Happy Halloween

This week I will talk to my classes about Halloween (or Fall Festival) traditions like trick-or-treating, etc. and Holidays in general. Kids don't usually go trick-or-treating here so I don't have any cool pictures to show you, but I hope this Calvin and Hobbes strip causes you to laugh as much as I have reading it through the years.

Hong Kong Trip

Picture below, left is looking out the window from TGI Friday's at a double decker bus and red taxi. Although the subways were very nice and usually not this crowded, the picture to the right, below, was taken during the after work rush hour.

The next 2 pictures were also taken from inside TGI Friday's. The guy on the billboard (orange shirt) is Jackie Chan, doing flips like usual (he's promoting a workout). His pictures are everywhere since he does so many movies there.

I tried to get some pictures from different angles and using different settings. These are all from Victoria's Peak, overlooking the Bay.

The trolley that takes you up to the peak is in the picture to the right.

Video below, building changing colors. Sorry it's not longer.

Night of the Burning Money

On the night of August 27th a friend called and told me about all the people burning money on the streets. It is a tradition they do to honor their ancestors. I have to admit, my first thought was, "Well, if they are going to burn it anyway, maybe I can go scoop up some that blows away!" But then I was told that they usually buy fake money for this. So they still lose money, hoping that it will give them good luck in some way, although it is a vain attempt to grasp something that they really do not even understand. Please remember them, as we hope they see light.

First I went downtown to eat and I got these pictures. I only saw a few money burners in this area at this time, but this gives you some nice views of the city.

The purple and white lights on the bridges below (right) are messages that move and change.

The moon can be seen in the center of the picture to the right, below.

When I got back near my campus I saw more fires in a park, where I got these pictures.

In Memory of James Noel, Aggie Class of 1952

Note:Today's Post is a little different. It is all designed to be a memorial for my friend and (I believe) Brother, Jim Noel.
Jim Noel (white hat) passed away on December 31, 2006, age 76. He was my primary instructor and "flying buddy". This picture shows him doing two of his favorite things: being on the airfield and talking to people. "Blue Skies", Dr. Noel. I believe I'll see you again.



The next three pictures are of some of our "birds" during a flour bombing competition...

N6315M (15 "Mike") to the right, one of my favorite planes.

N93124 ("November Niner 3124") bombing to the left, and after a new paint job to the right. I also enjoyed this plane and many of my hours were flown in it.

Below: Open house on campus (nice short field landing!!!) in front of the basketball arena and across from Kyle Field, (to the right of the picture, whoop!) and new members checking out the planes at Easterwood Airport, Texas A&M. To the left of the members on the airfield is runway 16/34, which was the largest and most often used runway. All pictures courtesy of the "Flying Aggies" and Easterwood Airport.

City of Contrasts

Above, Left: Traditional costumes and songs at a restaurant area.