Rumors are rampant about the demise of ATA. So many people are all saying the exact same things. Last time ATA faced death, there was all kinds of speculation regarding how and when. This time, the story appears to be written with only a single chapter....Seven. Should all these rumors be true, I will miss ATA deeply. Though it's been a sometimes rocky road with them, it's certainly been fully of opportunity and education. My heart goes out to what's left of the people that make up this half organized, half knee jerk reaction airline. So many of them put their souls into playing on the team....so many will face unemployment.
For me, I'm scared. ATA's played a massive role in my company's development. I'm sure there are other opportunities out there, but the unknown gives me that tension stress you can feel in the pit of your stomach.
On a brighter note, since ATA has lost the campaign charters, I've been asked by North American to pick them up. So, I may not be on the same plane, with the same crews...but the passengers will be the same. In the past, I've said it's like a family on board....and that's a very welcoming environment to work in. Though I'm sure everything will run just fine, I'm mostly looking forward to the challenge of doing all that I can to make the NAO operation identical to the ATA operation in order to please the customer. This customer LOVED ATA's performance and is horribly sad to see it moved to another airline. I too am sad to see the change, but can't wait to dive in and handle the challenge of creating an identical or better operational experience for this customer.
Even more positive.....Spring has sprung and the days of single digit temperatures should be over for most of the country. If I'm going to be bouncing around the country on these charters, I'm just glad to get beyond the frigid temperatures I dealt with earlier this year.
The other day, I purchased a new hosting service for my company's website and email. After 24 hours of suffering with the nuances of this new service...I switched back to yahoo small business. I'm still in the market for a service that costs less and provides a superior product as yahoo small business is quite unimpressive. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening. Startlogic.com is now crossed off my list. Seriously...who wants to have a email service where you're users have to contact you to change their passwords? The only way for them to do it themselves, is if I gave them admin access to the site....which would mean that everyone would have full access to every body's email. I'm just not comfortable with that. More than anything else, I'm shocked that an email platform like that is even being sold.
I must admit, it was very cool to see the reactions that I had from my last blog. I should probably blog politically more often. Good points all around but....I still say....cut the damn spending already!
The weather has prevented me from starting my IFR instruction this week. I did talk with my new instructor though. Turns out, he's a beanie wearing, holy day observing Jew. If the weather and my schedule will ever give me a break, I'll be getting checked out to fly out of BWI. So....Baltimore based fans...let's go flying sometime.
Laying here at the Four Point's Sheraton BWI, where I was able to squeeze in about 3 hours of sleep, I have just one message for my readers.....Happy Easter...and Happy Purim too!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
True Colors Shining Through
The Democrats have been hiding their most basic agenda for some time. It almost started to appear that Democrats were learning how to handle the economy (which is not to say that Bush as done great things by any means) with talks of the need to cut spending. I've heard Democrats speak of cuts in spending from party leaders and presidential candidates, right down to the run of the mill congress men and women. Republicans started spending like it was going out of style and it was the folks on the left who were critical to point out ear marks and government waste. Time and time again, I've even heard the good folks on the left talk about how the poor and middle class needs the tax relief and the rich need to pay more.
Just two days ago, the Democrats that I grew up to know...finally showed their true colors. "Tax and Spend" Democrats are back! Both houses of congress just put plans together for tax increases. Both houses included HUGE increases in domestic programs....to compliment the massive tax increases. The dollar isn't worth a shit right now. The deficit spending is through the roof. The national debt is out of control. In general, I only support tax cuts, however, in order to pay off debt, I would support a small tax increase only on the condition that there be heavy cuts in spending. With a cut in spending and an increase in tax revenue, the ability to control the falling cost of the dollar can be stabilized. Democrats, who believe they magically know more about managing the economy want to tax more and spend more. Balanced or not, that still does not do anything for improving the economy, or recovering lost ground on the dollar. Let's talk about tax relief for a moment. In the proposed bills, the Dems want to increase that taxes for single people making at least $31,850 and double that for couples. Now...where is the relief for the middle class on that one? As for the poor....here's a news flash...POOR PEOPLE DON'T PAY TAX. If they do make enough to pay tax....it's not a lot of money anyway. Are the Dems going after the rich...of course. They get the joy of paying 39% of their income to the Federal Government so it can be thrown away on projects and programs that don't even benefit them, nor the middle class. This all means that a guy making 350K per year can go ahead and give the Feds $136,500. Now....I would like someone to tell me if it's "Fair" (A favorite word from the Democratic Dictionary) to pay $136,000 and get absolutely nothing? Look at it this way. That is also $136,000 that could have gone towards the purchase of homes, cars, vacations, goods and services. All of which would have been able to take that money and employ people, and therefore, provide more money to an economy.
