spots to residents of Central Illinois had historically included a reference to the Wabash Curve. The Wabash Curve was a section of road in which Macarthur Blvd. curved into, and became Wabash Avenue. The Wabash Curve was converted into an intersection with the recent completion of the Stanford-Wabash road project.

Weed or Flower - It's Spring 2006!

Photo: Jerome, Illinois - Dandelion - Spring Has Arrived - 2006

For several weeks I have been holding back my enthusiasm over the coming of Spring. As anyone who lives in this Central Illinois community knows there have been several (at least four officially) tornados to visit the area since early March. The tornados, and a late blizzard left me a bit weather worried, and I have been left with the feeling that Spring was more of a enemy than a welcome friend.

Finally, it appears that Spirng is here to stay, and despite my lingering fear that Mother Nature has a final zinger to launch at Jerome, and surrounding communities, I'm officially in the celebration mode.

My wife insisted this weekend that I go out, and mow the lawn. This would be the first time for 2006, and the grass looked fine to me, but that's a long standing debate between my spouse, and me - and I won't go there in this post.

Going out, and mowing the grass sounds like an innocent request, but the tornado which struck Jerome left hundreds of little projectiles in the lawn. Including sticks, sycamore balls (and I don't even know where the closest sycamore tree is), and small pieces of roofing tiles from other people's homes, and garages.

As I ran the mower I was reminded of the sound which this debris made as it hit the house at one hundred, and twenty miles per hour - cast there by the swirling tornado. Quite a frightening melody.

Despite my spouses claim that I was only delaying the inevitable I grabbed my camera to snap some photos of various flowering plants just before I mowed them suckers down.

I present some of those photos here as a reminder of the beauty of Spring 2006 which I found just outside my door on a beautiful blue sky day - and get this - it was a Saturday!

Lion's Tooth

Photo: A Dandelion - Spring Has Arrived In Jerome, Illinois - 2006


Lion's Tooth
-JeromeProphet-

I'm out of time.
I sit and stare.
I've prayed for more.

But you won't dare.

For a future.
For a past.
Into which I'd cast.

I'm out of rhyme.
My wit is bare.
I plead for mercy.

But you don't care.

For a love.
For a fate.
Which I could make.

I'm out of line.
My trip is snared.
I've begged for more.

But you're unaware.

Of a life.
Of a state.
That awaits.

You won't dare.
You don't care.
You're unaware.

Are you there?

Spring Fever 2006 Report

Photo: Jerome, Illinois - 2006 Spring Floral Display

Redeem me oh Spring! Redeem me!

Is Spring only as good as it seems because of Winter?

Probably.

Yet, there is no time of year in which trees blossom, and flowers adorn our yards like they do during Spring. The thick perfume scent which fills the air, the blue sky, and growing warmth all seem to rejuvinate my soul.

I'm sure it has the same effect on most people.

I always come down with a bit of Spring Fever. I yearn to be somewhere else, but I'm not quite sure where. Just closer to the sun perhaps. Closer to the warmth, and to the light.

But it's coming! Yes, it's coming!

Here Comes The Sun
- The Beatles -

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

The Beatle's Song Lyrics In Apple Green (above) are under copyright. I reproduced them here for artistic purposes only as they capture perfectly what many of us feel around this time of year.

The Effect - Part II - The Way To Go

Photo: Stanford Overpass - Springfield, Illinois - Looking West Toward Jerome

At least for a time I felt like I knew just what I should do. There was however one important obstacle to my plan. I had measured out exactly how many steps to take, how long it would take me to execute each step. Knowing the cost of failure I had planned carefully. I had however failed to take into account one minor detail - one little detail which would very likely cause me to lose my life.

As the effect slowly crept across the Village of Jerome I could hear the screams - the blood curdling screams of those under its grip. The sound of gunfire, cars revving up, tires screeching, cars crashing, and the howling of a fierce wind.

All hell was breaking loose just blocks away. Those poor souls had no way of knowing where to go, or what to do. They were running blindly in panic for their cars, or scampering to their basements to hide, not knowing that they had only moments to live.

But I had listened to the old woman's stories when no one else would. I had listened to her, and believed. She had grown up in Jerome before it was Jerome, when Jerome was just farm fields. Her parents farmed the land, and her grandparents before them. She had first heard the stories she had shared with me when she was just a child. Stories which were handed down quietly, which many denied had any truth to them, but stories which never seemed to disappear - not entirely.

