AICS gets a new toy
Here is a picture of me on my new toy. The whole family enjoyed riding this on the sand dunes and on some trails through the woods. My favorite is the trails, but mostly because I have about a 40lb advantage over Chip and my oldest; and about a 100lb advantage over Olive Oil. While it had no problem zooming them around the dunes, it was a bit sluggish for me on the uphill treks. Going downhill or over the flats, it had no problem. It has a 350 CC motor. In any case, it was really a lot of fun. We wished we could have afforded 2 of them so we could ride together. It was amazing how many people at the dunes had 2-4 ORVs. One family had two 4 wheelers, 1 Dune Buggy and a Dirt Bike. Another guy had three brand new 4 wheelers. He came up to me and said he had never been out and was asking my advice on something. I told him I was a Newb.
Anyway, after quite a number of years of financial restraint (either by choice or necessity) we finally spoiled ourselved just a bit. While they are not the safest things, for sheer fun I highly recommend them.
26 Comments:
At 1:05 AM, Jacob said…
*simmering with jealousy*
The first time I got on one of those I actually crashed into a barbed wire fence.
Have fun with the new toy!!
At 7:50 AM, SkyePuppy said…
I'm waiting for one of your regulars to come on and complain that George Bush should have kept you from being able to buy your ORV, which you're now using to contribute to Global Warming.
Does this mean you'll be playing more and blogging less?
At 8:04 AM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
FKAB,
I'll try to avoid any barbed wire. The trails I was on had several places where the trees on each side were so close I had about 3-4 inches to get through without smacking into one. Two of my family members have already flown off the thing, but were not hurt. I have enough weight as you can see to anchor me down more.
At 8:10 AM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
SkyePuppy,
I don't think you will see a lessening of blogging. Since there are no trails close to my home it would need to be a weekend thing.
Come to think of it, it seems that most of the blogosphere falls asleep on the weekends. That is when I add the most posts. Ah well, it won't be every weekend.
At 11:26 AM, Return to Westernesse said…
AICS,
You're not going to make any headway trying to get that anonymous commentor to identify himself if you do not show your face in pictures you post. To him, you're still anonymous.
fkab,
The best part about being a guest blogger on the Logic Lifeline - my contract includes free rides on any recreational vehicle owned by AICS.
At 11:41 AM, Joe Smoe: American Citizen said…
Hey Man Congrats,
I live in a western Mtn state and there is no better time than 4 wheeling when the rains have come and the old mining trails have turned to slop. You come out coated in Mud and grim,but it is bigtime fun. Enjoy and play safe.
Joe
At 7:30 PM, Merete said…
Yeah, a cool toy you've got there!
I grew up in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (an island north east of Island in the Barents Sea). We basically used snow mobiles to get around there in the snow. There were hardly any roads or cars there (Japanese cars wouldn't even start up there, too cold). Man, I loved it. I was way too young to drive but did it anyway like everyone else. Driving around in the wild snow landscape hoping to spot a polar bear. These mean machines were fast and oh so fun to drive! Cap racing on the ice glacier and driving as high up the mountain side as you could possible come before you got stuck in the snow.
What's so nice about these toys are that they bring you to places in nature you wouldn't go otherwise. Too bad they pollute. Snow mobiles are really restricted in Norway. You need to apply for a permit to go anywhere at all and the cops love to chase the guys driving without permits with helicopters, I guess it gives them great pleasure!
It's a kick, enjoy your new toy!
At 7:48 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Merete, thanks. Your experiences sound great! I would love to see those places whipping by on a snow-mobile.
At 9:06 AM, Anonymous said…
aics
leave the "toy" outside with keys in it, (i'll furnish the gas) and report on my excursion through your neighborhood. oh yeah, i forgot, it may even find its way to South Dakota for a hunting excursion.
I join the jealous ones on this one.
At 11:27 AM, LA Sunset said…
You capitalist. You could have given the money you worked so hard for to the government, so they could implement more social programs for the poorest of Americans and the neediest of people. Those that sit on their asses, collect checks, and sleep til noon everyday doing it, could have used that money.
Seriously, I hope you have fun on it. I rode a 3-wheeler once and didn't care for it, I found it quite difficult to steer. I like motorcycles much better.
At 1:36 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
LA,
Well, I did pay quite a few $$$ in sales tax. I also contributed to the economy which contributes to some keeping their jobs and paying income taxes. So I have done my part in contributing to the unproductive members of society.
As for handing the money over to the government, I am still waiting for all those rich liberals who have been complaining about the tax cuts to send more than their required taxes to the government (instead of searching as fervently as I do for tax loopholes) before I would consider forking over more.
