Maybe they should just change the name to "Maybe in May".
Today the "Memphis In May Beale Street Music Festival" begins and runs through Sunday.
Just like in so many years past, the forecast calls for rain.
Tom Lee Park, home of the event, is mostly made of sediment dredged from the bottom of the Mississippi River.
It's mostly silt.
Silt turns into muck if you even whisper the word "water" close to it.
Just as it did in years past when it rains during the Music Fest, the park will be filled with ruts.
The grass will be torn to shreds.
The mud will be tracked all over Riverside drive.
Even if the rains don't come back during the BBQ contest in two weeks, the park will be a dust bowl for that event.
Silt doesn't behave like good soil.
It behaves like angry dust.
The stuff will be flying into everything not tightly sealed.
Not that it matters.
Nobody has a bad time at a BBQ.
Come to think of it, nobody has a bad time at music festivals.
As long as they're prepared.
Or drunk.
Or stoned.
The stoner's are easy to spot. They're the one's wearing only their shorts, going barefoot, and diving in the mud.
I can't for the life of me think that going barefoot into a festival port-a-let is a really good idea.
It'll happen though.
I'll miss this year's event due to having made previous plans.
"MEMPHIS IN MUD"
Y'all have fun.
Until the next time, all y'all take care.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Day Late...........
Happy (what would have been your) 53rd anniversary Mom and Dad.
Sadly, they didn't even get to celebrate their 25th.
They only made it to 22.
Not because they split up in the legal sense, Pop died.
I'm pretty sure he didn't want to.
Mom joined Dad on the other side in January, 1993.
I AM sure she didn't want to die. Her eyes told us all we needed to know.
Even after the stroke took her voice and left side, she was still fighting.
Mom and Dad were married on 28 April, 1957. Pop was 36, Mom was 20. When I asked Mom, later in life, "Was age a big issue?", she just laughed and said, "Your Father was a handsome and funny man.".
Wit. It gets girls attention every time.
I had big plans for my parent's 25th anniversary. I wanted it to be big. I wanted it to be a memorable moment. It was going to be spectacular.
Then, on 5 February, 1980, the houseparent in my dorm knocked on my bedroom door.
I could tell by the look in Dave Smith's eyes the news wasn't good.
"Mike, you need to come down to my apartment and call home.".
I froze.
In my mind, it had to be either one of my grandmothers or my beloved step-grandfather.
I called my parents.
Mom couldn't talk. This would be a precursor of my brother Gary's death.
Frank Pote took the phone. Frank was a funeral director, childhood friend of the Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter, and husband of one of Mom's best friends Lucille.
"Mike, you need to get down to Logan. There's a ticket waiting for you. Your Father passed away last night.".
I was then, and am now still, a tough guy.
My knees buckled.
I collapsed.
Dave bought over a folding chair and a glass of bourbon.
He already knew.
I talked to Frank for a few minutes. Then I tried to talk to Mom. Her world had collapsed. It would be another day before she could even talk without having a complete breakdown.
What can I say? Dad was her everything. He handled all the household finances, all the day to day household projects, and gave Mom the support she needed to handle five boys.
Like the late Harry Kalas said, "He was big.".
I flew into Philly. Frank was there to pick me up. He was crying.
I didn't stand a chance. I broke down.
We barely spoke.
We crossed the Walt Whitman Bridge. Unexpectedly, he got off on NJ Route 130.
I looked over at Frank. "We're going to Ponzio's." is all he said.
I loved Ponzio's. My maternal grandmother worked there until she retired.
Frank and I got the Snapping Turtle Soup. They made the best.
One of the girls who worked with Mom Mom came over. She was crying. "Ginny called us and told us the news." was all she could blurt out. All the other girls, hearing that "Betty's son is here...." came over. Then the kitchen staff came out. Then the owner came over.
I tried my best to contain my emotions.
Epic "fail" on my part.
Steve, the pastry chef, came over and his eyes were red. He and his wife were great friends of my grandparents. He loved Dad's sense of humor.
"Mike, I'm so sorry."
I broke down.
There would be no 25th anniversary.
Pop wouldn't get to have that retirement party.
Cut to 1993, it would be the same fate for Mom, just drawn out in a painful and sad manner.
I remember my last words to her.
"Mom, tell Dad we said, "Yo"."
Even in her state of coma, she squeezed my hand with her good one.
People in a coma can hear folks.
She died the next afternoon.
So then, what should have been their 53rd anniversary, was just another day. At least to most folks. I took the day and spent it remembering all the good things about Mom and Dad. Sure, there were bad times, but the good times sure as Hell outweighed the bad times.
I remembered our last Christmas. Mom and Dad were thrilled I came home with a 3.9 GPA in my first semester of my Freshman year of college.
Dad knew, in spite of his private wishes I'd be a research chemist like himself, I was doing exactly what fate had intended me to do.
He was satisfied with that over Christmas/New Year's that year. So was Mom.
They were my biggest fans. They knew I, and my brothers, would succeed. We were raised to do so.
Most days I conduct myself as an adult.
Not on 28 April.
That day, I let myself be a little kid.
Dick and Betty Walker's third son.
Mom?
Dad?
I miss you with all my heart and love you both that much more.
Thank you for everything.
Mike
Sadly, they didn't even get to celebrate their 25th.
They only made it to 22.
Not because they split up in the legal sense, Pop died.
I'm pretty sure he didn't want to.
Mom joined Dad on the other side in January, 1993.
I AM sure she didn't want to die. Her eyes told us all we needed to know.
Even after the stroke took her voice and left side, she was still fighting.
Mom and Dad were married on 28 April, 1957. Pop was 36, Mom was 20. When I asked Mom, later in life, "Was age a big issue?", she just laughed and said, "Your Father was a handsome and funny man.".
Wit. It gets girls attention every time.
I had big plans for my parent's 25th anniversary. I wanted it to be big. I wanted it to be a memorable moment. It was going to be spectacular.
Then, on 5 February, 1980, the houseparent in my dorm knocked on my bedroom door.
I could tell by the look in Dave Smith's eyes the news wasn't good.
"Mike, you need to come down to my apartment and call home.".
I froze.
In my mind, it had to be either one of my grandmothers or my beloved step-grandfather.
I called my parents.
Mom couldn't talk. This would be a precursor of my brother Gary's death.
Frank Pote took the phone. Frank was a funeral director, childhood friend of the Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter, and husband of one of Mom's best friends Lucille.
"Mike, you need to get down to Logan. There's a ticket waiting for you. Your Father passed away last night.".
I was then, and am now still, a tough guy.
My knees buckled.
I collapsed.
Dave bought over a folding chair and a glass of bourbon.
He already knew.
I talked to Frank for a few minutes. Then I tried to talk to Mom. Her world had collapsed. It would be another day before she could even talk without having a complete breakdown.
What can I say? Dad was her everything. He handled all the household finances, all the day to day household projects, and gave Mom the support she needed to handle five boys.
Like the late Harry Kalas said, "He was big.".
I flew into Philly. Frank was there to pick me up. He was crying.
I didn't stand a chance. I broke down.
We barely spoke.
We crossed the Walt Whitman Bridge. Unexpectedly, he got off on NJ Route 130.
I looked over at Frank. "We're going to Ponzio's." is all he said.
I loved Ponzio's. My maternal grandmother worked there until she retired.
Frank and I got the Snapping Turtle Soup. They made the best.
One of the girls who worked with Mom Mom came over. She was crying. "Ginny called us and told us the news." was all she could blurt out. All the other girls, hearing that "Betty's son is here...." came over. Then the kitchen staff came out. Then the owner came over.
I tried my best to contain my emotions.
Epic "fail" on my part.
Steve, the pastry chef, came over and his eyes were red. He and his wife were great friends of my grandparents. He loved Dad's sense of humor.
"Mike, I'm so sorry."
I broke down.
There would be no 25th anniversary.
Pop wouldn't get to have that retirement party.
Cut to 1993, it would be the same fate for Mom, just drawn out in a painful and sad manner.
I remember my last words to her.
"Mom, tell Dad we said, "Yo"."
Even in her state of coma, she squeezed my hand with her good one.
People in a coma can hear folks.
She died the next afternoon.
So then, what should have been their 53rd anniversary, was just another day. At least to most folks. I took the day and spent it remembering all the good things about Mom and Dad. Sure, there were bad times, but the good times sure as Hell outweighed the bad times.
I remembered our last Christmas. Mom and Dad were thrilled I came home with a 3.9 GPA in my first semester of my Freshman year of college.
Dad knew, in spite of his private wishes I'd be a research chemist like himself, I was doing exactly what fate had intended me to do.
He was satisfied with that over Christmas/New Year's that year. So was Mom.
They were my biggest fans. They knew I, and my brothers, would succeed. We were raised to do so.
Most days I conduct myself as an adult.
Not on 28 April.
That day, I let myself be a little kid.
Dick and Betty Walker's third son.
Mom?
Dad?
I miss you with all my heart and love you both that much more.
Thank you for everything.
Mike
Monday, April 26, 2010
And Give Us This Day Our Daily "Brick".....
Albert Collins and the Icebreakers.
Not to be confused with the Flying Saucer's own "Brick".
I was lucky enough to see Albert Collins and the Icebreakers (backed by a four piece horn section from Mississippi called "The Poor White Trash Horns") at B. B. Kings Blues Club on Beale Street back in the late Winter of 1993.
Mr. Collins, who was gravely ill unbeknownst to us, would die six months later.
The world's a little less happy without the "Iceman".
Take it Albert........
Until the next time, all y'all watch out for flying objects and take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Not to be confused with the Flying Saucer's own "Brick".
I was lucky enough to see Albert Collins and the Icebreakers (backed by a four piece horn section from Mississippi called "The Poor White Trash Horns") at B. B. Kings Blues Club on Beale Street back in the late Winter of 1993.
Mr. Collins, who was gravely ill unbeknownst to us, would die six months later.