Oh but, I forgot....what about the poor? It's about time the lazy get off their fat asses and contribute to this country. As for the poor and helpless....well...with money flooding the economy, lazy ass people back at work because jobs have finally been created and sales are on the rise...then...this country should be more than capable taking care of those who ACTUALLY can not take care of themselves.
Unfortunately, none of that will happen while our leaders fleece millions from those who can actually make a difference and give it to programs and bureaucracy that has a proven track record of blowing billions without being able to make any difference. We as citizens need to cut back when we fall on hard financial times....why shouldn't our government be equally to the people that it governs? After all....that was the basic concept of the constitution.
So...for me...It's John McCain. I don't like him, I don't like the fact that the republicans have been out of control with spending. But...I do like the fact that he does support cutting the spending that is out of control. If you keep the taxes reasonable, and you cut the spending...this country will "Right" itself.
I'm running for President and I support this message.
Just two days ago, the Democrats that I grew up to know...finally showed their true colors. "Tax and Spend" Democrats are back! Both houses of congress just put plans together for tax increases. Both houses included HUGE increases in domestic programs....to compliment the massive tax increases. The dollar isn't worth a shit right now. The deficit spending is through the roof. The national debt is out of control. In general, I only support tax cuts, however, in order to pay off debt, I would support a small tax increase only on the condition that there be heavy cuts in spending. With a cut in spending and an increase in tax revenue, the ability to control the falling cost of the dollar can be stabilized. Democrats, who believe they magically know more about managing the economy want to tax more and spend more. Balanced or not, that still does not do anything for improving the economy, or recovering lost ground on the dollar. Let's talk about tax relief for a moment. In the proposed bills, the Dems want to increase that taxes for single people making at least $31,850 and double that for couples. Now...where is the relief for the middle class on that one? As for the poor....here's a news flash...POOR PEOPLE DON'T PAY TAX. If they do make enough to pay tax....it's not a lot of money anyway. Are the Dems going after the rich...of course. They get the joy of paying 39% of their income to the Federal Government so it can be thrown away on projects and programs that don't even benefit them, nor the middle class. This all means that a guy making 350K per year can go ahead and give the Feds $136,500. Now....I would like someone to tell me if it's "Fair" (A favorite word from the Democratic Dictionary) to pay $136,000 and get absolutely nothing? Look at it this way. That is also $136,000 that could have gone towards the purchase of homes, cars, vacations, goods and services. All of which would have been able to take that money and employ people, and therefore, provide more money to an economy.
Oh but, I forgot....what about the poor? It's about time the lazy get off their fat asses and contribute to this country. As for the poor and helpless....well...with money flooding the economy, lazy ass people back at work because jobs have finally been created and sales are on the rise...then...this country should be more than capable taking care of those who ACTUALLY can not take care of themselves.
Unfortunately, none of that will happen while our leaders fleece millions from those who can actually make a difference and give it to programs and bureaucracy that has a proven track record of blowing billions without being able to make any difference. We as citizens need to cut back when we fall on hard financial times....why shouldn't our government be equally to the people that it governs? After all....that was the basic concept of the constitution.
So...for me...It's John McCain. I don't like him, I don't like the fact that the republicans have been out of control with spending. But...I do like the fact that he does support cutting the spending that is out of control. If you keep the taxes reasonable, and you cut the spending...this country will "Right" itself.
