Atlantic Ciry Air Show Rocks the Beach

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Windows rattled along the boardwalk as the sky came to life with Raptors, Super Hornets and Fighting Falcons, filling the sky over the ocean surf, bringing the thunder to Atlantic City.

The daylong 2009 air show, sponsored by Borgata Casino, delivered on its theme: "Thunder Over the Boardwalk." Aircraft from WWII through the nation's most modern F-22 Raptor roared just over the water in front of an estimated 750,000 spectators.

Traffic moving into Atlantic City continued throughout the event, with cars and buses still streaming to the beach as the airshow was winding down. The heat and crowds was a boon to boardwalk businesses as sales of water skyrocketed. Not only was the beach packed with people of all ages, the ocean had its own flotilla of sky watchers. The famed U.S. Air Force Thunderbird's did their exceptional crowd pleasing precision flying along the beach. All eyes were to the sky, except for a few youngsters busily putting the finishing touches on their sand castle, as the Thunderbirds closed out the show.

The U.S. Air Force also flew their traditional Heritage Flight, which began in 1997 to commemorate their 50th anniversary. The tradition continues, as it began, with the most recent jet fighters flying in close formation with earlier era warcraft, like the P-51 Mustang. At this event the demonstration included an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an A-10 Thunderbolt (often called a wart hog), and two P-51 Mustangs. The Navy had their own Legacy Flight with and FA/18F & F4U Corsair.

In addition to the military presence, there were a number of civilian demonstrations and aerobatic teams on the program. Jim Beasley, a Philadelphia lawyer, is lead pilot for the three WWII Mustang team called the Horsemen, put on an dazzling show as did the Red Eagle Air Sports team.

If you love crowds, and the roaring sounds of freedom flying overhead then mark your calendar for next year at Atlantic City, or plan on attending the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show in Virginia Beach October 17 and 18. The Blue Angels will be featured. As for me, next year I plan to stay overnight to avoid the traffic.

Thousands Line Up for National Book Festival

Tens of thousands book-lovers walked the National Mall, between the Capitol and the Washington Monument, to hear from their favorite authors today. Even with threatening clouds, and a few raindrops, the crowds kept streaming into the 2009 National Book Festival for a number of activities. The Library of Congress Pavilion featured interactive family-centered activities about the importance of lifelong literacy, cultural preservation, and preserving digital media. The crowds attending the event were estimated at 130,000, according to the Library of Congress. Included in that count were the thousands of children who thrilled to see their favorite characters like Clifford, the Big Red Dog, Arthur, Curious George and others who were on hand to greet them.

This is the ninth year for the festival that features the nation's bestselling authors, like John Grisham, James Patterson, Judy Blume, Nicholas Sparks and Annette Gordon-Reed. The Librarian of Congress, Dr. James H. Billington kicked off the event with an official opening and presentation of the National Book Festival Creative Achievement Award to John Grisham.

Following the opening the book sellers were in full swing with huge lines to buy the latest releases, and past favorites. After waiting to buy the books thousands lined up at various tents where the authors would autograph their books. The wait was often hours long but that didn't deter these fans. In other pavilions authors talked about their works, ideas and favorite characters. A panel presentation with children's authors, Jon Scieszka, Mary Brigid Barrett, Kate DiCamillo, Nikki Grimes, Shannon Hale, Steve Kellogg and Megan McDonald lasted over an hour to a packed audience.

This festival brings together authors with millions, sometimes hundreds of millions, of books in prints, with a virtual who's who of awards. The quality of their work is represented in the number and variety of awards and recognition bestowed. The awards include everything from the Pulitzer, National Book Club awards, Edgar Awards, Newbery Awards and National Book Critics Circle awards to those nominated for Emmy's or Academy Awards when their book was made for television of the big screen.

Throughout the day interviews were broadcast on Book TV, podcast from facebook and even twitter updates. Podcasts will be available from the Library of Congress website or for free on iTunes. You can download the 2009 National Book Festival poster, illustrated by noted author/artist Charles Santore of Philadelphia from several areas on the Library of Congress website. Santore is the written and illustrated "The Silk Princess," "The Three Hungry Pigs" and "The Wolf Who Came to Diner. The poster was a favorite with thousands of them given away at the festival.

