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Supersonic Passenger Travel to Return

Supersonic Passenger Travel to Return

Supersonic Passenger Travel to Return

Remember the Concorde? It made a lot of noise but it was a dream come true for aviation fans. Now, Boeing and Aerion companies are making a lot of noise about the return of Supersonic flight for real people.

Here’s what well-known blogger Sam Choi (samchoi.com) has to say about the plans for a new Supersonic Passenger Jet.

BOEING AND AERION TO WORK ON SUPERSONIC TRAVEL TOGETHER

AARON HILSZ-LOTHIANFEBRUARY 6, 2019

AVIATION NEWSBOEINGPRIVATE JET0 COMMENTS

Boeing and Aerion to work on supersonic travel together

Aerion, an aircraft manufacturing company based in Reno, Nevada, has signed an agreement with Boeing which will see the two companies work together to send the world’s first supersonic business jet into the skies above.

Boeing will provide financial support to the program as well as engineering, flight test and industrial resources to the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet program. Additionally, Boeing has made a significant investment in Aerion to accelerate the technology advancements and the design stage, however no details about the investment have been disclosed by either sides.

From the beginning, Aerion has targeted an aircraft that can fly at speeds up to Mach 1.4 (roughly 1000 miles per hour) while at the same time meeting all current and upcoming environmental performance requirements. First flight is scheduled for June 2023 which is close to the 20th anniversary of the Aerospatiale/BAC Concorde retirement.

For a Concorde trip report, see this article Sam Chui wrote dating back to 2003:

Review: Supersonic Concorde The Ultimate Flight Experience

Capacity wise, the aircraft will be able to propel 12 passengers at that speed and efficiency, all while featuring a state-of-the-art cockpit designed by Honeywell and a new luxurious cabin, as seen in the photos below.

AS2 Supersonic Business Jet Cabin

Steve Nordlund, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing NeXt, reflected on the partnership in the following statement.

“Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before. This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology. Through this partnership that combines Aerion’s supersonic expertise with Boeing’s global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”

Since its launch in 2014, Aerion has had an interesting partnership lineup for the supersonic business jet project. The launch saw the company partner with Airbus to work on a a new design, however it was announced Airbus dropped out and Lockheed would takeover. Lockheed was officially announced as a partner in 2017, however has also departed with the announcement of this news.

General Electric (GE) will be the engine supplier for the aircraft, launching their Affinity turbofan engine in 2017. The engine completed its its initial design stage in 2018 and will now progress to more advanced stages including prototype production.

GE Affinity Engine

Based of the renowned CFM56 engine that is commonly known for powering the Boeing 737 NG and Airbus A320ceo Families, the engine will not feature afterburners, however will be capable of delivering up to 18,000lbs of thrust.

The following table outlines some key specifications:

Type

Twin-shaft, medium bypass, non-afterburning

Fan Diameter

1.33m (52in)

Maximum Thrust

80kN (18,000lb)

Bypass Ratio

~3:1

At altitudes of 50,000ft, the engine is capable of propelling the aircraft at Mach 1.4 with 3,500lbs (16kN) of thrust. Compared to the CFM56-5 operating at Mach 0.78, the engine uses 50% more fuel. The AS2 Supersonic Jet will be a tri-jet design.

“Aerion is the industry leader mapping out a successful, sustainable return to supersonic flight. The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight. Together with Boeing, we’re creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity’s productivity and potential.”

– Tom Vice, Chairman, President and Chief Executive of Aerion.

Flexjet will be the launch customer for the aircraft, with an order for 20 of the AS2 aircraft. Each listing at $US120 million, the deal is worth $US1.4 billion providing no launch discounts were applied.

Aerion will continue to work hard on the aircraft, utilizing the support they’ll be receiving from Boeing and previous statistics and knowledge from other programs in the military and from the Concorde.

Despite strict noise rules, Aerion is confident they can get the jet off the ground and continue where the Concorde left off.

Thanks for stopping by, John 

Happy flying!