The stories were ancient. They had in fact predated the first log cabins in Sangamo. They were told even before the first french traders made their way here.

It was in the details of the mad ramblings of a woman who had been found dead only one night before that I was venturing out into the raging insanity that was now Jerome, Illinois to seek refuge in the only place refuge could be found.

It was a small unassuming house. So small in fact that many made jokes about it, and questioned why such a small house rested within such a large field surrounded by so many trees. Few had ever seen its owner, and over the years many stories sprang up that the small house was haunted.

To be continued..,

Bush's Nightmare

........................Bush's Nightmare
...................................- Jerome Prophet -

Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace
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Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace
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Winter Sunshine Yields To Spring

Photo: First Christian Church @ Sunset - Springfield, Illinois 03.21.06


Winter Sunshine
- Jerome Prophet -

I see you coming.
From miles around.
You're radiance.
You're Love.
Astound.

Glide Glide Glide.
Upon this little frown.
Ride Ride Ride.
Lift up this down.

I saw you coming.
From miles around.
Your radiance.
Your Love.
Abound.

You're way up high.
I'm way down low.
Show me your pace.
The way to go.

Glide Glide Glide.
Down upon me.
Ride Ride Ride.
You're up on me.

I saw your love.
You saw mine.
Never leave.
Sunshine.

Eostre Day 2006

Photo: First United Methodist Church - 501 East Capitol, Springfield, Illinois

I was raised as a christian in a predominantly christian society in the last half of the twentieth century. I found that once I was mature enough to question all that I had been taught about my christian faith that holding onto that faith wasn't simply a matter of casting out unholy thoughts.

I knew most of my friends really didn't care one way or another about their faith to question it, but I felt doubts creeping in from about the age of twelve.



Photo: First United Methodist Church - 501 East Capitol, Springfield, Illinois

At about the age of twelve the average human brain has developed enough so as to allow for more complex, and abstract thought formation. At this age children who believe their parents are beyond reproach begin to question them, and their authority. They also begin to question other aspects of their lives - including their faith.

For me it meant sneaking out of church service, and hanging out on the front steps of the church with other lost boys - talking about anything, and everything, but not about God.

Jesus at about this age most likely started to question his beliefs, and started hanging out in those sections of the nearby temples in which average believers were allowed.

The priests of our church would joke with us boys a bit, and then remind us that service was starting soon. He'd then walk inside to begin the church service. I suspect he believed that it was just a phase, and that one day we'd realize the importance of attending church service each, and every Sunday.



Photo: First United Methodist Church - 501 East Capitol, Springfield, Illinois

I often wonder if Jesus had been raised in a time of democratice ideology, scientific discovery, and material progress, if he would have kept questioning his faith for as long as I have. Would Jesus have affirmed his faith? Jesus is often seen as a revolutionary, but he also accepted his faith, and it is here that I suspect that Jesus would have had a problem with our modern secular society - and perhaps me.

Studies show that Baby Boomers drifted away from the church, and many have returned in recent years as they near their inevitable appointment with death. Yet, how many who strayed, and came back, returned in affirmation of their faith? I suspect most returning have done so for a variety of reasons including those not related to Christianity itself. Mother church is a comfort in many ways beyond dogma.

I myself am still searching, and like a voyager out to sea my spiritual side is often thrown into stormy passages of doubt. Yet I am not drifting, but sailing for ports which I have chosen. I assume both the responsibility, and the spoils provided only to those who embrace free thought, and the doubt it allows.

Some view doubt as a temptation offered by the devil to persuade we mortals to join him against God, but I don't accept that argument, and never have. Perhaps that is why I found myself on those steps outside the church - listening to the voices raised in praise - but from the outside.

Still, despite my doubts, I believe that the story of Jesus' mortal sacrafice warns perfectly of the ugliness, and brutality of our human nature. That the story speaks truly of our inherent willingness to dominate, plunder, subjugate, enslave, rape, and kill those unable to defend themselves from our baser instincts.

The Christian holy week speaks to this modern secular age of the futility of living a life without moral limits, without justice, and without reason as loudly now as it ever has - of this I have no doubt. It's a lesson the whole world can learn from no matter what faith, or doubts one may subscribe to.

Anorexia Dolls

Photo: Ashley - It Really Is All About You!

Normally I don't post on the subject of dolls, but these dolls caught my attention. I believe these high fashion dolls are one of a kind artistic creations. Here's a link to the photo source.

