#American Tractor Museum

[uniqueartisanconnoisseur]

Traveling for Faith

We all travel for different reasons at different times of the year. This December brought a special trip to see the Christmas Country Church Tour. The tour covered over 30 churches in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry, and Ste Genevieve Counties in Missouri. While of course we couldn’t make it to all of them, my husband Keith and I made it to nine or ten! We heard Christmas music, sampled dessert…

[xtruss]

What Happened When a Fearless Group of Mississippi Sharecroppers Founded Their Own City

Strike City was born after one small community left the plantation to live on their own terms

— September 11, 2023 | NOVA—BPS

A tin sign demarcated the boundary of Strike City just outside Leland, Mississippi. Photo by Charlie Steiner

In 1965 in the Mississippi Delta, things were not all that different than they had been 100 years earlier. Cotton was still King—and somebody needed to pick it. After the abolition of slavery, much of the labor for the region’s cotton economy was provided by Black sharecroppers, who were not technically enslaved, but operated in much the same way: working the fields of white plantation owners for essentially no profit. To make matters worse, by 1965, mechanized agriculture began to push sharecroppers out of what little employment they had. Many in the Delta had reached their breaking point.

In April of that year, following months of organizing, 45 local farm workers founded the Mississippi Freedom Labor Union. The MFLU’s platform included demands for a minimum wage, eight-hour workdays, medical coverage and an end to plantation work for children under the age of 16, whose educations were severely compromised by the sharecropping system. Within weeks of its founding, strikes under the MFLU banner began to spread across the Delta.

Five miles outside the small town of Leland, Mississippi, a group of Black Tenant Farmers led by John Henry Sylvester voted to go on strike. Sylvester, a tractor driver and mechanic at the A.L. Andrews Plantation, wanted fair treatment and prospects for a better future for his family. “I don’t want my children to grow up dumb like I did,” he told a reporter, with characteristic humility. In fact it was Sylvester’s organizational prowess and vision that gave the strikers direction and resolve. They would need both. The Andrews workers were immediately evicted from their homes. Undeterred, they moved their families to a local building owned by a Baptist Educational Association, but were eventually evicted there as well.

After two months of striking, and now facing homelessness for a second time, the strikers made a bold move. With just 13 donated tents, the strikers bought five acres of land from a local Black Farmer and decided that they would remain there, on strike, for as long as it took. Strike City was born. Frank Smith was a Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee worker when he went to live with the strikers just outside Leland. “They wanted to stay within eyesight of the plantation,” said Smith, now Executive Director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. “They were not scared.”

Life in Strike City was difficult. Not only did the strikers have to deal with one of Missississippi’s coldest winters in history, they also had to endure the periodic gunshots fired by white agitators over their tents at night. Yet the strikers were determined. “We ain’t going out of the state of Mississippi. We gonna stay right here, fighting for what is ours,” one of them told a documentary film team, who captured the strikers’ daily experience in a short film called “Strike City.” “We decided we wouldn’t run,” another assented. “If we run now, we always will be running.”

But the strikers knew that if their city was going to survive, they would need more resources. In an effort to secure federal grants from the federal government’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the strikers, led by Sylvester and Smith, journeyed all the way to Washington D.C. “We’re here because Washington seems to run on a different schedule,” Smith told congressmen, stressing the urgency of the situation and the group’s needs for funds. “We have to get started right away. When you live in a tent and people shoot at you at night and your kids can’t take a bath and your wife has no privacy, a month can be a long time, even a day…Kids can’t grow up in Strike City and have any kind of a chance.” In a symbolic demonstration of their plight, the strikers set up a row of tents across the street from the White House.

John Henry Sylvester, left, stands outside one of the tents strikers erected in Washington, D.C. in April 1966. Photo by Rowland Sherman

“It was a good, dramatic, in-your-face presentation,” Smith told American Experience, nearly 60 years after the strikers camped out. “It didn’t do much to shake anything out of the Congress of the United States or the President and his Cabinet. But it gave us a feeling that we’d done something to help ourselves.” The protestors returned home empty-handed. Nevertheless, the residents of Strike City had secured enough funds from a Chicago-based organization to begin the construction of permanent brick homes; and to provide local Black children with a literacy program, which was held in a wood-and-cinder-block community center they erected.

The long-term sustainability of Strike City, however, depended on the creation of a self-sufficient economy. Early on, Strike City residents had earned money by handcrafting nativity scenes, but this proved inadequate. Soon, Strike City residents were planning on constructing a brick factory that would provide employment and building material for the settlement’s expansion. But the $25,000 price tag of the project proved to be too much, and with no employment, many strikers began to drift away. Strike City never recovered.

Still, its direct impact was apparent when, in 1965, Mississippi schools reluctantly complied with the 1964 Civil Rights Act by offering a freedom-of-choice period in which children were purportedly allowed to register at any school of their choice. In reality, however, most Black parents were too afraid to send their children to all-white schools—except for the parents living at Strike City who had already radically declared their independence . Once Leland’s public schools were legally open to them, Strike City kids were the first ones to register. Their parents’ determination to give them a better life had already begun to pay dividends.

Smith recalled driving Strike City’s children to their first day of school in the fall of 1970. “I remember when I dropped them off, they jumped out and ran in, and I said, ‘They don't have a clue what they were getting themselves into.’ But you know kids are innocent and they’re always braver than we think they are. And they went in there like it was their schoolhouse. Like they belonged there like everybody else.”

[vistastrategicpartners]

Preserving the Past: A Look into the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista

Nestled in the rolling hills of Vista, California, is a unique museum that pays tribute to the technological advancements of the past. The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, established in 1969, is a haven for enthusiasts of antique engines, farm machinery, and equipment. With its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and live demonstrations, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and experience the ingenuity of early American inventors and engineers.

The museum covers a sprawling 55-acre property and is home to more than 1,000 artifacts from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Its mission is to preserve and educate the public about the advancements of the past and to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that showcase antique engines, tractors, steam-powered machines, and agricultural equipment.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of antique engines, which includes rare and unique models from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The engines, which range from small single-cylinder models to massive 12-cylinder behemoths, are displayed in a large outdoor exhibit area. Visitors can marvel at the intricate mechanisms and engineering that went into these early engines, which paved the way for modern-day power plants and internal combustion engines.

Another exhibit that draws visitors to the museum is the steam engine collection. These machines, which run on steam power, were once the backbone of early American industry. The museum boasts an impressive collection of steam-powered engines, including a working 1912 Case 110 horsepower steam engine, which is the largest operating steam engine of its kind in the world.

In addition to the engines, the museum also features an extensive collection of tractors and other farm machinery. These artifacts, which date back to the early 1900s, offer a glimpse into the hard work and ingenuity of early American farmers. Visitors can see how these early machines revolutionized farming practices and helped to increase crop yields and improve efficiency.

One of the unique features of the museum is the live demonstrations that take place throughout the day. Visitors can watch as the museum's staff fires up the antique engines and tractors, and witness firsthand how these machines operate. The demonstrations are not only informative but also entertaining, as visitors are treated to the sights, sounds, and smells of early American industry.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages. Children can participate in hands-on activities and learn about the workings of simple machines, while adults can attend workshops on blacksmithing, metalworking, and woodworking. The museum also hosts an annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show, which draws thousands of visitors from around the country.

The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a living testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early American inventors and engineers. The museum's mission to preserve and educate the public about the advancements of the past is critical in inspiring future generations of innovators and engineers.

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is easy to forget the importance of the past. The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum serves as a reminder of how far we have come and the progress that has been made in the fields of engineering and technology. By preserving these artifacts and educating the public, the museum ensures that the innovations and inventions of the past are not lost to time.

In conclusion, the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, California, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of engineering and technology. With its extensive collection of antique engines, tractors, and farm machinery, as well as

The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum Video

The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum Location

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Silver Olas Carpet Tile Flood Cleaning

1278 Longfellow Rd, Vista, CA 92081

(760) 230-5252

If you are looking for Travertine polishing in Vista

As the finest provider of carpet cleaning in the area, They have established an excellent reputation for prompt, attentive service, and results that few competitors can match or exceed. From steam cleaning to dry cleaning, they will take care of your carpets with expert stain removal, eco-friendly soaps, and equipment exceeding all industry standards.

DRIVING DIRECTION

[usafphantom2]

Could Ukraine shoot down Russia's Tu-22M3 bombers? Yes, but it shouldn't be easy

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 01/01/2024 - 19:04in Military, War Zones

There is no evidence that Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian air force Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber during Russia's largest mass airstrike of all time against Ukrainian civilians on Friday.

