John F. Kennedy

J.F.Kenney - Photo: Wikipedia

In the life of this great nation, a few of its presidents have emerged from the pack as truly historic and memorable even more than others.  Of course, the presidents from the generation of the founding fathers certainly fit that bill including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  And presidents that served the country in times of great crisis also are deeply honored in memory.  But in recent memory, there probably no other president that brings up emotions of respect and admiration as much as that of John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy seemed to capture the hearts of the American people in a way that was unique in presidents before or since.  Part of it may have been the era in history that the country was in when he became the President of the United States.  The historic time between 1950 and 1970 was a time when the largest generation of youth, now known as the “baby boomers”, was coming of age.  With them a new youth movement brought a sense of optimism, a “can do” attitude and to some extent a sense of revolution.  They were looking for new ways of seeing things, a new vision of the future and new leadership and John F. Kennedy was the perfect man of the hour to provide that leadership.

So much about Kennedy’s presidency has an aura of romance and almost a fairy tale excitement of it.  From the naming of his family estates “Camelot” to the love affair that the public had with the strikingly beautiful presidential couple, Jack and Jacqueline Kennedy.  That touch of magic extended to everything he did and virtually everybody in his family including his younger brother Robert who was idolized as well and almost certainly would have served as president had he not been tragically assassinated during his early bid for that office.

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But this was not to say that Kennedy was not a phenomenal leader.  He faced serious challenges.  The Cuban Missile Crisis may have been one of the most frightening showdowns between a nuclear Russia and a nuclear America that has ever happened in history.  When it became clear that Russia was beginning to build bases in Cuba and arm them with those terrible weapons, this was no time for a weak president.  Had Russia been able to bully Kennedy or intimidate the young president and put those missiles in Cuba, it seems certain that the outcome of the cold war would have been one of failure rather than success.  But Kennedy was not bullied or intimidated and using the power of his office, Kennedy stood his ground and stood ground for all Americans and forced the Russians to remove those missiles.  

But this was not the only great accomplishment of Kennedy’s administration.  It took a leader who had great vision and ability to inspire a nation as nobody else than John F. Kennedy could to set the sights of the nation on landing on the moon.  But Kennedy put that desire and that high calling in the hearts of his people and the nation rallied to finally see that man step out on the moon and declare, “This is one step for man, a giant leap for mankind.”  That was one of the proudest days in American history and it was Kennedy who inspired us to that kind of greatness.

As much as the life and leadership of John F. Kennedy perfectly exemplified the optimism and youthful zeal of a generation, his tragic assignation changed the country forever as well.  On that sad day of November 22, 1963, when Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down America’s beloved president, the hearts of Americans changed forever.

This was one of those days that almost everybody who was alive at the time, from school children to grandfathers remembered where they were when they heard the news.  Since we laid to rest this great leader, the presidency itself has never been the same.  While Americans will always respect their presidents, that sense of adoration for the man in the White House disappeared forever.  But the thing that did not disappear was the ongoing adoration of the man, John F. Kennedy, who inspired a generation and a nation to look forward to greatness and in the famous words of his inaugural address in 1961…

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Every Man Needs A TRUCK

Pickup - Photo: Pixabay

There are a few things in life that I'm quite sure of. I guess I have learned along the way and become convinced about more things as I've gotten older. For example, I am convinced that work is a normal and important part of life. Twenty years ago I thought I could somehow be the first person to make it through life without working. I've also realized that relationships are harder than anything else in life, but they are also the most valuable. 

My early years were about anything but relationships. Being married for the past fifteen years has only increased my learning curve about the things I'm sure of. I have always thought that men were different than women, but it took getting married for me to really be sure that they are. I've also become quite sure that every man needs a truck.

I remember hearing things growing up about how every man needs a truck to own and drive, but I never really believed it was true. I believed that men said they needed a truck just so that they would have an excuse to actually buy a truck and drive one. I've been around a lot of men in the past couple of decades and I'm quite sure that there is something actually tied between being a man and having a truck.

A truck has become the symbol of masculinity to me, for better or for worse. I feel a little weird anytime I see a woman driving a truck around town. I immediately feel like she must just be borrowing her husband's truck for the day, but then I immediately wonder why she would want to do that. I, for example, have never had the desire to own a truck or even to drive a truck. My husband has owned a truck since before we were married and so I have had my fair share of time in a truck and I still don't see the appeal. I simply see that my husband comes alive when he gets in his truck, cleans his truck, or starts talking about his truck with anyone who will listen. His truck has truly become his favorite possession and his pride and joy.

