On The Road Again

Left out yesterday to spend some time up East.

Not before I took some pictures of the Mississippi River, first.


It's been a long time since the river was this high at the Mud Island river boat landing.


Me and my shadow. The water appeared to be a couple feet short of breaching the banks down at the Visitor's Center.


Looking south on the Wolf River Harbor. It's all fun and games until someone breaks out the eight story beer.


Trees that would normally be well above the water line.

As I left town I was shocked at how high the Wolf River was out by the I-240 North loop.

I was even more shocked by the damage I saw crossing Tennessee on I-40. There were stretches where there were a number of downed trees.

The water levels in both the Tennessee and Buffalo Rivers are also really scary, the currents of both running really fast.

I pulled into Bristol, VA yesterday afternoon. My preferred lodging option, the Holiday Inn is currently in the middle stages of a full renovation. What rooms they had were in use by Appalachian Electric. There is a lot of tornado damage in the area. The electric company is using the Holiday Inn as sort of their base of operations.

After discussing some options with the guys at the front desk, I drove next door to the Courtyard By Marriott.

They had a couple rooms left, including my favorite: King Sized Bed, No Smoking.

This place is really nice. It's a few bucks more than the Holiday Inn, but it has everything an old retired guy and his splitting maul sidekick could ask for.


Splitty the Maul grabbed the remote and turned on the HD flat screen.

Mauls dig watching television.




Like I said, pretty nice digs.

I decided not to go out for food, opting instead to go downstairs to a bistro in the lobby.


Splitty decided he'd just as soon relax for the night.

I went downstairs to check it out.


It has a nice little bar area.


A nicely stocked bar.


A place to set up your laptop computer and blazing fast free WiFi.


There is plenty of seating, including a couple of these small booths that have a place to plug in your laptop and a small flat screen tv you can control.

The Happy Hour prices were more than reasonable.

I didn't want to miss the Grizzlies game, so after Happy Hour I grabbed a tuna salad sandwich on sourdough and an order of hummus.

The prices were reasonable and the food delicious.

The Grizzlies winning was even more delicious.

Maybe Oklahoma City will take the Grizz more seriously than the talking heads on ESPN did.

Time to hit the shower and hit the road.

Next stop, South Jersey.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Don't Cancel The Ark Just Yet

Finally, after some very rough weather over the last few days, the rains have ended.

The storms we've had across Memphis and the South have been nothing short of horrific. This morning the official death count exceeded 200 from the last week of storms.

I can't for the life of me remember the last time the tornado sirens have gone off so many times in such a short time span. The sirens are jarring enough when they go off in the daytime. However, most folks are prepared for that since they are awake, alert, and have media sources to give them updates.

Personally, I prefer to avoid the local weather casters constant patter. I usually stay by the computer and monitor the weather radar provided by the National Weather Service on their website here.

It's easy to use. Just click on the blue dot closest to your area of the country. It will take you to that weather radar site. From there you can click on the bottom of the radar view and select what "boxes" you want it to display (like "Tornado", "Thunderstorm", etc.).

There's nothing wrong in listening to the weatherman on television or radio. They are professionals who take their jobs seriously, especially in the South during times of severe weather.

I just prefer to look at the raw data. It's what I became used to using at work.

Tornado sirens at night are a whole different story. In the daytime you can look out and see if there's a funnel cloud approaching. At night you can look all you want, but until it's on you, you'll not know where it is.

Sadly, over in Alabama, folks got hit hard. It's quite likely that the death toll will be much higher by the time all the missing are accounted for.

Meanwhile, back on the Mississippi River, things are looking bleak. The heavy rains that have fallen over the river and it's tributaries, combined with a heavy melt off of snow are combining to cause flooding not seen since the Flood of 1937. If you go back to page one of that link you can read a bit on the history of the Mississippi River and flood control. It is written for older school children, but the pictures are really something.

My area of Downtown is pretty safe from flooding. The building sits on high land. Honestly, if the water ever got this high on the river it's likely all of Arkansas up to Little Rock would be under water.

