TheTrucker.com
Home  >  Chaplain’s Corner by Marilou Coins

Perspective

Word play: Think of the Bible as a ‘cellphone’ to visit with God

Word play: Think of the Bible as a ‘cellphone’ to visit with God

Rev. Marilou Coins -

When I was in seminary, one of my professors would give us a word and ask us to write a sermon using that word as the topic. Well, I’m taking his idea it to the extreme and using two words — Bible and cellphone. Wow! Now that’s what I call two things that don’t match … or do they? Both the Bible and the cellphone are objects that serve as a form of communication. Let me explain this theory to you. First, a question: How many of you have a cellphone? Almost everyone does these days. Next question: How many times have you returned home to get your cellphone when you forgot it? I think everyone does that at one time or another! In today’s world, the cellphone serves as a vital link to family and friends. It could even be called our “lifeline” to the world. Now, let’s talk about the Bible. I believe this is form of communication between us and God. Look at 1 Chronicles 16:8. It says, “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among His people.” How many times do we forget to get in touch with God through prayer? How many times do we forget to return to the Bible on a daily basis to communicate with God? You can read in 1 Samuel 3:4 “that the Lord called Samuel and he answered, ‘Here am I!’” While the Bible says to call upon God, it’s a two-way street. He also calls upon us. If we are not open to hearing God’s call or to call him, we have lost a very valuable line of communication. The Bible is a “lifeline” that lets a Christian to communicate in prayer with God. We need our Bible — our “cellphone” providing direct access to God — not just during Sunday church services, but every day. Think about it: Most of us talk with family and friends on a daily basis. In fact, we sometimes schedule our calls to make sure we connect — and sometimes we just call to say “hi.” Reading the Bible is like saying “hi” to God. Scheduling a time to read the Bible on a daily basis is our way of keeping in touch with God. Calling family and friends keeps us in close touch to know the latest happenings. Reading the Bible gives us insight on what God wants us to know and learn each day. If we fail to keep in touch with family and friends on a regular basis, they might feel hurt, or believe you just don’t care about them. Just think … perhaps that’s how God feels when we fail to read his word and communicate with him. Use your Bible as your “cellphone” to talk with God. Family and friends always say, “Keep in touch!” Well, God gave us the Bible to allow us to keep in touch with him. Communicating with God keeps us close to him, much like we’re close to family and friends. The nicest place to be is right beside a friend. There’s a song that says, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Use your Bible to stay close to that friend! Before I wrap up, here’s one last thought for the day: Life is a coin. You can spend that coin only once, so spend it wisely. Reading your Bible is a good way to spend your coin on a daily basis. Precious moments spent with God are irreplaceable. God whispers to your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don’t take the time to listen, God stops whispering and throws a “brick” — such as an unsettling event — to get your attention. It’s your choice — listen to the whisper or wait for the brick. Best of the roads, and all gears forward in Jesus.

Surprise! More news on the Corporate Transparency Act’s impact on trucking

Surprise! More news on the Corporate Transparency Act’s impact on trucking

Brad Klepper -

As I mentioned last month, I am, and always have been, a big fan of surprises. But only the good surprises. Well, I kinda/sorta got a surprise the other day from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Some of you (like maybe two of you) may recall that I wrote about this in February — and may even recall what the hell the CTA is and does. For the rest of you, here’s a little refresher: The Corporate Transparency Act was enacted in 2021 and actually went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The goal of the CTA is to catch things like tax fraud, money laundering and financing of terrorism by gathering additional ownership information on certain U.S. businesses that are operating in or access the country’s market. According to Congress, the CTA will prevent folks from hiding or benefiting from ownership of U.S. businesses to conduct illegal operations. Per Congress, this is a widely used tactic by bad actors that impacts national security and economic integrity. Starting on Jan. 1 of this year, damn near all small businesses are required to file a Beneficial Owner Information (BOI) report with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), identifying individuals associated with the reporting company. “Oh yeah, now I remember. But will this impact me?” you ask. Unfortunately, the answer is most likely YES! To be perfectly honest, and according to some sources, the CTA will currently impact about 30 million businesses. However, it will NOT impact members of the National Small Business Association (members as of March 1, 2024). I can almost hear you saying it now: “What the hell?! How come they got off from having to comply with the requirements of the CTA? “ This brings us back to the topic of the second paragraph of this column, when I mentioned my latest surprise. In a recent ruling, the aforementioned Alabama Federal Court found that the CTA was unconstitutional, and the government was permanently enjoined (or prevented) from enforcing it against the plaintiff (the NSBA and its members as of March 1, 2024). Now, here comes the good part: The court’s ruling ONLY applies to the plaintiffs in that particular lawsuit. In other words, if you weren’t a party to that lawsuit the clock is ticking, and the filing requirements of the CTA may still apply to you. Without getting to far into the weeds, the plaintiffs in this case basically argued that the BOI is an invasion of privacy, creates too much of a burden on small businesses and that the CTA exceeds the Constitution’s limit on Congress’ power. In response, the government said, “Nuh-uh.” (Ok, maybe not exactly.) They argue that Congress has the authority to do this under Plenary Power of Congress to Conduct Foreign Affairs, the Commerce Clause and the Taxing Power and Necessary and Proper Clause. I could go into detail about the arguments made regarding each of these, but we definitely do not have the space. (And to be honest, it could trigger my recurring nightmares about law school — and I don’t need that.) If you really want to know, come find me at a conference and we can discuss it. I’m confident you’ll regret asking me about it. So, where does that leave us now? Well, at the present time, not much has changed for most small businesses. According the FinCen, the decision only applies to 0.1% to 0.2% of the over 30 million firms that will be required to file. So, unless you are in that very small percentage, plan on filing your BOI. It is also highly likely (so likely that I’d bet my house on it) that the government will appeal the recent decision in its entirety to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, I think Congress will tweak the language a bit to overcome any objections the court has. Even the court noted that this should not be too hard to do. Of course, since 2024 is an election year, it won’t get done this year — and we all know nothing gets accomplished in an election year. (Nothing gets done in the years between elections either, but that’s another story.) Of course, there are a few exemptions to the CTA filing requirements (other than being a party to the Alabama lawsuit). This column does not contain all the details, so I suggest you review the CTA yourself or consult with a professional.

‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’ adage often holds true for month of March

‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’ adage often holds true for month of March

Rev. Marilou Coins -

March is a month of transition. It’s often said that March “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” In other words, it’s often cold and blustery at the beginning of March, but by the end of the month you generally see warmer temperatures and milder weather. Of course, sometimes the month starts out “like a lamb” and then the weather turns more lion-like late in the month. In the Bible, Isaiah 35:9 notes that, at some point in the future, lions won’t be allowed in paradise. The verse says, “No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there.” I find this to mean paradise is peaceful, and that calmness prevails with Christ. The lion is the symbol of the tribe of Judah, and Jesus is a descendant of the house of Judah. The lion represents the tribe’s bravery, leadership and courage in battle. During his life on earth, Jesus understood that he would be king — much as we view the lion as the king of the jungle — but he would also be as gentle as a lamb. At the crucifixion, Jesus was slain like a lamb. In Jewish tradition, a spotless lamb is sacrificed to God for the forgiveness of sin. The lamb also represents the power and royalty with which Jesus will appear at his second coming. As a lamb Jesus was slain, but as a lion he conquered. Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God which was slain to take away the sins of the world. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19: “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” We are now at the midpoint of March. Have you heard of the Ides of March? The Ides of March falls between March 13-15. On the ancient Roman calendar, the 15th of March was associated with misfortune and doom because that was when the Roman emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated. And don’t forget about March Madness, the annual NCAA basketball tournament. There are so many things associated with the month of March that can be seen as either “doom and gloom” or as uplifting. We are in the season of Lent now, but look at the end of March — we’ll be celebrating the glorious resurrection of Christ at Easter. March may start out like a lion, but it ends with the promise of a lamb. May the promise of God be fulfilled in glory for us all this month.

