Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Happy New Year

I can't remember who it was, but someone asked me today if I was working over New Years. I just gave the unsuspecting person that look. You know the look. It's the, "why are you asking me this ridiculous question," look. Of course I'm working New Years. I've worked on at least part of every major holiday since I got this job. (Thanksgiving 2005 doesn't count due to a bidding error.) Yes, when the clock strikes midnight and ushers in 2006 I will be comfortably asleep at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte, NC. For some absurd reason, there is actually a flight at 6:30am that departs Charlotte for Chicago on New Year's Day. The first officer on that flight will be yours truly. Yours truly will be beyond pissed if that flight leaves with 5 or less passengers aboard.

My displeasure with my New Years schedule aside, let me say this to all of you: I hope you enjoy a happy and safe New Years, drink one for me, and may 2006 bring you and those you love the very best of life.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

In the Cards for 2006

There is some unrest in Cardinal Nation this offseason as many fans believe the front office hasn't made enough impact moves to keep the Redbirds at the head of the MLB class. I tend to disagree, and as evidence, I present the projected 2006 Cardinal lineup:

Starters: RHP Christ Carpenter, LHP Mark Mulder, RHP Jeff Suppan, RHP Anthony Reyes, RHP Jason Marquis, RHP Sidney Ponson

If you look at this group the first thing you notice is the absence of Matt Morris, a Cardinal since 1997. Many fans believe the Redbirds should have done more to shore up the starting rotation after Morris's departure in free agency, and there was a fair amount of disappointment when the chase for A.J. Burnett ended in failure, but I believe there is cause for optimism. Carpenter and Mulder are known quantities. Either hurler is capable of a Cy Young caliber year. Suppan is a steady innings-eater who brings his best stuff to big games (remember game 7 in 2004?). the 4th and 5th starters will emerge from the trio of Marquis, Ponson, and rookie Anthony Reyes. Anyone who saw Reyes's major league debut in which he surrendered just 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings must believe he's ready for the show. The hard throwing 24 year old backs up a mid-90's fastball with a wicked slider, and as he gains more control over a blossoming 12-6 curve he could become something special. I'll go ahead and say it now: Anthony Reyes will be the NL rookie of the year in 2006. That leaves Marquis and Ponson to duke it out for the 5th and final spot in the rotation. As of right now, the job is Marquis's to lose, but if Ponson's rehab from alcohol abuse is coming along as well as he claims and he returns to his 17 win form of 2003, it may relegate Marquis to the bullpen. Whatever the case, the starting 5 is sure to have another solid year.

First Base: Albert Pujols

The best player in baseball will have another MVP on his mantle after 2006, and maybe even a Gold Glove to go with it.

Second Base: Junior Spivey

The Cardinals went bargain basement shopping for a secondbaseman for the second straight year, and hopefully this year's purchase will be as successfull as last year's. Spivey had an injury plagued, unproductive 2005, leading to the Nationals' choice to non-tender and release him. Just a few years removed from his All-Star 2002 season, Spivey is a solid defender with good speed who makes contact at the plate. He even has a bit of pop in his bat, having belted as many as 16 homers in a season. It is remarkable how similar the acquisition of Spivey this year is to the acquisition of Grudzielanek last year. Once again the Redbirds are risking that a player with recent injury concerns will return to form to be a productive everyday piece of the puzzle.

Third Base: Scott Rolen

Rolen's 2005 season was wiped out on May 10th after a collision with Hee Seop Choi of the Dodgers left him with a bum shoulder for the rest of the year. Surgery was performed, the outcome was deemed successful, and Rolen should be healthy for the start of spring training. Not only that, but he is sure to be hungry to prove himself after missing out on another playoff run. The return of baseball's best third baseman to his cleanup spot in the order will do wonders for the Redbird offense in 2006.

Shorstop: David Eckstein

The fans in St. Louis love David Eckstein, and why not? The all-out, never-say-die, mighty-mite plays every game like it might be his last. Eckstein will have another solid year at the plate and continue to improve defensively.