OK, we'll meet at the trails. I'll bring my 4-wheeler and you can bring your motorcycle and we'll have some fun.
At 10:09 PM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
What is this as long as you have gravy as a Republican let the poor American’s eat cake?
Or are you just gloating while a little American boy had to celebrate his birthday today with ought a birthday cake because his mother couldn’t afford to buy one for him.
Then you have the elderly couple in the bread section counting their change to by a loaf of bread.
Or maybe the lady two weeks ago, at the Pharmacy trying to find some kind of medicine to make her feel better because she couldn’t afford to go the doctor and she has no insurance.
Did you think about those loosing their homes because they lost their job and have no prospects in today’s market of finding another one.
Boy it must feel good to have your new toy while your Republican party strangles so many American’s.
Then since you’re Pro-Israel, I think about the air strikes and tanks in Gaza at the moment and Palestinians dying like yesterday’s news.
Must feel good to spend your money hold your head up when you are accountable and support all of this?
At 10:51 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Housewife,
I am not gloating. I am sharing a good moment in my life with friends on this blog. All of my friends are happy for me, except now one. There is no guilt associated with having some money. I am not wealthy by any means.
As for the poor you mention, I pay quite a lot of taxes where much goes to the poor for social services. I have also been charitable in my life, so I have nothing to be ashamed of.
Yes, I am pro-Israel as you know. As for air strikes, it is really a shame what a disservice Hezbollah and Hamas and the media has done by so many fraudulent stories, photos and videos. How can anyone believe anything coming from that region?
I know that there have been civilian deaths including women and children. It is too bad that Hezbollah and Hamas fight like cowards so close to civilians so that strike backs are sure to hit them.
As for jobs, the job market is still very good and the economy is still humming along. Don't sound so eager to see a downturn. You sound as eager for an economic downturn as the media is for a big hurricane. People do suffer during those times more than the norm, and the downturn will come in its time. Economies don't go up forever.
At 11:50 AM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
I am sorry but the way you presented about your four wheeler to many would suggest such a thing.
As for me reading articles and seeing pictures to the information I was referring to I did not do this, I saw everything first hand and in several cases tried to help out of my own pocket. I am not wealthy either, but thanks to my dear husband we are not poverty stricken to say the least.
As for paying taxes to the social service agencies in the United States they have been in severe financial troubles for a few years now and I know for fact that especially over the last three years and it still is continuing to have many program cuts, such as their food stamp program, housing program and health care.
By saying you contribute to charitable organizations and pay taxes to health care programs sound like something from Charles Dickens, “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”
As for what is going on in Palestine, again I did not get it from the news media but fist hand information. And as for Hezbollah and Hamas fighting that really has nothing to do with this particular instance. It is a full fledge attack by Israel put upon the people in Gaza nothing more.
As for insulting the resistance groups, I happen to know you really know very little about the Middle East so before you through out statement’s you really need to learn more about what it is really like in the Middle East.
I tried to help you in the past so you could actually learn and see for yourself but either you do not have time or the information escaped you.
As for the job market and the economic situation I was referring to again it is not from the news media as you mentioned but again first hand information and observation. I do sometime use the news media on my blog, but usually only to make a point nothing else.
You know after reading your remarks, I asked my husband why I am always helping so many people by myself and see and do so much; his answer was that I actually care. I am seeing a thing's that actually horrifies me.
Just a simple question, why do you think stores like Sears and JC Penny’s is having so many sales? When not so long ago this wouldn’t be seen.
And before I go be careful with those four wheeler’s they have a very poor reputation of hurting people and I do not wish this to happen to you or any member of your family.
As for going sight seeing, I would rather do it with my own two feet because I would rather enjoy watching the birds and all the wonderful wildlife.
Also, a simple hint before I go, there is some people in the world that can analyze that picture of you and learn much about you.
Please take care
At 3:12 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
By saying you contribute to charitable organizations and pay taxes to health care programs sound like something from Charles Dickens, “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”
To go into more depth of my charity would seem too much like bragging so I made it generic. For that I am compared to Scrooge. Good thing I am not easily offended. I think you make too many assumptions and respond to them as fact. The left has been stereotyping conservatives as stingy and greedy for years. I have found that conservatives are usually much more giving than liberals any day of the week. It is liberals who want everything to happen through government.
As for what is going on in Palestine, again I did not get it from the news media but fist hand information. And as for Hezbollah and Hamas fighting that really has nothing to do with this particular instance. It is a full fledge attack by Israel put upon the people in Gaza nothing more.
As for insulting the resistance groups, I happen to know you really know very little about the Middle East so before you through out statement’s you really need to learn more about what it is really like in the Middle East.
I tried to help you in the past so you could actually learn and see for yourself but either you do not have time or the information escaped you.
Housewife, you have not shared much with me that you have gotten first hand. Most on your blog is from the media. Most from what you have told me in comments is second hand. Somebody that you trust told you. I still continue to look for the truth and the only concrete items I am able to lay my hands on show proof of fraudulant claims by those groups you are in support of. I am open to an explanation on the Pallywood video, the rusty ambulance, the rusty Reuters truck, the burning tires, the young man in the rubble with no mark on him, the Hamas shooter surrounded by children, etc. It was not until the clear undeniable fraud began that I began posting on this. Clear evidence of fraud throws doubt on all of the claims I have tried to verify. I am still open to any proof you might have, but even you must admit the recent photo scandals look very bad for your cause.
Just a simple question, why do you think stores like Sears and JC Penny’s is having so many sales? When not so long ago this wouldn’t be seen. Stores have always had sales. I get flyer after flyer in the mail for years now from both Sears and JC Penny. Sales are not unusual. They may be getting more agressive due to competition that was not as great a few years back.
Also, a simple hint before I go, there is some people in the world that can analyze that picture of you and learn much about you.
Please take care
Thanks for the caution. I would ask you to consider why you felt the need provide it? Logically it seems to go against all of the points you make concerning which side is good and which side is bad. If all you say on your blog is true, I should have nothing to worry about. The way I see it,though, is I would have no fear of reprisal showing my full face and name while criticizing Israel. Yet because I am critical of her enemies, I should fear showing pieces of my face and my pot belly while writing under an alias? I think this point of all is the most critical we have ever shared. Please think about it. It does not compute with the things you say elsewhere. I wish we could speak together at length because I think the details discussed would be very enlightening for both sides.
At 8:51 AM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
Let’s just say my original assumption of you has returned. And as for your blatant insults towards me actually gave me information to another way the Zionist like to lie. So for this thank you.
As for you Pallywood Video trash,
http://peace4palestine-housewife4palestine.blogspot.com/2006/08/what-really-is-pallywood-video.html
At 9:13 AM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Let’s just say my original assumption of you has returned. And as for your blatant insults towards me actually gave me information to another way the Zionist like to lie. So for this thank you.
You cannot possibly have read my comments and come to this conclusion. I made no insults whatsoever. I answered you point by point in a very respectful manner. You are the one who hurled the insults by first claiming that I was gloating, then that I was uncharitable and finally comparing me to Scrooge. And now you call me a liar without pointing out where I have supposedly lied. Are there two sets of rules here: one for me and one for you?
I am under no delusion that you are happy with my posts on the fraudulent antics of H&H and the media. Or that I continue to be a supporter of Israel. Must you hate me for having an opinion different from you until my opinion is disproven? I don't hate you for your opinions.
If you think I was insulting you because I point out what I see as an inconsistency and ask for an explanation, then there is some cultural difference at work here.
I will look at your video when I have time tonight, but I doubt it will have an explanation for the items I have posted on. Until I get a solid explanation of why H&H and their sympathizers continue to create this fraud, it will be difficult to trust anything.
At 8:13 PM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
This is just a word of advice, if you really wish to see the truth and what I am suggesting I do not know if you will understand; but I am thinking by some ways you have presented yourself that you are a religious man so Allah willing you will understand me.
Before you really delve into your research pray to God to show you the truth. Personally only do good things, nothing that is considered bad towards God and you will see and learn the truth. You will see and learn like you never have before; you will actually be amazed, I think.
I am not a hateful person, I am sure like I have mentioned before we are going to have misunderstandings because we come from different cultures actually and do not think alike. So once in awhile we may bang heads but it doesn’t mean I am going to pop you in the head with a rock. Lol
Also, like you pointed out we are on opposite sides of the fence politically and I will admit in some ways when it comes to you, I am a bit reserved because of this; I am sorry but sometimes I can not help it. I will help you where I can though.
I never intended to call you a liar actually that is not something we do very lightly; it is a very bad thing to do to anyone. Oh as for the pot belly comment on your part, that I did not notice because age is age. There is an old saying always be proud that you made it this far. :)
As for those blog picture's you was referring to when you contacted me I would be most interested in seeing them also and analyze them myself, maybe we could put our heads together and come to the truth about them. Please remember, there are a lot of people these days’ not just major media sources but individuals bent on clouding the truth or are blind to what the truth really is.
Like I think I mentioned to you once before, take nothing at face value, check background sources as far as you can go on the item in question. Even on the blog pages try to find out as much as you can about the person. For example, think about what I have revealed that I know about you and use the same technique towards other’s and you will not be duped so easily.
