TheTrucker.com

Control your blood pressure — before it controls you

Hypertension. This is a word drivers don’t want to hear when taking their DOT exam. Elevated blood-pressure readings can reduce the duration of your medical card and, in many cases, take you out of service. However, you’ll find making small life changes can equal big results. This is the No. 1 topic I talk about with drivers during orientation classes. You must take control before your hypertension takes control of you — and your livelihood. There are easy and simple eating changes that can lower blood pressure, and when you incorporate even the most moderate of exercise movements you can see long-lasting results. For example, just by not adding extra salt to your meal, working in a brisk 15-minute walk each day and cutting back on energy drinks, you can begin to see improvement. By taking control of your blood pressure, you’ll learn how to bring it into a normal range through awareness and making basic lifestyle changes. I know it’s not easy when you are professional driver, living on the road with all the temptations and having to eat quickly and on the run. It takes preparation and planning. You’ve probably heard of “white coat” hypertension (increased stress levels due to simply being in the doctor’s office), but do you know the most common mistakes most patients make before walking into a medical exam? Smoking and drinking before your exam; both raise your levels. Bad positioning. Sit up straight, and do not cross your legs. Stay calm. Try to place yourself in a mindful place that makes you happy. Don’t talk. Most people talk when they are nervous. As many if you know, I’m always seeking ways to help support drivers in their journey to maintain their health, and hopeful retire healthy when they’re ready. To that end, I’m pleased to announce that, by next month, I will be introducing the Driver Health Scanner. This revolutionary technology will allow you to use your cellphone camera to check your blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), and respiratory readings. The tool will allow you to manage and take control of your health and your livelihood. More information coming soon!

Moore and Napier head for home with ‘Truck Driver’s Queen’

Just a few decades ago folks referred to almost any type of country music as “hillbilly” — a genre known primarily as bluegrass among music historians. When rock ’n’ roll came along and influenced country music, what came about was “rockabilly.” Now, you’ll hardly find bluegrass undertones in Jerry Lee Lewis’ or Carl Perkins’ rockabilly records, but the fact that the two played rockabilly music back in the 1950s and 1960s stands as proof that, to the average Joe, the two terms were interchangeable. Then again, some bluegrass music is pure hillbilly, and a few artists carried the unamplified strings into topics other than skinning mules or living in Appalachia. Charlie Moore, along with his instrumental partner, Bill Napier, did just that during the mid-1960s. Moore was born in 1935 in Piedmont, South Carolina. He learned to play guitar growing up, and primarily performed gospel bluegrass in local churches. Moore didn’t perform professionally until 1956, when he joined Cousin Wilbur Westbrooks’ Asheville, North Carolina show. The gig didn’t last long, and a year later Moore was back in South Carolina where he formed The Dixie Partners bluegrass band. Soon, Moore showcased his baritone vocals on a gospel bluegrass show he hosted in Spartanburg, South Carolina. By 1962, he had joined forces with instrumentalist Bill Napier, a West Virginian and former Stanley Brothers sidekick. With the addition of Napier, The Dixie Partners grew in popularity. Over the next five years, Moore, Napier and the band recorded nine albums for the King label. In fact, during their first recording session with King, Moore and Napier turned out what would become one of their most popular songs: “Truck Driver’s Queen.” “Truck Driver’s Queen” was the first in a long discography that included an emphasis on truck driving songs. “Lonesome Truck Driver” and “Georgia Bound” are two of Moore and Napier’s early recordings that enjoyed continued popularity throughout the duo’s career recording together. Moore and Napier primarily played out of Panama City, Florida, where they appeared on a number of television shows. In fact, it was said the duo had a “monopoly on live entertainment” in the Florida Panhandle. A humble Moore complained that the gig wasn’t as good as it seemed — half the signal covered a swamp and the rest the Gulf of Mexico, he said. But they remained popular in the area, eventually moving their show to Pensacola, Florida, where they enjoyed some of their most successful years. The two also appeared regularly in Wheeling, West Virginia, on WWVA, home of the “World’s Original Jamboree.” While the duo did experience commercial success and Moore was said to have the best voice in bluegrass, the addition of Napier did not come without controversy. After all, Moore had formed The Dixie Partners before Napier’s arrival. Napier, an apparent prodigy on the guitar, mandolin and banjo, soon overshadowed the rest of the band. Some critics claimed that since he couldn’t play all three instruments at once, whatever instrumental he played dominated fellow band members. Still, without Napier, it is questionable if Moore would have ever achieved the level of success that led him to continue The Dixie Partners after Napier moved on. “Truck Driver’s Queen,” featuring a heavy dose of Napier on acoustic guitar, is typical of bluegrass (and most country songs) of its time. Just over two minutes long, the lyrics waste no time getting to the point. First, as The Dixie Partners name suggests, Moore narrates as a truck driver running in the heart of Dixie, from the Carolinas to Alabama. Along the way he’s seen plenty of pretty women, but he’s never been tempted. After all, he sings, none are “as sweet as mine.” And like Dave Dudley in “Six Days on the Road,” the truck driver has no intention of stopping for pastimes like shooting pinball or worrying about radar guns along his way. He’s “gotta keep these big wheels rolling” because he’s heading home, where he’ll rejoin his truck driver’s queen. In the second verse, Moore gives the listener a vocal glimpse into the beauty of his girl back home. In short, she’s “the sweetest ever seen, with big blue eyes that sparkle” — all the makings of a truck driver’s dream. And that, in short, is what Moore and Napier have to offer with their debut single. After Moore and Napier parted ways in 1967, The Dixie Partners went on to record 10 albums during the 1970s under the Old Homestead label. However, they never found the same success they had with Napier. Moore and Napier did get together for a reunion album, but Moore’s greatest successes during the second half of his career came in Europe, where he recorded live albums in Belgium and The Netherlands. Moore struggled with alcoholism for much of his life. Just after Thanksgiving in 1979, his health failing, Moore’s band members checked him into a West Virginia hospital. He died there, just a few days before Christmas. As for Napier, his time with Moore was the highlight of an impressive career as an instrumentalist. By 1970, he had semi-retired to Detroit, but he made occasional appearances in recordings and on stage. He continued to perform during the 1980s and 1990s; in fact, in 1984 he recorded his only solo album with Old Homestead. He also played the stage with his wife, Carla Napier, fairly frequently. Napier was still performing when he died in 2000, having outlived his former singing partner by more than 20 years. Until next time, if you’re going to keep those wheels rolling fast, make sure you’re doing it for a good reason. Getting home to your own truck driver’s queen (or king) might be the best motivation.

Play ball! Overcome life’s ‘strikes’ and make a ‘home run’

