N7LA

A lot of corporations shy away from registering their aircraft in an identifying manner for various reasons - for example Hewlett Packard has done away with the HP at the end of their registration to reduce the recognition factor that their executives are in town. This is both for security purposes & marketing factors where stealth is beneficial. It's hard sneaking around in a corporate jet, but many times they're landing and departing in the cover of darkness, and parking at remote facilities away from prying eyes.

Though the Texan jetting around inside N7LA doesn't much shy away from publicity, and I would expect the paint job to evolve to reflect more of his global initiatives and foundation.

Where's the bike rack?

National Pie Day

Drop what you're doing, bring your fork & go here.

I already ate some humble pie with my firm landing in LAS this morning. Looking for better results in ONT this afternoon.

Weather happens

Recently due to some strong headwinds from the S-SW (the cause of the very mild weather in SEA) some of Alaska Airlines scheduled non-stop flights from SEA to the islands are making a stop down in PDX or OAK for fuel; and some passengers aren't happy.

Well guess what folks - it isn't unusual for flights anywhere to be affected by heavy rains & thunderstorms (why aren't they called lightning storms?), fog, snow, ice, floods, earthquakes, let alone just the "normal" heavy traffic into hub airports at peak times of the day. So why is the stronger than usual wind that Mother Nature periodically throws our way any different?

Our Hawaiian flights are typically made at our max. takeoff weight to allow for the greatest fuel amount the plane can carry, since stopping midway isn't an option. And the fact that there are limited options for alternate airports once in range. Sure there are airports on the other islands if something happens to the primary airport runway at the island of your destination (lava flow, disabled plane on the only runway, downed palm tree, heavy rain squall, etc.), but it's also typical that if one island is having bad weather they all are. So arriving with as much fuel as possible is preferable.

PDX is just that much closer, and OAK much more so that the flying time & fuel required from those cities are less than what would be required from SEA. If routed through OAK for example - that 1st leg will be about 2 hours, and then the leg to Maui will be about 5:30. This'll be about an hour or so longer than if they did it non-stop (to upload fuel and make the required ETOPS maintenance inspection).

To make it non-stop they'd have to off-set fuel weight necessary so off comes a corresponding weight of bags & passengers. So what would you rather do, watch the plane leave without you (potentially empty) or arrive slightly tardy? The upside is that on your return (even with a late departure), with that strong wind now on your sunburned tail - you'll be arriving pretty close to on-time.

Have a tantrum - you're going to Hawaii, they'll schedule another important lu'au for you. The great beaches & Mai Tai's await your arrival. The wonderful soft breezes, rainbows, and sunsets will still be there. Though Don Ho won't. Chill bruddah!

FLYSTRONG

N7LA is the tail number of the G-IV that a certain Texan acquired last fall & flies for business worldwide (currently in Adelaide, AU).

For those of you with sharp eyes this is an old photo which shows the tail number (N192N), the previous registration of the prior owner.

Not a cheap acquisition, and it's customary for new buyer to outfit the interior to reflect their individual taste (at additional charge of course), though not too outlandish should they ever need to resell it for their next upgrade.

The Jet was for sale by the manufacture (probably on a trade-in) and no doubt has recently installed a bike rack or 2. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if there isn't a stationary trainer and/or treadmill inside for personal use during the long flights just to keep those legs fresh and a preventative against DVT.

No *'s

With McGwire's unsurprising admission - my solution to this continuing problem is that every professional & elite sportsman/sportswomen should immediately collaboratively admit to using some form of illicit performance enhancing substance whether they actually have or haven't.

The effect of this is that it will collectively overwhelm all the official sanctioning bodies and WADA into giving everybody a get out of jail free card - amnesty if you will and a do-over. Because if they didn't, it will effectively shut down the sporting business model as we know it. Which is the way professional & elite sports is slowly fading anyway.

The caveat being that future testing isn't a chip in bargained contracts, and each governing body still determines what is illegal, with thorough testing at regular & random intervals. If caught (both A & B samples test positive); zero tolerance, you're banned for life, out on your ass, get another job.

As for the likes of Big Mac and similar with post professional admissions or proof of past abuse - erase all records, impose fines, and remove them from any responsibility and/or connections they may still enjoy with the sport. And like other criminals they may not profit from their past behavior (book deals, appearance fees, movie rights, etc.).

