With gas prices as high as they have been, more and more people are opting to go with two-wheelers to get from point a to point b. This mode of transportation can save commuters hundreds of dollars over a month. I drive about 65 miles round trip each day and am going through over $400 a month in gas. AHH..it hurts so bad! We are seeing many more motorcycles on the roads and freeways from up in SkyFox than ever before. Unfortunately, with more bikes, there have been MANY more accidents involving them. CHP reports a dramatic increase in bike crashes over the last several months. It seems like I have been covering FATAL motorcycle accidents about once a week and a wreck involving riders just about every day. The causes of these crashes are various. Perhaps some are new riders and just not that experienced. Automobile drivers may not be watching as closely for them as well. Lane sharing (or splitting lanes) by motorcycle riders IS legal in California, so be careful. The bottom line, there are still MANY MORE unsafe automobile drivers on the road speeding, lane changing and texting than motorcycle riders. Chime in and let me know your thoughts. Are you seeing more bikes? Do you ride a motorcycle or have you switched over to one recently? Let me know what you think! Be careful on the roads everyone. The worst part of my job is covering  tragic accidents that could have been avoided. Have a wonderful and safe weekend- Rick

JUST A BIKER

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.


I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.


I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.


I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.


I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.


I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children where born or have their name written over and in my heart.


I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.


I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.


I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.But you didn't see me.


Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community..

EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE ARE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY ..

What do you think?

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is today (September 10th) and a strengthening “Ike” is slowly moving towards the coast of Texas. Now that the storm is out over the warm Gulf of Mexico, it will likely strengthen into a major category 3 hurricane. Some forecast models project that the storm could even become a category 4 before landfall late Friday night. The environment that Ike is entering is very favorable for strengthening. The wind speed and direction are fairly consistent (LOW wind shear) with height and the water is very warm. Moreover, the storm will pass over a “loop current” in the Gulf of Mexico. This is an area where the warm water extends down quite deep. Hurricanes gain and maintain their strength from warm tropical waters. 80-degree water is needed for hurricanes to develop and grow. The latest observations show water temperatures in the 85-87 degree range out over parts of the Gulf. Below is the track that forecasters at the National Hurricane Center think that Ike will take.

 So far there have been 10 named storms (tropical storms) in the Atlantic this season. The average number for an entire season is 10 and we are only at the peak of the season. Lately there has been a lot of discussion and debate as to whether the number of hurricanes and their intensities are on the increase due to global warming. I am in the process of reading a great book on the subject: “Storm World: Hurricanes, Politics, and the Battle Over Global Warming” by Chris Mooney. The author does a great job breaking down this topic. I highly recommend it.

 A lot of people ask me if southern California is vulnerable to a tropical system. The answer is YES! A category one hurricane made landfall in the San Diego area on October 2, 1858. Tropical storms have impacted coastal southern California as well. However, typically the water temperatures along our coast are a bit too cool for hurricanes. During an average late summer and early fall, the water warms into the middle 70's. On some occasions, like during an El Nino episode, the water can approach 80 degrees. Some scientists believe that this may become more frequent  with global warming.

We'll continue to update Ike on this web site and during our newscasts. Have a great rest of the week everyone-  

We have become so content with sitting in traffic, that the mere topic isn't even commented on. Accidents and road work are so constant that there hasn't been any recent discussions. This is a shock just as much as it isn't.

I have learned to depend on my face-less friends, while listening on my hour long drives to and from work everyday. These infamous stars keep minds occupied while we sit still in our cars day after day. 

I would like to ackowledge these sounding celebrities and thank them for bringing entertainment into our ridiculously slow journey's.

And for you road rage riders out there, that includes you tina, kick rocks. We are all tired and want to get home, but bumping heads just slows the flow.

Hey, why not try popping some Midal.  

