Build Yourself a Airplane!?

http://www.flylightning.net/images/kit.jpg

Would you like to own an aircraft with half the cost of a traditional aircraft? I definitely would! You can build your own airplane; they are called Kit aircraft. This would be qualified as a light sport aircraft. These light sport aircraft are usually VFR rated only .they may not go as high or as fast as a typical aircraft, but you can still get up in the air! Typically, this would be better for the beginner aviation enthusiast because you can get a light sport license, which can take less time and money to earn. People with health problems that cannot classify for a third class medical can have an easier time applying for a light sport license. Usually, if you have a driver’s license you can qualify! These light sport aircraft can cost about the same as a mid-range new car. You can build a kit airplane and about 1500 hours of labor. If you are interested please look at this link that I have found:

http://www.kitplanes.com/sportplanes/

The DaVinci Code (Film Review)

Robert Langdon was called upon to investigate a murder that happened at the Museum. An elderly man was found dead with symbols and codes. He turned out to be the museum Louvre's curator. During that time we are introduced to a cryptologist by the name of Sophie Neveu. The murdered man turns out to be Sophie’s grandfather. The codes and symbols were in fact a pentagram and a Fibonacci Sequence. Sophie’s grandfather was a part of a secret society that wanted to protect the true code behind Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Supposedly, Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene were in a relationship that resulted in a daughter named Sara. As Robert and Sophie were unraveling the mysteries of Leonardo da Vinci; they were getting chased by different groups that will die trying to protect the secret. Robert and Sophie are also trying to find the mystery behind the Holy Grail. During these adventures they were able to find out that Sophie is in fact a direct descendent of Mary Magdalene. Everyone decides to keep this a secret and not destroy people's faith. It turns out that the Holy Grail is hidden under the pyramid in the Louvre.

During this film I saw many connections between science and art. All the different codes and numbers had a meaning to it. Robert had to be very intelligent to decipher all these meanings. I have always thought of Leonardo da Vinci as a brilliant person; especially for that time period. The movie really did make me wonder if he had some sort of “special powers” that we don't fully understand. The movie also made me realize that religion, art, and science are deeply connected and have many diverse complex meanings to them. We should all be fascinated over these phenomenons and Leonardo da Vinci. It only makes me wonder what would have happened if religion didn't crush science during the Dark Ages!

On a personal note; Tom Hanks looks really bad with long hair!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/The_da_vinci_code_final.jpg

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Trip)

Last semester, I had the opportunity to travel to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  It was very interesting how artists created their work, and I never thought that art and science is connected. There are many ways science and the arts are similar.  Einstein said that true genius comes from imagination. Without it, scientists wouldn't have any ideas of where to go next in their research, and artists wouldn't be able to express themselves. Both areas affect each other. Even though we do not think of art and science being connected, there has long been a connection between art and science The interaction between art and science flows in one direction, that artists become interested in science, its methods and concepts, and incorporate them in loose ways within their own work, but that science gains little to nothing from art.

I'm honestly not that creative when it comes time for me to make an art piece, but I was absolutely blown away by some of these pieces! When I was there, I saw a sculpture that an artist made out of driftwood in a river. The artist created a person sitting on a chair out of the driftwood. I want to know what's going through their heads when they see a piece of driftwood and want to make something beautiful out of it! To create something like that take so much talent and time. I wouldn't even know where to begin. What do they see that I can't? It is definitely a fine line between using the imagination and creativeness to make a concept and then using science to construct it.

I also find fascination with the connection between art and engineering.As you guys already know; I'm a huge aviation buff and there's a giant connection between the arts of aircraft in the engineering side of it. For example, Howard Hughes was big in the aviation industry he developed many different types of aircraft and so much more. Usually, his concept for all of his aircraft would be hand-drawn on the back of a cocktail napkin or scrap piece of paper. Art is more about the imagination and creativeness of our minds and engineering is using science to construct our imaginations into real-life concepts!

http://www.bluecottageagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Minneapolis-institute-of-arts1.jpg