But Ukrainian sources claimed that one of the twin-engine bombers with wings of variable geometry disappeared from Ukrainian radars over Kursk, 160 kilometers from the Russian border with Ukraine.

If the Ukrainians targeted Russia's Tu-22 in the air, realistically, there would only be one ground-to-air missile system that could shoot down the bomber. The old Soviet S-200.

But only for a short time and not always.

The Soviet industry developed the S-200 in the 1960s to defend cities and military bases against American high-altitude bombers. It's a gigantic weapon. The V-860 and V-880 missiles are more than 9 meters long and weigh eight tons at launch.

TAP ARROW BUTTON TO VIEW☝️

The launchers of an S-200 battery travel slowly, along with the Tall King and Square Pair radars on heavy tractors. The Tall King radar detects targets hundreds of kilometers away. The Square Pair maintains a fixed target and sends signals to direct the missiles towards the target. The 500-pound warhead of the V-860/880 spreads tens of thousands of ball bearings in a lethal cloud.

In an air defense function, an S-200 should have no problems reaching targets as high as 41,000 meters and as far away as 300 kilometers. Under ideal conditions, its missiles could reach 340 kilometers. This is 160 kilometers further than the best American-made Patriot PAC-2 ground-to-air missiles in Ukraine.

An S-200 launcher preserved at the Museum of Military History of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Vinnytsia. (Photo: George Chernilevsky/Wikimedia Commons)

Ukraine inherited S-200 batteries from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is not clear how many S-200 and V-860/880 Ukraine can have at its disposal today.

The Ukrainian air force operated the system until about 2013. After Russia extended its war against Ukraine from February 2022, the Ukrainians reactivated some of their former S-200 components and began launching the V-860/880 against Russian targets on the ground, more than 200 miles away. Presumably after modifying the missiles with additional guidance hardware.

TAP ARROW BUTTON TO VIEW ☝️

We didn't see any clear evidence that the Ukrainians used their S-200 on their original ground-to-air paper. But that doesn't mean they couldn't do it - or that they haven't done it yet.

There could be hundreds of former V-860/880 stored in Ukraine, and hundreds of others in the arsenals of the former allies of the Warsaw Pact of Kiev. There are rumors that Bulgaria has recently donated some of its own components of the S-200 to Ukraine.

Big and heavy ?? Russian bombers flying at high altitudes would be ideal targets for the Ukrainian S-200s if the Russians flewered close enough to the Ukrainian border to advance within the range of about 320 kilometers of the S-200.

The problem, for the commanders of the Ukrainian air defense, is that all Russian bombers fire cruise missiles that can reach distances much greater than 320 kilometers. The standard ground attack missile of the Tu-22M3, the Kh-22/32, has a range of more than 800 kilometers.

An S-200 battery would need to be well ahead of the target city of a Tu-22M3 - hundreds of kilometers - to get a clear shot at the bomber.

Source: Forbes

Tags: Military AviationS-200Tu-22M3War Zones - Russia/Ukraine

Sharing

tweet

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

Related news

MILITARY

IMAGES: KAI completes deliveries of FA-50 Block 10 light combat aircraft to Poland

31/12/2023 - 14:00

B-2 Spirit bomber flies over the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 1º 2019. (Photo: Mark Holtzman)

MILITARY

B-2 stealth bomber will fly over the Rose Parade again after absence last year

31/12/2023 - 12:30

MILITARY

U.S. helicopters sink three Houthi boats in the Red Sea and shoot crew

31/12/2023 - 11:43

HELICOPTERS

MD Helicopter reveals the new platform of the military helicopter TH530/AH530

31/12/2023 - 11:00

MILITARY

Kurdish opposition in Syria is opposed to the sale of new F-16s to the Turks

30/12/2023 - 19:00

HELICOPTERS

U.S. Army will reduce UH-60 Black Hawk fleet by almost 160 units

30/12/2023 - 18:00

[dandelionjedi]

I am from Iowa but I still wish to see the ragbrai storys

Alright, here you go!!! They may be somewhat less interesting for people familiar with the craziness that is RAGBRAI, but I still have some fun memories to share.

Bit of an introduction: I’m from Pennsylvania, not Iowa, but my grandfather and his family live there. My grandfather biked it by himself for his 65th anniversary. For his 70th anniversary, he invited some family along. I didn't go, but my brother and my dad did. My grandfather tragically passed during the pandemic, but the same family members, plus my grandfather from the other side, biked in his honor the year he would have turned 75. I didn't bike, though I have plans to in the future. Instead my mom borrowed my grandmother's truck, we rented a camper, and I came along to keep my mom awake while she drove support (I didn't have my license yet).

The week starts with 6 people in the cab of a 6 seat pickup truck for the 8 hour drive from Pennsylvania to Indiana. My poor younger sibling is in the seat between the driver and the passenger in front. It's not a very big seat, but they are thankfully small (12ish at the time) and squishy. We drop them off with relatives in Indiana and continue driving to Iowa. We then pick up my uncle, who flew in from the west coast. He is considerably less small and squishy, but we make it work, and it's not for nearly as long.

The ride starts. Me and my mom enjoy the air conditioned truck while everyone else bikes. My uncle didn't register in time for the full week pass, so he got 7 different day passes instead. He just added another wristband each day without taking the previous one off. He ended the week with a fun rainbow of wristbands and some very interesting tan lines.

Me and my mom made it our goal to take photos of as many of the bike buses as possible. Favorite team names include:

Team Bitch-N-Moan

Team Squirrel Fighters (Protect your nuts!)

Team Bad Monkey

Team Mate

Team Wasted Potential

Team Bad Decisions

Team Bitch, who had a mini bus, and were pulling a trailer for “Team Boozehound carrying Team Bitch’s Booze”

And also this one:

Other highlights include:

Going up to a random house and offering a few boxes of girl scout cookies in return for a place to charge our battery pack for a few hours.

Going up to a different random house and offering a few boxes of girl scout cookies in return for a place to fill up our water cooler

My uncle paying $5 to get his picture taken sitting on a very large bull

My mom and I taking a detour to visit the world’s largest ball of popcorn, in classic road trip style

Meeting some members of the American speedos team, who did the entire ride in American flag speedos

Meeting a few members of the NPR “No Pie Refused!” team

Getting a little lost while driving support and taking a trip or two down some VERY dusty dirt roads.

Visiting the hobo museum in Britt

Finding a T-shirt (full length) that said “this is my crop top” with an illustration of a corn cob

My uncle’s purchase of a Hawaiiowan shirt (a Hawaiian shirt with a design of cows, pigs, and corn instead of palm trees)

Listening to various musicians on the main stage, including a group of bagpipe players. They only had half a time slot, which I was honestly sorta sad about. I like bagpipe music!

A very creative water bottle filling station fashioned from an old footed bathtub

Whatever this is:

SO MANY BIKES!!! More bikes than you have ever seen in your life. Bikes on the sidewalk, bikes on the street, bikes on the buses. Bikes leaning against every available building. I particularly loved the bike racks that were made by running a line between two large tractors. 

Lots and lots of interesting bikes, including a triple tandem (idk what the name for it is but it seated 3 people), and a double recumbent.

And last but not least, the true Iowa bike rack

If you want more interesting RAGBRAI stories, come back in 2027 (probably). I’ll be executing my grand plan to knit a sweater while biking across Iowa. If that sounds ridiculous, consider the following:

If you're riding the back of a tandem bike, you don't need to steer

If you're riding a recumbent bike, you don't need to worry as much about balancing

Therefore, if you're riding a tandem recumbent bike, you only need to pedal (assuming you have someone to sit in front)

My wonderful datemate has agreed to sit in front

You only need your hands to knit

As long as I don't drop my ball of yarn and not notice for a mile, we’ll be fine! Either way, it's sure to be interesting XD

Thanks for the ask, I hope these stories were to your satisfaction!

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.

Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday.

NASA's top priority this decade is probing Uranus.

The word ‘scumbag’ actually means ‘used condom’.

More iPhones are sold every day than people are born.

Music can repair brain damage and returns lost memories.

Laughter has been medically proven to help people lose weight.

People earning over £14,000 a year are the richest 4% on the planet.

Summer on Neptune lasts for 40 years but the temperature is minus 200°C.

The human nose can recognise over 1,000,000,000,000 different smells.

Bolivia has a 5,000 man strong navy. What Bolivia does not have is a coastline.

22% of Americans claim to attend religious services weekly. Only 3% actually do.

When a girl says, "It's not you, it's me," studies have found it's probably you.

There are enough empty homes in China for everyone in the UK to have one each.

