Here’s an interesting article on how the USAF’s 506th Air Expeditionary Group is getting the Iraqi Air Force ready to assume full responsibility for training its new pilots – Kirkuk Airmen Train Iraqis to Train Iraqis.

There are two training squadrons at Kirkuk. Squadron 1 provides training for new pilots on the Cessna 172 and 208. Squadron 3 provides mission training for two variants of the C-208 — the RC-208 equipped for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and the AC-208 equipped for both ISR and ground attack using the AGM-114 Hellfire missile.

In fact, Squadron 3 completed their first successful Hellfire live fire exercise on 4 November, scoring a “shack” on a target located on a bombing range on Al Asad Air Base. Here are a couple of interesting videos from that test:

The following is excerpted from my “Warbirds” column in Cessna Flyer magazine from February 2008. Tomorrow I’ll post some updates and some cool new videos.

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Founded in 1931, the Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) is the oldest air force in the Middle East region with a combat record dating from the Anglo-Iraqi War of 1941 and stretching up to the 2003 Gulf War that ousted Saddam Hussein. In between, an Israeli strike during the opening hours of the 1967 Six Day War inflicted heavy losses on the IqAF, although they did shoot down two Israeli fighters a few days later. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War  Iraq conducted the first airstrikes against Israeli bases in the Sinai and shot down 12 Israeli fighters. Iraqi pilots flew constant combat sorties throughout the protracted war against Iran in the 1980s. By 1990, Iraq boasted the world’s six-largest air force with over 900 combat aircraft. However, the IqAF was decimated during the 1991 and 2003 Gulf Wars. By the end of 2006, the Iraqi Air Force could only claim 16 flyable aircraft, without sufficient pilots or maintenance personnel to keep them in the air.

So, what’s this got to do with Cessnas?

Cessna aircraft provide a significant portion of the capabilities of the new, slowly evolving Iraqi Air Force. The Iraqis have far to go, but Cessnas are integral to their progress.

The U.S.-led Coalition Air Force Transition Team (CAFFT) has had to do far more than merely rebuild the IqAF, they’ve had to create a viable air force from the ground up…literally, since no logistics or maintenance infrastructure existed. Only a couple of the Saddam-era air force general officers were allowed to continue serving. Majors and lieutenant colonels, who had passed stringent security checks, were promoted from operational assignments to staff-level, “big picture” assignments as new generals. With no background or experience in force-building, they have been thrust into a challenging environment in the midst of a chaotic political climate.

U.S. Air Force advisers are helping the IqAF develop a functional infrastructure able to operate and maintain aircraft using in-house capabilities, rather than relying heavily on contractors. By the beginning of 2007, the IqAF had four operational squadrons flying a mix of helicopters (the Bell 206 Jet Ranger, UH-1HP Huey II, and Russian Mi-17) and fixed-wing aircraft (the SAMA CH2000, Seeker SB7L-360, and Aerocomp CompAir 7). The U.S. also has provided three C-130E Hercules and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel. In mid-2007, six Raytheon King Air 350s were been ordered.

52nd EFTS members watch the first four student pilots arrive at Kirkuk AB. (USAF Photo)

Needing a more capable surveillance platform than their other lightplanes, in March 2007 the IqAF acquired three Cessna 208 Caravans with full day/night surveillance and live data downlink capabilities to ground commanders. This brought their operational fleet to 51 aircraft. In a September 2007 press briefing, Brig. Gen. Alladice, CAFTT commander, said that “the Cessna Caravan is like a Cessna 172 on steroids” and noted that the IqAF had grown to a 51-aircraft fleet with 1,200 personnel flying 180 transport and surveillance sorties per week.

However, the IqAF Caravans eventually may be used for more than just watching and reporting. According to Col. Michael Wobbema, CAFFT Chief of Staff, “There will be an armed variant of that that will come on line.” He did not speculate on a date for the arrival of the armed Caravans but did note that the ability to fire rockets at insurgents is one of the first combat capabilities needed by the IqAF.

Producing new pilots — to complement the previously qualified, Saddam-era pilots and to ensure force stability as those “experienced” (read: old) pilots retire — remains a major concern for both the IqAF commanders and their USAF advisers. September 12, 2007, marked a major milestone on the path to a fully capable air force when the newly established Iraqi Air Force Training School at Camp Taji commissioned its first class of 11 officer students. Four of them headed to Kirkuk Air Base for pilot training, with the others destined for engineering and maintenance officer slots. All possessed college degrees and had completed six months of intensive English-language training prior to entering the Training School.

Capt. Alisa Thomas, a USAF instructor/adviser with CAFTT’s 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron at Camp Taji, said, “You can see the pride in their eyes. They’re getting a nice new set of uniforms with their new officer rank sewn on them.”

Lt. Gen. Kamal Brazanjay, IqAF commander, urged his new officers: “Be loyal to your country and the Iraqi people. Loyalty to your county is the secret of success for any nation.”

After two years of planning and development, the IqAF flying training school commenced operations on October 5, 2007, at Kirkuk Air Base.  Lt. Col. Mark Bennett, 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron commander at Kirkuk, noted, “We are not only training new pilots here, we are training former Iraqi Air Force pilots to be instructor pilots as well. In addition, we are training the Iraqis to perform all the functions of a flying operation to include aircraft maintenance, intelligence, logistics, etc. As time goes on, the Iraqi instructors will take over the classes and we will move from an instructor role to an advisory role.”

Col. Bennett said that Kirkuk will likely be the first air base turned over to full IqAF control. He expects the new school eventually to train 160 pilots per year (80 fixed-wing and 80 rotary wing) with a training fleet of 12 Cessna 172s, 5 Cessna 208s, 12 Bell Jet Rangers, 10 Huey IIs, and 9 Mi-17s.

The IqAF instructors and their American advisers are developing a complete flight training syllabus with over 130 hours of classroom academics and an extensive flying curriculum. USAF personnel from the Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, San Antonio, Texas, deployed to Kirkuk almost a year ago to assist with this development. Of course, the new school required training aircraft or what was the point of all those academics?

SSgt Erik Ruppert, 52nd EFTS, marshals LtCol Mark Bennett, 52nd EFTS CO, and Gen Alaa, IqAF, for first flight of Iraqi 172. (USAF Photo)

In August 2007, the USAF awarded Cessna Aircraft Co. a $10,560,799 firm-fixed-price contract for 18 Model 172 Skyhawks (with an option for 10 more) with logistics support services and one year of spares. The contract calls for delivery of the last aircraft in December 2008. The first two 172s arrived at Kirkuk on October 19, 2007, via a USAF C-17 Globemaster III. Members of the USAF 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron offloaded the aircraft and transfered them to the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron.

As the 52nd EFTS prepared for its first student training sortie in the new 172s, Lt. Col. Bennett observed, “Building an air force from the ground up takes highly trained Airman advisers, dedication, and time. This is all part of the Coalition effort to focus on partnering with Iraq to build a credible air force to support the counter insurgency while laying the ground work for defending air sovereignty in the future.”

L3 Systems engineer Anthony Gallo, left, & SMSgt Antonio Kitt, 52nd EFTS, attach front landing gear of Iraqi Cessna 172. (USAF Photo)

And it looks like our favorite high-wing lightplanes will be a major part of that effort to “build a credible air force” for many years to come.

Entering military pilot training can be stressful for both the students and their families, as it requires many hours of home study on top of the fast-paced classroom and flight training. However, for the young Iraqi students, the ante is raised significantly. Staff Sgt. Jared Marquis, a member of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group’s Public Affairs office, reported that the IqAF student pilots dare not tell anyone other than their closest family members what they are doing, for fear of retribution from the insurgents against themselves or their families. The U.S. has an all-volunteer military, but how difficult would our recruitment become if every volunteer had to worry about not only his or her own safety in combat but also about threats of violence by neighbors against their loved ones back home?

Or maybe that’s why our military is fighting in, and trying to stabilize, Iraq in the first place — to mitigate the threats being leveled at their own families and friends back in the U.S. by international “neighbors” like Al Qaida.

British Airways (London) may be forced to move its Concorde 102 G-BOAB (msn 208) away from London’s Heathrow Airport due to the lack of available space according to this article.

News link:

business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/

article6926923.ece

I am proud to say that 7600 Tremayne Pl #208 officially sold on October 30, 2009! The seller is very pleased with the outcome and the buyer is very excited about their new (and first) home. The seller and I hope that they buyer enjoys their new home and the community as much as the seller has.

And here is what the seller had to say…

“We listed with Danilo in September and closed in October. Yeah!  Don’t let that easy-going, nice-guy exterior fool you, Danilo was aggressive and I definitely recommend him next time you need to buy or sell. No, this is not a paid advertisement.”

If you have any real estate related questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at any time. My email is danilo.bogdanovic (at) gmail (dot) com and my cell number is 703.582.6900.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.

Seawings (Dubai) launched Cessna Caravan seaplane sightseeing flights from Dubai Creek on October 1, 2009.

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Seawings-Launches-Seaplane-prnews-841496157.html?x=0&.v=101

Hey Guys! Club Penguin Times Newspaper Issue #208 is out today and here it is.

Here is the front page.

• Decorating Section: Halloween Igloo Contest
• Anniversary Party Page A4
• In Focus: The Forest Page B1
• Ask Aunt Arctic Muffled Puffle Page B5

First page is about the Halloween Igloo Contest. But this contest is different than past ones. In your igloo, you will have a little button that you can click when you are ready to submit the igloo to the judges. But don’t change your igloo after you submit it. The judges need a chance to look at it.

Next page is about Club Penguin’s 4th Anniversary Party. It’s October 24, one day only. In the coffee shop and book room and there will be a new yearbook, a cake, new party hat.

The next page just talks about the rumors of the volcano and how everyone is buzzing about it. Sensei says in the post “Perhaps someone else, Can give answers. Maybe a science master…” The science master is probably Agent G.

And the events page.

• October 9 – New Play, New Postcards, New Pin
• October 16 – New Better Igloos Catalouge
• October 24 – Anniversary Party

If you want to see the other pages of the newspaper (Comics, Dot-to-Dot, Jokes, Riddles, Poems, Top Secrets, Ask Aunt Arctic, and In Focus) Then just log on to Club Penguin and check it out. They’re pretty cool.

Check back later for more updates. Have a good day!

-Frosty Biite

I am happy to say that the seller has accepted and ratified an offer on 7600 Tremayne Pl #208! This is a testament to how proper marketing, advertising and pricing will yield an attractive offer in a timely manner.

Numenius borealis  Courlis esquimau  /  Eskimo Curlew  

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The Eskimo Curlew today has practically disappeared. Discovered in 1772 by negotiators for the Hudson’s Bay Company, the species was immediately hunted for its plump, juicy meat. Because it was easy to kill, the number of Eskimo Curlews rapidly diminished as early as in the 19th century, to the point where it has finally become almost impossible to find today. It nested in the arctic tundra, close to shores, and spent its winters in South America. It was 36 cm in length.

Le courlis esquimau est aujourd’hui pratiquement disparu. Découvert en 1772 par des négociants de la Compagnie de la baie d’Hudson, l’espèce fut chassée aussitôt pour sa chair grasse et juteuse. Facile à tuer, le nombre de courlis esquimaux diminua rapidement dès le XIXe siècle pour finalement devenir presqu’introuvable de nos jours. Il nichait dans la toundra arctique, près des rivages, et hivernait en Amérique du Sud. Sa longueur était de 36 cm.

Musée de la civilisation,
collection du Séminaire de Québec,
The Birds of America,
John James Audubon,
209/1993.34811

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Ixobrychus exilis  Petit Blongios  /  Least Bittern 

 

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A vulnerable species in Québec, the Least Bittern nests in isolation between the Outaouais and Estrie regions, and in southern New Brunswick. It is found in the eastern United States during the nesting period, and along the south-western coast in the winter. It builds its nests among the bulrushes of reed-clumps and freshwater marshes, where it can easily find its prey (small fish, insects, amphibians, and small mammals). Its length is 28 to 36 cm.

