Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Fear and Loathing in Northrock Business Park

It was close to lunch time, and I opened the door to my office ---

And saw a collection of people down the hallway, just outside of Senator Jerry Moran's office.  (The Senator and I are office neighbors.  One thin wall separates his staff personnel from my office/lab.

What?!

I heard passionate words; a variety of voices, and I noticed the head staffer standing in the hallway, listening patiently to a mixture of anger, confusion, persuasion, and distrust. 

45 minutes later, they were gone. 

It's early in the campaign season; I'm sure there will be more.





Random Observations:

1.  Why am I next to a Senator's office?  (A:  It's actually a great place to be.)

2.  Who was this group?  (A:  I'm pretty sure it was moveon.org)

3.  What does this have to with ultralight airplanes?  (A:  not much.)

4.  What does this have to do with "Fear and Loathing" (Hunter S. Thompson's famous novels/movie)? 
(A: Well, I was handed a button which said, simply, "Dream".  In some sense, "Fear and Loathing (the novel) was about a pursuit of the American dream.  And then there's "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail", also by Thompson.  Seemed like some convenient parallels.)

Fascination of flying like a bird

I've never just posted a link before.

But today, I make an exception.

Here is a video of a model airplane which flies *exactly* like a real bird.


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Best Aircraft at Oshksoh 2011

Long time readers are aware of my interest and experimentation in electric aircraft.  Here's the first one I've seen that appeals to me.  It had reasonable performance, length of flight, and simplicity.

My attempts to fly the Belite with electrics have produced a very good, very short flight.  I'd shelved the project until I had some inspiration worth working on.

I learned a lot from this plane.  Got my inspiration back.








Saturday, July 30, 2011

Photo Essay on Balloons at Oshkosh 2011

(c) 2011 James Wiebe, Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

My co-worker Gene took the following photos at the balloon launch this morning.  They are stunningly beautiful.  Enjoy: