Warbirds

Today in 1939 the XP-38 Lightning prototype flew for the first time

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

It all started for the twin boom aircraft called “der Gabelschwanz-Teufel” (“fork-tailed devil”) by the Luftwaffe and known by American pilots as the “Lightning” on June 23, 1937 when Lockheed won a design competition with their Model 22.  They were received a USAAC government contract for $163,000 to build a prototype XP-38 – an airplane that ended up costing Lockheed an additional $761,000 to complete.

The prototype XP-38 was designed and built by Clarence Kelly Johnson and a team of designers in Lockheed’s Burbank, California facility under tight security.

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Writer Reference

Amazon Publishing announces launch of Waterfall Press – a Christian Imprint

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Amazon Publishing today announced the launch of Waterfall Press, a new Christian imprint that will specialize in faith-based non-fiction and fiction. Waterfall Press non-fiction will aim to provide spiritual refreshment and inspiration to today’s Christian reader, while fiction will include stories in the romance, mystery, and suspense genres. Waterfall Press titles will be published by Brilliance Publishing, part of the Amazon.com group of companies, which currently offers readers self-help and personal growth books under the Grand Harbor Press imprint.

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Big Bear Lake, National Forests

A Benefit for the Big Bear Discovery Center

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Keep your calendars open on February 8, 2014!

From the Southern California Mountains Foundation:

Join the Southern California Mountains Foundation to help fund raise for the Big Bear Discovery Center and our San Bernardino Mountains at our benefit event on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Discovery Center; 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

We need your support to help continue the programming and services we provide at and through the Discovery Center to continue our mission of conservation, environmental education and responsible recreation programming focused on the health, stewardship and sustainability of our mountains, communities and our own lifestyles. Please see our personal note to you below. Continue reading →

Gear Reviews

Gear Review: New Balance 1569

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

I purchased the New Balance 1569 (“Mens Walking” MW1569BR) at the first of the year. I was looking for some hiking boots that were more than just ‘sneakers with off-road tread’ and less than ‘serious’ backpacking boots. I wanted something I could comfortably wear on the hiking I do in the local mountains, but versatile enough that I could wear on some of the higher, longer treks – like Mount Whitney. They had to be durable, waterproof, comfortable, and come with a warranty.

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General Aviation

General Aviation Pilot Protection Act

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

New bill would expand driver’s license medical to pilots,

After nearly two years of FAA inaction on the AOPA-EAA third-class medical petition, Congress has taken matters into its own hands, offering up legislation that would vastly expand the number of pilots who could fly without going through the expensive and time-consuming third-class medical certification process. Reps. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.), a member of the House General Aviation Caucus, and GA Caucus Co-Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) on Dec. 11 introduced the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act. The legislation, House Resolution 3708, would dramatically expand the parameters for flying under the driver’s license medical standard. Rokita and Graves are both AOPA members and active pilots.

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