Yoga on the go: These 6 simple stretches are designed for long-haul truckers

Yoga on the go: These 6 simple stretches are designed for long-haul truckers

Hope Zvara -

Long-haul journeys can be taxing on the body, especially for truck drivers who regularly spend weeks — or even months — on the road. Drivers spend long hours sitting behind the wheel with little to no physical activity. On top of that, many fall into the trap of grabbing convenient but often unhealthy fast-food options for meals and snacks on the go. It’s no wonder that, as a whole, truck drivers struggle with higher rates of obesity compared to the national average! YOGA TO THE RESCUE There’s a surprisingly simple solution that can be a game-changer for your health: Yoga. Here’s a simple, concise guide to six yoga poses tailored for the nomadic lifestyle of truckers — and you don’t need special equipment or a spacious gym! Downward-Facing Dog next to the truck (photo above) This classic yoga pose supports stress relief. Stand facing your truck, place your hands on the side of your vehicle and step back. Then, “hinge” your body at the hips to form an inverted V shape. Allow your head to hang freely. Relax into the pose, breathing deeply to maximize its effect. Seated Spinal Twist Performed while seated, this twist is accomplished with minimal fuss. Sit up straight and rotate your torso, passing your elbow behind the seat to the opposite side. Place your other hand on your knee for leverage; then take several mindful breaths while holding this twisted posture. Catcher’s Squat (Malasana variation) Increase your flexibility rapidly with the Catcher’s Stretch Squat. Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart; then squat, joining your palms at the heart center. Rock gently to enhance the stretch and engage the muscles more deeply. Reclined Figure-Four Stretch Before hitting the road, give your hips and lower back a little love with the Reclined Figure Four. Here’s how: Lie down, bend your knees and cross one ankle over the opposite knee, pushing the crossed knee away. You can intensify the stretch by holding your lower hamstring and pulling your legs gently toward your torso. To adapt this pose for an upright seated position, simply sit and place one ankle on the opposite knee; then lean forward and feel the stretch in your thigh and hips. Truck Step Calf Stretch Did you know your truck step can double as a makeshift yoga prop? Let’s address those tight calves, a result of spending hours pressing down on the gas pedal. The Truck Step Calf Stretch will help you loosen up — and it might just become your new roadside ritual. Stand on the edge of that sturdy truck step facing the truck, with your heels hanging free. Slowly, let your body weight draw your heels down until you feel a gentle stretch in the calves. Hold onto the vehicle for balance, and take a few deep breaths. You’ll feel the tension melting away from your overworked leg muscles. Easy-peasy, right? Sleeper Cobra Pose (not shown) Now, let’s move on to a pose that’s perfect for doing in a sleeper cab. It’s the Cobra Pose, a fantastic backbend that can help relieve spinal discomfort. You don’t need tons of space, just enough to lie down comfortably. Start by lying face-down on your sleeper berth with your hands beside your shoulders and palms down. Pressing in to your hands, lift your chest and upper body off the mattress. Draw your shoulders down and back, opening up the chest. Remember, you are the one who decides how high to go. Be mindful not to overextend — this is about feeling rejuvenated, not strained. Take your time with the pose, holding it for a few breaths (or longer, if it feels good). You’ll feel your spine stretching and loosening up after hours, hunched over that wheel. TAKEAWAYS FOR THE ROAD AHEAD Don’t let the rigors of the road compromise your health. These yoga poses are designed to fit into the driver’s lifestyle, offering a practical and refreshing break from the sedentary nature of truck driving. Use this guide to steer towards better health and wellness on your travels. Photos courtesy of Hope Zvara

Cliff Abbott’s lyrical storyteller style shines through in ‘How Much Longer?’

Cliff Abbott’s lyrical storyteller style shines through in ‘How Much Longer?’

Kris Rutherford -

Cliff Abbott is a storyteller who thumps an upright bass and strums an acoustic guitar. This combination, along with the words to the self-penned stories he writes, makes Abbott a lyrical storyteller in the vein of Tom T. Hall and Roger Miller. Abbott’s songs can swing between country, folk and rockabilly — or, as many like to call it, “Americana.” If the name Cliff Abbott sounds oddly familiar … well, it should. Abbott is a regular news writer for TheTrucker.com. He’s also a veteran of the trucking industry, having spent 13 years as an OTR driver (five of them as an owner-operator) and 25 years as a driver trainer, recruiter and safety manager. And, as if those accomplishments weren’t enough, he’s also a singer-songwriter with six CD releases under his belt. His latest collection, “How Much Longer?” firmly fits into the Americana genre. Abbott’s acoustic music and unpolished vocal style could easily make him a bluegrass performer. That bluegrass style is evident in several of the dozen songs on his latest CD. Each song is an original, never before recorded. His recording studio, BB Wolf Recording — billed as the “Best Little Studio in Rock Creek, Alabama — must have been made for Cliff Abbott. After all, it claims to specialize in country, bluegrass, rockabilly and, yes, Americana. A listen to the title track from “How Much Longer?” will remind you of the idyllic days of Norman Rockwell and how much America has lost since. No matter on which side you stand on the state of America in the 21st century (Abbott takes neither), his question of “How much longer?” will resonate. It’s a song of tradition and glamorous pastimes left behind, with a message that if we don’t clean up our act, it may be over far too soon. In the ballad “Tell Maureen (I won’t be coming home),” Abbott tells a touching story, set on the battlefields of the Civil War, of two solders from opposing sides laying aside their differences at a pivotal moment. Abbott reminds us that division within a nation is costly, and the ironic ending is enough to give anyone pause (you’ll just have to have a listen). This song is also a reminder that the story told in “How Much Longer?” could result in repeated history. Abbott also entertains with a couple of humorous songs to which almost any red-blooded Southerner can relate. “Dr. Whiskey (Dr. Beer and Nurse Tequila)” will point us in the right direction to cure our ails, while “That’s Gotta Hurt” reminds us of that friend we all have who just can’t seem to stay away from trouble. And, as Abbott sings, we recall with a little bit of fortunate glee that the shoe is not on the other foot. “I don’t claim to be a great performer or singer, but I do it to share my writing,” Abbot says. And he does so regularly on “The Dee Ford Show” on Talladega, Alabama’s WOTM TV 21. He’s also a frequent guest and emcee at the Sugar Creek Music Club in Hayden, Alabama, a venue he immortalizes in his newest CD’s opening number, “The Club on Sugar Creek.” What’s more, he’s co-founder of the Sugar Creek SongCrafters, a mentoring group for budding artists who want to learn about songwriting . With influences like Bobby Bare, Bob Dylan and John Prine — all storytellers in their own rights — Abbott is keen on what is going on around him. In his tune, “My Next Breakup Song,” he says, he was inspired by arguably the world’s most popular current entertainer, Taylor Swift, and her songs about her own exes. For one whose tastes lean a bit more to the country music side (apologies to Taylor Swift, as she is actually rooted in country), the song brings up memories of George Strait’s classic, “All My Exes Live in Texas.” Speaking of the Lone Star State, Abbott latest album includes a requisite for pretty much every country music collection — a song about Texas: “Long Gone to Texas.” Of course, he throws in an also-requisite gospel song, “I’m Not Resting,” and one paying homage to his mother in “Mama’s Silvertone.” As a trucker, one might expect Abbott to include a trucking song or two on his CDs — and he often does. In the case of “How Much Longer?” he skips that expectation, although previous songs from other CDs like “Lines on the Highway,” “Big Wheels Rolling Home,” “American Trucker” and “Highway State of Mind” can all be heard and downloaded on his website, www.cliffabbott.com. But “How Much Longer?” doesn’t pass up the transportation industry altogether. Perhaps my favorite song on the new CD is “Run Before the Wind.” One could say the tune covers intramodal shipping on the high seas. The singer’s ghostly encounter with “an ancient sailor” leads to a little advice, much like what Kenny Rogers picked up in “The Gambler.”      “Some days the wind’s behind you, and the wake trails from the stern,      Some days the wind’s against you, you must tack from turn to turn,      Some days the wind is calm, it’s to the oars you must attend,      And when the tempest roars, you must run before the wind,      While the storm is raging, you must run before the wind.” “Run Before the Wind” is a song to which anyone can relate if they stop and think about the various curve balls life has thrown them. We must all adjust to life based on our daily circumstances. For Cliff Abbott, “Run Before the Wind” offers the perfect moral to a group of tales that spring from a lifetime of living. That’s what Americana is all about, isn’t it? Photo by Sara Elizabeth Hall

Why does February sometimes take a flying ‘leap’?

Why does February sometimes take a flying ‘leap’?