:)

1 Way to Get Another Passport

1 Way to Get Another Passport

Have you ever wondered if you could have two passports like a citizen of the world? Well, if you have enough investment funds you can. Read on.

From our friends at Travel and Leisure.

https://secure.brightcove.com/services/mobile/streaming/index/master.m3u8?videoId=5990074872001&pubId=3281700261001&secure=true

You Can Legally Buy a Passport From Another Country — If You Can Afford the Investment
If you have enough money, you truly could become a citizen of the world.

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WHY THE U.S. PASSPORT KEEPS GETTING WEAKER
CAILEY RIZZO 

JANUARY 14, 2019

If you have enough money, you truly could become a citizen of the world.

“For a lot of wealthy people having a second or third passport is important for the ability to travel,” Nuri Katz, an advisor on the matter, told Business Insider. “For some it’s also a status symbol, like buying a fancy car to show your friends.”

Purchasing a second (or even third) passport is a growing trend among the wealthy. But it’s not an option for everyone and it doesn’t work everywhere. This type of program is called “citizenship by investment” (or CIPs) and is available in a number of countries around the world.

Related: Why the U.S. Passport Keeps Getting Weaker (Video)

While some may use the second passport to travel to destinations that may be off-limits (or even just difficult to reach) with their first, many others use the documentation to buy residencies in countries where the taxes are lower. Why some opt for CIPs over residency permits is that citizenship is more permanent. It cannot be taken away — unless, of course, the person in question has committed some very serious crime.

Countries involved in these types of programs are looking to recruit wealthy foreign investors to invigorate local economy. This may bring to mind images of places like Barbados or Grenada — but the United States has its own version of this, too. Costs to get involved can range anywhere from $3,000 per year in Thailand to an investment of $1 million in an American enterprise. In Caribbean countries — like Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Lucia — it’s likely to cost between $100,000 and $150,000. Some countries, like the UK, may stipulate that an applicant must have lived in the country for a few years before submitting a CIP proposal.

To find more information on how to invest in a second citizenship, simply search whichever country you’re interested in (there are many) and “CIPs” or “citizenship by investment.” Each participating country has quite specific rules and different regulations for applying. Although there’s always one thing in common: be prepared to pay.

4 Reasons to Go Snowshoeing and 10 Best Places

4 Reasons to Go Snowshoeing and 10 Best Places

You snow ski, you snowboard but have you tried Snowshoeing yet? It’s the next big thing.

Here are 4 reasons to try it.

1). It’s great exercise

2). As little as 5 minutes in nature can re-set your brain and relieve stress.

3). You get to hear all of natures sublet sounds few ever hear.

4). Because it’s more quiet, t’s easy to talk to each other and form lasting bonds.

I’m sure you can think of many more reasons. Once I tried it I came home invigorated yet less stressed and more in tune with my authentic self. I was happy!

Below are 10 of the best places to try it out according to Sunset Magazine.

The West has the perfect snowshoeing opportunities for you, whether you’re an experienced mountain athlete or a complete beginner

NICOLE CLAUSING

What You Should — and Should Not — Write On Your Luggage Tag (Video)

What You Should — and Should Not — Write On Your Luggage Tag (Video)

(Originally post at Travel and Leisure)

https://secure.brightcove.com/services/mobile/streaming/index/master.m3u8?videoId=5827371655001&pubId=3281700261001&secure=true

What You Should—and Should Not—Write On Your Luggage Tag
The terror of not seeing your bag ride down the conveyor belt keeps even the most well-seasoned traveler awake at night.
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CAILEY RIZZO 

AUGUST 26, 2018

The minutes spent waiting at the baggage carousel can be among the most gut-wrenching, palm-sweating and butterfly-in-stomach-inducing of the entire travel experience. The terror of not seeing your bag ride down the conveyor belt keeps even the most well-seasoned traveler awake at night.

But luckily, airlines are better than ever at reuniting lost bags with their owners. About 97 percent of all lost bags are found and returned within two days, according to the Los Angeles Times. And there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your lost luggage is among that statistic.