In places like northern Mississippi where the casinos are located they are taking no chances. They are closing down, some this weekend and all by next Tuesday. Pilots are moving their airplanes out of the General DeWitt Spain Airport ahead of the flood waters.

I walked down to the river yesterday to get some pictures. I only got to take two or three before the rains came yet again.

Here's how it looked:





A blow up of the first shot. Those trees you see over in Arkansas are on what's normally the river bank.


From inside the trolley car climbing up on the bluff. Again the trees on the other side of the river are on the normal river bank. The water past that stretches miles into the Arkansas flood plains.

Yesterday the Mississippi River level at Memphis rose 1.55 feet to 37.19 feet. Above 34 feet is where the river reaches the flood stage at Memphis. By tomorrow night the Army Corps of Engineers is predicting it will exceed 39 feet, with a crest of 45 feet by next week.

At 45 feet, the river will be starting to spill into Tom Lee Park.

That's going to jeopardize the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. It's going to be impossible to load in even if the flood waters recede in time. The park is man made using river silt over rip rap. River silt turns into muck when it gets water logged. The teams won't be able to load in in that sort of a mess.

Fortunately, I won't be here to see it.

I'm heading out East once again to see my loved ones and a little friend:


How much is that doggie in the window?

He's priceless.

Probably won't post much from the road, so until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

A Brother Never Forgets

Once upon a time, a young family picked up and moved to South Jersey.

Four young men led by their parents, a young Mother and an older Father.

They left Maryland for a closer commute for the Father and better schools for the four boys.

In April, 1964 that was a big move for the family.

The two older boys would start school immediately. The oldest enrolled in First Grade, because Cecil County, Maryland had no Kindergarten at the time.

The second child would enter into Kindergarten, but only against his wishes. Even at five years old, he wasn't much of one to go to school.

I'm not sure who cried more, him or Mom as he got on the bus to Central Park School.

In November of the next year, the men of the family would grow by one more.

The unit was complete.

In spite of the couple's best efforts, there would be no daughter.

In the Spring of 1966 the parents would have portraits done of their offspring:


Kevin, the defacto "Leader of the Pack". In spite of his not having the opportunity to go to Kindergarten, he's had an amazing life. Navy veteran, former restaurant manager, currently a Registered Nurse with a BSN, working towards his Master's Degree. If you didn't have your own big brother, he's the one you'd want.


Bruce. Hilarious to the point of absurdity, gregarious and giving. Cancer took him away from us in January, 2010. I'd give ten years off my life to spend one more day with him. I summed our relationship and his demise in this blog. He remains one of my true heroes in life. Apparently God needed him worse than we did. Anyone who knew him, knew why.


Moi. Look at ALL that curly hair and those ears! I got the unruly Harrington hair from Mom, and the big air scoop ears from Dad. Someone had to get BOTH recessive genes. Fortunately I got the dry wit from Mom's side and the analytical mind from Pop's side. Both have served me well.


My beloved brother, Gary. He was special in life and in death. He was the first one to leave us. Come July 13, he'll have been dead as long as he was alive. He was "my baby" growing up as you couldn't say "Kevin" without saying "and Bruce" right behind it. Kev and Bruce were basically twins born one year and two weeks apart to the day. Gary was my "and Bruce". There was nothing I wouldn't do for that kid. I can maintain a stoic presence at Mom's, Dad's and Bruce's graves. They all got a chance to live albeit short lives. At Gary's, I lose it. He was only 24. I have few questions when I die, but one of those will be, "Why Gary then?" to St. Peter. I'm sure there's a reason, I just can't find it.


John John. He'll always be "John John" or "Beanie". In a family of gifted men, he has the most gifts of all. Unfortunately, he has the most baggage as well. Intelligent way beyond his education, he just can't seem to do anything but underachieve. He still has the opportunity to do brilliant work. He has the handwriting of an artist. His poetry is flat out amazing. If he would focus and publish he'd be at the top of that field. BTW, that's not a brother's bias. He's THAT good.

We haven't had a family picture done in some time.

After Mom died in 1993, the boys came to see me and my now ex-wife.


(From L to R: Me, Bruce, Kev, and John John)

Now there's just the three of us.

