March Afb Museum is Fascinating Look at History of Aviation

There’s no doubt that travelers along Interstate 215 just south of Riverside have noticed the collection of military and vintage aircraft a short distance from the freeway, but those who have not bothered to stop are truly missing something. The March Field Air Museum is a remarkably detailed look at the history of aviation and, in particular, the use of aviation in modern warfare.

Sprawling alongside the runway at March Air Force Base are more than 60 aircraft of all sizes and shapes, from little single-engine prop planes to the mammoth B-52 bomber. And then, just a few steps away is the indoor museum that tells the story of how aircraft were first used in warfare and how they have become a vital part of our nation’s military power. Thousands of artifacts are on display to bring it all to life.

Our afternoon at the museum turned out to be one of the most entertaining and informative museum visits we can remember. We hadn’t really heard much about the museum, even where we live in the San Diego area. But we had noticed those airplanes on various drives northward, and this time we decided to stop.

On this sunny Saturday, the rather sizeable parking lot was about two-thirds full ‘ so word about the museum is getting out somehow. The visitors we saw seemed to fall in two general categories: retirees who we guessed may have had some military background, and families of all sizes. It was obvious that kids of all ages were eagerly exploring one aircraft after another, climbing up to look into the cockpits, examining the bomb doors or landing gear and just gazing at some of the larger aircraft with a look of amazement.

Upon entering the museum visitors are given a map of the museum floor as well as the aircraft displayed outdoors on the flightline. Rather than just displaying airplanes, the museum has organized a sequential series of exhibits that take visitors through the 20th Century beginning with World War I and the creation of March Field in 1918. A call had gone out from our forces in Europe that the Germans were having great success in the war with their new “flying machines.” Congress then appropriated money for the development of more fighting aircraft and, as part of that package, several training bases were funded, including March Field.

As it turned out, March Field was opened just a few months before the end of the World War 1 and, while training continued for a few years, the base all but shut down in 1923. It re-opened in 1927 and was then used to train some of the U.S. military’s most famous flying aces and generals. Exhibits depict this history and then move onto the stories of World War II and how March was used extensively during the war for training. Various battles are explained and visitors learn the different types of aircraft and missions undertaken during the war. One exhibit, for example, focuses on the famed Tuskegee Airmen who were a group of African-American pilots that played a vital role in the war. Another exhibit offers photos and a mockup to tell the story of American POWs shot down over Germany and the conditions they endured until the end of the war.

The progression of exhibits takes the visitor forward to the Korea War, the Vietnam War and, finally, Desert Storm, offering photos, diagrams and artifacts from each period to convey these experiences and the role that air power played in each.

Throughout the museum, the staff has assembled a treasure trove of authentic equipment from each of these eras. A complete historic gun collection is on display offering a look at handguns, rifles and machine guns from the various time periods. Several B-52 simulators are on display including those used to train gunners, navigators and electronic warfare officers. An assortment of missiles and bombs helps visitors understand the various armaments being employed by our military, past to present. Jet engines, piston engines, radar systems ‘ anything you can imagine that is found in an aircraft ‘ are available for up-close viewing.

The museum also has a few novelty items ‘ for example, you can see the B-47 mockup used by Jimmy Stewart when he filmed the movie “Strategic Air Command.” For the thrill-seekers in your group, try the simulation ride that duplicates the G-forces you would experience if you were actually flying in an F-14 fighter jet.

Several aircraft are on display in the museum itself, including vintage fighters from both world wars and some of the first jet aircraft ever built. But then step outside and, there on the flightline, is a fleet of airplanes probably larger than most third-world countries’ air forces. All the airplanes are neatly organized with descriptive plaques telling visitors exactly what each aircraft is and why it’s important.

Many of the aircraft at the March Air Museum are not all that easy to find nowadays. For example, the museum has one of only four combat B-17′s that exist in the United States today. Another is the SR-71 Blackbird ‘ the fastest airplane ever built and used for spy missions during the Cold War. The B-52′s on display are incredibly large when you get close up ‘ visitors can walk right under the rear wheel well and see just where the atomic bombs were stored as the B-52′s were used as a deterrent during the height of the arms race.

The airplanes are great but, as often is the case at a museum of this sort, the volunteers give the whole experience texture. Generally the people who are there to answer your questions have some personal history with these aircraft and John Monahan is no exception. Retired after a 28-year Air Force career, Monahan was on duty in the P-38 Museum the day we visited and was more than willing to share his stories about flying the twin-engine P-38 fighter from the time it was brought on line in 1941.