The world's a little less happy without the "Iceman".
Take it Albert........
Until the next time, all y'all watch out for flying objects and take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Pollen, Pollen Go Away.......
and stay away.
The April weather here in Memphis has been mostly picture perfect this month. Sunny, mild, and devoid of overwhelming humidity most days.
The big problem has been pollen.
For those such as myself who are susceptible to pollen allergies, it's been brutal.
For the first time in two years I had to get back on Singulair, Advair, and otc Claratin.
Guess what? It didn't help much.
What does help?
Rain.
Lots and lots of air clearing, washing the pollen down the storm drain, street flooding rain.
I took the picture above at approximately 1:15 pm CDT today from the third floor of the Hooks Memphis Central Library.
As far as I'm concerned it can keep raining straight through until the middle of next week.
Tom Lee Park needs to dry out in time for the Beale Street Music Festival.
Not that I'll be there.
I'm going to miss it this year.
Again.
Not that I mind in the least.
I have an important date to keep.
We'll be on a bit of a road trip, passing through Memphis for the Memphis in May World Champion Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Or not.
If the weather is like today's:
we'll adjust the road trip to relax in more suitable conditions.
Or not.
That's the true beauty of a road trip.
Those decisions are far off.
Today, I'm just happy my eyes are no longer itching, my sinus headache is gone, and I can breathe.
In other news, click on the next link for a really good blog, or as I call it, "Liquor Fairy Versus the Volcano".
Mandy blogs of her recent business travels through Europe.
She has a uniquely devastating way of telling a story that never fails to entertain me.
Give it a >*click*. You'll be glad you did.
Welcome back Mandy. Glad you made it out alive.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
The April weather here in Memphis has been mostly picture perfect this month. Sunny, mild, and devoid of overwhelming humidity most days.
The big problem has been pollen.
For those such as myself who are susceptible to pollen allergies, it's been brutal.
For the first time in two years I had to get back on Singulair, Advair, and otc Claratin.
Guess what? It didn't help much.
What does help?
Rain.
Lots and lots of air clearing, washing the pollen down the storm drain, street flooding rain.
I took the picture above at approximately 1:15 pm CDT today from the third floor of the Hooks Memphis Central Library.
As far as I'm concerned it can keep raining straight through until the middle of next week.
Tom Lee Park needs to dry out in time for the Beale Street Music Festival.
Not that I'll be there.
I'm going to miss it this year.
Again.
Not that I mind in the least.
I have an important date to keep.
We'll be on a bit of a road trip, passing through Memphis for the Memphis in May World Champion Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Or not.
If the weather is like today's:
we'll adjust the road trip to relax in more suitable conditions.
Or not.
That's the true beauty of a road trip.
Those decisions are far off.
Today, I'm just happy my eyes are no longer itching, my sinus headache is gone, and I can breathe.
In other news, click on the next link for a really good blog, or as I call it, "Liquor Fairy Versus the Volcano".
Mandy blogs of her recent business travels through Europe.
She has a uniquely devastating way of telling a story that never fails to entertain me.
Give it a >*click*. You'll be glad you did.
Welcome back Mandy. Glad you made it out alive.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tornado Warnings.........
One of the facts of life in the Mid-South I'm afraid.
We've had unbelievable weather so far this Spring. April, so far, has been filled with sunny days and mild temperatures.
Today isn't one of those days.
I didn't need the weatherman to tell me severe weather is on the way.
I felt it when I walked out the door this morning.
It's muggy. The winds are uneven. Soft one minute, blowing hard the next. The skies are an uneven shade. Grey some areas, almost black the next. The cloud bases can't be much more than 2,500 feet.
The meteorological term is "unstable air mass".
And this is just the leading edge.
I've been through many "Tornado Warnings", "Tornado Watches", and even had tornadoes touch down close to where I've lived.
A bunch of tornadoes came through the area here on Thanksgiving weekend in 1994. One hit around the corner from my house.
It killed three people.
Today's weather reminds me a great deal of the weather that day.
So what are most people doing to prepare for this sort of weather?
Mostly nothing. They are used to these warnings. Maybe too used to these warnings. Sort of like the folks in New Orleans were too used to hurricane warnings when Katrina hit.
Me? I got up and checked my supplies. I have suitable water for my needs. My Maglight has fresh batteries and spares to back it up. My radio has fresh batteries and spares as well. The safest room in my condo is the bathroom. It has no external walls and no windows.
I also have almost 30 years of learning/working with meteorology. I know what I'm looking at when I look at the clouds and associated conditions.
A lot of people take the weather for granted. I don't.
My best friend and I rode out a Summer thunderstorm one time after wisely beaching the fishing boat we were in. The thunderstorm whipped up the river, whitecaps and high winds buffeted us all the way to the beach. The boat cover protected us from the hail. It wouldn't have protected us from the lightning. Still we beat the actual storm to land, lessening our chances of injury and negating our chances of drowning in rough waters.
One time my oldest brother was driving me back to college. It was just after Dad's funeral. A "noreaster" was off the New York coast and the winds were howling. As we got on the Tappan Zee Bridge they really started to gust. In spite of all the weight of two young men and a brand new Chevrolet Chevette (all the comfort of the Chevrolet Vega with less of a chance of rust), we were blown from the center lane to the far right lane. Fortunately the cars and trucks were pretty well spaced out due to the conditions. Kev steered back to the center lane without further incident.
(Note: Not Kev's Chevette, but I couldn't resist placing a FUMOT Chevette in for fun.)
More than once I was in a control tower with the winds in excess of 45 knots. Believe me, it is a bit disconcerting when you realize the 180+ foot tower is swaying. Sustained winds of 55 knots or greater required us to abandon the tower.
Rest assured, no pilot in their right mind would attempt a landing in those conditions unless compelled to by an emergency. In that event, someone would have stayed behind in the tower.
I was awakened by the winds one fine July morning, only to have Hurricane Elvis hit 15 minutes later.
One look at the grey-green skies and sound told me all I needed to know. I called my then separated spouse, gave her a warning, and took my radio, flashlight, and cell phone to the bathroom and locked my self in.
My building suffered no damage as it has a larger building next to it. It blocked the winds.
Other folks weren't nearly as lucky. Some were without electricity for three weeks, some lost everything.
That's what 100 mph straight line winds can do.
Tornadoes are even worse.
I'm as prepared as I can be for one.
Hopefully, everyone else is too.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
You Might Be Driving A FUMOT........
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for yet another FUMOT blog.
Actually, it's overdue. Last year's events aborted what I had intended to become "FUMOT Monday".
I'm sure lesser ideas met the same fate elsewhere.
For those not so informed, the term "FUMOT" was coined by either Mikey, Paulie, or both. I'm not completely sure. It came from "The Window Game" and was it's own stand alone category.
"FUMOT" is an acronym for "F***ed Up Mode Of Transportation".
It applies to a large range of vehicles, but does exclude "Hooptys", custom vehicles such as the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, and well maintained cars driven by the general populace.
No one thing makes your ride a FUMOT, but a few small things will as you will see.
So, let's have some fun.
Let's play "FUMOT Or Not?"
Our first entry, driven by our own Mikey, is the "AM 730 Fox Sports" truck complete with custom decals and chrome spoke wheels.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Well, let's see. It IS garish. Nobody in their right mind would do that to their truck on purpose in most cases. Chrome wheels don't make this thing any easier to stare at. However, it is customized for a reason, that reason being advertising.
Besides, it IS our own Mikey at the wheel and he WAS engaged in advertising for the company.
The AM 730 Fox Sports truck................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
Our next contestant, "Rocky Redbird". He's the official mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple A affiliate Memphis Redbirds.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Major downsides working against this ride. It requires a bulky costume.
Visibility from inside that big head just can't be good.
Memphis drivers have difficulty seeing anything scooter related on the roads.
Missing a full grown adult in a big red bird outfit is not outside the realm of possibilities.
If a sudden thunderstorm breaks out, this guy will be riding a scooter while wearing a now 800 pound water soaked bird outfit.
However, he is also advertising for a legitimate business. The local children like Rocky. His costume and scooter are both clean and maintained.
Rocky on a scooter................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
Now then, let's take a look at folks out cruising.
Everybody who's never gone out cruising, raise your hand.
Now everybody who's got their hand up, log off the blog for lying.
EVERYBODY has gone cruising at least once in their lives.
Take these fellows for example:
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Hanging an elbow out of the window is the international body language announcing, "I'm cruising.".
Now then, about their ride...........
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Wow, it IS shiny.
I'm not sure I've ever seen those two shades together even by accident.
Once again the chrome wheels do nothing to soften the searing pain in your eyes.
Like Otto always says, "Once you see it, you can't unsee it.".
The "matching" background behind the chrome wheels is a nice touch.
However, it is clean. It has no dents. It wasn't unpleasant on the ears as it passed in spite of the stereo being cranked.
The young guys in the garish SUV................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
It is, in fact a "Hoopty".
A "Hoopty-Do" to be precise.
A "Hoopty-Do" can be driven under it's own power. A "Hoopty-Don't" can't.
Car after car passed us by. We spent the better part of the weekend FUMOT free.
It wouldn't be long though.
This IS downtown Memphis after all.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
We actually heard it before we saw it.
The bumper and left front fender crumpled by a distant impact. Had to be. Rust doesn't form that fast in the South. The rear end damage didn't help their cause, nor did the "glass packs" being used as mufflers.
Once upon a time, it was someone's pride and joy.
On Sunday it was just someone's "FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
More cars would pass as we settled into the Flying Saucer.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
These guys proved that you can be cruising in a really old school ride, take in the sights, and still not be a "FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
You just don't see many 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles cruising these days. Then again, they only made 14,000 of them.
So there you have it. Sort of a "Public Service Announcement" combined with a small weekend update.
Still no word on the Pennsville Public Library.
Believe me, when I hear it, you'll hear it next.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Actually, it's overdue. Last year's events aborted what I had intended to become "FUMOT Monday".
