Sunday, November 23, 2008

2008 el Tour de Tucson

The 81 mile starting point for the 2008 el Tour de Tucson 2008. This was at Pima Community College East Campus at 9 am on November 22, 2008

A bike event review from TucsonBikes.com
http://www.tucsonbikes.com

A TucsonPictures.com Video
http://tucsonpictures.com

Friday, November 21, 2008

Mike Brown, astronomer who ousted Pluto as a planet will speak Friday night at the UoA

The astronomer who was instrumental in ousting Pluto as a planet will tell that story Friday night at the University of Arizona. The debate is still being argued in scientific circles.

Mike Brown, from CalTech, speaks on “How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming” at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the UA's Integrated Learning Center, Room 120. The talk is free to the public.

http://arizonageology.blogspot.com/2008/11/pluto-planet-killer-to-speak-friday.html

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Mars Phoenix Lander Finishes Successful Work On Red Planet

November 10, 2008 -- NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has ceased communications after operating for more than five months. As anticipated, seasonal decline in sunshine at the robot's arctic landing site is not providing enough sunlight for the solar arrays to collect the power necessary to charge batteries that operate the lander's instruments.

Mission engineers last received a signal from the lander on Nov. 2. Phoenix, in addition to shorter daylight, has encountered a dustier sky, more clouds and colder temperatures as the northern Mars summer approaches autumn. The mission exceeded its planned operational life of three months to conduct and return science data.

The project team will be listening carefully during the next few weeks to hear if Phoenix revives and phones home. However, engineers now believe that is unlikely because of the worsening weather conditions on Mars. While the spacecraft's work has ended, the analysis of data from the instruments is in its earliest stages.

"Phoenix has given us some surprises, and I'm confident we will be pulling more gems from this trove of data for years to come," said Phoenix Principal Investigator Peter Smith of the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Launched Aug. 4, 2007, Phoenix landed May 25, 2008, farther north than any previous spacecraft to land on the Martian surface. The lander dug, scooped, baked, sniffed and tasted the Red Planet's soil. Among early results, it verified the presence of water-ice in the Martian subsurface, which NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter first detected remotely in 2002. Phoenix's cameras also returned more than 25,000 pictures from sweeping vistas to near the atomic level using the first atomic force microscope ever used outside Earth.

"Phoenix not only met the tremendous challenge of landing safely, it accomplished scientific investigations on 149 of its 152 Martian days as a result of dedicated work by a talented team," said Phoenix Project Manager Barry Goldstein at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

Phoenix's preliminary science accomplishments advance the goal of studying whether the Martian arctic environment has ever been favorable for microbes. Additional findings include documenting a mildly alkaline soil environment unlike any found by earlier Mars missions; finding small concentrations of salts that could be nutrients for life; discovering perchlorate salt, which has implications for ice and soil properties; and finding calcium carbonate, a marker of effects of liquid water.

Phoenix findings also support the goal of learning the history of water on Mars. These findings include excavating soil above the ice table, revealing at least two distinct types of ice deposits; observing snow descending from clouds; providing a mission-long weather record, with data on temperature, pressure, humidity and wind; observations of haze, clouds, frost and whirlwinds; and coordinating with NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to perform simultaneous ground and orbital observations of Martian weather.

"Phoenix provided an important step to spur the hope that we can show Mars was once habitable and possibly supported life," said Doug McCuistion, director of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Phoenix was supported by orbiting NASA spacecraft providing communications relay while producing their own fascinating science. With the upcoming launch of the Mars Science Laboratory, the Mars Program never sleeps."

http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/11_10_pr.php

Sunday, November 2, 2008

New law allows salutes in civvies during anthem

10/31/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. (Courtesy of VA News)

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123121980

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Gear Review Blog Started

We started our new Gear Review Blog

We will post our gear reviews from our websites here



Pocket Pry Tool - 6 month review

We bought these County Comm Pocket Widgy Pry Tools about six months ago and decided to try them out in a chest rig that carries AR15 magazines. There is a fold in the material in this Eagle Chest Rig where this County Comm Widgy Tool is kept durring use, training and in storage. This chest rig is not used every day it is used about once a month for taining drills and is kept in storage (the closet) most of the rest of the time in the dry environment of Tucson, Arizona.

