AVCR8TEUR'S PHOTO BLOG & MORE

Columns

2009-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

56 newly erected columns in Tiananmen Square marked the 60th anniversary founding of the People's Republic of China celebrated October 1st of this year.
As you can see, the day I visited was quite overcast.

Each of the 26 ton columns represents an ethnic group living in China and is said to symbolize their unity, harmony and equality.

On the back of each column inscribes the name of each of the ethnic groups.

- Karen

A Little Snow Adventure

2009-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Xi'an International Airport was closed due to a snow storm as we waited for our flight to Shanghai. Since I do not live in an area where it snows, I do not know if it is normal for humans with shovels to clear the roads instead of snowplows at the airport.

When we were finally allowed to board, we had to take a shuttle bus to our plane. The terminal did not have a gangway, so we had to walk out into the cold, stand in the snow that has now turned into slush, and hike up the staircase to embark onto our airplane.
In this photograph, I am looking back onto the airport terminal and waiting at the bottom of the crowded staircase while the airport personnel check our boarding pass again.

We were stuck inside our plane for 3-1/2 hours waiting for it to be de-iced. While other planes on the tarmac were de-iced by the standard de-icing machine, our plane was manually de-iced.
Since I had a window seat, I could see workers climb onto the airplane wing, tap on the ice and sweep off the excess snow.
Needless to say, we were quite nervous that our plane was not serviced like everyone else. Many people clapped when the plane took off safely, but I was more interested in it landing safely at our destination.
Considering you are reading this post now, you can deduce that I did indeed land safely. And, I might add that it was one of the smoothest landings.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

- Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Rear Adm. Ned Deets

Rear Adm. Ned Deets speaks with Frank Chebatar, president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, at the conclusion of the base consolidation ceremony. The two bases consolidated to form Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Skilled Cyclist

2009-11-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

With the amount of traffic in Beijing, this skilled cyclist shows no fear transporting the huge load on his tricycle.

- Karen

Fancy Cans

2009-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Trash and recyclable containers situated at various locations throughout China. They look like antiques and too fancy for trash collection.

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen

Water Graffiti

2009-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I heard about the art of water graffiti, but this is the first time I saw it in person while visiting China.
The artist merely arms himself with a bucket of water & a brush and begins writing away on the pavement. Sorry, I cannot read the language, but I am assuming it is various sayings or a form of poetry. If anyone knows, I would be interested to hearing what he wrote.

There is more...

He also draws.

- Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-11-18T00:09:00.000-08:00

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, overcompensates a left turn while on a driving simulator as a part of the Save a Life Tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Saturday Morning Social

2009-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Men hang up their birdcages on the trees and spend the day socializing and gambling with their friends at the nearby park.

I think the birds are happy to get out of the house and do a little networking of their own.

- Karen

Acrobatics

2009-11-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

Following a 12 hour flight from San Francisco to Beijing, our tour guide shuttled us to an hour-long acrobatic show after dinner. As you can see, these girls are extremely strong, fearless, and skillful with keeping those plates spinning.

This entertainer was able to balance on 5 cylinders on top of each other. I felt nervous for him as his stack grew taller.

A member of the audience was selected to sit in the huge vase as the
performer skillfully maneuvers it around so the audience can see the person inside.

Note: Thank you for all the well-wishes from everyone before my trip. Unfortunately, China blocked access to blogspot.com so I could not provide you with regular updates. Now that I am home, more pictures to come.

- Karen

Where in the World is Waldo?

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Where is Waldo?

He is high above on a San Francisco rooftop!

Note: Where is Karen? I will be visiting mainland China for the first time in the next two weeks. Hopefully, I will be able to get internet access to give you travel updates! Until then...

- Karen

Walking About

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

People walking above the bridge walkway inside San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art.
During my visit, one gentleman was terrified to walk across so my friend held his hand and safely made it to the other side, but I hope he made it back across.

Looking up at the fifth floor walkway from below.

- Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

This Week's Post Was Written By Greta

Col. Henry J. Cook

Past National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, after serving over fifteen years with MOPH, gaining invaluable experience while in the positions of National Aide-de-Camp, Chapter Commander, Region Commander, National Junior Vice Commander and National Senior Vice Commander.

He was a career Special Forces (Green Beret) officer for thirty-three of the total forty-two years that he was on combined active and reserve duty. His combat tours began in 1967-68 when he operated behind enemy lines in for extended periods of time conducting operations with native guerrilla troops as the Executive Officer of the 4th Mobile Guerrilla. He saw additional combat in 1969-70 when he led a U.S. Special Forces Mobile Strike Force Battalion (MIKE FORCE), consisting of Green Beret officers and sergeants leading Cambodian mercenaries, again working behind enemy lines as well as reacting to attacks on friendly bases, often requiring that his unit be parachuted into hostile drop zones.

Later, he participated in Desert Shield (Saudi Arabia), Desert Storm (Kuwait) and Iraq, and Operation Provide Comfort (Support to Kurdish refugees in Northern Iraq.

For his valor and military skills, Colonel Cook was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold and Silver Stars, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, Special Forces Tab, and numerous other U.S. and foreign decorations.