Linda Garner-Bunch -

As I prepared to flip my calendar from February to March at the end of the day Wednesday, I realized that March’s arrival has been delayed. No, March isn’t flying Southwest (otherwise, March might not arrive at all, if December’s blizzard of cancellations is any indication of their current performance). This year, February will be hanging around for an extra 24 hours. It’s a leap year, and — you guessed it — Thursday is Leap Day! Seeing that big “29” on my desktop calendar made me think (that’s a dangerous thing, sometimes). Other than completely mucking up the calendar every four years and wreaking havoc for anyone fated to be born on Feb. 29, what purpose does leap year serve? A quick Google search took me to the Smithsonian Institution website, where I found an explanation that makes sense … sort of. Here’s the scoop, according to an article by Bob Craddock, a geologist for the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies. As most of us were taught as kids, a calendar year is usually 365 days long. At some point in history, people who are a lot better at math than me determined that it takes about 365 days for the Earth to travel once around the sun. Notice the “about” in that sentence. Evidently, one rotation around the sun actually takes 365.242190 days (that’s 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 56 seconds). Craddock refers to this rather complicated number as a “sidereal” year. I had to look it up. First of all, it’s NOT pronounced “side reel,” as I initially thought — it’s more like “sigh-DER-ee-al.” Basically, it’s a year as determined by the position of the stars or constellations. Anyway, if that extra five hours and change isn’t accounted for somehow, our seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall) would begin to drift — and after a few centuries, those of us in the northern hemisphere would be experiencing summer weather in December and dodging snowstorms in June or July! So, waaaaaaaaaay back in 46 BC, according to LeapFrog, the first leap year was established by Julius Caesar — you know, the emperor of Rome who was assassinated by a group of Roman senators just two years later, in 44 BC (and we wonder why some people don’t trust the government). This helped, but evidently, old Julius and his advisors had their math wrong. Adding a “leap” day to the calendar every four years increases each leap year by 24 hours … but it actually should be 23.262222 hours (I hate math!). So, 24 hours is actually a little over 44 minutes TOO much, and — you guessed it! — that extra 44+ minutes would eventually muck up the seasons, too. Because of this, scientists and mathematicians decided to skip leap year every now and then. There’s another complicated (at least to me) equation used to determine which leap years should be skipped. Basically, if a year that would normally be a leap year is divisible by 100, but NOT divisible by 400, February remains at 28 days. Now that I’ve educated myself (and probably thoroughly confused you), here’s wishing everyone a very happy Leap Day! And thanks to any readers who stuck with this completely NOT trucking-related story to the end. Hopefully I’ve provided at least a little entertainment for your day.

Surprise! The Corporate Transparency Act could impact your trucking business

Surprise! The Corporate Transparency Act could impact your trucking business

Brad Klepper -

I am, and always have been, a big fan of surprises. The good surprises, I mean — things liking finding an extra $20 in your jeans pocket, or having a friend say, “Drinks are on me.” These always bring a smile to my face (even though the latter sometimes leads to regrettable life choices on my part). But I digress. However, what I don’t like are the “surprises” I normally encounter the first few months of each new year. Now, to be honest, I can’t really call these things surprises, as most are regulatory, and notice has been given that the new regulation or requirement will be going into effect. I know, I know — they told me these things were coming, but it’s the federal government. After a lifetime of dealing with them, why on earth would I take their timeline seriously? (Yes, you are correct; this position makes me both cynical and lazy. To this I say … well, nothing, because I am too lazy to disagree.) The most recent surprise/but-not-really-a-surprise that’s going to have a big impact on the trucking industry is a little thing called the Corporate Transparency Act. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted in 2021 and went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The goal of the CTA is to catch things like tax fraud, money laundering and financing of terrorism by gathering additional ownership information on certain U.S. businesses that are operating in or access the country’s market. According to Congress, the CTA will prevent folks from hiding or benefiting from ownership of U.S. businesses to conduct illegal operations. Per Congress, this is a widely used tactic by bad actors that impacts national security and economic integrity. I gotta say, I am very much on the anti-terrorism side of the equation, and all this sounds like a good idea. However, how does it work? Well, I’m glad you asked! As of Jan. 1, 2024, damn near all small businesses are required to file a Beneficial Owner Information (BOI) report with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) identifying individuals associated with the reporting company. “Well, great,” you say. “But is this going to impact me?” Unfortunately, the answer is most likely a big fat yes! As we all know, many owner-operators and small carriers operate as single-member LLCs or other types of business entities. Ding-ding-ding! If you operate such an entity in the U.S., the CTA says, “You’re a winner!” You will need to file a BOI. Lucky you. “OK, so I need to file. What information is required?” you ask. Let’s keep it simple. If your business was created during 2024 you will need to include just the basics (place tongue in cheek here). Those “basics” include beneficial owners (those owning over 25% interest in the entity) and applicant’s names, addresses, birthdays, identification numbers (such as driver’s license or passport number) and the jurisdiction of the documents. In addition, all reporting companies must provide their legal name and trademarks, the current U.S. address of its main business site (or if it’s a foreign company, the operational U.S. location), the taxpayer identification number and the jurisdiction where the entity was formed or registered. In a show of kindness, companies formed before Jan. 1, 2024, can omit the requirement of identifying company applicants. Wheeeeee. “Good grief, that’s a lot of info to report! But OK. When and how do I report it?” you ask. Trucking entities created before Jan. 1, 2024, must file the report before Jan. 1, 2025. That seems easy enough. However, entities created AFTER Jan. 1, 2024, must file a BOI report within 90 DAYS OF THE CREATION OF THE ENTITY. This is a good reason to keep your calendar updated. Now to play the devil’s advocate, let’s say you get busy and forget to file a BOI. What will happen? The answer is nothing good. Failure to comply with the filing deadline can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties include a fine of up to $500 for each day the violation continues. Criminal penalties can include up to two years of imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. As you can see, the penalties are substantial. In addition, running a small business is hard work and time-consuming. With the importance of complying with this new law, you may want to work with a qualified third party, such as a law firm or accounting firm, to make sure the required information submitted is both correct and that it’s submitted in a timely manner. Of course, there are a few exemptions to the CTA, and this article does NOT contain all the details (remember my earlier comment about being lazy?) so I suggest you review the CTA yourself or consult with a professional.

Maintaining your health is like preventive maintenance on your truck

Maintaining your health is like preventive maintenance on your truck

Bob Perry -

The topic for this month’s column, like all my content, comes from my best resource — professional drivers. A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting with professional driver Henry Albert, who’s president of Albert Transportation and a Team Run Smart member. Our conversation reminded me to revisit a topic I talk about often: Personal Preventive Health Maintenance. Just as the gauges on your truck dashboard help you monitor the “health” needs of your truck; you can check your body’s “gauges” to manage your personal health. Preventative measures, such as being aware of your blood pressure, resting and walking heart rates, fluid intake and other factors, can help you prepare for health screenings or an upcoming recertification exam. For example, Henry was telling me how he utilizes the Detroit Connect software to monitor his truck engine’s performance when it’s time to change fluids — based on milage. Your personal “engine” (your body) is no different. You wouldn’t let your truck’s fluid levels get too low, and you shouldn’t let your body’s levels drop either. Make sure you’re taking in the right amount of fluids every day — and make sure you’re consuming the right kind of fluids. This is a common mistake everyone makes, not just truck drivers. Too many power drinks and caffeine can cause dehydration, preventing your internal system from preforming at maximum levels. Water is the best fluid for maintaining top milage. Water won’t leave your body depleted of energy. Henry is known for his fuel mileage videos. When he explained his methodology to me it all made sense. Some of the same principles can be applied to your personal health in reaching maximum results. The biggest tip I took away from our visit was that it’s important to manage the flow of traffic and keep an eye on the road — knowing what’s ahead and not getting in a position where you must slow down and speed up. When coaching drivers who are working to restore or maintain their health, I have the same basic advice: Prepack your fridge or cooler to make sure you have the right kind of fuel to keep going and produce the safest miles while protecting your health. Retraining good fuel milage is about staying steady and consistent — and remember to check those gages!