County Comm Pocket Widgy Pry Tool - 6 month review

We bought these County Comm Pocket Widgy Pry Tools about six months ago and decided to try them out in a chest rig that carries AR15 magazines. There is a fold in the material in this Eagle Chest Rig where this County Comm Widgy Tool is kept durring use, training and in storage. This chest rig is not used every day it is used about once a month for taining drills and is kept in storage (the closet) most of the rest of the time in the dry environment of Tucson, Arizona.

http://makeyourowngear.com/Articles.php?action=detail&g=content1224323912

Sunday, October 12, 2008

UofA discovered asteroid impacts earth

The first meteor identified before it hit the Earth, was spotted as it exploded into the atmosphere over Sudan on Monday night. The asteroid 2008 TC3 was discovered by the UA's Mt. Lemmon observatory about 20 hours before it entered the Earth's atmosphere....


http://arizonageology.blogspot.com/2008/10/ua-discovered-asteroid-impacts-as.html

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Paintballs areToxic to Dogs

This was sent to us in an email:

From: Paintball Toxicosis in Dogs

By: Caroline W. Donaldson, D.V.M.

From January 1998 to January 2003, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received 44 calls regarding paintball ingestion by dogs that subsequently developed clinical signs.
In some cases, the dogs may have ingested as many as 500 paintballs at one time. Paintball ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer...
In dogs, the most common clinical signs reported to the ASPCA APCC were vomiting (with or without paint) ataxia, diarrhea, and tremors. These signs occurred as early as one hour after ingestion.
In two cases, the dogs were euthanized because their central nervous system signs were unresponsive to treatment; no other deaths were reported.
The exact number of ingested paintballs required to cause clinical signs is unknown. In one case, a 90-lb (41-kg) Labrador retriever showed clinical signs after ingesting 15 paintballs.

If you believe that your dog is a victim of Paintball Poisoning, please refer to - or direct your veterinarian to the following website: http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/toxbrief1203.pdf?docID=1521

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Tucson Aerobatic Shootout 2008

Tucson Aerobatic Shooto

Giant Scale Radio Control Aerobatics
At Tucson International Modelplex Park (TIMPA)


October 11 & 12 (Saturday & Sunday)


See the world’s top aerobatic pilots “shoot it out” for over $100,000 in cash and prizes. There is no other contest like it in the U.S.....Only in Tucson, Arizona!
Featuring World Class Invitational Pilots Bernd Beschorner (Germany), Frazer Briggs (New Zealand), Chris Brislin (Australia), Gernot Bruckmann (Austria), John Glezillis, Bill Hempel, Andrew Jesky, Kurt Koelling, Ivan Kristensen (Canada), Mark Leseberg, Sean McMurtry, David Moser, Frank Noll, Jason Noll, Jeffrey Szueber, Jason Shulman, Quique Somenzini and more!


Spectacular Freestyle Contest
Extreme Aerobatics Inches From The Ground!


fabioWeb.jpg

Sponsored by:


HempelWeb.jpg






Desert Aircraft
AeroWorks
AirWild
Bill Hempel
Carden Aircraft
Composite ARF
Dalton Aviation
Duralite
Greve Exhaust Systems
Hobbico
Horizon Hobbies
Krill Models
KS Exhaust Systems
Mejzlik Modelbau
MTW Exhaust Systems
Peak Electronics
Radiowave
SmartFly
SWB
Tru-Turn
Wing Bags by Caroline
Advanced Ceramics Research
Competition Hobbies
Hobby Barn
HobbyTown USA (Tucson)
and many more







ShulmanWeb.jpg




See these huge aircraft perform maneuvers that ordinary pilots can only dream about!




Concessions available all day (iincluding breakfast) • Indoor restrooms on site
Limited bleachers available
Admission $5 per adult ($10 maximum per car) • Bring lawn chairs (bleachers fill early)
8:00-5:00 Saturday • 8:00-3:00 Sunday • 1 Freestyle round on Saturday & 2 rounds on Sunday
From the Northwest: Take Ina Rd west from I-10, left on Wade Rd, right on Picture Rocks, left on Sandario Rd, right on Manville Rd, left on Reservation Rd (dirt) 2 miles to TIMPA gate
From midtown: Take Speedway west from I-10 through Gates Pass, right on Kinney Rd, continue west on Mile Wide Road (at Sahuaro National Monument entrance), continue past Sandario Rd and turn right on Reservation Rd. (dirt) to TIMPA gate (on the east side of Reservation Rd)
Map available at www.timpa.org
Shootout details at www.desertaircraft.com
ut 2008


Sunday, September 14, 2008

What kind of reviews are you interestred in ??