Left Field: Larry Bigbie

The acquisition of Bigbie in a trade for Ray King was the first impact move of the offseason for the Redbirds. Bigbie suffered through injuries and posted poor numbers last season, but is just a year removed from back to back solid years with the Orioles in which he hit .303 and .280 respectively. He is a solid left handed batter, and Cardinal fans will be amazed at how similar his stroke is to that of Larry Walker. At only 28, Bigbie's best years are in front of him, and he should produce quite nicely for the Redbirds.

Center Field: Jim Edmonds

At 35 years old Edmonds is no longer a spring chicken in the baseball world. He must realize that his oppurtunities to win a World Championship are dwindling. Also, he has remarked about how dissappointed he was with his "subpar" 2005 in which he batted just .263. However, the slugging outfielder clubbed 29 homers and drove in 89 runs. Edmonds is clearly anxious to return to the diamond in hopes of proving that his best days are not behind him. His patience and versatility at the plate coupled with Tony LaRussa's preference for, "damage," early in the lineup make him a candidate to hit in the # 2 spot vacated by Larry Walker. As usual, Edmonds will take home the Gold Glove in 2006.

Right Field: Juan Encarnacion

After failing to sign Jacque Jones the Cardinals turned to plan B in Encarnacion, a versatile outfielder with the potential to hit .280, 20, 85, AVG, HR, RBI. Encarnacion is a bit of an enigma, however, in that he suffers from an occasional lack of focus. He is prone to lengthy slumps and careless mistakes defensively. Hopefully the veteran presences of Pujols, Rolen, and Edmonds will keep Encarnacion's mind on the game and lead him to realize his high-end potential.

Bullpen:

The retooled bullpen is still taking shape, but most of the key pieces are in place. Isringhausen will return to close, and continue to give me heartburn. The bend-but-don't-break hurler gets the job done, albeit a bit too dramatically for my taste. The addition of Braden Looper is encouraging, as it brings in a solid setup man with closer experience. Lefties Randy Flores and Ricardo Rincon form a solid, though not spectacular duo, and Brad Thompson should improve on his rookie campaign that saw him emerge as a trusted member of the bullpen.

Bench:

There is great depth and talent on the St. Louis bench, despite the departures of Abraham Nunez and the fading John Mabry. So Taguchi will continue to provide good contact and solid outfield defense, and John Rodriguez's power stroke from the left side make him a dangerous pinch-hitter. Infielder Deivi Cruz can play either shortstop or second base, and has a patient eye at the plate. Utilityman Hector Luna has another year or two before he developes into a solid everyday type player, but he is talented and capable of delivering the big hit in the clutch.

Overall the Redbirds aren't so bad off. Sure, there are some injury risks, and a few of the new additions are unknowns, but the core of a very good team returns. If you look down a roster that includes names like Carpenter, Mulder, Rolen, Edmonds, Eckstein, and Pujols, you have to feel pretty good about your chances no matter who fleshes out the roster. Walt Jocketty has made moves to plug holes in a ship that wasn't taking on much water anyway, and the product on the field next year promises to be just as good as 2005.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Quote of the Week

"In this world full of people only some want to fly. Isn't that crazy?" - Seal

From the Airwaves

Heard on Chicago Center's frequency on Christmas Day:

Eagle Flight 1234 - "Good morning and Merry Christmas, center, Eagle 1234 is with you level at 240."

Chicago Center - "Eagle 1234, good morning, happy holidays. The ghost of Christmas delays says procede direct HALIE intersection and expect holding."

Eagle Flight 1234 - "Ba humbug."

Southern "Cuisine"

There are certain combinations of words that simply do not work. Phrases which, when uttered, immediately create confusion. Examples of these kinds of phrases are, "There are no delays to O'hare today," or "Fisher is under it, and he makes the catch," or, "Higa shoots, it hits the post and in!" Thanx to our new friend we can now add the phrase, "fine southern cuisine," to our list of non-sensical statements.