The gaps in the brotherhood are huge.

Not among Kev and I. John has made some choices that Kev and I can't agree with. Someday I hope that gap is repaired, but that's out of my hands.

It doesn't mean we don't love him.

The gaps are our missing brothers.

When Gary died there were times I tried to call him in the months after. I can't tell you how awful that is.

Yet, after Bruce died, I did the same thing.

My week wasn't complete if I didn't call Bruce with the opening line, "Hey Slap Pappy!!!!".

Now the biggest memory I have is of Kevin taking Bruce's pulse and monitoring his breathing on the day he died.

I'll never forget the look on Kev's face when he looked at me and said, "He's gone.".

Bruce's wife, the kids, his In-Laws, and friends broke down in tears.

I broke down and cried too, but my biggest concern wasn't for me.

At that moment, I felt horrible for Bruce's wife (who we lovingly call "Sis") and Kev.

Sis had just lost the love of her life.

Kev just lost his best and oldest friend.

45 years ago, all we had were our dreams and our family.

Today, I'm missing both.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

A Factual Article On Air Traffic Control

It's factual because the reporter chose to speak to veteran Air Traffic Controllers, not some "part time" Presidential appointee or some spokesperson who's NEVER worked as an Air Traffic Controller in his/her life.

Read it here.

Faux, er....... Fox News could learn a thing or two from the article.

Primarily, if you want a "Fair and Balanced" report, go to the subject matter experts.

Secondly, if you want a quality product, get quality people.

Capiche?

Until the next time, Happy Easter and all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Saturday Doesn't MatterDay

With tomorrow being Easter, Sunday FunDay will just be Sunday.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I survived a meatless Good Friday, but barely.

My plan was simple. Go home early, make a cheese lasagna, have a couple of toddies (vodka/soda/lime), and chill out.

The plan worked well. Except I have a package of hot Italian sausage in the freezer. The temptation was huge. I actually took them out to thaw. In the end, the toddies won out. The sausage was this morning's breakfast.

One can be forgiven for eating a pound of hot sausage with peppers and onions for breakfast.

On a humorous note, I was given some Good Friday instructions as I walked home yesterday to make my meatless dinner. A young friend told me that as a Catholic I should actually be fasting on Good Friday and also abstaining from the use of alcohol.

If she hadn't been sitting at a patio bar I might have given the alcohol statement some credibility.

Bar side preaching really is a turn off.

Now, as to "fasting" as defined by the Catholic Church.

"Fasting" can consist of up to two small meals according to the Church teachings.

I was observant in that fashion.

Wonder what "Twenty something Uber Catholic Girl" had after her Happy Hour?

That's just a rhetorical musing. Honestly, I could really care less.

Today, Max's Sports Bar is having an outdoor music/patio party. Our good friend Shane Morrell's band, "Dynaflow" is going to be there.

"Dynaflow" kicks ass!

In the meantime, a ride to the Memphis Farmers Market is in order.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Faux News: Far From Facts

Those eagle eyed news hawks at www.foxnews.com are on top of it again.

Not.

It seems Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, whose department oversees the Federal Aviation Administration, was caught making a misstatement. Mr. LaHood announced that two controllers were fired. One for deliberately going to sleep on the job in Knoxville, the other for using a Southwest Airlines jet to check on a small aircraft after radio contact was lost with the private aircraft.

There are times when aircraft are used in this fashion. Usually it's done with military aircraft. A prime example is the accident that claimed professional golfer Payne Stewart's life. Two F-16 fighters on a training mission were vectored to intercept the runaway Lear Jet and inspect it. They could not raise the aircraft of the radios nor did they see any sign of life in the cockpit.

Mind you, fighter pilots are trained for formation flight and are very adept at it.

Not so, for many of the commercial pilots out there.

Even less so, for private pilots. The accident that killed Sen. John Heinz was completely avoidable.

The Miami Center supervisor who vectored the Southwest Airlines jet to the small aircraft arguably used questionable judgement.