The offspring of two sets of identical twins are legally cousins but genetically siblings.

Men have nipples because every foetus is female until the Y chromosome kicks in.

Girls in the UK have been getting higher grades than boys at school and university for nearly a century.

Japan’s poo museum features a giant inflatable poo that erupts miniature toy-poos every 30 minutes.

Psychology says that comparing yourself to others is the root cause for feelings of unhappiness and depression.

Lamborghini cars were invented when the Lamborghini tractor company was insulted by the creator of Ferrari.

In Russia, a brown bear that was abandoned as a cub and raised by humans has recently started a modelling career.

Robots gave a press conference in Geneva last week. They promised that they will not steal people’s jobs or rebel against humans.

The island of Luzon in the Philippines has a lake, which has an island in it, which has its own lake, which has its own small island in it.

A single sperm has 37.5MB of DNA information in it. That means that a normal ejaculation represents a data transfer of 1,587.5TB.

After two weeks of wear, a pair of jeans will have grown a 1,000-strong colony of bacteria on the front, 1,500–2,500 on the back and 10,000 on the crotch.

Samoa and American Samoa are roughly one hundred miles from each other but, because of time zone borders, Samoa is twenty five hours ahead of American Samoa.

There is a restaurant in New York that only employs grandmothers as their chefs. The menu is set by the grandmother in charge that night and consists of her family recipes.

Mark Twain absolutely hated Jane Austen. He wrote to a friend, “Every time I read ‘Pride And Prejudice’ I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin bone!”

Netflix spent over $30 million on development costs for their ‘Masters Of The Universe’ movie before cancelling it. Meanwhile, they claim they don’t have enough money to pay actors & writers fairly.

During World War II, nutritionists Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance meticulously researched a protein poor diet that allowed you to eat as much potato, veg and wholemeal bread as you wanted. The volunteers stayed fit and healthy, but their poos got bigger by 250%.

In the 19th century, slaveholders in the US became aware that enslaved people were escaping to Mexico. In response, the US attempted to get Mexico to sign a fugitive slave treaty, but Mexico refused, insisting that all people were free once they set foot on Mexican soil.

In 2000, Mattel sued MCA, the recording company of the band Aqua, over the song ‘Barbie Girl’ and the use of a shade of pink, trademarked by Mattel. MCA sued Mattel for calling them a “bank robber”. The judge dismissed both cases concluding, “The parties are advised to chill.”

Dr. James Barry was an accomplished British military surgeon in the 19th century. After he died in 1865, it was discovered that Barry was biologically female. Born Margaret Ann Bulkley, she had lived her adult life as a man to pursue a medical career, a path not available to women at the time. Barry's contributions to medicine, particularly in military hygiene, are still respected today.

In 2010, 15-year-old Joshua Davies beat his girlfriend to death with a rock after his friend jokingly said that he would buy him breakfast if he killed her. Two days before the murder, Davies texted his friend. The message read: 'Don't say anything, but you may just owe me a breakfast'. In court, the boy who placed the bet told the jury he thought it was only a joke, and that the defendant 'was messing about'. Davies was eventually sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.

[stockton-ca]

Things to Do in Stockton CA

The city of Stockton, California is home to a series of traveler places, parks, and celebrations. Whether you're preparing a journey or are simply searching for things to do with the household, you can find plenty to keep everyone disorderly.

The Haggin Museum is a great location to go to. It lies in Achievement Park and holds more than 2 hundred forty art work. Visitors will likewise find Japanese woodblock prints, illuminated manuscripts, and other artifacts. This museum is complimentary to participate in.

You can likewise take a look at the Kid's Museum Of Stockton, which has a range of interactive exhibits and screens. It's likewise a remarkable location to read more about the city's history.

There are numerous museums in Stockton CA. The Haggin Museum, which opened in 1931, has a fantastic collection of artifacts and works by American and around the world artists. These consist of the best collection of Albert Bierstadt paintings. Other areas include an antique combine harvester, a brought back tractor, and a significant collection of J.C. Leyendecker's illustrations.

The city of Stockton has a long and many farming customized. If you have an interest in discovering more about the location's food and farming, you can go to the Stockton Accredited Farmers' Market. Regional veggies and fruit is utilized at helpful expenses.

The city of Stockton CA has numerous marinas. While you're there, you can similarly take in a computer game at the Stockton Kings, which is an NBA G League group. Throughout the season, they play computer game at the Stockton Arena.

If you have an interest in shopping, have a look at the Marvel Mile, which is a pedestrian-friendly area of Pacific Possibility in Downtown Stockton. There are stores, dining facilities, and clubs here. A lot of the dining facilities use an excellent choice of food and house-made sodas.

When you're in the area, you need to also have a look at the Downtown Asian Farmers' Market, which is the earliest outdoors market in the state. It uses local veggies and fruit and other Asian items.

You may similarly delight in Pixie Woods, a theme park in Stockton. The park includes a series of flights and tourist locations, consisting of a merry-go-round, a pirate ship, a Pixie Express train flight, a dragon water play area, and a terrific forest. Guests will also get to ride the Pixie Queen Boat through the Pirate Lagoon.

The city of Stockton has lots to utilize visitors, nonetheless you'll require to make your own strategies. There are numerous things to do, including a variety of celebrations, museums, and parks. Make certain to call ahead to find the opening hours of each place. Take a look at evaluations of the Stockton destinations prior to your go to, to ensure you delight in.

Among the most remarkable locations in Stockton is the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple. This temple is distinct due to the fact that it was founded by Cambodian refugees. Here, you can see more than 90 statues of spiritual figures, and see the amazing temple building. In April, you can go to the temple's Cambodian New Year event.

The city of Stockton has good deals of parks and marinas, in addition to museums. You can discover more about the city's history at the Haggin Museum or the Kid's Museum.

RenewMD Beauty and Wellness, a Medical Spa in Stockton 3133 W March Ln Suite 1040A, Stockton, CA 95219 +1 209-952-2251 https://renewmdwellness.com/stockton-beauty-and-wellness-medical-spa/ Tuesday- Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm,

[danishmuseuminterns]

Midwestern Living: How I Learned to Love the Heartland

I have had the pleasure to live in Elk Horn, Iowa for some time now, so here’s some observations straight from the American heartland. I have never lived rurally, so it’s been an interesting to experience a charming Midwestern small town – the kind I imagine John Mellencamp singing about in his hit “Small Town.” However, do add a Danish twist in Elk Horn’s case.

This is not my first meeting with the Midwest. I had the honor of spending a semester at the University of Illinois in Springfield in 2019, so the Midwest is not completely new to me. I have experienced how quickly the weather can change by the day, or by the hour, the humidity of summers and the harsh coldness of the winters, but also how serious Midwesterners are about ranch dressing. Yet, I have never lived in a town with a population of 601, nor have I lived a place without any kind of public transportation, so that’s a whole new world for me. Luckily, the Museum of Danish America provides their intern with a nice car. My favorite thing about the car is the automatic stick!

So how do I feel about living in rural Iowa? I appreciate how people say hello to each other, and how locals’ wave from their car when I walk back and forth to the museum. It gives a sense of belonging. In general, I like how genuinely curious Americans is – something I think we Danes could learn a little from. I also enjoy how clean Elk Horn is. People really care about their surroundings. Also, the church is a good place to become a part of a local community. Besides worshiping, the various kinds of churches also provide an important social glue to their communities where events is hosted and where people make friends. Country music is pretty popular around here and fuel-hungry pickup trucks are a common sight on the roads. County fairs is a big thing during summertime, and functions as a kind of warm-up to the Iowa State Fair, which takes places in August. A colleague of mine and her husband invited me to attend the Shelby County Fair, which was an amazing combination of livestock animals, farm equipment, and a midway, reminding me about Roskilde Dyrskue, a joy of my hometown.

Driving around the state has also led me to notice that many small-towns takes a lot in pride in preserving their local cinemas – a majority was built during Hollywood’s golden era in the 1920s and 1930s. While some may be abandoned, the powerful combination of fundraising, volunteers and willpower has put many of these glorious old architectural treasures back to life. Close to Elk Horn is a town called Audubon, where the local community have re-opened the 98-year-old Rose Theater and offers tickets and snacks to a fair price. This of course includes buttered Iowa-grown popcorn, which is – to put it mildly - an amazing thing.

