Monthly Archives: February 2011

Look Ma! No Propellers!

Today, the jet age truly turns 65 years old. It was born when the prototype XP-84 Thunderjet flew for the first time at Muroc Army Airfield on this day in 1946. Current jets are far more powerful than the first … Continue reading

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Tools for Serious Writing

If you are to be a serious writer, you must find a writing system that works for you. Notice I use the word, “system” in describing the component parts of the mechanism that allows you to be productive as a … Continue reading

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The World’s First Supersonic Ejection

In 1955, George Smith was 31 years old, unmarried, stood 6’1” and weighed 220 pounds.  It was a Saturday morning just like today.  He was off work and on his way to the grocery store, but he stopped by his … Continue reading

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The DC-9

Forty-six years ago today, the DC-9 flew for the very first time.  Douglas Aircraft began researching the need for short- to medium-range airliners in the late 1950s.  The original thought was to design a smaller version of their popular DC-8, … Continue reading

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Brothers to the Rescue, Hermanos Al Rescate

Geographically, Cuba is a wonderful place, truly a paradise. Politically, however, it is a mess. Some of the recent news about Cuban politics includes Castro finally admitting socialism does not work and that the Cuban economic situation is broken. The … Continue reading

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Humor, Royalty, and The King’s Speech

Sometimes, a story in need of telling goes beyond the imagination of the finest novelist.  History now and then provides us with the most compelling of these stories, of which occasionally, someone will say an author could not possibly have … Continue reading

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A Change of Seasons

Well, we have finally moved from the “cold” season to the “warm.” Many new to the Sunshine State bemoan the fact that we have “no seasons” down here. Some have gone on to say they miss the turning of the … Continue reading

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Sara

Sixty-six years ago today the USS Saratoga, CV-3, fell victim to a horrendous attack by the Japanese.  The Japanese, taking advantage of poor weather and low clouds, were able to approach the aircraft carrier at about five o’clock in the … Continue reading

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Cats are Stupid, Humans are Stupider

There’s nothing worse than walking around the neighborhood yelling, “Gracie! Gracie!” Stupid cat. Got out again. Most of the time she escapes, we get her right away. It is a stupid game she plays—she gets out, runs into the yard, … Continue reading

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Another Brick & Mortar Bookstore Facing Problems

Last week we saw the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for Borders Bookstores. Shortly after the filing, Borders CEO Mike Edwards sent a mass email out to all of the faithful. In it, he talks about Borders stores being … Continue reading

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