As for trusting what you are seeing have faith that you will learn see the truth. My grandfather use to tell me if you question what you are seeing and hearing always find out what the truth really is. He taught us to always go to Allah for help and He in turn would show us like I mentioned above.
As for that Pallywood video, it is a news travesty; I actually showed it to my husband when he came home and I am sure you could imagine the distasteful look on his face. If you have any questions to the information I gave you please ask, for I will admit I am a bit tired today due to lack of sleep and being overly busy with a new schedule here.
As for the tea and scones remark, there is a type of Arabic sweets that I like better and I am thinking you would too. But sometimes people sitting and talking in a relaxed setting has in history made friends out of enemies towards so far as stopping war’s between the two.
While I am thinking if you get the time, read up on Middle Eastern Culture and you may have a better understanding of the thinking of people different then yourself. It may help you too.
As for your new toy, I meant it that I do not wish you or anyone one of your family to be hurt, because those 4 wheeler’s do have a bad reputation of turning over on itself .
But please until you have some real learning under your belt, do not be as trusting as where the Israeli’s are concerned because they may hurt you; especially if you learn something they have tried to hard to hide. Because this is not a regular war in the sense that you may understand, it is highly dangerous to anyone involved. Myself being Palestinian, I grew up with the war and you did not, so please be very careful.
Again, I do apologize if we had a misunderstanding, I was taught that you do not look up to anyone or down; that all people are your equal. That anyone that needs help or is suffering in any way you must help them at the time you see them not always depend on other’s because the deed’s you do in this life not only helps you but when you go to Paradise and Allah asks you how you lived your life you can answer Him without fear.
The most important thing in this life is to be happy and love everyone, but I will admit when you have a group of people bent on your destruction it is hard sometimes.
Please take care
At 8:57 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Housewife,
Thanks for the nice words. I am truly attached to my blog friends here and consider you one. At this time you are the farthest in political/world viewpoint, I would guess. Although you are most like me when we get away from political points.
While I still am not sure how I might have insulted you, I am sorry my words made you feel insulted.
Yes, I have often prayed that the truth would be clear to me and will continue. I am a seeker of the truth. Unfortunately, until I find something to show me enough to change my opinion the blog must go on.
Most of the photos I talked about are here on my blog. My second to last post has a lot of link to my posts that have these which some have links to the original blog. I am not one to load my blog with photos. I use them more like salt and pepper.
Have a good night.
At 10:27 PM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
Thank you also; I think partly we come from two different worlds when it comes to Politics. Like we kind of agreed I think, we are standing on opposite sides of the fence.
Something I am going to ask, are you so Pro-Israel really or just thought you needed to take a side you understand living in America in an attempt to find what the real truth is? To find the truth, you really can stand in the middle until you understand better; friend.
Myself, I was born like I said into the war just being born Palestinian and watching your family and friends die makes it very hard. Especially, family I will never meet because the Israeli’s killed them some time ago. It gets old to keep seeing picture’s of another family member martyred.
As for thinking we insulted each other I think it was just a misunderstanding on both our parts, so please no worry and forget.
Also, thank you for helping me too.
Please walk with a smile :)
At 10:27 AM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
Something I missed before and have been thinking about so I rechecked with the ambulances in that Pallywood video, the medics you see are not wear Red Crescent uniforms. They are wearing what looks like hospital scrubs instead and I have never seen any medic or driver in a Red Crescent ambulance not wear the uniform of the ambulance company.
At 11:30 AM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Something I am going to ask, are you so Pro-Israel really or just thought you needed to take a side you understand living in America in an attempt to find what the real truth is? To find the truth, you really can stand in the middle until you understand better; friend.
My Pro-Israel stance has multiple sources. One as you may suspect is based upon my religious views. According to my interpretation of some Bible passages God expects individuals to treat Israel well with severe consequences to do otherwise.
At the same time, it is obvious that Israel has made significant historical blunders. For that they will be accountable to God, but does not change my responsibility to Israel. Also, while I do not think it was necessary from this standpoint to have forced the issue of Israel becoming a country, the fact is that it was done. I think it would be wrong to now 60 years later dismantle the state of Israel.
If I did not have such a religious incentive, I also would be looking around the world at our allies and being loyal to those who have been loyal to the US. Of all Middle-East allies it is undeniable that Israel has been the most loyal and the most
trustworthy to US interests. I cannot think of another Middle-east country that has obtained such a status. Many have acted as friends while working against our interests. Many like Iran and Pre-9/11 Afghanistan have turned against us due to regime change. Several have high officials who like selling us their oil, but they have many radicals that would love to destroy
us. Saudi Arabia is in this category. It is vital on several fronts to have one ally where their loyalty is unquestioned.