I also like all the different tractors I see every day – especially the iconic John Deeres emerging from a currently green sea of cornfields, which will soon turn into ‘amber waves of grain’ as harvest season kicks in. During my stay here, the corn has been growing a lot. As such, corn was ‘knee high by the Fourth of July,’ which is an old saying used to signal that the crop will be safe and sound. Currently, the corn is as high as a man on horseback, so I am pretty sure that this will be a good season. Being located in the heart of the Corn Belt, Iowa leads the nation in corn production and corn has a big cultural impact on the state. My favorite depiction of corn can usually be spotted at local post offices, where 1930s New Deal murals showing corn is located above the entrance, being a testament of how corn has and continues to shape the American heartland.

You may not usually associate Iowa with top notch art, but Grant Wood, a native Iowan painter who created the iconic “American Gothic” in 1930, was probably the most important figure in the Regionalism art movement. Portraying realistic scenes of rural and small-town America, Regionalism came to prominence in the 1930s as a reaction to the Great Depression and captures the atmosphere of the Midwest during that period. I actually had the chance to visit Iowa State’s Parks Library in Ames, where the largest murals by Wood is located – and they truly depict how essential agriculture is for the state of Iowa. However, I have yet to visit the site in Eldon, Iowa, where the building of which “American Gothic” was inspired is located.

I am also adjusting to the difference scene of food. Whenever I go to new places, I try to eat what is considered traditional food – and Iowans sure like their meat. As such, I have been eating a lot of breaded pork tenderloins, which is a favorite dish among Iowans. The Iowa Pork Producers Association has actually released a “Tenderloin Trail 2.0,” which is an update of an earlier trail – it’s basically a guide to find the finest pork tenderloins of the Hawkeye State. Should you ever complete this trail, then you’ll be the lucky owner of a free t-shirt stating that you conquered the trail. A local business in Elk Horn called Jensen’s Pub was once named the number one place to get a pork tenderloin in the state, and they do indeed serve a great piece of pork fried to golden perfection. What is really fascinating about this Midwestern staple is how truly eye-catching the meal is with a giant piece of breaded fried pork situated between two disproportionately small buns.

Another favorite of Iowans is the loose meat sandwich. Not quite a hamburger and not quite a sloppy joe, this savory sandwich apparently originates from Iowa’s Maid-Rite restaurants. A local saying is that, when one is in Iowa, one must go on a quest to find Maid-Rite, which this writer did. Originally founded in Muscatine, Iowa, by a butcher named Fred Angell in 1926, Maid-Rite is actually one of America’s first fast food chains and the first chain to feature drive-thru service. Anyway, Angell asked a delivery man to taste his newest creation. The taster exclaimed on the spot: “This sandwich is made right,” which is how the chain got its name. When you order a loose meat sandwich, you’ll usually get a spoon – and trust me, you’ll need it to accomplish this messy mission. One thing I look very much forward to the Iowa State Fair in August, which is famous for their unique food, such as porkchops on a stick and deep-fried corn on the cob.

Anyway, eating like that means that I’ll need to get my daily exercise. In the evenings I enjoy taking a brisk walk and look at the different landscapes in Southwestern Iowa. My favorite place so far is the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park at the grounds of the Museum of Danish America, where you’ll get Elk Horn’s finest view of the sunset. The nature around these parts of the state is very similar to Danish nature, which I find quite charming. Besides the nature, there’s also a lot of windmills, which is a common sight back home, but also a big industry in the state of Iowa.

And whenever I miss home, I go to visit the Danish Windmill or the Museum of Danish America and buy some products from Denmark. The people behind the desk both places are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, so it’s always very enjoyable. It’s Midwestern friendliness and openness at its best.

Best from Anders Tornsø Jørgensen

[someacademicssomelife]

15 Best Things to Do in Cedar Falls, Iowa

Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County located on the Cedar River, just west of Waterloo.

In 1845, William Sturgis and other pioneers settled in the area, and they laid out the town and named it for its cedar trees along the river.

Originally named "Sturgis Falls" after its first settler city, it was later renamed after the river that runs through it.

Cedar River is a non-navigable stream in the north-central United States that flows from southeastern Minnesota southeastward across Iowa, joining the Iowa River about 20 miles south of the Mississippi River.

After the American Civil War and the railroad's arrival in 1866, Cedar Falls became a shipping point for grain, livestock, and lumber.

The city's population grew rapidly during this time; now, it houses Iowa's three state universities premiering opportunities for academic, cultural, and athletic activities.

Now that you know more about Cedar Falls, it's time to create your travel bucket list with the 15 best things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Dig Deep in The Ice House Museum

This Victorian-era home was built on the riverfront at Sturgis Park and is an icehouse built for the Cedar Falls Ice and Fuel Company

It replaced an earlier icehouse that was destroyed by fire in 1858 and was rebuilt in 1921.

Dating back at least 150 years, the icehouse can hold 16 million pounds of ice cut.

Today The Ice House Museum is a museum for the Cedar Falls Historical Society, which also manages the Victorian House Museum.

You can experience the icehouse's atmosphere and learn about the ice trade and how the Cedar River has shaped Cedar Falls.

Don't forget to snap images of its furnishings from that period: photographs, everyday objects, and many more.

Ride Through the Past at John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

At the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, you can step back in time to witness the evolution of the tractor and engine industry from horse-drawn to horse-powered; you'll see how innovations in technology have shaped our world.

It is located on the west side of the TechWorks Campus and is a 30-acre advanced manufacturing, innovation, and commercial center in downtown Waterloo, Iowa.

The museum is open to the public with free admission so your family can enjoy the rich heritage and learn more about its shared history.

Moreover, the museum presents a unique look at how technology has changed farming over time, and you'll be amazed by interactive displays and classic machines that will take your breath away.

The collection includes an original tractor from 1896 used at a farm owned by Henry Ford's father; it is estimated that less than 20 such tractors still exist.

Enjoy The Serenity In George Wyth State Park

The George Wyth State Park is an "urban sanctuary" offering diverse outdoor activities for visitors.

The park was named in 1956 after a well-known Cedar Falls businessman, and its secluded environment is the perfect get-away near the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

You can stroll the paved multi-use trails that are more than three miles available for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and other winter trail activities.

For birders, you can enjoy spotting more than two hundred species of birds at George Wyth State Park's bird blind, located on the east side of the park near its entrance off Highway 30.

Experience a different camping experience in the large campground, featuring electric and non-electric sites, modern showers and restrooms, and a trailer dump station.

Additionally, you can have picnic dates near the river or avail the day-use lodge for significant events such as wedding receptions and family reunions.

They have an online reservation system, too.

Realign with Nature at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center

The Hartman Reserve is 340 acres and is located at the heart of the metropolitan Black Hawk County.

It was named Camp Hartman when it was owned and operated by the YMCA and was only 56 acres then.

It's home to various exhibits that help us understand our environment through education, recreation, and community involvement.

Witness the variety of wildlife like turkeys, deer, otters, hawks, foxes, vultures, and bald eagles at the Hartman Reserve.

Enjoy the nature center, trail, exhibits, and library for free.

Commemorate Our Heroes at Sullivan Brothers Veterans Museum

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to the present.

Step into stories through traditional exhibits, interactive activities, and an electronic Wall of Honor, just an 11-minute walk away from Waterloo Center for the Arts

Experience over 35 interactive exhibits ranging from a memorial to World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Henry "Hank" Ketchum to a tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Francis P. Reynolds.

You can also listen to the Interviews collected via the Voices of Iowa Oral History Project, totaling over 1,500, with more than 400 still in progress.

With its free admission, this state-of-the-art facility aims to play a role in preserving the history and service of Iowa veterans and serve as a facility for research and genealogy studies.

Discover the Cedar Valley Nature Trail

The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a 69-mile trail that runs through the Cedar River bottomlands, along forested banks and open vistas.

Spanning four counties, the trail is one of the pioneer "linear parks" in Iowa.

The northern portion of the trail is designated for the Bird Area, so you'll be able to see various birds while you're out there!

Besides hiking, you can also stroll the trail by biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running, and even nature study. 

Enjoy the scenery as it follows the floodplain of the Cedar River through forested areas, wetlands, and rolling farmlands.

Meet at Main Street!

Main Street is a beautiful little town with a lot to offer—it's home to over unique stores and restaurants you won't find anywhere else.

Community Main Street, the organization that preserves the architecture and helps revitalize the local economy, was formed in 1987 and has won awards for its efforts.

You can visit more than 30 one-of-a-kind stores and boutiques, including antique shops, specialty boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, bookstores, and more.

Walk down the historic downtown area, which is pedestrian-friendly, picturesque, and full of inviting shops and restaurants.

When you want a near and affordable place to settle, downtown Cedar Falls is a destination for arts and entertainment: from early morning to late night, you'll find something new every day of the week.

