Chicago Tribune Ad, December 30, 2007

Many of you know that I'm a United Airlines Pilot. I experienced first hand the chaos that occurred at United Airlines over this Holiday Season. Finally the Pilot's Union (ALPA-Air Line Pilots Association) have begun to fight back with United Management, who continually blame everyone but themselves when problems occur. This ad points out that the blame lies squarely with CEO Glenn Tilton and his mis-management. Here is an ad that was purchased by our union dues and run in Sunday's Edition of the Chicago Tribune.


An Apology

The professional pilots of United Airlines would like to apologize to the traveling public for United Airlines’ deficiencies during this Holiday Season.

The pilots of United Airlines sympathize with our travelers’ plights earlier this week. Many of our pilots did not make it home to share the holidays with their loved ones either. United may blame this week’s flight cancellations on poor weather in the Midwest, but, as most of our competitors demonstrated, the real culprit was United’s lack of manpower – attempting to fly more with fewer employees – all at your expense. United has been an all-weather airline for more than 80 years. We pioneered many of the safety innovations such as onboard weather radar, anti-skid brakes, better weather forecasting and improved navigation instruments that allow operation in inclement weather all over the world. Until recently, we have been able to efficiently handle weather events in the Midwest and throughout the world without major disruptions.

Over the last few years, however, United has had to endure a management team that is bent on personal profit over customer service. They have pared employee staffing to the bare minimum, making them unable to respond to even well-anticipated weather events. Many of our pilots work to the FAA maximum limits every month, all year long. We have repeatedly warned United’s management that they do not have the crew resources to staff our airline adequately and have repeatedly asked them to discuss these shortcomings. So far they have declined to do so. Instead, they diverted $750 million of cash payouts so that they may receive personal stock dividends of $2,196,165. The top five United officers received a combined salary between $65,983,879 and $100,850,809 in 2006. We believe your holiday travel experiences would have been much better this week if they had used that money on the airline instead of on themselves.

United Airlines is our livelihood and our source of pride. We are here for the duration and we are here for you. We are disappointed in the way you, our valued customers, were treated by United’s management. You deserve better from a world-class airline.

Signed,

The Pilots of United Airlines
United Chapter, Air Line Pilots Association

Are you ready to go Steve?

I still think this is one of the funniest things to watch! Make sure you watch all the clips and see Steve's progression. Too funny. The "Blue Angels" rock...

The Diary of a Snow Shoveler

December 8

6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9

We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12

The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14

Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life!

The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.

December 15

20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16

Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for one hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17

Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20

Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the darn stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Darn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22

Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to poop. By the time I got undressed, pooped and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.

December 23

Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24

6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the man who drives that snowplow I'll drag him through the snow by his nose and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the snowplow.

December 25

Merry -bleeping- Christmas! 20 more inches of the slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26

Still snowed in. Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27

Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28

Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. THE WITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29

10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30

Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver he is now suing me for a million dollars not only the beating I gave him but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up where the sun don't shine. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.

December 31

I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8

Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

12 Years Ago Today

I can't believe it's been 12 years... I re-read this previous post this morning and it's still as vivid today as it was 12 years ago. I'm so very proud of you Haley and I love you very much.... Dad

Welcome Back My Friends....

I had an online stalker, who I think I've given the slip... so, I'm back! And does it feel good... I had to close down the blog but now it's up and running again. When I have more time, I'll write... until then...

I Love This Guy

Stand Up and Salute

It's that time of year where I have to pull out the San Diego Chargers theme song. I'm in a Fantasy Football League with Hunter and his friends, I'm the only "adult", I'm not sure what to think about that... anyway, I was only able to draft one player from the Chargers for my fantasy team, Nate Kaeding-Kicker, he's incredibly accurate. LT, Gates & Co. have an unfortunate habit of turning potential FG chances into extra points, but at least they guarantee Kaeding stays on the board.

I'm 47 now

I recently flew a trip that happened to be on my birthday. It's hard to keep your birthday a secret with other crew members because your date of birth is plastered right there on your employee ID (your ID expires on your birthday). So, no matter how much you try and keep it a secret, you can always count on someone noticing your birthday and next thing you know, people are planning a quick notice dinner/party (something), even if it is on a layover. For my 47th birthday, I was fortunate enough to celebrate my birthday while I was on a layover in Providence, Rhode Island. Even more of a coincidence, a few of my friends from Southwest Airlines were also laying over in Providence; Rhonda and Sharis, just to name a few. Thanks Rhonda for organizing the celebration and for the gift. It was nice to have friends remember.