God always answers prayers — but sometimes the answer is ‘no’

God always answers prayers — but sometimes the answer is ‘no’

Rev. Marilou Coins -

One day as I was out walking near a lake, I saw a turtle making its way across the shoreline. As I watched, a snake slithered toward the turtle. As it drew closer, the turtle stopped and pulled its head and legs inside the shell. Now, that turtle just looked like a rock! That made me think of they way we sometimes retreat into our “shells” when we’re faced with danger, or when we aren’t sure how to deal with a situation. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that nothing you could do would help? That’s when you can say you pulled yourself into a shell. That’s also the time to pray and ask God for help. Just as that turtle found a way to preserve itself, we can preserve ourselves by prayer. God always answers our prayers, one way or another. Sometimes the answer may not be what we want — who likes to be told “no”? — but the fact is that his answer is what is best for us. I have received a very affirmative “no” answer to a heartfelt prayer — only to find out that that “no” was really the best answer for me. At other times, the answer of “yes” came as a total surprise; God knew what was really the best for me. Like many people, in times of trouble I have pulled myself into a shell, just as that turtle did, and prayed for an answer to my needs. I prayed over the situations and God provided the answers. Do you ever pull yourself in and pray over your problems? Often, God will send you an idea or an opportunity that you’d never thought of — but it’s the best solution to your problem. Wow! Just think: You prayed, and God listened and answered. He saved you from that “snake” that was about to attack. Never give up on prayer, even when you don’t receive the answer you want. God knows what you need and provides for you daily. He is keeping you safe from making the wrong choice. All you need to do is pray and listen to that inner voice that will lead you safely past the troubles of life. We will all make mistakes in this life, but we can overcome them with prayer. Be vigilant in prayer and you will be like that turtle — safe and secure. Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus.

Songwriter Mel Tillis stuttered his way to stardom

Songwriter Mel Tillis stuttered his way to stardom

Kris Rutherford -

Mel Tillis started stuttering following a bout with malaria at 3 years of age … but he didn’t realize it until he entered first grade. He always told it like this: I came home the first day and I said, “Mama, do I stutter?” And she said, “Yes, you do, son.” And, I said, “Mama, they laughed at me.” And she said, “Well, if they’re going laugh at you, give them something to laugh about. And that was my first day, I think, in show business. It was also in first grade that Tillis learned something special about his speech. Even though he couldn’t talk like most kids, he could sing with the best of them. In fact, he could sing better than the best of them. His teacher had him sing in front of the class to build his confidence, and soon she paraded him around the school to sing in all the classrooms. In short order, the Tampa, Florida, native was a budding star. He soon learned to play the drums and guitar, and when he was 16, he won a local talent show. During a stint in the U.S. Air Force, Tillis formed The Westerners, a band that played local clubs on Okinawa. Following his years in the Air Force, he returned to Florida and worked odd jobs. He eventually was employed by a railroad company — and one of the perks of the job was a free railroad pass. He took his and hopped a train to Nashville, where he auditioned for the Acuff-Rose Music company. The verdict? Rose advised Tillis to return to Florida and work on his songwriting. Well, Tillis did just that, and eventually his path led back to Nashville, where he began writing songs full-time. In 1957, Web Pierce recorded one of Tillis’ songs, “I’m Tired,” taking it to No. 3 on the charts. Soon the likes of Ray Price and Kitty Wells were making hits out of Tillis’ songs, and his prowess as a songwriter led to his own recording contract with Columbia Records. Before the 1950s closed, he had two hits of his own, “The Violet and the Rose” and “Sawmill. Still, his greatest success came as a songwriter. Tillis owed a lot of his success to Webb Pierce. The songs “I Ain’t Never” and “Crazy Wild Desire” became hits for Pierce. Tillis also wrote “Detroit City,” a hit for several artists including Bobby Bare. Then, in the late 1960s, Tillis’ “All the Time” became a No. 1 hit for Jack Greene. The songwriting continued as other artists recorded Tillis-written tunes like “The Snakes Crawl at Night,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” and “Mental Revenge.” Finally, in 1968, Tillis had his breakthrough as a singer in his own right, hitting the Top 10 with “Who’s Julie?” He followed his initial success a year later with “These Lonely Hands of Mine” and “She’ll Be Hanging Around Somewhere.” And in 1970, he reached No. 3 with “Heart Over Mind.” Songs like “Heaven Everyday,” “Commercial Affection” and “Arms of a Fool” followed. In 1972, he reached the top of the charts with his own version of “I Ain’t Never.” Tillis continued to enjoy success with his recordings throughout the early 1970s, but he reached the pinnacle of his success with MCA records in 1976. “Good Woman Blues” and “Heart Healer” both reached No. 1, and Tillis was awarded the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame also inducted Tillis the same year. In 1979, He recorded “Coca-Cola Cowboy,” a song that connected him with motion pictures when it was selected to be on the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood’s “Every Which Way but Loose.” Other hits during this time included “Send Me Down to Tucson,” the racy “I Got the Hoss,” and “Lying Time Again.” Tillis continued to have hits into the early 1980s, when his movie career went into full swing. He’d had previous experience with motion pictures with roles in 1967’s “Cottonpickin’ Chickenpeckers” and 1975’s “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.” But it wasn’t until the 1980s that he drew demand as an actor. Tillis played roles in “Smokey and the Bandit II,” “The Cannonball Run” and its sequel “Beer for My Horses,” “The Villian” and “Uphill All the Way.” As his career waned, Tillis opened a theater in Branson, Missouri, where he and a dozen singers who were also on the downslide, kept their careers alive. Fans flocked to the tiny city to see them perform their old hits. It wasn’t until 2007 that Tillis was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, considered by many to be country music’s most coveted honor. The same year, he received his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tillis was always a master at including comedy in his act — something his mother first alluded to after his bad experience on his first day of school. Often self-deprecating, Tillis was still ashamed of his stutter in the mid-70s, until the one and only Minnie Pearl reminded him that the audience was not laughing at him. Rather, they were laughing with him. She also told him to never step on an audience’s laughs. “They are too hard to get,” she said. Beginning in 2016, Mel Tillis suffered from a series of illnesses, and he died Nov. 19, 2017, in Ocala, Florida. Until next time, remember what Mel Tillis always realized: A disability is what you make of it. In Tillis’ case, it became a gimmick that made him a star.

10 easy ‘pit stops’ along the highway to heart health

10 easy ‘pit stops’ along the highway to heart health

Hope Zvara -

February is American Heart Month, and I have 10 practical, easy-as-pie strategies to boost your ticker’s well-being right from the driver’s seat of that truck. The best part? There are no fancy gym memberships or personal trainers needed. So, carve out a little time in your delivery schedule, and let’s get truckin’ along the road to heart health! Sip Smart Hydration is vital for a healthy heart. Try to swig at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily — that adds up to a half-gallon (also known as 64 ounces), folks! Put a portable water jug in your cab and make it a mission to finish it by the day’s end. Snack Savvy Those salty snack stops can sneak up on your arteries. Opt for healthier alternatives like unsalted nuts, fruits and veggies. Pack some in your truck for on-the-go cravings. Stair Stepping Any time you’re on a break and there’s a flight of stairs nearby, walk up and down them a few times to give your heart a quick, effective workout. Stretch Out the Stress Heart health isn’t just physical — stress often hitches a ride on the cardiac bandwagon too. Take time every day to take a few deep breaths and stretch. Every little bit helps! Say No to Nicotine I’m sorry to be a buzzkill for some of you, but busting any tobacco habits will do wonders for your heart. Trade the smokes for those healthier snacks I mentioned in Pit Stop No. 2! Goodnight, Good Heart Prioritize sleep like you would a pizza delivery — it’s important and necessary! Ensure you’re rested enough. A well-rested you means a happier, healthier heart. Short Workouts Don’t have the time or equipment for a full workout? No problem. Short bursts of exercise will do the trick. Think tricep dips on the driver’s seat, or jogging in place at a rest stop. Show Some Leg Legs cramped up after a long haul? Stop, get out and do some leg stretches or lunges. Your heart will appreciate the increased blood flow. Don’t Skip Checkups Keep those annual screenings with your doctor. Regular checkups help catch any heart issues early. Happy Thoughts Finally, remember to feed your mind as well as your body. Read a positive quote, or listen to an uplifting podcast. It’s remarkable what a little positivity can do for your heart! And that’s it, my friends. Ten small changes you can make today for a healthier, stronger heart. These simple strategies are your roadmap to a happier, healthier heart. So, together, let’s take the driver’s seat on the path to heart health, and keep those wheels — and hearts — turning!