However, Secretary LaHood had his facts wrong. A different Miami Center controller was fired for sleeping on the job.

www.foxnews.com made sure their distaste for wrong information was made quite clear to the public with the following headline:

"LaHood Gives Wrong Reason for Firing Air Traffic Controller"

Well, while we're pointing out wrong information in the story, let's put some things straight.

In the article, FoxNews states:

"But the civilian air traffic controller who allowed first lady Michelle Obama's Boeing 737 to get too close to a 200-ton military cargo jet on Monday will not be punished. Military air traffic controllers at Andrews Air Force Base had Obama's plane abort a landing out of fear that the military jet wouldn't have enough time to clear the runway."

Fact: The First Lady's aircraft was landing in trail of a heavy jet. The required separation behind the heavy jet was five miles. The separation between the two aircraft was actually 3.08 miles when the First Lady's aircraft was turned over to the controllers at Andrews Air Force Base. When it was obvious that the required separation could not be achieved, the tower controller at Andrews Air Force Base broke out the First Lady's B737. The "time to clear the runway" statement is speculative on the part of Fox News and is in fact, of no issue given the lack of appropriate "wake turbulence" spacing.

Oh, and while we're at it, here's another glaring problem with the paragraph from the Fox News report:

Fact: The air traffic control tower at Andrews Air Force Base is run by AND staffed by FAA air traffic controllers, not the military. Granted, it's a rare arrangement, but it is the truth.

At the end of the article Fox News states:

"The FAA issued new air traffic rules for flights carrying Mrs. Obama or the vice president. An air traffic supervisor rather than a controller will handle those flights, the agency said. A supervisor already handles flights carrying the president."

Fact: A supervisor does NOT handle the President, nor will they be handling the First Lady or Vice President. The regulations require that a supervisor MONITOR the controller handling the President Now the same regulations will apply to the First Lady's aircraft as well.

In many radar facilities you would NOT want a supervisor handling any amount of busy traffic.

That's a blog for another time.

You'd think that a large news organization like Fox News could, and would, get a story right.

"Fair and Balanced"?

You decide.

I already have.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

"Fair AND Balanced"???

Seems more like "Piss Poor and Uninformed" to me.

Yes folks, I'm talking about those lovely folks over at www.foxnews.com. The official website from the news organization that brings you "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!" twenty times a day on the most inane of news stories, has outdone themselves.

This time, it's their spiffy reporting on the First Lady's airplane being "sent around" at Andrews Air Force Base a few days back.

"A White House plane with first lady Michelle Obama on board aborted a landing Monday after narrowly avoiding a collision with a 200-ton military cargo jet*.
--- FoxNews.com, 19 April 2011

*emphasis added by ATM

Narrowly avoiding a collision?

Wow, that's big news.

She, and all aboard certainly must have been in deathly fear for their lives.

Somebody break out the counsellors, somebody else take the air traffic controller out and execute him.

Man, that must have been one white knuckle moment.................

Except what FoxNews reported was inaccurate at best, an outright lie at worst.

It's hard to say which because Fox News, regardless of the branch, has never met sensationalism they didn't like.

Sensationalism appeals to the masses.

It holds viewers' interest.

It helps carry Fox News agendas forward.

It also flies in the face of their "Fair and Balanced" motto.

In the interest of fairness and being balanced, let's review the facts of this "narrowly avoided collision", shall we?

Fact: A controller at the Potomac TRACON (the regional radar facility responsible for handling radar services to the Washington metro area) had a Boeing 737 carrying the First Lady set up to follow a C17 military cargo jet, both landing at Andrews Air Force Base.

Fact: In accordance with FAA JO 7110.65T, the radar controller at the Potomac TRACON should have ensured that the First Lady's B737 was at least five miles in trail, constant or increasing, of the preceding heavy* C17 cargo aircraft.

Note: * "Heavy" is a term used in aviation designating an aircraft capable of taking off at 255,000 pounds or greater. Because of wing design, "wake turbulence" becomes an issue. "Wake turbulence" is caused by vortices of air coming off the wingtips of an aircraft in flight. The size of a "Heavy" jets wing exacerbates this phenomenon.