I'm running for President and I support this message.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Empty shell of what once was
Back in Indianapolis for a day's worth of recurrent GSC training. Considering the last year or so that I spent at ATA, was as a headquarters employee, I'm certainly familiar with the territory. It's been a little over a year since my last trip to Indy. So much has changed. Even though my last year with ATA was one where layoffs were the norm, empty space was growing and company pride was riding a slippery slope south, Indy still felt kind of like, "home." Not the same as the place you go to every night to hug the wife, hang the hat and relax by the tube. "Home" in a sense that you were in familiar territory. A place that you had spent years coming and going from. People all around that you knew and so many you didn't, yet you all had something in common. Everybody worked for a well known and respected airline that was affectionately known as, "Indy's Hometown Airline"
Sadly, Indy's pride in the sky has taken a severe beating by the economy, high fuel and piss poor management decisions that involved just about everything but ATA's best interests. So many heads of the company have come and gone since I first set foot on ATA soil back in 1998. Intentions seemed to be so good, yet the judgment and fate of bad decisions has resulted in the near death of this once proud little airline. Back in 1998, ATA was close to breaking history as America's 10th Major US Carrier. Money couldn't be spent fast enough. Almost everybody who worked with ATA shared a pride in our little airline. Growth and success was just something we did everyday because that's what ATA was all about. The reality was, the writing was already on the walls for what the next 10 years was going to bring. I had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful 3 years with ATA before the floor started to fall out from under us. 2001 to 2008 had been painful to say the least. One idiot after another came through to try and rescue the struggling ATA and had left it in worse shape than the last guy. Bankruptcy has come and gone, and ATA survived a storm that should have knocked us out. The proud employee's gave it everything we had, and survival came in the form of a financial holdings company. This financial company is living up to it's industry reputation.
Now, my visit to Indy is empty. The pride is gone, along with so many of the dedicated employee's who held firm during the darkest of days. Headquarters positions are moving south to the holding company headquarters and the people who held them and fought so hard to keep them in Indy are now out of work, or moving on to other companies. No longer can you walk into the airport hotels and see plenty of familiar faces. No longer can you arrive and taxi from the runway to the terminal while looking out the window and seeing a building or aircraft that you take pride in. No longer can you walk into the place that you felt so familiar too. The structures remain, but the people and the heart that occupied those buildings are all but extinct. As ATA continues to shrink, my prayers go out to those affected employees and their families, especially those who fought tooth and nail for ATA's survival. It was an honor to be a member of that team (family) for as long as I stayed.
I may be a business man at heart. I may be a strong supporter of capitalism. I am not, nor will I ever be a supporter of the greed, ignorance and visionless management that destroys the lives of good people. I have found in my short time in business, the greatest success has come, not from my own hard work, but from the people who's lives I've made a positive difference in. Looking at my own little company, I built people up, and in turn, my business has grown. To me, that just seems like the right path to follow. I just hope that if I ever start making poor decisions that will likely wreak havoc on people's lives...that someone with a clear head will slap me hard with a solid dose of reality.
Sadly, Indy's pride in the sky has taken a severe beating by the economy, high fuel and piss poor management decisions that involved just about everything but ATA's best interests. So many heads of the company have come and gone since I first set foot on ATA soil back in 1998. Intentions seemed to be so good, yet the judgment and fate of bad decisions has resulted in the near death of this once proud little airline. Back in 1998, ATA was close to breaking history as America's 10th Major US Carrier. Money couldn't be spent fast enough. Almost everybody who worked with ATA shared a pride in our little airline. Growth and success was just something we did everyday because that's what ATA was all about. The reality was, the writing was already on the walls for what the next 10 years was going to bring. I had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful 3 years with ATA before the floor started to fall out from under us. 2001 to 2008 had been painful to say the least. One idiot after another came through to try and rescue the struggling ATA and had left it in worse shape than the last guy. Bankruptcy has come and gone, and ATA survived a storm that should have knocked us out. The proud employee's gave it everything we had, and survival came in the form of a financial holdings company. This financial company is living up to it's industry reputation.
