GOODBYE DARKNESS

Here's a neat shot of "darkness" giving way to daylight. One of the neat things about flying is the wonderful sites we get to enjoy. It's what makes my job so interesting and enjoyable. I'll be gone for a few days again and will post a few more nice shots upon my return. Thanks for checking in.

FOG IN NEWARK

Newark (EWR), has been a disaster lately due to low ceilings and fog. Here's a shot of one of our B-767-200 series aircraft coming in to land. It's interesting to see that air traffic control slows down the arrivals into Newark whenever the ceilings drop, yet our aircraft are certified to land with almost ZERO visibility!!!! ATC thinks we have a hard time flying whenever the clouds are lower than 1000 feet, yet we pay millions of dollars a year to keep the aircraft updated with the most complex landing data/assistance programs. However, our Air Traffic Control system is still working with 1960's technology and ATC guru's which can't "understand" this, hence the ridiculously long delays. Amazing, eh?

ON THE ROAD

Hey everyone, just a quick note to let you know I'm on the road and will get more "stuff" on this blog on Friday when I get back home. Thanks for checking in................ BTW, if I don't post for a few days, it's because I'm out on a trip.

GOING TO PASTURE

Here's a shot that makes me a bit sad..................parking airplanes that have come to the end of their service life for Continental. We flew a plane to Winston Salem, NC, last week for maintenance, and this was the sight that greeted us. These B737-500's have been at CAL for the past 30 years or so, and now it's time to retire them. One day I'd love to get a few of these planes, gut them, and make homes out of them................ Ahhhh, retirement ideas abound!!!!

SOCCER FEET IN ANTIGUA

I was on a trip to Antigua last week and observed some pretty nimble feet on a couple of "football" players on the beach. I've attached a small video clip of these three guys, one from Toronto, and two from Antigua. They put on a pretty good show for everyone. The sites and sounds were amazing, especially the beautiful sunset and water. Hope you enjoy this clip and the Antigua shots.

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY FROM HOLLYWOOD

Happy St. Patricks day from beautiful, warm, downtown Hollywood, FL! Today they had the annual parade (two blocks from my house), and it couldn't have been a nicer day for it. Floats, bands, beads, dancers, Irish Wolfhounds, and just about everything else you could ask for...........in GREEN of course. Here's a few shots and a video of the parade. The older gentleman in the band drew the attention of my girlfriend's son. He made the statement: "I hope this guy doesn't keel over during the parade!!!" :-) Have a good one everyone !

GETTING A"HEAD" WITH CONTINENTAL

The other day while I was commuting up to Newark (EWR), I ran into one of our mechanics who really takes pride in working for Continental. As a matter of fact, he's shaved the Continental logo and the word "Continental" into his hair. I've attached two photos of him for you to enjoy. You can actually see the letters "tinental". I wasn't able to get the who "Continental", but you get the idea. Nice to see someone with so much pride in their company that they'll actually BRAG about it in their hair! Thanks for the shots Paul!

FREEZIN'S THE REASON

Here's a shot from my crash pad in Newark (EWR), NJ, last week. Many people ask why I don't want to live up in a part of the country that has "four seasons". I have two answers for them: "freezin's the reason, and we have four seasons in Florida: summer, summer, summer, and spring"! Seems pretty obvious to me! ;-) Snow is good for TWO THINGS....... looking beautiful, and skiing.........period!

ANTON HIRZINGER AND ELISABETH ADAMSER from SWAROVSKI

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to have some of my Swarovski Crystal pieces signed by the artists who created them. I'd met Anton Hirzinger before in Las Vegas at a previous signing, and this was my first time meeting Elisabeth Adamser. They are both wonderful people and represent Swarovski in highest fashion. The signing event was held at the Ritz Carlton in Ft. Lauderdale, and was truly a splendid event. Anton and Elisabeth were very cordial and excited to meet with all the collectors. Here's a couple of shots of us after they signed my pieces. Hopefully they'll be back soon...............and I'll have more crystal for them to sign!

VIRUS BUSTER

Seems my girlfriend and I are in a heated competition to see who can score the highest on my Nintendo DS Brain Age 3 VIRUS BUSTER game. I THINK I finally got a score that will take her a while to beat.......... but she's on this thing constantly (and getting frustrated I might add), and will probably figure out a way to beat me sooner or later. I've got to tell you though, this game, in addition to being addictive and keeping my brain active, sure helps pass the time quickly on my commute to Newark.

JIMMY THE CHAMP!!!

Today my girlfriend's son Jimmy, won his FIRST 18 year old level tournament! Jimmy turned 12 in November of last year! He won his first 16 year old level tournament when he was only 10, so moving up to the 18 year old level is quite an accomplishment, and to WIN his FIRST ONE at only 12 is quite a feat too! I've posted a photo of Jimmy with his mom after the tournament finished, and one of Jimmy with his opponent in the finals, Steve Rock. I'm amazed at the quality of tennis this young man plays, but even more amazed at the maturity he displays on the court. The comments from the spectators is always one of awe............ I have no doubt we're witnessing the next "Tiger Woods" of the tennis world in the making. This young man WILL reach the top, mark my words! Great job Jimmy.......and thanks Maria and Chris (Jimmy's coach), for making this mans future possible.