As with most aspects of travel, the best plan is foresight. A secure luggage tag with legible information can help bring lost bags back home.

Related: 16 Luggage Tags That Are Much Better Than the Paper One You Got for Free at the Airport

All luggage tags should list the owner’s name, email address, and a phone number.

Whether or not to include an address, however, is contentious, and you might want to refrain from putting your home address on your luggage. “If you can avoid listing your home address, you will be less likely to be targeted for a robbery while you are away,” according to USA Today. However, the address of where you’ll be traveling is a good point of contact for luggage lost on the outbound flight (just include it on a small slip of paper in addition to the permanent card in your luggage tag). If you’re worried about luggage being lost on the return flight, consider listing a work address instead of home.

When traveling abroad, avoid a luggage tag with a flag or anything that could identify your nationality. Also, get a luggage tag with a cover so your information can’t be scanned by someone near you.

Finally, as a backup, draft an email that includes a photo of your luggage, its dimensions and your contact information (phone number and work address) that you can forward to the airline in the event your luggage goes missing.

Soon, the issue of what to put on your luggage tag may not even be an issue. Digital luggage tags already provide a secure way to track your bags and allow airport workers to scan for private information. Rimowa’s electronic tag (built into the suitcase) or bagID baggage tags can display travel information and allow airport workers to track luggage.

Authentic Mexican Ogden, Utah

Authentic Mexican Ogden, Utah

Hungry? It’s always nice to experience good food. Now, on the west side of Ogden, Utah on 1900 West and 3064 South Emilia’s Mexican Grill is open. I’m not an authority but it looked and tasted very authentic to me. Give it a try next time you’re in Ogden or heading to Smith and Edwards or Willard Bay State Park. (Also in the area is the Lost Texan BBQ in North Ogden.

Eat Well, life is too short to eat tasteless food.

Thanks for stopping by today. Come back again, John

10 Mindful Attitudes

10 Mindful Attitudes

Our minds can be our worst enemy or our best friend and most powerful tool.  It’s up to you because you thoughts and words create your life.  Best advice for happiness and getting what you want, Mind Your Thoughts!

Here, HackSpirit.com gives us tips to deal with Anxiety.

10 mindful attitudes that rewire your brain to let go of anxiety

Anxiety is more of a curse than anything else. You can’t cure it with the perfect medicine, and it doesn’t go away passively like a cold.

Anxiety demands your attention, while making you more fearful of giving it your attention the closer you look at it.

But deep down, defeating anxiety consists of taking part in a power struggle for your brain. Ridding yourself of anxiety is a mental exercise; keeping it away is a mental habit.

This is where adopting mindful attitudes can be hugely beneficial.

Here are the 10 best mindful attitudes to rewire your brain to let go of anxiety:

1) Find the Goodness In Every Moment, Even The Ones You Don’t Like

Some of us have issues with the lessons of mindfulness. This comes from the fear of living in the present, because the present isn’t always as great as we want it to be.

By living with mindfulness, they believe that they are withholding from themselves the ability to disengage or escape.

But that’s exactly what mindfulness tries to teach—not every moment can be positive or beautiful, and not every moment should be positive or beautiful.

We must learn to live with every moment, even the ones that we dislike, because those are the ones we learn from most.

2) You Can’t Do Everything

One of our greatest sources of anxiety is the fear that we can’t fix everything and we can’t make everything right.

Take a minute every day to stop and tell yourself, “That’s right—I can’t fix everything.” Accept the limitations of your being and you will be happier with what you have seen yourself accomplish.

Free up the energy and time that would rather have been spent worrying about things out of your control.

Don’t judge yourself and don’t push yourself too hard. Do as much as you can and find peace.

3) Always Be Present

The modern world makes it so hard to live in the present. We’re always dreaming of future wants and needs; we’re always looking at great pictures of past events; and we’re always distracting ourselves from the present moment with social media and technology.

There’s one thing you need to do, and only one: Stop. Engage with your present in the way you would want others to engage with you—with their full attention.

