General Aviation

Garmin Adds Synthetic Vision to Pilot App

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced an updated version of the Garmin Pilot application for the iPad and iPhone featuring synthetic vision as an option for premium subscribers. 3D Vision incorporates GPS-derived airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed overlaid on rich 3D topographic landscape. 3D Vision is transformed when optionally paired with the GDL 39 3D, which superimposes back-up aircraft attitude information overtop the Garmin SVX display.

“With the addition of synthetic vision, Garmin Pilot takes a big step forward by offering pilots great situational awareness in all weather conditions, day or night,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “When combined with the GDL 39 3D, attitude information as well as ADS‑B traffic and weather are all conveniently accessible within one application, further demonstrating our commitment to bringing safety enhancements to all pilots.” 

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News

Ethanol production continues to drain California’s water resources during drought

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a scientist.  I’m just a guy who believes in conservation and making California the best it can be.  Now that we’re three years into below-average rainfall in California and even the sluggish state government has decided that we’re in a drought, it’s time to look at ways to conserve water.  It’s something we should have been doing for years, but … well, we’ve been too busy trying to decide what marriage is while we’re riding on the high speed rail train to bankruptcy.

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Dead Tree Books, eBook

2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest entry period now open

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest (ABNA) entry period has opened. The ABNA contest is open to unpublished and self-published English-language novels. Entries will be accepted through March 2, 2014, or until 10,000 eligible entries are received, and can now be submitted through CreateSpace. To enter today, log in and select ABNA Breakthrough Novel Award from the left side bar.

Amazon Publishing is pleased to announce that one Grand Prize winner will receive a publishing contract with an advance of $50,000. In addition, four First Prize winners will each receive a publishing contract from Amazon Publishing with an advance of $15,000.

Authors can submit their work in one of the following categories: general fiction, mystery/thriller, romance, science fiction/fantasy/horror, and young adult fiction. For complete eligibility details, review the Official Contest Rules. Visit the prizes page for the full list of prizes and details.

Log in to enter today.

National Parks

John Muir NHS Celebrates California Arbor Week

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Special Presentation Kicks Off Seasonal Speaker Series 

Celebrate California Arbor Week by attending a special presentation by guest speakers Timmy Womick and Chad Brey of TreeCircus on Sunday, March 9, at 1 PM at the John Muir National Historic Site (NHS) in Martinez, CA. Womick and Brey’s hour-long program, “What Did John Muir Teach Us?”, is the first in a series of presentations by guest speakers exploring John Muir’s modern legacy. The series will continue throughout the spring and summer with special events on select weekends (Separate press releases will follow). Continue reading →

National Parks

Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement has been released

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Comprehensive Management Plan will provide access and protect Merced River resources

Yosemite National Park announces the release of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“This plan will protect the Merced River and its outstandingly remarkable values into perpetuity and provide quality visitor facilities and access,” stated Don Neubacher, Yosemite Superintendent. “The planning process has been a monumental effort and we appreciate all the public input we have received. We now want to move forward with actions in the Plan that are critical to the preservation and enjoyment of this iconic national treasure.”

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