Henry Cook is now twice retired, as a soldier and as a lawyer and resides in Diamondhead, Mississippi. He is a member of the Pro Bono Consortium representing veterans who appeal denial of claims and is a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. He’s been a member of the Mississippi Bar Association since 1978 and also serves as a Municipal Judge Pro Tem in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Other significant contributions to veterans by Henry Cook include: a major role in the creation of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Ocean Springs and helping raise over $500,000 to help MOPH members in Louisiana and Mississippi who lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. In addition to MOPH, he also belongs to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Special Forces Association (SFA), Special Operations Association (SOA), Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).

You can read more about Col. Henry in this PDF file on pages 31 & 32.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Apple & Pear

2009-11-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

A new park in the area has these colorful fruit sculptures to commemorate the numerous orchards that were here in the past.
And, it doesn't hurt to remind us to eat healthy.

- Karen

Penthouse Suite

2009-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing on from my previous post, this is the interior of the penthouse suite. With the housing market the way it is, the unit is not occupied, but beautifully decorated for a potential buyer.
Would you like to live here?

Kitchen with marble countertops and wood paneling.

Sunshine streaming through the floor to ceiling windows.
Ahhh, the warmth!

Happy Halloween!

- Karen

The Axis

2009-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend photographers were invited to the penthouse suites of a local high rise condominium to photograph its views and interiors.
At 6:30AM from the 21st floor balcony, one could see the lonely, yet peaceful city below.

Another vantage point oversees a deserted thoroughfare with only the street lamps to light up the night.

In the distance is a look in on the domed City Hall and its lit up offices. Hmmm, shouldn't they turn off the lights to save energy?

At 7AM, several photographers are continuing creating their art on the balcony at the other end of the building.

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen

Funny Pets & Their Owners

2009-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do you think Rascal is the ugliest dog in the world? Well, he has lots of awards to prove it and he comes from a long line of ugliest dog contest winners.
Click here to watch the video on this handsome little rascal.

I believe this is a cockatoo and he/she feels right at home.

- Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Spc. Justin Slagle

Spc. Justin Slagle returns to Forward Operating Base Lane in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after an air assault mission in the Zabul province of Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2009. Even as leaders in Washington struggle with the next steps in Afghanistan, troops there are moving to better protect the Afghan people by separating them from Taliban influence and intimidation.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Local Pet Parade

2009-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, the community had a pet parade with a few interesting characters.
Here is one group on a sleigh powered by humans.

I did not expect a snake, but there was a boa constrictor.

A dog with lashes.

A Viking dog with bling.

And, would you believe a chicken. Actually, this was one of two chickens in the parade.

Nice Weekend

2009-10-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Take a deep breath...
Wishing everyone a nice and relaxing weekend. If your hometown is covered in rain or snow, enjoy this warm Hawaiian day from the northern shores of Oahu.
No, I am not in Hawaii at the moment, but I did dig through my archives from a few years back to share this moment with you.

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen

Smiling Tree

2009-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I spotted this in St. Wolfgang, Austria, but don't know enough German to decipher the sign at the bottom.
So for now, I shall call it the "Smiling Tree" as it looks like the faces were carved from a tree.

Happy Wednesday,
Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sailors & Marines Playing Volleyball With Local School Children

Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) play volleyball with students from Sangley Point National High School during a lunch break at a community service project. Tortuga, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are participating in Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2009. PHIBLEX is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Photo Courtesy Navy.mil Taken By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Carmen Bearanda?

2009-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wanna Ride?

2009-10-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a camel ride at a fair? All camels I have seen have only been in zoos.
It was a unique experience for me and I think for others because the line was fairly long even at $10 USD (6.82 Euro) a ride. I had to wait awhile before the crowds cleared to take this shot of the workers.

Being lead by a handler, the rides looked reasonably tame.
According to Wikipedia, camels with one hump like this one are called Dromedary or the more familiar name of Arabian Camel. They usual grow to a height of 6.5 ft. (2m)and weigh between 850lbs. to 1300lbs. (400kg to 600kg).

- Karen

Road Trip

2009-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have not posted any pictures of my dog for awhile so I thought this was a good opportunity after the last trip we took with him.
Maverick loves road trips and enjoys sticking his head out the window to breathing in the fresh air as we drive.
And, yes, I believe that is the moon visible in the sky.

We rented a motor boat to take a cruise on New Lake Melones. Maverick enjoyed sitting on his pillow watching us do all the work.

A photogenic picture of Maverick in Yosemite.

- Karen

Wednesday Hero

2009-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

This Week's Post Was Suggested By Beth

Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp
21 years old from Rosemont, Minnesota
3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
July 18, 2009

Ben Kopp has been a fighter since the day he was born. When he was born his mother was given morphine to stop her labor so the doctors could deliver her via a cesarean section. But it caused his heart rate to slow and when he was born he wasn't breathing. But he recovered to the amazement of everyone. "Ben has always been up for a challenge," said his mother, Jill Stephenson. "He came into the world a fighter."

On July 10, 2009, Cpl. Benjamin Kopp was wounded in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. He was hit in the knee that hit his popliteal artery and the loss of blood caused him to go into cardiac arrest on the operating table at a battalion surgical center. As a result of his injuries, Cpl. Kopp developed swelling in his brain was put into an induced coma to try and save his life. But he died on July 18.

But his service didn't end with his passing. Upon his death, by his own desire, his organs were donated to people in need saving their lives.

"Please continue to say prayers for all of the men and women who so proudly serve our country," Stephenson wrote online. "Ben had a deep love of country and has just left a legacy of heroism for all of us to cherish. Be as proud of him as I was as his mother."

You can read much more about Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.