_____

Espèce vulnérable au Québec, le petit Blongios niche en solitaire entre l’Outaouais et l’Estrie, et au sud du Nouveau-Brunswick. Aux États-Unis, on le rencontre dans l’Est en période de nidification et sur la côte Sud-Ouest en hiver. Il fait son nid au milieu des quenouilles des roselières et des marais d’eau douce, là où il peut trouver facilement ses proies (petits poissons, insectes, amphibiens et petits mammifères). Sa longueur varie de 28 à 36 cm.

_____

Musée de la civilisation,
collection du Séminaire de Québec,
The Birds of America,
John James Audubon,
210/1993.34812

__________

Full article and photos: http://www.mcq.org/audubon/catalogue/audubon_001.html

Welcome to 7600 Tremayne Place #208 in the Colonies community in Mclean, VA! This property is being offered at $377,850.

For more information about this property, the Colonies community or the area in general, feel free to look around the rest of this site or contact Danilo Bogdanovic, Real Estate Consultant/Realtor – danilo.bogdanovic (at) gmail (dot) com – 703.582.6900 (cell).

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF 7600 TREMAYNE PL #208 AND THE COLONIES COMMUNITY

This three-bedroom, two full bath condo with 1,350 square feet of living space was beautifully renovated and enjoys finishing details not common to other units in the community. Below is a listing of renovation improvements made to this home.

2009

• New tile was installed in the kitchen and in both bathrooms.
• New tub was installed in the second bathroom.
• New shower door was installed in the master bathroom.
• New cabinets, one recessed, were installed in the master bathroom.
• New countertops were installed in the kitchen.
• New chandelier was installed in the dining room.
• Crown moldings were added to the master bedroom.
• Crown moldings were added in both bathrooms.
• Moldings were added to outline all closets throughout.
• All three bedrooms and the kitchen were freshly painted.

2006

• Additional cabinets were added along the back wall in the kitchen.

2005

• Bi-fold metal doors were replaced with bi-fold wood doors in closets throughout.
• Bi-fold doors in the foyer, hallway, and third bedroom were replaced with solid doors.

2004

• Double-pane, soundproofed windows that fold-inward for ease in cleaning were installed throughout.
• Chair-rail molding was added to the middle bedroom.
• Two-tone painting added to the middle bedroom.
• A chandelier with dimmer was installed in the dining room (previously no lighting).
• Recessed lights with dimmer were added to the kitchen.
• Foyer and hallway lights were replaced with dimmers added.
• Shoe molding was added to floor moldings throughout.
• Metal bi-fold door in kitchen pantry was replaced with wood bi-fold door.
• Closet organizers and shelving were added to closets throughout.

2003

• New carpet was installed in living room and three bedrooms.
• New marble floors were installed in foyer, hallways, and dining room.
• New kitchen cabinets and appliances were installed.
• Crown moldings were added to hallways, living, and dining rooms.
• New floor moldings were added to hallways, living, and dining rooms.
• New toilets were installed in both bathrooms.
• New cabinets and sinks were installed in both bathrooms.
• Custom painting was added to the foyer, living room, and hallways.
• New paint and wallpaper was added to the dining room.

Other notes

• Electric bills are low because the unit is insulated by the heat and air provided by the units above and below. No air escapes into the garage or attic on the middle floor.
• The home is exceptionally quiet.
• Don’t forget about the private, huge storage room near the garage space!

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF 7600 TREMAYNE PL #208 AND THE COLONIES COMMUNITY

We’ve all heard it before, “Location, location, location!” Well, location is one of this property’s greatest attributes! 7600 Tremayne Place #208 is located centrally to anything and everything you may need.