How many of you enjoy baseball? I enjoy watching and cheering for my favorite team. But have you ever really WATCHED the game and thought about how it relates to life? I’m going to explain a few things I found in baseball that can be related to our lives with Christ. First, I found the umpire is like God. He’s always watching to see what life throws at us and how we respond by batting it back. Do we hit a home run, a base hit or strike out? If we hit a home run, we score a “win” in our life. If we get a base hit, we still are in the run to get home. Getting home (heaven) is what we all strive for. But if we strike out, do we give up or do we go back to bat and try again? If we give up then Satan wins. We have three strikes before we are out in baseball, but with God we are able to go back to bat and try again, even after the third strike. Aren’t you glad God gives us that chance to go to bat again and again? He doesn’t want us to strike out, so he gives us many chances to get on base and finally get home. He doesn’t care if you try several times, just as long as you try. Don’t feel like a strike out is the end. Just pick yourself up, go back to bat and try again for a base hit or a home run. Life is our baseball field. It is always changing, depending on what is thrown at us, but we need to keep batting at it and score a win. Don’t give up just because you failed a few times. God doesn’t give up on us, but is ready to forgive our strike out and let us keep batting until we get on base and run the field to get our home run (heaven). We spend our life either at bat or running the bases. In baseball, it’s three strikes and you are out. But with God there is no strike out — unless you give up, don’t repent for your “strikes” and wind up at the end of your life unrepentant and striking out. God never gives up on us, but we sometimes give up on him, and throwing in the towel and letting Satan win the game of our life. As long as we get on each base, we are headed for heaven, and we win the game of life. Every time we get on base we are getting closer to home. All we need to do is stay focused and watch what is going to be thrown at us next. Sometimes we are even able to beat the odds and steal a base. That’s when we are really focused on God and not on what is going on around us. We need to keep our focus on the goal of heaven and not be distracted by things we have no control over. Once the ball is thrown, our reaction to it determines what happens. We hit the ball and run the bases, or we strike out and fail, only to come back and try again. God does forgive our strike outs and gives us so many chances. All we have to do is be ready and stay focused on the bases, reach for the end and score. Every day, our score is being renewed. Every day we all play ball and score at the end of the day. Never close your day with a strike out; instead, ask God for the chance to do better the next day. As our “umpire” who is watching us, God gives us that chance daily. However, if we refuse to ask for forgiveness and strike out at the end of our life, God can’t change our score. Repent for your failures daily and watch for the ball that is thrown at you the next day. Life is a baseball game so play ball and win the game. You’re on the field, both at bat and on base. Make it a home run and not a strike out. It’s your game, and you’re a team of one. Only you can play your game. Enjoy your game of life and keep your eye on the ball that brings you a home run. Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus.

Just a 5-minute walk can help reduce stress, improve health

Most of us could use more walking in our lives — it’s great exercise. But for many drivers, it’s not easy to find the time and a safe space to walk. Here’s some good news: You don’t need a lot of vast, open space or even a lot of time to get up and walk. Walking is a basic human movement we all must do to age healthily, and walking can be a full-body workout when done correctly. Feeling stiff? Walk! Back hurt? Walk! Want to lose weight? Walk! Feeling stressed? Walk! Looking to tone up? Walk! Have five minutes? Walk! WHY WALK? The mental health benefits of walking range from helping to manage stress and anxiety to clearing brain fog and boosting your ability to solve problems quickly. Walking is also linked to better sleep, reduced risk of depression and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem. But walking benefits don’t stop there. Walking can also: Lower blood pressure; Improve oxygen levels; Burn belly fat; Tone legs, glutes, abdomen and back; Reduce sugar cravings; and Improve immunity, digestion and relieve constipation. Instead of thinking you have to block out 30 to 60 minutes to exercise, consider adding walking to an activity you are already doing, or focus more on getting in just 15 minutes of walk time — even if that means breaking down that 15 minutes into five-minute bursts. The key is to up your walking game to get the most success for your stride. 1-MINUTE, PAIN-FREE WALKING PREP ROUTINE Drink water. Stretch your feet. Squat three times. Stretch your calves. Stretch your groin and back. Twist from side to side. Do a forward bend. So, you ask: What do 15 minutes of brisk walking do for me? In 15 minutes, at a brisk pace, most people can walk about 1 mile; in that time, a person who weighs 175 pounds will burn about 78 calories. 6 STRATEGIES FOR PROPER WALKING MECHANICS Feet pointing forward. Body upright. Shoulders Relaxed. Mid foot strike. Move from the hip when you walk. Breathe deeply. 5 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WALK Reflect on your day and notice where you can add a few steps. An extra lap around the truck stop? Walking trail nearby? Or even a few extra laps around your truck while doing your pre-trip check? It all adds up. Interval walking Get the most out of five minutes and boost your metabolism with this routine: One-minute moderate warm-up walk. Walk 30 seconds at a brisk pace. Walk 30 seconds at a fast pace. Repeat these steps three to four times. Finish with a one-minute cooldown walk at a moderate pace. Walking with weights Incorporate hand weights to add more upper body and core strengthening and burn a few extra calories. Change your arm movements as you walk, and notice what muscles are active and engaged. Chi meditative walking Meditative walking requires that you pay attention to every part of your body. Step with a mid-foot strike and relaxed muscles and supple joints to create freedom in your physical body. Meditative walking with music Listen to relaxing music and focus on your breathing. Be aware of your surroundings and thoughts without overthinking or engaging. Practice awareness. Walk in place Set a timer and walk in place when space is an issue or safety concerns are present. Add in any of the above, turn on some tunes, or call a friend. This is easy to do right in the cab of your truck. Walking is an essential movement we all must do to age healthily. If you focus on the small pockets of time throughout the day to walk more, you will find yourself happier and healthier in body, mind and soul. Hope Zvara is the CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, a company devoted to improving truck drivers’ fitness and wellness standards. She has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo News, and is a regular guest on SiriusXM Radio. Her practical strategies show drivers how they can go from unhealthy and out of options to feeling good again. For more information visit www.mothertruckeryoga.com.

Practice preventative maintenance to protect skin from damaging UV rays

If you read my monthly column, then by now you know how importance prevention is when it comes to managing your personal health. But health prevention is not just about the inside — making sure your body’s “engine” is running smoothly — it’s about the outside as well. July was National Ultraviolet Safety Month, which focuses on the importance of protecting our eyes and skin from the effects of UV (ultraviolet) rays. Did you know professional drivers report a higher rate of skin cancer than people in other professions? Or that 75% of melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer) occurring on the left side of the body? Not coincidentally, the left side is subjected to the highest amount of UV rays when driving. Here are three important facts from The New England Journal of Medicine that all drivers should know: Not all sides of your body are treated equally. While front windshields block an average of 96% of UV rays, side windows block as little as 44% of these rays. Since UVA light can penetrate through glass, and Americans drive on the right side of the road, our left sides are more at risk of developing skin cancer. When it comes to the SPF (sun protection factor) of a sunscreen, double the number does not always mean double the protection. Many may naturally believe that the highest SPF offers the highest level of protection from the sun. You should apply sunscreen every day — even when the sun isn’t visible. Although it may be cloudy, clouds are not magical, supernatural-like forces blocking the sun’s rays. In fact, clouds filter less than 25% of the UV rays that penetrate your skin and cause skin cancer. In case you’re wondering, I’m writing this column from personal experience. After years of driving, I have three spots on the left side of my face that I must monitor on a regular basis. Please, I urge you to wear sunscreen protection. Just as you take a look under your personal hood by visiting the doctor regularly and work to maintain your “engine” with a healthy diet and exercise, you should also be aware of your body’s largest organ, the skin. Early biometric detection of skin cancer can protect your livelihood — and it could also save your life. 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 [email protected].

