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. :-)