Channel Your Inner Artist at Hearst Center for The Arts

The James & Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts is a cultural center that presents local art, musical, and film events and classes for all ages.

Built-in 1972, you can find the center in downtown Cedar Falls; you can easily visit it since it's just a 3-minute drive from the University of Northern Iowa.

Additionally, it has two galleries for visual arts, an auditorium with seating for 150 people, three classrooms, a ceramics studio, meeting rooms, and a sculpture garden.

Moreover, you can also view the center's two galleries holding more than 1,000 works of art by local artists

Open and free all-year round, you can experience the center's art classes, films, concerts and recitals, lectures and readings, and other performing arts offerings.

Enjoy The Beauty of The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a stunning 40-acre oasis of beauty and serenity on the outskirts of Waterloo, Iowa.

What began as the work of a small group of volunteers has flourished into a stunning botanical garden comprising of flora both native and exotic.

Explore its many beautiful gardens, including the Hillside Welcome Garden, Rose Garden, perennial display garden, Shade Garden, and an award-winning Children's Garden.

You can enjoy the garden from sunset to sunrise with free admission.

With over 320 other gardens in the country, membership will give you free admission to the museum, free parking, discounts, and other benefits.

Spectate The Wonders Of The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

The Gallagher Bluedorn is a state-of-the-art performing arts center on the University of Northern Iowa's campus.

This was the first venue of this size to open in Iowa in over two decades, costing $25 million and covering more than 100,000 square feet.

You can watch over 300 performances each year, ranging from big Broadway musicals to bold modern dance and other types of performances.

Get fascinated by Davis Hall, a 225-seat flexible rehearsal and recital hall, and Jebe Hall, home to a $500,000, 38-rank tracker organ built for the center.

Experience quality performances with state-of-the-art rigging, lighting, audio systems, and an orchestra pit that converts the hall easily from concerts to theatricals.

Practice Your Biking Skills at Tondro Pray Bike Park

Tondro Pray Bike Park is a place for BMX bicyclists, cyclocross riders, and mountain bikers to practice their skills in a fun environment.

It's just north of the Cedar River—a 14-minute walk from Cedar Falls Community Garden.

You can enjoy the flat landscape; it's a sprawling flood plain repurposed by the City after the historic flood in 2008.

The land was established by early land developers Tondro, Pray, and Boone, and the underlying platting bears their names.

This park is perfect for beginners as you can use the pump track, a single track, and a fast, fun cyclocross course.

Get In Touch with Nature at Black Hawk Park

The Black Hawk Park is a 1,490-acre greenbelt located on the Cedar River in Iowa and named after Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk Indian tribe.

It was the first park acquired by Black Hawk County Conservation and is now one of the largest county parks in Iowa

Make your best memories at the two campgrounds for overnight stays, hiking and biking trails for all fitness levels, and picnicking areas with tables and grills.

There are also public hunting areas for small-game animals and fishing opportunities on both sides of the waterway from Cedar Falls to Cedar-Wapsi Road Bridge.

You can also enjoy canoeing, boating, and kayaking.

Experience Real Camping at Big Woods Lake Campground

Big Woods Lake Campground offers visitors the chance to experience a rustic, rural atmosphere while being close enough to Cedar Falls to enjoy all the city has to offer.

With its 65-acre lake, you can do various activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying nature.

The lake is 86 acres and 32 feet deep at its deepest point, excellent fishing for largemouth bass, panfish, walleye, and northern pike.

In addition to the lake and campgrounds, there are several recreational opportunities you can enjoy within an urban boundary but with a rural feel.

You might even be lucky to witness the variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and foxes.

Beat The Heat at The Falls

The Falls Aquatic Center on Main Street is a must-visit for anyone who loves the water, especially if you're looking for a place to splash around on hot summer days.

It's located on the edge of the University of Northern Iowa campus on the edge of town.

The complex has recently expanded its competition pool to 50 meters (Olympic size), making it an ideal place for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.

With its resort-style atmosphere, you can quickly bring friends and family along with you and offer them a great place to cool off and relax after spending time in the pool or on the slide.

The park is surrounded by plenty of shaded areas—perfect for those days when you want to lounge around after playing all day!

Stroll and Relax at the Overman Park

Overman Park, located just west of downtown Cedar Falls, is the oldest public park in the city.

Acquired in 1853, it was named after a former mayor, who donated the land as part of his estate.

The park is surrounded by elegant 19th-century houses of the Vintage Home District and is used for many events throughout the summer.

Enjoy the Cedar Falls Municipal Band that performs here every Tuesday evening in June and July, while there are also movies under the stars on Friday nights.

If you visit May through October, don't forget to pass by for the  Cedar Falls Farmers' Market on Saturdays.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to its diverse and welcoming community, Cedar Falls is a popular destination for visitors.

Warm, welcoming residents make Cedar Falls an ideal place to call home, while visitors have a wide range of things and places to go.

You can also visit several places in Cedar Falls that will provide you with unique experiences and memories for years to come.

Visitors will find museums where they can learn about local history and modern living.

There are also several theaters around town where you can catch plays or musicals put on by talented artists from around the country who have come here to perform their work.

Do you need great content for your travel blog, travel agency or just about any other business in the industry? You need premium blogging and SEO-friendly content ASAP.

[skyfire85]

-A Dornier Do 335 Pfeil on a snowy runway, some time in 1944 or '45. | Photo: Luftwaffe

FLIGHTLINE: 181 - DORNIER DO 335 PFEIL ("ARROW")

Initially designed in response to a request for a Schnellbomber, the Do 335 was reconfigured into a multi-role aircraft, though only a few were completed before Germany surrendered.

Claude Dornier founded the Dornier Flugzeugwerke ("Aircraft factory") in 1914, and was renowned for building large, all-metal flying boats as well as land-based passenger aircraft between the Great War and WWII. These included the record-breaking Do 16 Wal ("Whale") of 1924, the Do X of 1929, and the Komet ("Comet") and Merkur ("Mercury"), a favorite of Lufthansa and SCADTA in Colombia, as well as several South American militaries. A feature of many Dornier aircraft were tandem engines, a tractor and a pusher motor placed back to back. This arrangement allowed an aircraft to enjoy the extra power of having multiple engines without the associated drag of having multiple tractor installations. It also alleviated the issue of asymmetric thrust in case of an engine failure.

-A Do X in flight, circa January 1932. This was one of a number of Dornier flying boats to have a tandem engine configuration. | Photo: German Federal Archives

DEUTSCHLAND PFEILE

What became the Do 335 originated in 1939, while Dornier was working on the P.59 Schellbomber ("high-speed bomber"), which would have carried and equivalent load to a Ju 88 or Me 410, but featured a tandem engine arrangement. Work on the P.59 was cancelled in 1940, but Dornier had already commissioned a test aircraft, the Göppingen Gö 9, to test the feasibility of connecting a pusher prop via an extended drive shaft. The Go 9 was based on the Do 17 bomber, but scaled down 40% and with a cruciform tail. The test plane validated Dornier's designs, though the eventual fate of the Go 9 is not known (likely though, it was destroyed by Allied bombing or recycled).

-The Göppingen Gö-9 motor glider, designed by Wolf Hirth. flying c.1941. | Photo: Flightglobal

The P.59's general design was resurrected in 1942 when the RLM requested a high-speed bomber with a 1,000kg payload. Dornier submission, designated the P.231, was awarded a development contract and the model number Do 335. Late in 1942, the requirements were changed from a Schnellbomber to a multirole fighter, which resulted in extensive delays while the designs were updated.

FLUGZEUGSPEZIFIKATIONEN

The Do 335 was 13.85m long, with a wingspan of 13.8m and a height of 5m. Empty, the plane weighed 7,260kg, while at max TO the weight was 9,600kg (10,000kg for the two-seat trainers and night fighter variants). Power was provided by two Daimler-Benz DB 603E-1 liquid-cooled V-12s developing 1,324kW each. Due to the situation in late-war Germany, the engines were fitted to run on 87 octane "B4" lignite-derived synthetic fuel, and MW50 boost was also available for additional speed. The basic fighter/bomber variant was armed with a singe 30mm MK 103 cannon firing through the spinner and two 20mm MG 151/20 autocannon mounted in the front engine cowl and synchronized to fire through the prop disc. A single 500kg bomb could be carried internally, and two pylons on the wings could be fitted with bombs, gun pods or drop tanks, with a total load of 100kg. During flight tests, the Do 335 hit 763kmh with boost (686kmh without), making it the fastest production fighter the Luftwaffe fielded during WWII. Under single-engine operations, the plane could still fly at 563kmh. Service ceiling was 11,400m, and under ideal conditions the plane could climb to 8,000m in 14 minutes 30 seconds. Due to concerns over a pilot striking the dorsal fin or the rear prop (a common concern in pusher designs before ejector seats became common), explosive charges would sever the fin and propeller before the pilot would bail out.