Ricky Skaggs’ ‘Highway 40 Blues’ tells a familiar story of the long journey home

Of the countless miles I spent in the back seat of a Chevy station wagon, traveling along the interstates of America during the 1970s, I recall four things in particular — roadside litter, country music on the radio, big trucks and hitchhikers. Thanks to a PSA featuring a crying Native American, the litter pretty much disappeared by the mid-70s. Country music and big trucks remain a staple to this day. And hitchhikers … well, they are an endangered species some 50 years later. There was a day when hitchhikers shared the nation’s highways with vehicles of all sorts, and no one gave it much thought. Those hoping for a ride came in all forms — college kids, locals who didn’t want to walk a mile to the store, and cross-country trekkers with no real destination in mind. All held out their thumbs and signs to show those passing in luxury that they’d sure appreciate a ride. Things were different in the ’70s. A lift was gladly offered by a passing driver and genuinely appreciated by the hitchhiker. At some point, that aspect of hitchhiking changed. Today, for the protection of both the driver and the thumber, hitchhikers are an endangered species, if not outright illegal. While it may be a rarity today, in its time, hitchhiking was a ritual of sorts in the ’70s. Countless country songs have been recorded about the practice, both from the point of view of truck drivers (the most generous of motorists) or from those begging for a lift. In fact, country music road songs have kept the spirit of hitchhiking alive for decades. Tunes about those walking along the roadsides have been around since the earliest days of country music. The list of songs about the subject is almost too lengthy to fathom. Starting in the 1960s, Kris Kristofferson wrote and recorded “Me and Bobby McGee,” the quintessential song of a couple on the road who were fortunate enough to catch a ride with a truck driver. In “Smoky Mountain Rain,” Ronnie Milsap did the same, and Charley Pride tried his hardest in “Is Anybody Going to San Antone?” And who can forget Red Sovine’s ride one cold, rainy night in “Phantom 309”? Yes, country singers have spent a lot of time sharing the cab with a bunch of unknown truck drivers. Perhaps hitchhiking is so popular in country music because it can fit into two of country’s sub-genres — trucking songs and road songs. In so many country tunes, trucking and road themes blend, often making it hard to distinguish between the two. In fact, even when a truck isn’t mentioned, road songs typically conjure up images of a generous truck driver somewhere in the background. Ricky Skaggs’ 1983 No. 1 hit “Highway 40 Blues” is just one song with lyrics that can’t help but offer the roar of an 18-wheeler in the background. In the years since the song’s release, Skaggs has mentioned that most listeners interpret “Highway 40” as Interstate 40, the road that stretches coast to coast across the southern tier of the U.S. The reality, Skaggs says, is that Highway 40 is simply a roadway in Skaggs’ home state of Kentucky. After all, by 1983, interstate hitchhikers were becoming rare. But “Highway 40 Blues” offers no clue about the time frame; someone could have recorded the song any time over the past century, and it would have the same meaning. It doesn’t take long for Skaggs to establish a theme in “Highway 40 Blues.” The second line, “I’ve walked holes in both my shoes,” defines the tune as a road song. Images of 18-wheelers are already in listeners’ minds. The narrator then tells us he’s been away from home a long while — long enough to waste time, money and youth searching for whatever dream he’s been chasing. Regardless, he lets us know the effort wasn’t worth the means, admitting, “In the end I had to lose.” As in most road songs, the narrator in “Highway 40 Blues” hits the road with big dreams. The lure of the highway is too much for a young man to resist. It tells “lies of things to come,” and billboard lights shine on fame and fortune just waiting to be had. And, like so many other singers, Skaggs reveals that those billboards don’t always tell the truth. His “shattered dreams” have led to a numb mind. His money is lost. So, he does what many walkers of the highway did for decades: He stuck out his thumb. Like so many others, he’s realized that the only place he belongs is home. But for the narrator of “Highway 40 Blues,” the urge to return home has been slow coming. Over the years, the narrator has “rambled all around, like a rolling stone from town to town.” He’s had more than one relationship with a pretty girl, but none were pretty enough to hold on to him. But he’s not always been down and out. He’s made a few bucks playing music halls and bars and pretended to be something he wasn’t by wearing fancy clothes and driving nice cars. Still, he can’t escape the fact that he’s just a country boy … and country boys don’t need any of the things he thought would satisfy him in life. That’s the theme of “Highway 40 Blues,” or as to quote other Ricky Skaggs’ songs, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising” and “I’m Just a Country Boy at Heart.” Until next time, keep to the left of the white line. You never know what might be lurking along the shoulder.

What does implementation of California’s AB5 mean for the trucking industry?

I am wrong about a lot of things. By “a lot,” I mean an obnoxiously large number of things. So, I guess I should not have been surprised when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) denied cert on the California Trucking Association case challenging AB5. I know I shouldn’t have been, but damn, was I surprised. I know I am supposed to be neutral in these things, but I truly thought the court would grant cert on this case. There was, in my opinion, sufficient confusion among the courts, and SCOTUS now leans toward the conservative side (by a count of 6-3). Honestly, I would have bet you $1,000 that SCOTUS would hear the case. And I would have been wrong. Now, as background — and in case you have forgotten — California adopted AB5 to deal with wrongly classified employees. The bill was originally directed toward the “gig” economy (think Uber and Lyft) but found a home in the trucking industry. In essence, when the bill was signed into law it basically made the independent contractor business model for trucking companies extinct in California. How can that be, you ask? Simple. In passing the bill, the legislature adopted the test handed down by the California Supreme court in the Dynamex case. As a result, companies will now be required to use the ABC test set forth in Dynamex to determine independent contractor status. According to the ABC test, for a person to be classified as an independent contractor, the ABC test requires: A – That the worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work and in fact; B – That the workers perform work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and C – That the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed. Now, you don’t have to be a genius to understand that part B of the ABC test is basically an impossible standard for a carrier to meet. Any independent contractor hauling freight for a carrier will now be classified as an employee. So … where does this leave us? Well, it means AB5 is the law of California and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020. It also means that the independent contractor business model is basically dead in California. While the adoption of AB5 will definitely put some money into the state’s coffers, I think it is bad law, as it hurts small business in California. The last data I saw showed there are about 136,950 small businesses with small fleets in California. Many of these use the independent contractor business model. Sure, there are some small businesses that take unfair advantage of the independent contractor business model, but I believe there are more that don’t. I also believe there are a lot of independent contractors who do not want to give up the freedom to control the “who, what, when and where” of how they work, not just in the trucking industry but throughout all businesses in California. This law impacts freelance writers, photographers, medical professionals, accountants, etc. The impact, I believe will be far-reaching. To my point, I know of several carriers that stopped hiring independent contractors domiciled in California when AB5 was first passed. In addition, I know that some independent contractors who wish to maintain that status have moved their “residence” across state lines to avoid the issue. I also know that other states have been watching the outcome of this case and have either proposed legislation ready or are planning to push for a similar law in their state. To be honest, I think you can look to “blue” states where the Democrats control all branches of the state government. I believe this presently includes states such as Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia. So, what can trucking companies do to address AB5 in California? They can simply agree to treat the contractors as employees. However, this may not be the best solution, as many of the drivers have their own trucks and WANT to be independent contractors. In theory, a carrier could also change its structure to be a logistics company, using independent carriers to deliver goods. This would arguably get past the part B of the ABC test: The independent contractors would no longer be working for a trucking company, so the job they perform would be outside the course of the hiring entity’s business. The only way to know for sure whether this would work would be for the courts to hear the matter. And there is no guarantee that the courts would agree. At the end of the day, I think AB5 will have a huge impact on business in California — an impact that I don’t think was anticipated. Brad Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker Ltd. and is also president of Driver’s Legal Plan, which allows member drivers access to services at discounted rates. For more information, contact him at 800-333-DRIVE (3748) or interstatetrucker.com and driverslegalplan.com.

Make sure your life spreads encouragement, light to others

Have you ever thought about how your life impacts other people? I’d like to start this month off with a Bible verse and then explore its meaning a bit to help you understand how our lives impact each other. Matthew 5:14-17 says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” How many of you carry a flashlight with you when traveling? Well, let’s suppose you’re using that flashlight and the light goes dim, or just stops working. Do you throw the flashlight away? No! You change its batteries. The same could be said of people. When someone messes up or finds themselves in a dark spot, do you ignore them or write them off? Of course not! You help them see the brighter side of things. In essence, you help them “change their batteries.” Some folks may need AA batteries (attention and affection) and some may need AAA (attention, affection and acceptance). Others may need C (compassion) or D (direction). If none of these options help them shine, they may just need someone — someone like you — to sit with them quietly and share your light. Your impact on others is bigger than you think. Do you realize that someone may just think about something you said and giggle? Or that a compliment you gave to someone brings a smile to their face when they think of you and what you said? The advice you pass on to someone might just make a difference in their life. The support and love you offered and shared may just make a difference in someone’s day. Your impact and opinions may have made someone think twice before they act. You’re not insignificant or forgotten. Whether you see it or not, you may have made a positive impact on someone else’s life. There is nothing better than giving others the best of who we are. Good people are like the street light of life. They don’t shorten the distance, but they light up the path and make the walk through life worthwhile for others. Let’s all try to be a “flashlight” for those who are hurting, needing direction and wanting to share their thoughts and troubles. Share your light with them. Don’t ignore those that really want to just talk. Be a listener. Share your light with them. You may never know how much it may make a difference in someone’s life. Keep your flashlight bright and share your light. Don’t hide it; share it! Pass the light of Christ around. This world needs more flashlights and refreshed batteries. Remember this childhood song? “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let shine, let it shine.” Never hide your light. Instead, pass it around so others can see it and bask in its glow. Only you can make the difference in this world, one flashlight at a time. Are you ready to shine your light so others may bask in the glow? Have a blessed and safe Fourth of July, and may all of us be a light unto others as we go through the month. Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus.