Why do attorneys get away with filing frivolous lawsuits?

Why do attorneys get away with filing frivolous lawsuits?

Brad Klepper -

Let’s get this out of the way up front: Nobody likes lawyers. I get that. I really do. I ‘m a lawyer myself, and I don’t even like lawyers. Shoot, there are days I don’t even like myself. Which — the more I think about it — is something I should probably discuss with a professional. Regardless, there’s one big reason folks don’t like lawyers. (OK, I lied. There are actually several big reasons folks don’t like lawyers.) But one of those reasons is that lawyers are known to file frivolous lawsuits — which they are not supposed to do. Just so you know, lawyers are officers of the court and are required to follow certain rules when they file lawsuits. Of course, if a lawyer violates these rules, the suit can be dismissed and the court may sanction the lawyer. Lawyers can also be disciplined if they violate jurisdictions’ ethics rules relating to the filing of lawsuits. While court procedures and ethics rules may vary slightly between jurisdictions, they all basically say the same thing: All lawyers are prohibited from filing “frivolous” lawsuits or suits otherwise without merit. In other words — as my grandfather would say — lawyers, are not supposed to file lawsuits that are full of horsesh*t” I never understood what Grandad had against bulls. Was their sh*t somehow superior to that of horses? But whatever…. So anyway, if we know lawyers aren’t supposed to file these lawsuits, why do we seem to see so many of them? The answer is this: Lawyers are allowed to file a lawsuit when they know enough facts to believe that the eventual proof will support the allegations contained in the lawsuit. In other words, lawyers can file a lawsuit without knowing all the facts at the time the lawsuit is filed. In addition to lawsuits being free from horsesh*t, the lawyer is also required to cite the relevant settled legal theory or state a new one he or she believes should be adopted by the court. A good example of a “new legal theory” would include the school segregation arguments made by Thurgood Marshall in the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education and the same-sex arguments made in the Obergefell decision of 2015. Federal lawsuits are governed by Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (most states have adopted some version of this), which states that the new legal theory is “warranted by existing law or by nonfrivolous argument … or the establishment of the new law.” This means if a lawyer files a lawsuit based on a theory so far-fetched that no court could be expected to accept it, then that lawyer could be in violation of Rule 11 or its state equivalent. If this occurs, that lawyer could be sanctioned by the applicable state bar for violation of ethics rules. In light of all of the above, why don’t we see more lawyers getting fined or disciplined? The answer is that it’s a fine line that separates a “frivolous” lawsuit from one that might be “meritless” but argues for a new legal theory. So, while judges, the media and others may criticize a suit as “frivolous” and call for sanctions or other disciplinary action, the standard is high for imposing such sanctions. In fact, the standard of proof required in most jurisdictions for finding such a violation is “clear and convincing evidence.” That’s a high bar indeed. At the end of the day, whether a lawyer violated the rules of professional conduct will be determined by each state’s disciplinary agency on a case-by-case basis. But that still doesn’t mean we have to like lawyers.

Put your best foot forward: the 5-5-5 rule

Put your best foot forward: the 5-5-5 rule

Hope Zvara -

Alright y’all, grab a cup of joe and park the rig for a minute! We’ve got to have a talk about a little thing called the 5-5-5 Rule. No, it’s not a new logbook regulation — but it will help keep you humming down the highway feeling happier, healthier and ready to handle anything that comes your way. The 5-5-5 Rule breaks up your wellness routine into simple, achievable steps that even the busiest road warriors can fit into their day. We’re talking taking 15 minutes out of your day: five minutes focused on mental health, five minutes of uplifting reading, and five minutes intentional movement. These tiny nuggets of “me time” can make a bigger impact than any New Year’s resolution. Buckle up, and let’s dive in! Mental Health The first five-minute nugget of “me time” will help you kick off the year with a clear mind. I’m not asking you to become a meditation guru overnight. I’m just suggesting five minutes of deep breathing, visualizing goals, or anything that brings you peace and clears the cobwebs. Try this: Find a quiet spot and set a timer for five minutes. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and hold it; then let it out slowly. Repeat this until that five-minute timer goes off. You’ll be surprised how this simple exercise can set the right tone for your day. Uplifting Reading What’s the next stop on our wellness journey? Reading! I’m talking about books, articles, positive quotes — anything that nurtures your mind with positivity. This process isn’t about self-help books or intense learning. It’s about spending just five minutes reading something that uplifts your spirit. So, pick a motivational quote, a feel-good story or an inspiring biography. Don’t overthink it; if it makes you smile or fires you up, it’s doing the job. Intentional Movement Don’t panic! This is not about running a zillion laps, swinging kettlebells or doing 100 push-ups. This is about just 5 minutes of purposeful movement. This movement could be stretching at a rest stop, doing bodyweight exercises using your truck’s step, or simply strolling around the parking lot holding a set of hand weights, or with a pep in your step. Remember the Mother Trucker Yoga mantra: It’s not about touching your toes; it’s about the journey down. It’s about showing up for yourself, even for just five minutes. A simple road to big changes I get it: Life on the road ain’t always easy — but your health and well-being are worth that extra mile. The 5-5-5 Rule might look like a small pit stop, but these small changes can lead to big life results. Let’s kick off this New Year by taking these simple steps towards a healthier, happier you. Trust me — your mind and body will thank you down the highway. Remember, you’re the driver on this journey, so make every mile count! Keep on truckin’, keep on movin’ and embrace the 5-5-5 Rule. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year and hitting the road to a better you!

Raise your hand if you survived the first week of 2024

Raise your hand if you survived the first week of 2024

Linda Garner-Bunch -

Happy New Year, y’all! Yep, you guessed it. I’m from the South, and I have the accent to prove it. When I open my mouth to talk, I pretty much sound like cornbread (if cornbread could talk). Hopefully, most people like cornbread! But I digress. I’m here to share my thoughts as we wrap up the first workweek of 2024. On New Year’s Eve, my husband and I gathered with a few friends to celebrate surviving another revolution around the sun. Unfortunately, none of us are as young as we used to be, and I don’t think anyone made it to midnight before heading home to bed. Actually, looking back at some of my New Year’s Eve shenanigans during my younger years, it’s probably a good thing I don’t have the energy to stay up all night these days. New Year’s Day was spent catching up on chores at home — you know, exciting things like laundry, washing dishes, sweeping and (my personal favorite) scooping the kitty litter pan. Fun times! The evening was much more enjoyable, sharing dinner with our youngest son and his wife, enjoying an “adult beverage” or two and a hotly debated game of Monopoly that lasted until nearly (but not quite) midnight. Let’s just say my family gets very creative when it comes to wheeling and dealing to stay in the game. During the first workweek of the new year, I’ve seen the usual round of “year in review” news stories from various media outlets. The war between Russia and Ukraine continued throughout the year, along with numerous other memorable events — Chinese spy balloons drifting across the U.S. to a search for a missing mini-submarine, wildfires in Hawaii, auto workers’ striking, the start of the Israel-Hamas war and more. Of course, many in the trucking industry (along with the rest of the nation) watched the slow, painful demise of Yellow Corp., highlighted by union workers’ strikes and a volley of insults hurled back and forth between the freight giant and the Teamsters Union. There’s an old curse, popularly attributed to the ancient Chinese, that says, “May you live in interesting times.” On the surface, it doesn’t really sound like a curse … until you look back at the “interesting times” of the past few years. Here’s to better — maybe even “boring” — times ahead. However, with a hotly debated presidential election as well as a number of other key political races, I have a feeling 2024 will be another year for the record books. Through it all, The Trucker team is here to provide news relevant to all levels of the trucking industry. In addition to our main news website, you can follow us on most social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (it’ll always be “Twitter” to me!), TikTok and more. I wish you all blessings, joy, peace and prosperity in the coming year. Don’t be a stranger! Feel free to shoot me an email at editor@thetruckermedia.com and let me know what issues are important to you, as well as any features you’d like to see incorporated into The Trucker website.