Lately I've noticed that repairs to our streets and highways have been increasing, which is great, I'm loving it. Yet I have a little concern. There is a little spot, so small of a point it can get skipped during these repairs. It is where the 10 freeway east bound splits off with the 60 freeway east bound, passing the 110 freeway. As you take the 60, if you stay in your fast left lane you need to stay aware of the fact that this lane is full of dips and cracks, that causes good little weaves if your going fast enough. It doesn't even extend for a long distance, but it's so annoying.

I've never ridden in a helicopter before.  I am afraid because I get carsick easily.  Every trip I've taken to Big Bear makes me ill.  I can handle the open road, but twists and turns do me in. 

I can just imagine what it would be like in a helicopter, particularly on a blustery day.  Yikes.  Hopping & bopping all over the place. 

All of that and I'm still intrigued. 

The first step in overcoming my fear was making friends with Skyfox.   Rick (Dickert, who else?) gave me a little tour of his baby.

It was bigger than I thought it would be in person, but it's tiny inside.  I don't know how RIck stays in the cockpit from 5am-10am with the sun beating in through the window.  Plus, there's the obvious - no restrooms.  I think I'd get cabin fever, but I guess you get over it. 

Since I visited after the show I didn't get a chance to fly, but I am dying to go for my first ride!

Just arrived in Beijing tonight and it raining like crazy.  That should be good though to help clear the air.  Don't have much of a feel here yet only that this city is BIG.  Navigating myself around has been a challenge so far.  There are so many people eager to help that I think they are confusing themselves.  It's funny and frustrating all at the same time.

2 Chinese kids working at my hotel have been teaching me some Chinese to use aroud town tomorrow.  We'll see...

I've just come in from Tokyo and Hong Kong and watching the Olympics abroud is very interesting.  Of course in Tokyo, all coverage was on the Japanese. I watched some of the China/Spain basketball game in Macau two days ago as Chinese sports coverage is now what I'm surrounded by.

  But I thougt you all might be interested to know that Michael Phelps is making the papers in Japan and China every day and earlier this week Manny Ramirez was on the front page of the Japanese paper in his Dodger uniform

Oh yeah, and since I'm a traffic producer...trains during rush hour in Tokyo are bananas.  And forget about it in Hong Kong - so many cars and people!!

Yes, you all get a break from me! WAHHOO! I'm taking a few days off from my SkyFox duties beginning tomorrow through next week. Nope, I have no elaborate, exotic vacation plans. Instead, I plan to tour around Los Angeles. I think we forget how much there is do in our fine city. We are just minutes away from amusement parks, great hiking, the ocean (and insane surf spots) and amazing museums. I will be catching up on some much needed rest, but I plan on mixing in a long mountain hike, a trip to LACMA and the Getty Villa. I'll for sure log some serious hours at the beach and in the water and will likely take in a movie or two (I have yet to see the Dark Knight). I also have tickets to two Dodgers games. I get to see our city’s FIRST PLACE TEAM  and Man-Ram in action!

I am looking forward to some fun, mellow, low stress times in my own backyard. We live in such a great city that offers so much. I see it from the air every morning, now it's time to cruise around at sea -level. I think we all take it for granted at times. Have a great weekend everyone and see you in another week. I’ll try and get some photos of my L.A. VA-CAY!

Rick

Recently I had the pleasure of being apart of a very special event benefiting the Cystic Fibrous Foundations. When asked to MC this fundraiser, I only knew the basics about the disease. I was unaware that the ocean that I love so much is helpful for patients. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30 thousand children and young adults in America. The average life expectancy for those suffering from the disease is about 37 years. However, research is helping! Pipeline to a Cure was held in Huntington Beach on July 19th for just this reason. It brought the surfing and extreme sports community together to bring awareness to this disease. A few years back, researchers in Australia discovered that kids that had CF and spent a lot of time in the ocean surfing had healthier lungs than those that did not. It was determined that the salt water and mist of the ocean had a therapeutic effect on the surfer’s lungs. From this, a therapy was developed so that ALL CF patients could inhale a saline solution to help clear their lungs. WOW! What a connection. The fundraiser was amazing. Big wave riders Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama were honorary co-chairs. We raised

about $400,000 for CF research from ticket sales and auction items. It was such a privilege to be apart of the event. The highlight was meeting CF patient Emily Haager. What an amazing young lady she is. You HAVE to check out this youtube video of her story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97Iop-w98YE

The entertainment for the night: Social Distortion..yeah..what a night topper!

Wahoo’s Tacos (the bros were sooo cool!), BJs Restaurant, the Kelly Slater Foundation and many others supported the inaugural event. It was great night..a highlight of my summer. I look forward to being apart of next year's fundraiser. For more on CF or to make a donation, check out their web site:

http://www.cff.org/

Be well everyone-

Rick

HELLO, MY NAME IS SAROM. I AM DEAF WITH AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE.

"PLEASE NOT DRINK DRIVING "D.U.I" AND DRUG TEENAGER AND ADULT BE SAFETY NOT KILL EACH PERSON AND CHILDREN OF STREET AND FREEWAY ARE VERY DANGEROUS!!!"

Just  so wonderful to look at  in the morning........ !     and thanks for the traffic updates they are really helpful

I think that having a Bluetooth is a good idea for people that are not responsible for using a cell phone properly, but why make it a mandatory law for having them? I think that this is just another gimmick to make money off of the taxpayers.

Before cell phones, there should have been and are laws that prohibit eating while driving and women putting on make up while driving (since I am a female and do not wear make up), fussing at others while driving and a few other things. With the price of gas going up the way that it is, and the economy going upside down many people might decide to go back to the old fashioned way of life; that is using a home phone or the phone booth. Cell phone prices are going up and getting ridiculous. I

nstead of paying $30-100 for a Bluetooth and then $150 for the cell phone bill, I will be better off using my home phone that costs me an average of $50-75 a month with all of the features and long distance. The average cell phone package ranges about $50 then you have to add federal excise tax, funding to support the Public Utilities Commission, Temp. Surcharges as allowed by the Public Utilities Commission, CA High Cost fund-A, Federal Universal Service Fee, CA teleconnect Fund surcharge, CHCF-B rate adjustment and a bunch of other taxes that are too many to mention. With all of these taxes that many of use do not pay attention to once we get our bills, those taxes are the causes our cell phone bills going from the average $50 to $150 and then we wonder why our bills are so high if we did not go over our anytime minutes.

Now after all of that, why make Bluetooth mandatory. Not everyone is irresponsible. I thing that the laws are good for those under 18 because most kids to not pay attention or they try to show off for their friends, but why do everyone have to suffer because of a few rotten apples in the barrel?

OK - so assuming you don't work on the weekends, this QUESTION OF THE DAY is for you!

Every Friday I get home from work (and if I didn't take the bus), and park my car.  My goal:  NOT TO MOVE IT UNTIL MONDAY when I have to go back to work.  My husband and I walk everywhere, and will ride bikes (I've even "valeted" my bike at Shutters at the Beach!)

The question:  OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEKEND, WHAT DO YOU USE FOR TRANSPORTATION THE MOST?

• Your feet... you walk walk walk everywhere!
• Your wheels... a bike that is!
• The city's wheels... a bus of course!
• Your accelorator... the car, of course.
• Other... You skateboard, roller blade, use a golf cart or a Segwey! 

Let me know... I'm always interested on how others get around on their days off.  And if someone's using a Segwey - THAT'S AWESOME! 

SC

Here's what I learned on the bus today...

The Big Blue Bus is the new dating scene.  No more do you need to go to bars, laundry mats, grocery stores or libraries (do people do that?) to meet singles, just take the bus to work!

I've been experimenting with the Big Blue Bus in from Santa Monica to Century City to help cut back on gas prices (check out my Big Blue Blog for more), and today was the day that I discovered that good looking, young people take the bus, and those good looking, young people aren't afraid to ask the other good looking, young people... "So, where you headind"?  Seriously, it's the NEW dating scene...

