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
December 30, 2007
December 24, 2007
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...
December 18, 2007
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?
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?
December 13, 2007
November 28, 2007
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
October 23, 2007
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...
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
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.
August 16, 2007
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.
August 11, 2007
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.
August 01, 2007
June 21, 2007
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!
June 07, 2007
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....
May 23, 2007
Songs Of Summer
Last summer, now this summer. I still dig 'em... Nelly with "Sweet Home Alabama-Remix", and Hooch with "Everything".
May 10, 2007
April 30, 2007
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!
April 28, 2007
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!
EDIT: The Vikings also selected another University of Oklahoma player, Rufus Alexander!
April 23, 2007
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
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
April 22, 2007
April 21, 2007
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
Brian Regan
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