Flying

Okay.... I'm going to attempt to make this my last post regarding "Brian Regan". However, I reserve the right to retract that statement because I find him absolutely hilarious! My days aren't that exciting anyway as I review my schedule. Let's see, waking up at 9 and visiting all my favorite web sites, followed by working out and using the rest of the day to recover. Check, check and check. Now that I've reviewed my schedule, I've noticed that it's that same whether I'm flying a trip or at home, what's up with that? I've got to get going, I've got a full day ahead of me. I'm planning on shaking up my routine a bit by visiting Barnes and Noble and shoving my way through the crowd of 10 year olds who are looking for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". I'll be shouting, "Make way, Coming through!" as I search for the latest from Christopher Paolini and the Inheritance Trilogy. Anyway, back to my original thought.... Brian Reagan and Flying. I have to give credit to Hunter, he sent this to me and we (Hunter, Haley and I) cannot get enough.

Stupid in School

Here's another clip from Brian Regan:

The Cradle of Naval Aviation

Hunter and I recently flew to Washington, DC, where we picked up my truck which was parked at the Airport Employee Parking Lot (back when I was based in DC) and drove to Oklahoma City via Pensacola, Florida (The Cradle of Naval Aviation). Before we left DC, I took Hunter to my favorite Mexican Restaurant. I have to say, they have the best chips and salsa I've ever tasted; remember, I'm an expert... I've eaten all over the world. I'm pleased to announce they have a location in Dallas. Hunter, Haley and I are already planning a trip to Dallas just for the chips and salsa. Hunter's planning on blogging our trip, so I'll leave the details to him. My only comments are echoed on the Pensacola Beach Sign, "World's Whitest Beaches". The sand and water are spectacular. Hunter was kind enough to listen as I regaled him with stories of my days as a student and instructor pilot with the Navy in Pensacola. And yes, we did attend the Blue Angels practice show. Be sure to check out all the details on Hunter's Blog. As of today, he's still working on the final draft. I'm sure it'll be worth it!

Emotionally Speaking

It seems as though the older I get, I'll be 47 this month, the more emotional I've become. What's up with that? I find myself with blurry eyes as I watch movies that tug at the heart strings... and, I also watch American Idol (yes, I'm comfortable saying both of those things). However, emotional movies and American Idol are not my point. Hopefully, I can tie them together. I heard American Idol contestant, Phil Stacy sing "The Change" by Garth Brooks, and he spoke of how this song, from the "Fresh Horses" CD, was released after the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. I have to say, it's one of those songs that hits me; when I let my mind take me back to that day's events and how Oklahoma City came together with incredible acts of bravery and heroism. I was profoundly moved when I took Hunter and Haley to the "OKC Bombing Memorial" almost to the point that I couldn't continue the tour. This song takes me back and I remember....

Songs Of Summer

Last summer, now this summer. I still dig 'em... Nelly with "Sweet Home Alabama-Remix", and Hooch with "Everything".

C'EST SI BON

Some discretion advised.
Ann Coulter's take on France and Western Civilization.

A Humbling Experience

It was 15 years ago this very minute that Jefferson Hunter Quinn was born (12:25am). I remember that night with incredible clarity. I was flying the Falcon back from Boise, Idaho, after taking some parts to one of our broken jets, when I got a radio call from our base in San Diego, California, alerting me that Ginger had gone in to labor and was on her way to Balboa Naval Hospital. I pushed the power up and flew as fast as that jet would fly and made it back to San Diego around 11:00pm. The base duty driver met me when I climbed out of the jet and drove me over to Balboa Naval Hospital. When I walked in to the Labor and Delivery area, they handed me a set of scrubs to change in to and said Ginger was already in the surgery room, that our baby would be delivered by Cesarean Section. I walked in, saw Ginger laying on the surgery table, and realized that all the Lamaze Classes I took wouldn't help me now. They placed me by Ginger's head and I looked over the curtain and watched as they began the surgery/delivery. Needless to say, I got really light headed, had to sit down, recovered nicely, and took some incredible pictures of Hunter's birth! What a powerful experience! What a blessing he's been to our family. I was humbled that day, April 30, 1992, at 12:25am, and I continue to stand humbly in his shadow as he had grown in to a wonderful, Godly young man. I love you Hunter.... I hope you have a wonderful day!

Purple People Eaters

Now I'm showing my age. Adrian Peterson, from The University of Oklahoma, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday. Hunter and I were talking about Peterson going to the Vikings and we both came to the same conclusion.... "I guess we're now Minnesota Viking fans". Next time I have a Minneapolis layover, I'm sure I'll be looking for Viking gear for Hunter, Haley and I to wear. Sad isn't it. Oh, "Purple People Eaters" was the nickname of the Vikings defensive line in the late 1960's and 70's when the Vikings played in 4 Super Bowls. I guess it's appropriate that I'm kinda returning to my purple roots. I graduated from Bethany High School. Our school colors were Purple and White. Go Vikings? Gonna take some getting used to.