I don't believe these dolls are ever intended to be played with by a child, but imagine if you could get your hands on them, and gave them to that special child.



Photo: Brittney - Heroin Is Sheek!

I'd say the effect would be positively evil.

I'm not stating that the dolls aren't beautiful, because they are. Yet it appears that despite their innocent faces something doesn't seem quite right about them. There's a little something about the way they stare back which has me a bit unsettled. I'm worried a bit about them. Are they naturally thin, or do they have an eating problem? Are they naturally pale, or are they in poor health. Is that attitude I sense, or are they screaming for help?

I suspect that Barbie wouldn't have much time to ask such questions. She's a bit old fashioned, but she also keeps active, and has a career. Her body is way out of proportion, and she's way too thin, but she is so incredibly active that one can see that she is in very good mental, and physical health.



Photo: Emma - At The Edge Of Sanity!

These dolls on the other hand seem preoccupied. I just can't see these dolls eating an entire hamburger. It just wouldn't be right.

I'd say many preteen girls look very similar to these dolls, and most hope to look like these dolls when they grow up. Girls become obsessed with their weight earlier than ever. Despite what we'd hope many parents of little girls wouldn't mind their children looking as thin as these dolls appear. While there's a huge number of obese children in the United States there are millions of little girls, and teens starving themselves just to look like something similar to what these dolls look like.

If they are "lucky" they achieve their goal of being thin, and find that they must constantly maintain that appearance. They become "preps", who then terrorize all the normal, and obese girls - a form of dominance behavior.

Sadly, starving themselves isn't always enough, so there's cutting. These dolls may have a reason they look so pained - I wonder what their arms look like.

The numbers of girls in their early teens who are starving themselves, cutting themselves, and in therapy for depression is disturbing.

The dolls in this post would weigh maybe seventy pounds if they were real. Can you imagine what the designers of these dolls were thinking?

Halt Springfield, Illinois' Giant Robot Project!

Image: Image Of Robot In A Laser Containment Field?

So many times in my life I've watched apathetically as society's problems drift into my view only to look away. Someone else's problem, I'd always say! Someone else will fix it, I'd think - yes think - just before reaching for the remote. But no more, not this time!

This time it effects me, and the town I love! No, not Jerome - Springfield, Illinois!

Please read my EXCLUSIVE prior post exposing the secret construction of a gi-normous clocktower-robot in the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois!

I have recently discovered that a huge one hundred foot tall transformer robot is secretly under construction within the Union Station Clocktower!

This incredible project has been conducted in total secret despite hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum passing under the robot's cold metalic gaze!

I have written Springfield's Mayor Tim Davlin expressing my concerns, and making a plea for the robot's construction be stopped. Yes, stopped, and before it's too late!

For goodness sake people this is madness - sheer madness!

My letter (edited version) to Mayor Davlin:

Mayor Davlin,

While I don't actually live in Springfield I work in downtown Springfield. I've always enjoyed Springfield's safe, and friendly atmosphere. I've also taken pride in the historic ongoing improvements to downtown Springfield's look.

Yet frankly, I've become aware of a very disturbing development to which I must make comment - actually it's a plea.

Please Mr. Mayor do something now to stop the construction of the massive one hundred foot tall transforming clocktower-robot!

I can not for the life of me understand why any city anywhere on earth would ever want a huge robot, armed with a massive lance, at the heart of its downtown historic district.

Surely, those who secretly agreed to its construction must have been persuaded that it would be used to stand guard over the Abraham Lincoln Presidential LIbrary & Museum.

Yet, what if the robot goes bezerk? We'll no longer have an air national guard unit close enough to protect us if any type of malfunction occurs!

I've included a link (below) to a photograph which I myself (please forgive the poor photo-quality) took of this gi-normous robot currently under construction.

I implore you Mr. Mayor to do all that you can to stop its construction before it's too late.

JeromeProphet


I recieved the following response:

Mayor Timothy Davlin

Thank you for writing me to voice your concerns about our city. I want to assure you that we will look into your inquiry and determine what action is appropriate. We cannot act without knowing which problems or issues need to be addressed. Your input has been very valuable to us because it reveals issues which we might otherwise overlook. Thank you for being conscientious in helping make Springfield a better place to live.

No, thank you Mayor Davlin for listening, and taking action when I had all but given up hope!