Major Routes

• Route 495/Capital Beltway is less than a mile away
• Route 66 is less than 2 miles away
• Route 267/Dulles Toll Rd is less than 3 miles away

Shopping

• Tyson’s Corner Center, one of the largest shopping centers in the U.S., is only 1.7 miles away
• Tyson’s Corner Galleria (aka Tyson’s II) is only 2 miles away
• Ballston Commons Mall is 8.2 miles away
• Reston Town Center is 9.8 miles away
• Pentagon City Mall is 14.2 miles away

Airports

• Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 15.3 miles away (metro to run from Tyson’s to DCA in 2013)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 16.2 miles away (metro to run from Tyson’s to IAD in 2016)
• Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is 45.4 miles away

Hospitals

• Fairfax Hospital is 6.9 miles away
• Arlington Hospital is 7.6 miles away
• Reston Hospital is 11.4 miles away
• George Washington University Hospital is 12.9 miles away

Performing Arts/Concert Venues

• Wolftrap Filene Center for the Performing Arts is 4.4 miles away
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is 12.7 miles away
• DAR Constitution Hall is 13.1 miles away
• Washington, DC Improv Theatre is 14.9 miles away
• Patriot Center is 15.1 miles away
• Nissan Pavilion is 27.6 miles away
• Merriweather Post Pavilion is 37.8 miles away

And more…

• The Regency Sport & Health Club is located 1/4 mile from The Colonies community on Old Meadow Rd
• Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) biking/running/roller blading/walking trail is less than 3 miles away
• Great Falls National Park is 8.3 miles away
• Smithsonian Mall and Museums are 13.8 miles away
• Centrally located to numerous golf courses and country clubs including private ones such as Washington, Congressional, Westwood, Bethesda and Avenel, as well as a slew of public courses (click here for a list)

The Colonies is a gated community in Mclean, Virginia and offers a large number of amenities including:

• Basketball Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Community Center
• Gym
• Jogging/Walking Path
• Outdoor Pool
• Sauna
• Tot Lots/Playground
• Common Grounds
• Gated Entrance

The condo fee includes all of the above plus*:

• Security
• Custodial Services and Maintenance of the community center and common grounds
• Lawn Maintenance
• Exterior Building Maintenance
• Road Maintenance
• Snow Removal
• Trash Removal
• Water
• Reserve Funds
• Master Insurance Policy

*Please check the with the Colonies’ Condominium Association for a complete list of current amenities and services provided and not provided to residents of the Colonies.

This 3 bedroom, 2 full bath condo is a total of 1350 sq ft and is called the “Q Large Model” (floor plan below). After previewing the property, you’ll notice that additional matching cabinets and counter space have been added to the kitchen allowing for a larger food preparation area and more storage.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF 7600 TREMAYNE PL #208 AND THE COLONIES COMMUNITY

Author(s): Willymi, Tornado

Download compressed .exes (File-Upload.net)

This is my letter to you, my love. And in case anything should happen to us before we leave this island for good, this will be my last as well.

We knew each other through a personal website, the moment I saw your pictures there I told myself I’d be forever happy if I could be the boyfriend of yours. And this is still true even now, my desire for you only increases as days go by.

On the fateful day of 8 Feb 2008, I took a bus and traveled 6 hours to meet you for the first time. Along the journey I was nervous and excited, I couldn’t wait to reach my destination.

When I arrived, you looked right at me and I saw for the first time those mesmerising blue eyes of yours. You wore a nice smart polo with a black hand bag surrounded with chains, what an interesting combination I thought. Your perfume filled my nose, and I was already captivated. As you spoke, I heard the slight accent in you, it gave you such an adorable personality.

In the taxi on the way to your place, I couldn’t wait to talk more with you, to learn more about this stranger that I’ve barely chatted before. You told me many things about yourself, your history and what you were looking for. You said you were tired of all the short dates and hoped very much to be with someone for long term relationship, and how it’d be better if we stop meeting other guys when attached so as to reduce any distractions. I then said, “This may sound cliche, but that is exactly what I’m looking for as well”. And so we hugged for the first time by the window, I couldn’t resist being close to you, as your eyes continue to draw me in..

What happened next was the most wonderful first meeting I’ve ever had, I knew I’ve already fell in love with you even before you hinted me to ask you the question, to which you said “Yes”. For the first time in my life, someone I like so much agreed to be my boyfriend, I was so happy I was beyond words.