Mickey Gilley leads two country music cultural shifts

By the late 1970s, Mickey Gilley was a bona fide country music headliner. But he couldn’t have imagined what lay in store for him as the decade ended, even as a hint of the success he was about to enjoy came from a 1977 song by his famous cousin Jerry Lee Lewis. The next to the last of Lewis’ string of Top 5 singles came by way of his No. 4 hit “Middle-Age Crazy.” The plot of the lyrics revolves around a successful businessman’s mid-life crisis. Despite his success, something is missing from his life. To deal with growing older, he remakes himself. As Lewis sang, he traded his business suit for “jeans and high boots with an embroidered star.” Neither Lewis nor Gilley realized that the minor hit set the stage for a cultural shift in the U.S. “Middle-Age Crazy” was released as a movie starring Bruce Dern in early 1980, but it largely failed at the box office. However, the motion picture’s theme was about to become ingrained in American culture. The “cowboy look” soon became the American style of the early 1980s — only it wasn’t Lewis who helped bring cowboy dress to the forefront. Instead, it was Gilley, with a healthy dose of John Travolta, who led the revolution. When producers of the movie “Urban Cowboy” looked for a location to shoot their film, they knew they needed a country nightclub, and a big one. The so-called largest honky-tonk in the U.S., Gilley’s Club in Pasadena, Texas, offered the perfect backdrop. John Travolta, who was fresh off starring in the anything-but-country motion pictures “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever,” found himself cast in the role of country boy Bud Davis, a young man who relocates to the Houston area and starts frequenting Gilley’s club. Looking back over four decades, the plot of “Urban Cowboy” is easily forgotten. But for those who lived through the era it ushered in, the movie’s impact is hard to forget. Gilley and several nightclub employees had parts in the movie, and Gilley’s band provided much of the soundtrack. Gilley himself was featured on the soundtrack album. “Here Comes the Hurt Again” brought Gilley a lot of air play — but it was his countryfied rendition of the soul song “Stand by Me” that elevated him from being an occasional hit maker to one of the 1980s most prolific artists. Likewise, it was Gilley’s style — cowboy boots, western hats with feathered grommets, and just a general western style of dress — that became all the rage. Areas of the country like New England, where few followed country music and only a handful of true cowboys lived, were suddenly overrun by Yankees donning the “Urban Cowboy” style. The period did much to increase the popularity of country music nationwide, and western retailers popped up from coast to coast. In short order, the image of the “Urban Cowboy” shifted from John Travolta’s character to the real-life Gilley. Gilley’s nightclub became a sensation and spawned the opening of similar country clubs across the nation. It also created an environment in which one of country music’s most popular female singers, Barbara Mandrell, could record her signature song, “I was Country (When Country wasn’t Cool).” By the time Gilley’s career slowed down, he had charted 39 Top 10 singles, 17 of which reached No. 1. The likes of “You Don’t Know Me,” “That’s All that Matters to Me” and “True Love Ways” became classics of the 1980s country era. As the decade passed, Gilley shifted his music to a more orchestrated style, featuring strings and his iconic piano in his recordings rather than the hard-driving piano of his earlier sons like “The Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time.” This fresh Gilley style was largely inspired by the crossover success many country artists experienced during the decade. The change in his music also reflected a change in Gilley’s persona. The man who had ridden a nightclub to fame made himself over for a new audience. He sold his nightclub and relocated to a new spot in the U.S. where country music was taking off — Branson, Missouri. Branson was a growing community that centered around country music-related entertainment. For a performer like Gilley, the area was a godsend. The city became packed with theaters and boasted as many current and former stars per square mile than anywhere other than Nashville. And the town became a saving grace for more than one artist’s career. “Branson works because it provides the best conditions for the fans and the entertainers,” Gilley said. “The fans get to see us under the best setting possible … theaters have good seats, and we have the best stage setups.” What’s more, performers in Branson often owned their theaters. They didn’t have to deal with the daily grind of putting together and tearing down a stage show. The grueling pace of touring didn’t wear down the performers, most of whom owned homes not far from their theaters. Throughout the 1990s, Branson grew, and Gilley found himself at the center of another seismic shift on the country music scene. He became one of Branson’s most popular stars, raking in profits from hundreds of fans who’d visit for both afternoon and evening shows held year-round. While the new hits stopped coming when Gilley shifted to Branson, the audiences his show attracted didn’t seem to care. Promoters marketed Branson toward an older crowd — people who remembered the likes of Andy Williams, Floyd Kramer, Mel Tillis and numerous comedy and variety shows. These people didn’t expect or want to hear new material from the performers whose shows they frequented; they wanted to hear the hit songs of days gone by. Gilley’s former popularity provided enough hit songs to fill a show, and recording wasn’t as important as it had been earlier in his career. Branson became a prime retirement area for people looking for a nice place to live, and it served semi-retired performers as well. For the most part, Gilley played out his life in Branson. His shows were among the most popular in the city. Gilley’s name became as much a part of Branson as the ever-popular theme park Silver Dollar City. And it provided an iconic setting for a popular artist to complete a career that headlined two of the most noted contributions to late 20th century country music. Until next time, don’t wear a cowboy hat in a Ford Focus. It just ain’t right.

Try these simple strategies to beat the summer heat

It comes on suddenly, and you think you can beat it, but it can be challenging to keep your body strong, healthy and hydrated when the heat gets unbearable. As a driver, you must focus on preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke because that rising temperature and thick humid air can leave you feeling down and out. Are you living on the verge of dehydration? Know the signs of heat and humidity exhaustion (or stroke): Dizzy or lightheadedness; Swelling of hands, feet or legs; Muscle cramps; Fatigue; Exhaustion; and Fainting. Below are some simple strategies to help you keep cool this summer. STRATEGIES TO BEAT THE HEAT Be prepared: Preparation equals prevention, which means creating a routine of drinking water to better equip your body for the heat and leave you in better shape if you find yourself beat by the summer heat. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: You’ve heard this before, and if you are worried about frequent bathroom stops, try drinking 8 to 20 ounces of water first thing in the morning — by the time you are ready to get out on the road, your bladder will be too. Consider more than just water: If you find yourself with heat exhaustion, think twice before chugging that water. If you are genuinely experiencing heat exhaustion, chugging high volumes of water can further dilute your body’s salt levels, causing a condition known as hyponatremia. Instead, hydrate yourself by increasing your intake of electrolytes. Electrolytes can be found in sports beverages like Gatorade, Powerade and many powders. Be careful, though, as many of these can have high amounts of hidden sugars. You can make your own electrolyte drink by mixing lemon juice and either Celtic or Himalayan salt into your water. COOL OFF WITH YOGA After a long day of battling the summer sun, consider trying a few yoga poses to help beat the summer heat. The following simple yoga poses are a great way to relax at the end of the day — and they’ll help you cool down and get ready to sleep. Best of all, they can be done right there in your sleeper bunk! Watch the video above for instructions. Bound Angle Pose. Cobra Pose. Sitali Breathing, or “Cooling Breath.” This breathing technique helps cool the body and calm the nervous system. Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Take two or three deep inhales and exhale through your nose. Roll your tongue into a “U,” with the tip just outside the lips. Inhale deeply through the rolled tongue, draw your tongue back into your mouth, close your lips, and pause. Hold the breath for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your nose. Repeat at least five to 10 times to maximize the cooling effect. If you know it’s going to be hot and you might be without air conditioning, be prepared and take care of yourself with these simple strategies to keep your wheels rolling and your body happy and healthy. Hope Zvara is the CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, a company devoted to improving truck drivers’ fitness and wellness standards. She has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo News, and is a regular guest on SiriusXM Radio. Her practical strategies show drivers how they can go from unhealthy and out of options to feeling good again.