EDIT: The Vikings also selected another University of Oklahoma player, Rufus Alexander!

Need Directions?

Go on, you know you want to, it only takes 20 seconds .......

1. Go to google.com

2. Click on "Maps"

3. Click on "Get Directions" just below the search box

4. Type "New York" in the first box (the "Start address" box)

5. Type "London" in the second box (the "End address" box)

6. Click "Get Directions"

7. Scroll down to step 24

Brian Regan and the Donut Ladies

I Have a Cannon Ball Wound... It's Gaping!

I think it was 1996 when I first discovered Comedian Brian Regan. Saw him on Letterman I think. Back in the day (I've been wanting to use that phase and this was my chance) when we used VCR's to tape stuff, I taped him and watched it over and over. Then... as fate would have it, I recorded over his performance. And later, several years later, when I tried to remember who he was, I couldn't even remember his name. Now it's 2007, and I'm talking tax stuff with my friend Steve, and he mentions a comedian who he just ordered a DVD from. He gives me Brian Regan's name, so I google it and link to his website, and wouldn't you know, it's like I'm hearing his jokes from 1996, only updated. This guy, for some reason, is so funny to me. Maybe it's just me... nah


Brian Regan

Can You Afford To Retire?

United Airlines Bankruptcy ended my thought of retiring at age 60. PBS investigative report, Frontline, uncovers United Airlines deceit to its employees. This video is 18 minutes in length and is a very revealing confession from the lead United Airlines bankruptcy lawyer. It details United Airlines deceitful process of gutting employees pay and benefits while promising to save pensions; then taking those pensions and admitting they were gone from the first day of bankruptcy. Interestingly, UAL CEO, Glenn Tilton, negotiated (prior to bankruptcy) special protection for his personal retirement of 4.5 million, while the employees were forced, with the threat of liquidation, to hand over their hard earned pensions. Then, less than 1 year removed from bankruptcy, UAL CEO, Glenn Tilton's 2006 compensation totals almost 24 million dollars. Sara Fields, Senior Vice President Office of the Chairman (whatever that is) was the lowest paid executive at 8.5 million in 2006. She was paid more than Southwest Airlines Top 5 executives cumulatively. In fact UAL CEO, Glenn Tilton alone received over 4 times the compensation of all 5 top Southwest Airlines executives combined, including Southwest Founder, Herb Kelleher.

I suddenly have a foul taste in my mouth...

One Of My All Time Favorites

I'll admit, when I first heard this cell phone call, I probably listened to it... 50 times easy. Even after all that, it's still one of my favorites! I'm chuckling just thinking about it. :-)

Google introduces Free 411

For those 3 people that read my blog :-), here's some free 411 (information). Google announced it's launching its own version of free 411. To try this service, just dial "1-800-GOOG-411" from any phone; and remember, it's FREE. I have yet to try it, however, I have tried 800-FREE-411, and it's okay if you don't mind hearing a 30-60 second add before you get your phone number. I hope Google's service works well, I'm tired of paying Sprint almost $2 for each 411 call.

Fantasy Baseball League

Hunter, Haley and I decided to try our hand in Fantasy Baseball. I've heard from several friends about how much they enjoy watching and participating in all the league action over 160+ games season. So.... Hunter recruited some of his friends and we started our own league. The name of the league is "Deo Gratias". I named my team the "Blackshields". I've been reading about King Arthur and the Blackshield Irish. With that fresh on my mind, I couldn't come up with a better name on short notice so, since I liked the story, "Blackshields" became the name of my team. Hunter named his the "OKC Airborne Eagles" and Haley named hers the "OKC Stallions". I know it's early, only the first week, however, I'm sitting pretty solidly in last place. Hunter and all his friends are glued to the computer watching their team stats and hoping to improve their overall standings. So far it's been a lot of fun, even though I really don't know what I'm doing yet (I may never know). I have to say that on draft afternoon, when we were all sitting in front of our own computers waiting for the official start of our league draft, I was actually nervous. My hands were cold and clamy. After the draft we all boasted of our successes and wished best of luck to all. We'll see who's the better team manager come October! Some how I feel I'll keep last place locked up. :-)

Luck of the Irish... or not

I especially like the eyewitness drawing of the Leprechaun.