So women, let the men in your life get a truck. It will help them feel like a man. And men, if you've always been longing for a truck but haven't had the guts to make the purchase, let today be the day. Any size and kind of truck will do, just get one and start enjoying the fact that every man needs a truck.

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The 1966 Pontiac GTO

The 1966 Pontiac GTO - Photo: Wikimedia

What is the most popular muscle car of all time that goes zero to sixty in 6.5 seconds flat? 

The answer is the 1966 Pontiac GTO which is a choice muscle car. In fact, when it was released, it quickly became the best selling muscle car of all time. With the ’66 GTO, Pontiac truly created a new masterpiece that has remained in high demand amongst muscle car enthusiasts for nearly four decades. 

The ’66 GTO has incredible features. Most notable are the unique headlights and the exceptional contours throughout the body that are the true definition of the term sleek. Of course, being a muscle car, the ’66 Pontiac GTO came in a variety of colors and styles when it was produced including the sports coupe model, the hardtop coupe, and the convertible. 

If you are shopping for a ’66 Pontiac GTO muscle car, it is probably useful for you to know that the hardtop coupes are the most common, followed by the convertibles. Comparably, there were a lot fewer sports coupe models made, so they are by far the rarest. 

Pontiac’s GTO line gained popularity with the release of their 1964 model with its racy style, its powerful V8 engine, and its dual exhaust system. Though it had phony hood scoops, it was definitely a muscle car with an attitude. The ’66 model had a lot of the same features as the ’64, but being the second body style for Pontiac’s GTO line, it redefined style with pizzazz.

The ’66 GTO most commonly has a four-barrel 389 engine, but there was also a tri-power option. After its release, Pontiac added an XS Ram Air package to the tri-power engine giving it a hotter cam and greater power – close to 380 hp – truly ideal for a muscle car. The XS Ram Air package upgrade included the cam and stiffer valve springs along with an accessory pack that enabled the decorative hood scoop to be converted into a functional cold-air induction system. There are very few 1966 Pontiac GTOs that have the XS Ram Air setup, so they are definitely unique muscle cars for a muscle car collector. 

In regard to muscle cars, there are many that are strongly desired by muscle car enthusiasts. The 1966 Pontiac GTO just happens to be a favorite for many. Style, performance, and originality are among the traits that make the 1966 Pontiac GTO one of the hottest muscle cars around.

Author: Jason Tarasi

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The Basics Of Radio Controlled Plane Flight

Radio controlled aircraft model transmitter - Photo: Wikimedia

Radio controlled planes can rack up quite a bill when you consider all of the different things you have to buy in order to enjoy the hobby. You have to buy the plane model itself, as well as all the radio and motor equipment to keep it in the air. Then you have to buy gasoline or pay for electricity to charge the battery. All in all, it can be a very expensive venture. After you spend all of this money, nothing is worse than seeing your investment crash to the ground and erupt into a huge fireball (well, maybe not the fireball part; however, you can expect all of your components to be smashed beyond any working state). So when you fly your plane for the first time, you have to use extreme caution in making sure that you don’t ruin your plane and consequently waste your money.

The most important part is to choose the day and the place carefully. On an ideal day, there are perfectly clear skies, with little to no wind. Hopefully, it is also warm, but if it isn’t that won’t jeopardize your mission (unless you are shivering so much that you can’t effectively control the plane). You should go to a place that offers some sort of good take-off point. Sidewalks and roads are perfect for this. You should also try to look for an area that is low on houses, trees, and preferably doesn’t have many people around.

First, you need to check all of your equipment. Even if you are a pro at handling radio controlled planes, nothing can save you from faulty equipment. Check and double-check everything before you send the plane up. Be sure to pay special attention to the landing gear. Make sure it is secure, and that it will be able to withstand the force of impact when the plane touches the ground after you are done flying. Also, check all of the connections between the motor and the fuel supply or batteries. Test all of the radio equipment to make sure that every motion is interpreted by the plane. Hold it in your hand as you or a friend tries all of the levers and knobs.