This separation requirement is set forth in FAA JO 7110.65T paragraph 5-5-4e.4:

5-5-4e. Separate aircraft operating directly behind, or
directly behind and less than 1,000 feet below, or
following an aircraft conducting an instrument
approach by:

NOTE-
1. When applying wake turbulence separation criteria,
directly behind means an aircraft is operating within
2500 feet of the flight path of the leading aircraft over the
surface of the earth.
2. Consider parallel runways less than 2,500 feet apart as
a single runway because of the possible effects of wake
turbulence.

1. Heavy behind heavy- 4 miles.
2. Large/heavy behind B757- 4 miles.
3. Small behind B757- 5 miles.
4. Small/large behind heavy - 5 miles.*

*emphasis added

When the radar controller turned the First Lady's aircraft over to the tower controller at Andrews, he didn't have that.

He told the tower controller the First Lady's airplane was four miles in trail.

This is already what's known as an "operational error" on the radar controller's part. Separation standards were not met at the time of transfer between the controllers.

Fact: The tower controller issued the First Lady's aircraft an "S turn".

An "S turn" is where the pilot maneuvers the aircraft left or right off the final approach course to increase spacing between two aircraft. It's not a great idea to ask for one inside of five miles on final, but if the pilot agrees to it, it can be done. It's not that uncommon of a practice.

Fact: In spite of the efforts by the tower controller at Andrews Air Force Base, appropriate wake turbulence spacing was not going to exist when the heavy C17 crossed the landing threshold. He had no choice but to break out the First Lady's B737 and turn the aircraft back over to the Potomac TRACON for resequencing to the airport.

Now then I'm sure the B737 got bounced around a bit. Operating 3.08 miles behind a "Heavy" jet, it's bound to happen. Yes, there is even a chance that the "wake turbulence" could cause the B737's crew to lose control of the aircraft. However, they were not an a converging course as FoxNews.com would have you to believe. The First Lady's aircraft was behind the heavy C17 for landing.

Dear FoxNews.com: "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!" THE FIRST LADY'S AIRCRAFT DID NOT NARROWLY AVOID A COLLISION WITH A 200 TON JET, YOU HACKS!!!!!!

Seems to me that your "Fair and Balanced" reporting smacks more of "Yellow Journalism".

FoxNews.com, do yourselves a favor. Next time check your facts with a reliable source.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

March Comes In LIke A Lion...

April goes out like an 800 pound gorilla.

Geez, for the second time in two weeks we've had Spring thunderstorms pass through the area.

These thunderstorms were so severe that the "Tornado Sirens" went off repeatedly and for extended periods of time.

For those not familiar with a tornado siren, here's an example courtesy of Youtube.com:



Now mind you, these things are important pieces of safety equipment. They are designed to wake you and your family up should the possibility of a tornado arise during the night/early morning hours. They are also spread out in a manner that allows at least two to be heard from almost any spot in the city or county.

Oh yeah, and they are loud as Hell.

There's one located just around the corner from Air Traffic Mike World Headquarters here.

I was blissfully asleep when it went off last night.

Sure, I knew the line of weather was coming. I'd been watching it off and on all day on the weather radar feed via my iPhone and laptop computer.

I was glad to get home before the storm hit. Lately my sleep pattern has been such that daytime naps have become essential. By the time I got home last night I was ready for bed. After talking to Christine on the phone, I promptly laid down.

It only took moments for me to lapse into a sound sleep.

I vaguely remember hearing the first drop of rain hit the bedroom windows. They were large drops by the sound of them.

Then the winds started howling. Ominous rolls of thunder started in. Next, the flashes of lightning filled the bedroom blinds.

All of that would have been fine. I generally sleep well during these types of events.

Then.............

Then.............

Then.............

*sigh*

Then the "Tornado Sirens" went off in full force.

I woke up with my heart pounding.

Not that I wanted to.

Like the video above demonstrates, they are designed to be and are extremely loud.

I put my gym shorts on, grabbed my flashlight, picked my iPhone, and headed to the only interior room I have. That would be the laundry/bathroom.

Splitty the Maul had already gone in there.


Splitty the Maul, shown here in his favorite rocking chair at Uncle Kev's house.