-Orthograph of the Do 335 A-1. | Illustration: Richard Ferriere

-Cutaway drawing of the Pfeil showing the engines, linkages, and landing gear actuators. | Illustration: Dornier

-Mounting locations of the 335's guns and associated equipment. | Illustration: Dornier

Maiden flight of the Do 335 V1 prototype was on 26 October 1943. A total of 27 flights were made with the V1, which uncovered a weakness in the landing gear, and issues with the main landing gear wheel-well doors saw them removed for the majority of the flights. The second aircraft, V2, first flew on 31 December 1943, and featured uprated DB 603A-2 engines as well as aerodynamic changes informed by the V1's test flights as well as wind tunnel tests. Maiden flight of the V3 pre-production aircraft was on 20 January 1944, which was fitted with DB 603G-0 engines, which produced 1,400kW at take off. The V3 was also fitted with two rear-view mirrors, alleviating blind spots caused by the location of the aft engine. A total of ten preproduction aircraft were then ordered, and in January the RLM ordered five more prototypes of the night fighter variant, later designated the A-6. By war's end, at least 16 prototypes of the Do 335 and related programs had flown, accumulating some 60 flight hours.

-The Do 335 V1 during testing in 1943 or '44. | Photo: Luftwaffe

Production of the Do 335 was given maximum priority under Hitler's Jägernotprogramm (Emergency Fighter Program), issued on 23 May 1944, and the competing He 219 Uhu ("eagle-owl") Nachtjäger theoretically freed up needed DB 603 engines for the Pfeil, but in practice Heinkel continued production of the 219A. Dornier's factories in Friedrichshafen and Munchen were anticipated to produce 120 and 2,000 Do 335s, of various configurations, by March 1946, but an Allied attack on Friedrichshafen destroyed tooling for the Pfeil, which resulted in a new line being set up in Oberpfaffenhofen. The first preproduction Do 335 A-0 model was delivered in July 1944, and construction of the first production A-1 model began in late 1944. As the war progressed, various models of the Do 335 proliferated (as happened often with late-war aircraft programs) as the Nazis sought to turn back the Allied forces:

Do 335 A-2: single-seat fighter-bomber aircraft with new weapon sights, later proposed longer wing and updated 1,471 kW (1,973 hp) DB603L engines.

Do 335 A-3: single-seat reconnaissance aircraft built from A-1 aircraft, later proposed with longer wing.

Do 335 A-4: single-seat reconnaissance aircraft with smaller cameras than the A-3

Do 335 A-5: single-seat night fighter aircraft, later night and bad weather fighter with enlarged wing and DB603L engines.

Do 335 A-6: two-seat night fighter aircraft, with completely separate second cockpit located above and behind the original.

Do 335 A-7: A-6 with longer wing.

Do 335 A-8: A-4 fitted with longer wing.

Do 335 A-9: A-4 fitted with longer wing, DB603L engines and pressurized cockpit.

Do 335 A-11/12: A-0 refitted with a second cockpit to serve as trainers.

-A Do 335 A-12 trainer, known as the Ameisenbär ("anteater"), late in the war. | Photo: Luftwaffe

Do 335 B-1: abandoned in development.

Do 335 B-2: single-seat destroyer aircraft. Fitted with 2 additional MK 103 in the wings and provision to carry two standard Luftwaffe 300 litre (80 US gal) drop tanks.

Do 335 B-3: updated B-1 but with longer wing.

Do 335 B-4: update of the B-1 with longer wing, DB603L engine.

Do 335 B-6: night fighter.

Do 335 B-12: dual-seat trainer version for the B-series aircraft.

Do 435: a Do 335 with the redesigned, longer wing. Allied intelligence reports from early May 1945 mention spotting a Do 435 at the Dornier factory airfield at Lowenthal.

Do 535: actually the He 535, once the Dornier P254 design was handed over to Heinkel in October 1944; fitted with jet engine in place of rear piston engine.

Do 635: twin-fuselaged long-range reconnaissance version. Also called Junkers Ju 635 or Do 335Z. Mock up only.

P 256: turbojet nightfighter version, with two podded HeS 011 turbojet engines; based on Do 335 airframe.

In April 1945 the Allies captured the Oberpfaffenhofen factory in late April 1945, capturing 11 A-1 fighter/bombers and 2 A-12 trainers. That same month, a flight of four RAF Hawker Tempests, led by French ace Pierre Clostermann, encountered an unknown model of Do 335 over northern Germany at low altitude. The Pfeil pilot began evasive maneuvers, but Clostermann opted to not give chase as the enemy plane displayed superior speed. At the time of the German capitulation in 1945, 22 Do 335A-0, A-1 and A-11/12 aircraft were known to have been completed.

-Dornier Do 335 aircraft on the runway at Oberpfaffenhofen just after the end of the Second World War. | Photo: USAAF

-A Do 335 after being captured by the US, with American markings painted over the Luftwaffe ones. | Photo: Charles Daniels Collection/SDASM Archives

At least two Do 335s were brought to the US under Operation LUSTY, with one, Do 335 A-0, designated A-02, with construction number (Werknummer) 240 102, and Stammkennzeichen ("factory radio code registration") VG+PH being claimed by the Navy for testing. The aircraft was transported on HMS Reaper along with other captured German aircraft, then shipped to the Navy's Test and Evaluation center at NAS Pax River. Another Pfeil was tested by the USAAF at Freeman Field in Indiana, but nothing is known about its fate. In 1961 VG+PH was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution, though it remained outside at NAS Oceana until 1974, when it was shipped back to the Dornier factory in Oberpfaffenhofen for restoration. Over the next year, volunteers from Dornier (some of whom worked on the aircraft originally) found that the explosive charges meant to sever the tail and aft prop were still installed and live, thirty years later. After work was completed the aircraft was placed on display at the Hannover Airshow from 1 to 9 May 1976, and afterwards it was on loan to the Deutsches Museum until 1988. The aircraft was shipped back the States after that, and is now on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center along with other German aircraft brought over during Lusty like the only known Ar 234 Blitz jet bomber and the partially restored He 219A Uhu.

[obeymeluv]

The Bros Visit the Human World

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵ 

You bring the bros to the human world for a little get-away and they develop some interesting habits.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Lucifer

He’s the restless one that doesn’t sleep well. It takes a night or two to get comfortable and sleep normally.

Lucifer will probably be the first one up. Not only out of habit, but you’re in the human world so he’ll see the sun again

Being away from Diavolo and the responsibilities actually makes him seem like a stranger. Everyone forgets who he is outside of that because he’s so dedicated.

If you’re around a lot of nature, he’ll just casually stroll around. Almost like he’s forgotten what grass, trees, and flowers look like. He loves to spend time in the sun and just breathe the air.

Have pets? He’s partial to cats and well-behaved dogs.

Surprisingly, he’ll be the type to chase birds off of anything half-wounded or put birds back into their nests

At some point you’ll find him on the roof, wings out and sunning

Take him to livestock stores or somewhere like Tractor Supply Co. and he’ll be super tempted to smuggle a baby chick out in his pocket.

Loathes most human TV. Can’t bring himself to be interested until you bust out bible-history related documentaries. If he finds one he’ll take control of the TV, watch it all, and rip it to pieces.

Kind of develops a complex about it. “What would these humans know?! They’ve only been around for, what, forty years? Try five thousand!”

Take him by the coffee shops or smoothie shops to try decadent treats! He secretly likes them!

Mammon

Sleeps easier than Lucifer but has a tough time because the noises are different

If you have an open field or bigger back yard, his favorite thing to do is stand there and watch birds come to him. It surprises him that he can summon more than crows

Boy will definitely throw on a sunhat (or some cool glasses) and ask you what you feed birds around your place. Stands out in your yard throwing bird seed like the birds are starving and he’s got a million bags.

The type to fight squirrels and chase them out of your yard or away from feeders because “It’s not FOR you!”

If you live somewhere more laid-back he’ll feel very restless. He’s drawn to bigger, busier places.

IMMEDIATELY asks you about restaurants and things to do (”What’cha got? What’s good? Anything fun around here?”)

Gets super frustrated by shows like Storage Wars but it eerily good at appraising the value of stuff at a glance. Often guesses the real value of the objects

Show him Antique Roadshow. He’ll LOSE. HIS. SHIT.