I'm sure lesser ideas met the same fate elsewhere.
For those not so informed, the term "FUMOT" was coined by either Mikey, Paulie, or both. I'm not completely sure. It came from "The Window Game" and was it's own stand alone category.
"FUMOT" is an acronym for "F***ed Up Mode Of Transportation".
It applies to a large range of vehicles, but does exclude "Hooptys", custom vehicles such as the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, and well maintained cars driven by the general populace.
No one thing makes your ride a FUMOT, but a few small things will as you will see.
So, let's have some fun.
Let's play "FUMOT Or Not?"
Our first entry, driven by our own Mikey, is the "AM 730 Fox Sports" truck complete with custom decals and chrome spoke wheels.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Well, let's see. It IS garish. Nobody in their right mind would do that to their truck on purpose in most cases. Chrome wheels don't make this thing any easier to stare at. However, it is customized for a reason, that reason being advertising.
Besides, it IS our own Mikey at the wheel and he WAS engaged in advertising for the company.
The AM 730 Fox Sports truck................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
Our next contestant, "Rocky Redbird". He's the official mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple A affiliate Memphis Redbirds.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Major downsides working against this ride. It requires a bulky costume.
Visibility from inside that big head just can't be good.
Memphis drivers have difficulty seeing anything scooter related on the roads.
Missing a full grown adult in a big red bird outfit is not outside the realm of possibilities.
If a sudden thunderstorm breaks out, this guy will be riding a scooter while wearing a now 800 pound water soaked bird outfit.
However, he is also advertising for a legitimate business. The local children like Rocky. His costume and scooter are both clean and maintained.
Rocky on a scooter................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
Now then, let's take a look at folks out cruising.
Everybody who's never gone out cruising, raise your hand.
Now everybody who's got their hand up, log off the blog for lying.
EVERYBODY has gone cruising at least once in their lives.
Take these fellows for example:
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Hanging an elbow out of the window is the international body language announcing, "I'm cruising.".
Now then, about their ride...........
"FUMOT Or Not?"
Wow, it IS shiny.
I'm not sure I've ever seen those two shades together even by accident.
Once again the chrome wheels do nothing to soften the searing pain in your eyes.
Like Otto always says, "Once you see it, you can't unsee it.".
The "matching" background behind the chrome wheels is a nice touch.
However, it is clean. It has no dents. It wasn't unpleasant on the ears as it passed in spite of the stereo being cranked.
The young guys in the garish SUV................?
"Not a FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
It is, in fact a "Hoopty".
A "Hoopty-Do" to be precise.
A "Hoopty-Do" can be driven under it's own power. A "Hoopty-Don't" can't.
Car after car passed us by. We spent the better part of the weekend FUMOT free.
It wouldn't be long though.
This IS downtown Memphis after all.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
We actually heard it before we saw it.
The bumper and left front fender crumpled by a distant impact. Had to be. Rust doesn't form that fast in the South. The rear end damage didn't help their cause, nor did the "glass packs" being used as mufflers.
Once upon a time, it was someone's pride and joy.
On Sunday it was just someone's "FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
More cars would pass as we settled into the Flying Saucer.
"FUMOT Or Not?"
These guys proved that you can be cruising in a really old school ride, take in the sights, and still not be a "FUMOT!!!!!!!!"
You just don't see many 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles cruising these days. Then again, they only made 14,000 of them.
So there you have it. Sort of a "Public Service Announcement" combined with a small weekend update.
Still no word on the Pennsville Public Library.
Believe me, when I hear it, you'll hear it next.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Have A Nice Weekend
Three books read today.
Tomorrow, the 8th Annual Southern Hot Wing Contest and Festival.
Sunday, the 18th Anual Ragin Cajun Crawfish Festival benefitting Porter-Leath.
The weather is going to be great, my schedule is full.
See all y'all on Monday.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Tomorrow, the 8th Annual Southern Hot Wing Contest and Festival.
Sunday, the 18th Anual Ragin Cajun Crawfish Festival benefitting Porter-Leath.
The weather is going to be great, my schedule is full.
See all y'all on Monday.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Pennsville Township Committee Meeting Tonight
For my friends back home, please don't forget there is a Pennsville Township Committee meeting this evening scheduled for 7:00 pm.
One proposal is to cut the Library funding by 100%.
For the record, I'm glad to see they finally updated the Township Committee picture to reflect to the current line up.
That wasn't the case three days ago. They still had a picture of former Committeeman Birchmire in the group shot and a silhouette of current Committeeman Raine in the profiles section.
An observant webmaster would have had that information updated shortly after the election.
The webmaster apparently still missed this from the "Services" page:
"Our public library is a vital and important service in our community, and is centered geographically for easy access to everyone in the township.".
Their words, not mine.
Please REMIND them of those words this evening.
Should they fail to hear them, please REMIND them of those words at the ballot box at election time.
They say they don't have money to help the Library this year.
While the Library IS independent of the Township, it IS an integral part of the community. It is a vital and valuable asset.
Money is tight, no doubt.
The State put the clamps down.
However, it would appear that Township monies may not be being allocated as well as they could be.
For example, it seems that some of your Township employees have health care plans that cost approximately $25,000.00.
DO ANY OF YOU HAVE $25,000.00 HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES?
Be sure to ask them about the specifics including how many employees have this insanely expensive perk.
I'm sure the Township Committee will be more than happy to answer your questions.
By law they have to provide certain information that is public record, but may not be in the position, or of the volition, to do so.
(Note: edited 4/15/10 to clarify statement and correct grammatical error. - ATM)
Either way, if they aren't, here's the recourse for the good citizens of Pennsville (and the citizens of New Jersey).
It's called the Open Public Records Act, or as the State of New Jersey likes to call it NJSA 47:1A-1 et seq. .
Here's the link to the State of New Jersey's web page regarding this matter. It tells you how to do it, what is and isn't exempt, and how you can appeal a decision if necessary.
In my research I also found this page explaining the law in full.
But wait, there's more.
Our good friends up in Hunterdon County printed up this handy guide to the OPRA, spelling out in layman's terms how the law works.
Here's a segment from page 2 of the .pdf file:
"What is “OPRA”
On January 8, 2002, a new law was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Acting Governor which makes significant changes in the law governing public records. This law, P.L. 2001, c.404—more commonly known as the “Open Public Records Act” declares governmental records to be made public unless they fall within certain exceptions.
In general:
- - Immediate access is ordinarily available to budgets, bills, vouchers, contracts, including collective bargaining negotiations agreements and individual employment contracts, and public employee salary and overtime information. Minutes of public meetings will be generally available immediately after the minutes have been approved.
- - Records which are not readily available, are in storage, or which will require a search of records, will be made available as soon as possible and the requestor will be provided with response within seven (7)business days of making the request indicating the time which will be required to provide the records.
- - Where a legal determination must be made as to whether records are “public records” as provided by law, the request will be reviewed by the County Attorney. You will be provided with a response with that information within seven (7) business days of your request.
- - The seven (7) business day “time frame” starts the day after your request has been received by the County Records Custodian at the address listed on the request
form.
(note: I edited out, "and on the front of this brochure." seeing as how the address is for Hunterdon County, not Salem County. Otherwise, the paragraphs are as printed on the pdf copy of the brochure. - ATM )
Ladies and gentlemen, they HAVE to provide the information to you.
There are fees for copies. That's only fair.
Here's the fee schedule spelled out in the Act:
Fees for copies b. A copy or copies of a government record may be purchased by any person upon payment of the fee prescribed by law or regulation, or if a fee is not prescribed by law or regulation, upon payment of the actual cost of duplicating the record.
Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, the fee assessed for the duplication of a government record embodied in the form of printed matter shall not exceed the following:
- first page to tenth page, $0.75 per page;
- eleventh page to twentieth page, $0.50 per page;
- all pages over twenty, $0.25 per page.
I strongly encourage one and all to avail themselves of this kind offer via the State laws.
It should make some good reading.
It should make some even better discussion.
My late grandfather always said, "Rats and roaches fear the light of day.".
Tonight, go ahead, "turn on the lights".
Make notes as to the Township Committee's responses.
Then, decide for yourselves.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Coming soon, how to get a referendum on a local ballot.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
One proposal is to cut the Library funding by 100%.
For the record, I'm glad to see they finally updated the Township Committee picture to reflect to the current line up.
That wasn't the case three days ago. They still had a picture of former Committeeman Birchmire in the group shot and a silhouette of current Committeeman Raine in the profiles section.
An observant webmaster would have had that information updated shortly after the election.
The webmaster apparently still missed this from the "Services" page:
"Our public library is a vital and important service in our community, and is centered geographically for easy access to everyone in the township.".
Their words, not mine.
Please REMIND them of those words this evening.
Should they fail to hear them, please REMIND them of those words at the ballot box at election time.
They say they don't have money to help the Library this year.
While the Library IS independent of the Township, it IS an integral part of the community. It is a vital and valuable asset.
Money is tight, no doubt.
The State put the clamps down.
However, it would appear that Township monies may not be being allocated as well as they could be.
For example, it seems that some of your Township employees have health care plans that cost approximately $25,000.00.
DO ANY OF YOU HAVE $25,000.00 HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES?
Be sure to ask them about the specifics including how many employees have this insanely expensive perk.
I'm sure the Township Committee will be more than happy to answer your questions.
By law they have to provide certain information that is public record, but may not be in the position, or of the volition, to do so.
(Note: edited 4/15/10 to clarify statement and correct grammatical error. - ATM)
Either way, if they aren't, here's the recourse for the good citizens of Pennsville (and the citizens of New Jersey).
It's called the Open Public Records Act, or as the State of New Jersey likes to call it NJSA 47:1A-1 et seq. .
Here's the link to the State of New Jersey's web page regarding this matter. It tells you how to do it, what is and isn't exempt, and how you can appeal a decision if necessary.
In my research I also found this page explaining the law in full.
But wait, there's more.
Our good friends up in Hunterdon County printed up this handy guide to the OPRA, spelling out in layman's terms how the law works.
Here's a segment from page 2 of the .pdf file:
"What is “OPRA”
On January 8, 2002, a new law was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Acting Governor which makes significant changes in the law governing public records. This law, P.L. 2001, c.404—more commonly known as the “Open Public Records Act” declares governmental records to be made public unless they fall within certain exceptions.
In general:
- - Immediate access is ordinarily available to budgets, bills, vouchers, contracts, including collective bargaining negotiations agreements and individual employment contracts, and public employee salary and overtime information. Minutes of public meetings will be generally available immediately after the minutes have been approved.
- - Records which are not readily available, are in storage, or which will require a search of records, will be made available as soon as possible and the requestor will be provided with response within seven (7)business days of making the request indicating the time which will be required to provide the records.
- - Where a legal determination must be made as to whether records are “public records” as provided by law, the request will be reviewed by the County Attorney. You will be provided with a response with that information within seven (7) business days of your request.
- - The seven (7) business day “time frame” starts the day after your request has been received by the County Records Custodian at the address listed on the request
form.
(note: I edited out, "and on the front of this brochure." seeing as how the address is for Hunterdon County, not Salem County. Otherwise, the paragraphs are as printed on the pdf copy of the brochure. - ATM )
Ladies and gentlemen, they HAVE to provide the information to you.
There are fees for copies. That's only fair.
Here's the fee schedule spelled out in the Act:
Fees for copies b. A copy or copies of a government record may be purchased by any person upon payment of the fee prescribed by law or regulation, or if a fee is not prescribed by law or regulation, upon payment of the actual cost of duplicating the record.
Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, the fee assessed for the duplication of a government record embodied in the form of printed matter shall not exceed the following:
- first page to tenth page, $0.75 per page;
- eleventh page to twentieth page, $0.50 per page;
- all pages over twenty, $0.25 per page.
I strongly encourage one and all to avail themselves of this kind offer via the State laws.
It should make some good reading.
It should make some even better discussion.
My late grandfather always said, "Rats and roaches fear the light of day.".
Tonight, go ahead, "turn on the lights".
Make notes as to the Township Committee's responses.
Then, decide for yourselves.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Coming soon, how to get a referendum on a local ballot.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday Update, Live From The Memphis Hooks Central Library
Wow, what a busy week.
From helping bring attention to the plight of the Pennsville Public Library on Monday, to following up the effort on Tuesday, and spending the rest of yesterday at Memphis City Hall to support this measure reining in panhandling, in particular aggressive panhandling.
Aggressive panhandling and scam artists have plagued us for some time in Downtown. This measure was overdue. Now there is an ordinance in effect protecting both residents and visitors across the Memphis area, including the areas away from Downtown.
Some misguided, but mostly well meaning souls attempted to link this bill with homelessness. Unfortunately, most of the repeat offenders are far from homeless. Their arrest records list home addresses. On occasion some of our more tenacious Downtown residents have followed them to their homes.
I don't recommend that sort of stuff unless you have a ready safety net.
For those interested in reading more about this, I highly recommend this Google group Handling-Panhandling. It requires you join the group, but is filled with pictures of the professional panhandler/scammers, their scams, and warrant/arrest information.
It will show you why us residents, neighborhood associations, business groups, and business leaders fought so hard for this ordinance.
These folks aren't homeless, they are leeches.
I ran into Paul Ryburn after the meeting. I mentioned some protesters were wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "Jesus Was A Panhandler". Click here to read my take on the matter.
Today, feeling a need to get out of the Downtown core, I've opted to spend some time at the library.
The Memphis Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is the flagship of the Memphis Public Library System. Big, open, and airy. It is a most comfortable place to work.
Looks like a lot of folks are in here doing their taxes on the computers. Fortunately, the library has a lot of computers on all four floors. I'm working off my laptop over by some big windows.
Maybe, just maybe the rest of the week will be quiet.
At least until Saturday. Saturday is the 8th Annual Southern Hot Wing Contest & Festival down on South Main.
Last year's event was outstanding. Too much food, too much good music, too much fun.
I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures and items to report from that.
As for today, some research into the State of New Jersey Open Public Records Act and some reading. The Pennsville Public Library issue here at Air Traffic Mike's is far from over.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
From helping bring attention to the plight of the Pennsville Public Library on Monday, to following up the effort on Tuesday, and spending the rest of yesterday at Memphis City Hall to support this measure reining in panhandling, in particular aggressive panhandling.
Aggressive panhandling and scam artists have plagued us for some time in Downtown. This measure was overdue. Now there is an ordinance in effect protecting both residents and visitors across the Memphis area, including the areas away from Downtown.
Some misguided, but mostly well meaning souls attempted to link this bill with homelessness. Unfortunately, most of the repeat offenders are far from homeless. Their arrest records list home addresses. On occasion some of our more tenacious Downtown residents have followed them to their homes.
I don't recommend that sort of stuff unless you have a ready safety net.
For those interested in reading more about this, I highly recommend this Google group Handling-Panhandling. It requires you join the group, but is filled with pictures of the professional panhandler/scammers, their scams, and warrant/arrest information.
It will show you why us residents, neighborhood associations, business groups, and business leaders fought so hard for this ordinance.
These folks aren't homeless, they are leeches.
I ran into Paul Ryburn after the meeting. I mentioned some protesters were wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "Jesus Was A Panhandler". Click here to read my take on the matter.
Today, feeling a need to get out of the Downtown core, I've opted to spend some time at the library.
The Memphis Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is the flagship of the Memphis Public Library System. Big, open, and airy. It is a most comfortable place to work.
Looks like a lot of folks are in here doing their taxes on the computers. Fortunately, the library has a lot of computers on all four floors. I'm working off my laptop over by some big windows.
Maybe, just maybe the rest of the week will be quiet.
At least until Saturday. Saturday is the 8th Annual Southern Hot Wing Contest & Festival down on South Main.
Last year's event was outstanding. Too much food, too much good music, too much fun.
I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures and items to report from that.
As for today, some research into the State of New Jersey Open Public Records Act and some reading. The Pennsville Public Library issue here at Air Traffic Mike's is far from over.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Meanwhile, Back In Pennsville
It seems the possibility of closing the Pennsville Public Library is causing a great deal of teeth gnashing on both sides of the issue now.
As well it should.
I was glad to see one of the Pennsville Township Committeemen take time to respond. The President of the Library also took the time to respond.
By the number of hits on that blog and the IP addresses they came from, it would appear the message got out.
Glad I could help.
There's a meeting at the Library this evening beginning at 7:00 pm. I encourage everyone back home who cares about quality of life issues to attend.
That includes the Township Committee.
Mr. Landis, you spoke of your and your family's involvement with the Library. You also seemed frustrated that few citizens attend the Township Committee meetings.
How about a little "Leadership By Example" and attending the Library meeting this evening? Bring the rest of the guys with you. It could be an enlightening experience for all involved.
That is not intended as a slight Mr. Landis. I spoke with some folks back in Pennsville who spoke highly of you and your commitment to the Township. I have no reason to doubt their opinions. However, maybe a Committeeman or two might spark a decent dialogue and some possible solutions.
However, I still say closing the Library is a short sighted solution to a temporary problem with long term consequences in which none of the consequences are good.
In turn I also encourage everyone on both sides of the issue to attend Thursday night's Township Committee meeting. In spite of their service to the community, especially long time Committeeman/Former Mayor Crawford and Mayor Barnhart, they can't read your minds.
Your community is only as good as everyone's involvement.
I'd actually like to be there but I have to be at Memphis City Hall for the final reading/hopeful passage of a panhandling ordinance five years in the making.
Folks if you want "quality of life" you have to be ready to stand up for it.
Go to the Library tonight.
Go to the Township Office on Thursday.
Stop working on problems and start working on solutions.
BTW Mr. Landis, your time permitting, I'd like to see your responses to the questions I posed here yesterday.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
As well it should.
I was glad to see one of the Pennsville Township Committeemen take time to respond. The President of the Library also took the time to respond.
By the number of hits on that blog and the IP addresses they came from, it would appear the message got out.
Glad I could help.
There's a meeting at the Library this evening beginning at 7:00 pm. I encourage everyone back home who cares about quality of life issues to attend.
That includes the Township Committee.
Mr. Landis, you spoke of your and your family's involvement with the Library. You also seemed frustrated that few citizens attend the Township Committee meetings.
How about a little "Leadership By Example" and attending the Library meeting this evening? Bring the rest of the guys with you. It could be an enlightening experience for all involved.
That is not intended as a slight Mr. Landis. I spoke with some folks back in Pennsville who spoke highly of you and your commitment to the Township. I have no reason to doubt their opinions. However, maybe a Committeeman or two might spark a decent dialogue and some possible solutions.
However, I still say closing the Library is a short sighted solution to a temporary problem with long term consequences in which none of the consequences are good.
In turn I also encourage everyone on both sides of the issue to attend Thursday night's Township Committee meeting. In spite of their service to the community, especially long time Committeeman/Former Mayor Crawford and Mayor Barnhart, they can't read your minds.
Your community is only as good as everyone's involvement.
I'd actually like to be there but I have to be at Memphis City Hall for the final reading/hopeful passage of a panhandling ordinance five years in the making.
Folks if you want "quality of life" you have to be ready to stand up for it.
Go to the Library tonight.
Go to the Township Office on Thursday.
Stop working on problems and start working on solutions.
BTW Mr. Landis, your time permitting, I'd like to see your responses to the questions I posed here yesterday.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Monday, April 12, 2010
If You Can Read This.....
don't forget to thank your local library.
Sadly, the leaders of a small town in South Jersey won't this year.
The Pennsville Township Committee has proposed cutting all aid to the local library.
Are you kidding me?
This is one of the most short sighted decisions I've ever heard of.