Caroling

Seahawks get a late Christmas Carol - sung to the tune of Silent Night:

Stoic Pete, holy sh_t,
All is one, all is right,
Round to another team in the NFL,
Holy playbook this better work well,
Sleep in the off season no way,
Sleep for Pete no way.
Stoic Pete, holy sh_t,
Mora quakes at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Season ticket-holders sing Alleluia!
Pete, the Saviour has come,
Pete, the Saviour has come!
Stoic Pete, holy sh_t,
The SOB, he left USC,
To resurrect a 5-11 Seahawk face,
Start drawing up some redeeming grace,
Pete, our coach, at Thy birth,
Pete, our coach, at Thy birth.

I give him only 2 seasons; NEXT!

Trouble in ONT

On a ride in perfect weather down in Ontario today - had a flat, broke a spoke and, AND got pulled over by a cop!

All of this slowed me down enough so that I returned to the Hot'L with just 17 minutes before I was to be downstairs for the airport van for this afternoon's flight. Made the van.

So everyone gets a flat now & again, not so frequently I break a spoke - but it happens, I've never ever been pulled over by a cop - on my bike anyway. No sirens, lights or hovering helicopter though - that would've been too harrowing, just a wave of the hand to pull over. I was thinking of running for it, needing some sprint intervals, but I complied. Lump in the throat, heart still beating fast, mind racing a little - WTF?

He indicated right away that he wasn't issuing a citation but wanted to discuss my actions at the intersection I just pulled through. Huh? Oh, discuss I can do.

To set the scene I was approaching an intersection in a bike lane where the stop light just turned green and 4 vehicles were just starting moving - the last being a green Volvo with its right turn signal on. From a coast I resumed my spin and quickly pulled alongside & moved ahead of the Volvo well before it neared the intersection for its turn as I went straight.

The cop asks me about who I think has the right-of-way in regards to the Volvo & myself. In my best Perry Mason impression I tell him I think he just answered his own question - the vehicle to the right. He looks at me disapprovingly & says that Perry Mason was a defense lawyer always looking for excuses to defend his client; and says that he believes I made an illegal pass to the Volvo's right.

I told him that was ridiculous, Perry Mason was just like Joe Friday & all about the facts & solved more cases than the DA & offer up a hypothetical. If there are 2 parallel lanes of traffic, and one has 10 vehicles waiting for the first to make a left turn & the lane to its right is moving freely, what you're saying is that a vehicle in the right lane can't pass the 10th vehicle to its left because it's stopped or moving slowly, is that what your saying?

He looks at me with a puzzled expression, I think letting this sink in. He says after a pause - that the Volvo had its signal blinking and that I should have given way. I countered with how that would work with 2 cars, just because a car in the left lane has its blinker on it has the right to move into the right lane in front of any other car without making sure it's clear to do so?

I mentioned that the Volvo was moving across a lane of traffic, just like every other lane of traffic except that particular lane was a painted bike lane is solely reserved for bicycles. And all other vehicles must treat the cyclists in that lane just as they expect to be treated while in their lane. Vehicles endanger us all the time turning into or coming out of driveways & parking spaces across our designated lane. Just because it's there doesn't give them a right to dive into it. We get yelled at & crap thrown at us - just because we're perceived as vulnerable. Cyclists have the rights & responsibilities to the rules of the road just as everybody else does & deserve the same respect. Just because we generally move a little more slowly (at times) than the flow of traffic doesn't mean that everybody can take advantage of us (even though they sure as hell always try).

I forgot to mention that this guy was a motorcycle cop. I asked him how many times he's been put at a disadvantage by a car or truck trying to occupy his space or not noticing his presence. He says it happens almost every day. Welcome to my world brother.

I said I would've given the Volvo his right turn had he been even the slightest bit in front of me near that turn, and in fact the #2 vehicle in that lineup was a panel truck who failed to signal his right turn - and I'm on the lookout for that too. I've got 3 little kids waiting for Dad to come home every night. And like you, every day some knucklehead is trying their best to prevent me from doing that - whether intentionally or obliviously.

The advantage he has however is speed, lights, sirens and a badge - that he can cite drivers for their offenses - and serve them a monetary reminder to pay attention & slow down in this fast paced world. He said he doesn't ride a bike in traffic, but has been witness to too many bike/larger vehicle collisions; and the cyclist never comes out the winner.

He shook my hand, asked me a couple of questions about my clown bike, where I was riding and told me in his best Hill Street Blues Sgt Esterhaus' to be careful out there.

So I was.