One of the popular pavilions was hosted by Target Corporation, one of the event sponsors, as they gave out canvas bags to waiting crowds. Inside their tent was Bullseye, the popular miniature bull terrier mascot, posing with children. Honorary Chairs for this event are President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

The Revolution Comes to Jerusalem Mill Village

Historic Jerusalem Mill Village, in Maryland, hosted hundreds of re-enactors in a battle between Continental soldiers and the British Redcoats on Oct 10-11, 2009. The battle pitted over a hundred soldiers against each other in a mock attack, with cavalry, cannon and rifles, in a battle that never happened. This part of Maryland didn't see any battles during the revolution but the village is a historic area dating back to the revolution era. The Jerusalem gristmill opened in 1772 and operated continuously until 1961, the oldest, most intact mill village in Maryland.

The participants arrived as early as Thursday to set up camp and begin living, like the people they portray, did over 230 years ago. Most of the participants, from neighboring states and some even further, joined reenactment groups to recreate the life and times of either the Crown or the Patriots. They strive to demonstrate the correct behavior and bearing of the soldiers, officers, wives and camp followers, of a time long ago. The participants research the individuals they portray, study the battles, the dress and weapons that were used. Also at the camp were many artisans selling material and wares that are recreations or actual historic pieces.

With colorful and historic names like "His Majesty's 40th Regiment of Foot", "The 17th Light Dragoons" or the "Royal Highland Emigrants", the assembled groups came together to give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like during the founding of the country. The participants are members of either The Continental Line, Inc. or The British Brigade, Inc., both national volunteer organizations dedicated to the memories of the soldiers they portray.

The host for "The Redcoats are Coming" weekend are the Friends of Jerusalem Mill, in cooperation with the staff of Gunpowder Falls State Park, and is made possible, in part, by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Government through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board.

Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia - A cast of colorful characters from around the world, boarded the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train in Vancouver, British Columbia. Together we would ride the rails on the award winning train awarded the title "World's Leading Travel Experience by Train." It's reputation of providing exceptional service, elegant dining and an opportunity to see unspoiled natural areas of the Canadian Rockies and Canadian National Park, was upheld.

What the brochures didn't highlight was the added opportunity to see the backyards and junkyards of the cities and towns we passed through on our way to the incomparable beauty of Western Canada. These views added an interesting contrast to the entire experience, and showed that graffiti artists know no bounds. We traveled at a leisurely pace, most of the time, and were witness to sites that ranged from rusted cars and refrigerators to the majesty of glacier fed lakes and the tallest mountain in the Rockies. As we klickity-klacked along the rails we enjoyed the company of fellow travelers with toasts of champagne and gourmet dishes for breakfast and lunch. The ride in the multi-million dollar, two story glass domed car, was quiet and smooth. Two attendants kept us informed of upcoming areas of interest while delivering drinks, and snacks, until breakfast or lunch was served. On the dining level, located down the spiral staircase from the observation car, were two additional attendants and a chief who prepared meals that would be at home in any five star restaurant.

There are a number of Rocky Mountaineer train routes and daylight tours, ranging from 3 nights and four days to eleven nights. We chose the classic circle tour of 6 nights, seven days that took us full circle from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Kamloops, then on to Jasper, Alberta, Quesnel, Whistler, and back to Vancouver. We learned a little history and enjoyed the varying climates as we made the circle from city to high desert, into the rocky mountains and back down the Frasier Valley.

There is something very relaxing about train travel that must be experienced to understand. This trip was an all daylight tour which meant we stopped at a different city or town each night. The nightly accommodations, which are part of the vacation package, ranged from the best I have ever stayed in to a quaint no frills hotel. The Tower Hotel, located in Quesnel was the most modest of our stays, but had friendly service and clean rooms that rivaled the best places we enjoyed. There were two standouts as far as rooms, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in Jasper, Alberta, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and crystal clear lakes and the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, British Columbia. Both had quality restaurants, top service and amenities that included an in room fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and natural views of mountains and lakes with plenty of natural wildlife.

