I had kind of a wild day yesterday, covered quite a bit of ground. I found myself climbing metal rungs up the inside of the campanile tower, then later up in the organ loft in the chapel. I spent the afternoon doing research in the archives, trying to understand what I had just seen. There’s a lot to tell, but when I got home and sat down to write a post about it, I discovered that our cable was out. No television, no <gasp> internet! It was pretty sad, but I wound up sitting and having a fun conversation with my daughter and her friend, Zoe, so I guess it is possible to have a meaningful life without cable access. Still, I was glad to find it back on this morning.

I’ve overslept and have got to get going here, so I’ll save my fabulous post about the organ and carrilon for this evening. In the meantime, here are a couple of short items:

First off, in my earlier post about LBJ landing on campus with no warning, I wondered whether

Is this taking off or landing? I think it's taking off, but I don't have a reason for that.

the helicopter in this picture was taking off or landing. At least one reader was actually paying attention, took the trouble to make an inquiry, and sent me this a few days later:

“Melissa,

I forwarded your question about the helicopter photo to my helicopter friend, guru        and consultant.  Also holder of the speed record for flying around the world in a helicopter.  Twice, once in each direction: www.bowerhelicopter.com/

As usual with Ron, you get a little more than you pay for which, of course, is nothing.  Hope this resolves the age-old issue…coming or going?

Mike

MIKE – THE HELICOPTER SHOWN IS A SIKORKSY (S-3 OR H-3), ACTUALLY OF THE SAME MODEL CURRENTLY STILL IN USE, SOME 50 YEARS LATER.  THESE WERE USED IN VIETNAM AS RESCUE HELICOPTERS IN THE EARLY PART OF THE WAR BY THE USAF AND USN.  THESE HELICOPTERS COULD LAND ON EITHER LAND OR WATER.  I UNDERSTAND THAT ONE REASON THEY STILL  REMAIN IN SERVICE AS THE PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER IS THE NEWER, MORE POWERFUL HELICOPTERS BLOW OVER THE POTTED PLANTS IN THE ROSE GARDEN WHEN THEY COME IN TO PICK UP THE PRESIDENT.

I BELIEVE THE SECOND PICTURE IS LIKELY ON-TAKE-OFF BASED ON THE NOSE AND ROTOR SYSTEM BEING TILTED FORWARD TO INCREASE FORWARD THRUST.

NORMALLY ON LANDING THE NOSE WOULD BE HIGHER, AND THE ROTOR DISC TILTING AFT.  IT IS CONCEIVABLE THAT THE HELICOPTER IS JUST HOVERING TO FIND THE BEST (SMOOTHEST AND FLATTEST) LANDING SPOT.

HOPE IT HELPS – REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR IN CONSULTING.

RON

As always, I’m grateful for the help! 

 Notice anything odd? I mean, besides the flower arrangement. You have to look hard.

I’ve looked all over and I can’t figure out when the chandelier was added or where it came from. It’s not really all that big, but it’s quite ornate. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.