Start 2024 off right by taking control of your health

Start 2024 off right by taking control of your health

Bob Perry -

It’s common knowledge that exercising is beneficial to your health. In some cases, it can even save a person’s life. So, why isn’t everyone exercising? Making major life changes isn’t an easy task — and taking control of one’s personal health is no exception. It can be overwhelming and difficult, especially while working and living on the road. In my role, I visit with a lot of drivers who are struggling to become fit and healthy enough to maintain their DOT medical certification. When the discussion turns to establishing a regular health and fitness routine, many people say it’s simply not possible. The reasons for not attempting a program (or failing at one) vary from person to person. I’m here to tell you: With a support system, a solid plan and realistic goals, you can put yourself on the road to better health. I often advise drivers, “it’s not the exercise you SHOULD do, but the one you WILL do.” In other words, set realistic goals, and build from there. The same adage could apply to your diet. What you put in your body is 75% of the battle. While exercise is very important, making good nutritional choices is the key. Choose the right protein. To get the maximum performance out of your body’s “engine,” you need to know what “fuel” is best for you. The best way to figure this out is to use the most reliable and valuable “lab”: your own body. Take protein, for example. Protein is the building block of every cell in your body and should be the foundation of every meal. Protein comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors — chicken, turkey, lean cuts of meat, cheese, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and cottage cheese, just to name a few. A common complaint I hear from people making lifestyle changes is that they are always hungry. It’s true that eating a low-fat menu can leave you wanting more — but you don’t have to eat the kitchen sink or return to your old habits to feel satisfied. By including a little lean protein with each meal, you can feel full longer. However, you need to understand how much protein is enough. Here’s a good rule to follow: Generally, the size of your fist is equal to a healthy portion size. Be aware that not all protein sources agree with everyone. This is where you need to experiment with your body’s “lab” to find the right protein for you. It takes your body longer to digest protein than some other foods, so it stays with you longer (much like whole grains.) Incorporating the right type and amount of protein into your meals can help you stick to a low-fat diet — and in turn, help you lose weight (without losing your mind!). It’s essential to start the day with a good source of protein. We all know living and working on the road can make finding healthy options especially challenging. If you don’t always have time in the morning to eat a good breakfast, be prepared. Stock your cab with some healthy staples as a backup. Remember, if you don’t have a good choice available you will make a bad choice. A few good protein options to pack include protein bars and/or shakes, fruit with almonds and walnuts, or Greek yogurt with oatmeal All of these are good sources of protein for on the run. You need to do your homework and read the labels to make sure you are not overloading on sugar and carbs to get the protein. This is where you learn to listen to your body. Choose the right activity. Now that we better understand how to fuel our personal engines let’s put it to the test by starting a simple exercise program. Despite all the scientific advances in sports training and the billions of dollars spent on exercise equipment each year, the best, most readily available form of exercise is free — walking. I suggest starting with a goal of walking 2,500 steps each day. That’s approximately 1 mile, and you’ll burn about 100 calories. Seems simple, doesn’t it? You don’t even have to do it all at once; you can make the steps in small increments throughout the day. If you’re out of shape, it’s likely that you didn’t get that way overnight. Your road to health won’t happen overnight, either. Start slowly and build up over time. Exercise shouldn’t be a chore. It’s one of the best things you can do for your body. Walking provides numerous benefits. It can: Increase circulation; Relax tension in your neck and shoulders; Relieve lower back pain and hip stiffness; and Ease mental fatigue and eye strain. When planning any sort of fitness routine, there are a few rules of thumb to follow. Wear good shoes. You don’t run your rig on bad tires — don’t work out in worn-out shoes! A shoe’s arch support, heel support and cushioning all wear down over time. Good walking shoes help you avoid injuries. When shopping for a new pair of shoes, take your old workout shoes with you to the store. A good salesperson can look at the wear on the sole of the shoes and recommend any necessary adjustments in size or style. If you have a pedometer, take it for a road test. Attach the pedometer horizontally on your waistband or belt, centered above your knee on one side (in other words, don’t stick it under your belly button or way off to one side). If this is not comfortable, the pedometer may be worn at the side, but accuracy may be affected. Be sure to keep the device horizontal. To test for accuracy, set the counter to zero and walk 50 steps. If the counter reads between 45 and 55 steps, it’s functioning accurately. If the reading is off by more than 10%, reposition the counter to another location on your waist and re-test. Set realistic goals for strength training. As you build stamina, you may want to incorporate a strength-training program into your regular workout routine to help increase muscle strength and flexibility. Start small and work your way up. As I said before, finding an exercise you WILL do can be more effective than looking at one you SHOULD do and thinking, “That’s just too much for me.” Drink to your health. As you increase physical activity, be sure to stay well hydrated. Drinking water is one of the keys to good health, and it’s even more important when you exercise. Known as The Trucker Trainer, Bob Perry has played a critical role in the paradigm shift of regulatory agencies, private and public sector entities, and consumers to understand the driver health challenge. Perry can be reached at bob@fitdrivers.com.

Counting blessings each day can increase your joy, appreciation for life

Counting blessings each day can increase your joy, appreciation for life

Rev. Marilou Coins -

Can you believe the first week of 2024 is almost over? It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming the arrival of 2023! As this leap year begins, I’m reminded of an old nursery rhyme: Thirty days hath September, April, June and November. All the rest have thirty-one, Excepting February alone, And that has twenty-eight days clear, And twenty-nine in each leap year. We all can remember that verse — in some variation or another — from our childhood days. Today, I’d like to look at it from a different point of view. Take a look at that calendar on your wall or on your phone. Each little box on the calendar has a number on it, and each number signifies the start of a new day. Every morning, we wake up and wonder what the day will have in store for us. Will it be good? Will it be bad? Or will it be an exceptional day? At the end of the year, when we look back over the past 365 days (well, this year it will be 366 days), what stands out about our daily lives? Was it a good year? A bad year? Were we blessed? Here’s a little trick I’ve learned. At the end of each day, I write a little note on a piece of paper and date it; then I put that note in a jar. The notes aren’t long. I just jot down something about my day — maybe an event or conversation that stands out and made the day better (or worse), or a note about enjoying my favorite treat, or seeing an old friend. At the end of each month, I put a lid on that jar and place it on a shelf. At the end of the year (usually on New Year’s Eve), I open each jar, one by one, and read the notes from each day. I’ve had several friends tell me they took this idea and modified it a bit: Instead of putting notes in jars, they simply jot their thoughts in a daily planner and then review each month. If you try this, you might be surprised at how many good — or really great — days you have during the year, compared to the bad or so-so days. Those exceptional days remind us of the special blessings God has given us. Each month, week and day brings us something new. January will have some cold, crisp days, when many of us seek warmth. Have you ever felt the warmth of God’s love for you? Well, his love is there for you every day. All you need to do is think of a way to react to it. He gives you warm food to eat. Thank him for it. He gives you a warm building to be in. Thank him for it. He gives drivers a warm truck to be in. Thank him for it. Even that hot cup of coffee that warms you is a blessing of love given you by God. Thank God daily for all the warm blessings that you receive. February is another month of cold days, and it’s also time to appreciate those we love. How about finding a way to mark each day with a memory of where you are and where you are heading? March is very unpredictable, and weatherwise, you’ll probably see some good days, some bad days and some just plain ugly days. When you review your daily notes at the end of the year, March could be the most interesting month to look back on! In April, the weather starts to warm up, so your notes might reflect a more tranquil time. Next, May has everything we look forward to in warmer weather, as summer is soon approaching. June marks the halfway point of the year. June’s balmy days are a warm-up for the hotter summertime. In July, we celebrate with fireworks on the Fourth of July and have picnics with family and friends. August has many interesting days — our children look forward to the start of a new school year, and we look forward to the cooler days of autumn. In October, we definitely notice the change of seasons, with the bright array of fall colors and the smell of spices in the air. November is the time to start reflecting on family gatherings and Thanksgiving — and we all start to get in the swing of Christmas. Then comes December, with the holiday hustle and bustle of Christmas and other special days — and just like that, we’re bidding farewell to another year. I believe you’ll see that every month, every day holds something worth remembering. Happy New Year to all! Best of the roads, and all gears forward in Jesus.

