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.

Are You Ready For Some "Fiesta Bowl"?

I'll keep this short.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Boise State Broncos.

January 1st, Fox, 7:30pm Central.

Questions? Watch... "There's Only One".

How 'bout them Cowboys... errrr Chargers!

The Chargers have their 2nd AFC West Title in 3 years and top it off with LaDainian Tomlinson’s record-breaking 29th touchdown!