We head out once in a while to test our gear, and we take pictures and stuff.. and I would be curious to hear what kind of reviews, pics, testing, etc people would like to see us do to our gear

We typically weigh it and use it, but I bet there could be other tests we could do too

What would you like to see?

Friday, September 12, 2008

We Started our Hobby Blog

Welcome to our new Hobby Blog.. looks like most of the pictures stopped working in our first set of posts, we'll add them a different way next time.

More reviews, photos along with our thoughts on the way..

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Ham Radio Introduction

Ham Radio Introduction
Posted By: Crescent Security
Posted: Wed Aug 13 2008

Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act of 1934. It is also su ...Click Here for full article

Electromagnetic Spectrum and US Radio Frequency Allocation

3 to 30 Hz Extremely low frequency

Naturally-occurring waves

30 hertz and 300 hertz Super low frequency
60 hertz AC power grids
76 hertz and 82 hertz

submarine communication

300 Hz to 3400 Hz Voice frequency
85 to 155 Hz typical adult male
165 to 255 Hz typical adult female
10 kHz to 30 kHz Very Low Frequency (VLF)
9 - 30 kHz Power line carrier systems
30 kHz to 300 kHz Low Frequency (LF)
70 - 90 kHz Radiolocation, land or mobile
90 - 110 kHz LORAN-C navigation system
300 kHz to 3 MHz Medium Frequency (MF)
325 - 405 kHz Radiobeacons for aircraft navigation
535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz AM radio
3 MHz to 30 MHz High Frequency (HF)
3.023 MHz Maritime SSB Radiotelephone
5.9 megahertz to 26.1 megahertz Short wave radio
13.36 - 13.41 MHz Radio astronomy
26.96 megahertz to 27.41 megahertz Citizens Band radio CB
30 MHz to 328.6 MHz Very High Frequency (VHF)
38.0 - 38.25 MHz Radio astronomy
54 to 88 megahertz Television channels 2 through 6
88 megahertz to 108 megahertz FM radio
174 to 220 megahertz Television channels 7 through 13
328.6 MHz to 2.9 GHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
40 megahertz Garage door openers, alarm systems, etc
40 to 50 megahertz cordless phones
49 megahertz Baby monitors
72 megahertz Radio controlled airplanes
75 megahertz Radio controlled cars
215 to 220 megahertz Wildlife tracking collars
406.0 - 406.1 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)
433.5 - 434.5 MHz RF ID tags
145 megahertz and 437 megahertz MIR space station
824 to 849 megahertz Cell phones
900 megahertz 900-MHz cordless phones
960 to 1,215 megahertz Air traffic control radar
1,227 and 1,575 megahertz Global Positioning System GPS
2290 megahertz to 2300 megahertz Deep space radio communications
2.9 GHz to 30 GHz Super High Frequency (SHF)
modern Radars
Wireless USB technology
30 GHz to 300 GHz Extremely High Frequency (EHF)
46.7 - 46.9 GHz Vehicle Radar Systems
300 GHz (1 mm) to 30 THz (10 μm) Infrared
400 nm and 700 nm Visible Light
Ultra Violet
30 petahertz to 30 exahertz X-Rays
the shortest wavelength Gamma-Rays

Make your own Magnetic Labels

Make your own Magnetic Labels
Posted By: Desert Surplus
Posted: Sun Aug 10 2008

I store some things in metal containers and in metal drawers and cabinets. Depending on quantity the items, things get shuffl ...Click Here for full article

I store some things in metal containers and in metal drawers and cabinets. Depending on quantity the items get shuffled around between containers, shelves, drawers and cabinets. We came up with this simple and cheap solution for keeping track of what item is in what container with a reusable magnetic label that can easily be moved between containers, shelves or anything made of metal

Skilcraft Hydramax Pack

Skilcraft Hydramax Pack
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Mon Jul 7 2008

This pack is worn much of the time during outdoor activities. It carries water (120 oz), A extendable Baton, an Extra Digital ...Click Here for full article

This pack is worn much of the time during outdoor activities. It carries water (120 oz), A extendable Baton, an Extra Digital Camera, Spare AA Batteries (6-12), Sunglasses (prescription), Spare Pistol Magazines (2), Gook Aid, Energy Bars, Peanuts, 550 Cord, LED Lights, Simple First Aid Supplies (Gauze, Tape), Knife, pouch for Radio / GPS. I wrap a Shemagh (scarf) through the carry handle on top of the bag when it's not around my neck keeping the sun off. This bag weighs almost nothing even when it it full of water