http://c299813.r13.cf1.rackcdn.com/MIA_1344521915_org.jpg

http://www.otrcat.com/z/howard-hughes-spruce-goose-otrcat.com.jpg

My Life Change

I think it would be beneficial for you guys to hear a little bit about my past. I don't want any sympathy or anyone feeling sorry for me. I would just like to give myself a pat on the back for all that I have accomplished physically and mentally in the last 10 years. Approximately 10 years ago I was in a wheelchair and could hardly even walk. I was always shy and not really able to be myself because of it. I had a few surgery sends them and now have been able to slowly work on regaining my ability to walk. I was finally able to keep pushing myself physically and emotionally, so I could achieve my goal! During this time I was going through a lot of emotional things as well. Like I said I was shy and didn't want to stick my neck out for anything. I finally realized after a few years that I shouldn't care what people think about me and should only focus on the people I love and I myself. Over the course of a few years I kept working towards my goal and pushing my self little by little until I was able to walk a few hundred feet and then a thousand! I applied for college during this time and was able to regain confidence in myself! Over the course of five years I have done more than I ever thought that I ever would have! I kept up with my friends for the first time in years and never worried about what people thought of me. It was then that I realized that I let people put labels and stereotypes on me and allowed myself to lose my confidence. I will never let myself get that way again! I have been introduced to many different things in college and want to take advantage of whatever I can. I look back at myself some days and realize how I ever got like that. I just needed a swift kick in the ass! While I'm writing this I'm trying to remember what exactly caused me to change how I was. Now, that I have had some time to think I just remembered the painful emotions of not being able to keep up with my friends and family. I finally have a self-realization that I was taking a backseat in life and not taking control of what I truly wanted to do. My future is endless with possibilities and I will always keep it that way. My whole life is ahead of me and him not to let it control me I'm going to control it! Have any of you had a life-changing story? Please feel free to tell me your story!

Gate Therapy

I was born premature, 2 lbs. 11 oz.

Hibachi!

http://cdn2.hauteliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/hibachi1.jpg

We're going to take a little break from all the aviation posts! Recently, I went to a restaurant with some of my friends and the experience there was phenomenal! We want to Osaka Sushi and Hibachi in Woodbury, MN. I have never been to a Japanese steakhouse before. A few friends and I were bored and wondered what to get for dinner. We researched a couple places around here and really nothing sounded good or unique. We finally found Osakas and decided to go there. I have to say usually I don't like Chinese food, but this was phenomenal! I was dreading going here, but I'm very glad I did! As soon as we arrived I noticed that this restaurant was high-end and I wasn't expecting the chefs to cook in front of you. While, we were waiting for our table I ordered a drink at the bar. As I looked at the menu I noticed an abundance of choices and then I decided to get the mango mojIto and it was absolutely amazing! We farm we were able to get our table. I decided to get the stake with shrimp. I was truly amazed at the chef’s skills when he is making our meals. Heated and onion volcano that shoot out flames along with throwing his knives like a juggler! When I bit into the stakes that was freshly prepared for me was absolutely the best food I've ever had! The combination between the garlic and spices were phenomenal and made my food pop with flavor. After we were done eating our meal and we receive the bill…. Needless to say it was very expensive for a college student! Just the mojIto alone was $10.00! Overall, I did not mind paying for the quality of food that we received! I'm glad I had this experience and in my previous assumptions get the best of me! What are some of the best meals you've ever had? I just had to relate my experience to you because I think you should experience it once in your life!

Shooting at The Los Angeles International Airport

http://www.worldviator.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Los-Angeles-International-Airport.jpg

I found an article that might be interesting and saddening from the New York Times. There On November 1 there was a shooting at The Los Angeles International Airport. Unfortunately, one emergency responder was shot and killed during this incident. From what I have been gathering; it seems like there is a communication breakdown with TSA and other emergency responders. The Los Angeles International Airport will strengthen their security due to this tragedy. Emergency responders from now on will be escorted by police officers with bulletproof vests. In addition, there is more communication breakdown during the five-hour lock down of the airport. People with mobility issues were not given the help that they needed and people with medication could not access their medication because it was inside the locked down. The Los Angeles International Airport home I'll strengthen their security and provide additional training to other staff to prevent these miscommunications from happening.

I don't know how this could happen with the security measures that are in place now days. I recently went to Florida and security was very tight and handled delicately. With my mobility issues I had to be patted  down and swabbed for any type of residue. I understand that is for my own good to have these types of security measures, so I'm appreciative of what they do. At the same time I just don't know how the Los Angeles International Airport security staff could let this happen! How can a shooting occur with these types of security measures in place? Here's the link to the article:

  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/us/poor-communication-is-cited-in-aftermath-of-shooting-at-los-angeles-airport.html?_r=0

please let me know what your opinion is! I'm still puzzled at how anything like this could happen!

Aviation Resources

http://www.aopa.org/-/media/Images/AOPA/Assets/aopa.jpg

If you are new to my blog or just starting to have an interest in aviation like to provide you with some links that could help you out.

1.       http://www.faa.gov/

2.       http://www.aopa.org/

3.       http://www.erau.edu/

4.       http://und.edu/

5.       http://aviationweek.com/

I have compiled this list to help you gain more knowledge in the aviation industry and into the aviation community. The Federal Aviation Administration can give you a ton of resources and give you information on what you need to do to get your pilot's license. They also can help you with any other questions that you might have about flying or aviation. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association can help you once you become a pilot or are truly interested in becoming a pilot. I know that I might have to contact them when the time comes in order to possibly get help with my medical certificate. My dream job was to become an airline pilot or get involved with airport management. These next two links are universities that specialize in aviation and can help you pursue a career in aviation. My first choice would have been Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. I would put this number one on my list because it's in Florida and is a highly prestigious university! My second choice would have been The University of North Dakota. Second on my list because it is way too cold and North Dakota during the wintertime! A good way to get a feel about the aviation community would be to look at Aviation Weekly because you can get a sense of the aviation community and news through this trusted source. If you have any questions; please let me know!