Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Arizona

 ...Specifically McNeal, AZ, where we're currently living. We can see for miles, right up to the plain-rock mountains all around us -- but what we see is sand, gravel, an occasional cactus and sagebrush. For miles. A few trees are evident, here and there, but the crucial element is water. And there's just not much of it out here. Temps have been fairly constant in the 40-70 degree range, and the winds blow a LOT.

                                  (photo from Wikipedia. This must have been taken during the                                                                     monsoon season, when, we're told, things are greener.)

    This isolated area makes it perfect for training pilots who have to land and take off in Third World countries around the world. Ethnos360 does just that, using professionals who've spent years in places like the Philippines and Indonesia, and know what it's like to ferry teachers, doctors, medical and other supplies to places wayyyy back in the boonies. And do it successfully, over and over. ( More about Ethnos360 here, if you're curious.) Our friends David and Allison have been working here, getting ready to go overseas on a missions assignment. They suggested the volunteering assignment we're doing now.

 Neither of us has pilot training, but we can help out in other ways. The Brick has been helping renovate a house, and learning framing in the process. Opportunities for me have been fewer, but I have a few jobs coming up this week. And I hope to help out more. 

     It's a heck of a lot different than Colorado, though, which has had snow and cold temps ever since we left a few weeks ago. 

A United Airlines plane loses an engine flying out of Denver...and barely makes it back. But it did. Bravo for the pilot!

Publishing a book: pros and cons for self-publishing, vs giving it to a publisher. I've got some definitely opinions about this, having done it both ways.  (From Financial Samurai)

Is it ok for a bank to put in bids for interest rates? Can a banker go to jail for doing so? A closer look at the UK's Libor scandal. (Red face -- I'd never heard of this before, but it's enlightening.)

A close-up look at the "handsome priest" whose murder during the Spanish Civil War was a catalyst for change -- but there's a decades-old mystery about this man, as well. A fascinating BBC documentary you can watch in just a few minutes.

Jet Blue's changed its policy. From now on, no more overhead bin access for those buying the cheapest air ticket. That's right -- your carryon must fit under your seat.

Nineteen of the shadiest scammers of all time. Including my buddette, Anna Sorokin.

Custom-made tiles with a batik look -- using Sharpie markers! This lady (Salmonde) uses them for coasters, but I could see them used as a kitchen or bathroom accent, as well.

How to make a firepit with leftover bricks. (From Hammers N Hugs. And watch it with the smartypants Brick jokes. We hear them enough, already.)

Practical prep for preparing for disasters.  (From Surviving and Thriving) Speaking of:

One person's account of what it's like to live through a Texas snowstorm and cold temps. (Thanks, Living Richly in Retirement. We've been wondering.)

Are we in for a stock market crash soon?

A 300-pound Warsaw Grouper -- bigger than the fisherman who caught him? Yes...yikes.

Three-ingredient bread -- and an extra ingredient that turns them into stuffed bagel balls.  (From Hometalk)

"Why I say no." An interesting defense from Johnny D.

Would you be beating the market if you'd followed CNBC's and Bloomberg's financial advice? The answer is illuminating...

Political fact-checking on President Biden's recent town hall.

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer gets nominated -- for Indiana Business Person of the Year!

"The best financial advice you ever received." Another winner from Quora. My favorite is one dad's advice to his teenaged son: "Show up on time and don't drive drunk."

A dozen prizewinning recipes you can make from regular pantry staples. (Thanks, Taste of Home)

 A 10-year-old dies, trying to save his little sister in a frozen pond.  (He succeeded...wow.)

"What I keep on my nightstand:" Apartment Therapy will be asking a number of unusual people this question. Here's Marie Kondo's version.

Are frozen wind turbines to blame for Texas' power woes?

Black singers who need to be remembered -- and celebrated.

This pharaoh may have been executed on the battlefield -- his mummy shows some evidence that way.

Mount Etna is erupting! This could mean big trouble for Italy.

Grubby sneakers? This trick is supposed to whiten them up again. 

Pizzadillas! These Italian-engineered quesadillas sound delicious...and are certainly easy to make.

A new twist: a scarf facemask. Full instructions here.

Have a good week. Put a green plant in your window for me.

                                                     Teacup garden, Country Living Magazine