Set your plane on some sort of surface that will act as a good runway. If you’re in a park with sidewalks, find a large strip of sidewalk that will give your plane plenty of room to roll, gather speed, and take off. Just make sure there are no people walking in the way. Get up to speed, and if everything goes right you should lift smoothly in the air. Hopefully, you will have read through the manual that came with your plane. Every radio controller is slightly different, so I can’t give you detailed instructions on that aspect of the flight. You will have to read your manual to find out how to do it well.

After the flight, you need to do yet another inspection of the equipment. If it was in good shape at the beginning of the flight and the flight went by without a hitch, it isn’t likely to have some sort of new problem that has suddenly shown up. However, you should always investigate anyways, and save yourself some grief in the future. If you notice something wrong, you can take the plane directly home and take care of it, rather than wait until you notice it the next time you come out to fly.

Follow all of these procedures, along with any local laws or regulations that may affect your flying session. Flying is a fun hobby, and if you are able to follow all of the guidelines that I have provided, as well as any other factors that may affect you personally, then you will find it to be a very enjoyable and worthy pastime.

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The Basics of GLOBAL WARMING

Global Warming - Photo: Pixabay

Scientists, celebrities, and everyday people have been trying to understand the nature of global warming.  Controversy is rampant and there is intense debate around the world on the subject.  Since conclusions drawn could affect you profoundly, you may want to know some basic facts about the topic of global warming.  

The most obvious thing that can be said about global warming is that the earth is getting warmer.  Specifically, the temperatures near the surface of the earth and the temperatures in the ocean are rising.  Since 1990, there have been 10 years that have been hotter than any others in recorded history.  

The greenhouse effect is said to be responsible for global warming.  The greenhouse effect causes certain vapors and gases to form a sort of blanket that covers and warms the earth.  Water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and several other trace gases make up this blanket.  

The greenhouse effect itself is not disputed.  No controversy exists on this point because the greenhouse effect is recognized as an inherently beneficial process.  If all the energy that struck the earth was reflected right back into space, no one could live on earth.  This is what would happen without this blanket that is caused by acceptable levels of global warming.  

However, global warming is not all good.  It can cause the earth's covering to increase in density.  With a denser blanket over the earth, less of the heat is reflected back into space.  This upsets the delicate balance between heat and cold that is usually maintained on earth.  It traps more heat inside the earth's atmosphere.

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Although there are people who argue against it, there seems to be a change in the climate in recent years.  Climate change to a warmer climate is the result of excessive global warming.  

There has been an overall rise in temperature of a little over one degree Fahrenheit during the last century.  The figure for this century is expected to be more like seven degrees.  It is this type of global warming that can lead to dire consequences if left unchecked.  

People, their activities, and their industries have caused global warming to reach the levels it has today.  Burning fossil fuels, powering electrical plants with coal, and irresponsible land use can all contribute to global warming.  Carbon dioxide is produced by these activities, and global warming is perpetuated.  

Global warming could result in rising sea levels and flooding.  There could be more powerful storms.  Heat waves could become intense.  Droughts could severely damage the world's crops and cause shortages of drinkable water.   Extinction of species could become a problem because of changing habitats and the suitability of the climate for the animal.  

The good news about global warming is that there are ways to slow the process down.  Each person can take responsibility for doing their part in protecting the earth's environment.  With everyone helping, emissions of greenhouse gases can be cut drastically.  This will give the earth a chance to begin to regain its balance of temperature.  Knowing about global warming can make you a better citizen of the world.  

MOON Gazing

Moon Gazing - Photo: Publicdomainpictures.net

For many of us, our very first experience of learning about the celestial bodies begins when we saw our first full moon in the sky.  It is truly a magnificent view even to the naked eye.  If the night is clear, you can see amazing detail of the lunar surface just star gazing on in your backyard.

Naturally, as you grow in your love of astronomy, you will find many celestial bodies fascinating.  But the moon may always be our first love because is the one far away space object that has the unique distinction of flying close to the earth and upon which man has walked.

Your study of the moon, like anything else, can go from the simple to the very complex.  To gaze at the moon with the naked eye, making yourself familiar with the lunar map will help you pick out the seas, craters and another geographic phenomenon that others have already mapped to make your study more enjoyable.  Moon maps can be had from any astronomy shop or online and they are well worth the investment.

The best time to view the moon, obviously, is at night when there are few clouds and the weather is accommodating for a long and lasting study.  The first quarter yields the greatest detail of study.  And don’t be fooled but the blotting out of part of the moon when it is not in full moon stage.  The phenomenon known as “earthshine” gives you the ability to see the darkened part of the moon with some detail as well, even if the moon is only at quarter or half display.

