Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The airport is presumed innocent
PANC is a prime example of why most communities wait a certain period after a notable personality passes on before naming a certain entity (bridge, building, airport, horse stable, etc.) in their honor. I can only hope that KSJC doesn't ever find itself in a similar predicament.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The F word
An Alaska Airlines Executive VP has dropped the strong hint that coupled with capacity reductions for the fall schedule and for '09 that personnel reductions will be necessary and that no department or employee group will be immune. Apparently starting with a 5% percent reduction in Management starting on September 1st (how will we ever survive without them?).
Whether this is a negotiating ploy waits to be determined. The pilot contract has been open since the spring of last year and talks recently have gone nowhere as big ticket items (pay, retirement, medical, scope protections, etc.) are still in play with both sides far apart. The NMB has recently assigned a mediator to facilitate further discussions.
Our contract has several provisions to help spread out the flying to try and stave off furloughs, and discussions must be made on this specific issue. The last time furlough notices arrived to those affected was just in time for Christmas (back in the early 90's) - that was a negotiating ploy (do you think any of those guys have a lot of love or loyalty for the Company?).
The Company however remains in total control of their operation - from which routes they fly (or don't), what airplanes they order (or park), where staff is based (or closed), who gets hired, and when they need to scale back (including furloughs).
It'll cost the Company a lot of money to furlough since many folks need to be retrained for their new positions (Junior Captains downgrading to FO's, forced moves that the Company must pay, etc.) and it takes time.
It might also be more cost effective to offer an incentive for senior pilots to retire early as they make the most money, take the most vacation days, and are the ones who're generally out on sick leave most often. The Junior FO's who may be furloughed are a relative bargain and it'd be wise to try to retain them if at all possible.
So the decision to furlough is not to be taken lightly, as it is generally not for the short term. Let's hope that the right decisions are made by those competent enough to fully understand the consequences.
Whether this is a negotiating ploy waits to be determined. The pilot contract has been open since the spring of last year and talks recently have gone nowhere as big ticket items (pay, retirement, medical, scope protections, etc.) are still in play with both sides far apart. The NMB has recently assigned a mediator to facilitate further discussions.
Our contract has several provisions to help spread out the flying to try and stave off furloughs, and discussions must be made on this specific issue. The last time furlough notices arrived to those affected was just in time for Christmas (back in the early 90's) - that was a negotiating ploy (do you think any of those guys have a lot of love or loyalty for the Company?).
The Company however remains in total control of their operation - from which routes they fly (or don't), what airplanes they order (or park), where staff is based (or closed), who gets hired, and when they need to scale back (including furloughs).
It'll cost the Company a lot of money to furlough since many folks need to be retrained for their new positions (Junior Captains downgrading to FO's, forced moves that the Company must pay, etc.) and it takes time.
It might also be more cost effective to offer an incentive for senior pilots to retire early as they make the most money, take the most vacation days, and are the ones who're generally out on sick leave most often. The Junior FO's who may be furloughed are a relative bargain and it'd be wise to try to retain them if at all possible.
So the decision to furlough is not to be taken lightly, as it is generally not for the short term. Let's hope that the right decisions are made by those competent enough to fully understand the consequences.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
What me worry?
Recent conservative hysteria about gays in the military has reared its ugly head again (it must be election time!).
I am confounded about the supposed tough-as-nails straight-and-narrowly Pentagon types who're running scared of what is a personal choice sexual preference between two consenting adults. WTF?
Personally if I was in the military (pick-a-branch it doesn't matter), the thing I'd be most scared of is bullets. Now if the top brass had a ban about openly armed people being prohibited from serving in the US military, I'd be for that.
I am confounded about the supposed tough-as-nails straight-and-narrowly Pentagon types who're running scared of what is a personal choice sexual preference between two consenting adults. WTF?
Personally if I was in the military (pick-a-branch it doesn't matter), the thing I'd be most scared of is bullets. Now if the top brass had a ban about openly armed people being prohibited from serving in the US military, I'd be for that.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
3 days straight...
...that I've been out riding a bike - possibly a new 2008 record!