We postponed our dinner that evening until we finally surrendered to hunger and decided to head down to the foodcourt nearby, where you introduced me to your favourite BBQ chicken rice. That first dinner of ours maybe simple, but it would be forever etched into my mind as our first dinner date.

When it was time for me to return to KL, you accompanied me to the bus station, and you stood outside the bus all the time until the bus started moving. I saw you looking back at me, smiling and waving. My tears dropped and could never stop. At that moment, I promised myself I would come back to see you again no matter what.

And we met again over several weekends, as I miss more and more of you everytime I leave. Until one day I called you over the phone to tell you the decision that I’ve made – to quit my job in KL and try to look for a job in SG, so that we don’t have to travel back and forth to see each other anymore. You asked if I was serious, I said I was, and I’d try my best to find a job.

So not long after, I left KL and headed into my new life in SG, a life I could never imagined to have before.

In the beginning of the job search, I was hopeful, sending out hundreds of job applications. I stayed at home, while you went out to work. As time went on, when there were still not many interviews to be had, I started to feel worry. The days at the house when you were away working felt longer and longer, and it made me feel lonely and useless. I started to feel scared, scared of not being to find a job here, and scared of having to leave you because of that. But you never stopped giving me encouragement to continue on.

That was when you asked me to join you for your trip home to France, I felt incredibly honoured and excited, to be able to go to Paris, the city of love, with the person that I love so much. I was a bit embarassed for not having any money to contribute to the trip, but you said it’s ok. I gave in and never looked back. I had the most wonderful time in the trip, as I met your family, friends and colleagues. I was fascinated with everything there, and I felt really lucky to be able to be part of your life.

When we came back to SG, my job search finally took a fortunate turn and I found myself getting offer from two companies at the same time! I was so dialated with joy that I couldn’t wait to tell you the great news, especially after all the 2 months we were worrying. I promised myself that I’d buy you everything that you want when I have the money, because you’ve given so many gifts to me when I was jobless.

Days go by, as we start to get used to living the life as a couple. When we first met, you told me, “A relationship is always pink in the beginning”. True enough, we were very nice with each other in the beginning for a long time, but the day finally came when we had our first argument, and I was surprised to find that we could have such a strong disagreement with each other. But I told myself, now that I know what causes the argument, I’d try to avoid it next time.

But things never happen the way we always intended, we got into more fights and arguments as time went on, and our relation started to get strained, but unfortunately I wasn’t wise enough to notice that this was starting to take a toll on you. As I grew to get used to living with you, more and more I depended on you for my social interactions. Everything I did, I tried to do it with you, because I got so comfortable to being just with you that I thought I didn’t need to interact with other friends. I didn’t know this strong attachment to you had started to have a negative reaction on you, that left you feeling suffocated.

At one point you started to complain about your job, I didn’t realised it was the start of the problem. I tried my best to encourage you to look for new jobs, but it didn’t go anywhere, and you continued to stay at your old job, not knowing that this too was starting to put a heavy toll on you, as you continued to feel more and more frustrated and bored. Having been in SG for so long, some of the less pleasant cultural characteristics here in SG were also starting to annoy you, as you grew bored as well of this place. You started to want to go travel more, and while budget sometimes was an issue, I was really glad to help plan the various trips we eventually took.

One day you asked me if you could go to the East Malaysia to meet your friend without me, I was both shocked and scared, because it never occured to me that you’d want to leave me to travel with other friends. I resisted the idea strongly and naturally due to my jealousy, but you explained to me that you needed your own space from time to time and I shouldn’t feel scared or jealous. I tried my best to understand your need and decided it was better to let you go for the trip, because you’ve never lied to me so far, and I could not bear to lose you.

Fast forward a year later, I found myself in the same situation again, except that this time many little things have ended taking a big toll on you and you felt very pressured, on top of my strong attachment to you and my showing of jealousies over the other guys who desired for you. Fearing more and more of losing you, I became heavily emotional and this further aggrevated you. I found myself kept having to apologise because everything I did seem to make things worse.

My sweet heart, words could not describe the love that I have for you. After going through so much, I have come to learn a lot, and I continue to want to go to sleep caressing you and waking up next to you and kissing you every morning.