Go for the scenery, if nothing else. The views along the way are breathtaking. Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet, loomed above the tracks and surrounding peaks for several miles as we entered Jasper. Most of the year the peak is obscured by the weather, but we were fortunate to have a clear day to see the entire mountain. The following day, as we left Jasper we saw the mountain from the rear of the train and were treated to a very different view as the top of the snow covered mountain was covered in clouds.

Along the journey we spent a lot of time on the observation deck, where we could feel the wind and hear the sounds of the train as we passed a variety of wildlife that included black bears, moose, mountain goats and eagles. As far as scenery goes there are some areas that, to me, where the most beautiful places I have seen on my travels. The looming Mount Baker in Washington State was visible in the distance as we traveled out of Vancouver and was quite a majestic sight. However the most enchanting location was Seton Lake, a crystal clear, green lake, surrounded by sheer cliffs and large mountains. As we entered this valley I felt we were entering one of the enchanted lands from the Lord of the Rings.

I couldn't help but compare the trip to the many songs, sayings and quotes about life being a journey and not a destination. A train vacation really is about the journey, who you meet and what you see as life passes by at 25 to 35 miles an hour. As in life, you can't see everything and the trip is much better with friends.

Thunderbirds Roar Over U.S. Capitol

ANDREWS AFB, MARYLAND - The world renown U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, roared into the skies over Maryland and Washington, D.C. today in preparation for Armed Forces Day. They are part of the 57th Annual Joint Services Open House Air Show, at Andrews Air Force Base. The three day event began today under overcast skies. The Air Show runs through Sunday May 17th. While some of the most unimaginable aerial stunts take place in the sky, there is plenty to see on the ground that include; static displays of airplanes, jets, helicopters, boats, missile launchers, and more. Representatives of all branches of government, flying clubs, and commercial vendors fill the nearby hangers and flight apron. The theme of recognizing the sacrifices and commitment of the U.S. Armed Forces was celebrated throughout the event.

Celebrating 56 years of precision aerial maneuvers, in front of countless audiences around the world, the Thunderbirds are one of the main attractions, along with the Army's premier parachute team, the Golden Knights. There are also daring aerial acts from the Red Bull sponsored MiG, flown by Bill Reesman, and the only civilian pilot to be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform aerobatics in a helicopter, Chuck Aaron. This helicopter demonstration has to be seen to be believed as the specially aircraft does flips, rolls and turns upside down.

One of the newer teams on the air show circuit is the Collaborators Formation Aerobatic Team, that brings 4 veteran pilots together in a high energy performance that is unforgettable. The performance put on by Sean D. Tucker, Eric Tucker, Bill Stein and Ben Freelove is fast paced and heart stopping with the close calls, engine stalls, spins and unusual attitudes.

The roar of the F-22 Raptor, the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft can be felt in your chest as it roars past the crowd, using only a fraction of its capability. The 44.5 foot wingspan looks like a ship from Star Trek with its sharp cuts and angles.

The world famous GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team was back again this year with their six SNJ planes, also known as the T-6 Texan by the Army Air Corp in World War II. This team from New York put on a great aerobatic demonstration that includes writing messages in the sky with letters as tall as the Empire State Building.

To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and liberation of Europe the Liberty Jump Team is scheduled to drop both static line and HALO jumpers from a WWII vintage C-47 this weekend. The team made its first jump in France in 2006 and went on to form a larger group to perpetuate the remembrance of not only the brave men and women of World War II but all Veterans of all wars.

The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight included several flybys of the F-22, P-51 Mustang and A-10 Wart Hog in formation. The WWII P-51 led the team and was a bit overshadowed with the power and size of its two wingman. The Heritage Flight was originally going to be a onetime flyby in 1997 to recognize the Air Force's 50th anniversary, but became so popular they have kept it in air shows ever since.