Massive Clocktower Conspiracy Exposed!

hoto: Giant Transformer Robot-Clocktower Under Construction - Springfield, Illinois

For the first time anywhere I can reveal to the people of Springfield, Illinois, and the world that a massive conspiracy exist within our midst! One of the greatest deceptions since the construction of the Trojan Horse has been accomplished in plain sight in the heart of downtown Springfield. Workers assigned to construct a one hundred foot high clocktower atop Union Station instead appear to have built a massive remote controlled robot.

As the photo above reveals a large antenna sits atop the robot's head. Several eyes, the size of windows, can be seen on the robot's face. Note how the robot's massive right arm is nearly complete, and soon will be attached! A large lance stamped with Halverson Construction's corporate logo appears to have been constructed for the robot's use!

Just who, or what, ordered this massive robot's construction is a mystery, but it is obvious that once construction has been completed something really big is going to happen.

I warn all those planning to attend Union Station Square's grand openning to instead flee from the Springfield area! Before it's too late fellow citizens, before it's too late, run for your lives!

Techie Meets Art & Blows The Whole Thing Apart

Photo: Randy Reynolds of Photos-Etc Snaps Up Yet Another Great Image - Springfield, IL

Local Photo-Blogger Randy Reynolds of Photos-Etc.Blogspot.Com has been making steady improvements to his blog lately. Randy is an all around good guy, and Star Wars fanatic. He's been into photography for many years, and dabbles in painting as well. He has a great sense of humor, is very intelligent, and I'm glad I have the opportunity to share a hobby with him.

Randy, and I are in a sense refugees. Recently a local (unnamed) fitness club located in downtown Springfield, Illinois closed its doors permanently leaving Randy, and I looking for something to do during lunchtime.

Out went the weight machines, elevated track, and basketball court, and in came an idea!

The idea?

Why not combine walking, and photo-blogging?

Great Idea!

All those readers checking out my site after having read of my blog in the Illinois Times please feel free to check out Randy's blog - you'll be glad you did. There are also several links to other excellent local blogs on this page - check them out too!

Brings The Night

Photo: Angelic Magnolia Bloom Flashed Against A Jerome Sky @ Dusk


Brings The Night
- By Jerome Prophet

It's in that moment.
Not one before it.

I feel like crying.
Like dying.
I feel so mad.

Not lived fully.
Slave to survival.
Compromised by a rival.
I call my life.

The day is done.
Gone forever.
Never. Never.
Will I be back.

It's in that moment.
Of desparate dreaming.
Like Running Screaming.
Is this my life?

Yet.

I am content.
It's heaven sent.
Filling now.
With growing light.

For the darkness.
That surrounds me.
That impounds me.

Brings the night.
.
.
.
.
Photo: 04.10.06 - 7:30 P.M. Jerome, Illinois. A magnolia against a darkening blue sky at dusk. The growing length of Spring days, and the recent shift to Daylight Savings Time allows for some excellent photo opportunities.
.

Martian Eros

Image: Number Five

Some might see Springfield, Illinois as devoid of culture, and opportunity. Those criticisms hold a great deal of validity. Springfield needs a great deal more of everything to become a city worth boasting about. The city is relatively safe, relatively compact, and relatively boring.
There is a limited amount of economic, and cultural opportunity, and for many the exceedingly slow pace of community development is harder to tolerate by the year.



Image: Chocolate Bars

I've often heard in defense of our slow growing community that slow growth offers those who lead Springfield, Illinois the time to plan its growth. Yet, that one advantage which slow growth allegedly offers seems to have been overlooked. Just look at "New Springfield" on Springfield's west side as an indication of what is in store for the future of Springfield.

New Springfield, which is located west of Veterans Parkway is essentially a barren wasteland of commercial spaces. There is no real community there at all. No sidewalks, no public spaces for anyone to misinterpret the space as civic in nature. Public roads lead to private parking lots, to insure that shoppers arrive at the doorsteps of the various strip malls that make up the "Public Spaces" of New Springfield.

A feeling of "safety" is substituted for a feeling of civic belonging in the artificial constructs of New Springfield. New Springfield is as sterile, and white as an unused Kotex. A sense of alienation is reinforced by the passively hostile minimalist designs employed by various office park buildings. After the initial sense of excitement over Springfield's west side growth subsides a further look reveals stark offices employing dark, or mirrored windows with no ornamentation - no outward statement to suggest connection to an organic nature to human society. These orwellian styled office buildings are dark structures - the pride of New Springfield.