Now, my visit to Indy is empty. The pride is gone, along with so many of the dedicated employee's who held firm during the darkest of days. Headquarters positions are moving south to the holding company headquarters and the people who held them and fought so hard to keep them in Indy are now out of work, or moving on to other companies. No longer can you walk into the airport hotels and see plenty of familiar faces. No longer can you arrive and taxi from the runway to the terminal while looking out the window and seeing a building or aircraft that you take pride in. No longer can you walk into the place that you felt so familiar too. The structures remain, but the people and the heart that occupied those buildings are all but extinct. As ATA continues to shrink, my prayers go out to those affected employees and their families, especially those who fought tooth and nail for ATA's survival. It was an honor to be a member of that team (family) for as long as I stayed.
I may be a business man at heart. I may be a strong supporter of capitalism. I am not, nor will I ever be a supporter of the greed, ignorance and visionless management that destroys the lives of good people. I have found in my short time in business, the greatest success has come, not from my own hard work, but from the people who's lives I've made a positive difference in. Looking at my own little company, I built people up, and in turn, my business has grown. To me, that just seems like the right path to follow. I just hope that if I ever start making poor decisions that will likely wreak havoc on people's lives...that someone with a clear head will slap me hard with a solid dose of reality.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Smell yo Di**
I was listening to Sirius radio this morning on my drive home from work. I was flipping through the channels and landed on their "Top 40" music station where I was shocked to see and hear a new song on the charts. "Smell yo Dick." The performer is Riskay. If you don't believe me, do some checking. I've heard some wild Top 40 songs in the past that have to do with sex, and all of them gave me a chuckle. I do believe Riskay has pushed the envelope....which by the way...still gives me something to laugh at.
So....Ladies....if you believe Yo Man may be a Cheater....go ahead and Smell His Dick! I believe it was Ghandi who said it best...."The Truth comes from the Poon Tang."
So....Ladies....if you believe Yo Man may be a Cheater....go ahead and Smell His Dick! I believe it was Ghandi who said it best...."The Truth comes from the Poon Tang."
Friday, March 07, 2008
The word of the day is: "Tired"
My schedule lately has been and continues to be tough on me. Having flights either coming or going every 6 to 12 hours is really beating me up. Sheri came down this morning with me at 0300L for an 0600L departure. She's in training...while she's sick...and tired...and tired of being sick. I'm not sure if she picked up on much of what was going on, I'll be able to tell next time she works with me if the training today paid off.
Because of my horrible schedule, especially over the past 3 months, I've spent a lot of overnights here at BWI. Many of these nights have been spent at the Hilton BWI or other local hotels...at my own expense. We've been adding up the costs and are starting to realize just how stupid it is to continue this trend with no plan in sight. So...we're going to come up with a plan and stop flushing so many Georges and Lincolns down the toilet. If I haven't mentioned how much I HATE the commute (and for the record...yes, I know I did this to myself) then let me say it now....loud and proud....I HATE THIS COMMUTE!!!!!
You'll have to pardon my, not so jovial mood. I get this way on less than 3 hours of sleep. I've got one more flight left today that departs at 1200L (See...6 hours...again!!!) and I'll finally get a little bit of a break. Nap time is on the horizon...WhooHoo! I might even shut my cell phone off for a few hours and get some uninterrupted rest. I have no social life at the moment...so the little things are really pleasing to me lately.
My aunt, who works at a GYN practice, told me a story about one of the idiot patients they had in the other day. There was a 22 year old girl who came in because she was complaining about her vagina having a strange color discharge. (Lovely!) As it turns out, she was given a prescription for a diaphragm and with the prescription, came directions. She was supposed to use Spermicidal Jelly. Dumbass figured Grape Jelly would be the same thing. Wow...people are awesome! I know stupid people can be frustrating sometimes....but man....they are great to laugh at.
