Old Time Religion

Top: something else found in the Salty Dog Saloon. I'm sure Jesus loves everyone, even senators from Kentucky.

Bottom: a church in Marysville. What's with the quotation marks? The device is frequently misused in American English and, as loyal members of the language police, Mrs. C and I could not let this pass. What was the pastor trying to communicate?         

Shall We Gather At The River?

The water skiers and kayakers were not the only people out for a ride by the chilly Mississippi on New Year's Day. As I approached the levee I saw a group of men in black leather jackets, standing hand-in-hand in a circle around an orange Harley. The patch on the back of most of their jackets said Christian Motorcyclists Association. So, bikers for Jesus? I guess that was the idea.

I immediately thought of the old hymn mentioned in today's title. However, I don't think the Mississippi flows by the throne of God. It does flow by New Orleans, though, which may be sort of the opposite.           

Bikers Are Your Friends

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People are scared of bikers. Not that I'd approach one who has a beer in one hand and is swinging a steel chain in the other but the ones I've met have always been interesting and friendly. Treat then with respect and you get the same. And who's going to feel aggressive towards a balding 61 year old guy with glasses and arthritic hands? (See illustration from a press photographer who got me from behind at the Chuck Berry statue dedication here.)

There is a detail in the top photo I really like. I was shooting in a very tight space and had to use a short focal length. That makes his hand and cigar disproportionately big and powerful. I wish the white foam cup was out of the frame, though.