It's one thing to be stupid. Most truly stupid folks really can't help it. It's their "A game" just breathing on time. Like a friend of mine always says, "You can't teach stupid, it's an innate quality shared by a lucky few.".
Looks like "stupid" hit "The Perfect Storm" last election year in Pennsville.
The decision to cut the Library funding by 100% is both short sighted and harmful to the Township they allegedly represent.
"Because we can.", offers no moral defense gentlemen.
Remember that during the next election.
You'll hear, "Why did you close the Library?" in your sleep.
First, some Pennsville Public Library history.
In 1936 the Deepwater & Pennsville PTA recommended a public library. Pennsville Township donated $250 towards the effort. Volunteers, many pulling their children's wagons behind them, collected books from neighbors and friends to stock the shelves. In 1937, the Lower Penns Neck Library opened on the 2nd floor of the old town hall, between Main St. and Pittsfield on Broadway.
The original site of the Library as it appears today.
Over the years both the Township and the Library grew. Local business leaders, knowing the value a library brings to a community, banded together to build a new, larger Library. The Pennsville Rotary proposed building a new library building in 1954. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 1955.
On May 26th, 1957, the Library was dedicated. On May 27, 1957 the library was opened to the public.
This little building was one of my favorite places growing up. I was a voracious reader as a child. I still am. I was constantly asking my parents to take me there.
It was the one request they never denied.
Pennsville continued to grow over the years. My parents moved there in 1964, bringing along four (soon to be five) rambunctious young men.
As the years passed, some changes occurred at the Library.
1969, the Lower Penns Neck Library officially became the Pennsville Public Library.
In 1974, The PV Woman's Club donated the book drop.
In 1978, a Bookmobile program was initiated.
By the time I graduated High School in 1979, it was obvious the Library needed more space. By the time I graduated college in 1983, they would have it. It took a couple of years to find the right location. They found a real gem of a location. The recently closed Pappy's Pizzeria. It was large, had ample parking, and was conveniently located close to both the Pennsville Middle School and Pennsville Memorial High School. 1982, a project for the new building at 190 S. Broadway began. On Sept. 18th, 1982 the new building was dedicated.
Once upon a time I drank beer in this very building. The pizza was good, but I like it better as the Library.
Inside the Library today.
One important relic from the 1957-1982 Library. I spent countless hours at this reading desk.
Libraries come with costs. In 1991, The Friends of The Library was founded to help raise funds.
In 1992, a Teen's Group was founded.
1993 - circulation was computerized. I sort of miss the old card systems, but that's me just being nostalgic.
1998 - plans were finalized for an addition of a Childrens' Room and a Meeting Room.
2000 - New addition Grand Opening.
Throughout the years, Pennsville Township has helped fund the Library. The Library is an asset to the Township and its residents. Libraries in general help bring property values up, supplement the school libraies, and are a source of of civic pride. They bring a quality of life to whichever community they are in.
In tough times like this, one would expect their leaders to preserve resources as such.
So I ask again, what are Mayor Richard Barnhart, Deputy Mayor Robert McDade, Committeemen John Crawford, Steven Landis, and Richie G. Raine thinking?
Your citizens have spent generations building, maintaining, and caring for the Pennsville Public Library.
This is how you honor their legacies?
Committeeman Crawford's father, a former Mayor of the Township, must be turning over in his grave.
Once upon a time, Pennsville was a great place to live.
It still can be.
Not if you lose the Library.
I'm not sure if any member of the Township Committee can read, but I suppose they can answer almost any phone given enough training.
Give them a call.
Give them lots of calls.
They all live in Pennsville. Call them at home. Leave messages. Lots of messages.
Mayor Richard Barnhart - (856) 678-8791
Deputy Mayor Robert McDade - (856) 678-8620
John Crawford - (856) 678-7670
Steven Landis - (856) 678-8334
Richie G. Raine - (856) 678-6405
(note: The residential phone numbers were obtained from the White Pages via Internet. The accuracy of the numbers has not been verified by yours truly.)
Stop by their houses, tell them what you think.
Drive by and lay on the horn if they don't want to talk in person.
From the official Pennsville Township website under "Services":
"Our public library is a vital and important service in our community, and is centered geographically for easy access to everyone in the township."
The current Township Committee must not have read that part.
Next election, give them the boot.
Maybe they can catch up on their reading.
More to follow on this topic.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Sadly, the leaders of a small town in South Jersey won't this year.
The Pennsville Township Committee has proposed cutting all aid to the local library.
Are you kidding me?
This is one of the most short sighted decisions I've ever heard of.
It's one thing to be stupid. Most truly stupid folks really can't help it. It's their "A game" just breathing on time. Like a friend of mine always says, "You can't teach stupid, it's an innate quality shared by a lucky few.".
Looks like "stupid" hit "The Perfect Storm" last election year in Pennsville.
The decision to cut the Library funding by 100% is both short sighted and harmful to the Township they allegedly represent.
"Because we can.", offers no moral defense gentlemen.
Remember that during the next election.
You'll hear, "Why did you close the Library?" in your sleep.
First, some Pennsville Public Library history.
In 1936 the Deepwater & Pennsville PTA recommended a public library. Pennsville Township donated $250 towards the effort. Volunteers, many pulling their children's wagons behind them, collected books from neighbors and friends to stock the shelves. In 1937, the Lower Penns Neck Library opened on the 2nd floor of the old town hall, between Main St. and Pittsfield on Broadway.
The original site of the Library as it appears today.
Over the years both the Township and the Library grew. Local business leaders, knowing the value a library brings to a community, banded together to build a new, larger Library. The Pennsville Rotary proposed building a new library building in 1954. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 1955.
On May 26th, 1957, the Library was dedicated. On May 27, 1957 the library was opened to the public.
This little building was one of my favorite places growing up. I was a voracious reader as a child. I still am. I was constantly asking my parents to take me there.
It was the one request they never denied.
Pennsville continued to grow over the years. My parents moved there in 1964, bringing along four (soon to be five) rambunctious young men.
As the years passed, some changes occurred at the Library.
1969, the Lower Penns Neck Library officially became the Pennsville Public Library.
In 1974, The PV Woman's Club donated the book drop.
In 1978, a Bookmobile program was initiated.
By the time I graduated High School in 1979, it was obvious the Library needed more space. By the time I graduated college in 1983, they would have it. It took a couple of years to find the right location. They found a real gem of a location. The recently closed Pappy's Pizzeria. It was large, had ample parking, and was conveniently located close to both the Pennsville Middle School and Pennsville Memorial High School. 1982, a project for the new building at 190 S. Broadway began. On Sept. 18th, 1982 the new building was dedicated.
Once upon a time I drank beer in this very building. The pizza was good, but I like it better as the Library.
Inside the Library today.
One important relic from the 1957-1982 Library. I spent countless hours at this reading desk.
Libraries come with costs. In 1991, The Friends of The Library was founded to help raise funds.
In 1992, a Teen's Group was founded.
1993 - circulation was computerized. I sort of miss the old card systems, but that's me just being nostalgic.
1998 - plans were finalized for an addition of a Childrens' Room and a Meeting Room.
2000 - New addition Grand Opening.
Throughout the years, Pennsville Township has helped fund the Library. The Library is an asset to the Township and its residents. Libraries in general help bring property values up, supplement the school libraies, and are a source of of civic pride. They bring a quality of life to whichever community they are in.
In tough times like this, one would expect their leaders to preserve resources as such.
So I ask again, what are Mayor Richard Barnhart, Deputy Mayor Robert McDade, Committeemen John Crawford, Steven Landis, and Richie G. Raine thinking?
Your citizens have spent generations building, maintaining, and caring for the Pennsville Public Library.
This is how you honor their legacies?
Committeeman Crawford's father, a former Mayor of the Township, must be turning over in his grave.
Once upon a time, Pennsville was a great place to live.
It still can be.
Not if you lose the Library.
I'm not sure if any member of the Township Committee can read, but I suppose they can answer almost any phone given enough training.
Give them a call.
Give them lots of calls.
They all live in Pennsville. Call them at home. Leave messages. Lots of messages.
Mayor Richard Barnhart - (856) 678-8791
Deputy Mayor Robert McDade - (856) 678-8620
John Crawford - (856) 678-7670
Steven Landis - (856) 678-8334
Richie G. Raine - (856) 678-6405
(note: The residential phone numbers were obtained from the White Pages via Internet. The accuracy of the numbers has not been verified by yours truly.)
Stop by their houses, tell them what you think.
Drive by and lay on the horn if they don't want to talk in person.
From the official Pennsville Township website under "Services":
"Our public library is a vital and important service in our community, and is centered geographically for easy access to everyone in the township."
The current Township Committee must not have read that part.
Next election, give them the boot.
Maybe they can catch up on their reading.
More to follow on this topic.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Now This My Friends Is "Flying".....
19.46 statute miles.
That doesn't sound like much.
A trip to the mall?
A visit to "Granny"?
It's not even close to finishing if you're running a marathon.
19.46 statute miles.
Looks pretty puny compared to say the distance between New York City and London, England.
19.46 statute miles.
Heck, I used to commute further than that from my old house to the airport every day, and THAT was just one way.
19.46 statute miles.
A mere pittance of a distance in the annals of aviation.
Right now, in Sweden, there's a man who is getting ready to fly a solar powered airplane around the world in 2012. They recently did a test flight.
It was longer than 19.46 statute miles.
So what makes 19.46 statute miles such a feat in aviation?
Ask USAF Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II, ret..
19.46 nautical miles is what he covered in just around four minutes at speeds reaching 614 miles per hour.
In an age of supersonic jets even then, that would not seem like a great achievement.
But it was.
Joe Kittenger set numerous records in his career:
In 1957, then Captain Kittenger went a distance of 18.31 statute miles. The distance set a record in type aircraft. It would be one of the few times he'd be able to stay with the "aircraft".