Sunday I pushed the fixie up and down the hills of Gig Harbor with my eldest on back to drop her off at the YMCA. A lot easier riding without her on the way home, but I missed my "O Suzanna" singing partner.
Yesterday I had a wonderfully long 3 1/2 hour ride in America's Finest City - San Diego - with America's Finest Weather. Though maybe not America's Finest Drivers. While I was stopped at a signal near UCSD a car behind beeped at me. I was in the bike lane and turned to look at the beeper. She sorta motioned for me to move with her hand so she could make the right turn. She had her windows down (saving on the a/c) and I asked her if she was colorblind? She said no. I asked her if she was illiterate? Again she said no. Then I pointed to the "No Turn on Red" sign that was just above my head, all I got was an Oooooo. I'm still not sure if that counts as an apology for beeping at me?
Today I actually did a CR while on layover in Orlando at Lake Louisa State Park. After flying the all-nighter in from PDX this morning and getting a paultry 4 hours sleep I finished about 10th overall in the first chase as we sprinted for 7th. Not too bad for a sleep deprived old guy in the "A" group with minimal training and a bum knee racing on a clown bike.
Tomorrow l'alpe du Huez! OK I won't be actually there riding up the epic 21 switchback climb but mentally I will. I did get the chance in 2000 to ride it and (without knowing where the TdF finish actually is) I finished in just about an hour. Not amongst the great times by the pro's - the record by Pantani (tainted by...?) is 37 minutes and change - my time is more than 50% slower. But considering that it was unaided by any artificial substances, without ever previewing the course, and was on a 27# touring bike (see above pic) - I'm proud of my effort. Go Christian, you can make up some time on your rivals & combined with the ITT of your life on Saturday, you can still finish on the podium in Paris.
Sunday I pushed the fixie up and down the hills of Gig Harbor with my eldest on back to drop her off at the YMCA. A lot easier riding without her on the way home, but I missed my "O Suzanna" singing partner.
Yesterday I had a wonderfully long 3 1/2 hour ride in America's Finest City - San Diego - with America's Finest Weather. Though maybe not America's Finest Drivers. While I was stopped at a signal near UCSD a car behind beeped at me. I was in the bike lane and turned to look at the beeper. She sorta motioned for me to move with her hand so she could make the right turn. She had her windows down (saving on the a/c) and I asked her if she was colorblind? She said no. I asked her if she was illiterate? Again she said no. Then I pointed to the "No Turn on Red" sign that was just above my head, all I got was an Oooooo. I'm still not sure if that counts as an apology for beeping at me?
Today I actually did a CR while on layover in Orlando at Lake Louisa State Park. After flying the all-nighter in from PDX this morning and getting a paultry 4 hours sleep I finished about 10th overall in the first chase as we sprinted for 7th. Not too bad for a sleep deprived old guy in the "A" group with minimal training and a bum knee racing on a clown bike.
Tomorrow l'alpe du Huez! OK I won't be actually there riding up the epic 21 switchback climb but mentally I will. I did get the chance in 2000 to ride it and (without knowing where the TdF finish actually is) I finished in just about an hour. Not amongst the great times by the pro's - the record by Pantani (tainted by...?) is 37 minutes and change - my time is more than 50% slower. But considering that it was unaided by any artificial substances, without ever previewing the course, and was on a 27# touring bike (see above pic) - I'm proud of my effort. Go Christian, you can make up some time on your rivals & combined with the ITT of your life on Saturday, you can still finish on the podium in Paris.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Elevators
Why can't the elevator techies design a keypad for floor selection where if you make a mistake and enter the wrong floor or get in behind some joker who's hit all the floors that you just punch the floor number and it deselects that floor - SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO STOP THERE!
Friday, July 18, 2008
From Tyler Hamilton
Overheard at Tour of Qinghai Lake where Tyler now holds the overall lead - after the last two mountain stages came back together on the descent, Hamilton gambled that the same thing would happen today; "I didn't have the acceleration to go with the Iranians," he said. "They have proven that they are the strongest climbers in the race. "
The Iranians?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Liqui-dated!
Triki no more - the first one outta the TdF - is it really a surprise that it's a former lieutenant of Mr. 7 wins? Joining the ranks of Hamilton, Landis, Heras, Andreau, Vaughters, etc. Next???