To kick it up a notch, a good pair of binoculars can do wonders for the detail you will see on the lunar surface.  For best results, get a good wide field in the binocular settings so you can take in the lunar landscape in all its beauty.  And because it is almost impossible to hold the binoculars still for the length of time you will want to gaze at this magnificent body in space, you may want to add to your equipment arsenal a good tripod that you can affix the binoculars to so you can study the moon in comfort and with a stable viewing platform.

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Of course, to take your moon worship to the ultimate, stepping your equipment up to a good starter telescope will give you the most stunning detail of the lunar surface.  With each of these upgrades, your knowledge and the depth and scope of what you will be able to see will improve geometrically.  For many amateur astronomers, we sometimes cannot get enough of what we can see on this our closest space object.  

To take it to a natural next level, you may want to take advantage of partnerships with other astronomers or by visiting one of the truly great telescopes that have been set up by professionals who have invested in better techniques for eliminating atmospheric interference to see the moon even better.  The internet can give you access to the Hubble and many of the huge telescopes that are pointed at the moon all the time.  Further, many astronomy clubs are working on ways to combine multiple telescopes, carefully synchronized with computers for the best view of the lunar landscape.

Becoming part of the society of devoted amateur astronomers will give you access to these organized efforts to reach new levels in our ability to study the Earth’s moon.  And it will give you peers and friends who share your passion for astronomy and who can share their experience and areas of expertise as you seek to find where you might look next in the huge night sky, at the moon and beyond it in your quest for knowledge about the seemingly endless universe above us.

Modern Radio Hobbyists - HAM RAdio

Ham Radio Girl - Photo: Wikimedia

An amateur radio is called a Ham radio, and the operator is called as an amateur radio operator. They pursue the ham radio operation as a hobby, and it is a vastly popular hobby at that.

The origin of the word “ham” for an amateur radio operator is rather interesting. “Ham” was used to mean anybody who was NOT efficient or talented in the field. In the early days, the amateur operators had a notorious reputation for sending in garbled Morse code. So, these amateur operators were called by many names including “ham” as opposed to the professional wireless operators. But, over time, the name stuck up for the amateur radio operators and now it is no longer used in its initial derogatory way.

The hobby of amateur radio operators was also of public service during many times. In 1920 Amateur Police Radio was instituted to help “relay” information on crimes and thefts of vehicles and was very successful. Apart from using ham radio to connect to friends, families, they also connect to complete strangers. The ham operators have time and again been of great service during emergencies and disasters like earthquakes and other natural disasters in transmitting reliable real-time information about the condition and for the speedy movement and dispersal of the relief measures.

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This is a great public service since during these emergencies the only thing that works is the radio! The phone lines severed, other communication methods are ruled out and it is common for even the mobile networks to be clogged in traffic during these emergencies leaving hams as a great tool. There have been many documented evidence of the ham radio enthusiasts helping someone in trouble or helping to locate and nab a criminal.

Thus, the first radio hobby started out as amateur radio operation. It was restricted to few miles and must be relayed across. Now, all-powerful and advanced radio equipment is still evolving and improving. So, one does not need to rely on relay anymore but can almost connect to halfway across the world as opposed to the initial days.

The amateur radio has become very organized since the first clubs of 1909. Each has a uniquely identifiable code by which they are known. The first hobbyists relied on communication by making connections to as many radio operators who were as distant as possible, with their meager equipment. Usually, they were constantly upgrading it. This was called Dxing when one would try to connect to as many amateur radio operators as possible. The radio enthusiasts are on the lookout for constant updates and most are proficient in the wireless technology. Even though they now get ready-made ham equipment, most are known to have a good knowledge of the working of the ham equipment as well as minor repairs and such.

In the day of the mobiles, internet, and blue-tooth, ham radio has its own place and reputation. After all, the disasters and emergencies have themselves to be a special place that the radio transmission can come in handy. There is also the family radio service, also known as the Walkie Talkie to operate within around about 2-3 miles. A modification of the same is used when the parents can fix a transmitter to a child’s bag or pocket, and when the child walks out of the range, the parents are sent an alarm! As you can see, radio usage is not just limited to hobbies, but it spans across many different useful purposes.