Even the modern church buildings in New Springfield are hideous warehouse like structures designed to assure those already cast into Springfield, Illinois' west side that everything is o.k., as long as one accepts the fate of man as impliment.

New Springfield's well to do shelter themselves in large warehouse like buildings designed to impress through size alone. Wall size has been substituted for beauty. It doesn't matter how ugly the boxy Hummer SUV is as long as it's bigger than other cars on the road, and that mentality seems to have driven housing dezign in Panther Creek - the jewel in New Springfield's ugly crown.



Image: Martian Eros

The State of Illinois needs to beautify the area around the Illinois State Capitol Complex. Street after street of that area consist of gravel parking lots. The damage to Springfield's image which those gravel lots has caused is tremendous. The sheer excitement that must have been felt by those who destroyed several nearby churches, and surrounding neighborhoods must have felt very rewarding. It was all done in the name of expansion, and progress. Yet, after a quarter of a century of excuses, and promises to beautify the complex area the Illinois State Capitol Complex remains a disgrace, and an insult to the people of Springfield, and the entire State of Illinois.


About The Images: All images included in this post were derived from photographs which I captured at the Municipal Parking Garage located at the corner of Fourth, and Washington in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

One Step Before The Other

Photo: Decaying Steps - North East Side Of Illinois State Capitol

It's the little things that speak most honestly about the state of a society. While the United States spends one hundred billion dollars a year on the occupation of Iraq badly needed improvements to U.S. infrastructure remain unaddressed.

Fear was used to manipulate a good society. Peace has now become a state of constant war. A surplus budget has now been transformed into only a memory. Osama Bin Laden was replaced by Sadam Hussein. Iraq was substituted for a real homeland defense.


Photo: State Capitol Building In Springfield, Illinois


For every pothole allowed to languish, for every school with a leaky roof, for every bridge rusted beyond repair, and for every uninspected cargo container that reaches this nation we must ask ourselves just how long will we as a nation remain trapped servicing a nightmare which the Bush Administration has created for us?

Photo: The top photograph portrays decaying steps on the northeast corner of the Illinois State Capitol building. While there is a beauty to be found in these decaying steps, they represent just one small indicator that something is wrong with the state of the state, and the state of the nation.

When a society cannot afford to repair its own decaying infrastructure it should not be waging avoidable, and costly wars overseas.

I'm Just So Tired

Photo: Tree Limbs Torn By Tornado - Jerome, Illinois 4.4.6

Tonight was one of those nights where I would have gladly cut a deal with the Devil. If I could have just had a little longer nap life would have become tolerable. Last night's thunderstorms managed to wake me up several times. I'm still a little on edge, more so than I rationally believe that I should be.

For years I never really took a late night thunderstorm seriously - except for the booms of thunder I never really cared - I'd simply roll back to sleep. Then over the course of four weeks the metro area I live in was visited by at least four official tornados - with "unofficial" eyewitness reports of several more.

And so I listen.

Listen to the thunder.
Listen to the wind.
Listen for the cracking of tree limbs.

Listen for the sirens.

Listen for the swirling of the tornado dropping out of the sky upon my little piece of the Earth.

Listening instead of sleeping has consequences - mainly sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep is neither new, nor is it rare for me. I have lived with it on a day to day basis for most of my adult life. So many of us live in a semi zombi state in this modern world.

Sleep Deprivation is the consequence of getting wrapped up in work, rushing home and paying your dues to the family. And then, only at that last moment just before you should actually be going to bed realizing that you have spent too little time decompressing.

Too little time spent on just being yourself - without a manager, a spouse, a child, or a clock telling you what you should be doing.

Exhaustion vs. Recreation at Midnight?

Wife: What are you doing?
Me: Just taking a nap.
Wife: Well alright, but only for twenty minutes.
Me: How about a half hour?
Wife: O.K., but you're pushing it.
Me: Just let me sleep.
Wife: You know you have to get up, and run out to Walmart!
Me: Yes, I know.
Wife: You have to get a basketball stand for your daughter, did you forget?
Me: No, just let me sleep.

But a half hour nap isn't always enough some evenings, and so here I am now late into the evening at this computer typing away, and for God only knows what purpose - because one has not come to me yet.

I'm writing for the attainment of sheer exhaustion.