A veteran of numerous combat missions, Monahan’s eyes were gleaming as he recalled the increased firepower he had with this revolutionary new fighter aircraft. He also remembered it as being a little cantankerous at times ‘ lose one engine on take off and most pilots crashed because one side was so overpowered. Another little issue with the P-38 was, when pilots ejected, they were often chewed up by the tail structure. So the answer when something went wrong was to turn the airplane upside down, open the canopy and just fall out of the aircraft.

Just next door to Monahan’s building was a cockpit display of the P-38 where the volunteer this day was Toni Olson, daughter of 1st Lt. Jack “Fox” Olson who flew a P-38 named Miss Bow Legs in World War II. With Glenn Miller music creating just the right effect, Toni took a few minutes to explain to us that two of the top three P-38 “aces” came from March AFB ‘ one of whom was Tommy McGuire, with 38 combat kills.

Such “living history” makes a trip to March Air Museum even more enjoyable ‘ an especially meaningful experience now that the U.S. military is back on page one of the newspaper and once again truly appreciated by most of the country’s citizens.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: March Air Museum is just south of Riverside on Interstate 215. Take the Van Buren exit going either north or south.

WHAT: A surprisingly complete and detailed collection of aircraft and military artifacts that is an enjoyable experience for the entire family.

WHEN: Spring and Fall are best, as it can get hot in the summer and rain more often in the winter. Various special events are held.

WHY: The museum is both entertaining and educational and especially suitable for families.

HOW: For more information, call 951-697-6600 or visit www.marchfield.org. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children 5-11, free under 5.

A Look at Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico: the Obesity Control Center

Weight loss surgery in Mexico has been perfected by two of the leading doctors in the world of this procedure.   Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Arturo Martinez have done over 5,000 successful weight loss surgeries; procedures and they opened their own practice called the Obesity Control Center in Mexico.  Their staff is professionally trained in the medical procedures and care field to assist you after your surgery. They also include a cardiologist, patient coordinators, and nutritionist, nurses and office staff to be part of their medical team.  They have two offices for their patient’s convenience, one in Cancun and one in Tijuana.

The Amery Med Hospital in Cancun and the Lap Band center in Tijuana are completely equipped with tools to meet the patient’s needs during the surgery and recovery periods.  Weight loss surgery in Mexico at these two facilities exceeds all surgery standards that are based on those in the United States.  The surgery is done after doctors evaluated the patient and approves them to undergo the procedure. 

Each patient of weight loss surgery in Mexico is brought out to San Diego, California, for all of his or her pre-operative evaluations.  They will stay at the Lucerne Hotel and meet with the patient coordinator to assure all of the pre-op paperwork and testing is completed before traveling on to Mexico. The patient’s coordinator will accompany the patient to all of their pre-operative testing

Upon arrival at the weight loss surgery center in Mexico, patients will be admitted and then escorted to their suite rooms, and prepare them for the surgery. There will be one final meeting with the two doctors, and then the laparoscopic surgery will be prepared.       The length of time patient will undergo the procedure will be base on his/her decision. Typically the surgery only takes one to two hours, and the head surgeon will advise the patient’s family about their condition when it is done.

Patients of weight loss surgery in Mexico will stay in recovery room for forty-eight hours to ensure that there are no complications.    24-hour will be spent at the center and then the patient will be discharged back to San Diego to the Lucerne Hotel. Here, hotel staff will assist the patient for some relaxation and provides them with approved clear liquid food.  It is sure enough that the staff at the hotel has worked closely with the two doctors on previous cases.

Finally, weight loss surgery patients will see the doctors for the last time before being completely discharged with a diet and exercise regime.  They will return to the Obesity Control Center or another qualified weight loss surgery center for adjustments to the lap band in six to eight weeks.  Patients who follow the doctor’s advice on their diet and exercise will see approximately eighty to one hundred pounds changes from their overall weight within three to eight months.  Each person is different and can expect their weight loss to fluctuate around those numbers with proper diet.

A Closer Look at Managed Networking Support for Business

Managed networking support is your company’s best defense against disastrous downtimes and service interruptions.  For example, the slightest interruption to your communication network can have a huge and serious impact on your company’s financials.  It could disrupt company operations and could impede prompt delivery of services.  A serious network outage can also affect your company’s capability to respond to some emergencies.  In a critical situation, a slight delay in your response could mean big profit losses or lost business opportunities.  In order to prevent such scenarios from happening, you will need the technical expertise of a San Diego network support service.