Transparency

The DOT rejected a request by Alaska Airlines (along with other supporters) for a public hearing on Virgin America's fitness last Friday by issuing a document requiring VA to change it's corporate makeup & governance to ensure that ownership & control remains in the hands of US citizens (and not Virgin Group of Great Britain). A couple key politico's WA Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jim Oberstar (Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) supported the call for a DOT public hearing.

What happened to transparency in the new Obama administration?

On JAN 22nd last year Obama stated (in part):

"But the way to make a government responsible is not simply to enlist the services of responsible men and women, or to sign laws that ensure that they never stray. The way to make government responsible is to hold it accountable. And the way to make government accountable is make it transparent so that the American people can know exactly what decisions are being made, how they're being made, and whether their interests are being well served.

The directives I am giving my administration today on how to interpret the Freedom of Information Act will do just that. For a long time now, there's been too much secrecy in this city. The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed. That era is now over.

Starting today, every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information but those who seek to make it known.

To be sure, issues like personal privacy and national security must be treated with the care they demand. But the mere fact that you have the legal power to keep something secret does not mean you should always use it. The Freedom of Information Act is perhaps the most powerful instrument we have for making our government honest and transparent, and of holding it accountable. And I expect members of my administration not simply to live up to the letter but also the spirit of this law.

I will also hold myself as President to a new standard of openness. Going forward, anytime the American people want to know something that I or a former President wants to withhold, we will have to consult with the Attorney General and the White House Counsel, whose business it is to ensure compliance with the rule of law. Information will not be withheld just because I say so. It will be withheld because a separate authority believes my request is well grounded in the Constitution.

Let me say it as simply as I can: Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.

Our commitment to openness means more than simply informing the American people about how decisions are made. It means recognizing that government does not have all the answers, and that public officials need to draw on what citizens know. And that's why, as of today, I'm directing members of my administration to find new ways of tapping the knowledge and experience of ordinary Americans -- scientists and civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs -- because the way to solve the problem of our time is -- the way to solve the problems of our time, as one nation, is by involving the American people in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
The executive orders and directives I'm issuing today will not by themselves make government as honest and transparent as it needs to be. And they do not go as far as we need to go towards restoring accountability and fiscal restraint in Washington. But these historic measures do mark the beginning of a new era of openness in our country. And I will, I hope, do something to make government trustworthy in the eyes of the American people in the days and weeks, months and years to come."

Herbivore Airlines

No this isn't a post about McGinn's recent conversation to legalize pot in Seattle.

And OK, those airlines would actually be omnivores since it'd still a mix of petroleum & plant based fuels that'd be inside those wings that power the jets. But the 14 airlines signing the proactive MOU with ALTAIR for use at SEATAC in 2012 are a start for both local and national use of economically viable & renewable biofuels to displace our dependence on foreign imports while creating jobs & reducing harmful emissions (or so the story goes).

But you can rest assured that when you fly with me that at least 50% of the flight crew at the pointy end of the jet is powered by biofuel (or classified as an herbivore for the last 20+ years) though my co-pilots might have a strong argument regarding an actual increase in localized harmful emissions.

New addition to Power Line Trail

Or Cushman Trail of Gig Harbor, which follows the TPU power line (and was a wonderful off-road ride or run prior to its paving over), has just opened another 2.5 mile length.

While Phase One is a rather mellow 2.5 miles of mostly flat to gently rolling asphalt accessible to all. The challenging terrain of Phase Two will make it inaccessible to some with its short sadistic 8-10% grades. Signage has yet to be added to aid non-locals to link the two phases, but that should be corrected shortly.

The future plans call for Phase Three to continue the trail another 1 1/2 miles to the strip malls on Borgen Blvd - yippie.

JUSTICE has been served

Streets of LA are a little safer today; good thing too - I've got a layover there later this month, Mandeville Canyon anyone?

Found back

I would like to thank local LMP legend David Blunk (at the Inn at Gig Harbor) for finding my back and squaring it where it should be. After hobbling around for the last 2 days - with periodic dosing of Ibuprofen and the frequent use of a heated bean bag, it was slowly progressing; but after David attacked it with ferocity & manipulation I can once again return to changing diapers and lifting a vacuum hose.

401K preview

On website of the company that manages my 401K (Fidelity) they have this:

Online Statement Preview - You can view your personal savings statements online at any time. You can preview online statements by selecting a month and clicking Retrieve Statements.

Preview definition - 1 : to see beforehand; specifically : to view or to show in advance of public presentation 2 : to give a preliminary survey of.