Mauls understand Spring storm safety.

It took about twenty minutes, but the storm front passed. The sirens went quiet. I looked over at Splitty and said, "I'm heading back to bed."

Splitty The Maul opted to stay put, figuring the next line of storms would force us both back into the laundry/bathroom.

I was just about out the door when Splitty said, "Hey ATM, you know what they say about tornado sirens, right?

I looked back and said, "Not sure that I have."

Splitty sort of cracked that Southern Maul grin of his and replied, "Every time you hear a tornado siren, a trailer just got its wings!"

Did I mention Spiltty's favorite movie is "It's A Wonderful Life"?

Shaking my head I went back to bed.

But only for about 45 minutes.

The second front came through with predictable results. More sirens, another trip to the laundry/bathroom.

I finally got back to sleep around 1:00 AM, but was up by 5:15 AM courtesy of the fire station around the corner having to roll the fleet on a call.

I'm exhausted.

The return to New Jersey (slated for the end of next week) can't come too soon.

New Jersey has severe Spring weather from time to time, but not like they have down here in the South. The storm last week left 40+ people dead, tens of thousands without electricity, and yes, several trailers did indeed get their wings.

Sadly, even with "wings", trailers fly poorly.


They often land even worse.

The long term forecast shows good weather for Splitty's and my return to South Jersey next week.

But only if we make it past the midweek storms forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.

I'd hate to see the condo get its "wings".

At least while we're still here, anyway.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Wow, What A Weekend

There's a lot to do in Memphis during the Spring months. It's about the only time the weather is nice enough to get in some festivals.

Mind you, the blistering heat starting in May lasting through October doesn't stop folks from participating in festivals. It just makes it a bit unpleasant.

That wasn't the case this weekend past.

The weekend started off with our friend Allison's 30th birthday party. For the record, Allison's birthday is/was not considered an official "festival". It was a lot of fun though.


The lovely Miss Allison showing off her birthday chalice. Snoop Dogg would be jealous.


A look down the hallway at Number 10 Main's center hallway. The party room is adjacent this hallway.


Winn kindly offered his services as bartender for the evening.


Chad and Shaun offering the "Birthday Girl" congratulations, Otto holding court in the background.


Erin and Eric joined in on the fun a bit later.


Paul, Gary, and Buddha enjoying some libations.


I'm not sure what was going through Clay's mind, but Rebecca (The "Nuh-Uh Girl") seemed to like it.......


Otto, strategically seated near the food table.

I have a lot more pictures, including one of the gang taking a "power nap".

I'm not inclined to post pictures like that.

Fortunately, I know someone who is.

Always good to know one's resources.

Saturday bought not one, but three different events. The Southern Hot Wing Festival, Africa In April, and the 2011 Memphis Brewfest.

A guy can only spread himself so thin. I threw "Africa In April" under the proverbial "social bus" and went for hot wings and cold beer instead.

The day started off cold and cloudy. Not an auspicious beginning, but there were wings to be cooked and eaten.

The Wing Fest is one of the better festivals in that you can sample wings from any team for a small donation. Usually it's a dollar for two or three wing pieces with the money going to the Memphis Ronald McDonald house up by St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Dining for a worthy cause is a beautiful thing.

Seeing as how it was not going to be a healthy diet sort of day, I walked the one mile and some change to the event.

Before settling in at some friends' tents, i decided to stroll the grounds to see the sights. With three music stages and nearly 60 teams, there was a lot to see.


I never get tired of seeing hearses recycled for happier uses. However, if this one is available at the time of my demise it would be most appropriate for me.

You can read all about Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken by clicking on the link.


A look back towards the Central Train Station and the entrance to the event on Main Street.


It takes a big man to wear a chicken suit. It takes a bigger man to make fun of that guy and maintain a level of safety.

I suggested to the team he was with that next year they cut the "wings" of the outfit and hire a double amputee to don it.

Just one more reason I'm not in marketing.


A look at one of the side streets the festival encompassed.


One of the three music stages this year.