Aside from outages, a managed networking support service can bulletproof your network from security breaches and failures.  You have to understand that integration of your technology assets requires more complex network architecture.  By integrating VoIP, multimedia, and data services that can be accessed through multiple devices and location, the danger of security failures and infiltrations grow substantially.  So you need a dedicated team of network professionals that can monitor, track, and assess the vulnerabilities of the entire network.  If you get a managed service through a San Diego network support company, then your company will be able to implement comprehensive security systems and procedures that can protect the entire network.  This proactive approach to network security can minimize the damages that can be caused by failures.

In a world where convergence becomes increasingly important, companies should strengthen their network capabilities.  It could be done in-house but the cost can be too prohibitive especially for smaller businesses.  So if you want to safeguard your network from disastrous interruptions and security failures, getting the services of a company that provides managed network support solution is your best option.  This type of IT network support model is more manageable, efficient, and cost effective.

Your Vehicle Can Look Like New With Auto Reconditioning!

Many car owners lead a very busy life, which means that usually something gets a little neglected. Most of the time that something that gets neglected is their vehicles. Our Vehicles are very important to most car owners since they get us to all the places we need and want to go. But usually that is the one thing that we say we will tend to later, but somehow later never comes. The end result is usually a vehicle that is in less perfect condition and we are unhappy with. So, if your vehicle has suffered a little due to lack of time or whatever else you can do something about it. Find out how your vehicle can look like new with auto reconditioning.

Auto reconditioning is also known as minor auto body repair. A skilled auto body reconditioning specialist will use the latest skills and practices to repair your vehicle using the materials already on your vehicle. Usually the repairs are completed within two to six hours, which is not a lot of time considering the work that can be completed. Also most repairs are affordable, and most shops will even work with your insurance as well. Auto reconditioning encompasses body and paint repair, dent removal, scratches to the paint, interior repair, glass repairs and much more. You may be surprised just how great of a job they can do with your vehicle.

A preview of some services that are offered are paintless dent removal, interior repair, paint touch up, auto detailing, wheel rim repair, windshield repair, bumper repair, auto body repair, headlight restoration, and more. Some auto reconditioning shops will even offer additional services that will protect your vehicle from further damage like window tint and the 3M clear bra.

The first step to take is to find an auto reconditioning shop that produces a good quality work and also has a fair price to go along with that. You will want to make sure that you choose shops that have established a good name for themselves. Also you should feel comfortable with the auto body specialists who work there. If you get a bad feeling don’t choose that shop. You can get estimates for the work at all the shops, they are usually free. You can get the estimate in person, by phone and sometimes online. Once you have decided which shop you want to use they will set up a time for you to come and get started working on your vehicle.

Most times when you get your vehicle back after auto reconditioning it is nearly impossible to tell that there was ever damage in the first place. You will be impressed with what they can do using the latest skills and a few materials, if any.

So, your vehicle can look like new with auto reconditioning which will save you thousands by not buying a new vehicle! Find an auto reconditioning shop that can get your vehicle looking its best for you in no time today!

A Closer Look at Radio Drama

Similarities do abound of course between radio drama and pieces performed on the stage, film and television, however, the ability to move, inspire, and create solely through the collaboration of the human voice and the mind is a magnificent feat that requires the utmost discipline, insight and flawless interpretation of a voice actor.

To recognize the obvious, radio drama lacks a visual component and therefore is subject to the interpretation of the listener through sound and speech. Theatre, film, and particularly, live performances, are all visual experiences that generously communicate to their audiences through additional senses such as sight, smell, and touch while incorporating sound and speech.

As radio drama caters specifically to sound and speech, the most universally heightened of the senses, opportunities arise for a richer listening experience free from external distraction while enabling an audience member to conjure up their own visual version of the radio drama.

In radio drama, the script needs to be expertly written, accommodating the intellectual needs a listener. The voice actors role is to breathe life into the script and the producers role is to observe all Foley elements as are required to enhance the performance while providing additional mental stimulation for the audience. I liken this parallel to the intellectual experience and satisfaction that reading quality literature brings.

Performers of radio dramas are indeed actors. There is no question about it. It is simply a different application that provides its own unique set of challenges and adventures. In order to perform a voice-acting role, a person needs to be first and foremost an actor at heart.