He’ll ask to go by places like pawn shops and jewelers to just look at the different things humans trade or want to save up for. Can probably get discounts on the stuff.

Bring this guy when shopping for jewelry. He has an innate gift for appraising and can see flaws. He knows when you’re being played.

Want to be a little mean? Get those chocolate treasure chest coins and give one to Beel first. Mammon might just have a heart attack.

Definitely goes on a rant about how making chocolate money is wrong. (”Why make a currency you can’t spend?!”)

Make the visit special by getting some type of matching jewelry--earrings, rings, necklaces--and he’ll wear it around.

Take him by pet stores where they’ll let the birds out of cages, he’ll make kissy noises and love on all of them. Will definitely try to smuggle one out.

He’ll spend whole days in parks when he realizes you can park it on a bench and feed birds. Birds that don’t always get food!

Don’t show him water fountains. He doesn’t get the concept of people tossing coins in and will definitely try to take them by posing as a cleaner or something

Taking him by a museum is a 50/50 gamble. He’s genuinely interested in the displays and setup but might try to steal something   

Do you have a way to watch The Road to El Dorado? Show it to Mammon. He’ll love it.

Leviathan

Unless you live by some cute cafes, comic book stores, or video game retailers he probably won’t do much on his visit

Do you have a pool? He changed his mind. Might gripe about the chlorine messing with his skin though.

If you only have access to a community pool he refuses to do anything with it

Take him to the beach if you live near one. He’ll ALWAYS go for ocean water!

Because the Devildom is the Devildom, I bet they don’t have Ghibli movies. Maybe they have knock-offs, or they’re considered rare because they’re human world related, but have a Ghibli marathon with him! He’ll love it! It won’t be Ruri-chan levels of love, but he’ll stan and want to buy some stuff

Can you make boba tea at home or swing by a coffee shop that makes a close substitute? Take him! He’ll like it! Levi may complain about it not being authentic but he’ll secretly appreciate it

He likes savory food and junk food so take him by a dollar store and get some cheap chips and sodas. It’ll be interesting to try. Maybe he can make a Deviltube video about trying human food!

Levi also strikes me as someone who would like nachos, so maybe grab him some nachos!

Do they know about the Doritos and Mountain Dew thing in the Devildom? He might want those. (”Look, I’m like the human gamers!”)

Levi runs a little colder than his brothers (by Devildom standards) so take him around to feel on blankets and maybe get one to take back to the Devildom.

Satan

Has a great love for books (obviously) and a great disdain for Devildom bookstores that charge an arm and a leg for human finds. TAKE HIM BY BOOKSTORES AND LET HIM LIVE IN HIS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT!

The type to bring an extra suitcase just for books

Is actually quite a homebody because he has no connections in the human world (besides you), so he’s fine to sit and read his new finds.

Do you have books at home? What are your favorites? He’ll read them, too, while he’s here

Show him some kind of crime channel or crime YouTuber and he’s 100% obsessed. Binges them like Netflix

Will wave you over and demand you sit, tangling your legs together as you lean back and speculate on who the murder is and what happens since most of those TV episodes are an hour long

Loves anything psychological-based. Wants to understand why people do things and how they work. Show things like Criminal Minds and Mind Games. He’ll be SUPER interested.

Do you have cats? You’ll see Satan whispering them and holding them against his shoulder. He’s in love and might be planning to steal your cat.

Taking him by animal shelters makes him a little sad but he’ll be glad to play with all the cats at one time.

Don’t tell him that, to most humans, Lucifer and Satan are the same figure in the Bible. He just might lose his shit.

Does your town have history/mystery tours? Take him! It’s a two-in-one and he loves it! History and culture, mystery and crime!

Show Satan Cinderella. He’ll get the BIGGEST laugh out of the cat being called Lucifer.

Asmodeus

Like Mammon, will ask you about aesthetic places and things to do

In a rare moment of not hating Mammon, the two will gossip at the jewelry stores and be really critical. Mammon stops Asmo from making bad purchases

Show him around some makeup stores! He’d LOVE to see human products!

If you take him by ANY store with clothes, he will look, pick, feel, analyze, and try things on for the hell of it. It will be an all-day thing

Human fashion takes off more than he expected on the Devilgram, so he’ll buy a few things.

When he realizes makeup stores give free makeovers, he’ll use that to his advantage. Especially by charming people

Goes on a small kick of charming people to get what he wants because Lucifer only ever told him he couldn’t do it to YOU. It’s a new level of fawning and attention and he eats it up

If he sees a cute Starbucks drink on TV, he wants it.

If you show him Pinterest or Instagram, he’s glued to a device and saving things.

By the time everyone goes back to the Devildom he has a tiny notebook full of ideas and details--ways to recreate it in the Devildom

Gets several modeling offers and you (or one of the bros) has to pull him away, It’s not happening.

Unexpectedly into unboxing videos and calligraphy. Lives for pretty hand writing and is fascinated by bullet journaling even though he’s too lazy to maintain one

Show him soap operas/dramas and celebrity entertainment channels. He won’t know what to believe.

If he sees shows like Jerry Springer, Maury, Jeremy Kyle, or Judge Judy he live-streams them like ‘can you believe what crazy things happen in the human world?!’

Beelzebub

The dollar store is his heaven! ALL THIS FOOD FOR A DOLLAR?!

I personally think that human food is less calorically dense so he’ll need to eat a lot. Take him by fast food places that have cheap dollar menus or five dollar deals

If you go to a restaurant with a ‘finish in ‘x’ amount of a minutes and it’s free!’ do it. He’ll set a record

Beel learns about all you can eat buffets and gives you puppy eyes until you take him to one. At least you’ll get your money’s worth!

Don’t take him by a real grocery store. He’ll bankrupt you. Or eat all the free samples.

He’s interested in cooking shows but if he watches them you’ll have to clean up a lot of drool, give him something to eat while he’s watching, or stop him from absently grabbing the closest thing and trying to eat it

Is super into renovation shows and technical shows where people work with their hands. It’s like sports of the mind.

Not as interested in watching American football because he’ll critique it too much. Any other sport, he’ll find it interesting and want to know how it works.

Show him old Olympic footage. He’s surprised at the variety of sports and will watch the whole thing

Will also enjoy Ghibli movies. How do they make food look like that?!

This boy is a Disney princess in a demon body. If he sees any critters while he’s out and about (ANY), he’ll want to try and feed it or pet it

Bugs are drawn to him. He especially likes caterpillars and butterflies.

Beel likes to hunt for ladybugs.

Likes to “donate” to ant hills and watch them work,

Likes to watch nature documentaries about different animals

If you take him to the zoo, he’ll marvel at the different animals. Wants to wrestle a tiger and the bigger animals to see if he’ll win. It looks “fun.”

Belphegor

When he hears about mattress stores, that’s his thing. That’s what he wants you to do together. Belphie will literally lay on as many mattresses as possible and judge them

He may not have a hard time sleeping as long as he has his favorite pillow, but, for kicks, show him ASMR. Beel’s not the only one who drools!

Will definitely fall asleep outside in the sun. Any place is a good place for a nap, and to look up and see clouds is special

Spend a night outside under the human sky. It’s constellations and things he only ever gets to see in the star room

Will watch just about anything on TV. He’ll say he doesn’t have a preference but he likes those happy, soft movies that have gentle endings where everything turns out okay. Actually cries a little.

If he learns what Snorlax is from Pokemon, he’ll want one. A big Snorlax plushy to cuddle and sleep on/with!

If he hears the word “demon” uttered on TV he’s instantly hooked. What stupid thing do these humans think? THAT’S their version of a demon?!

Can you take him to see real cows? He’d really like that.

The type to make flower chains in the grass because he’s bored. Gives his first one to Beel and falls asleep before he can make another one.

Loves milkshakes unironically. Will slink out of bed and come along on any errands/brother outings if he can get one out of you.