Italians and French people have fine cuisine. Southerners do not. Fine cuisine consists of filet mignon, smoked partridge, salmon pate, and boiled lobster. Therefore, unless your definition includes fried chicken, grits, pork rinds, and chewing tobacco, it is impossible to pronounce the phrase, "fine Southern cuisine," with a straight face. This having been said I have eaten several fine meals in the South, all of them at restaurants specializing in the fine cuisine of some other region. There's nothing quite as entertaining as listening to a Southerner sitting in a Spanish or Italian restaurant and trying to pronounce the names on the menu...

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,
In hopes that come morning they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at thirty-nine knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick."
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome his magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came.
As he passed all the fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!On Comet! On Cupid!"
What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin' and scratchin' their heads,
They phoned up my office and I heard it with dread.
The message they left was both emphatic and dour;
"When the fat guy pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, the sled runners sparkling.
And I heard, "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh,
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho-ho, ho-ho."
He stepped out of the sleigh and smiled at my shock,
As I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost,
And his beard was all blackened from reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low-lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious to be drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word but went straight to my work,
And filled up the sleigh, without being a jerk.
From the restroom he returned with a sigh of relief,
Then picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear.
Then he put on his headset and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion.
"He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
And I heard him proclaim as he climbed through the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."

- Anonymous -

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Merry Christmas Everyone

As usual, the holidays find me traveling, and not by choice. That's right folks, I'm working Christmas for the second straight year. In case you're wondering, no, I don't get paid extra for it. However, let me say to you, the patronage of this blog, Merry Christmas, blessings to you and your families, and if there's another holiday on your calender this time of year, then enjoy that too.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Monday, December 19, 2005

Quote of the Week

"The lonliest words you'll ever know: if only, if only it were so! The emptiest words that there'll ever be: it could've been me! It could've been me!" - Meatloaf

The South

Tonight it was my pleasure to join ER and a new friend, Jessica, for some Steak n' Shake. Jessica, we soon learned, is from the south. As is my nature, I immediately began to ridicule the things about the south I find strange or ridiculous. Chief amongst them is the southern fascination with the Waffle House. Any of you who have ever traveled in the south know what I'm talking about. The giant black letters on the yellow background, inviting you to warmed over eggs, soggy pancakes, burnt bacon, and grits.

What the hell is a grit? The last time I checked, grit was a tecture. Sandpaper is gritty. It's not a food. I asked Jessica, but she was unable to offer a satisfactory answer. All I got out of her was, "It's a part of corn." How anyone can eat something that was once a growth on their foot baffles me...

During the course of our discussion ER revealed to us his "feminine side." Which basically includes the fact that he can't hold his liqour, is into the cutsy kid thing, and watches chic flix. He is the only man I've ever met who freely admits to channel surfing, spotting, "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days," and making the conscious decision to stop and watch. There are certain sides of ourselves we just shouldn't show people...

Christmas

Did we miss its real meaning
when all that we were dreaming
was of gifts and of receiving
some useless, soon forgotten thing?

How could it be that we've forgotten
after all the blessings we have gotten
have we come to be so rotten
that we care not about our Lord?

Are we so blind that we don't care
about that king by which we swear
who born this day and came to dare
dark death to leave us be?

Tell me how we cannot see
that he who came for you and me
is merely destined just to be
drowned out by dinner and some tree!

Or do we still remember
in the later of December
he who came to us in winter
and will come again sometime?

Yes! Christmas still has meaning
still is more than just receiving
as some people still are dreaming
of Christ the King, our Lord!

-DEH

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Christine is Funny

Living with Christine for a couple of months now has caused me to realize just how funny she really is. Unfortunately for Christine, she's not trying to be funny, it just happens. Clumsiness tells only half the story, as she is capable of uttering many phrases that work against her in comedic fashion.

For example, tonight, after I helped her reassemble the futon, I jokingly held a bottle of water over her head. Her response was to say, "I'm gonna tell Ron (her fiance) that you were trying to get me wet!"

