Cult Carpet

You just never know how it’s going to turn out when you open yourself up to the universe. Especially if the center of your universe happens to be Portland. The one in Oregon, on the U.S. West Coast, famous for food trucks, hipsters, roses, museums, rampant creativity, and its “Keep Portland Weird” sign. A city that’s lovingly satirized by the absurdly witty TV show Portlandia. A very different place. Right, the universe. Well, just like those of us who have lived in our homes for more than 20 years, the good folks at Portland International Airport (PDX) and the Port of Portland decided it was time to replace the carpet in their terminals.

2023-02-20T20:02:48-08:00December 5th, 2014|
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Gone Gliding – Conclusion

We’re at Minden-Tahoe Airport in Soaring NV’s LS4 glider, hooked up to the Piper Pawnee towplane, and just starting our takeoff roll. Spencer, our ground crew, runs alongside the glider for a few feet while holding the wingtip. The ailerons are alive in a couple of seconds, and I hold the wings level with the stick, while steering along the runway centerline with the rudder pedals.

2023-02-20T20:02:49-08:00November 25th, 2014|
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Gone Gliding – Part Two

I’m glad that you decided to come along with me for a flight in Soaring NV’s LS4 glider. I promised you a ride in Gone Gliding, Part One, didn’t I? Yes, the LS4 is just a single-seater, so we’ll use a “mind-meld” for you to enjoy the flight. Let’s hop into a golf cart with Spencer, who’ll be our ground crew, and head over to the glider staging area near the threshold of Runway 30, here at Minden-Tahoe Airport (MEV).

2023-02-20T20:02:49-08:00November 14th, 2014|
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The Marines Take Seattle

On Tuesday evening, the United States Marine Corps invaded the main parking lot of the world-renowned Museum of Flight in Seattle. It’s “Marine Week” in Seattle, and as part of the annual Seafair Festival, the Marines were setting up a static display of their aircraft and ground equipment. Open to the public from Wednesday until Sunday, the display is part of the Museum’s “Need for Speed Festival.”

2023-02-20T20:03:06-08:00July 30th, 2014|
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Trains, Subways, and a Monorail – A Day Exploring Tokyo by Transit

I had the whole day to explore the city before returning to Haneda Airport’s International Terminal for my 9:55 pm flight. I had a long list of suggestions of things to see from friends and colleagues. Everyone had said that the best way to explore Tokyo is by transit, and I had my maps ready to go.

2023-02-20T20:03:09-08:00May 8th, 2014|
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Hello, Goodbye – The Last Boeing 747-400D

In Japan, April 1 is most certainly not April Fools’ Day. April 1 is actually the start of the financial year for Japanese companies. And along with this fiscal reset, April 1 is the day that groups of recent graduates begin their careers with a new company, a loyal relationship that may very well be life-long. This unique recruitment culture is called Shinsotsu.

2023-02-20T20:03:09-08:00April 9th, 2014|
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