I had my oil changed in the Honda yesterday. It's now got 217500 miles and climbing fast. It seems that the car (which has very little value at this point) needs some TLC to keep it running. Fresh Transmission fluid, Radiator Flush, Rear Brake Rotors, a New Battery and finally...a new Timing belt are all needed. I'm going to have to make a decision soon. Keep the car and dump lots of cash into it...or replace it for lots of cash and lower maintenance going forward. Naturally, the only way to replace a Honda is with another Honda. You can't replace a Honda with a Chevy...that would be just plain stupid. The problem is, Honda's cost money and I'm freaking cheap.
Ahhhh...lack of sleep and frustration....can you tell I'm in a grouchy mood? I believe Madonna put it best when she said...."La isla Bonita" Is that relevant....not at all. Random is the word for the hour and sleeping in my car will be the phrase for the next 90 minutes. I'm out.
Because of my horrible schedule, especially over the past 3 months, I've spent a lot of overnights here at BWI. Many of these nights have been spent at the Hilton BWI or other local hotels...at my own expense. We've been adding up the costs and are starting to realize just how stupid it is to continue this trend with no plan in sight. So...we're going to come up with a plan and stop flushing so many Georges and Lincolns down the toilet. If I haven't mentioned how much I HATE the commute (and for the record...yes, I know I did this to myself) then let me say it now....loud and proud....I HATE THIS COMMUTE!!!!!
You'll have to pardon my, not so jovial mood. I get this way on less than 3 hours of sleep. I've got one more flight left today that departs at 1200L (See...6 hours...again!!!) and I'll finally get a little bit of a break. Nap time is on the horizon...WhooHoo! I might even shut my cell phone off for a few hours and get some uninterrupted rest. I have no social life at the moment...so the little things are really pleasing to me lately.
My aunt, who works at a GYN practice, told me a story about one of the idiot patients they had in the other day. There was a 22 year old girl who came in because she was complaining about her vagina having a strange color discharge. (Lovely!) As it turns out, she was given a prescription for a diaphragm and with the prescription, came directions. She was supposed to use Spermicidal Jelly. Dumbass figured Grape Jelly would be the same thing. Wow...people are awesome! I know stupid people can be frustrating sometimes....but man....they are great to laugh at.
I had my oil changed in the Honda yesterday. It's now got 217500 miles and climbing fast. It seems that the car (which has very little value at this point) needs some TLC to keep it running. Fresh Transmission fluid, Radiator Flush, Rear Brake Rotors, a New Battery and finally...a new Timing belt are all needed. I'm going to have to make a decision soon. Keep the car and dump lots of cash into it...or replace it for lots of cash and lower maintenance going forward. Naturally, the only way to replace a Honda is with another Honda. You can't replace a Honda with a Chevy...that would be just plain stupid. The problem is, Honda's cost money and I'm freaking cheap.
Ahhhh...lack of sleep and frustration....can you tell I'm in a grouchy mood? I believe Madonna put it best when she said...."La isla Bonita" Is that relevant....not at all. Random is the word for the hour and sleeping in my car will be the phrase for the next 90 minutes. I'm out.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Freedom ain't quite Free
A sad but true reality. The need to maintain a more professional image on the outside has forced me to take my immature childish nature and appreciation for all things gutter and entertaining into the closet. Do I wish I could rip a fart from a mountaintop and have the whole world hear it....sure I do...but that isn't exactly good for business. Let's face it, though nothing makes me laugh like a meaty fart, money also plays an important role in my life.
Now, the blog name is more anonymous, the location is no longer tied to it's creator and privacy can be better kept. I've spent a huge part of my life working on creating my life the way it is now and continues to grow, the last thing I want to do is tear it down because I might joke about a dump the size of a car fender.
So....what's new you might ask?
Well....my business is rolling well, even though one of my biggest customer's is pulling a hefty chunk away and closing down an entire service element of what they provide. Does that suck...you bet! So far, I have been able to pick up some extra activity, thanks in part to Hillary and Obama for continuing to duke it out. The longer they fight for the right to call themselves a nominee, the better chances I have to provide representation services to folks that support them. Currently, I have a rep covering "Barry" and hope to be able to cover Miss Congeniality's charter in the near future.