Carved in solid Oak: Songs that would be gold, Part 2

Carved in solid Oak: Songs that would be gold, Part 2

Kris Rutherford -

In last month’s Rhythm of the Road, I began a countdown of the Top 10 songs recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys (ORB) that, in my opinion, should have topped the country music charts — but somehow were overlooked. And so, without further ado, let’s continue the countdown of the obscure but outstanding cuts from the soon-to-be retired Oak Ridge Boys: “Dancing the Night Away” Country radio didn’t seem to care for five-minute recordings in the ’70s. A few novelty songs like “Convoy” managed to top the charts, but songwriters seemed hooked on what I call the “Rhinestone Cowboy Formula”: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Repeat Chorus, Fade. “Dancing the Night Away,” featuring Joe Bonsall’s elevated tenor offered a whole new ORB sound. Perhaps an intentional throwback to Bonsall’s American Bandstand days, the song abandoned pure country for a bit of rock/pop. It should have exposed the ORB to fans from other walks of life. Now, anyone who knows me knows I am no fan of crossover country … but this tune showcased the ORB’s diversity and ability to perform gospel, classic country and pop. Little did we know the song was a precursor of things to come just a couple of years later. “I Would Crawl All the Way to the River” In 1981, ORB fans snatched up copies of “Fancy Free,” the multi-platinum album that remains the group’s top seller to this day. This album, of course, is best known for the ORB’s signature song and megahit “Elvira.” In fact, “Elvira” alone likely carried the album to its success and entrenched the ORB as a major player across musical genres. The tune drove the Boys into the crossover ranks, but without the “in your face” plunge a few unnamed country artists took. (Yes, at least one of those gamblers won big-time, but was it really good for country music? But I digress.) While “Fancy Free” took the ORB to an entirely new level in the national spotlight, the album also returned them to their gospel roots. The only thing I knew about gospel music at the time came from mouthing my “ABCs” silently as a congregation belted out seemingly unending verses from dusty church hymnals. In short, my gospel exposure was boring. No offense to any gospel aficionados who may be reading, and I am certainly not demeaning religious songs, but any kid exposed to off-key singing accompanied by an out-of-tune piano would have had the same reaction. I’d heard the ORB was actually founded as a gospel group and that they remained so until I picked up their first country album, but I couldn’t name a single gospel song they’d recorded. The lively hidden gem from this album, “I Would Crawl All the Way to the River,” made me seek out some of those early tunes that earned the ORB multiple Dove Awards. Gospel, I realized, wasn’t necessarily painfully slow, poorly sung songs from the pews of a church with bad acoustics and an outdoor toilet. Thanks to this song — the last on Side 2 of the album — I discovered earlier ORB recordings like “Heaven Bound” and “The Baptism of Jessie Taylor.” Both have become favorites. “Would They Love Him Down in Shreveport” In 1982, ORB’s “Bobby Sue” album introduced fans to a girl that I suppose must be the third lady in a string of the Boy’s hearts’ desires, after “Emmylou” and “Elvira.” For the second straight album, the ORB included a gospel tune to offset the title cut — a song that may be the most energetic they ever recorded. This time, the gospel selection couldn’t have been more opposite from the album’s hit. “Would They Love Him Down in Shreveport,” which was also recorded by George Jones in 1990 (do I sense a pattern here?), didn’t offer the up-tempo energy of “I Would Crawl All the Way to the River,” but by this time, I was actually beginning to pay real attention to lyrics — and the words to this song quickly grew on me. I’ve always been a bit of a geography nerd, so the featured cities of Nashville, New York City (Wall Street), Wichita, Salt Lake City, Boston and Shreveport naturally piqued my curiosity. The words, however which wrapped around a religious theme, stretch far beyond gospel and hold deep meaning in secular life as well. While several cities are called out by name, any American town could be inserted in place of any on the list. The lyrics offer no condemnation of those who live in these places; however, they do highlight stereotypes and prejudices that are simply a fact of life in all areas of the country. Featuring all four vocalists in separate verses, “Would They Love Him Down in Shreveport” forces the listener to look inward. Duane Allen seemingly directs the song’s final word to the individual: “Would you laugh and call him crazy and send him on his way?” The question forces each to face his or her own pitfalls and accept their own prejudices. Gospel or not, the theme can’t help but resonate with anyone who pays attention. “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me” Any list of ORB favorites would be incomplete without including a song featuring contra-bass Richard Sterban. Long before he “Oom-pop-a-mow-mowed” his way into country music history, you could find Sterban “On the radi-i-o-i-o-o.” Oddly enough, “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me” isn’t country … and it isn’t pop. Technically, it’s a pure 1970’s funk tune (I admit I found that on Wikipedia, so it must be true). I’d forgotten all about funk music. From what I can tell, a funk group called Graham Central Station actually recorded the song a year before the ORB. So, here we have a group of four guys who can sing gospel, country, crossover-country and pop — and I can now add funk to the mix! Allow me to pause while I take some deep breaths as this sinks in. Well, at least the ORB haven’t released any heavy metal …yet. I guess a little funk makes sense. As I recall from my vague memory of the genre, it was all about fun, and “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me” is nothing if not a fun tune. Don’t try to find any depth in the lyrics, because they are pretty shallow. As a matter of fact, is it even possible to put the lyrics of this song in writing? Every once in a while, it’s nice to read a piece of corny poetry from Robert Frost or find some William Faulkner short story he enjoyed writing but would probably rather forget. Such is the case with “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me.” You gotta love it. Incidentally, are you aware that the word “funk” is derived from an African word meaning “bad body odor?” It’s amazing what you can learn on Wikipedia! “Old Time Lovin’” You can say I lack creativity all you want, but when I’m looking for ORB hidden gems, I just can’t get away from the year 1977. Once again a few years ahead of my age (at least at the time) in subject matter, “Old Time Lovin’” is another slice of undeniably classic country music. This cut, like so many others in the ORB discography, features a solo for each member and teases the ear with a bluegrass-country blend. The arrangement of harmonies versus the lead, tenor, baritone and bass solos on this recording keeps every vocalist fully engaged. Richard Sterban’s bass sets a perfect lead-in to the harmonic, “How I want that old time love again with you” on two occasions, and the change of key in the oft-repeated ending chorus is the icing on the cake. Plus, the ORB performed the song on an episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Can it get any more country? With that, we’ve covered nine ORB non-hit songs you may have never heard of before. What’s No. 10? Check back next month to find out!

Now is a good time for an insurance review

Now is a good time for an insurance review

OOIDA -

Written by Deborah Graves, OOIDA Truck Insurance Department Did you make any New Year’s resolutions for 2024? Let us make a suggestion. It’s the one about money — saving more and wasting less. With this in mind, now is a good time to think about your truck insurance. Can you trust your agent? Do you have the coverage you need? Is the rate competitive? Are you getting the most value for the money you’re spending? The answers to these questions will help you determine whether you’re on your way to keeping that important resolution to save more and waste less. Check out a prospective agency by asking a few pertinent questions, such as: Does the agency specialize in truck insurance? How long have they been in business? What coverages are offered, and how much do they cost? Do they charge additional fees to service your policy? Talk about to your agent about your specific trucking operation and don’t be shy about asking for an explanation of anything that you don’t understand. A good agent will always try to find out all he or she can about your trucking business in order to assess your needs. If you feel rushed or less than confident regarding the agent’s ability to provide answers to your questions, you’re probably with the wrong agent. If you’re a leased owner-operator who’s tempted to buy insurance through your motor carrier, consider what would happen if the carrier goes under or simply decides to terminate your lease. Once that contract is canceled, so is your insurance. Worse yet, if your motor carrier goes broke, you’ll lose not only your coverage, but probably any escrow that you have as well. If your bank or finance company offers insurance, should you go for it? Probably not. You wouldn’t go to an auto mechanic for heart surgery, would you? So why go to a lending institution for your truck insurance? Insurance agencies specialize in providing coverage to protect the investment you have in your equipment, while banks just want to make sure their own financial interests are insured. In addition, banks might also assess finance charges or administrative fees that waste your hard-earned money. Trust your own instincts. You’re the one who’s best equipped to know what you need and how you want to be treated by your insurance agent. After all, you’ve been making important decisions like this for most of your life. Did you know that any profits from the insurance program at OOIDA goes right back to the association to fight for your rights? It’s very common for other truck insurance companies to support proposals like speed limiters. Not OOIDA. You can reach an OOIDA truck insurance agent Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, at 800-715- 9369. Do you have an insurance topic you would like to know more about? If so, email us at insuranceinsights@ooida.com. We will cover a new topic each month and will do our best to address everyone’s questions.

