Goin' slow on the ground

Ground school continues progressing slowly. I feel like we've made it through the most difficult part though. The first two weeks were made up of outlining the mechanics and various systems of the R-22. In this photo you see Frank our instruction (also the Chief Pilot at the Ogden center) showing the class the parts and operatoins of the swash plate. From here out I think it will get more exciting. We'll be getting into aerodynamics and so forth plus flight training is getting more exciting as the work in the simulator gets more realistic and less repetitive. Hopefully I'll be in the actual bird in about two weeks.

A brew for you and a great steak too

My brother gave me a rather intrigueing gift for my birthday. He sent me to a local restraunt called "Red Rocks." At thier heart they're a brewery, and well known for thier micro's. Now I don't drink, but I've heard they're an excellent restraunt as well. We took the gift card out to test the theory. We were very much impressed. I had a New York (12oz) with the house potatoes (mashed potatos with horseradish mixed in) and it was an awesome meal. I'd recomend it to pretty much anyone. I hear they brew a really good Root Beer and Orange Creme soda too. In this photo Hannah and I are sitting in front of the brewing room awaiting our appetizer.

Goole Local's profile of Red Rock's
Official Red Rock Page

Demolish a building, Build a Villiage

The landscape of Centerville changes once again as a long vacant building topples under a wrecking ball and steam shovel. The former home of JC Penny on the border of Bountiful and Centerville has long been void of retail sales and has for more than ten years served as records storage for the company. The JC Penny catalog call center served in the upper floor of the building until mid 2004.

I worked in that call center and remember shopping in the store and I, like many long time Centervillites, have missed having the retail space so nearby. As much as I will miss the employment oppotunites and even the open space the vacant parking lot provides I welcome the more efficient use of the space.

I attended the public demolition event on Halloween afternoon along with about 1,000 other onlookers. It was barely worthwhile. For all the buildup the marketing company went through you'd have thought they were going to blow the thing up. When we arrived and the crowd was a mear 100 feet from the building, it was clear no explosives were to be involved.

Even with the lack of pyrotechnics the show was good enough to make me feel like I didn't complety waste my time in coming down and fighitng the crowds. Here's the video from the demolition:

• JC Penny Demolition 1 - A last look and the first blows.
• JC Penny Demolition 2 - The brick busting breaks into high gear.
  

The Grand Hall

The Gateway is the newest shopping center in Salt Lake City. It was built on the former site of the Union Pacific rail yard on the West side of the city. One of the most commanding structures in the complex was - and still is - the station/terminal now called the Grand Hall. This building which used to hold ticket booths, benches and news stands now is an open room wich can be rented out for various events.

My daughter and I were walking around the area and decieded to peek in. We found some amazing murals depicting the connection of the transcontinental Rail Road at Promintory Point, Utah and the arrival of Pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. Also there were several stunning stained glass windows portraying similar scenes. Seemed like a great place to have a dance if you ask me!

The Great Ingram Advenutre:A Disneyland Birthday - Fast 111's

I felt like I couldn't finish our trip without taking a picture of this. We lodged in room 111 and I guess it was a good omen becasue we had a pretty good time and had a pretty nice room. Emma had her own spot on the fold out sofa and her own TV not to mention a fridge, micro, and jetted tub. I think that tub saved my aching feet on more than one night. The hotel overall was pretty sad, but the room was pretty nice. Can't complain for only $49 a night anyway.

The Great Ingram Advenutre:A Disneyland Birthday - Into The Rainforest

Next door to the monorail station in the Downtown Disney district is a restraunt called "The Rainforest Cafe." My wife and I have wanted to visit during a Disneyland visit since we saw an add for the holding company of another favorite restraunt (Saltgrass Steakhouse) noting the cafe about a year ago. There is a similar restruant here in Utah call "The Mayan" where false trees and indoor waterfalls create a unique dining experience. I don't know if I enjoyed it or not. The place was incredibly crowded and the menu not that appealing, but my wife loved it and wants to return.

The Great Ingram Advenutre:A Disneyland Birthday - Stop That Partying!

You see, I always thought Disneyland was supposed to be "The Happiest Place On Earth." But every ride I get on I see these "No Partying" warnings. This one happens to found on an "It's A Small World" boat. Man, these guys are such sticklers!

The Great Ingram Advenutre:A Disneyland Birthday - Seeking Club 33

After enjoying Dinner at the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square I started seeking the entrance to the infamous Club 33 room. Next door to the Blue Bayou was a door with intercoms and this door marker. Anyone think that this might be the place? Club 33 is a lounge for members only and is, incidently, the only place on the park where hard liquors are dispensed.