I had an entry all written, illustrated and ready to post. But some events in the news caused my to table that blog 'episode ' for later.

Yesterday I watched the tv reports, totally captured by a human interest story. It seemed a young boy, six years old, had become involved in a family project with scary result. I'm sure you all followed the unfolding drama too.

But just in case you were exploring a deep underground cave or were off the planet or something I'll quickly sum-up what happened.

• A Colorado family were working on a science ( ? ) project They are amature storm-chasers and were planning to use the balloon in that hobby.

• The balloon is large about 20 feet across, the boy was small 38-45 pounds.
• Interestingly the balloon was saucer shaped, it looked like a UFO
• It has a plywood "cabin" or compartment on the bottom for holding cameras and instruments.
• The six year old's two brothers saw the boy climb into the compartment.
• The balloon broke free from it's moorings. Quickly rising into the sky, and floating away.
• The balloon climbed to a height of between 6000 and 8000 feet. Drifting 50 miles at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
• Police, fire, rescue and even the National Guard were called. They responded with two helicopters to "follow" the craft.
• Passing just north of the airfield the balloon disrupted air traffic at Denver International airport for around 15 minutes.
• The Balloon slowly deflated and landed gently in a field about 20 miles northeast of Denver
• Rescuers were shocked on the scene when they found the "cabin" door ajar and the compartment empty. Raising fear the boy had fallen out during the twisting, turning flight
• Happy Ending. The boy was found safely at home. The brothers had not seen him exit the craft
• Afraid he was in trouble the little boy had hidden in the his attic
• So after a two hour adventure and thousands of dollars for the rescue efforts and disruptions the whole story ends with a smile.
  

I guess you can't turn your back nor drop your guard for even one second when you have three young boys.

Oh BTW the six year old little guy ..... His name is

FALCON.

A hiker has found the wreckage of Steve Fossett’s plane. He’s been missing for more than a year after he took off on a routine flight on Sept. 3, 2007. The sheriff’s office has confirmed the plane was Fossett’s. It appears he flew head-on into the mountain side, near Mammoth Lakes, California Most of the plane a small two seat Bellanca was destroyed upon impact. The main portion of the wreckage was found around 9,700 up the side of a 10,000 foot plus peak. The crash was a nonsurvivable.

The Transportation Safety Board will use a team to recover the wreckage as an aid to try to determine the reason for the crash. The investigation could take several weeks or maybe even months.

I will be following the investigation as it progresses and will be very interested in the final report.

I have been reading in the news that the government is planning a bailout of the nations lenders.

That is a bailout costing hundreds of billions of dollars. I seem to recall that the United States has not had a spending surplus for many, many years. Our country spends much more than it takes in creating an annual budget deficit. That means we don't have any extra money that isn't already earmarked.

So where are we getting the money we are using for this economic bailout ?

We will have to borrow it.

Yes we borrow the money to save the people who lend us money.

Is this a weird shell game or what ?

Delta Flight "ABC", Melbourne tower, advise go-around. Runway is closed due to catfish obstruction.

Huh ??

A Delta Airlines flight had to delay it's landing and circle the field Last Wednesday because catfish, yes catfish were strolling across the runway. You read that right I said catfish, walking across a runway. The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) which can use their pectoral fins to propel themselves in an upright position, were a result of floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Fay and ended up on the runway.

Airport crews also found to two tortoises, a snake and ...surprise an alligator lurking on the pavement as well.

After they were removed the plane landed without further incident.

In all my flying I have encountered cars, and work crews, rabbits, deer , turkeys and once a child on a bicycle. But never in my wildest dreams would I expect to see a fish strolling across the runway.

Remember the famous Adventurer and Aviator Steve Fossett who went missing last year?

If you remember he went missing after taking off from a private airport in a two-seat Bellanca Decathlon. A massive search-and-rescue effort was launched... unfortunately, those efforts failed to yield any sign of the multimillionaire aviator... and an Illinois judge declared Fossett
legally deceased February 15

Well the Nevada Governor Wants $687,000 from the estate.

Say What?

Yep

They are billing the widow, Peggy Fossett for the cost of the unsuccessful search to offset budget shortfalls.

The are actually sending a bill to the widow for the search.

Talk about adding insult to injury.

'So Sorry For Your Loss... Will That Be Visa Or MasterCard?'


Interestingly just a few days earlier state Emergency Management Director Frank Siracusa, noted,
"We do not charge the rich or the poor. You get lost, and we look for you. It is a service your taxpayer dollars pay for."

II think this sets a dangerous precedent. 'Sorry can’t rescue you until you pay.'

The countries oldest pilot has died. John M. Miller was 102, nearly as old as aviation itself.

John Miller born Dec. 15, 1905, witnessed some aviation histories most exciting events. And he was a part of several too. When he was four, he saw his first airplane. Glenn Curtiss landed in a field across from his. Johnny was there when Charles Lindbergh took off across the Atlantic to Paris. Amelia Earhart was one of his friends.