So with Israel there are two things that are solid with me:
1) Their right to remain a state - and the fact that their existence is constantly threatened
2) Recognition of their loyalty as an ally
What I am looking to determine is if the charges that Israel uses unethical or criminal tactics to strengthen their interests are true, false or exaggerated. There is no doubt that many are dead or imprisoned at the hands of Israel. I readily admit that, which is why films and photos of civilian war casualties do not affect my position on Israel any more than they affect
my position on the US war in Iraq. The real question is how and why do the civilians die in the conflict? Here are questions:
1) Were the civilians specifically targeted?
While we may wish there were never war, war does exist. If it can be proven that non-combatant civilians are being targeted, this would be grounds for rebuke and consequences.
2) Were there any steps taken to minimize civilian casualties?
If civilians are not targeted, but legitimate military targets are targeted and no steps whatsoever are taken to minimize civilian casualties, again this is wrong and should be dealt with.
3) Are some that are labeled as civilians actually activily involved in the conflict; having no uniform to prove one way or the other?
The type of warfare that Hezbollah, Hamas, and even the Iraq insurgency chooses to wage makes it very difficult to distinquish between combatants, innocent civilians and civilians participating in the conflict. Many want to participate
with impunity because they are not "official" combatants. They basically want to have their cake and eat it too. This is not acceptable. Nor is it reasonable to expect Israel or the US to play by these rules. The extra time it takes to determine the exact nature of those involved is usually enough time to get soldiers killed. For their efforts to minimize civilian casualties, they are booby-trapped and ambushed.
4) If the enemy always fights close to civilians, should Israel simply throw up their hands and give up and simply accept kidnappings and rockets as a fact of life?
5) What is the other side doing and is the criticism equivalent?
While two wrongs do not make a right, is there an imbalance in world criticism against Israel for heavy handed tactics.
There seems to be a sympathetic nature to the world excusing the civilian targeting by H&H, with no sympathetic nature toward Israel (except US conservatives like me). In other words, the plight of these people excuses their actions, but the plight of Israel always having its existence threatened does not excuse theirs. I say let all ill actions be criticized evenly.
6) Are there illegitimate activities used by their enemies that Israel is using to shroud actual abusive activities?
The final crux of the matter is that if some of my above points makes the civilian casualties more legitimate in onlookers (like me), does Israel take advantage of it and actually at times break the boundaries in questions 1 & 2? Are there horrible deeds done under the shroud of war and then clouded by the illegitimate activities of the other side?
7) What can be proven and what cannot be proven?
The charges against Israel are very, very difficult to prove even if true. The civilian targeting by H&H, however, are well known and documented. I have tried very hard to pierce this issue to arrive at the truth and have reached no conclusion that this is so.
In conclusion, I am too loyal to change from support to neutrality regarding Israel. Once my loyalty is established, I will not renounce it even to remain neutral until things become clearer. And while I have seen many, many claims against Israel; I have not seen one thing I can solidly say I know to be true. So I will keep looking. In the meantime, I am glad I have someone like you to aid my search. Decision making is never best when surrounded by people who already agree with you.
At 11:30 AM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
Somehow questions 6 & 7 did not go bold. Sorry about that.
At 2:15 PM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
No understand, please explain.
At 2:51 PM, All_I_Can_Stands said…
I thought I had set the HTML to show the questions in bold. The commentary after would stay in normal non-bold coloring. I either messed up the html or accidentally left it off #6 and #7. #1-5 are showing in bold.
At 3:11 PM, HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace said…
AICS,
Sorry it is taking so long to read all you wrote me, but I do have a few things to comment of what I understand so far:
You being Christian in support of Israel, I know of something that you may find interesting in the Jewish perspective if you do not mind.
Please, look in the Talmud on the part that speaks of the coming of the Messiah towards the real Peaceful State of Israel for all people.
Right of Israel to be a State:
Q: If the Zionist State was God's will would their be war?
Why does so many Jewish groups oppose the State of Israel and that the Zionist State is considered by them to be Anti-Semantic?
As for Civilians being Targeted:
Q: Your view of allegations of genocide towards the Palestinian people by numerous human right’s organizations?
Towards the Resistance Fighter’s:
Something for you to think about-Eastern perspective that when ones home or country is invaded or threatened isn’t it a person’s right to resist the one’s that they feel is their enemy, hence the resistance forces?
There is declassified document’s I have posted on my site and I am trying to find with the limited time I seem to have lately that does give a different perspective then most people view the relations of the United States/Israel.
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