A bunch of mutual friends had their teams placed side by side by side once again this year. "Max's Sports Bar", "Team Pluck U", and the good folks from 730 AM Fox Sports. The common thread here is the South Main folks. Max's is located in the South Main area, "Team Pluck U" is full of South Mainers, and the sales rep from 730 AM is a South Mainer, as well as Max's best customer.


Standing in the 730 AM Fox Sports tent, looking at Tom and Christine Shelton (Owners of Shelton Clothiers and Christine on Main Street in downtown Memphis) in the "Pluck U" kitchen, and back further Max's Sports Bar's kitchen.


Gary and Stevie G. promoting their new breakfast energy drink called "Beer".


Gloria, "Pluck U"'s head chef takes a sample while Christine washes her hands for the 100th time.

Anyone who's ever cooked at an outdoor competition can tell you that you will wash your hands over and over and over again. There's no getting around it.


First run of the day on Max's grill. They cook theirs in a unique fashion. First they deep fry them a bit, drain them, season them, and grill them while saucing them on the grill. The result is a crispy, moist wing. They had a number of sauces, but for my money nothing beats Max's Honey Habanero sauce.

If you'd like to try it, it's available on the menu at Max's Sports Bar on G.E. Patterson.


Chief cook and all around good guy "Bicycle Bobby" Vichie tending the grill for Max's.

Bobby knows wings.


Mikey holding down the 730 AM Fox Sports tent.


Clay enjoying his last week of unemployed freedom. I'd like to take this opportunity to say that the company that hired him did themselves a huge favor.


If Nick ever lost a hand he'd have nothing to say.

Actually, Nick and Sarah came in from Chicago for the weekend. It was really good to see them again. Hopefully they won't stay away so long the next time.


Tom enjoying a well deserved cigar break.


My friend Maury. We share the same birthday, just one year apart.

Once upon a time, we were 2/3's of a really awesome Italian Fest cooking crew. We also made a bratwurst that won the St. Francis Oktoberfest Bratwurst competition. It was odd for us to be actually standing around at a cooking competition instead of competing.

Such is life.

By 2:00 pm a bunch of us made a command decision. The teams were getting ready for the judging portion of the competition and as Otto pointed out, "I can't feel my hands.".

We bid adieu to the wing festival and headed over to Max's Sports Bar for additional libations and warmth.

Paul and Otto got to talking about the Beer Fest. It didn't take much to talk me into it.

In spite of some incompetence on the MATA trolley driver's part in the loading and off loading of a wheelchair passenger, Paul and I arrived there just after opening. Paul had his ticket, but mercifully the ticket line for me was short.

So many beers, one two ounce tasting cup, so little time.

However, by this time the sun had come out.


One of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the minor leagues, Autozone Park.


Paul, our friend Darrin and his wife (who's name I can't remember, mea culpa).


The turnout was terriffic!


A bit later we ran into our friend Ruchee.


The plaza was equally as full.

All good things must come to an end. Saturday was no exception. I stopped off at Majestic, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed home.


The full moon was kind enough to see me home.

Sunday FunDay was an extra fun day.

The annual "Ragin' Cajun Crawfish Festival" was held down by the river.

I don't mind the crowds, but an offer to hang out on a nearby roof top patio at our friend Chad's place was too good an offer to pass up.

A sunny Spring day, nice breezes, a great view of the Mississippi River and the festival, plus coolers of beer made for a terriffic day.


Our host Chad holding up what might be the largest crawfish at the festival.


Looking over the festival and down river. Notice the idiots sitting on/standing on the trolley tracks. Amazingly it happens every year. We're all just waiting for some moron to get run over.


A look back towards town and the Peabody Hotel.

The Mississippi River is currently rising due to heavy rains up north.


Going downriver, not much of a problem. This large tug and its barges went by very quickly.


Going upriver on the other hand.......

I timed this guy and his barges. It took 15 minutes from the south bridges until they cleared the north bridge. The distance between them is about two miles.


Everybody really enjoyed the afternoon.


Even the folks taking a river cruise on the Memphis Queen.

Today is chock full of fun with things like laundry and cleaning the bathroom.

Looks like a quiet week going into Easter Sunday.

I'll be working on some projects for the rest of the time.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.