Our fearless, socialist leader recently announced government backed loans for new nuclear power plants. I don't have much of a problem with that because I'm in favor of nuclear power, but I doubt those plants will be built.
I'm guessing at the time frame, maybe 10-15 years ago, a nuclear plant was started along the Ohio River. One of the inspectors also did pressure vessel inspections for my employer at the time. He told me that the wonderful government bureaucracy kept changing the rules as the plant was being constructed, thus running up the costs because of required redesigns and rebuilds. Based on what he told me, there were no good reasons for the continual rule changes. In the end the power plant was converted to coal because of the government.
If that pattern of behavior continues, there will not be any new nuclear plants regardless what the Great O says. Beside, with today's technology I don't see a problem with coal powered electric plants. We still have abundant coal, and there's no issue with nuclear waste to deal with.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
KSC
We spent the day at the Kennedy Space Center. I had always thought that Canaveral was renamed as KSC, but I was wrong. Canaveral launches unmanned payloads, while KSC launches manned missions. Late this summer will be the final shuttle mission, and nothing after that. They've started on something better, but funding was left off the budget this year. Looks like US manned space flight is over for the foreseeable future.
If interested in space flight, or even other technologies, KSC in an interesting place to visit. Unfortunately the Boss was bored most of the time. Being an engineer I enjoyed myself.
If interested in space flight, or even other technologies, KSC in an interesting place to visit. Unfortunately the Boss was bored most of the time. Being an engineer I enjoyed myself.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
At The Beach
Hello from Cocoa Beach Florida. We'll be spending 3 nights and 2 days here just a bit south of the Kennedy Space Center. In the morning we're heading on up to the space center for a look-see.
The temperature finally reached the point of satisfying the Boss. We walked along the waters edge of the beach, and I actually started to sweat a little. There was some noticeable eye candy, and others that made my eyes burn from the horror. Some people, male and female, should remain fully clothed when in public.
And there's a significant difference in the quality of sea food compared to Ohio.
Yeah, and a tub big enough for two, combined with a bottle of wine is good for the soul, and other things.
The temperature finally reached the point of satisfying the Boss. We walked along the waters edge of the beach, and I actually started to sweat a little. There was some noticeable eye candy, and others that made my eyes burn from the horror. Some people, male and female, should remain fully clothed when in public.
And there's a significant difference in the quality of sea food compared to Ohio.
Yeah, and a tub big enough for two, combined with a bottle of wine is good for the soul, and other things.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Carry
Before leaving on vacation, the Boss started looking for a concealed carry bag for her Firestorm. She feels that's the best carry method for her. Within 15 minutes of our home we are blessed to have 3 nice gun shops and 1 very nice indoor range. Being a bit picky about such things, she hasn't found the right purse for her weapon of choice. She's one of those women that will always wear clothing not conducive to carry on her person.
So far here in this area of central Florida we've visited 4 gun shops, and they have no concealed carry purses of any kind. The shops in this area are small and with very little inventory by comparison.
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So a bunch of us are sitting around an open fire the other night when my great-nephew asked if I carried a gun. I replied that yes I carry most of the time, when not on the job at work. He asked if I had a gun on me right then. I replied in the affirmative. He then asked to see it, so I un-holstered my 45, unloaded it and then handed it to him. My niece, his mother, freaked-out not because I handed her 18 year old son an unloaded weapon, but because she could actually see the weapon. I've seen this response before and recognize the phenomena, but I may never understand it.
So far here in this area of central Florida we've visited 4 gun shops, and they have no concealed carry purses of any kind. The shops in this area are small and with very little inventory by comparison.
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So a bunch of us are sitting around an open fire the other night when my great-nephew asked if I carried a gun. I replied that yes I carry most of the time, when not on the job at work. He asked if I had a gun on me right then. I replied in the affirmative. He then asked to see it, so I un-holstered my 45, unloaded it and then handed it to him. My niece, his mother, freaked-out not because I handed her 18 year old son an unloaded weapon, but because she could actually see the weapon. I've seen this response before and recognize the phenomena, but I may never understand it.
Lock-Up
As of today we've been away for about a week. The last few days have been spent being generally lazy, with a few trips to the local flea markets and sitting around and staring into an open wood fire. We've had a good time visiting with relatives.
This morning was OK until we left the prison. When my sister moved to Florida in the 70s she married a man with custody of 2 children. My sister had 1, then together they had 1 more. My brother-in-law's son, from the previous marriage, has spent 23 years of his 40 years of life in prison. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for his part in the killing of an elderly man. He seemed to have genuinely changed, claiming, and putting on a good show about having found religion. Can he be a changed person? Is it possible for someone that messed up? I don't know. He appears to be different and trying to turn his life around, or is it a big con-game? If he ever gets out, we'll see.
