On this day we take for granted that it's a holiday , a time to relax, a time to party, hang out with our family and friends, a time to enjoy the finer things in life. I hope you also take time to think about those who were called to duty to defend our country and to sacrifice their lives so that we may live ours. I'm totally not a fan of any war and can't understand how one human can be driven to kill another but it's happened, and it's happening today. Not only impacting lives of hudreds and thousands of service men and women, but also impacting their families. This is my tribute to you. Thank you for the brave impacts you have made in your lifetime. You are remembered. You are missed. Hopefully the current troops will be home soon. My heart goes out to you all.
Yesterday a gunman went on a rampage and killed at least 33 people and injured many more on the campus of Virginia Tech. University in Blacksburg Virginia. It is considered the worst massacre killing spree in U.S. history. This is the second time in less than a year the school was closed down because of a shooting. I have spent time on that campus and had friends with ties to that school. My heart goes out to the victims and their families and I will burn a candle in their memory. Click here for timeline of the event.
Well I made it to the Skywalk on the Grand Canyon western rim. The first disapointment was the drive out there. 121 miles from Las Vegas. The last 21 miles is the absolute worst dirt road I have ever driven across. I highly suggest renting a vehicle with 4 wheel drive. Cars do make it through though. The only way to see the skywalk is to pay a package price. $74.95 a person. Use your AAA card because they also charge a tribal tax of 7%. When a bus takes you to the walk, you must leave all bags, pocket books, cameras, cell phones, etc. No photography while on the walk. They claim they wish to protect the grand canyon from falling items. Security guards everywhere. You put socks over your shoes and walk on a thick glass hanging 4000 feet above the canyon. You can have your photo taken for 15 dollars. The next stop Guano Point. You can literally walk along the edge of the rim. The buffet is a scam. Tin trays with gnarly chicken and barbecue beef. Not too appetizing but you can eat it in a picturesque setting. The road will be paved in June. Negotiations are underway and Trump or Wynn will get the bid to build 2 hotels, casino, amusement park, and the airport is currently being expanded to accept commercial flights. Even though I paid a hefty price it was neat to think I was there before the mass influx of progress.See more photos here.
I visited the Griffith Observatory in L.A. this past weekend. It was recently renovated and open to the public and is a great place too see if you are ever in the area. The planetarium show was the best ever and the rest of the museum was just as interesting. Probably one of the best views around. I will definitely return here.
I was driving in a San Diego neighborhood last night and saw a coyote running across the road. Today when I woke up I saw on the news a coyote was in a Quizno's store in Chicago. I'm thinking that nature is getting smarter and turning to natural energy drinks rather than wasting all their energy within the circle of life in the food chain. Go Sobe!!!
The Grand Canyon Skywalk recently opened on the west rim of the Grand Canyon. It's a glass bridge presented by the Hualapai Tribe extending out over the edge 4000 feet above. I think next week I will drive out there and blog the scene. Then again Friday the 13th is coming up. Irish luck would have me hanging on for dear life.
Aircraft Carrier Landing Pilots View - Click Here for more great videos and pictures! 20 years ago I was in the U.S. Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic. I always wanted to be a pilot but my responsibility to be qualified to start the aircraft engines and have it totally inspected and signed off for the pilots was quite an honor. Here is a video from a pilot landing on an aircraft carrier. Today on the news it was reported that we have two aircraft carriers doing maneuvers off the coast of Iran.
While reading the L.A. Times this weekend, I came across an article about a website called futureme.org. Its a site where you can e-mail yourself and recieve that e-mail many years later. It has recieved over 400,000 responses and some of those unique ones will be the subject of a book. What would you e-mail to yourself to read in about 30 years? You can read what others have sent. I think I'll email myself the location of my mind because I'm sure I'll lose it by then if I havent already. Hee hee.
According to astrologers, Libras have diplomatic, refined, intelligent, thoughtful, warm, and social natures. Libras tend to be romantic and crave relationships. Typical Libras, however, want an idealized meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of civility, refinement, and reasonableness. They do not place as much importance on deep emotional intimacy or physical passion. Libras also enjoy comfort and luxury. Astrologers believe that Libras have strong senses of justice. They carefully weigh opposing sides of any issue and are keenly aware of other people's preferences. Although Libras like to take leadership roles, their need to be fair and to please everyone equally can sometimes make it difficult for them to make decisions. Typical Libras are skilled peacemakers and diplomats who desire balance and harmony in all situations and will do almost anything to avoid confrontations. Today My horoscope said " Everything is fine except for the suspicion that you're becoming indistinct, melting into the tribal mind, becoming another facein the crowd. Time to set yourself apart once again. Shine!!!"
It has been some time since my last posting. I am happy to say I am back. It's been a long strange trip and many things have happened. The lead singer of Boston commits suicide. Anna Nicole Smith is found dead. War in Iraq still isnt pretty. Iran is on the cusp of war and of course how can you forget the former Astronaut driving cross country in diapers in a jealous rage? However, I am optimistic about the future and I am glad that you have stopped here to check in on the life and times of SYKO TOM. I will be making some changes to this blog when time permits. Enjoy your day, stop in frequently and be sure to click the ads that are sponsored on this page.
