G3 in Sedona Departing – September 2009
March 17, 2010
This beautiful plane was here in late September. Here’s some video of it departing.
Falcon Field Aviation
March 17, 2010
Turquoise – The Gemstone of the Gods
March 17, 2010
Turquoise pendants and other turquoise jewelry are popular in numerous countries around the world. Fans of this stunning blue gemstone have been fascinated by the sky blue color and the characteristic dark vein pattern of this stone. Although the popularity of this stone has suffered setbacks at the hands of a fickle fashion world, it has never really fallen out of favor in the worlds of fine and fashion jewelry. The demand for turquoise probably peaked in the 1970s. Everybody wanted turquoise jewelry. The exploration and mining activities for this stone reached a fever pitch. Then, the demand fell in the 1980s and remained soft through most of the 90s. Today, once again the clamor for turquoise jewelry is rising, and new mining areas are being explored all over the world.
In most cases, our love for this stone is related to its physical appearance. The stone has the color of a clear blue sky. The color of the stone and the dark dendritic pattern appears to tell a story about the origin and location of the stone. A dense network of dark black veins suggests that the stone was mined at the Ajax mine in Nevada. If the stone has a greenish color, it was probably obtained in Royston, NV. The stunning blue turquoise from the Morenci area in Arizona is hard to miss. When in operation, the Kingman mine in Arizona produced a type of turquoise called the Birdseye turquoise. Specimens from here have a light aqua blue color with a fine pattern of darker veins. The light blue stone from Kingman was a favorite in inlay pendants for white pearl necklaces.
Through the ages though, turquoise has meant more to civilizations than just being a beautiful gemstone. In most cases, this reverence for turquoise was inspired by the blue color of the stone. Egyptians believed that the blue stone was their connection with the gods and the heavens. So only royals and priests were allowed to own the stone. They used it to make ornaments, and to decorate their palaces and tombs. Native Americans believed that turquoise represented the coming together of the heavens and earth. This belief was again founded on the fact that the color of the stone resembled that of the skies, but the stone was found on earth. Ever since their first natives found this stone on the North American continent, they have used it in their religious ceremonies. Other ancient civilizations such as the Incas and the Aztecs also had a similar high respect for turquoise.
eS Cessna Skate Shoe, mens 10 – black/white
March 17, 2010
- Leather, suede or synthetic upper
- System G2? heel cushioning gel insert
- Lower hidden lace loops
- Triple-stitched Ollie area
- STI Foam? Level 2 footbed cushioning system with integrated heel counter for stability
Product Description
The Cessna is the most slim, narrow shoe in the eS line, featuring a vulcanized-looking cupsole for no de-lams topped with an STI Foam Level 2 footbed for comfort and protection. It’s all supported by an Accel-like tread pattern with extra grip and a backward eS logo that shows up forward in the dirt. Fly the Cessna!… More >>
eS Cessna Skate Shoe, mens 10 – black/white
The Clouds of Change
March 17, 2010
Spring break was a very mild weathered time, at least until I, my wife, and our children embarked on our journey to Flagstaff for a few nights. For days prior to departing, no more than an occasional sprinkle touched the ground. Forecast looked good, so by Sunday morning we were on our way
We opted to go the Payson route to get there, as in our opinion, it is the much more beautiful one. On the way down the roadway made into a two lane highway in recent years, the sky became murky. The billowing clouds churned into dark harbingers of dreary precipitation. On and off it rained, but nothing too harsh. Then through the fog which was encapsulating the top of the Mogollon Rim, a huge sheer walled edge of the Colorado Plateau, snow could be made out.
Almost the entire vertical stretch of some two thousand feet, (six hundred Meters), was blanketed, although, rather lightly. This was spring time, which is mostly warmer and much drier than this, even in this part of the state, so I wasn’t prepared for heavy winter weather. Although it appear threatening, once we ascended toward the top, gaining in elevation greatly, and passing through different biotic communities, only patches of the the white flake piles were present.
Believing that to be all, as the fog was now scattering, We pressed on. All was fine for about an hour, then the wispy whiteness enveloped us again. By this time we were located about halfway between the Valley of the Sun and or destination. Snowfall accompanied this new reduction in visibility. Although it was light, I had not the opportunity to drive through much of this before, so I proceeded cautiously.