A quick scan of food product labels may offer some surprises

Have ever noticed, when you are in a store shopping for food, the number of people who are label-reading these days and paying more attention to what the ingredients are? This is more than just a fad: We all need to take more control on educating ourselves about what we are putting into our bodies. Food — the right kinds of food — can be our best medicine. Think about it in terms of the type of fuel or oil you put in your truck. I’m sure you want to put in the best products that will give you the best outcomes in milage, performance and endurance. This why it’s important to learn about reading food and drink labels, and most importantly, what to look for. This can be a challenge for commercial drivers. When shopping at your favorite travel center when you stop to fuel up, food options can be limited. Here’s a good rule to follow: If you can’t pronounce the words, avoid it. Also, look to see if the product is filled with additives. Generally, the shorter the number of ingredients, the less processed it is — and most likely, the healthier. High-fructose corn syrup (HFC) is one ingredient to be aware of; try to stay clear of foods with HFC in them. It’s basically like sugar multiplied in your brain. Next, watch out for the word sodium — this means salt! Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, eating high-sodium foods can make it hard to manage your levels. The recommended daily allowance for sodium is no more 2000 mg a day. That’s about one teaspoon of salt, so it’s important to read your label to understand the amounts. Speaking of amounts, another rule to follow is to pay attention to the number of servings. Many items that look like one serving actually include two or even three or more servings per container or package. This is where many of us make a huge mistake in not calculating our caloric intake (if you are counting calories) and watching sugar. And don’t forget your beverages. Always look at the nutrition facts panel on drinks; it can be quite shocking! One can of soda has about 28 grams of sugar. Basically, drinking a 12-ounce can of soda is like eating seven spoonsful of sugar — yikes! Now, go out there and take control of your diet — and read your labels. 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 [email protected].

Regarding civil liberties: Is ‘hate speech’ protected by the First Amendment?

Brad Klepper is busy helping drivers this month. We hope you enjoy this column, which originally ran in July 2021. Those of you that read my columns may remember that I recently wrote on free speech and social media. As I mentioned then, I am a BIG free speech guy and feel strongly that no idea should be free from scrutiny, criticism or mockery. As I also said then, an unexamined thought or belief is not worth having. Since I wrote that column, I have received a few comments and questions about “hate” speech. I think we can all agree that you don’t have to look too far to find examples that would qualify as hate speech. Recent demonstrations by white supremacists are a good place to start. So, the question becomes, “Is hate speech protected by the First Amendment?” Well, I am glad you asked. Back in 2017, Ted Wheeler, the mayor of Portland, Oregon, said, “Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment.” This comment was made after two men were killed after they confronted another individual who was using anti-Muslim slurs. Also in 2017, former Democratic National Chair Howard Dean, when referring to comments made by Ann Coulter said, “Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment.” Well, they were both wrong. The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly stated that governments may not restrict speech expressing ideas that offend. A recent case addressing this matter is Matal v. Tam. In this case, Simon Tam, the founder and bass player for the Asian-American rock band The Slants sought to trademark the band name in an attempt to reclaim and take ownership of the derogatory term. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refused to register the mark and found it disparaging to people of Asian descent. In support of this position, the USPTO found that the mark violated the Lanham Act’s provision against registration of disparaging trademarks. Of course, Tam decided to appeal to the Federal Circuit. On appeal, the Federal Circuit found the disparaging provision of the Lanham Act to be unconstitutional. This did not sit well with the USPTO, which appealed the decision to the Supreme Court. The issue is whether the disparaging provision of the Lanham Act violated the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court held that the disparagement clause violates the First Amendments Free Speech Clause. In the opinion, Justice Alito wrote: “Speech that demeans on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability or any other similar grounds is hateful; but the proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence is that we protect the freedom to express the ‘thought we hate.’” This, my friends, is the basis of free speech. In a world where we can watch television shows, read newspapers and magazines, and listen to radio programs that only serve to support our already existing beliefs, it is easy to be in favor of free speech — when that speech echoes our own beliefs. But what becomes a challenge is remaining in favor of free speech when that speech goes against everything we stand for. Now, I am not a movie critic, but maybe 20 years ago I watched the movie “The American President” starring Michael Douglas. The move had a bit of a Hollywood liberal take (and I like my movies politically neutral). However, in the movie, Michael Douglas is giving a speech, and he says: “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You’ve gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight. It’s gonna say, ‘You want free speech? “Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.’ “You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. “Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then you can stand up and sing about the land of the free.” Say what you will about the movie but that quote pretty much sums up the good and the bad about free speech. While I may not agree with anything you say — or your decision to burn the flag or do other things I may find reprehensible — I will defend to the death your right to do so. Brad Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker Ltd. and is also president of Driver’s Legal Plan, which allows member drivers access to services at discounted rates. For more information, contact him at 800-333-DRIVE (3748) or www.interstatetrucker.com and www.driverslegalplan.com.

Questioning faith: Don’t be afraid to ask God for answers

Have you ever thought about faith? Well, everyone has some sort of faith. They have faith — even unknowingly — that their truck will get them from Point A to point B with no trouble. They have faith they will be able to get through each day without any problems. You may even have “doubting faith,” but that’s still a kind of faith. How many people have questioned their faith, only to find that their questioning was like a child asking their parents “Why??” a dozen times. At times, we all ask questions about things, especially what we believe in. Look in your Bible and you can read about all those who had questions of all sorts about all things. To have questions of faith is normal for all of us. We all need to understand but still want to know the “why” of things. I’ve even had someone ask me why we need to pray. I thought that was strange, since we all pray about something daily, even if we don’t realize we’re praying. It may not be a prayer as we understand prayer, but we DO pray in all sorts of ways. Have you ever prayed you would get where you are going on time — not asking as a direct prayer, but as a thought? Life is full of prayers that are said daily. We all question ourselves about what’s going on in our daily lives. Kids are not the only ones to repeatedly ask “Why?” As adults, we also question the “why” in our daily lives. Sometimes we even give ourselves an answer to our own question. I know I have done that on several occasions. It’s normal. Jesus said that we should come to him as children. Well, children are always full of questions — so don’t be afraid to ask questions while you pray. And don’t be surprised if you get an answer, either positive or negative. Sometimes “no” can be the better answer, because God may have a better plan for you. In my lifetime I have receive quite a few “nos,” only to receive a better “yes” — and it all worked out for me in a much better situation. Have you asked questions and didn’t get a positive response but later got a better response? That’s how you know God listens and answers all our questions and prayers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t question things, you won’t get an answer. Kids know how to keep asking until they are sure they have all the answers. Well, God wants us to keep asking until he gives us all the right answers also. Have faith in your prayer questions, and know that God is there with your answer. Draw on him for your direction in life. He has the answer to all your questions. And don’t be afraid to keep asking the same question over and over until you get an answer. Kids do that, so as children of God we can do it also. Life is full of questions, and we all seem to want the answers — so why not continue asking for answers? That’s the only way to know anything. Ask, and you shall receive. Have a good month of June. Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus.