The Boss, a better person than I could ever be, has been sharing letters with him for a few years. We are here so she had to go see him. I've never visited someone in jail before today. It's an experience I can't quite describe. When we left I felt very sad for him. My eyes misted heavily, but I also know he should, and is paying for a terrible act.
But for the grace of God, and a wonderful woman, I could've been him.
This morning was OK until we left the prison. When my sister moved to Florida in the 70s she married a man with custody of 2 children. My sister had 1, then together they had 1 more. My brother-in-law's son, from the previous marriage, has spent 23 years of his 40 years of life in prison. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for his part in the killing of an elderly man. He seemed to have genuinely changed, claiming, and putting on a good show about having found religion. Can he be a changed person? Is it possible for someone that messed up? I don't know. He appears to be different and trying to turn his life around, or is it a big con-game? If he ever gets out, we'll see.
The Boss, a better person than I could ever be, has been sharing letters with him for a few years. We are here so she had to go see him. I've never visited someone in jail before today. It's an experience I can't quite describe. When we left I felt very sad for him. My eyes misted heavily, but I also know he should, and is paying for a terrible act.
But for the grace of God, and a wonderful woman, I could've been him.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Days 2 & 3
Yesterday we visited Ruby Falls and Rock City, while it was snowing, then the aquarium in Chattanooga.
On a clear day you're supposed to see 7 states from Rock City atop Lookout Mountain. Not yesterday. With the snow and fog we had trouble seeing the base of the mountain. Though it was interesting walking the trails in the snow. Ruby falls was nice and the aquarium was nicer than I thought it would've been. By the end of the day, my arthritis was complaining.
Today we're just outside Atlanta near Rock Mountain. We enjoyed the scenery and the museum. Then we drove into Atlanta to see what Underground Atlanta is all about. It was kinda interesting, but it's targeted to the young and the nightclub bunch. Not exactly what hits home with us. After driving into Atlanta and back, even missing rush hour, my desire to stay away from large cities was definitely reinforced.
After taking our fill of southern style barbecued ribs, we're going to chill here in the room. Tomorrow we're off to Lakeland Florida where my sister lives.
On a clear day you're supposed to see 7 states from Rock City atop Lookout Mountain. Not yesterday. With the snow and fog we had trouble seeing the base of the mountain. Though it was interesting walking the trails in the snow. Ruby falls was nice and the aquarium was nicer than I thought it would've been. By the end of the day, my arthritis was complaining.
Today we're just outside Atlanta near Rock Mountain. We enjoyed the scenery and the museum. Then we drove into Atlanta to see what Underground Atlanta is all about. It was kinda interesting, but it's targeted to the young and the nightclub bunch. Not exactly what hits home with us. After driving into Atlanta and back, even missing rush hour, my desire to stay away from large cities was definitely reinforced.
After taking our fill of southern style barbecued ribs, we're going to chill here in the room. Tomorrow we're off to Lakeland Florida where my sister lives.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
First Stop Going South
We're spending the night in Chattanooga, Tn. Ran through some light snow flurries in Kentucky and northern Tn. that had no effect on road conditions. The rocks that were carved out for I75, through what passes for mountains in this part of the country, have impressive looking ice formations. I thought we might hit snowy roads so we're driving the 4x4 PU instead of the Boss's Taurus. The Taurus averages 28mpg on trips like this and the truck gets 20-22. So we'll spend a little more on fuel, but feel more secure.
Tomorrow we're going to Lookout Mountain and visit Rock City and Ruby Falls. It's rather chilly (just below freezing) so we'll need to dress warm, especially for Rock City. It's at the top of Lookout Mountain, and if my old memory is correct, it'll be a bit breezy to go with the sub-freezing temperatures.
Our room has a Jacuzzi large enough for 2. The Boss brought some wine, so I anticipate a nice evening.
The Boss decided to leave her new handgun at home. That was a good decision because it's never been fired. Even if she wanted to bring it, I would've suggested the Walther PPK 32 instead. She's, as usual, relying on me for her personal protection. I'm, as usual, carrying my Kimber 45 and I packed the little Keltec 380.
Tomorrow we're going to Lookout Mountain and visit Rock City and Ruby Falls. It's rather chilly (just below freezing) so we'll need to dress warm, especially for Rock City. It's at the top of Lookout Mountain, and if my old memory is correct, it'll be a bit breezy to go with the sub-freezing temperatures.
Our room has a Jacuzzi large enough for 2. The Boss brought some wine, so I anticipate a nice evening.
The Boss decided to leave her new handgun at home. That was a good decision because it's never been fired. Even if she wanted to bring it, I would've suggested the Walther PPK 32 instead. She's, as usual, relying on me for her personal protection. I'm, as usual, carrying my Kimber 45 and I packed the little Keltec 380.
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