The Liberty Quote

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.
- Thomas Jefferson

Is this the often misquoted line from Mr. Jefferson that get's passed around every time the Patriot Act or Sobriety check points are debated? (FYI: I favor the former, oppose the latter.) Usually I hear something like: "I would rather have too much freedom than not enough" or "Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither." It's usually attributed to anyone from Frankiln to Washington.

I need to research this a bit, I'd be interested to find what quotes follow this theme and how often they cross. Now I'm in the mood to pick up a couple David McCullough books. Regardless of the infrigements, this is a stirring quote that I plan to keep forward in my thoughts.

Now if you thought that was a good one, here's more wisdom from Mr. Jefferson:

I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

Thomas Jefferson
3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.

Thomas Jefferson
3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

On The Ramp At KJAC

An American (above) and Delta 757 transfer passengers on the ramp at JAC (Jackson Hole, WY.) You'd think that after years of boarding regional jet's right off the ramp, being on the ground with C-5's, C-17's & B-52's and more than 40 hours of piloting helicopters that seeing or boarding an aircraft of any type from any place wouldn't be that amazing. However I found myself in awe of the spectacle of a 200 passenger jet roling to a stop a few hundred feet in front of me. Perhaps even more startling is the view that surrounds it. There are no hangers or terminals just open fields and the mountains that make up Grand Teton Nat'l Park in the background.

The fact that any large passenger aircraft can touchdown and liftoff on JAC's 6300 ft. runway is quite remarkable. As if aircraft on the ground weren't exciting enough the view of the Teton's passing by the window while shooting an approach to RWY 14 was almost magical. If you get a chance, take the short flight to Jackson Hole... and then take the next flight back out.

The Devil Made Me Do It

Wow, I don't live in Utah's third congressional district, but I think if I did, my mind would be made up with this one. May I suggest to the good people of Southern Utah that Congressman Cannon, who garners Pres. Bush's support, is the candidate to vote for.

"Congressional Hopeful Blames Troubles on the Devil
June 23rd, 2006 @ 8:35am

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Republican congressional hopeful John Jacob believes the devil is impeding his efforts to unseat five-term Rep. Chris Cannon."

I'd definitely be voting against Mr. Jacob first, then for another candidate second. Of course, that's probably the Devil making me do that.

B'sokay

Does "Fazolis" have competition in Bountiful's attempt at fast-food Itlaian "B'sghetti's?" No, not at all. The quality of the food is lackluster compared to Fazoli's. While the cost is somewhat lower, the menu is much smaller as are the portions. The biggest failing I see in B'sghetti's is a menu that lacks things like meatballs, chicken or Italian sausage on the side of thier pasta dishes. Also, Pizza toppings include only cheese and peperoni and that's it. In B'sghetti's favor is the implementation of a drive through window which makes it more accessible than nearby Italian place in Bountiful. Also, having SoBe beverages and a Diet Dr. Pepper along with the typical fountain drinks was a big plus for me.

Cheeky Canadians

Saw this add in the window of a downtown Vancouver (B.C.) pharmacy. Imagine this image greeting you as you shuffle down the sidewalk.

Front Row Parking

I find it interesting that some of the most family friendly business practices I've yet seen have been presented to me in a state that has 7% fewer childern than my own. I was downright flabbergasted to find free spaghetti platters every day at "Cascade Pizza" in Bellingham, a kids menu pasted to the back of Muppets book at another restraunt and the supreme example, Front row parking for families with toddlers and strollers. I almost fell over when I pulled into the Bellis Fair Mall and saw this sign right infront of the entrance to the theater. Now I understand that in states such as Utah, well know for having families with many children, some policies can be taken advantage of by large familes, but may I make this suggestion to business owners country wide: Take note of some of these examples and consider the benefits of implementing some family friendly practices such as these.

Beautiful British Columbia

Stanley Park is a wonder of urban open space that exceeds even New York's Central Park. It's comparativley massive with an aquarium, Zoo, Train, pools, and more. We took in a ride on a miniature train and spent time petting goats and miniture horses. We didn't have much time to spend in Vancouver, but we felt our time was maximized by visiting this great park by the sea.

The Greatest Space Needle

Seattle's Space Needle is still, in my opinion, the greatest Space Needle yet built. It's a triumph of engineering, architecture and design. I've visited this landmark of the northwest on several occasions but I still took the oportunity to go up and visit once again. The scenery surrounding the observation deck is matched only by the view from Canada's Skylon Tower at Niagra Falls (whose design is very similar to the Seattle needle.) A visit to the Space Needle is as much a piece of Seattle as a Salmon Fillet or a Venti Mocha Latte.

A Factory for Cheesecake?!

I sampled the fine cuisine at the Cheesecake Factory for the frist time during our trip to Seattle. Quite an experience if I do say so myself. The food was great and the cheesecake selection did not dissapoint, an entire page featuring some 30 kinds of cheesecake. I tried a featured cheesecake not on the standard menu - Pineapple Upsidedown Cake Cheesecake. WOW! That was fabulous to say the least. Plus it was fun to walk around downtown.

The Future of Flight

I experienced the "Future of Flight" today, at least as Boeing sees it's future. I cruised into Boeing's Everett, WA facility today and took Boeing's factory tour they've dubed "The Future of Flight Tour." I was absolutly giddy about the tour and though it was maybe not what I'd expected. it was more than worth my time and money. Perhaps most interesting to see were different aircraft on the ramp in preperation for testing or delivery. Some were fresh out of the painting hangers, some were being flight tested, in fact, an Air France 777-300 beign tested touched down after an approach directly over the tour bus as we traversed around the approach end of 16R at PAE. This photo features yours truly in front of a mock up of a 777 engine.

Video: Greetings From Paine Field