Monday, May 28, 2007

The Box

Ever wonder what really goes on in an airline simulator?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE1rE2vxUyM&mode=related&search=

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Quote of the Week

"It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not."

- James Gordon, M.D.

Raincheck

I'm remarkably busy this week. Check back next week for news on the latest Pact Trip, and a little something on one of my favorite hobbies...

Monday, May 14, 2007

Quote of the Week

"I will try not to worry you,
I have seen things that you will never see,
Leave it to memory me. I shudder to breathe."
- R.E.M.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Where have you gone, Albert Pujols? Cardinal Nation turns its lonely eyes to you...

Not only are my beloved Redbirds losing, they're losing big. They can't hit, and they can't pitch. It's a good thing they can still play defense, or things would be even uglier than they already are. Someone has to step up, because Chris Duncan and Braden Looper can't do it on their own. A little support would be much appreciated...

Paging Adam Wainwright, Adam Wainwright, please report to the pitcher's mound, and don't forget your stuff...

Paging Albert Pujols, Albert Pujols, please report to the on deck circle, and don't forget your bat...

Paging Jim Edmonds, Jim Edmonds, are you still alive?

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Quote of the Week

"It was a grand trait of the old Roman that with him one and the same word meant both honor and honesty." - Unknown

Eating on the Run

Ahh, airport food. The staple of my diet, and probably the biggest reason why I'm starting to get fat. (Lack of exercise not withstanding.) There are, believe it or not, some really great places to eat at our nation's airports. Here's a quick rundown of some of my favorites:

Chicago O'Hare:

If you're the kind of person who throws caution to the wind, try the buffalo chicken burrito from the Burrito Beach, located in the H concourse food court. Spicy chicken, black beans, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa! It's tasty and it's enormous, but be warned: violent diarhea WILL ensue! I recommend you stay away from this time bomb if you're about to board a transcon...

If the incredible exploding asshole just isn't your thing, take a stroll to the Mediterranean Grill located next to gate F4. It's a hole in the wall, but they'll cook you up the best gyro in Chicago, complete with tomato, onion, tsatsiki sauce, and (of course) rotisserie meat goodness. This meal also has it's drawbacks, however. There is enough garlic included to kill an entire platoon of vampires, or the person sitting next to you on your next flight. I recommend breath mints, and luckily, the grill sells those too.

Dallas / Fort Worth Intl:

A tasty breakfast can be had at DFnW for a surprisingly cheap price at the Texas Stadium Bar and Grill, located in concourse B. The scrambled eggs are fluffy, the bacon is crisp, and the OJ is fresh squeezed. The breakfast tacos, by the way, are the best I've ever had. It's also a place to people watch. I once sat down for breakfast at 8:30am, and the gentleman at the table next to mine had 6 empty Bud Light bottles in front of him...

Cleveland Hopkins:

The "On Stage Cleveland" restaurant centraly located between all 4 concourses at Hopkins is a bit pricey, but the food is excellent. I tried the grilled chicken caesar salad, and have yet to taste it's equal. Be forwarned, if you drink ice tea (you know, regular old fashioned ice tea?) you'd better get it at the food court next door. The only thing On Stage Cleveland has to offer is $8 bottles of Republic of Tea. I might pay $8 for a beer at the baseball stadium, but for ice tea?

Evansville Regional:

Usually, tiny airports have awful food choices. Evansville, however, is a gem. Meals and More serves hot and cold sandwiches and meals, and sells local memorabilia. Skip the local junk and head for the sub sandwiches, prepared in front of you with surprisingly fresh ingredients and even more surprisingly fresh bread. It's 40% better than Subway, 20% better than Quizno's, and cheaper than both.

Miami Intl:

If you swim to this country from Mexico, you're breaking the law, and we don't want you here. It doesn't matter how good your tacos are. If you swim to this country from Cuba, you're a political refugee seeking asylum from an oppressive government, and we'll welcome you with open arms. Especially if you keep bringing recipes like black bean soup, bistec empanizado, and platanos fritos. Sample a few of these delicacies at La Carreta Cuban Grill, located at the concourse D security checkpoint. If you don't have much time, skip the buffet line and head to the back of the store for the A La Carte station. There you can order a myread of sandwiches, but the best one is, (what else?) a Cuban.

Chicago Midway:

The best airport sandwich in the country can be enjoyed at Pot Bellies just past the security checkpoint at Chicago's Midway airport. Be prepared when you get in line, as the employees will shout at you from great distances to get your order, and if you're not paying attention you'll look like an idiot. (This never happened to me, for the record.) My favorite is the Italian sub. Pepperoni, salame, capricola and mozzarela with your choice of veggies and condiments. Add a bag of chips and a soda, and then pray that the good Lord will open up a place for you to sit in this popular eatery.

Orlando Intl:

Try out Miami Subs, airside 30-59. Yeah, yeah, I know, it's a chain, but it's pretty good food for not a lot of coin. I'm a big fan of the cheesesteak myself, which comes with grilled onions and peppers. Besides, the other option is a whooper... with cheese...

Raleigh Durham Intl:

Maui Taco is a great place for lunch or dinner, located in terminal C. I never thought I'd see tacos, hawaiian style, but this place pulls it off pretty tastefully. (pun intended.) The fish tacos are excellent, and you can have any burrito or taco you ask for topped off with pineapple chunks. Don't wrinkle your nose, just try it!

Boston Logan:

Legal Seafood, the same chain that made Clam Chowder famous in Massachusettes, has set up shop in both the C and B concourses, though the one in B is just a cafe. In the C concourse you can peruse the entire menu, complete with a full wine list. The seafood is fresh and prepared perfectly. You'd better have plenty of time though, because it's not exactly fast food. Give yourself at least an hour before boarding, and don't you dare leave without trying the "chahdah," as the locals say.

Well, that's it. Yeah, I know, it's a short list. That's because airport food as a whole sucks. So does exercise. Between the two of them I'll be fat in no time. Have I missed your favorite airport dinning establishment? Leave a comment and tell me where it is!

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Quote of the Week

"Some people come and some people go. Sometimes people who should stay end up going, and sometimes people who should go end up staying. Sometimes we have a say in who stays and who goes. That's usually when we screw it up." Anonymous