I love you, and I miss you.

Well, My last day was yesterday.  Sad, I really enjoyed my time working in the flight test department at Cessna. I was able to fly 37 hours during my one year at Cessna doing a variety of different tests.  I have riden in a variety of Cessna aircraft, most of which I believe are some of the best aircraft in the industry.  Cessna aircraft I flew on during flight tests include: 162 skycatcher, 172S, 172RG, 182T, T182T, 206H, T206H, 208 and CJ3.  the single engine flight test group provided a lot of variety which was awesome!  I will miss working with a great group.

I guess I am a casualty of the state of the economy…  Thanks to the way congress and president Obama have vilified the business aviation industry (all while abusing their access to the fanciest of bizjets) Cessna has cut it’s workforce in half, the aircraft industry as a whole is realing from huge order reductions and tens of thousands (or more) of people are out of work.  The media needs to stop wasting their time publishing articles about how some CEO’s get perks like personal use of a company jet.  FYI, those are perks built into their contracts, some people call that compensation.  Stop wasting your time bringing us old news, no one cares!

Munich is the second batch of Germany postcards I featured here according to city after Berlin, I guess. Or I might have lost count either, so nevermind. Munich was believed to be founded by the monks of the Benedictine, and “Mönche” is Old German for Monks, hence the name.

Sent by AKS

“Weltstadt mit Herz” or the metropolitan city with heart, is the Munich city’s motto. This view shows the New Town Hall and Marienplatz, a large open square. If you look closer at the tower there’s the Rathaus-Glockenspiel dates from 1908. Glockenspiels are exciting features in Germany, they are kind of the equivalent of huge music boxes built into the buildings and town squares, but with real bells and ancient mannequin dancers. And this particular Glockenspiel has 43 bells and 32 dancers, and it chimes everyday at 11am. I really want to see (and listen) this Glockenspiel live!

Sent by Miriam

Here is the pedestrian street in the old part of Munich, the arch in the middle dates from 1315 and was part of the surrounding wall. Hmm, I have come across many old cities in Europe are walled, which is interesting. And see the tulips! They actually change the flowers here according to seasons, and you can see tulips in Spring.

Sent by empty_mailbox

Some views of the grocery market in Munich, though I am so curious if the existance of these statutes have anything to do with the place being a market. And it does look like an exotic market!

Adrian Ropotan, mijlocasul echipei de fotbal Dinamo Moscova, completeaza randurile posesorilor celebrii de Citroën din Romania la volanul noului C5. Astfel el face front comun cu Cabral, Gina Pistol, Andreea Patrascu, Laura Andresan sau Andreea Berecleanu in promovarea spiritul exuberant al marcii franceze.

Fotbalistul va conduce, de fiecare data cand se va afla in Romania, noul Citroën C5, in versiunea Exclusive, echipata cu motor V6 de 2,7 litri de 208 CP, care accelereaza pana la suta in 9.6 secunde.Viteza maxima este de 224 km/h, iar consumul mixt este de 8,5 litri la 100 km. „A fost o masina de care m-am indragostit la prima vedere, mai intai in reclame si a apoi cand am condus-o. Este o masina cu un design impresionant si cu un stil dinamic si atractiv. Noul C5 este disponibil intr-o gama larga de motorizari si echipari, dar cel mai mult am fost impresionat de versiunea Exclusive, cu motor V6 de 2,7 litri si cutie automata. Masina aceasta are absolut toate dotarile care te fac sa te simti bine la volan: sistemul de asistenta la pornire in panta, suspensia Hydractive III, scaunul reglabil pe 6 directii pentru o pozitie ideala, detector de presiune in pneuri si multe altele”, a spus Adrian Ropotan.

Citroën nu este la prima apritie pe gazonul romanesc. Brazilianul Julio Cesar a condus, pe durata contractului sau la echipa FC Dinamo un Citroën C-Crosser, primul SUV din portofoliul Marcii, iar senegalezul Ousmane N’Doye a condus un Citroën C4 Picasso. La nivel mondial, legaturile francezilor cu balonul rotund sunt la fel de puternice, incepand de anul trecut, Citroën devenind furnizorul oficial de automobile pentru clubul britanic Arsenal Londra Citroën Romania.