So when I tried to preview the month of September 2018 (the date on which I plan on retiring, at the latest) it wouldn't let me. Yet again false claims by Wall Street (er Devonshire Street).

Back missing

Threw out my back today doing, of all things, vacuuming the chaos that mimics as the interior of our mini-van. Any idea of where it may be please notify immediately - OUCH! [But not that OUCH]

2010 Predictions

Sarah Palin will have an epiphany - that when she thought all this time she was looking at the Russian Far East it turns out to really have been Canada (to the east).

Tiger Woods will learn to just putter on the green.

TSA will unveil "fly-naked" screening lanes to expedite travelers through airport security avoiding privacy advocates protests over body scanning machines.

Another couple will be discovered to have uninvited access to the White House - the Clinton's.

Brit Hume will convert to Buddhism.

Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire & Raphael Palmaro will make a comeback to finance a no pretences MDB (must dope baseball) League.

All states adopt cyclists "stop-as-yield" laws.

Danica Patrick will start chewing tobacco to satisfy NASCAR good-ol-boy crowds & admit to sleeping with former team co-founder David Letterman (again to satisfy NASCAR good-ol-boy crowds).

Chris Lieto wins Hawaii Ironman with record breaking bike split.

WSBA will adopt drug testing program.

Republicans fail to recognize the action that the word YES can have & continue to try to fit their square peg into a round hole.

OBL will be discovered as a wicket keeper at a Pakistani Cricket match.

Contador will fail in his defense of TdF title - Levi will take overall (with strong team support from Horner & an old guy name Lance).

At 10 year O2K reunion - cyclist formally known as Racer Bob will be transformed into Energizer Bunny Bob (swimming-biking-running his way from Arcata, CA to Steamboat Springs, CO).

Ladies will finally leave seat up for Men.

Busy, busy, busy

Unlike the FEDEX guy in the commercial where he is just sitting around thinking he's busy - try my life the last several weeks.

Wife has surgery on left foot to remove a dislodged bone and secure ligaments/tendons the first part of DEC and is down for the count for the first few days immediately following. Then hobbling around thereafter.

Prior to surgery - winding down from hosting Thanksgiving Dinner the house was full of activity trying to get ready for Christmas. Tree was cut down, brought home, and it along with the rest of the house was decorated festively. A couple of weeks prior to that the pig-induced H1N1 flu struck the household affecting all but me (and postponing the aforementioned foot surgery).

Two weeks after her surgery my wife went in for a root canal on a damaged tooth. Two days later I went out for a 2-day weekend trip. Returning from that I found my wife in severe pain with a very discolored and swollen left foot. Over the phone on Monday her orthopedic surgeon prescribes antibiotics to combat apparent infection. Tuesday her dentist calls & inquires about how my wife is doing. I tell him, well despite the foot infection she now has, her mouth is doing great. Infection continues to worsen and on Wednesday before Christmas we get into the surgeon who cultures the infection and cleans out the wound and applies and prescribes new type of antibiotics.

Culture on infection comes back as - strep (as in strep throat). While strep is most commonly associated with the mouth, it is also on the skin. We are finding out that usually if a patient is to visit the dentist with a prior surgery in immediate months beforehand it is a usual practice to prescribe antibiotics prior to a procedure such as a root canal. And it wasn't as if the dentist wasn't informed, as she told him about why she was hobbling around on crutches with a boot on her foot.

Finding out that it isn't uncommon that strep gets into the bloodstream through the mouth during a visit to the dentist - so be forewarned. Left unchecked this could've manifested itself into a flesh-eating bacterial infection which would've had more serious consequences.

As a result of all this mess my wife had severe pain/discomfort, mental anguish, and thoughts of WTF could possibly be next? She missed the family night-before-Christmas traditional gathering, as she diligently kept her foot elevated and took her pain & antibiotic medicines. And she is weeks behind in her recovery, which will delay her return to work a full month.

Thankfully all's well that seemingly ends well; including an in-depth talk with her dentist. Foot is mending well and she is off her crutches hobbling with just the boot (for a few more weeks).

All the while I thought 3 kids were tough to keep track of & care for - then suddenly I had 4 (after all, isn't it all about me?).

Hopefully the New Year will bring less excitement, or at least a less painful & more pleasant rewarding excitement. I won't claim that I know what normalcy is anymore, but I look forward to a return to more predictable days ahead.

Happy New Year 2010!