The Newport and Shermans Valley Railroad once ran from the edge of the Juniata River to the small town of New Germantown at the west end of Perry County, Pennsylvania. Perry County is a rural county located north-west of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Even though it is relatively close to the state capitol, it is sheltered by mountains and rivers making getting in and out of the county somewhat difficult. There are only a few roads that cross into this county.
But about 100 years ago, the Newport and Shermans Valley Railroad provided commuter service as far west as Blain, Pennsylvania. After logging slowed down, the railroad came to and end. Now all that remains are a few of the original train stations and remnants of the concrete pillars where the tracks once crossed streams and ravines. Now that cars crowd the roads, especially during rush hour, travel in and out of this rural county can be a nightmare. I’m going to research and document the remnants of this rail system and show how if this was put back in place, it could offer the residents of Perry County an excellent way of public transportation.
Posted in Writings.
By Jonathan
– October 14, 2009
Jorge Pinto Guedes, Editor-in-chief of the Portuguese photo magazine DP – Arte Fotográfica asked for my permission to publish this snowboard photo in their latest issue.
It’s rather flattering to have a magazine show up in the mail with my photo printed on an entire page by itself. And even more interesting that it’s in Portuguese!
Posted in Photography.
By Jonathan
– September 22, 2009
Today I had my final follow-up visit with my doctor to discuss my injuries from my motorcycle accident and to see my cholesterol results from my most recent blood test. My cholesterol looks fine. That’s the extent of the good news. Now for the bad news. Well, my ribs are fine. Nothing broken or fractured, just bruised. BUT, my doctor noticed that I have a 4cm spot on my left lung. She said it’s probably nothing to worry about because it’s only 4cm, but I will need an additional cat scan within the next 6-12 months to make sure it does not grow. If it grows, it could be cancerous. That was totally NOT what I was expecting to hear today! I don’t smoke, but I do have asthma. So anything involved with breathing or my lungs I take very seriously.
On top of this, my uncle was buried today. Going to his viewing last night was emotional enough for me. Looking mortality straight in the eye has had my mind racing lately. I’ll admit, I’m scared.
On the other extreme, my cousin Jeremy is getting married at the Outer Banks this weekend. Some of the family is already down there and so could not attend the funeral today. His father was here for the funeral today and will fly down on Thursday for his son’s wedding.
There’s just too much going on lately that I find myself in a rut. Whether people notice it or not, I’m not sure. I like to be happy but I find I’m probably hiding a lot of emotions and thoughts and not letting them out. I don’t think I know how to vent these feelings.
Posted in Health, Writings.
By Jonathan
– September 16, 2009
Ok girls, don’t be mad at me. But I’m going to tell you the way it is.
Why do girls find it ok to lie about their body type in their profiles? If you seriously want to find a man to spark a relationship with, don’t lie!
Here’s the truth regarding 95% of the “body type” descriptions posted by women on their online dating profiles.
- Average = A few extra pounds
- A few extra pounds = Fat or very fat
- Athletic = Either this one is athletic or big-boned (a few extra pounds)
- Thin = Anorexic
- Prefer not to say = Fat
And to the women who actually have the nerve to say they are looking for a man who makes lots of money… you’re all stupid gold diggers! And to follow up on this, here’s a link to a story on the New York Times about a woman looking for a husband who makes at least $500,000 a year because $250,000 won’t get her to Central Park West. One man’s response said that her proposition was a bad business deal.
“In economic terms, you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset,” he wrote, because “your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity.”
Here’s more hilarious, but truthful responses to that CraigsList ad.
With that I chuckle… and my search continues…
Posted in Writings.
By Jonathan
– September 13, 2009
My vacation time was just approved so now I’m going to start planning my two motorcycle vacations.
First I will be going to the BMW Finger Lakes Rally in Watkins Glen New York over Labor Day weekend. I’ve heard good things about this rally and have been asked for two years to attend. This will be my first motorcycle rally. The BMW Dutch Country Riders will have a cabin but I’m planning on taking my tent and sleeping bag in case some people are too loud and obnoxious. Can’t wait to ride into this part of New York!
Next I will be attending the Rally in the Poconos being held by the Black Diamond Beemers from September 25th to the 27th. This rally will be held at Indian Head Camp near Lookout, PA. Again, the BMW Dutch Country Riders are planning on having a lake side cabin here so I will take advantage of that.
Posted in Motorcycles, Travel.
By Jonathan
– August 19, 2009