Kodak Easyshare M853

Kodak Easyshare M853
Posted By: Joe F
Posted: Sat Jul 5 2008

8.2 Megapixels Digital image stabilization. 2.5 LCD (6.4 cm) high-resolution (154k pixels) indoor/outdoor color display. Redu ...Click Here for full article

8.2 Megapixels Digital image stabilization. 2.5 LCD (6.4 cm) high-resolution (154k pixels) indoor/outdoor color display. Reduced blur caused by camera shake Make prints up to 30 × 40 in. (76 × 102 cm)

Komatsu PC 220 LC with Hydraulic Breaker vs Bank Safe

Komatsu PC 220 LC with Hydraulic Breaker vs Bank Safe
Posted By: Joe F
Posted: Sun May 25 2008

We took some photos of this Komatsu PC220 LC Excavator Crawler with Hydraulic Breaker in a battle with a bank vault. The rest ...Click Here for full article

We took some photos of this Komatsu PC220 LC Excavator Crawler with Hydraulic Breaker in a battle with a bank vault. The rest of the bank had been torn down and hauled away so this battle could take place in public view. It took about a day for this large machine to tear down the bank vault made of concrete and rebar with a large vault door

Limestone (Marble) Mine south of Tucson, Arizona

Limestone (Marble) Mine south of Tucson, Arizona
Posted By: KVH
Posted: Mon May 5 2008

Near Vail, Arizona the famous Georgia Marble Company of Arizona ran a Limestone Operation for many years. The quary is now sh ...Click Here for full article

Review of Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Hearing Protection

Review of Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Hearing Protection
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Sat Apr 19 2008

The Impact Sport electronic earmuff amplifies low-level ambient sounds, like range commands and conversations, while instantl ...Click Here for full article

Small Camera Tripod

Small Camera Tripod
Posted By: Leads Unlimited
Posted: Fri Apr 18 2008

We use these small plastic tripods to hold and point our digital cameras.The tripods fold up and weigh almost nothing so they ...Click Here for full article

U.S. Army WWII parachute jumper uniform

U.S. Army WWII parachute jumper uniform
Posted By: Desert Surplus
Posted: Thu Apr 17 2008

The paratrooper uniform is very distinct. It was designed with bellow pockets so troops could carry extra items on their pers ...Click Here for full article

Air Soft at Desert Surplus in Tucson, Arizona

Air Soft at Desert Surplus in Tucson, Arizona
Posted By: Desert Surplus
Posted: Thu Apr 17 2008

If you are looking for Air Soft guns for training, military re-enactments, sport or just for fun, check out the selection of ...Click Here for full article

Swap Shop Listener Swap Meet April 2008

Swap Shop Listener Swap Meet April 2008
Posted By: LibertyWatch
Posted: Tue Apr 15 2008

April 13th, 2008 the Swap Shop radio Show in Tucson, Arizona hosted a listener swap meet free of charge to anyone who wanted ...Click Here for full article

Twinkie, Deconstructed - The Book

Twinkie, Deconstructed - The Book
Posted By: KVH
Posted: Mon Apr 14 2008

Like most Americans, Steve Ettlinger eats processed foods. And, like most consumers, he often reads the ingredients label—wit ...Click Here for full article

4th Ave Street Fair - April 4th, 2008

4th Ave Street Fair - April 4th, 2008
Posted By: Kinney Village Townhomes
Posted: Sun Apr 13 2008

The Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair is the 4, 5, 6th of April 2008. It takes place between Ninth Street and University Blvd. ...Click Here for full article

Bagel Sandwich Container made from a Bulk CD Case

Bagel Sandwich Container made from a Bulk CD Case
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

Reuse those 25 CD or DVD spindles when the media is used instead of throwing it away. These locking spool containers work gre ...Click Here for full article

CD - DVD Scratch Repair

CD - DVD Scratch Repair
Posted By: Joe F
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

Got scratches on a CD, CD ROM or DVD? We do, so we tried a trick, using toothpaste. They only toothpaste around was the gel t ...Click Here for full article

USS Tucson (SSN 770)

USS Tucson (SSN 770)
Posted By: LibertyWatch
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

USS TUCSON (SSN 770) is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of this Arizona city. The first TUCSON was ...Click Here for full article

How to make Cheap Music Videos

How to make Cheap Music Videos
Posted By: KVH
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