In fact, many people use physical gestures and dialog with each other in sessions similarly to how actors feed off of each others energy on stage, film or television. There is a real chemistry that comes across when voice actors have synergy with their cast mates, quite comparable to the same electricity that face-to-face acting brings.

Now that we’ve looked at radio dramas in general, let’s explore marketing audio dramas and increasing the number of listeners for a radio drama.

Independent producers and groups have an enormous opportunity to reach new listeners on a global scale by means of podcasting. Using podcasting as a means to attract new listeners is fundamental to the success and continued discovery of this art form through popular and new media.

There are several independent radio theatre troupes around the globe that have sought to expand their listener base through podcasting and have affiliated themselves with websites that facilitate the spreading of their message, including organizations such as LibriVox, a group of people dedicated to recording audiobooks and making audio dramas more accessible to the public.

Submitting an established radio drama to podcast directories is also a brilliant way to increase the circulation, mind-share (and ear-share) as well as awareness for the craft. One popular radio drama I discovered this year, The Radio Adventures of Doctor Floyd, leveraged the celebrity status of one of their cast members, June Foray, to boost its appeal and gain a larger audience.

Voice actors who perform audio dramas ally themselves with Voices to help promote their work and gain a wider reach concerning new listeners and even new members of their radio drama clubs. For instance, there is the Amateur Voice Acting Group (AVAG) in San Diego, California established by David Johnson.

When he launched his voice-acting group, the VOX Daily voice actor blog was there to help with promoting David’s organization to other talent in the San Diego area through Voices.

A membership to an online voiceover marketplace is without question one of the best investments and outlets for voice professionals in the radio drama field. Each voice actor is encouraged to upload a sample of their voice and list their work or voluntary experience. Many voice talent have started out as narrators for audiobooks produced for the blind as a steppingstone in their careers.

Green Building – A Look At Water Efficiency and WaterSense

The green building revolution is often touted with a focus on two subjects – energy efficiency and reduced emissions. While both are obviously important, the issue of water efficiency is one that should not be pushed aside.

What is the greatest threat to our way of life in the next 100 years? The idea of oil depletion is certainly a concern. In synchronicity with this is the idea of climate change radically changing the planet. Both of these ideas have a certain glamour to them, if horrifically so, and garner the most media attention. There is, however, another problem that we are facing even now that gets little attention – water shortages. Cities such as Atlanta, San Diego and a host of others all are suffering through such shortages to one extent or another.

How much water do you think you use in a day? 5 gallons? 10 gallons? 50? Not even close. If you are like the average American, you use a whopping 100 gallons a day. That is the equivalent of over 1,500 glasses of water each day! That’s a lot of water. The demand has also put a huge strain on our current water supplies. One need look no further than the mighty Colorado River which is so overused that it no longer makes it the Pacific Ocean anymore.

Water usage is becoming a huge issue across the country and the globe. There are many federal and state issues involved, but green building advocates take a different approach. The basic idea is to label and support products that improve water efficiency in the home. The EPA has joined in and given the program the name “WaterSense”.

Products that come with the WaterSense label are similar to those with the Energy Star label. They represent a high level of efficiency, with water use replacing energy use. The primary focus is on the two biggest wasters – toilets and faucets. WaterSense compliant products work on low flow concepts and can save as much as 18,000 gallons of water use in the average home each year.

More than a few people feel that small changes in the household really don’t help that much when it comes to saving energy. In the case of water efficiency, this simply isn’t true. We waste so much water each day that even small changes can save huge amounts of this resource that is under so much pressure. This is why water efficiency and the WaterSense program have become an accepted part of green building.

Investors Who Missed The Recent Real Estate Boom Should Look Here

If you are a real estate investor and missed the housing boom, you may get another chance. Overheated in the eastern and western markets are cooling off, but there are new opportunities out there. Some of the cities that sat out the boom of the last few years are now showing stronger appreciation gains. Cities such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are showing signs of a strengthening real estate market.

Real Estate in hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area market is showing signs of s a slowdown. Prices are rising slowly, however inventory is up. Another sign of slowdown in this hot market is the time it takes to sell a property. Last year some were getting nervous because there were only three multiple offers on a property instead of nine. In one year we have seen quite a change. Now homes that would have sold in one or two weekends are sitting on the market longer. It is not uncommon to see homes sitting on the market thirty to sixty days. This is more like a normal market.