Invasion of the Jellyfish

BALTIMORE, MD - Most people recognize jellyfish, or sea jellies, by their unique transparent bell shape and long dangling tentacles. Gently they float along with the current, waiting to sting an unsuspecting swimmer or washing up on the beach, flattened and rather yucky looking.

A new exhibit, "Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance" opens this Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Here is your chance to learn more about these mysterious creatures and see their beauty up close, without fear of being stung. There are seven different species in a separate exhibit area that showcases their diverse structure and colors. Interactive displays in the area provide short video clips, photos and text, to highlight the devastating impact these animals are having on our world today.

Related to Anemones and Corals, the early stages of the jelly look more like plants on the ocean floor. The familiar shape and texture of the jellyfish we see in the ocean are the free-floating adult medusas. Most of us wouldn't recognize the early stages of their development, as they change dramatically, through several body changes until they become the wandering adults we know as jellyfish.

Jellies have survived some 650 million years and are the largest of the plankton family. The title of the exhibit "Jellies Invasion" isn't a marketing catchphrase but a warning of the damage being caused around the world by increasing populations of Jellies. The introduction of North America's Leidy's comb jelly in the Black Sea has devastated the local fishing economy and was responsible for the collapse of the anchovy industry. We often hear about non-native species invading America but seldom hear the reverse. It is suspected that ships traveling from North America picked up the Leidy's comb jelly in their ballast tanks and were later discharged into the Black Sea. Capable of producing 2000 to 3000 eggs per day, it is almost impossible to eradicate the jellies once they are established.

Other factors suspected to be the cause of increased jelly populations are global warming and overfishing. There is plenty of debate over global warming, add this to controversy. Overfishing and pollution leave a void of fish where jellies can reproduce without predators keeping them in check. Remember the publicity about fishing nets catching and killing sea turtles? One of the mainstays of the sea turtle diet is jellies; a single sea turtle eats hundreds of pounds of jellies a day. Less sea turtles equals more jellies.

The exhibit is small but very well appointed with interactive learning tools and roving experts who are happy to address your questions. The creative lighting and placement of cylindrical tanks highlight the grace and beauty of these floating gelatinous zooplanktons.

Getting there: The National Aquarium in Baltimore is located in the Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore. opens Saturday, May 23 at 501 E. Pratt St. Tickets are $14.95 - $24.95 for general admission. Call 410-576-3800 or go to aqua.org. Included in the price is the Austrailia exhibit, Rain Forest, other attractions. The Dolphin show and 4D theater are an added charge.

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race 2009

BALTIMORE, MD. - While much of the world was keeping an eye on the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby, hundreds turned out in Baltimore, Maryland for a race of a different kind. The 11th annual Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race is one of the wackiest races on the East coast. Well attended by a friendly and fun loving crowd, the race is advertised as "a race of totally human-powered works of art designed to travel over land, sand, mud and really deep water."

The moving creative sculptures are made by teams from such diverse backgrounds as the the Physics and Sculpture departments of the University of Virginia, Roland Park Elementary School's 8th grade class, and individuals looking to win big. Hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum , this championship race had 33 registered kinetic sculptures by race time.

To win this race the entrants, often called Kinetinauts, because of their fearless artistic and engineering skills, must human-power their creations over a 15 mile course. The course is through downtown Baltimore and includes some interesting obstacles: Kinetinauts must swim their sculptures in the Baltimore Harbor, traverse a sand pit, push through a mud pit and return in one piece.

At the Canton Waterfront the sculptures drive down a ramp into the harbor, where there are plenty of kayaks and safety boats making sure everyone gets out of the water as healthy as they entered. Where land meets water is where the seaworthiness of these sculptures are tested. There are some who sink , some who flip on hitting the water, and some who have trouble getting out and up the ramp. The rules are strict regarding outside help to help push or pull the kinetic sculptures out of the water.