Got to make a cheap video? Here is one way. Set up a camera to watch the screen saver or media player visualization as you p ...Click Here for full article

Phantom Fireworks in Nevada

Phantom Fireworks in Nevada
Posted By: KVH
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

We were in Nevada for a convention and decided to stop in at a fireworks store to see what they had to offer ...Click Here for full article

Greenhouse in Arizona

Greenhouse in Arizona
Posted By: Joe F
Posted: Sat Apr 12 2008

We took some pictures of this greenhouse operation at a school here in Arizona. The large glass building is cooled with two l ...Click Here for full article

PowerShot SD450 Digital ELPH

PowerShot SD450 Digital ELPH
Posted By: JiveOne
Posted: Sun Mar 23 2008

A 5.0 Megapixel CCD, Canon optical zoom and a new 2.5 inch LCD screen. ...Click Here for full article

Making rope handles with a single 550 cord

Making rope handles with a single 550 cord
Posted By: kilosix4
Posted: Sun Mar 23 2008

I saw the instructions for this on the internet and figured I would give it a try. I was not about to buy a French Knitting S ...Click Here for full article

Fixing a broken Refrigerator / Freezer

Fixing a broken Refrigerator / Freezer
Posted By: Joe F
Posted: Wed Mar 19 2008

We were getting a lot of frost on the inside of the freezer and the refrigerator was not staying cold. Turning the fridge off ...Click Here for full article

Corona ACE Hardware NOW OPEN

Corona ACE Hardware NOW OPEN
Posted By: Corona ACE
Posted: Wed Mar 5 2008

At last, an Ace Hardware in your neighborhood! ...Click Here for full article

2008 Tucson Rodeo Parade

2008 Tucson Rodeo Parade
Posted By: Kinney Village Townhomes
Posted: Fri Feb 22 2008

The Tucson Rodeo also known as the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros starts off with the Tucson Rodeo Parade each year.

Click Here for full article

Tucson Gem Show 2008

Tucson Gem Show 2008
Posted By: JiveOne
Posted: Sat Feb 16 2008

For 50 or so years now people have visited Tucson, Arizona in Feb for the Gem and Mineral Show. This year it was larger than ...Click Here for full article

Home Repair Tool Kit - An overview with pictures

Home Repair Tool Kit - An overview with pictures
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Sun Jan 6 2008

This is an overview and review of this wide mouth / soft side style of bag for a home repair tool kit. I am not sure of the m ...Click Here for full article

Native Seeds - SEARCH in Tucson, Arizona

Native Seeds - SEARCH in Tucson, Arizona
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Sun Jan 6 2008

We stopped in to visit and join the Tucson, Arizona based Native Seeds / SEARCH. Located on 4th Ave just north of downtown, S ...Click Here for full article

Saguaro Scramblers Agility Club

Saguaro Scramblers Agility Club
Posted By: JiveOne
Posted: Fri Dec 14 2007

The Saguaro Scramblers Agility Club, Tucson, AZ hosted an agility competition in December 2007. Here are some pictures and a ...Click Here for full article

Fourth Ave Street Fair

Fourth Ave Street Fair
Posted By: Kinney Village Townhomes
Posted: Thu Dec 13 2007

This years 4th Ave Street Fair in Tucson, Arizona was a rainy event. It rained for much of the weekend, but the fair went ...Click Here for full article

Tucson Websites

Tucson Websites
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Tue Nov 27 2007

Tucson Websites.com is an internet website community
Our network provides recreation, hobby, entertainment
and ...Click Here for full article

Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Needle Nose

Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Needle Nose
Posted By: 99frontierxe
Posted: Sat Nov 24 2007

Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Needle Nose (in black) Review

...Click Here for full article

El Caminos around Tucson, Arizona in Nov 2007

El Caminos around Tucson, Arizona in Nov 2007
Posted By: Bubba
Posted: Fri Nov 23 2007

Pics of some of the El Caminos seen around Tucson this month. All were white,and each was from a different era, a good month ...Click Here for full article

Tour de Tucson 2007

Tour de Tucson 2007
Posted By: Firebird Towing
Posted: Tue Nov 20 2007

This years Tour de Tucson was the largest yet. We visited the 66 an 81 Mile Starting lines. Here are some pictures of this ye ...Click Here for full article

Mushroom Identification Books

Mushroom Identification Books
Posted By: JiveOne
Posted: Sun Oct 21 2007

These are all books about Mushroom Collecting and Identification. I use some more than others, but these are all interesting. ...Click Here for full article