Archive for May, 2008

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The Real Deal

Friday, May 30th, 2008

Suzette’s Helicopter Ride

Thursday afternoon, Suzette went for a two-hour ride in a helicopter, courtesy of the San Jose Police Department.

She won the ride in an auction benefiting the San Jose Museum of Art, where she volunteers as a docent.

Taking off from the NASA area of Moffett Field, two SJPD officers hosted her on an aerial tour of San Jose, during which they flew over our house. Sadie and I didn’t realize that she was overhead, otherwise we would have run outdoors, barking with excitement.

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Posted in Elsewhere | 5 Comments »

Slashed!

Monday, May 26th, 2008

Shredded Wing

When a 6-ounce foam wing runs into a 3 lb. 450-class helicopter, this is what happens.

Fortunately, Danh Le’s T-Rex helicopter survived the encounter and landed successfully, suffering only a nick in one blade.

The Mini SpeedWing lost its right elevon, about a third of its wing tip and some shreds of foam from the wing itself.

This little wing has proved itself in combat. I’d guess that it’s flown 70 or more combat sessions without suffering serious injury. I’ve rehinged the elevons, Gooped up rips in its foam and resoldered the motor leads. Otherwise, it seemed indestructible.

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Posted in Baylands | 2 Comments »

A Tiny Gopher Snake

Monday, May 19th, 2008

Baby Gopher Snake

Monday morning, workers at Baylands Park made an interesting discovery: a baby gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer).

I’d guess it was newly hatched. But, like all snakes, it was already able to navigate its environment, looking for food and avoiding threats such as monstrous people.

At this stage in its life, it’s not ready to tackle a gopher. Insects are far more likely prey. And big birds are high on its enemies list.

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Son of Symposium

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

Gary Glues a Wing

Saturday, Gary Morgan hosted his second Hammer Symposium.

People started cutting, gluing and building at about 9 a.m. The fresh park air was spiced with the hot-wax odor of hot glue.

The first Hammer Symposium was a big, fun, loosely organized social event.

This one was smaller and much better built, drawing a mix of veterans from Symposium 1 and newcomers.

Enjoy these pictures from today’s event.

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Wild Wing Catch & Release

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

Wild Wing Test Flight

Here’s a 30-second video of Dave North testing his 7-ounce Wild Wing.

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