Take these steps to reduce holiday stress on the road

Take these steps to reduce holiday stress on the road

Bob Perry -

No doubt, as a professional truck driver, many of you have discovered that working and being away from loved ones during the holidays is tough. It’s difficult being away from friends and family for days or weeks at a time, especially this time of year. Here are some tips to help make your days (and nights) a little less stressful. Count your blessings. Remind yourself of all the good things you have going on in your life. For example, you’re working, you have great friends and a wonderful family, and you’re (hopefully) healthy. I try to practice two rules: Be thankful for what you have. Don’t forget rule No. 1. Make your bunk area a home away from home. Before heading out on the road, try to make your truck’s bunk area as close to a “home” setting as you can. Surround yourself with a few of the comforts of home. For example, use your favorite pillow and blankets for the sleeper berth. Also, taking a pet along for the ride can be very helpful and comforting — if your company allows. Stay in touch with loved ones. Ask your partner/spouse, kids and other family members — as well as close friends — to contact you through video calls (such as FaceTime) when you can safely visit during a break. In addition, if you have to miss events such as school concerts or holiday get-togethers, have loved ones use their phones to take photos and videos and send them to you. You can play them back when you have reached your destination. Don’t just sit behind the wheel! Try to incorporate some form of regular exercise every day, even if it’s just walking laps around your truck. Walking can help relieve stress and increase your energy levels, giving you more energy to manage stress easier. Personally, I have found that whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed and/or stressed, exercise brings me back to a mind space that makes me realize the problem actually isn’t as difficult as I imagined. Stock your fridge. Make sure the mini fridge in your truck is stocked with healthy foods — and even maybe a couple of special treats. All too often, we use unhealthy food (such as cake, ice cream and cookies) to fill the void of being alone and unhappy — and then we feel guilty for gorging on junk food. Keep recent photos or memorabilia in your cab. Posting printed photos of family and friends in the truck is a great way to help alleviate homesickness. Is there room on your dash to safely display a couple of special mementos? If so, do it! You’ll smile every time you glance at them. Known as The Trucker Trainer, Bob Perry has played a critical role in the paradigm shift of regulatory agencies, private and public sector entities, and consumers to understand the driver health challenge. Perry can be reached at truckertrainer@icloud.com.

Carved in solid Oak: Songs that would be gold, Part 1

Carved in solid Oak: Songs that would be gold, Part 1

Kris Rutherford -

The Oak Ridge Boys (ORB) have announced their retirement and farewell tour. It’s been a long, 50+ year career for the current quartet — and they have a boatload of hits and awards to show for all those decades. They also have a basket full of songs that, with a little luck, should have charted in country music’s Top 10. You can find classic country jewels right between the wide lines on your old ORB vinyl LPs — the tracks you never ran your needle through like you did with “Elvira,” “I’ll Be True to You” or “You’re the One.” On the other hand, if you’re a collector of old 45 RPMs, take a look at the flip side you’ve ignored for the past 30 years. There they are … the precious gems of classic country music. Most never made it to the radio and haven’t been played at a live ORB concert in years, but give them a listen. You’ll find some of the ORB’s finest work. A fan since the tender age of 10, when the “Y’all Come Back Saloon” album first charted, I’ve carefully selected my favorite nine ORB songs that would (or should) be gold. So, in no particular order: “Easy” As far as I’m concerned, the body of work of “Y’all Come Back Saloon” remains ORB’s greatest masterpiece to this day. Other albums offered bigger hits, but as a collection, it’s hard to top the 10 tracks on this record. Give me one album to listen to on a cross-country ride, and it’s no contest. “Y’all Come Back Saloon” put country music on notice that gospel didn’t have the ORB under lock and key. No song better exemplifies the group’s transformation than “Easy.” Keep in mind that this was back in the days when Dallas’s WBAP still used that annoying “BLEEEEP” to censor Faron Young’s “Here I am in Dallas, Where the Hell are You?” Nearly five decades later, the risqué lyrics of promiscuity and teen pregnancy featured in “Easy” are mild at best, but I’m not even sure “outlaw” country artists would have been so bold in 1977. Duane Allen’s vocals on “Easy” are, to at least my ears, the best he ever recorded. Changing his voice inflection from a matter-of-fact mood to one of sympathy with a touch of anger and then to understanding and tenderness in the span of three minutes must have been a hard chore. At the age of 10, I had nary a clue what “Easy” really meant. When I reached high school, though, the raw honesty, emotion and depth of the lyrics became clear. Never released as a U.S. single, “Easy” became an overseas hit and the subject of a very early music video. Had conservative country radio been ready to openly discuss the matter at hand, “Easy” would have surely been a chart-topper. Thinking back on it, I may remember “Easy” so well from the infamous episode when my mother heard me singing along and asked me if I even knew what the words meant. Without thinking, I responded with a short, “No, but it’s a hell of a tune, ain’t it?” She bleeped me all the way to my bedroom. “Didn’t She Really Thrill Them (Back in 1924)” Even though I was wet behind the ears when this one was recorded, I connected with the song immediately. I may have been a legal resident of Maine, having moved there at the age of 3 months, but Mainers only accept someone as a native if they are born inside the state lines. As far as they were concerned, I was “From Away.” Summers spent in Texas did little to hide the Scarlet “FA” on my sleeve. I may have been considered an outsider in New England and a Yankee in Texas, but those summers in the South allowed me to experience rural life. Northeast Texas’ Lamar County, my summer home (and the roots of the modern Rutherford family), is still 99.7% rural. For a kid, that statistic translated to “99.7% old folks.” The lyrics of “Didn’t She Really Thrill Them” still stirs my senses today. The story of an old maid and a schoolgirl takes me back to the many hours I spent around those Texas ladies who, at the time, seemed ancient. Duane Allen’s trademark smooth delivery brings memories of sipping iced tea on a Texas porch. I can picture myself in the shoes of the schoolgirl (well, make it schoolboy, in my case) who made daily visits to the old maid’s house. Rather than trying on dresses and looking at old dance cards, I could be found sucking on three or four lemon drops that had melted together in a cut-glass bowl because old people hadn’t yet discovered the convenience of air conditioning. In the end, “Didn’t She Really Thrill Them” isn’t really a song about an old maid and a teenage girl. It’s about choices — making choices that may be unpopular with some and living with the choices that can’t be undone. The ORB’s lawyers should have sued George Jones’ songwriter for stealing their idea 20 years later. “An Old Time Family Bluegrass Band” My dad was a bluegrass fan when I was a kid, but I didn’t get it. Sure, I loved “The Beverly Hillbillies” theme, but bluegrass was way too primitive for me. How about using some electricity when you cut an album? “An Old-Time Family Bluegrass Band” changed my attitude. I became downright addicted to the sweet cocktail of fiddles, mandolins, guitars and banjos featured in the song. Despite his Philadelphia upbringing, Joe Bonsall puts on a pretty good impersonation of having been reared in the deep woods of Eastern Kentucky. The song is the story of bluegrass itself and depicts the genre in no uncertain terms. No one can walk away from “An Old-Time Family Bluegrass Band” without understanding that bluegrass music is all about preserving the rural lifestyle, simpler times, and the sense of family among those who may have been separated by miles of wooded hills. “Dig a Little Deeper in the Well” As hard as it is, I’m breaking away from 1977 and skipping ahead two years to the ORB’s third album, “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived.” For anyone who inexplicably missed out on the debut album, the hit songs “Sail Away” and “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and Richard Sterban’s masterpiece “Dream On” undoubtedly caught their attention. For my money, though, there isn’t a better song in the bunch than “Dig a Little Deeper in the Well.” The upbeat tune features each vocalist’s distinct tone, the perfect harmonies pulling the listener into the recording studio. The song is even better live and has been a favorite at every ORB concert I’ve attended, playing second fiddle only to “Elvira.” “Dig a Little Deeper in the Well” is classic country at its finest, its lyrical euphemisms and energy carrying through until the band hits the tune’s last abrupt note. That’s all for this time. Tune in next month for the last five ORB songs I believe should be gold. Merry Christmas to all!