Alloy Boy

I have friends getting married but the bride is freaking out because she can't find a reasonable location to have it(groom is cool, of course). Now I know nothing about weddings, but are there any hidden gems in the San Francisco Bay Area that won't cost an arm and a leg? Any ideas on how to cut costs but still have a nice wedding? Thanks.

I'm curious to know if the current economy is hurting engineers in terms of layoffs and pay cuts, particularly mechnical and aerospace engineers. If so, what industries are hit the hardest? I know the airlines are taking a hit but i don't know if that includes engineering depts. Is it hard to find a new job if you're laid off? I hear that good engineers are hard to find these days, especially with the old guys retiring. Is this true or is it just bull crap?

Would and could an officer be a flight engineer on a Pave Hawk or are they all enlisted?

I'm a pilot and A&P mechanic but now I want to go back for an aerospace or possibly mechanical engineering degree. I will be in my early 30s by the time I'm done, what are my job prospects going to look like? I know I'll be competing against 23 year olds, but being older and wiser I know I'm pretty driven. But I'd like to get the thoughts of engineers out there. Should I do it? Is it worth it at this point?

Is there a sub category of engineers that designs subway systems, high speed rail, and maglev systems? Or is it a mechanical engineer? Do aerospace engineers design wind turbines? Lastly, do many engineers(areospace) start their own firms or do they just work for big companies like Boeing? It seems like most do work for these companies and most are disgruntled. True or B.S.?

I don't know if I'm just looking in my mouth more often, but there is a small darker roundish area on my inside cheek. Its been there for a few months, my doctor looked and told me not to worry about it but it looks like its getting a little darker. It feels the same to the touch and i have no sensation from it, so am i just getting paranoid or what?

Recently when i go to start my car i've been getting a high pitched grinding sound. I stop cranking and try it again and the car starts up with no problem. This happens about once a week or so. My car has a little over 100,000 mi. and is a 02' nissan altima. Any thoughts?

I'm going to learn how to ride and looking for a good motorcycle that i won't get in over my head with. I'm more of a sports bike guy but don't really need anything fancy. Suggestions? Also, what are some classes in the S.F. Bay Area to take?

I was wondering if golf courses hire divers to go get the balls the end up in water hazards and lakes(like my balls). If not is there some other way the get the balls? Particularly in the Bay Area if anyone has info on it.

My friend has a car that is broke down, not running, but she still owes on it but can no longer afford it. She was thinking about letting it get repossesed, but wouldn't she still be responsible for the payements? If she declares bankruptcy how long does that stay with her?

Is it unheard of for an aerospace engineer to find his/her way into ship and train design? Does a transition like that happen often or is an aerospace engineer stuck in aerospace?

Who designs small arms like pistols and rifles? Is that a field for a mechanical engineer?

Are there jobs outside of the aerospace industry that an aerospace engineer with their skillset can fall back on if need be? I assume if one gets an AE degree job prospects are more limited than one with a mechanical eng. degree, so is it even worth getting and AE degree in the first place?

Do you airline pilots think its a good idea to qualify to carry a firearm in the cockpit, especially since the air marshals are having staffing problems? Is the training sufficient? What if a 20 something co-pilot is armed and the 50+ grizzled vet captain is not/not qualified? does the captain have to defer all responsibility to the co-pilot?

Are there many jobs for professional divers/scuba divers in the civilian market? I know there are rescue divers, but can one do it for a living or is it more of a recreational activity?

It looks like a great job but I can't find much info on how one works his way up to becoming a bar pilot. And what about tugboad captain? Is it a similar route?

Is ship design a possible field for mechanical engineers, or is that the job of naval architect?

I'm looking at the aerospace engineering programs and am considering SJSU or LBSU, but I'm not sure what kind of rep they have. Which program is better? Is one program better than another? Yeah they're no Cal or Stanford, but I'm looking at the tuition too. I'm far beyond 18 years old and looking to foot the bill without going in debt.

Guys, com'on, I asked a question which was in no way an attack on any of you but yet i get slammed and belittled because it's assumed I'm a stupid little kid. I respect our servicemen tremendously and am suprised such attacks came from officers and servicemen. Was my question out of line? If so, why?

Which would be the better job and can those skills transfer to the civilian world? I hear pararescue is the way to go....