Feel the moment as it passes knowing that it will never return; do not hold anything against it simply because it isn’t an amazing moment. Engage with your senses and open your mind.

4) Let Yourself Be Surprised

These days, too many people think they know everything. We are always trying to predict, to foresee, to judge before we know the full story. But this ruins the way we experience events, because we are always ready to say “Ha! I told you so!”

Stop trying to prove yourself to the world. You don’t have to know everything, so why bother? Let life take you down a road without predicting every part of the path for once, and you will understand the true joy of what it’s like to be genuinely surprised.

5) Surrender to the World

Too often, we are taught to resist. To fight against change, to keep things the way we want them to stay, and to do everything in our power to make sure tomorrow is exactly like today.

But the world doesn’t operate according to your whims and fancies; the world changes, and this is a part of reality.

So the best way to deal with this? Accept it. Surrender. Let go, and flow with the waves that are pushing you a certain direction. Who knows—you may find something better on the other side.

6) Stop Trying to Understand

The modern world has turned all of us into a pile of neurotics. We obsess over knowledge and information and knowing, and any time we don’t know, we are just a few thumb presses away from Google.

Simply put, we are taught that we have to know everything, and that not knowing is something to be ashamed about.

But constantly labeling everything will make things less organic, less natural. Try to step back and let life unfold naturally, without you forcing it to happen faster than it can.

Breathe, exist, and interact, and if you don’t know something, then, well, you don’t know.

7) Trust in the Universe

How do you achieve your dreams? There are thousands of people who have earned everything they ever wanted, even if they came from nothing. The answer? They took a leap of faith. They put everything they had into their dreams and said, “F*ck it, let’s go.”

They trusted the Universe, or God, or something; something greater than them, to help lead them on their way to their hopes and dreams. You don’t have to be religious to believe that there’s something bigger than you looking out for you. Just the belief is enough to change your whole disposition.

8) Stop Analyzing

Let’s say you’re traveling somewhere, and you get lost. You might end up getting worried, getting upset.

You check your phone, check the GPS, check the maps, update your social media platforms, call your friends, freak out, and a thousand other things.

But all of these are the wrong answer. Just stop. Stop analyzing, stop overthinking. What has happened has already happened, and the best way to get out of the situation is not to think about every little thing that caused it, but to just keep going on.

9) One Thing At A Time

Multi-tasking is the bane of a mindful existence. Why do we always have to be busy, why always in a rush? Success, recognition, fame, money—are these really all the things that matter?

Focus. Concentration. Presence. Stability. These can contribute so much more to the current condition of your life than arbitrary goals of success and recognition.

You don’t have to be the best and you don’t have to beat everyone around you. Learn to be present, instead of a shadow moving from one state to another.

Learn to start living your life like someone who is alive.

10) Hold No Grudges

We can’t always live a peaceful existence. Emotions and reactions are normal, and disagreements happen all the time. Anger, grief, rage, pain—these are parts of life that can’t be avoided.

But grudges? Grudges are unhealthy. They are unnatural. They are no longer emotional reactions, but conscious decisions to continue holding a pain or anger against someone else for something that has already passed.

The one hard truth about grudges is that they hurt you much more than the person you are holding it against.

Why? Because the grudge is always on your mind, while it only affects them when you are around. Start letting go, and start accepting what has happened.

Looking to reduce stress and live a calmer, more focused life? Mindfulness is the easy way to gently let go of stress and be in the moment. It has fast become the slow way to manage the modern world – without chanting mantras or finding hours of special time to meditate.

In Hack Spirit’s new eBook, The Art of Mindfulness, we explain how you can use mindfulness practically to help you clear your mind, let go of your worries and live peacefully in the present moment.

By devoting full attention on what we are doing in the moment, we can alleviate suffering, fear and anxiety.

With the power of mindfulness at our fingertips and the beauty of looking deeply, we can find insights to transform and heal any situation.

Check it out here.