The great speed limiter debate: FMCSA’s proposed rule spurs questions

As you know, I often complain about how the things that are hot topics at the time of writing will be old news by the time of publication. This is something that occurs with about 99.99% of all my column ideas. However, the exception to the rule is the topic of the federal government. The one thing you can count on is that when they say that are going to do something they will not do it quickly. (Bless their hearts.) Well, much to my column-writing pleasure, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced a notice of intent to move forward with rulemaking to require the use of speed limiters for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The notice of intent provides a series of questions to allow the FMCSA to gather info so they can begin to draft a Supplemental Notice of Rulemaking. This supplement rule would propose requiring CMVs with electronic engine control units to set at the maximum top speed, which is yet to be determined. I just used a whole lot of words to say this: The FMCSA is going to start the process to require speed limiters on CMVs. Well, the one thing you can count on in this scenario is that nothing in this process will occur quickly. The first thing that happens is the public has the opportunity to comment. In fact, comments will be accepted for 30 days once the notice of intent is published. This should be fun reading as nobody can, or likely will, agree on the maximum speed to be allowed. Now let me get this out of the way: I am not opposed to speed limiters or any other safety technology that can save lives and make the roads safer. I’m just thinking of all the other moving parts that are included in a decision such as this. As you know, speed limiters have been a topic of discussion for years. In fact, back in 2006, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) petitioned for a maximum speed of 68 mph. Of course, things have changed since then, and new safety technologies have been created. Accordingly, the ATA now supports a maximum speed of 70 mph for CMVs equipped with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. In trucks without this equipment, the ATA supports a maximum speed of 65 mph. Of course, both of these speeds conflict with the desires of various trucking safety groups, that would prefer speeds in the low 60s. This is where it will get interesting. In addition to trying to determine the maximum speed to be allowed, there are additional issues that need to be addressed. For example, could this create additional safety concerns? Because we lack a national maximum speed limit, the speed at which speed-limited CMVs may be traveling below the posted speed limit will vary greatly. Since some toll roads have speed limits of 80 or 85 mph (and assuming a CMV is governed at a top speed of 65 mph) a truck could be traveling 15 to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Would trucks traveling at this reduced speed, well below the speed of the surrounding pedestrian traffic, create additional safety concerns? Also, will these trucks try to pass each other on such highways and cause undue congestion? And how will the speed limiters work while traveling downhill? Moreover, it does not seem that speed limiters will not have the intended benefit when traveling below highway speeds. What is to stop a truck from doing 65 mph in a 35 mph zone? The answer to some of these questions may exist in other technology. In fact, Eric Weiss of the National Traffic Safety Board has stated that they view the FMCSA action “as an interim step toward an eventual requirement that all newly manufactured heavy vehicles be equipped with advanced speed-limiting technology, such as variable speed limiters and intelligent speed adaptation devices.” As background, intelligent speed adaptation devices work through a global GPS system that “knows” the speed limit and can warn drivers when they exceed the limit, or even prevent them from exceeding a certain speed. This seems like a good solution, but it is a step beyond just basic speed limiters. What is the additional cost to have this feature included on new equipment? Will the individual owner-operators and small carriers be able to afford this additional expense? If not, will it prevent them from purchasing new equipment? If so, will an increase in older equipment on the road create any additional issues? Also — and this is just the lawyer in me now — who will be liable when the GPS database of speed zones is incorrect or out of date and a truck is allowed to exceed the predetermined maximum speed and is involved in a crash? What if the data is incorrect and slows the truck down so it can’t travel at the speed limit (think failure to update the reduced speed in a construction zone after completion of the work); would the manufacturer of the device have any responsibility/liability for any unsafe conditions in either of these scenarios? As I said earlier, this is going to be an interesting discussion and I am curious where we will stand when the dust clears. Brad Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker Ltd. and is also president of Driver’s Legal Plan, which allows member drivers access to services at discounted rates. For more information, contact him at 800-333-DRIVE (3748) or interstatetrucker.com and driverslegalplan.com.

Superstar cousins slowed Mickey Gilley’s rise to country music fame, Part 1

Few American performers are as closely associated with nightclubs — or in the case of country music, “honky-tonks” — than Mickey Gilley. The long-time musician, who died in early May at the age of 86, was the king of the honky-tonk movement that consumed country music during the 1980s. Before there was a “Billy Bob’s,” Gilley held the reigns of the most notable honky-tonk in the nation. Gilley’s Club, the self-billed “World’s Largest Honky-Tonk,” in Pasadena, Texas, served as the Houston area’s most popular hot spot in the 1970s before bursting to both national and international fame in the 1980s. And as Gilley raked in the profits from his nightclub, his notoriety as a performer grew. Gilley’s Club not only served as a business venture for Mickey Gilley, but it also became a springboard for his success in Nashville. But it was a long road to the spotlight for Gilley, a man who had to step out of the shadow of not one but two successful cousins who drew enough limelight for any family. Gilley made a name for himself in Texas, but he hailed from Mississippi, born there in 1937. Gilley’s first cousins — and best friends as a youngster — were future rock ’n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. But while his cousins each found their way into their chosen high-profile occupations, Gilley stumbled. Like Lewis, Gilley excelled at playing the piano, but he learned his style from his older cousin who burst onto the Memphis music scene in the mid-1950s and soon became a headlining rockabilly act. Gilley could see that the market only needed one Jerry Lee Lewis, so he turned his attention to Jimmy Swaggart’s niche. In fact, Gilley once said that he, Lewis and Swaggart all tried their hands at evangelism, but they didn’t have the same natural talent as Swaggart — a talent that eventually turned the young minister into a multimillionaire. While his cousins made their way to international fame, Gilley settled into a domestic life in Houston, marrying and working at an engineering firm. In fact, he had all but given up thoughts of a music career … until he heard one of Jerry Lee Lewis’ early recordings on Sun Records. Lewis’ success motivated Gilley enough to enter a Houston recording studio to turn out his first record. Gilley later described the forgotten single as “awful.” Despite a disastrous first record under his belt, interest in the entertainment business burned in Gilley’s heart. He eventually became proficient enough on the piano to work as a studio musician, and by 1960 he was on the road, playing nightclubs between Houston and southern Alabama. However, his recording efforts, even after signing with Dot Records, didn’t succeed like his personal appearances. Eventually Gilley had a local hit in Houston with a cover of a Warner Mack song, “Is It Wrong?” But then again, the tune reminded audiences of Gilley’s more famous cousin Jerry Lee Lewis who, by this time, was a full-blown rock ’n ’ roll star. Gilley continued playing nightclubs through the 1960s, focusing on the Houston area. He had a regional hit with “Lonely Wine” in 1964, but the song attracted little national interest. In the early 1970s, Gilley became enamored enough with nightclubs that he joined forces with longtime friend Sherwood Cryer to open Gilley’s Club just outside of Houston in Pasadena. While Gilley became a well-known musician headlining his own nightclub, recording fame continued to elude him; he just couldn’t overcome the similarities between his music and that of Lewis. When he received an opportunity to record a complete album, Gilley decided he needed a change. Taking an “I can’t join ’em, so I’ll beat ’em” attitude, he recorded an album in 1974. Once again, his efforts failed. The lack of success began to impact Gilley’s mental state. He noted that he felt Lewis’ style as his own, and his inability to compete nearly “drove him nuts.” But later that year a new style found Mickey Gilley. At the urging of someone in the Gilley’s Club ticket office, Gilley recorded “She Calls Me Baby,” intended for play in Houston area jukeboxes. The B-side of the recording was a steel guitar-led rendition of “Room Full of Roses.” While the primary song met with no success, Gilley won over Houstonians with the B side tune. He took the record to Nashville, and after being turned down by every studio in town, he traveled to California, where he signed with the newly formed Playboy record label. In short order, “Room Full of Roses” succeeded and landed Gilley a Top 10 record. By the end of 1974, Playboy released “City Lights,” a single that reached No. 1. Mickey Gilley had finally climbed out of his cousins’ shadows. Through the latter half of the 1970s, Gilley’s popularity as a recording artist grew. Songs like “Bouquet of Roses” and “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” landed on the charts, as did two more No. 1 hits, “Honky-Tonk Memories” and “Chains of Love.” This success gained Gilley a new recording contract, this time with Epic Records. While his recording and new-found touring demand took up much of Gilley’s time, he continued to headline in his nightclub as much as possible. There he played to honky-tonk music-loving crowds and had the freedom to perform both his music and the Jerry Lee Lewis style he continued to love. Soon, he had to hire other performers to play piano at Gilley’s Club, as his work outside of Houston became overwhelming. Gilley had been trying to become a country music star for over two decades, and success arrived in a big way. But he had little idea that Hollywood, not Nashville, would provide the boost he needed to become not only a bona-fide country music superstar but a cultural icon as well. If you had told him the boost would come from actor John Travolta, best known as the star of the disco-laden movie “Saturday Night Fever,” Gilley might have shied away. Until next time when we discuss Gilley’s burst into the stratosphere of country music, don’t let the lights of honky-tonks along the sides of the interstates distract you. Dial up a little of Mickey Gilley’s 1970s music and you’ll have a personal honky-tonk show in your cab.

