It’s not often that I get a chance to see things from a different perspective. It’s a funny thing to consider, but I got confronted by this on our trip to the US Air Force museum. That in itself is an amazing place, and in my thoughts about the visit I guess you can see my excitement and enthusiasm for all the planes. There was one thing that struck me. They fought a war out here, known to us as the Second World War. It was a totally different war from the one that we took part in, however. I’ve never been taught, and never had the chance to consider, that other people had different priorities in the war, or the extent of the conflict that occurred beyond European shores, and the fact that it may also have been the result of continued tensions in other regions of the World. …

The business end of a big old jet. Dayton, Ohio, is merely 40 miles up the road (as we say in Scotland), and it is the place credited with the development of the first practical aircraft. That’s a bit of a mouthful. Suffice to say, the Wright brothers Wilbur and Orville lived there and used their bike shop to develop the world’s first heavier than air aircraft that could successfully fly under it’s own power. That’s not any better, I guess. The guys that invented the plane as we knew it came from there, and the city is very proud of that fact. Being geeks and working in aviation, it seemed prudent to have a trip and become immersed in the history of flight. …

“The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Establishments in the Manufacturing sector are often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker’s home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold, such as bakeries, candy stores, and custom tailors, may also be included in this sector. Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them. Both types of establishments are included in manufacturing.” …

“So, let me get this straight. You’re going to Detroit, which is 6 hours away, by car, with people you’ve never met before?” “Yes, Mother…” “And you’re planning on spending the weekend with them, these people who you’ve never met?” “Yes, Mother…” “And you think this is a good idea?” “Why not?” “I wish you hadn’t told me” Initially, my mother wasn’t pleased that I was going on an excusion with strangers. In fact, I don’t know if she’s pleased now it’s been done. …

I’m not much of a photographer, y’know? I like taking pictures, but I’ve never been consistently good at it. I’m drawn to take pictures of things that I find interesting, amusing and attractive, but they’re rarely techically good photos. I only know the basics, rule of thirds, the basics behind depth of field, the importance of focussing on the subject and whatnot. Regardless, I keep a flickr to put my pictures up for my friends to see them. This will make for a valuable collection to be able to share when I get back home and want to remember or show off what I’ve done. America is a pretty fascinating place, with this in mind. Where I am has umpteen opportunities for me to take pictures, because everything is so very different, interesting and amusing. Sharonville, Ohio, shows all the hallmarks of rapid urban development and town planning done better than it is in the UK. All the infrastructure is overground. I find it vulgar, but interesting to look at. Nearly everything in Scotland is buried, even out in the sticks where I come from. Phone, electricity, traffic lights and signage all hang from pylons here. It must be a nightmare when there’s a serious wind storm. For those of you that don’t know me, I’m fascinated by radios. If you take a look through my photo collection, you’ll see some of these things. Radio Antennas. They’re everywhere. It’s paradise! Here’s a bit of a dirty secret of mine… I spot them, jump on to Wikipedia and read about them. Don’t tell anyone, they might think I’m a nerd or an engineer or something. …