Recently, I was on the road flying around with Obama's charter. I had a ball. It's just the kind of work I really thrive on. Fast paced coordination! Sure, it may be kind of a hurry up and wait game, but that hurry up time can be intense. Loved it!
I learned a lot about the press while I was onboard. It's fascinating to hear the opinions of the camera and support people vs. what you hear in the newspapers and 24 hour news channels. The filtering that takes place is down right scary. Jeff Conlin is right...the best source for political news is CSPAN. I'll share some inside information on the candidate himself....ready....He likes Cheese and Crackers. If that doesn't make you want to vote for him, I don't know what will. Judging by the way people faint when he sneezes...that kind of information might be life changing for people who love him that much. As for me...I really like the guy....Personally that is. His political message is lacking...well...a message. Hillary is the best thing for the Republican party and as much as I don't want to see her winning a chance to become the president....she might be what the republican's need to get out and vote.
God only knows there is SOOOO much stuff I'm missing from the last time I blogged. I just don't have the energy to type it in. Work has been CRAZY lately and I'm very tired. No sleep last night either. I had about 4-5 hours available, but my body kept waking up with "Alarm anticipation." I hate that!
Rob and I are going to have lunch today. I had the chance to hang out with him last week for a few hours and it was wonderful. Not only did we have a chance to have some dinner and chat...we played a killer game of Scrabble. Had I not gotten the "Q" and the "J" so late in the game...I probably could have won, but the board itself was very tight.
OK, it's 0909L and I'm ready for a nap. Hopefully my comfort level will be more relaxed with blogging here and my loyal fans won't have to wait so long for updates. My stomach just sent me a message....it's time to locate some breakfast. I'm out!
Now, the blog name is more anonymous, the location is no longer tied to it's creator and privacy can be better kept. I've spent a huge part of my life working on creating my life the way it is now and continues to grow, the last thing I want to do is tear it down because I might joke about a dump the size of a car fender.
So....what's new you might ask?
Well....my business is rolling well, even though one of my biggest customer's is pulling a hefty chunk away and closing down an entire service element of what they provide. Does that suck...you bet! So far, I have been able to pick up some extra activity, thanks in part to Hillary and Obama for continuing to duke it out. The longer they fight for the right to call themselves a nominee, the better chances I have to provide representation services to folks that support them. Currently, I have a rep covering "Barry" and hope to be able to cover Miss Congeniality's charter in the near future.
Recently, I was on the road flying around with Obama's charter. I had a ball. It's just the kind of work I really thrive on. Fast paced coordination! Sure, it may be kind of a hurry up and wait game, but that hurry up time can be intense. Loved it!
I learned a lot about the press while I was onboard. It's fascinating to hear the opinions of the camera and support people vs. what you hear in the newspapers and 24 hour news channels. The filtering that takes place is down right scary. Jeff Conlin is right...the best source for political news is CSPAN. I'll share some inside information on the candidate himself....ready....He likes Cheese and Crackers. If that doesn't make you want to vote for him, I don't know what will. Judging by the way people faint when he sneezes...that kind of information might be life changing for people who love him that much. As for me...I really like the guy....Personally that is. His political message is lacking...well...a message. Hillary is the best thing for the Republican party and as much as I don't want to see her winning a chance to become the president....she might be what the republican's need to get out and vote.God only knows there is SOOOO much stuff I'm missing from the last time I blogged. I just don't have the energy to type it in. Work has been CRAZY lately and I'm very tired. No sleep last night either. I had about 4-5 hours available, but my body kept waking up with "Alarm anticipation." I hate that!
Rob and I are going to have lunch today. I had the chance to hang out with him last week for a few hours and it was wonderful. Not only did we have a chance to have some dinner and chat...we played a killer game of Scrabble. Had I not gotten the "Q" and the "J" so late in the game...I probably could have won, but the board itself was very tight.
OK, it's 0909L and I'm ready for a nap. Hopefully my comfort level will be more relaxed with blogging here and my loyal fans won't have to wait so long for updates. My stomach just sent me a message....it's time to locate some breakfast. I'm out!
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