Each driver’s schedule, personal preference can determine the best time of day for exercise

I’m often asked, “What is the best time of the day to exercise?” My answer is always the same: You tell me! I’m not trying to be sarcastic. I’m honestly interested to know, based on each individual’s lifestyle, what time of day works best for you when it comes to planning an exercise schedule. Figuring out what time of day you are in the best physical and mental condition for a workout is the first step to success. The second step is finding the exercise (or exercises) you will do consistently and stay committed to. We all, at some time, get caught up in the latest fad in exercise and nutrition — only to find out it doesn’t work (at least for us), and we are back to falling off our routine. Now, there is nothing wrong with trying new ideas, but at some point we all need find out what works best for us and our lifestyle … and stick to it. Of course, I am aware that this could be much easier to say than to do in the life of a professional driver. The saying, “it’s not about finding the exercise you SHOULD do — it’s about finding the exercise you WILL do,” can also be applied when deciding what time of day is best for your workout. No matter when you exercise, be sure to warm up first. I’ve talked to many drivers who have found success exercising at specific times of day (morning, afternoon and evening). Here are some of the pros of each: MORNING When establishing a workout schedule, personal preference is not the only factor. Many drivers say that in the morning is the best time for a scheduled exercise break, because they never know what the day is going to bring. Many have said their intention was to work out at the end of the day, but a multitude of barriers got in the way — traffic, accidents, road repair, breakdowns and bad weather. Planning is key. Plan, so you will know where you are going, and with today’s technology you can find out weather and road conditions ahead. AFTERNOON Using your 30-minute afternoon break for a workout can be a great way to stay on schedule. It can also provide a much-needed energy boost, along a mental health break. Many drivers feel this makes them more productive toward the end of the workday. A quick walk may be enough to drive these benefits home. EVENING End of the-day workouts are best for some drivers, and for many of them, the physical exertion can be an effective stress-reliever after a long day of work … that is, if you have the energy to exercise and don’t allow fatigue to keep you from following through on your fitness goals. 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 [email protected].

They took my yacht! Can government impose sanctions against individuals?

Sometimes these columns are hard to write. You come up with an idea, but by the time it would be published, your idea is not nearly as interesting as it originally appeared. This happened to me in this column. I had an idea but its “best if eaten before” date would have passed before publication. I hate it when this happens. So, what do you do? It’s easy: You write about current events. So, here we go…. The other evening, I was sitting around, smoking a cigar, sipping Dom Perignon and watching the talking heads on the various news channels discuss the sanctions currently being imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions being imposed seemed predictable … until they reported the freezing of assets, restrictions on travel and seizure of private jets, yachts and homes belonging to numerous Russian oligarchs (I have no idea how to say the word, and I had to look up the spelling). In other words, these sanctions are not directed toward a country but toward an individual. Now they had my attention. As my grandfather liked to say, that seems like horseshit. Granddad really liked that word. I immediately thought about what would happen if they seized my yacht or private jet. (Not a damned thing, because I don’t have either.) However, the legal questions of how this can be accomplished fascinated me. At the end of the day, the sanctions imposed by the U.S. impacted numerous oligarchs, 328 members of Russia’s State Duma (the lower house of parliament) and other Russian elites. Many of those sanctioned had assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction. This means that the parties can’t have access until the sanctions are lifted. How did we get here? As background, the U.S. has used economic sanctions for over 200 years to address national security and foreign policy crisis. That is not really a surprise, as we have been sanctioning Iran, North Korea and other countries for as long as I can remember. What interested me about the current situation is that the sanctions are being imposed against individuals for the acts of a country. I can’t recall this occurring in my recent memory. Are these sanctions legal? The short answer is yes. The sanctions are mainly rooted in two statutes, the National Emergencies Act and the International Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Enacted in 1977 the IEEPA allows the U.S. president to freeze, block and regulate (or really any other verb) assets in which a foreign person has an interest, if the president declares a national emergency. Once the names of the Russian oligarchs and others impacted by the sanctions are made public, it is up to the banks and the other businesses to freeze any property owned by these individuals — including assets owned by an alias or by an entity 50% or more owned by the sanctioned parties. These sanctions are applied immediately to prevent the parties being sanctioned from moving their assets and avoiding sanctions. Of course, the Fourth and 14th Amendments now come into play. The Fourth Amendment deals with unreasonable searches and seizures, and 14th Amendment states that neither the federal or state government shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This means the government can’t take your stuff without you having the right to a hearing. This is oversimplified, but you get the point. As a result of the due process clause, those impacted by the sanctions can file a petition with the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control or in federal court. However, during the 45 years since its inception, the government has prevailed in basically all such lawsuits. Of course, even if you challenge the freezing of your assets or the seizure of your yachts, the process will not be quick. Quite simply, it can take several years for the play out in the court system, and during that time the sanction remain in place. So, while the Russian oligarchs may not like having their assets frozen or yachts seized, they would likely have little success in challenging the legality of the sanctions — and likely even less success in getting their assets returned anytime soon. Now, I know that what happens to oligarchs and their yachts doesn’t necessarily impact the trucking industry. But what if something arose that caused a national emergency, and these same laws were applied to foreign nationals with trucking interests in the U.S.? Hmm. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Brad Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker Ltd. and is also president of Driver’s Legal Plan, which allows member drivers access to services at discounted rates. For more information, contact him at 800-333-DRIVE (3748) or interstatetrucker.com and driverslegalplan.com.