His last words were to his nephew at the bedside. “I guess my flying days are over,”

Johnny flew for United and Eastern Airlines. Later he was a test pilot for Kellett Autogiro Company. He pioneered the flying of airmail from the roof Philadelphia post office using an autogiro. Three planes flown by Miller are in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. John Miller held three world records in aviation including one which stood for seventy-two years. Coast to coast in an autogiro

John Miller was a health advocate. He never smoked or drank and he maintained the same weight and blood pressure as when he was 18. For exercise, he took brisk walks up and down hills.

"Flying is a youth preservative, if you live through it." J.M. Miller, 9/3/2002

Today is a sad day for the Bull Dog Nation

University of Georgia mascot Uga VI died of congestive heart failure Friday night in Savannah. He will be buried in a marble vault in the southwest corner of the stadium alongside his five predecessors, according to a UGA news release.

Uga VI was the Georgia winningest mascot with an 87-27 football record during his tenure which began in 1999. He also presided over the 2002 and 2005 SEC Championships and winning six of eight bowl games. Uga was a good old dog. He was over 70 in people years.

One of Uga's sons will be named as the successor later.

I read where a Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) is requesting $250 BILLION dollars to rebuild New Orleans. Two Hundred Fifty Billion Dollars

How much is a Billion? Think about this:

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was walking with his disciples on Earth
C. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes; at the rate our government is spending it.

If the $250 billion were placed end to end they would stretch from coast to coast more than 1,029 times.

Does that put into perspective?

Think about this:

A. Every one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), will get $516,528.

B. Every one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans gets $1,329,787 for repairs.

C. Or assuming they are a family of four, they actually get $2,066,112.

Two MILLION in house repairs

That’ll buy a lot of fixing up. Remember it’s your tax money I agree some families need help but $2,000,000.00 worth? Remember it’s your tax money

Alain Robert, the so called "French Spiderman" was arrested today for climbing a skyscraper in New York City. When arrested he said it was to raise awareness of Global Warming.

Say What ?

Other than the obvious plug from that statement, how does climbing up the side of a building connect with the issue of global warming?


Does Global Warming even exist? Or is it just a part of very long term weather patterns that have existed since creation? I can find studies supporting and refuting the entire theory.

Well that is for another blog.

Tee dom dom dah da dom dom.

"The Andy Griffith Show."

We all know that song. "The Fishing Hole"

Just hearing the whistling of those opening notes always puts me into a great mood.

Earle Hagen, composer of that and several other memorible television theme song died today. He was 88.

Hagen composed original music for more than 3,000 episodes, pilots and TV movies, including theme songs for "That Girl," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer," "Make Room for Daddy,"and "I Spy." and for several movies. He even won an Oscar for one score.

Hagen called himself "A Famous Composer -- Nobody Ever Heard Of." In fact that was the title of his autobiography. Hagen wrote two other books on the subject of composing.

Kristie and I went to a movie tonight. "Made of Honor" I'll likely write more about that later. We didn't realize it until tonight but Actor, Director Sydney Pollack who passed away yesterday had his final role as an actor in this movie as the hero's father. He was 73.

I didn't expect my dash over to the airport to last nearly twelve hours. There will be an airshow here at Anderson on Wednesday. The main act is the Snowbirds team from the Canadian Air Force. The first two planes of the team arrived earlier than I expected. That is what I dashed away for.

I got to the field and took a couple photos of the advance team on the ramp and one of the pilots told me the main body of Tutor jets would arrive in about an hour. So I figured I'd go by the hanger while I waited and look at our progress. We are replacing the fuel bladder ( tank ) in the port wing of our plane. It is a big job.

When I got to the hanger my partner in the plane, Sam was there. Sam is a licensed aircraft mechanic also, so I stayed to help him with the tank.

The nine remaining Snowbirds arrived in a diamond formation and made several passes over the field. Then they flew around the area getting a feel for the landmark for tomorrows big event. It was great. Like having my own private close-up airshow. I got a lot of photos which I'll share shortly.

After the arrival excitement passed we got back to work on the plane. Eleven hours and 53 minutes later I got home. My loving, understanding wife was already in bed, but not asleep.

Airshow tomorrow ( Wednesday ) See you there around 3 pm.

They're Here

Gotta run over and see them

Back with info shortly

A Boston researcher discovered the obvious recently. Fish can hear sound! Or at least feel the vibrations. And they respond.

Once again I could have saved them $ 269,999 of the 270 thousand dollar grant. All they had to do was ask. I used to “talk” to my pet fish and he responded by swimming to the side of the tank to be nearer to me.

Why did they research this? To see if they fish could be trained to eat when they hear a tone, just like Pavlov’s dog were trained to a bell. The reason was to help raise fish quicker for the market.

Musical fish farms… Hmmm

"Leatherheads" opens today The romantic comedy which was filmed in and around Anderson, makes it’s debut at the movies. Will I see myself or landmarks I know? The Calhoun Historic Lofts were the main area filmed in town. Also scenes were filmed in Greenville including Westin Poinsett Hotel. "Leatherheads" stars George Clooney and Renee Zellweger a film about pro football set in 1926 when unlike college, pro ball was like mudwrestling --- dirty and sleazy. It’s about guys who never practiced but got together once a week to “play”. Which is actually to say they got together at $50 a game, to fight and beat each other into submission. Any for the past months movie star sightings have been frequent and the community has been abuzz. Remember learned about it here first.