Following some great achievements in the water test, the pilots drive their strange vehicles several blocks to Patterson Park, where an obstacle course is set up. The pilots and crew must drive their vehicle through a sand pit while the crowd cheers. I was amazed how the crowd would open a pathway for the vehicle to race into the pit then close ranks behind it for a better view. No one was run over and the fluidity of the crowd seemed rehearsed. After the sand pit it was on to the mud pit, located on an uphill part of the course, just to add a little challenge. The mud tenders seemed to get the worse part of the dirt, having to shovel the mud back into a nice wet, oozy pile for the next racer. Many made it through with some pushing by their team, some were bogged down. All had fun.

The spectators are as fun to watch, and photograph, as the movable artwork. The crowd is enthusiastic, yelling and encouraging all entrants as they brave the water, sand and mud courses. Many dress for the occasion in colorful and outlandish costumes. If you're in the market for a puppy or dog this is a great place to check out the different breeds. We saw probably a hundred dogs, of all sizes and shapes, enjoying the outing in Patterson Park and along the race course. All were friendly and seemed to enjoy the outing as much as their leash mates.

Returning this year were a number of favorites from previous races: Fifi, the giant pink poodle, Bumpo the Indian elephant, last years' Grand Mediocre East Coast Champion Rat Rod, and the ever popular P.L.A.T.Y.P.U.S. (Personal Long-range All Terrain Yacht Proven Un-Safe). New creations included the Happily Never After, Rocky Horror Picture Shoe and The Oregon Trail, based upon the pilots' favorite childhood computer game.

There are at least 14 awards that are just as much fun as the wild and crazy sculptures. There is the most prestigious honor, the ACE Award, that recognizes a pilot who has "conquered not only the race course, but his machine and himself." This award also entitles the pilot to be addressed as "Most Visionary Pilot", and for people to stand when he or she enters the room. I did say these people were a lot of fun, but not modest. There is the "Next to Last" award to keep the race interesting to the end and the "Golden Flipper" award for the best water crash or flip.

The idea of a Kinetic Sculpture race started with Hobart Brown in 1969 in California. An artist and gallery owner, Hobart reportedly got started with in the Kinetic Sculpture race field when he modified his son's tricycle to a five-wheeled decorated "Pentacycle." He was challenged by another artist to race down Main street on Mother's Day. Other artists joined in the race and each year it grew a little more. Soon the race was the longest human powered sculpture race in the world with a course covering 42 miles from Arcata to Ferndale, California. Hobart went on to help set up Kinetic Sculpture races throughout the United States and Australia. There are about ten races annually, including the Baltimore race that Hobart help setup in 1999.

The Kentucky Derby is billed as, "the most exciting two minutes in sports." The Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race takes a bit more than two minutes to finish. It takes about 7 hours and 58 minutes longer than the Derby, so it could be billed as, "the most exciting, creative, and fun-filled race day anywhere."

RACE RESULTS

At the end of the day "Goin Griswold", a takeoff of the Chevy Chase Vacation movie, complete with the mother-in-law on the roof, was the Grand Mediocre East Coast Champion by the Gottwald family of Great Falls, Virginia. "Happily Never After", by the Make Believers team, won the Art Award and was one of my favorites.. Before the race started a giant pumpkin was transformed by the Fairy Godmother into the gothic carriage that wowed the crowd.

The Engineering Award went to "Cheese Racer," designed and engineered by students from Sollers Point Technical High School. "P.L.A.T.Y.P.U.S." by David Hess and his Horkology Foundation took the People's Choice by popular vote. This is a returning entry from last year with a few improvements and style changes. Platypus also holds the record for the largest crew with eight pilots pedaling and a driver.

Going where no man (or woman) has gone before the Speed Award was beamed up to NCC-1701 and the It Cain't team, returning for their fifth year. The Golden Flipper, for capsizing in the harbor went to a wet "Green Racer" crew. "Hot Beef Injection" was cooking food along the way in their chicken leg, spatula and other food costumes. They won The Best Pit Crew Award. Or should it have been the "Best Pit Beef Crew" award?

It's not too early to mark your calendars for next years 12th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race in Baltimore - May 1, 2010.