Hello
Hello, I'm Rob and welcome to my little blog, The Ypsilanti Airship Works. Airships? "What the hell..." I can hear you in my minds eye. "Must be some old blimp pilot's musings..." Well, not hardly. Though I still harbor a childish dream that this were so. It's sort of like that old British television comedy, "Monty Python's Flying Circus"-- where, as I recall, a cast member stated they chose the name specifically because it had no one named Monty, and it had nothing to do with snakes or flying. It's kind of like that for me: Ypsilanti is where I'm from, so self-explanatory. Airships Works? OK, that's little harder to explain. Just suffice it to say that my blog's title is a nod to my youthful infatuation with airships, blimps, etc. So I apologize right now to anyone out there who googled 'airships' and got me instead. Again, sorry!
The intent (if there is one) of my blog is probably along the lines of most of the blogs out there-- Just some random musings and thoughts that I have, and that I feel like sharing. Of course the occasional rant may crop up as well.
I confess, as I embark on my venture, to be a little hesitant or gun shy about doing this blog thing. This area is home to some excellent and capable blogsmiths. Not just Ann Arbor, which is Ypsilanti's large and well educated neighbor to the west, but right here in lil' ol' Ypsi itself. Local bloggers like Mark Maynard, East Cross and Maproom systems are so knowledgeable and insightful about all things political-- That this humble newbie blogger won't even to try to emulate these cats.... I'm sure they have sharp claws! Then there's Ypsi~dixit, a sharp, intelligent lady that is always posting things of interest, her ability to weave an entertaining story filled with social context always shining through-- More pro-level stuff here, folks! So in the midst of these giants of local blogdom, if I can only manage to give you a bit of entertainment, or at best, cause you to stop and reflect about a more serious issue I may post-- I'll be more than happy.
Rob.
The intent (if there is one) of my blog is probably along the lines of most of the blogs out there-- Just some random musings and thoughts that I have, and that I feel like sharing. Of course the occasional rant may crop up as well.
I confess, as I embark on my venture, to be a little hesitant or gun shy about doing this blog thing. This area is home to some excellent and capable blogsmiths. Not just Ann Arbor, which is Ypsilanti's large and well educated neighbor to the west, but right here in lil' ol' Ypsi itself. Local bloggers like Mark Maynard, East Cross and Maproom systems are so knowledgeable and insightful about all things political-- That this humble newbie blogger won't even to try to emulate these cats.... I'm sure they have sharp claws! Then there's Ypsi~dixit, a sharp, intelligent lady that is always posting things of interest, her ability to weave an entertaining story filled with social context always shining through-- More pro-level stuff here, folks! So in the midst of these giants of local blogdom, if I can only manage to give you a bit of entertainment, or at best, cause you to stop and reflect about a more serious issue I may post-- I'll be more than happy.
Rob.
posted by Rob at 8:31 PM
9 Comments:
Dear Sir:
Flattery will get you places.
Thank you for your gracious words.
Now then, down to brass tacks. What, pray, is your plan for revitalizing Ypsilanti's economy with an airship ride service based in Riverside Park and docking in Ann Arbor?
Can you have a proposal together by the next council meeting?
Let me know if you need help with the blueprints.
--ypsidixit
p.s. welcome to the blogosphere, Rob! I've put a link to the Ypsilanti Airship Works in my sidebar link thingie.
Excellent! I propose we temporarily reopen the Ypsilanti Iron and metal shop (at this time I feel it won't hurt the Water street project one iota!), get our hands on several tons of duralumin (a unique copper/aluminum alloy) for a 'proper' zeppelin rigid frame. Also would need some.... Hey! I thought I had these old youthful flights of fancy well supressed in my dotage....
That is a brilliant idea. I think I'll develop it further on my blog later tonight.
If Dollar Mania were still open, we could have gotten 50,000 helium balloons there in one stroke. But I'm sure another idea will bubble up.
I'll keep an eye out for several tons of duralumin.
Hello Rob, and allow me to second Laura's welcome to the local blogosphere.
The decline in popularity of blimps was not only due to the hindenberg exploding, but also the fact that the technology was primarily developed and operated by Germans- thus once Hitler came to power, Americans began to favor heavier-than-air devices, which we'd been more at the forefront of creating. The Ypsi library has a documentary, i think from a pbs series, on the whole matter that's pretty amazing.
Also, from a personal standpoint, my wife and I lived for many years in Akron, Ohio, "Rubber capital of the world", and home to the Goodyear Corporation. Thus, it was a rare day that we didn't see the blimp flying over the city, which gave one the feeling of living in 1920's Berlin (minus all the night clubs and burgeoning fascist movement, of course).
The craft they use today are much smaller than the ships of old, though, and I think they could only hold about 20 or so people at most. Akron also has a "Lighter than Air" hobbyist club (website) who might offer assistance to your proposed endeavor.
Rob, Welcome to the Ypsi Blogosphere. - Steve Pierce
Hey, thanks Brett, Steve. Yes, Brett I am aware of the lighter-than-air society; and I was once a member in pre-internet days... I Once visited Akron, Ohio years ago-- That massive Zeppelin airdock: Is it still there? It was/is very impressive. Also, just a couple of years ago the Germans had started a venture called Cargo Lifter, which was to be a large Zeppelin sized blimp-- Much money was spent, and a huge hanger built (it's now a tropical themed amusement park) in Brand, Germany. However it ran out of capital (mostly government supplied) and could not secure more... Too bad, I would have liked to see such an aerial beast..
nicely done Rob, esp. like the carriage barn photos. good place to work on an airship after hrs. ed
nicely done Rob, esp. like the carriage barn photos. good place to work on an airship after hrs. ed
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