March Madness

Instead of predicting the Final Four, I've decided to go straight to the Finals. After pondering the brackets, I predict a Big 12 final... Kansas vs Texas... with Kansas winning it all. We'll see. Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk... Is that how it goes?

According to a KU fan website, the origins of the 'Rock Chalk' chant dates to 1866, when it was adopted by the University Science Club. A chemistry professor, E.H.S. Bailey and some of his associates were returning to Lawrence from Wichita on a train. As the story goes, they passed the time by trying to create a rousing cheer. The sound of the train's wheels on the rails suggested a rhythm and a cadence to them..." another website suggest a slightly different origin stating, "The tradition of the Rock Chalk Chant dates to 1866. The chant first began as "rah rah rah Jayhawk" repeated three times. Several years later, an English professor suggested Rock Chalk so that it would rhyme with Jayhawk. It was also suggested because of all the chalk rock- or limestone- found throughout the region." After all this explanation, watch... Texas will win. Blasphemy for an OU fan.

Edit: Looks like my bracket is a bust. We'll see how far the Jayhawks go.

All Outdoors

I always enjoy reading Hunter and Haley's blogs. I was surprised to see that Hunter and his friends, who run a blog titled, All Outdoors (a hunting and fishing website) has been linked by bassresource.com. I have to say... I'm impressed! Nice job.

Stupid Human Tricks

This is absolutely incredible... and stupid? Yeah... but I wanna be next!!!

Tour De France 2004

When I was flying the Boeing 767 to Europe, I had several layovers in Paris. On one such layover I was fortunate enough to see Lance Armstrong win his 6th Tour De France. The last race of the "Tour" is in Paris where the riders ride several laps up and down the Champs d'Elysees until they finally cross the finish line after a couple hours. It's interesting because the "Tour" winner has usually already been decided by the time they start the last day because the other riders are too far behind time-wise to catch the leader. That being said, the final race in Paris is usually a celebration race where the drivers ride into Paris drinking Champagne as they begin their ride up and down the Champs d'Elysees. So... we arrived early that morning and the crowds were already beginning to stake out their viewing areas along the Champs d'Elysees, one of the most famous streets in the world. We decided to stake out our view by the Arc de Triomphe. This turned out to be a strategic spot because it's where the riders are slowing down to turn around and ride back down the Champs d'Elysees. We stood among other Americans from all over the U.S. who came to Paris just to see the "Tour", and here I was watching it because I just happen to be on a layover. :-)

If Only...

I've always admired and been somewhat envious (I know I shouldn't be) of those with the gift of music. Especially those who can sing. Sometimes I come across a song that moves me for whatever reason. I can't explain it. For someone else the song might do nothing, however, for me, I'm moved. God gives each of us a gift; I wasn't blessed with the gift of music. However, my children were. What a blessing it is to hear them play.... and sing.

I love musicals. Haley loves them more than Hunter. She takes after me in many ways... food cravings, electronic gadgets, working on and fixing things. However, it's the physicalness where Hunter looks like me... in fact he's pretty much an exact copy of me. Thank the Lord he's much more talented and smarter than me. Like Haley, I loved "Fiddler on the Roof", Sound of Music", "Nutcracker", even corny musicals like, "White Christmas"... I haven't seen the musical or movie, "Rent", however, I've heard this song..... It's called "Seasons of Love". It's one of those songs that I like.

Black Monday

Hunter and I are in mourning (we're wearing black today) over the San Diego Chargers loss yesterday to the New England Patriots. The Chargers won their division, got home field advantage, a bye week and this is what happens... what a horrible ending to the season for the Chargers. "Marty Ball" either came to fruition or didn't depending on your definition of "Marty Ball". The Chargers were 14-2 and rolling into the post season. Yet, bad things continue to happen to Marty Schottenheimer in the post season; he can't seem to win a playoff game. He's 5-13 and has lost 6 straight post season games. "Marty Ball" and Schottenheimer might be on their way out of Sunny San Diego...

The Compelling Story of Wesley Autrey

Headline: Man is Rescued by Stranger on Subway Tracks

Wow! Instantly you're placed in this situation having to make a life or death decision. Could you do it? Or would you freeze? In the immortal words of Maverick (Tom Cruise) from 'Top Gun', "You don't have time to think..... If you think, you're dead." Wesley Autrey didn't think about himself, “I had to make a split decision,” he said. Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it." I would like to think that I'd make the same heroic decision as Wesley Autrey. To me, that's what defines heroism.... no time to think or summon courage... Act, Now! It's either in you, or it's not. One day each of us may be tested. "Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others."
-Sir Winston Churchill.