Living Life Abundantly

Pasadena is one of the most well known cities in Southern California, whether for the annual Rose Bowl Parade and Rose Bowl, as the home of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it’s many cultural attractions or even the Beach Boys hit of the 1960′s. There is a lot of history and a wealth of things to see and do in this city, located just outside of Los Angeles. Even if you’ve never visited the city, you probably know at least a little about Pasadena.

As with many other cities in California, the original inhabitants of the area were Native Americans. Benjamin Wilson, an early settler came to the area and resided on the Lake Vineyard property; it was in 1873, when a doctor visited Wilson from Indiana that the city really took off. The doctor was looking for a place to send patients with respiratory problems and they came in droves. Before long, a veritable Indiana colony had been established and the residents gave the name Pasadena to their new town, from the Indian phrase “of the valley”.

Artists, actors, and scientists were among those who helped bring fame to Pasadena. The Pasadena Playhouse, which presents seven shows a season, got its start here in 1917. The Norton Simon Museum, containing art that spans more than 2,000 years from all over the world, was founded in 1922. Pasadena’s Art Center of College and Design, a leader in art and design education that trains students to make an impact on the world through their talents, was established in 1930. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) got its start in 1936, with a group of men who refused to believe that rockets only belonged in science fiction. JPL is now a highly respected center for NASA in robotics and spacecraft design and manufacturing.

Once an agricultural community, Pasadena saw a building boom from 1886 to 1888. The Old Pasadena Historic District represented the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. During the 1920s, the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture gained popularity. Visitors today can see remnants of that era by looking at the facades on buildings facing Colorado Boulevard. Perhaps the city’s #1 claim to fame is the annual Tournament of Roses, a New Year’s Day tradition that has been traveling the same route through town for decades. The event started in 1890, courtesy of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club. As former residents of the East Coast and the Midwest, Californians wanted to let their friends back East know about the state’s beauty and mild winter weather. As one professor said, “Let’s hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise.”

The Rose Bowl has been known as “The Granddaddy of Them All” and has sold out consistently every year since 1947. While the game is televised, there is nothing to compare to being at the game in person. If you’re planning to go, have a look at Pasadena hotels and lodges online.

There is a lot of history and a wealth of things to see and do in this city, located just outside of Los Angeles. Even if you’ve never visited the city, you probably know at least a little about Pasadena. Pasadena is one of the most well known cities in Southern California, whether for the annual Rose Bowl Parade and Rose Bowl, as the home of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it’s many cultural attractions or even the Beach Boys hit of the 1960′s.

Many towns in Southern California have an interesting past, but Pasadena may perhaps outdo them all. As with many other cities in California, the original inhabitants of the area were Native Americans. Benjamin Wilson, an early settler came to the area and resided on the Lake Vineyard property; it was in 1873, when a doctor visited Wilson from Indiana that the city really took off. The doctor was looking for a place to send patients with respiratory problems and they came in droves. Before long, a veritable Indiana colony had been established and the residents gave the name Pasadena to their new town, from the Indian phrase “of the valley”.

Artists, actors, and scientists were among those who helped bring fame to Pasadena. The Pasadena Playhouse, which presents seven shows a season, got its start here in 1917. The Norton Simon Museum, containing art that spans more than 2,000 years from all over the world, was founded in 1922. Pasadena’s Art Center of College and Design, a leader in art and design education that trains students to make an impact on the world through their talents, was established in 1930. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) got its start in 1936, with a group of men who refused to believe that rockets only belonged in science fiction. JPL is now a highly respected center for NASA in robotics and spacecraft design and manufacturing.

Once an agricultural community, Pasadena saw a building boom from 1886 to 1888. The Old Pasadena Historic District represented the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. During the 1920s, the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture gained popularity. Visitors today can see remnants of that era by looking at the facades on buildings facing Colorado Boulevard. Perhaps the city’s #1 claim to fame is the annual Tournament of Roses, a New Year’s Day tradition that has been traveling the same route through town for decades. The event started in 1890, courtesy of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club. As former residents of the East Coast and the Midwest, Californians wanted to let their friends back East know about the state’s beauty and mild winter weather. As one professor said, “Let’s hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise.”

The Rose Bowl has been another Pasadena New Year’s tradition. This game is sometimes known as “The Granddaddy of Them All” and has sold out consistently every year since 1947. While the game is televised, there is nothing to compare to being at the game in person. If you’re planning to go, have a look at Pasadena hotels and lodges online.

The need for heating, venting, and air conditioning technicians, commonly known as HVAC, has never waned. Well-trained HVAC experts and graduates are skilled with the essential knowledge of system components, tools, brazing and soldering, and more. This includes the installation and repairng of valves, compressors, water chillers, thermostats, heat pumps, connection switches and controls. Effective HVAC technicians are also trained to adjust refrigerant levels as well as work safely with gas, oil, and electric heat.

Among the various trades, the fastest growing branch is HVAC. It is expected to increase by 31.8% through 2012. This includes job opportunities that include working for and as building contractors, residential maintenance and service companies, plumbing supply and hardware shops, and, of course, self-employment.

Because of the sophistication of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, employers choose to hire those who have completed technical school training or a formal apprenticeship. Some mechanics and installers, however, still learn the trade informally on the job. A number of high schools, colleges and junior colleges, and even Armed Forces branches offer programs that train prospective HVAC students. This training includes the study of temperature control, equipment construction, and electronics, as well as the basics of installation, maintenance, and repair.

There are three certified agencies that set HVAC academic standards: HVAC Excellence, National Center for Construction Education and Research, and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation. Upon completion of the academic part of the training, students typically spend another two and a half years in the field.

Apprenticeships are still very popular and viable means to gain valuable HVAC certification and training. Apprenticeship programs are typically managed by local chapters of the ACCA (Air-Conditioning Contractors of America), the MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America), and the PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors). Proper apprenticeships typically span three to five years and involve on-the-job training along with classroom instruction. The subjects of study include the use and care of tools and blueprints, and the theories at work with regards to heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.

Students and prospective apprenticeships must have a high school diploma or GED. And it should be noted that aptitudes in math and reading comprehension are essential for successful HVAC careers. Once an apprenticeship is adequately completed, the apprentice graduates to “skilled tradesman” status and is legally certified to work alone to start his or her own company. It should be noted that some apprenticeships can qualify a student for some college credits.