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Where's my referral fee?
Cruising around a showery Orlando this afternoon when I had no less than 3 inquires about my bike. One is about par for the course maybe on a crowded weekend mixed in with other bikers I'll get 2. But 3 separate inquires is good news.
First guy (white guy w/crew cut) in a H2 Hummer pulls alongside and says the typical, "what type of bike is that?" I explain as best I can in 10 words or less, he says he'd like to travel with his Trek but it's too cumbersome - so I think I've got his interest.
Second guy (older black man) is in a car who has been my shadow for about a mile (on fairly narrow, but not impassable, roads). Finally pulls alongside at an intersection STOP sign and says that he was pacing me at 26MPH for the last couple of minutes (which if true was on a flat road with a tailwind). States encouragingly that I should be racing the TdF and "doing those time trailing races." Boy what some kind words will do for one's ego, especially when I think I'm about to be passed by every slug on a bike with my current state of fitness. "I used to ride a lot when I was younger, still like bikes, but....(trailing off)" I tell him bikes speak the universal language of vitality regardless of age that everyone can relate to. He says, "I got to get me one and get my butt in shape again."
Last guy (younger black man) is on a mountain bike in the part of Orlando you probably don't want to risk being after dark. He picks it up when he sees me coming. As I pull alongside he gives me the once-over and then blurts out, "Where'd you fly in from man?" I ask what makes him think I flew in from anywhere?
And he says, "cause that's onna dose travel bikes that fold into nothin' dude, and you don't see them every day, 'specially around here. Where you from?"
ME - Seattle area.
HIM -"Where you goin?"
ME - back to the hotel.
HIM -"Where's that?"
ME - back south of Universal
HIM - "Shiii, man I gotta get me one of those, so I can be in as gooda shape as you."
ME (ego on the rise again) - Where are you off to?
HIM - "Oh I um, well ya see, I'm making a delivery (nodding at his backpack)"
ME - I see.
HIM - Ya well, if you were caught with this stuff thy'd prolly kick your ass off the team, like that Boonen guy, know what I'm saying?"
ME - Tom Boonen with the coke bust?
HIM - Ya that's the guy, he's busted for a social violation; 'course he's Dutch man and they're more liberal with that than around here - man if that was me, I'd be thrown in jail with the key thrown the other way."
ME - Unfortunately I think you're right.
HIM - Damn straight man, I gotta go, go get 'em Lance!
And I tempo the 45 minutes back to the hotel.
First guy (white guy w/crew cut) in a H2 Hummer pulls alongside and says the typical, "what type of bike is that?" I explain as best I can in 10 words or less, he says he'd like to travel with his Trek but it's too cumbersome - so I think I've got his interest.
Second guy (older black man) is in a car who has been my shadow for about a mile (on fairly narrow, but not impassable, roads). Finally pulls alongside at an intersection STOP sign and says that he was pacing me at 26MPH for the last couple of minutes (which if true was on a flat road with a tailwind). States encouragingly that I should be racing the TdF and "doing those time trailing races." Boy what some kind words will do for one's ego, especially when I think I'm about to be passed by every slug on a bike with my current state of fitness. "I used to ride a lot when I was younger, still like bikes, but....(trailing off)" I tell him bikes speak the universal language of vitality regardless of age that everyone can relate to. He says, "I got to get me one and get my butt in shape again."
Last guy (younger black man) is on a mountain bike in the part of Orlando you probably don't want to risk being after dark. He picks it up when he sees me coming. As I pull alongside he gives me the once-over and then blurts out, "Where'd you fly in from man?" I ask what makes him think I flew in from anywhere?
And he says, "cause that's onna dose travel bikes that fold into nothin' dude, and you don't see them every day, 'specially around here. Where you from?"
ME - Seattle area.
HIM -"Where you goin?"
ME - back to the hotel.
HIM -"Where's that?"
ME - back south of Universal
HIM - "Shiii, man I gotta get me one of those, so I can be in as gooda shape as you."
ME (ego on the rise again) - Where are you off to?
HIM - "Oh I um, well ya see, I'm making a delivery (nodding at his backpack)"
ME - I see.