Meanwhile in Texas the demand for housing is increasing. With the new boom in the oil market aiding the job market, workers are coming to Texas from the US and abroad. This is putting upward pressure on the housing market. There are no signs of this slowing down anytime soon. While home prices in Dallas and Texas may not appreciate at the high rates of 20% + seen in some areas in the last few years, the appreciation rates should still be healthy. Real Estate Investors have been aware of this and are investing in these markets that have previously been very slow.

The Atlanta market is benefiting from a healthy job market. Unlike the Texas markets, the Atlanta market is also seeing a rise in inventory. This rise in inventory should restrain the appreciation in Atlanta.

A number of cities in the southwest which have seen high appreciation rates are seeing a strong increase in inventory. Cities such a Phoenix and Las Vegas are also showing a strong job market. Inventories of homes in these cities will need to be watched. If inventories continue to rise sharply, prices will tend to stay flat or fall slightly.

Meanwhile the California market is looking vastly different from a year ago. In Sacramento and San Diego the market is cooling rapidly. In California it now takes an average of six months to sell a home. I was not that long ago that in some California markets, homes were selling in one weekend.
In California the average home now costs over $500000. This is out of reach for many families. The pressure is now on housing prices to come down in some areas. Higher interest rates, slower sales, home prices beyond the reach of the average family all point to falling prices in some areas.

Another scenario is that home prices will remain flat until wages catch up.

As the market changes, more and more homeowners are getting caught in foreclosure. As prices appreciated quickly, homeowners who could not meet their mortgage obligations benefitted from an increase in equity. That will not be the case in the coming years. There are a number of sites dedicated to homeowners wanting to sell their homes without a Realtor, investors looking for deals, and agents looking for new business. RealtyTrac is one such site. Here you can find home bargains, sell a home without an agent, and discover your homes value.

What Do Coach’s Look For In The Regional Phenom Basketball In Order To Get To The National Camp In San Diego?

Beach Living In San Diego,ca – Looks Like Ocean Beach Is More ‘me’- Any Good Apts/condos To Look Into?

I’m looking at a budget of $1100-$1600 monthly. I asked for suggestions on the best beaches to live on in San Diego, Ca and from the responses and research, I really like Ocean Beach. The ideal place would fit into my budget and close to things (grocery, shopping etc)….free thinkers, hippies, laid back – that’s my lifestyle!

Comprehensive look at the best 2 Locksmiths in San Diego

San Diego is a big town. And it is a popular town as well. And as the saying goes, ‘More the fame, more the pain’. Thus, security is an important concern for those living in San Diego. And it is a concern that needs immediate attention as well as care. Security is a service which if put in the right hands can provide peace of mind to one and all. And this is where Locksmiths in San Diego play a very important role. Locksmiths in San Diego have a very important role to play in ensuring the safety of the residing in the town. And this is what they are doing with aplomb.

Let us discuss here two of the best locksmiths in the town of San Diego. The first locksmith that comes to mind is Locksmith San Diego. Locksmith San Diego is a locally owned private company that looks after the security of the various items that it is entrusted with. It is a company that designs various security measures so that we remain safe and protected. But there is a limitation to this company. It provides its services only in San Diego Metro and surrounding areas. So people of San Diego can rejoice. And that is because no one will provide you with such efficient and professional service as Locksmith San Diego. In case you have lost your keys, all you need to do is call up Locksmith San Diego and they will arrive to your help within 15 minutes. That is a guarantee provided by the company. And the rate at which your job is done is something that will amaze you. No where will you get such a service at such affordable rates. And they rates are constant throughout. So that means no extra charges for nights, weekends or holidays.

Another locksmith company that comes to mind is Locksmith La Jolla. Locksmith La Jolla is the perfect contractor for ensuring the safety of your items. The experience and expertise of Locksmith La Jolla is deep and unmatchable. They have the technology as well as the skilled manpower to deliver the best possible service.

Locksmith La Jolla can provide you with various kinds of safes that can be modified on the basis of the requirements you state. These safes are custom-made and can be easily enhanced to accommodate all your security wishes. Also, the knowledge of the technicians of Locksmith La Jolla will assist you in choosing the best kind of safe. Various types of safes are available for protection from various types of hazards like burglary, fire, gun, electronic and commercial security safes.

When it comes to the security of the entire building, there is no one better than Locksmith La Jolla. This contractor can provide you with the amazing feature of computerizing your security system thereby eliminating the need for keys. With the help of one of the several types of credentials like pin code, card, fob or finger print, the entry and exit of all the people from your building can be carefully monitored. Locksmith La Jolla also provides you with the facility of the most effective access control options, using telephone entry, remote release and surveillance.

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