Blue-Eyed People Have One Common Ancestor

This headline jumped out at me this morning from my stack of news stories

Blue-Eyed People Have One Common Ancestor

DUH !!!!!

Ever hear of Adam and Eve ?

I have a copy of an amazing book. A historical document of mankind. It's a true account of our creation and history. And a totally accurate guide of times to come. My copy was first published in 1611. Authorized by none other than James the First of England. A translation from Greek texts as well as from the Hebrew.There have been a lot of newer translations in the past 397 years. Several I've read and enjoy. I also use many as references. In fact I'd like to recommend the version I use on my computer. It contains many translations, commentaries, dictionaries, maps, concordances and more. It's a powerful tool and you can have it for free. get it free

E-SWORD

My purpose here is not to start a debate over the various translations, but to tell you about a powerful guide for life.

" Look Dave, It's snowing" Alvin the Chipmunk to David Seville at the end of the song "White Christmas".

It did snow last night.
Here is a shot I took just 25 minutes ago over at the airport

Ok Not really. I am kidding
This is actually a picture is from Buffalo last year.

But it did snow here.

Not too much. According to the National Weather Service at Anderson the snow started a little before 6pm last night and lasted until around 10:30 when it turned into light rain and mist. Not a real problem since the temperature hovered at 33.1 degrees for the past 10 hours. About .53 of an inch so far. The roads are wet but ice is not an issue here. And ice is the big weather thing in the upstate. Snow- no ice. We are happy people. Light rain or mist should continue more or less the rest of the day. Turning to mist and fog late tonight. But beware. It should fall below freezing around 9-10 tonight and get down into the mid twenties by sunrise tomorrow. That's when the real trouble comes. Driving could be treacherous for your Friday commute.

Be careful and remember this is your final chance to clean off the grocery store shelves. In the South just saying the word snow causes milk and bread to magically evaporate from the stores.

Now that's being bad !!


No one was hurt, but somebody will be getting a lump of coal Christmas eve. Here is something you just don't do.

A helicopter carrying Santa Claus was shot down early this week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Shots rang out which forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing. Sounds like Kris Kringle Just Ain't Welcome

Brazilian officials say they don't believe Santa was directly targeted -- but rather chalked up the incident to mistaken identity. The area involved is know for it's drug use and high crime.

Hopefully it'll take more than a little gunfire to discourage Santa.

Merry Christmas everyone and make sure the safety is on Monday Night.

'Rocket Man'

Evel Knievel lived an exciting life, but it took its toll.

Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel was 69. But it wasn't one of his stunts that cost Evel Knievel his life... it was all of them. Riddled with scars from his many attempted daredevil feats, Knievel's health had failed him the past few years. He suffered from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, that had scarred his lungs.

Knievel underwent a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C -- which he believed he contracted through a blood transfusion from an earlier injury. He had also suffered two strokes in recently.

He will be missed especially during the annual "Evel Knievel Days" festival in Butte, Montana, his home town

I never met "Evel Knievel ", but I did actually meet his son Robbie who at one time was following in his footsteps doing motorcycle stunts.

In April this year, Knievel announced that he "believed in Jesus Christ" for the first time. He professed his personal faith in Christ at services in the Crystal Cathedral in California.

I think I will watch this movie tonight.
Join me !

This make me want to puke

VRS

I thought we were supposed to have freedom to express ourselves. Nobody is being forced. In fact some players chose not to come.

Who asked the ACLU? Did a player complain? No in fact they admitted, “we have not received any complaints about any coercion or pressure related to religious beliefs or religious activities"

The ACLU even admits that they found no evidence of coercion or undue influence. There was no evidence of punishment or negative consequences resulting from a player’s decision not to participate. Players are not penalized for non-attendance.

Why does the ACLU have to put it's 2 cents in?

Please !!!

Stop wasting our time

A thought : Isn't supressing Tommy's views a violation of HIS civil rights?

ACLU you need to sue yourself

Sports Drinks, Quiet Riot, and Football.

Dr. Robert Cade, creator of Gatorade, died Tuesday in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 80.

Gatorade developed in 1965 to help the Florida Gators football team replace carbohydrates and electrolytes lost through sweat while playing in the swamp-like heat of Gainesville, Fla. The first batch cost $43 in supplies, and "sort of tasted like toilet bowl cleaner," They then added sugar and lemon juice for flavor.

Now you have a choice. Pick a flavor — Rain, Frost, Lemon-Lime, Fierce, AM, Xtremo. Or stick to the basics. Gatorade accounts for $5 billion in sales.




Remember "

Cum on Feel the Noize " ?

Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow, who died at age 52 over the weekend in Las Vegas. The cause of death has not been determined.





Sean Taylor, 24, a first round pick in the 2004 draft, and a star defensive player with the Washington Redskins, died on Tuesday after being shot during what police said was a possible burglary at his home near Miami.