Freudian slip? You be the judge...

Linda

Speak Linda's name, and she appears! It's about time you contributed to this work in progress!

Congrats to BenDo

Heartiest congratulations to my corporate colleague Dolan who is the proud new owner of an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. For those of you not involved in aviation, the ATP is the highest grade of pilot certificate the FAA can issue.

They'll let anyone be captain on G-V's these days...

Nicely done BenDo!

Quote of the Week

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

From the Airwaves

Recently heard on O'Hare Approach control:

ExpressJet 1234 - "Approach, Expressjet 1234, what aircraft are we following?"

Chicago Approach - "Sir, you're following a heavy triple-7"

ExpressJet 1234 - "Ah, how many miles in trail are we sir?"

Chicago Approach - "You're 5 in trail sir."

ExpressJet 1234 - "Isn't that a little close for comfort?"

Chicago Approach - "I'm extremely comfortable, thanx for asking."

Friday, December 09, 2005

First Mistake

Only after I wrongly accused English-teaching Linda of being the masked menace of this blog does Anonymous make their first grammatical mistake. "...leading you need to bait me..." Don't you mean, "you're," my incognito friend? And by the way, "Fear not my good natured witty friend..." should look more like, "Fear not, my good-natured, witty friend..."

Anonymous has yet to curse, or use sexual references. Since nearly all of the male friends I associate with do both on a regular basis, this leads me to believe that Anonymous is a woman. Let's face it, a guy would have the balls (pun intended) to admit their identity.

You are my tormentor, Anonymous... I shall have my vengeance.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Where have you gone, Anonymous?

My nemesis seems to have burrowed into a hole. It has been the better part of two weeks since our friend Anonymous has stopped by to ridicule me. Perhaps I am so hot on his / her trail that he / she won't risk further posting for fear of being exposed. This confrontation will not be forgotten, Anonymous...

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

New Feature

This week I'm adding a new weekly feature to the blog. The Quote of the Week. The quote may be famous, it may be obscure. It may be a bit of wisdom, it may be a joke. It may be inspiring, or spiritual, or utter nonsense. You'll just have to check back each week to see what's been posted. Anyone who wants to post there favorite quotes is welcome to do so in the comments section.

Since this is the first week, there will be two quotes, because they are my two favorites. Enjoy!

"When once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo DaVinci

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Violent Video Games

Tara asked me tonight if I played violent video games and, of course, I responded with a resounding yes. She was a little bit taken aback, but the fact is, violent video games are great for society. Allow me to expand:

Every week I go to work. I deal with the traveling public, aka the idiot road show, I work within the national airspace system which was designed in the 50's, and one of my coworkers needs an instruction manual on how to use their brain. For all you flight attendants out there, yes, I'm referring to you. So basically for four days my patience is tested to its limits, and I return home frustrated and angry. Ground stop delays, and screaming babies, and yelling passengers, and the flight attendant needs ice, and "you lost my luggage," and I JUST WANT TO SHOOT SOMEBODY!!!! Thankfully for the traveling public, I am able to release my considerable ire on a violent video game instead of them. Very few things are as satisfying as blasting a 3D animated monster with a double-barreled shotgun. Especially when in your mind you're really shooting at the guy in seat 3 B who accused you of lying to him about your maintenance delay, or the chic in 16 C who refuses to get off her cell phone after the door is closed.

I realize there are a lot of people out there who think violent video games contribute to violence in our society. What a load of shit! If it wasn't for the release people like me get from violent video games, there would be a helluva lot more violence going on in the world. People in service industries everywhere would be blasting customers and coworkers alike on a weekly basis. Then again, considering some of the people I'd have shot by now, maybe that's not such a bad idea...

Saturday, December 03, 2005

From the Airwaves

Recently heard on Cleveland Center's Frequency:

"Yo, yo, yo! Clevey center, Expressjet 1234 witcha, keepin' it real at 230!"