Blogging it's the new sensation.
Blogging it's the new sedation.

And I had so much to say, but sleep seems just so nice.
Yes, blogging is the new sedation - indeed.

Jerome, Illinois 2006 Tornado - Alberta Lane

Photo: Jerome, Illinois Tornado Aftermath - Alberta & Park

Pictured above is one of my favorite homes in Jerome. Until recently this house was home to a most wonderful family who recently moved to the east coast. We Miss you!



Photo: Jerome, Illinois Tornado Aftermath - Alberta Lane

This car was crushed, but a new one has replaced it. It always pays to keep up your insurance.



Photo: Jerome, Illinois Tornado Aftermath - Car Crushed

It took days before this automobile was freed, and hauled off to car heaven.


Alberta Lane In Jerome - It's 1950 All Over Again!

Within the Village of Jerome exist a little lane called Alberta. The lane is lined with post World War II bungalows, all of similar design, and size. An older resident of the village explained to me that a farmer had owned the land, and had all the homes built at about the same time.

The homes along Alberta Lane are small, and the front yards are large enough to park a car upon - which no one ever does.
Most of the people who live on Alberta Lane are retirees.

Few front yards along Alberta Lane have trees, but one of the few that did wasn't spared from the effects of the tornado. Actually, it was a car that paid the greatest price as the photographs above illustrate. An automobile is parked in its little driveway, and has been crushed under the weight of a fallen tree which was struck down by the tornado of March 12, 2006.

The photograph (top) of the farm house at the corner of Park Street, and Alberta Lane has one of the oldest trees in the village in its front yard. The tree was damaged from the tornado. Something odd about the tree is that a second tree is actually living within the first tree.

A few years ago a group of tree enthusiast came to study this tree, and another tree in the same yard which was even older than the one pictured. Sadly, it was not possible to save the older tree from disease, and it was cut down to protect the many children who played in the front yard.

I hope that somehow the tree pictured above manages to hang on. I doubt the new owners are aware of this trees history, and will see it only as an eyesore.

Marmaduke Arkansas Destroyed

Photo: Springfield, Illinois - Tornado Destruction

I spoke with a woman today on the phone. She seemed like such a nice woman. She needed for me to help her, and so I did.

We had something in common. She was without electricity, and was living on the edge - the edge of civilization.

She was in the same situation I had been in three weeks ago, and for the same reason.

A tornado had payed a little visit to her home town of Marmaduke, Arkansas.

The following excerpt obtained from The Statesman:

About a half-dozen tornadoes struck Arkansas and one destroyed nearly half of the town of Marmaduke, Arkansas, according to a fire department official.
Officials limited access to the town in northeastern Arkansas because of a ruptured natural gas line. Almost every single structure in Marmaduke has minor to moderate damage but almost 50 per cent of it is totally destroyed. Much of the town also was damaged by a tornado in 1997.

I began to wonder what it would have taken for the small village of Jerome, Illinois to have suffered a similar fate. Not much I suspect.

Tonight on a walk with my daughter I noticed the small piles of debris stacked neatly in front of home after home, the damaged tree branches, the damaged roofs, broken walls, broken windows = all caused by the tornado. Work progresses to restore our sense of invulnerability - our sense of order here in Jerome.

Each pile of debris is slowly being picked through, to bring order to the madness. Branches in one pile, roof tiles in another, pieces of garage in yet another. A place for everything.

As I walked tonight my mind flashed to Sunday night's tornados. The sound of sirens filled the air once again. Gus Gordon shrilled voice warning of tornados on the march at the corner of Wabash and Veterans again! I began to feel as if I was in an episode of the Matrix - this surely must be some sort of simulation, a hologram - or are we just cursed?

My daughter had trouble sleeping last night. Three weeks ago she had to take cover from the tornado which struck Jerome, and last night she found herself in the same situation in Auburn. The home she was visiting had sustained roof damage from a large tree branch that fell as a result of the storm. She no longer trust in the calm mundane world in which she lived prior to March 12th, 2006.

She ask me almost daily if I think the world is coming to an end - that is a rumor which floats around her high school. The world is to end on June 6th, 2006. I tell her no.

But I fear that with global warming we may need to brace ourselves for a new era of intensified storms, and I wonder how wise it is that we have built such fragile structures when maybe we should all be living in bunkers.

Still hearing about Marmaduke made me realize how terribly lucky we were here in Jerome, Illinois.