After 60 years, Gene Watson’s ‘Farewell Party’ is nowhere in sight

It’s been six decades since Gene Watson emerged from his childhood home in Sumner, Texas, with a hobby that would eventually land him a spot as one of Nashville’s most prolific recording artists of the 1970s and ’80s. Strangely enough, it seems, that hobby wasn’t music. From an early age, Watson knew the career path he wanted — the auto body repair business. He was so sure, in fact, that he spent more time at the local salvage yard than he did in school … except on the days Miss Opal Horton came to Sumner, that is. Miss Opal taught music to kids across Lamar County, and when it was her day in Sumner, Watson made sure he sat in the front row. Between singing at church and for Miss Opal, a lot of kids in the county learned about music. In fact, 15 miles south of Sumner, future Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen was busy learning from Miss Opal at the same time as Watson. Allen went on to get a college degree in music. On the other hand, by the time Watson turned 16 he was so sure he knew where his path would lead that he dropped out of school altogether. He eventually made his way to Houston, where he took a job in an auto body shop. However, his love for music didn’t fade. By the early 1960s he was singing in nightclubs around Houston, and he released his first album in 1962, when he was just 19 years old. Still, it would be another decade before Watson’s path turned in a drastic new direction. Watson’s early attempts at recording didn’t take him far. But by 1975, with the support of several Nashville stars, including The Wilburn Brothers, he signed a deal with Capital Records. That summer he released his first major label single, “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” The sultry lyrics about a summer love in New Orleans took Watson to No. 3 on the country charts and launched his new career. Labeled the “Singer’s Singer” because of his voice inflection that jumps octaves with ease, Watson followed that debut hit with plenty more. In fact, in the years since, he has recorded 34 studio albums, charted 72 songs, landed 23 Top 10 hits and placed six singles atop the charts. Despite his years on the road, Watson’s voice is still as strong as ever. In fact, if you listen to the original recording of “Love in the Hot Afternoon” and then hear him sing the song live, you’d never know so many years have passed. The same holds true with his other early singles like “Paper Rosie,” “Should I Come Home (or Should I Go Crazy)?” and his signature song, “Farewell Party.” Along the way, Watson’s songs have turned up on television shows like “WKRP in Cincinnati” and in movies like “Convoy.” In 1982, Gene Watson released the single “Fourteen Carat Mind.” It reached No. 1 on the charts and started a string of hits. “Speak Softly (You’re Talking to My Heart),” “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without,” “Sometimes I Get Lonely” and “Drinking My Way Back Home” all helped Watson become one of the most successful artists of the mid-1980s. He largely abandoned an on-stage presence with a guitar in hand and truly became a singer’s singer, backed by the Farewell Party Band. By 1990, Watson’s popularity began to wane — but only if judged by the record charts. He continued to record prolifically. As recently as 2007, USA Today referred to Watson as “one of the most underrated singers” in the business. He’s certainly not underrated by longtime fans, however, as he continues to pack the house at casinos, music halls and county fairs across the country. In fact, the organizers of the Lamar County Fair annually invite Watson as its headline singer, often for two shows — and fans flock in to see the hometown boy who made good. In 2012, Watson gave up on traditional commercial recording companies and started his own label, Fourteen Carat Music. The first release was one of the greatest re-recorded albums you’ll find: “Best of the Best, 25 Greatest Hits.” At nearly 70, Watson went to the studio and recorded his favorites a second time. When listening, you can’t distinguish the original from the remake. Watson has seen the best and worst of times. While growing up, he lived in a school bus that his family drove for itinerant farming work. He was poor, but no poorer than anyone else, he recalls. “My dad was kind of like a gypsy,” he said. “His attitude was, ‘If there is a dollar out there, I’m going to make 50 cents off it.’” The work ethic Watson learned at age 6 in the cotton fields paid off. By the time he was 12, he landed a job at a salvage yard — a good starting place for anyone planning to work in the automotive repair business. While some may think Watson gave up his true love of auto repair for music, quite the opposite is true. “I didn’t go searching for a career in music,” he once said. “Music found me.” Throughout those early years when the hit songs weren’t coming, Watson’s work in a Houston auto body shop kept the food on the table. A half-century later, music might pay the bills, but Watson hasn’t forgotten where he started. Today, auto body work just happens to be his hobby rather than his cash crop. After growing up poor, living with the ups and downs of the music business, and surviving a bout with cancer, Watson is still going strong at age 79. He’s about to release a new album, and recently the Grand Ole Opry recognized him on stage following an “as good as the album” rendition of “Farewell Party.” The standing ovation he received that night is hardly the last a crowd will offer. He maintains an active touring schedule and plays to adoring fans across the country. Gene Watson won’t be throwing his farewell party any time soon. Until next time, keep that classic country loaded on your playlist and satellite radio.

Reaping what you sow: Plant good seeds in your spiritual garden

  May is the month for planting, not only flower beds, but also vegetable gardens. How many of you enjoy watching those seeds become a fruit or vegetable for your visual enjoyment and pleasure to eat? Oh, the joy of watching things burst into life and savoring the bounty of our harvest! Nothing can compare to watching things grow. Have you ever thought about gardening God’s way? I was given a planting list on how to “plant your spiritual garden,” and I’d like to pass it along to you. Even if you don’t have time to tend a garden of plants, it’s important to care for your spiritual garden. Here’s how: First, plant three rows of “peas”: Peace of mind; Peace of heart; and Peace of soul. Second, plant four rows of “squash”: Squash gossip; Squash indifference; Squash grumbling; and Squash selfishness. Third, plant four rows of “lettuce”: Let us be faithful; Let us be kind; Let us be obedient; and Let us really love one another. Fourth, no garden is complete without “turnips”: Turn up for meetings; Turn up for service or work; Turn up to help one another; Turn up with a smile, even when things are difficult; and Turn up with determination to do your very best. Next, water your spiritual garden freely with patience and cultivate it with love. There will be lots of fruit and vegetables in your garden, because you reap what you sow. To round out your garden, you must have plenty of “thyme”: Time for God; Time for prayer and study; and Time for self, family and friends. After all this planting, we need to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Now isn’t that the best garden you ever planted? Many of us really need to start planting good in our lives so we can share this “garden” of information with others. If all our gardens were so well kept there would be less evil and hatred in our daily lives. When we plant a seed, it will produce whatever we have planted. Pull the weeds out of your garden so nothing can harm your fruit or vegetables. Even if you start with just one seed, it will eventually produce more than one fruit. Remember, every garden is planted with many types of seeds, and as we “water” those seeds, they sprout and flourish, increasing whatever was planted. Are you planting good seed? I pray you are, because this world needs good seeds that thrive in spite of the evil — the “weeds” — that are all around us. Take time to till your soil — your soul — before planting, so only the best crop will grow from what you have sown. You are your own gardener. No one can plant your seeds but you — and, as they say, you reap what you sow. By the way, May also has two special days in it — Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. Don’t forget to honor your mother, whether she’s alive or deceased. Cherish the memories of time spent with her. Memorial Day is time to reflect on all the military servicemen and women who died to protect our freedom. Enjoy your freedom that has allowed us to celebrate this special day. Best of the roads and all gears forward in Jesus.

Make sure your health is ‘fit to pass’ inspection

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its 2022 International Roadcheck for May 17-19. During this 72-hour blitz of commercial vehicle inspections, law enforcement officials in the U.S., Canada and Mexico will be crawling around and underneath your truck in search of violations that could result in out-of-service orders. Most drivers prepare for this annual blitz by going back to the basics — pre- and post-trip inspections. That’s right: Do your regular walkarounds, looking for the “low-hanging” fruit that inspectors can easily spot, such as lights, tires, turn signals, fire extinguishers and so forth. Whatever you do, don’t forget that these officials will also be checking to make sure your medical card is up to date. That brings us around to the focus of this column: In addition to performing preventive maintenance (PM) on your vehicle, it’s important to do PPM (personal preventative maintenance) on yourself. Make sure your personal equipment is “fit to pass.” Take steps now to get your blood pressure, weight, body-mass index (BMI) and other factors under control. Don’t neglect your stress levels! These vehicle inspections can be very lengthy and stressful, especially when you’re working against the clock on hours and delivery times. The better shape you are in personally, the more easily you can handle the stress of these inspections. Don’t make the mistake of becoming complacent and forgetting to take care of the fundamentals in personal health and trucking safety. In addition to paying serious attention your pre-trip vehicle walkarounds, be sure to include a pre-trip fridge check: Make sure you have healthy snacks and beverages in case you’re stuck in traffic due to bad conditions. Likewise, when you check under your truck’s hood, peek under your personal “hood” and make sure your body’s engine is running efficiently. You can’t be safe if you’re not well. It’s all about your personal health and well-being, and having better quality time at home with your family and friends. My personal goal has always been to help drivers make better health choices so they can get home safely to their families. 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 [email protected].