another day wasted on the Military Channel...
you know what's awesome? WWII planes!
i'm on a spree to learn about aircraft back when aircraft was cool. headed off to the library later... if the skies don't open up and strike me with lightning. whiiiiich they just did. shit.
but at the same time it makes me sad to think about how the modern USAF is becoming less pilot-oriented. it's good that with the advent of remote-control drones we won't be risking lives, but it's taking all the romance out of it. the days of the legendary flying ace are over.
that reminds me, i need to watch Top Gun.
watching footage of WWII fighters in action is kinda like, "you chose to do this knowing the mortality statistics? did you have to modify the cockpit to accommodate your enormous balls?" the experience curve was basically either 'celebrated hero' or 'ashes and scrap metal in some European field'. some hardcore folks, son.
also, i love the story of how soldiers (coughAmericanscough) used to make ice cream by pouring the ingredients onto tubs, attaching them to planes, and flying around in the lower atmosphere for a while to freeze the stuff. such gross abuse of equipment is just wonderful to me. but then, the pilots, at least, deserved it.
pictured: aerial awesome. official designation the P-51 Mustang
UPDATE:
i got very wet coming back from the library. and now my arms hurt. my single stroke of genius was, when finding out i could get as many books as i'd like, not running back for more. 3 oversized hardbacks was plenty for my poor arms while juggling an umbrella and navigating the puddles.
the best thing to do was just peel off my socks and soaked shoes and curl up with a book of aviation history while the rain came down outside. and remember not to do that again until i get some good puddle-stompin' rain boots.
yummy, hot ramen...
i'm on a spree to learn about aircraft back when aircraft was cool. headed off to the library later... if the skies don't open up and strike me with lightning. whiiiiich they just did. shit.
but at the same time it makes me sad to think about how the modern USAF is becoming less pilot-oriented. it's good that with the advent of remote-control drones we won't be risking lives, but it's taking all the romance out of it. the days of the legendary flying ace are over.
that reminds me, i need to watch Top Gun.
watching footage of WWII fighters in action is kinda like, "you chose to do this knowing the mortality statistics? did you have to modify the cockpit to accommodate your enormous balls?" the experience curve was basically either 'celebrated hero' or 'ashes and scrap metal in some European field'. some hardcore folks, son.
also, i love the story of how soldiers (coughAmericanscough) used to make ice cream by pouring the ingredients onto tubs, attaching them to planes, and flying around in the lower atmosphere for a while to freeze the stuff. such gross abuse of equipment is just wonderful to me. but then, the pilots, at least, deserved it.
pictured: aerial awesome. official designation the P-51 Mustang
UPDATE:
i got very wet coming back from the library. and now my arms hurt. my single stroke of genius was, when finding out i could get as many books as i'd like, not running back for more. 3 oversized hardbacks was plenty for my poor arms while juggling an umbrella and navigating the puddles.
the best thing to do was just peel off my socks and soaked shoes and curl up with a book of aviation history while the rain came down outside. and remember not to do that again until i get some good puddle-stompin' rain boots.
yummy, hot ramen...