HIM - Ya well, if you were caught with this stuff thy'd prolly kick your ass off the team, like that Boonen guy, know what I'm saying?"
ME - Tom Boonen with the coke bust?
HIM - Ya that's the guy, he's busted for a social violation; 'course he's Dutch man and they're more liberal with that than around here - man if that was me, I'd be thrown in jail with the key thrown the other way."
ME - Unfortunately I think you're right.
HIM - Damn straight man, I gotta go, go get 'em Lance!
And I tempo the 45 minutes back to the hotel.
Monday, July 7, 2008
T. Boone
Is water the new oil?
T. Boone Pickens thinks so. Although not a new topic - T. Boone has invested to the tune of 100M (a drop in his proverbial bucket) over the years, whereas the average investor may be left holding the hose (and paying through the nose).
T. Boone Pickens thinks so. Although not a new topic - T. Boone has invested to the tune of 100M (a drop in his proverbial bucket) over the years, whereas the average investor may be left holding the hose (and paying through the nose).
Saturday, July 5, 2008
TdF - just like the song
With no prologue, no TTT, no time bonuses, and shorter ITT's - and hopefully no cheats; the TdF has begun with a flash.
AND perhaps just like the song by Paul Weller (played on the "take back the tour" advertisements on Verses) it IS time for a brand new start (which coincidentally, or not, was released in the fall of 1998 after the Festina marred TdF)
Yellow may be on many shoulders before it's over OR can Valverde hold on to it the entire time?
AND perhaps just like the song by Paul Weller (played on the "take back the tour" advertisements on Verses) it IS time for a brand new start (which coincidentally, or not, was released in the fall of 1998 after the Festina marred TdF)
Yellow may be on many shoulders before it's over OR can Valverde hold on to it the entire time?
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Players, Coaches, Management, etc. that used to play/work for the team formally known as the Sonics 2 OKC!
WHO CARES?
Go watch a local high school or college game if you want passion, drama, and excitement.
Now that the settlement states that the SuperSonics name stays in Seattle - my guess as to their new name is the Los Angeles Angels of Oklahoma City. OK maybe not.
Here are a few other clues:
The Oklahoma State Bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Humm the OKC Flycatchers? No.
The Oklahoma State Flower is the Mistletoe. Well maybe the OKC Mistletoes!? Not a chance.
The Oklahoma State Tree is the Redbud. Those guys are pretty tall, not too far fetched to be named after a tree; but the OKC Redbuds? No again.
Oklahoma's motto is "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Labor Conquers All Things). So my second guess would be the "OKC Laborer's" - as in all their labor bore fruit and they now have a real live NBA team (though from their record last season maybe not).
Though when all is said and done money really omnia vincit!
Go watch a local high school or college game if you want passion, drama, and excitement.
Now that the settlement states that the SuperSonics name stays in Seattle - my guess as to their new name is the Los Angeles Angels of Oklahoma City. OK maybe not.
Here are a few other clues:
The Oklahoma State Bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Humm the OKC Flycatchers? No.
The Oklahoma State Flower is the Mistletoe. Well maybe the OKC Mistletoes!? Not a chance.
The Oklahoma State Tree is the Redbud. Those guys are pretty tall, not too far fetched to be named after a tree; but the OKC Redbuds? No again.
Oklahoma's motto is "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Labor Conquers All Things). So my second guess would be the "OKC Laborer's" - as in all their labor bore fruit and they now have a real live NBA team (though from their record last season maybe not).
Though when all is said and done money really omnia vincit!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
1st day...
...
of the 2nd half of the year.
of the 2nd half of the year.My training program has gone to the dogs (er kids) for this year so I resolve now to start my '09 training program - watch out everybody. Of course if I get my knee scoped that may slow things down a tad. But that didn't keep me from heading on out for a nice ride in this great weather - loved it.
Oh and the elbow still hurts, to the point where lifting the dang gear lever is a bother - what's the fuel penalty to leaving the gear down on a x-country flight from SEA - MCO? Well I don't have to fly until the 6th - perhaps it'll be better by then, otherwise the First Officer may have to put the handle up for me.
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