[uniqueartisanconnoisseur]

100 Years of Horsepower, fun!

100 Years of Horsepower, fun!

At the last minute, on the last day, we made it. Keith and I headed to the 100 Days of Horsepower that is! Tom Renner, his son Jake and grandson Jonathon have an amazing collection of tractors in Belleville, Illinois. They were on display outside as well as their agricultural museum! The museum was open at the show during the show. The 100 Days Horsepower was much like a mini-Half Century of…

[airmanisr]

M5 High-Speed Tractor ‘U.S.A.946431S’ by Alan Wilson Via Flickr: The M5 was an American artillery tractor designed to tow field artillery weighing up to 16,000 pounds. Built by International Harvester from May 1943 to September 1945, some 5,873 were produced. As well as use by American forces, some 200 were provided to the Soviet Union in 1944. After WW2 surplus M5s were supplied to Austria, Belgium, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Yugoslavia. This example is on display at the Armourgeddon Military Museum Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, UK 8th August 2021

[carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory]

Powdermill at a Glance

Facilities: Comprising 2,200 acres with various habitats typical of central Appalachia, Powdermill Nature Reserve is one of the larger private experiment stations in the USA. We maintain 20 buildings including the Nature Center (12,800 sq. ft), a state-of-the-art DNA laboratory, and eight fully furnished buildings for overnight guests, totaling about 40 beds and featuring campus wide Wi-Fi. For material, mechanical, and motorized support, we have a carpentry shop, barns and garages, two pickup trucks, passenger car, two-person ATV with dump bed, tractor, and mini backhoe. Our ample technical gear includes laptop computers, GPS devices, and two helicopter-type drones with cameras and spectral sensors.

Staff: The number of employees varies with grant funding. Presently, we have 15 year-round staff and up to 12 seasonal staff. These are (full time) Director John Wenzel; Operations Coordinator MaryAnn Perkins; maintenance workers Bobby Ankney, Rick Paesano, and Ryan Carter; educators Lauren Horner and Sara Klingensmith; scientists at Powdermill are Luke DeGroote, Annie Lindsay, Mary Shidel, James Whitacre, and Andrea Kautz; scientists stationed in Oakland are Chase Mendenhall, Jonathan Rice, and Mallory Sarver. Seasonal (temporary) staff include about two for avian research in spring and three in autumn, four or five summer camp instructors, and usually two summer assistants in other programs.

Visitors: About 5,000 people visit Powdermill per year, of which 600-700 are school groups, some of which get transportation grants from us to pay for bussing. We host about 2,000 person-nights in our lodging by visiting researchers and students, primarily from May to September.

Education: Our free public programs include “Storytime And More” every first Sunday of the month. Every second Sunday (fall, winter, and spring) a “Science And Nature” lecture for adults is offered concurrently with “Nature Explorers” for children. Every third Wednesday, we host “Nature At Night,” nighttime nature walks or films. Themed, seasonal special events attract approximately 100 visitors. In 2019, these events were “Cicada-Palooza” and “Pollinator Festival.” Children’s summer camps support about 110 enrollments every year. For researchers, we host professional workshops that offer advanced technical training. In 2019, 100 people participated in seven such programs, the most notable of which was our award-winning Latin American graduate-level training, now in its ninth year. Our gardens are home to more than 200 species of native plants in their typical environment, and our web site provides information to gardeners for growing about 120 of these featured plants.

Public profile: The Powdermill Facebook page, which has 3,950 followers, reached 450,000 users and engaged 58,000 of them in 2019. We have a separate website for anyone interested in following our avian research programs closely, and that website logged 45,000 visits by 21,146 visitors in 2019. We appeared in popular media outlets nine times in 2019, including twice in National Geographic. A number of scientific datasets are made available through web tools we created, including the definitive resource for tracking unconventional (hydro-fractured) gas wells in PA, a water quality data set of 1.3 million specimens from nearly 7,000 surface water locations across PA, an interactive gigapixel digital teaching collection for identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, and a tool to explore the data compiled in a vegetation survey of Powdermill.

Scientific productivity and roles: Our staff members are annually featured in approximately 20 presentations at scientific society meetings. The staff also serve regularly as Councilors, Associate Editors, Board members, etc., of professional societies in their fields, currently collectively holding 22 such offices. Powdermill as a research site is prominent. In the last three years, 32 papers in journals were published by our staff, or other scientists who conducted their research at Powdermill or used publicly archived Powdermill data. Using Google Scholar to assess significance, Powdermill publications earn an H index of 25, meaning that Powdermill’s importance as an engine of research is comparable to a Full Professor at a major university. Our main research threads include biology of migratory birds (for which we are known historically, and still provide international leadership), Geographical Information Services, pollination and aquatic entomology, and forest plant ecology. We enjoy close partnerships with more than 40 scientists and institutions that share our research goals and efforts.

Extramural funding: Our funding sources in the last three years include grants and contracts from National Science Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Colcom Foundation, Laurel Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Foundation, PA Wildlife Resource Conservation program, American Bird Conservancy Foundation, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. These proposals are conceived, initiated, and largely written by Powdermill staff, with strong support from Advancement and Community Engagement, and total more than $2,000,000. We currently have about $3,000,000 in proposals under review.

John Wenzel is the Director at Powdermill Nature Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s environmental research center. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

NOTE: Information about educational programming and visitors refers to activity before the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Powdermill’s website for information about visiting and programs in 2020. 

[bm-american-art]

Entangled Tractor, Grace Arnold Albee, 1945, Brooklyn Museum: American Art

© Estate of Grace Arnold Albee Size: 4 1/2 x 8 1/16 in. (11.5 x 20.5 cm) Medium: Wood engraving on paper

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/68655

[amarilloinfo]

Top Six Attractions In The Amarillo Area

Amarillo is located on the south coast of Texas, right beside San Antonio. It is a vibrant community with a very interesting history. Before the US Army Corps of Engineers even occupied the area, there was already a rich history in the area. Some of the famous people that came to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the warm hospitality are Spanish pioneers, Chinese immigrants, Indian pioneers, gold miners, and a variety of cowboys.

A quick trip to downtown Amarillo will reveal a whole spectrum of colorful visitors. You will see the Mexican flag proudly fluttering atop a grand old landmark, the Bank Of America Building, which was destroyed during the OK Corral burning. If you love the western movies, this is where John Wayne came from. If you love rodeo, you can find old western saloons like the Old Stagecoach, Old Town Square, and the Corral Bluegrass Club. The City of Sun City offers tourists a variety of entertainment venues, including the famous Amado's restaurant and the world-famous Amado Tractor Co.

If you are a cowgirl at heart, you will love to rub shoulders with the great rodeo celebrities of the Southwestern part of the state. Among the most notable are former First Lady Hillary Clinton and her rodeo enthusiast daughter, Chelsea. Riding along the famous Yellowstone Way is a must for any cowgirl. Not far from the town of Amarillo, you can go horseback riding on The Arizona Trail. The famous Weminuche Wilderness Center allows visitors to tour the old world mining areas of the past. Visitors may even get a chance to ride the legendary Halter Mountain Copper Roller.

For an old-fashioned taste of southern Californian culture, you should tour the Old Pueblo Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. In the center, you will find the only surviving camp of the Pueblo Indians, which still operates today. This historical museum allows visitors to learn about the daily life of the Pueblo Indians, including their culture, music and dance. The museum also features the only hotel in Pueblo history, The Pueblo Winery and Ranch, which tours and educates visitors about the Spanish-American West and the lifestyle of the Pueblo Indians.

Driving around the heart of the city, you will come across several other spectacular stops. One of the stops that you should not miss is the National Trust Museum. Built as a national park, the museum showcases American Indian artifacts, such as ladders, drums and pottery. Another interesting stop is the historic Hotelito de San Carlos, which serves as the headquarters of the International Ranch Association. In addition to the hotel and museum, the I-40 Trail runs through the heart of Amarillo. The trail covers six miles of the beautiful Pueblo National Forest and provides spectacular views of the majestic mesas and canyon walls.

A few miles east of the town of Amarillo, you will encounter two interesting sights. Hidden within the pine brush Mesa are the ruins of what was, for many years, the U.S. Military Academy. Although the academy no longer exists, you can still take advantage of its location. To the southwest are the ruins of the old Chiricahua Indian ranches, which contain hundreds of ancient pine trees.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Amarillo area, you should drive or bike to the Pine Street Inn & Spa, which are nestled in the heart of the pine brush Mesa. You will find a cozy, authentic atmosphere as well as a relaxing, nature-based treatment. The Inn offers a complimentary breakfast each morning and a delicious menu of warm & spicy breakfast, sandwiches, freshly made juice, and vegetarian cuisine. It's also a great place to visit with your family, as it offers many walking paths around the grounds.

Other attractions in the Amarillo area include the Bobcat Herd, which can only be reached by driving one way. This herd of cattle follows a natural path through the tall grasses of the Amarillo area, which includes ancient cedars and cypress trees. The Herd travels all around the town of Amarillo, which is also the location of the Bobcat Herd Home, which offers visitors the chance to learn more about the history of the cowboy culture that dominated the state of Texas. While in the Amarillo area, you can also check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features modern and traditional paintings, photographic images, and other art forms.