11/16/59 - Due to a malfunction, Captain Kittenger entered into a near 120 revolution per minute "flat spin". They estimated the g-forces at his extremities at over 22 times the force gravity. That day the good Captain covered around 14.47 statute miles. That G-force record still stands.
12/11/59 - This mission went off a hitch, but was slightly shorter than the preceding mission. Good old Joe only covered 14.14 statute miles. Still, not hitting 22g's probably made the ride a tad more comfortable.
His last mission in the project would be the one that shattered the other standing records.
08/16/60 - 19.46 statute miles. 614 miles per hour. Four minutes falling under a drogue chute.
Yes, FALLING.
19.46 statute miles..............an ALTITUDE of 102,800 feet.
Highest ascent to date in a manned balloon.
Highest speed ever achieved by a human being on a jump.
Longest time under drogue chute.
Joe Kittenger leaving the "office", 08/16/60.
During the jump, his pressure suit malfunctioned causing his right hand to painfully swell up twice its size.
Had it been a complete failure he'd have died instantly.
Such is life when you're engaged in any sort of experimental flying.
It probably paled in comparison to the 11 months he spent in the "Hanoi Hilton" as a prisoner of war in the Vietnam War.
For the record, he served three tours in Vietnam.
Colonel Joseph W. Kittenger II:
Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
Bronze Star (3)
Purple Heart (2)
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (24)
Prisoner of War Medal
Aviation is filled with legendary men, women, and feats of courage.
Joseph Kittenger II truly ranks among the very top.
A little bit of aviation history for you on a cool April morning.
See Joe jump here.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
That doesn't sound like much.
A trip to the mall?
A visit to "Granny"?
It's not even close to finishing if you're running a marathon.
19.46 statute miles.
Looks pretty puny compared to say the distance between New York City and London, England.
19.46 statute miles.
Heck, I used to commute further than that from my old house to the airport every day, and THAT was just one way.
19.46 statute miles.
A mere pittance of a distance in the annals of aviation.
Right now, in Sweden, there's a man who is getting ready to fly a solar powered airplane around the world in 2012. They recently did a test flight.
It was longer than 19.46 statute miles.
So what makes 19.46 statute miles such a feat in aviation?
Ask USAF Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II, ret..
19.46 nautical miles is what he covered in just around four minutes at speeds reaching 614 miles per hour.
In an age of supersonic jets even then, that would not seem like a great achievement.
But it was.
Joe Kittenger set numerous records in his career:
In 1957, then Captain Kittenger went a distance of 18.31 statute miles. The distance set a record in type aircraft. It would be one of the few times he'd be able to stay with the "aircraft".
11/16/59 - Due to a malfunction, Captain Kittenger entered into a near 120 revolution per minute "flat spin". They estimated the g-forces at his extremities at over 22 times the force gravity. That day the good Captain covered around 14.47 statute miles. That G-force record still stands.
12/11/59 - This mission went off a hitch, but was slightly shorter than the preceding mission. Good old Joe only covered 14.14 statute miles. Still, not hitting 22g's probably made the ride a tad more comfortable.
His last mission in the project would be the one that shattered the other standing records.
08/16/60 - 19.46 statute miles. 614 miles per hour. Four minutes falling under a drogue chute.
Yes, FALLING.
19.46 statute miles..............an ALTITUDE of 102,800 feet.
Highest ascent to date in a manned balloon.
Highest speed ever achieved by a human being on a jump.
Longest time under drogue chute.
Joe Kittenger leaving the "office", 08/16/60.
During the jump, his pressure suit malfunctioned causing his right hand to painfully swell up twice its size.
Had it been a complete failure he'd have died instantly.
Such is life when you're engaged in any sort of experimental flying.
It probably paled in comparison to the 11 months he spent in the "Hanoi Hilton" as a prisoner of war in the Vietnam War.
For the record, he served three tours in Vietnam.
Colonel Joseph W. Kittenger II:
Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
Bronze Star (3)
Purple Heart (2)
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (24)
Prisoner of War Medal
Aviation is filled with legendary men, women, and feats of courage.
Joseph Kittenger II truly ranks among the very top.
A little bit of aviation history for you on a cool April morning.
See Joe jump here.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Ophended!
I've seen some lame things in my life, but Ophelia Ford's behavior in Nashville recently may just take the cake.
If you're too ill to drive you might be too ill to effectively represent your district.
Remarkably, despite the fact that the State of Tennessee recently laid off 800+ employees due to budget constraints, Ms. Ford had no qualms in suggesting the legislature vote themselves a raise.
From the 4/7/2010 Commercial Appeal online:
"After noting that she was unable to spend Easter with her family because her medical condition prevented her from driving home, she spoke of the need to increase legislative compensation. Legislators make $19,009 plus $185 per day for lodging and food reimbursements. They also receive a $1,000 monthly home-office allowance and lifetime subsidized health insurance."
Okay kids, some math:
$19,009(base salary) + 12,000(home office allowance) + $21,645 per diem (117 days in session x $185/day per diem) =
$52,264 compensation for less than half a year of work.
That does not reflect the lifetime of subsidised health insurance.
How many Tennesseans can boast they have a sweet part time gig that pays that sort of package?
I'm guessing most of her constituents don't make near that per year.
The Ford family has spent much of their lives on the public dole. Her older brother Harold Ford, Sr. spent many years in Congress and many of the last years defending himself against corruption investigations. His son, Harold Ford, Jr. spent time in his father's seat following Sr.'s retirement. Here's some Ford family history. They are no strangers to controversy. Her brother John Ford is a former Tennessee State Senator spending time in jail for corruption. Harold Jr. just recently abandoned a run for the Senate in New York state. He couldn't win in Tennessee, what made him EVEN think he had a chance in New York?
Ophelia Ford, you're "insulted"?
Really?
Good luck with that.
It's falling on deaf ears and deservedly so.
If it's so onerous, get out. Your constituents deserve better.
Since flying seems to be out of the question, maybe you can hire Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove to be your driver.
Memphis politics. You can't make this shit up.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
If you're too ill to drive you might be too ill to effectively represent your district.
Remarkably, despite the fact that the State of Tennessee recently laid off 800+ employees due to budget constraints, Ms. Ford had no qualms in suggesting the legislature vote themselves a raise.
From the 4/7/2010 Commercial Appeal online:
"After noting that she was unable to spend Easter with her family because her medical condition prevented her from driving home, she spoke of the need to increase legislative compensation. Legislators make $19,009 plus $185 per day for lodging and food reimbursements. They also receive a $1,000 monthly home-office allowance and lifetime subsidized health insurance."
Okay kids, some math:
$19,009(base salary) + 12,000(home office allowance) + $21,645 per diem (117 days in session x $185/day per diem) =
$52,264 compensation for less than half a year of work.
That does not reflect the lifetime of subsidised health insurance.
How many Tennesseans can boast they have a sweet part time gig that pays that sort of package?
I'm guessing most of her constituents don't make near that per year.
The Ford family has spent much of their lives on the public dole. Her older brother Harold Ford, Sr. spent many years in Congress and many of the last years defending himself against corruption investigations. His son, Harold Ford, Jr. spent time in his father's seat following Sr.'s retirement. Here's some Ford family history. They are no strangers to controversy. Her brother John Ford is a former Tennessee State Senator spending time in jail for corruption. Harold Jr. just recently abandoned a run for the Senate in New York state. He couldn't win in Tennessee, what made him EVEN think he had a chance in New York?
Ophelia Ford, you're "insulted"?
Really?
Good luck with that.
It's falling on deaf ears and deservedly so.
If it's so onerous, get out. Your constituents deserve better.
Since flying seems to be out of the question, maybe you can hire Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove to be your driver.
Memphis politics. You can't make this shit up.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Some Days Just Taking A Walk Is Enough
I get asked quite often, "Mike, what do you do with all your time now that you're retired?".
I think that's a fair question. Most of my age group is still dreaming/dreading/hoping to retire.
Too much time, or the thoughts thereof, can be daunting.
So then, this is what a day in retirement looks like for me.
I start by getting up when I'm ready to. Most days that's somewhere around 5:00 to 5:30 am. Not always, but like I said, most days.
Next, I put on my shorts (now that it's Spring), lace up the really beat up sneakers, and walk between 3 and 5 miles via Tom Lee Park and the roads that lead back up to my condo.
Try taking morning walks sometime. The quiet allows you to think through complex issues if you need to and soothes the soul if you choose to tune into the sounds of nature around you.
Soon, I'm going to post a picture blog of the morning walk.
You'll understand right away what I mean.
Upon my return, I take my vitamins, have a breakfast of leftovers (I love leftovers for breakfast), and tune into NPR's "Morning Edition" on the radio. Fox's "Fair and Balanced" isn't, and CNN is so far left it should be renamed the "Canadian News Network".
Besides, how many "Breaking News" interruptions can one take in one morning? Just like "Fair and Balanced", "Breaking News" is usually neither.
But I digress.
It is not unusual for me to pick up and play a guitar while the news is on. I can do so and still follow the news. A career of performing multiple tasks simultaneously allows me to do so effectively.
By 9:00 am, "Morning Edition" yields to classical music on the local Public Radio station. Some days I listen to it, some days I tune in to WEVL 89.9 FM here in Memphis. They have great local programming and are all volunteers on the air.
Every day regardless, I think about what I want to blog about.
Some days I'm covered up with ideas, other days I opt not to write anything.
By 11:00 am I'm usually back out enjoying the day. Today, I'm enjoying the white bean and ham soup at the Majestic Grille. Tomorrow, with rain being forecast, I'll be grilling marinated chicken breast under the cover of my patio. No radio, no guitar, just the sound of the grill and the falling rain.
After a career filled with jet noise, complex problem solving, and crazy schedules, I have learned to appreciate the quieter moments.
Next time you're really stressed out, and there's rain about, sit down on a covered patio, grab some quiet, and just listen to it.
Then close your eyes and REALLY listen to it.