The rate of fall became higher as the path became more difficult to visually follow farther ahead. Upon inspecting the road briefly for a location to pull of for a few minutes and let the flurry pass, it slowed almost instantly. A few seconds later it almost stopped completely, prompting me to continue toward the place named after a banner pole.
The snowfall did keep up, but the near white-out conditions came to an end and stayed that way. This way to the northern part of Arizona is less traveled, so probability of a pile-up was remote if not almost nonexistent, luckily.
For another two hours we trucked on, along the white dusted highway, riding in the tracks of the few others ahead of our vehicle, who had come through just before us. Finding a place to stay that night wasn’t that difficult. I recall appreciating the feeling of a warm cozy bed, steaming food, and a hot shower. These were all much more p[leasing than usual. A change in weather sure can make one be grateful for the value of the climate in where he or she lives!
Unfortunately, the next morning I and my wife had both found out independently that, in one of the worst snow related incidents in the nation that year, over one hundred people had lost their lives the prior evening. The freeway which they were on was much move heavily used than the little road which we were came up on. Those cars and trucks had been heading west out of the city which we were then staying. The tragedy occurred due to a combination of almost instantaneous visibility and the dispersed light glow of the setting sun. There was no where to go for these poor souls, as many were drivers of big rigs who just can’t stop on a dime, especially when the road is so slippery.
I thank the hand of fate that my family and I were fortunate enough that night to not be involved in something like this. I feel for those who lost oloved ones too. Freak strorms may happen at any rime. What I have learned is to be a little more prepared, or in many cases a lot more, or not to go at all!
WELCOME HOME PART 2
March 17, 2010
MY SISTER FINALLY HOME! PATTING HER DOWN WITH AN EAGLE FEATHER AND BLESSING HER. ARRIVED IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ.
Recession Proof Jobs From The Rotor Aviation Helicopter Flight School In Long Beach, CA
March 17, 2010
“I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go. It’s nothing personal – it’s just this crazy recession.”What loyal worker wants to hear those words uttered from his or her supervisor? Absolutely no one, that’s who. So what can you do to practically ensure that your career is recession-proof? A great option (if you’re so inclined) is to get the right credentials and experience to become a helicopter pilot.Helicopter pilots enjoy a wide range of career opportunities, including, but not limited to, these pathways to success:• corporate helicopter pilot• charter helicopter pilot• test helicopter pilot• helicopter flight instructor• agricultural helicopter pilot• EMS helicopter pilot• law enforcement helicopter pilot• sightseeing helicopter pilot• location scouting helicopter pilotNot only is the pay grade for a helicopter pilot in the 21st century attractive, but because it’s unlikely that helicopter pilots will ever be in short demand, it’s a field that is ideal for men and women with the right drive and personality to fly this type of aircraft.Of course, in order to take advantage of the benefits of this stable occupation, any potential pilot must enter into and graduate from a reputable helicopter flight school. And make no mistake about this step – the right kind of helicopter flight training is essential. Without it, potential employers will not be as likely to hire a helicopter pilot candidate.So what should you look for in a helicopter flight school? First, seek out one that offers a safe and secure helicopter flight training environment. Many “schools” are merely educational institutions in name only and have given little thought to the security of their pupils. This unnecessarily increases the risk factor to students and should be avoided.Next, pick a helicopter flight school that appreciates and addresses the fact that many helicopter pilots-in-training have varying schedules. Thus, the helicopter flight school should be operating in a way that’s convenient for pupils (e.g., its “customer-centric” instead of “egocentric”).Third, find a helicopter flight school that’s respected in the helicopter industry. Choose one that has the respect you want and deserve. Be cautious about attending one that seems to regularly cut corners or have a so-so (or terrible) reputation.Fourth, invest your savings in helicopter flight training schools that provide you with information to financial assistance or payment options. All that are trustworthy will be more than happy to help you find ways to pay for instruction.Fifth, be certain your helicopter flight school is offering enough hours in the air. If you don’t get the necessary amounts, you will be unable to get your pilot’s license until you do.And finally, choose a helicopter flight school that you know takes care of its aircraft. If they aren’t picky about the maintenance of their equipment, there’s no way that you can be assured of your wellbeing.So could helicopter flight training be the answer to your career dreams? You’ll never know until you explore your options. Contact a Long Beach California helicopter flight school today and see how you can be certain you’re “soaring” in your profession. For more information, visit RotorAviation.