E’ stato aperto al traffico il nuovo tratto di strada che congiunge l’ex caserma Cantaffio con il viale Europa, passando per i nuovi alloggi dell’Aterp. La cerimonia di inaugurazione si è tenuta questa mattina alla presenza del Sindaco Giuseppe Scopelliti, dell’assessore ai lavori pubblici Franco Sarica e dei presidenti della V e VI circoscrizione, rispettivamente Antonio Eroi e Giuseppe Eraclini. Il progetto è stato redatto dagli uffici programmazione e progettazione lavori pubblici dell’amministrazione comunale (Salvatore Sgrò responsabile del procedimento) ed i lavori realizzati dall’A.t.i.  “A & G costruzioni” e “Quattrone Giuseppe”. L’opera fa parte del più ampio progetto che prevede l’ampliamento di via Sbarre superiori e precede i lavori di allargamento del tratto di strada, che in direzione nord, congiungerà l’ex caserma Cantaffio con la chiesa della Graziella.
“Questa parte di territorio non è stata abbandonata dopo l’abbattimento dell’ex “208”, tutt’altro – ha sottolineato il Sindaco Giuseppe Scopelliti. Abbiamo continuato a lavorare per completare l’opera di riqualificazione della zona. L’allargamento dell’arteria fa parte di un progetto più complessivo che prevede la presenza di un’area a verde attrezzato al posto del ghetto che fungeva da luogo di residenza della comunità nomade. E’ stato effettuato da ditte specializzate un lungo e delicato lavoro di bonifica dell’area che ci consentirà, da qui ai primi mesi del prossimo anno, di completare anche quest’opera”.
“Dopo il grave episodio ai danni del dirigente del settore Pasquale Crucitti, abbiamo continuato a lavorare con la stessa intensità e concretezza – ha dichiarato l’assessore ai lavori pubblici Franco Sarica. Quello di oggi è uno dei tanti segnali di operatività dell’ente. A breve apriremo il tratto di strada che congiunge l’uscita autostradale di via Lia con la chiesa di San Brunello. Previsto inoltre a breve l’allargamento della travesta n.7 al rione Marconi”.

Nelle foto: 1) com’era l’area prima dell’intervento di bonifica, 2) la parte iniziale del tratto di strada aperto, 3) un momento dell’inaugurazione.

　　運動會讓人積極，這是大家都知道的事情。從最近的情形看來，我的狀況比較像是：在進行內心獨白的同時，把腦袋中所有不好的念頭想過一遍；於是，所有的惡便像是沒人要的笑話框噹框噹地散落在沿途的路徑中；跑完之後身心舒暢，想法也不得不變得樂觀起來。
　　
　　太忙好幾天沒有運動，從上週末就睡不好，而且一直做惡夢。這兩天跑了以後又變得好睡，再怎麼想著張國璽也不怕睡不著了。但是我還是想著張國璽。我想著他，想著他如何將五十把Gibson吉他丟在家裏，拋棄十年來在獨立樂壇廣大的solid fans，去從事一個與音樂毫無關係的職業，甚至同時走向愛情的幸福之地？
　　
　　那是關於理想的人生啊。在決定了理想的人生之後，所有無關的事情都可以丟掉不要，然後再大步大步地朝那裡邁進。當然撿回來也可以。你也不用怪王雪峰怎麼成了拾荒婦，她就是說自己心甘情願，你也拿她沒轍啊。是吧？就是這麼回事。

　　說來積極地可怕。就在跑完步的同時，我覺得我看見了我理想的人生。那裡是什麼樣的風景，我大概還不方便告訴各位。總之，在尚未到達幸福的彼岸，在手中的旗子還無法插下之前，不妨就一直奔跑吧！

　　我只能跑啊跑啊跑啊跑啊跑啊跑啊，用最簡單移動的方式……（帶著我的旗子和ipod啊……）。