I hope you enjoyed this post.  Stop by again.  Thanks, John

Purpose of your life

Purpose of your life

Quiz, what is your Purpose in Life and what’s most important, working hard, being a good employee, and earning a lot of money and buying lots of stuff for you and your family?

Or spending time with your family, laughing and having fun with them and living your purpose?

Here’s a question to ask yourself:

Screen Shot 2015-04-15 at 8.12.45 AM

Mark was a good guy.  He worked hard, seldom took sick leave, could always be counted on.  When he went home he faithfully cared for his wife with her medical conditions. He spent a lot of time at church, always taking on responsibility.  The people at work and some a church didn’t know he had two kids waiting for him a home because he always focused on work and his duties and didn’t talk about them very often.

Eventually, he couldn’t take care of himself and his wife due to aging.  They moved closer to the kids so they could take care of their parents.  Their kids opened their hearts to make sure Mom and Dad had everything they needed and wanted.  They took them to church every Sunday and visited them often.  In Mark’s 90’s, he finally turned to one of his sons and said, “I’m sorry I never had time for you.”  But, it was too late, his time was coming to the end.  His wife died a few months later, and he passed soon after that.

Think about it.  What’s more important in life?  What’s your real purpose in life?  Maybe you should think about it and start working on what’s most important now rather than later.

Thanks for stopping by, John

Your Passion Is ? Wanna find out ?

Your Passion Is ? Wanna find out ?

What the heck do I want to be when I grow up?  Yes, recently I was still asking myself that question, even though retirement is right around the corner.

Currently, I’m on a medical leave of absence from my career.  Because I have a lot of down time, and I’m nearing traditional retirement age, like most Baby Boomers are, I’ve been searching for my true passion hoping to pursue it, whatever it is, when I reinvent myself for the next chapter in my life, “Retirement”. I may retire from “work” but never from life.  I’ll always be learning, traveling, spending fun time with my kids and grand kids and experiencing new activities that I like rather then what others tell me to do. As Steve McQueen has said, “I live for myself and I answer to nobody.”

During this search I’ve taken online tests such as the one from Dr. Gary Smalley to help me find my illusive passion. He say’s I’m like a Golden Retriever, ok, that’s good.  Myers Briggs is a traditional test used by student counselors.  I’ve found advice on YouTube, some good, some not so good.  TED talks are inspiring. I discovered Marie Forleo and like her short videos.  Enjoy the one below.  I’ve toyed with Horoscopes and Numerology and done way too much online “research”.  Then there’s making a list of what you’re good at and what talents and skills you have, compare lists and find what’s common.  Sound familiar?

None of these really did the job for me.  Something was always lacking.  That’s because the true answer is inside you and you have to find it there, and feel it and see it. Ultimately, I found two easy activities helpful.  Quiet Time or Meditation and Doing are the best for me.

Just sitting quietly, clearing your mind, and focusing on one thing, such as your breath are very calming.  After a few tries, you’ll be amazed at the ideas, feelings and inspiration that come up.  They are Hints from your soul as to what is good for you.

During my quiet time I got a few hints and ideas as to what I want to do or work on.  In the past, I’ve been stuck here, wondering which one I want to do the most, what’s best for me, which one can I help the most people by doing it.  I hate being stuck not being able to decide.

Then, last week, I found this video.  In it Marie Forleo says, “stop thinking and start doing…”  It makes sense to me.  Choice one activity you’re most inspired by and start DOING IT.  Another time work on the other one.  Then notice how you and your body react to each of them.  Which is most exciting, which can you spend hours at and not get bored or tired.  Which do you think about the most.  Very soon, you will notice how to react to each and which feels the best.  There it is, that’s what your passion it right now.  Finally!!!  I’ll let Marie explain it better.  Watch her video now.

So, what do you think of that?  This was a big eye opener for me!  I honestly feel like I’m on the best path, for me, I’ve ever been on.

I hope this inspires you and helps you, my Baby Boomer friend, find your passion in this new chapter of life.

Thanks for stopping by, John

Live Life Well!