F8 Crusader - Last of the Gunfighters

F8 Crusader - Last of the Gunfighters, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

In the years leading up to the Vietnam war, American fighter aircraft were being built to intercept Russian bombers with missles, hence finding guns on these aircraft was rare. They were sorely missed by the American aviators who found themselves fighting against North Vietnamese pilots who flew nimble, Russian built, gun equpped fighters. Washington's rules of engagement at the time required American pilots to visually identify their targets before shooting. This negated most of the advantage of the missles they carried.

The F8 was intended to be the last American fighter that carried guns and missles. Aircraft of this type shot down 19 Russian built MiG's during the war. Of those shot down, 16 were MiG-17s and 3 were MiG-21s

Wings Over Still Water

Wings Over Still Water, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Maliboomer

Maliboomer, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Disney has begun a multi-million dollar renovation of its Disney's California Adventure theme park in Anaheim California. Much of what is there now will soon be torn down. I am trying to document as much of it as possible before it's gone. The Maliboomer will cease to exist as it is and will become a parachute drop style attraction.

Greetings from California

Greetings from California, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Disney has begun a multi-million dollar renovation of its Disney's California Adventure theme park in Anaheim California. Much of what is there now will soon be torn down. I am trying to document as much of it as possible before it's gone. This sign has neon lighting and is also spectacular at night.

Deep Blue Reflection

Deep Blue Reflection, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The indoor pool at Hearst Castle is both beautiful and spooky.

Crocker Galleria

Crocker Galleria, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The beautiful Crocker Galleria shopping center in San Francisco.

Night Crossing

Night Crossing, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Streetcar trundles past San Francisco's ferry building in the failing light.

Prepare for Landing

Prepare for Landing, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

US Airways jet about to touch down at LAX

Looks Easy...

Looks Easy..., originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

747-200 Flight Deck

Prepare for Takeoff

Prepare for Takeoff, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Mag-Lev technology at work