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.