Drift away with it.
You'll be glad you did.
Afternoons you'll find me either doing some research for a couple books I'm working on, online playing poker, or sitting somewhere listening to live music on a Beale St. patio or at Handy Park.
My night time routines vary as my friends who work are available to hang out with. Tuesday night you'll find us at the Flying Saucer for Tuesday Trivia. That's a given every week. Other nights, I'm just as likely to stay in as go out.
Depends on my mood and what's going on.
Sound like fun?
It really is.
Once upon a time I was "this" or "that".
I wore a number of titles, just as do all of you.
Setting them down freed me a great deal.
Now I'm just Air Traffic Mike, and that title only to separate me from the other "Mike's" we have in the group.
Soon, I'll pick up the title of "Husband" again.
It's a title I'm honored to pick back up.
I tried to be everything at one point in my life.
"Everything", most times, isn't.
These days I'm happy to be just a few, simple things.
And some days, just taking a walk is enough.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
I think that's a fair question. Most of my age group is still dreaming/dreading/hoping to retire.
Too much time, or the thoughts thereof, can be daunting.
So then, this is what a day in retirement looks like for me.
I start by getting up when I'm ready to. Most days that's somewhere around 5:00 to 5:30 am. Not always, but like I said, most days.
Next, I put on my shorts (now that it's Spring), lace up the really beat up sneakers, and walk between 3 and 5 miles via Tom Lee Park and the roads that lead back up to my condo.
Try taking morning walks sometime. The quiet allows you to think through complex issues if you need to and soothes the soul if you choose to tune into the sounds of nature around you.
Soon, I'm going to post a picture blog of the morning walk.
You'll understand right away what I mean.
Upon my return, I take my vitamins, have a breakfast of leftovers (I love leftovers for breakfast), and tune into NPR's "Morning Edition" on the radio. Fox's "Fair and Balanced" isn't, and CNN is so far left it should be renamed the "Canadian News Network".
Besides, how many "Breaking News" interruptions can one take in one morning? Just like "Fair and Balanced", "Breaking News" is usually neither.
But I digress.
It is not unusual for me to pick up and play a guitar while the news is on. I can do so and still follow the news. A career of performing multiple tasks simultaneously allows me to do so effectively.
By 9:00 am, "Morning Edition" yields to classical music on the local Public Radio station. Some days I listen to it, some days I tune in to WEVL 89.9 FM here in Memphis. They have great local programming and are all volunteers on the air.
Every day regardless, I think about what I want to blog about.
Some days I'm covered up with ideas, other days I opt not to write anything.
By 11:00 am I'm usually back out enjoying the day. Today, I'm enjoying the white bean and ham soup at the Majestic Grille. Tomorrow, with rain being forecast, I'll be grilling marinated chicken breast under the cover of my patio. No radio, no guitar, just the sound of the grill and the falling rain.
After a career filled with jet noise, complex problem solving, and crazy schedules, I have learned to appreciate the quieter moments.
Next time you're really stressed out, and there's rain about, sit down on a covered patio, grab some quiet, and just listen to it.
Then close your eyes and REALLY listen to it.
Drift away with it.
You'll be glad you did.
Afternoons you'll find me either doing some research for a couple books I'm working on, online playing poker, or sitting somewhere listening to live music on a Beale St. patio or at Handy Park.
My night time routines vary as my friends who work are available to hang out with. Tuesday night you'll find us at the Flying Saucer for Tuesday Trivia. That's a given every week. Other nights, I'm just as likely to stay in as go out.
Depends on my mood and what's going on.
Sound like fun?
It really is.
Once upon a time I was "this" or "that".
I wore a number of titles, just as do all of you.
Setting them down freed me a great deal.
Now I'm just Air Traffic Mike, and that title only to separate me from the other "Mike's" we have in the group.
Soon, I'll pick up the title of "Husband" again.
It's a title I'm honored to pick back up.
I tried to be everything at one point in my life.
"Everything", most times, isn't.
These days I'm happy to be just a few, simple things.
And some days, just taking a walk is enough.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Good Friday, Great Saturday, Easter Sunday
For a true carnivore such as myself, Good Friday presents a real challenge.
Don't get me wrong, I really love fish and anything seafood, but rarely does it fill me up.
The fish and chips at the Majestic Grille were excellent. The fish was perfectly fried and the chips were the perfect balance of crispy and smooth.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to satisfy my not being able to eat meat.
Clay, who was going REAL old school didn't even eat fish on Good Friday. He settled for salads and vegetarian fare. His misery did nothing to improve my mood and the desire for a big, "Pittsburgh Rare" fillet mignon.
While commiserating at the Flying Saucer, Paulie came in after work. Pretty soon he had beered his way into a pretty good hunger.
I was teetering on the edge, just about to cash in my Good Friday for a steak.
We opted to head over to see our friend John Bragg at his restaurant Circa here in downtown Memphis.
John is an extremely gifted chef and good friend of Paulie and I.
We sat down and ordered a couple of "Let's look over the menu" drinks.
Appetizers seemed to be the right idea.
Paul ordered two of the prosciutto wrapped asparagus appetizers.
Good call anytime, except for me on Good Friday.
I wasn't as hungry. I opted for the crawfish beignets.
Crawfish have never been raised higher on the menu. They were phenomenal.
Now one thing about being known as an outstanding amateur chef, the professional chefs I know like to try out new dishes on me.
I tell them the honest truth about their new dishes be it good news or not.
John wanted to add a fish dish for the Spring menu. Something light to coincide with the change of season.
This is what he served to Paulie and I for our dining consideration:
Halibut, with root vegetables, fingerling potatoes, and a light red pepper cream sauce.
The sommelier poured Paulie and I each a gratis glass of sauvignon blanc from a Russian River vintner. The name presently escapes me. It was outstanding.
Oh,.....the halibut dish?
It needs to be on the menu effective IMMEDIATELY!!!!!
Seriously. It was outstanding in all aspects.
Congratulations Chef Bragg! It's another masterpiece.
Saturday found us downtowners looking forward to a birthday party.
Kris K. turned 50.
Kris knows how to throw a party.
This was different.
It was a serious THROWDOWN.
Here's the musical lineup for the evening.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Bar-Kays. Please, if you do nothing else, read their history. Their original members, save two, were killed with Otis Redding in the Lake Michigan plane crash in 1967.
The survivors, Ben Cauley and James Alexander would go on to rebuild the band.
There was more than one story of resurrection Saturday night.
Jason D. Williams took the stage next.
He can actually out "Jerry Lee Lewis" Jerry Lee Louis on the piano.
That, my friends, is no mean feat.
Chad, Clay, Stevie G., and the back of Sean's head enjoying a story by the "Reverend Clay" by the pool table.
Rebecca and Joe cutting a rug to the Bark-Kays.
I stayed for the start of Al Kapone's set, but I was starting to fade.
It's tough getting old, but a lot nicer than dying as far as I can tell.
I left the party, had a night cap at the Blue Monkey on Front Street.
One trolley ride later, I was home and in bed.
No way I was going to give the Easter Bunny a reason to pass over my condo.
Unfortunately, I had creamed a bunny rabbit early Friday morning with my Toyota.
My karmic payback was no Easter basket Sunday morning.
Due to Easter, we all decided that "Sunday Funday" would be held on south Main Street. Beignet Cafe' and Blues Club opens at 9:00 am, has a nice Brunch buffet and full bar, and also is conveniently located across the street from Calhoun's Sports Bar.
A local BBQ team made up from some of our south Main friends was having an Easter BBQ fund raiser for their team.
Captain Robert "Bones" Maloney loading his ribs with their secret seasoning on the cooker.
Benjie and Lauren hanging out getting a BBQ "contact high" off the hickory smoke.
Allison attempting to entertain Budda and Otto with law stories. Fortunately, alcohol was involved.
Max, one of the men who made Calhoun's possible, takes his turn at being the Easter Bunny. For the record, I did not run over Max.
Three air traffic controllers in a bar? What are the chances? From left to right, Rick, Air Traffic Mike, and A.J. .
Today was a quiet day. The St. Louis Cardinals were on ESPN radio for their season opener in Cincy. St. Louis unloaded on the Reds, winning 11-6.
The Cardinals look like they are going to be tough this year. Good luck to my beloved Phillies come Fall.
I'll leave you with a picture from the Bardog Tavern taken on Saturday:
I think that pretty much says it all.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Don't get me wrong, I really love fish and anything seafood, but rarely does it fill me up.
The fish and chips at the Majestic Grille were excellent. The fish was perfectly fried and the chips were the perfect balance of crispy and smooth.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to satisfy my not being able to eat meat.
Clay, who was going REAL old school didn't even eat fish on Good Friday. He settled for salads and vegetarian fare. His misery did nothing to improve my mood and the desire for a big, "Pittsburgh Rare" fillet mignon.
While commiserating at the Flying Saucer, Paulie came in after work. Pretty soon he had beered his way into a pretty good hunger.
I was teetering on the edge, just about to cash in my Good Friday for a steak.
We opted to head over to see our friend John Bragg at his restaurant Circa here in downtown Memphis.
John is an extremely gifted chef and good friend of Paulie and I.
We sat down and ordered a couple of "Let's look over the menu" drinks.
Appetizers seemed to be the right idea.
Paul ordered two of the prosciutto wrapped asparagus appetizers.
Good call anytime, except for me on Good Friday.
I wasn't as hungry. I opted for the crawfish beignets.
Crawfish have never been raised higher on the menu. They were phenomenal.
Now one thing about being known as an outstanding amateur chef, the professional chefs I know like to try out new dishes on me.
I tell them the honest truth about their new dishes be it good news or not.
John wanted to add a fish dish for the Spring menu. Something light to coincide with the change of season.
This is what he served to Paulie and I for our dining consideration:
Halibut, with root vegetables, fingerling potatoes, and a light red pepper cream sauce.
