When I was a young girl Halloween was a one day event mostly for children. It was a Jack O’Lantern glowing on our porch, and the aroma of pumpkin seeds toasting in the oven. It was being dressed up in odd (we thought) clothing found in the back of our parents closet. It was being out alone in the scary dark. It was bringing home a bulging pillowcase of candy.

Things sure have changed. Reportedly Americans now spend over 3.5 billion dollars a year on Halloween.

“We’d like to invite you to personally experience a ride aboard the Zeppelin at our upcoming Media Day at Moffett Field on Oct. 27.”

Monday morning I had an invitation to ride in the Zeppelin. I had cleared my calendar, but Mother Nature had forgotten to clear her sky. I worried would the weather be a factor and delay, or worse, cancel the event? As I approached Moffett Field and saw the big 246 foot long helium gas filled airship moored out near Hangar One, I felt confident that the ride would take place.

I made my way to the NASA building and signed in. I was issued a flight ticket and told to be ready for a 9 AM take off. On the airfield I talked shop with reporters from The Mercury News, KNTV - Ch. 11, and The New York Times, etc. Twelve of us were asked to gather for a safety briefing and instruction. Boarding is done with much care. The crew takes this very seriously. Once aboard the gondola I was allowed to take any seat that I wished. As the 62,500 pound mast truck made ready, we got settled and buckled in. The good-to-know about sign on my window? Life Vest Under Your Seat.

At 9:05 AM we were up! During the smoothly quiet ride we were allowed to walk around in the cabin, to take pictures, and talk with other passengers. I had to ask the question? “If we all move to one side will the ship start to roll?” I was assured that it would stay steady.

In spite of the fog, I enjoyed the fantastic bird’s-eye view down at Moffett Field - the three hangars, the NASA Ames wind tunnels, hi tech campuses, salt ponds, and 101. The cool little bathroom even comes with a window view!

Think of floating over the South Bay, San Francisco, the East Bay, or Sonoma on a clear day… Ah!

Airship Ventures

More photos on Flickr

1-650-969-8100

Could we have a similar situation going on right here at SJC? The first and second time that I saw her she didn’t seem all that out of place. She was pushing around a $3 Smarte Carte (baggage cart) loaded up with a couple of bags. Now its’ cargo has grown to include a couple of Styrofoam ice chests, and a tall tube-ish box which looked to have a drink cup dispenser attached to it. She now resembles a genuine homeless person.

When she became aware of my interest she quickly held a newspaper up to cover her face, and darted out into the parking garage. She often pretends to be making a phone call or other ‘normal’ activity.

An airport official told me that they were aware of her. Because SJC is a public property and until she becomes a nuisance there is not much that can be done. I wonder?

Yesterday, high winds tried to keep the zeppelin in Arizona. Today the 246-foot airship appeared in the sky over Blythe, California. At last look they set down in San Bernardino.

While in San Jose for the Steampunk Convention, Abney Park (”The Airship Pirates”) will go up in the airship. Tickets for the ride are Sold Out, but tickets for the Steampunk Convention seem available.

No, not one as heavy as led, but the one lighter-than-air.

Brian and Alexandra Hall of Los Gatos may be the owners of the Airship Ventures Zeppelin, but it is something that we in the South Bay can all be proud of.

Weather permitting the airship should appear in our sky on October 25th.

I’ll let you know all about it after my ride on the 27th. Look for me waving down to you sometime after 9 in the morning!

The Story

Up Ship - The blog

Track the Ship

If you see the airship let them know about it here. Grab your camera.

Reservations - Gift Cards etc.

Brian Copeland and his sister Tracie Stafford, a domestic violence survivor, will be the featured speakers at this years 11th Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence.

The talks and a tribute to victims will be followed by a walk procession, a community lunch and resource fair.

San José City Hall
Oct. 17, 2008
11 a.m.
(408) 535-8100
There is no cost to participate.

Togo’s must feel your pain…

Flash Back to the 70s when students of San Jose State would pay out a whopping $1.99 for a 6″ Togo’s classic sandwich.

Did you know that in 1968, the very first Togo’s opened on East William Street near 7th St in downtown San Jose?

To cheer us up, Togo’s on Wednesdays anyway, will return us to those thrilling days of yesteryear and once again ask for that same 70s price.

This thoughtfulness started on Wednesday October 1st and will run for seven more weeks (including today).

What a deal details.

While out making the political rounds, I found myself at the Vote No On Prop 8 HQ here in San Jose.

I am one conservative who urges a No Vote On Prop 8.

Same-sex couples should not be treated differently under the law.

Yes Rosanne, now you are famous! Thanks for holding up the sign.

The Vote No On 8 site.

At 43 East Gish I found volunteers manning the front desk of the new Obama HQ. - (408) 453-4021

Event Watch Party - Oct. 7th
5:00pm
Debate: 6:00pm
RSVP: (408) 453-2135
(You may want to call first)

OBAMA

I stopped by the San Jose Republican Headquarters at 522 Monroe Street - Near Valley Fair Mall‎.

Kimberlee invites Metblog readers to visit the Party site for information.

Event: Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley
Date: October 7, 2008
Time: 7PM
Location: The American Legion Hall, 958 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95050