Daniel님의 프로필Des Moines Station사진블로그리스트기타  |  도구 도움말 |
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Des Moines StationReports from the heart of Iowa 2005-10-31 Flying TraditionFavorite Daughter (and my only daughter) recently had a birthday. Among her gifts was an introductory flight and flying lessons. Flying runs in the blood. Both grandfathers flew while young. One was a pilot cadet in the old Army Air Corps and another a young enlisted Airman in the subsequent Air Force. Both flew for leisure in old-style tail draggers, Luscombes and Piper Cubs. Favorite Daughter's father flew sail planes and Cessnas in high school and college. Though the demands of subsequent families kept all her predecessors from flying in recent years, there is something about doing it yourself that can never be taken away.
When Favorite Daughter was young, we often watched Air National Guard jets from the blue lights area along the north fence of the airport. That observation spot is now gone, but the memories are not. We've shared airshows along the way and often flown commercial together. Being in the front seat is better (even if the Instructor is Pilot in Command).
Favorite Daughter observed there was a lot to remember. That's why checklists exist. The ability to learn complex tasks and the expectation to undertake at least some of the difficult tasks proffered is one of the gifts we inherit with adulthood.
I watched the pre-flight from a distance. It was immediately familiar in outline, even though details have faded.
She took off into a beautiful fall sky. An hour later she was back. She'd done touch-and-goes at another nearby airport and tooled around under a scattered high overcast.
There was a certain satisfaction in seeing her walk back to the hanger after parking the Cessna 172. Was there a certain swagger to her step? I think so and hope so.
HalloweenHalloween remains a fun, family holiday. My daughter, now technically an adult, still has enough spirit in her to carve a pumpkin and revel in seeing the younger neighborhood kids in their costumes. The Des Moines tradition of requiring a joke to receive a treat is carried on at our door on Beggar’s Night. Said one five-year old ghost, “Why did the man throw the clock out the window?” Punch line, “Because he wanted to see time fly.” I’m not throwing any clocks. Time flies too fast on its own. It wasn’t that long ago the favorite daughter was a five-year old in a ladybug costume. Review of Chevy HHR -- Surprisingly smooth and quiet2006 Chevrolet HHRHeritage High Roof – retro 5-doorThe Chevy HHR 2LT with the new 2.4 liter Ecotec variable valve timing engine is surprisingly smooth and quiet for a four cylinder small car. Essentially the wagon version of the Cobalt, the HHR benefits from a proven and popular platform, but adds fun styling and a more functional and flexible interior. The 2.4 offers smooth power delivery without fuss or noise. The addition of variable valve timing creates a world class engine, competitive with the best from Honda and Toyota. The sophisticated engine is complemented by clever engineering such as the use of special laminated steel in the firewall to dramatically reduce noise transmission from the engine bay to the interior. The ride was smoother than expected, with far less noise and harshness than in the similar but mechanically dated Chrysler PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser’s range includes an engine with more power, but none with the same tranquility. The HHR's ride and power are also superior to the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. The Vibe/Matrix is based on Corolla mechanicals and is another high roof hatchback that invites comparison. Of special note is the HHR dashboard's center stack. The radio and heater controls are far nicer than any recent GM mass market product, calling to mind Honda's excellent Accord with large knobs and silky operation. The three-spoke steering wheel with remote radio controls is a major improvement over the interior offerings on Chevy’s Malibu. What could be turn-offs? First the styling is not for everyone. The retro styling recalls the heritage of 1950s Chevy trucks, especially the original Suburban panel truck. It works for me. It does have some trade-offs. Visibility is restricted by thick window pillars and rather narrow windows. The cup holders are small and located low, on the floor between the seats, and compromised by the parking brake lever. A better design choice may have been a center console armrest option. I would have preferred four-wheel disc brakes even though the feel and performance of the front disc and rear drum set-up was good. Drums just do not look as good through the optional bright chrome 17" wheels. Similarly, stability control probably makes sense given the high roof profile, but is absent from the option list, even though anti-lock brakes and traction control are available. The automatic transmission should be a five-speed not a four-speed and should have an auto-stick option, like Chrysler's. In fairness, the HHR's price offers a great value even with these minor nit picks. Part of that value is created by final assembly in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico reflecting the reality of competition against small cars from low-wage countries. Chevy still has a very high 82% average domestic content. What's unique? Chevy's recent quality record is very good; witness the Malibu. The feel and sound of the optional 2.4 liter four-cylinder is as good as any four cylinder engine, foreign or domestic. It is sewing machine smooth. It delivers 30 mpg highway EPA ratings, even with only a four speed automatic transmission. GM's unique OnStar is a worthwhile safety option along with the HHR's available side curtain airbags. Reviews indicate average fuel economy (mixed highway and city) in real world driving in the high twenties. That's pretty great fuel economy for a car that can substitute for an SUV for anyone who doesn't need to go off road. Conclusion Go To Guy or Go Around Guy?Congressman Leonard Boswell has an increasingly hard time demonstrating he is a "go to guy" for Central Iowa in Congress.
Regardless of party, the district needs its representative in Congress to be effective and influential. We were spoiled by Democrat and quintessential deal maker Representative Neal Smith. Iowa’s split Senatorial representation makes some sense if the implicit goal is influence on both sides of the aisle. Boswell no longer fits that pragmatic mold.
Even before recent health issues, Boswell lacked the reputation of someone who can get things done in Washington. This is surprising, in part because he was a deal maker in the Iowa State Senate and an Army officer with all the presence of command necessary for success in combat. He was a personal favorite in Statehouse politics. Boswell hasn’t managed the same influence in Congress. Age and health are taking their toll. Boswell needs to ask himself if he is still the right person to accomplish the mission for Central Iowa.
Republican Jeff Lamberti or a healthy, vital and more effective Democrat, like State Senator Jack Hatch, would offer a better choice to voters. Lamberti and Hatch have experience in both government and business and personalities that won't let them fade into the background. Regardless of party, Central Iowa needs influential and proactive, hard working representation.
Boswell should be our go to guy but instead is becoming the guy people have to go around to get things done for Central Iowa in Washington.
It’s time for Boz to retire voluntarily to give the Third Congressional District a choice between fresh advocates from both major parties. Political MinutiaSo far the only thing the Valerie Plame scandal proves is that Washington D.C. is an incestuous club where politics, policy and news are freely mixed in battles over minutia. I can't see any innocents here or victims. Wilson and Plame aren't very good victims, having themselves used inside position and information to argue policy. Scooter Libby isn't a very good villain, standing accused of different recollections of conversations with reporters than the reporters recall. Of course no one ever read a newspaper interview and said, "I never said that!" There is even less clarity here than in the Whitewater Monica debacle (if that is possible). Democrats and Republicans should by now be equally convinced that independent prosecutors are a bad idea. Shouldn't we be focused on bigger issues like winning the war or rebuilding Louisiana and Mississippi? Democrats are wrong to think this is evidence of corruption. Republicans are wrong to think this demonstrates competence. Both parties are focused on politics and not forward looking results. The City of Incest is focused on the wrong thing. |
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