The sommelier poured Paulie and I each a gratis glass of sauvignon blanc from a Russian River vintner. The name presently escapes me. It was outstanding.
Oh,.....the halibut dish?
It needs to be on the menu effective IMMEDIATELY!!!!!
Seriously. It was outstanding in all aspects.
Congratulations Chef Bragg! It's another masterpiece.
Saturday found us downtowners looking forward to a birthday party.
Kris K. turned 50.
Kris knows how to throw a party.
This was different.
It was a serious THROWDOWN.
Here's the musical lineup for the evening.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Bar-Kays. Please, if you do nothing else, read their history. Their original members, save two, were killed with Otis Redding in the Lake Michigan plane crash in 1967.
The survivors, Ben Cauley and James Alexander would go on to rebuild the band.
There was more than one story of resurrection Saturday night.
Jason D. Williams took the stage next.
He can actually out "Jerry Lee Lewis" Jerry Lee Louis on the piano.
That, my friends, is no mean feat.
Chad, Clay, Stevie G., and the back of Sean's head enjoying a story by the "Reverend Clay" by the pool table.
Rebecca and Joe cutting a rug to the Bark-Kays.
I stayed for the start of Al Kapone's set, but I was starting to fade.
It's tough getting old, but a lot nicer than dying as far as I can tell.
I left the party, had a night cap at the Blue Monkey on Front Street.
One trolley ride later, I was home and in bed.
No way I was going to give the Easter Bunny a reason to pass over my condo.
Unfortunately, I had creamed a bunny rabbit early Friday morning with my Toyota.
My karmic payback was no Easter basket Sunday morning.
Due to Easter, we all decided that "Sunday Funday" would be held on south Main Street. Beignet Cafe' and Blues Club opens at 9:00 am, has a nice Brunch buffet and full bar, and also is conveniently located across the street from Calhoun's Sports Bar.
A local BBQ team made up from some of our south Main friends was having an Easter BBQ fund raiser for their team.
Captain Robert "Bones" Maloney loading his ribs with their secret seasoning on the cooker.
Benjie and Lauren hanging out getting a BBQ "contact high" off the hickory smoke.
Allison attempting to entertain Budda and Otto with law stories. Fortunately, alcohol was involved.
Max, one of the men who made Calhoun's possible, takes his turn at being the Easter Bunny. For the record, I did not run over Max.
Three air traffic controllers in a bar? What are the chances? From left to right, Rick, Air Traffic Mike, and A.J. .
Today was a quiet day. The St. Louis Cardinals were on ESPN radio for their season opener in Cincy. St. Louis unloaded on the Reds, winning 11-6.
The Cardinals look like they are going to be tough this year. Good luck to my beloved Phillies come Fall.
I'll leave you with a picture from the Bardog Tavern taken on Saturday:
I think that pretty much says it all.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Meanwhile, Back At The Flying Saucer.....
The Rapscallions Trivia team strikes again.
Winning last year's "Easter Keg Hunt" was sweet. Paulie, Frank, and Stephanie went out and brought home the keg after a quick run to the Midtown location.
This afternoon, Frank "Keg Hound" Howell checked in with Mikey via cell phone to report that The Rapscallions had once again secured the Flying Saucer "Easter Keg".
"Easter Keg 2010".
High fives to the keg "Brew Recovery Team" and the members of the team who worked so diligently on the clues.
Well played Rapscallions, well played indeed.
Free beer is hard work, but somehow we always manage to pull it off.
More details to follow.
To the other teams who tried and failed yet again..........
............better luck next year.
Oh, and Happy Easter, too.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Winning last year's "Easter Keg Hunt" was sweet. Paulie, Frank, and Stephanie went out and brought home the keg after a quick run to the Midtown location.
This afternoon, Frank "Keg Hound" Howell checked in with Mikey via cell phone to report that The Rapscallions had once again secured the Flying Saucer "Easter Keg".
"Easter Keg 2010".
High fives to the keg "Brew Recovery Team" and the members of the team who worked so diligently on the clues.
Well played Rapscallions, well played indeed.
Free beer is hard work, but somehow we always manage to pull it off.
More details to follow.
To the other teams who tried and failed yet again..........
............better luck next year.
Oh, and Happy Easter, too.
Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Innovative Solutions For Bad Dogs
Recently, a friend of mine had a terrible day with dog.
It's not hers mind you, but does reside in the same house.
*insert "Mom, I'll take care of him/her." joke here*
Honestly, who HASN'T used that line on their parent(s) when negotiating the acquisition of a pet?
Sadly, sometimes the best intentions go awry and the promise is hard to fulfill.
Most times the problem lies in the pet, not the erstwhile responsible party.
Dogs in particular. Cats are relatively easy. Most of the day they don't care if you're there or not. As long as they get fed and have a relatively clean litter box they pretty much ignore you.
Honestly, there's little use in naming a cat. They only come when they feel like it.
Dogs on the other hand are God's little domestic divas. They crave attention. The more undivided, the better.
If they have to share attention with too many other dogs they will act out.
Chew your shoes?
No problem.
Piss on the floor or furniture?
Gladly.
Piss in a pair of shoes?
I've seen it happen. It's not a pretty sight.
So then, what is a gal to do when the pooch in question decides to take a leak on on the sofa and did so after being outside for a walk shortly before?
Gosh, the number of possible consequences boggles the mind.
A stern lecture and a light spanking comes to mind.
Possibly effective, but if this has been the punishment of choice likely not.
Maybe a squirt gun to show your disapproval?
Why not. The sofa's already wet.
Too subtle.
How about putting the little darling out in the backyard for a month, letting it sleep in a drafty doghouse, and eating hard kibble from a piece of scrap metal?
Gettng closer. The downside here is that you have to watch the poor little wretch serve out its pitiful penance and listen to whining all night.
Like I always point out here at Air Traffic Mike's we don't work on problems, we work on solutions.
I made the phone call over to the gang at Air Traffic Mike Heavy Industries, LLC. (the official social think tank of Air traffic Mike) to get them working the issue.
As luck would have it, Bloaty the Dog answered the phone.
I asked Bloaty his opinion on the matter. He came from the streets. He above anyone over there would have some insights into the matter.
His answer took me back a bit.
"Scared Straight".
Bloaty, you want her to send him to Rahway State Prison?
"Sort of".
What do you mean sort of?
"Take him to the dog pound, leave him there with the understanding that you'll pick him up the day before they have to put him down. Let him piss on that for a few weeks".
Sounds traumatic.
"Should be. I'll bet he'll appreciate a nice home after that".
What if she forgets to get him or is unable to get him in time?
"If he's dead he can always hire on here as my assistant".
Sort of "Tough love meets internship"?
"I'm dead proof that a dog can be reformed".
Well, you have worked out terrifically.
"Thanks ATM, I appreciate the kind words".
Thanks Bloaty, take the rest of the week off. Maybe this Easter is your year.
"I'm off to the cave as we speak".
Later, Bloaty.
So there you go.
Take the little fellow down to the pound and give him a reality check.
If that fails, there's always one other option.
Happy April Fool's Day.
Until the next time, all y'all taake care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
It's not hers mind you, but does reside in the same house.
*insert "Mom, I'll take care of him/her." joke here*
Honestly, who HASN'T used that line on their parent(s) when negotiating the acquisition of a pet?
Sadly, sometimes the best intentions go awry and the promise is hard to fulfill.
Most times the problem lies in the pet, not the erstwhile responsible party.
Dogs in particular. Cats are relatively easy. Most of the day they don't care if you're there or not. As long as they get fed and have a relatively clean litter box they pretty much ignore you.
Honestly, there's little use in naming a cat. They only come when they feel like it.
Dogs on the other hand are God's little domestic divas. They crave attention. The more undivided, the better.
If they have to share attention with too many other dogs they will act out.
Chew your shoes?
No problem.
Piss on the floor or furniture?
Gladly.
Piss in a pair of shoes?
I've seen it happen. It's not a pretty sight.
So then, what is a gal to do when the pooch in question decides to take a leak on on the sofa and did so after being outside for a walk shortly before?
Gosh, the number of possible consequences boggles the mind.
A stern lecture and a light spanking comes to mind.
Possibly effective, but if this has been the punishment of choice likely not.
Maybe a squirt gun to show your disapproval?
Why not. The sofa's already wet.
Too subtle.
How about putting the little darling out in the backyard for a month, letting it sleep in a drafty doghouse, and eating hard kibble from a piece of scrap metal?
Gettng closer. The downside here is that you have to watch the poor little wretch serve out its pitiful penance and listen to whining all night.
Like I always point out here at Air Traffic Mike's we don't work on problems, we work on solutions.
I made the phone call over to the gang at Air Traffic Mike Heavy Industries, LLC. (the official social think tank of Air traffic Mike) to get them working the issue.
As luck would have it, Bloaty the Dog answered the phone.
I asked Bloaty his opinion on the matter. He came from the streets. He above anyone over there would have some insights into the matter.
His answer took me back a bit.
"Scared Straight".
Bloaty, you want her to send him to Rahway State Prison?
"Sort of".
What do you mean sort of?
"Take him to the dog pound, leave him there with the understanding that you'll pick him up the day before they have to put him down. Let him piss on that for a few weeks".
Sounds traumatic.
"Should be. I'll bet he'll appreciate a nice home after that".
What if she forgets to get him or is unable to get him in time?
"If he's dead he can always hire on here as my assistant".
Sort of "Tough love meets internship"?
"I'm dead proof that a dog can be reformed".
Well, you have worked out terrifically.
"Thanks ATM, I appreciate the kind words".
Thanks Bloaty, take the rest of the week off. Maybe this Easter is your year.
"I'm off to the cave as we speak".
Later, Bloaty.
So there you go.
Take the little fellow down to the pound and give him a reality check.
If that fails, there's always one other option.
Happy April Fool's Day.
Until the next time, all y'all taake care of yourselves.
Air Traffic Mike, ret.
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