Bede BD-5B The BD-5 is a small, single-seat, homebuilt “kit” aircraft by the now-defunct Bede Aircraft Corporation in the early 1970s. It has a small, streamlined fuselage holding its semi-reclined pilot under a large canopy, with the mid-engine and propeller mounted immediately to the rear of the cockpit. The BD-5 sold over 5,000 kits or plans. Only a few hundred BD-5 kits were completed and many of these are still being flown today. There was even a version with a jet engine, like the BD-5J from the James Bond movie Octopuss, now on display in the Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona. I remember seeing these in magazines as a kid, so it was a treat to view this one sitting under the wing of the Boeing 307 Stratoliner. Both aircraft can be found at the Boeing Aviation Hanger at the Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum.

E.T. Phone Home Driving through the French countryside, off in the distance, you would see something that, just for a moment, made you think the aliens had just landed. Just above the trees would be a large, multi-level structure that I can only guess is some type of communications tower. At least, that's what we are suppose to believe. Maybe it is a communications tower, broadcasting back to the mothership on the edge of our solar system.

Busted Everywhere you look at the Palace at Versailles, or Château de Versailles, you see the unexpected. Paintings on the ceilings, modern art and outstanding architecture are only a few examples. Walking into the courtyard towards the gardens, you notice the walls are looking back at you. Sitting on pedestals are head and shoulder busts lined in double rows. It’s not unusual to see a bust or statue outside, but I’ve never seen them lined on the exterior walls. This is just another example of the attention to detail and extravagance that went into the making of this remarkable palace.