Fascinating Details Regards Hot Air Ballooning

February 13th, 2009 fts2009

A hot air balloon experience must be one of the most exciting and interesting ways to experience flight. Obviously they can’t go very fast and are incredibly difficult to steer, but the feeling of the wind in your face as you are gazing down at the surrounding scenery is an experience hard to beat.

The Montgolfier siblings who lived in Paris during the 1700s are famed with inventing hot air balloons that could carry passengers (unmanned hot air balloons are popular in Chinese history). The Montgolfiers carried out many experiments which culminated in the first manned flight of a hot air balloon. The passengers were Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis d’Arlandes in 1783. Before this the brothers had sent up an unusual trio of farmyard animals!

Hot air balloons work on the simple principle that hot air is lighter than cold air and it rises. Therefore, as the air inside the balloon is heated up it starts to become warmer than the surrounding air and causes the balloon to rise taking the gondola with it.

What we think of as the balloon is actually called the envelope. Modern day envelopes tend to be made of nylon as it is airtight, strong and lightweight. More importantly, it is also heat resistant. The mouth of the balloon which is the part nearest to the gas burner is made from a fire resistant material such as Nomex. The burner uses propane fuel to propel a jet of flame up into the envelope. Some people ask why the hot air doesn’t escape from the hole at the bottom of the envelope. The simple answer is because hot air is buoyant which means it can’t sink and come out of the bottom of the balloon.

Hot air balloons come in many different sizes depending on what they are to be used for. They normally carry between one to around 24 people. The part that people travel in is called the gondola or more commonly the wicker basket. On some specialist high altitude or very long distance flights a capsule is used. The baskets are normally made from wicker, because it is flexible, lightweight and strong. Wicker is also excellent at absorbing the shock of a bumpy landing!

Hot air balloons are difficult to pilot and are usually flown in the early morning or evening. At these times of the day the air is at its most calm and, therefore, the flight will be more manageable for the pilot.

Hot air ballooning is probably one of the slowest and not always the safest way to fly, but as stated before probably one of the most unforgettable and enjoyable ways to take to the skies. Hot air balloon experiences are certainly never dull and will be remembered forever by those who have given them a go!

A True Gift Of Love: The Wedding Gift

November 26th, 2007 admin

Giving plenty of gifts to a newly betrothed couple has been tradition for many centuries and is the main reason why the wedding gift business has remained profitable despite changing business conditions. A wedding gift is a tangible representation of support and love for the couple to help them start their new life on a positive note.

Wetting etiquette dictates that guests officially invited to the wedding ceremony and reception are required to send a gift, regardless they attend or not. However, those invited but live very far and have not been in close contact with the couple for several years have the option not to follow the tradition.
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The Bride’s or Groom’s Father has a Girlfriend

October 30th, 2007 admin

Situation 1. Martha was about to get married. On the wedding day, she, her mother, her bridesmaids and her father’s girlfriend went to the beauty parlor to have their hair done. Upon arrival, they have learned that only one stylist was present.

The situation created a commotion. The father’s girlfriend, being so vain and inconsiderate was the first to manage her hair done. Of course, the mom and the bridesmaids fumed in anger.

Situation 2. Albert was the groom. His father has a current hot girlfriend. The girlfriend was almost of Albert’s age and is obviously just after fun. In short, it was apparent his father’s girlfriend and his dad are just having a fling. Should the girl be invited to the wedding?
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