Happy New Year

Best Wishes to all for a Happy New Year from Missus ORPO and I!

What It's Like To Drive A Zamboni

This was on Jalopnik.
I am an unabashed hockey fan as everyone knows.
I watch the Zamboni during the intermissions at the games that Missus ORPO and I attend in Bakersfield at RaboBank Arena.

The author was given the chance by the New Jersey Devils recently........Lucky Man!
Her is the video from the post at Jalopnik........
https://youtu.be/V0m7G_HJD10?list=PLsgqwTEPG-_0xL4yqrtzB34VpQ5QYoISv

For the entire piece, hit the link below and enjoy!
http://jalopnik.com/what-its-like-to-drive-a-wild-zamboni-in-its-natural-ha-1750133495

Dinner in Monterey

Missus ORPO and I had dinner at a neat little seafood place in Monterey today.
We were going to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose but Missus ORPO came down with a fever and chills.
We did go out to have something to eat for dinner, though.
Monterey does have a lot of really good places to eat.
Tonight's fare was at the Sea Harvest in Monterey...........................Damn it was good!

Winter solstice as seen from Stonehenge | Earth | EarthSky

Interesting little piece I happened upon this evening. It's kind of cool.
I have always wanted to visit Stonehenge. I have no aspirations of any kind about it. I just think it would be something to see.




Comet PANSTARRS above the Stonehenge monument in March, 2013. Image via Simon Banton
The rest of the story is at the link below. I hope all enjoy.
Winter solstice as seen from Stonehenge | Earth | EarthSky

A Taste Of Winter This Morning.

I finally got a few shots of the Tehachapi with snow this morning on the way home from word at Eddie's Airplane Patch and a low temperature of a balmy 21 degrees..................
I stood in the bed of The Titan at the intersection of California City Boulevard and CA 58. I have to admit that it was a really nice morning here in The Southeast Kern County Desert.....................

First sign of Winter in The Southeast Kern County Desert

I grabbed a few shots a little while ago with my phone. I was on a Rite Aid run and they were slowly covering the Tehachapi and Southern Sierra Nevada Range.
We are in a Wind Advisory today so I have no idea how this is going to turn out.

I do think that perhaps it is that first sign of Winter out here.

Photos: Hanukkah celebrations from around the world

This was on The Jewish Telegraphic Agency site this morning.



Lighting menorahs earlier this week in Krakow, Poland. (Shavei Israel)
There are observant Jews all over the world.
I wish the blessings of the season to all.
Photos: Hanukkah celebrations from around the world

Here's How To Detail A Boeing 707 That Was A Piece of American History

One of the three VC-137B's that were at the service of the President of The United States. This one is currently on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona. One is at the Nixon Library in Simi Valley and I do not remember where the other one is. I believe it is in the Air and Space Museum part of the Smithsonian. These are the aircraft that brought the Office of President of The United States into the jet age.
The full skinny on the project is at the link below.

http://drive.jalopnik.com/heres-how-to-detail-a-boeing-707-that-was-a-piece-of-am-1688059453

Skywatching from Space.com: The 'Big Moon' Illusion May Be All in Your Head

I figured some science stuff was appropriate today after all the recent bad stuff happening lately.

"If you've ever seen the moon as it's just coming over the horizon, you may have wondered why it seems to look bigger than when it lies straight overhead. The answer may have more to do with the human brain than an external effect."

Always wondered about that ya know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do live in an area that is outstanding for skywatching.........

A full moon rising over the Rocket Lab is an awesome sight to see!




The full moon looks massive as it sets behind the Very Large Telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert, in this photo release on Jun 7, 2010. Why do observers report that the moon looks larger near the horizon than it does high in the sky? It may be nothing more than a trick of perspective. 
Credit: Gordon Gillet, ESO


The full piece is at the link below. Enjoy your day!

The 'Big Moon' Illusion May Be All in Your Head

The Sierra Nevada and The Tehachapi wrapped in Clouds

I took a couple of hours leave to get home and off my feet sooner..................
Coming down the hill on Cal City Boulevard, the Clouds on the Southern Sierra Nevada Range and The Tehachapi presented me with an opportunity to fire up the Nikon D3000. The tops of the mountains are wrapped in cloud.