Now, for the record, I can't speak for the Metro or other lines, but the #5 Big Blue is one I would recommedn you take!

Thoughts?

SC

I occassionally will watch the news on my TV and have SkyFox live on my laptop as I am getting ready for work.  Today I was really intrigued because for the first time ever (in my experience) I got to hear 3 different feeds that I believe Rick gets over his headset.  It was around 8:05 am and he had asked a question about a crackling noise that is being broadcast when all of the sudden another voice came on and answered Rick.  Following that was what sounded like a police feed.  It was really interesting and I was disappointed when it cut out. 

I had just wondered if anyone else heard it as well.  :)

I love going back to school…Yeah, I was one of those kids that actually enjoyed being educated..most of the time at least! If I could be a full time student and work on a graduate degree, I’d be there in a second. Unfortunately, I have a daughter I am supporting through college and another on her heels! Maybe later in life. Any time I get the chance, I visit area schools to give presentations on the weather and my career. Just a few days ago I had the privilege of visiting Bret Harte Middle School in South Los Angeles. What a school and what a class! I spoke to hundreds of 6th graders. Ms. Margaret Starks, one of the talented 6h grade teachers at the middle school, hosted me. The students were smart, engaging and very polite. They put together a really cool banner to welcome me (see picture below) and presented me with a sweatshirt, school key chain and even an LAUS ID badge! Great stuff! I had a great afternoon with the kids talking about what I love most, the weather. I am so fortunate to do what I do and I think it’s very important for me to give back to the community in some way. It’s easy to get selfish and forget how fortunate we are sometimes. School visits like these keep me grounded. Happy summer students! I’m looking forward to next fall already..Rick

Hey Rick:

Huge Fan from Live News Cameras!!!!   This is my first time Bloggin!!!!!!   So far, doesnt hurt too much!   Anyway, just wanted to say "Hi" and maybe you can give us a shout out on LNC soon".  Everyone in there is a fan!!!  We all love you!!    Take care!! and dont forget our "Shout Out".

More to come!!!

I was speaking with a friend earlier who is a peace officer, and they were saying that they had to get a second job just to pay for the gas. I stated that I should purchase a gas station and charge between $1-$2 for the gas and watch the Nation go CRAZY and the politicians get TICKED. It was just a thought to ease their day. SMILE. Those who have part time jobs, minimum waged jobs, those who are students, and those of us that are not rich (which is most of the country) can barely stay afloat. What are these people thinking? First we had the crisis with the Home buying situation which still exists. Now we have the outrages gas prices. Are politicians thinking? NO!  cars are not selling right now, especially the large cars and SUVs. Come on give the country a BREAK on the gas because we all need it. I know it's a dream, but it does not hurt to think about it.

MY BIG BLUE BLOG

Day 4...

Good morning to all!  Day 4 of my new journey on the bus today.  Originally I was supposed to carpool with my husband, but he's home sick today, so the bus I took!  And can I tell you, I secretly was wanting to take it!  Rode it today by myself and have absolutely come to realilze I DIG IT!  Met a new driver today and told him I just started taking Big Blue.  He was thrilled and said that it was the smartest thing to do!  He actually said he was surpised more people don't take it - AND I AGREE!  I saw some of the same folks (and I think some recognized me, too... or it could have been my cute dress today - who knows!).   Now be warned - you will PERIODICALLY get the freaky folks, but they are sooooo few and far between - totally SAFE, CLEAN, INEXPENSIVE, AND FUN!! 

Can't wait to see Ted tonight (though I'm thinking of leaving a little early... the benefits of the bus is that it runs just about every 20 minutes!).

More to come - and probably next week with pictures... we'll have to see about that!

GO GREEN (and the Big Blue of course!)

- Susan

PS - don't forget to check out the Metro (