The Perfect Cake
May 31, 2008
The Nelson Cake–something I experienced while in Millville, Utah with Roz and her family last weekend. Roz’s grandmother developed it and her mother perfected it. I’m looking forward to her making it for me here in Alabama because it was dang good.
We had a great time. Millville is a small community in northern Utah. It’s one of those little havens, like Haleyville. There are more pics of this area on Brooke’s website.
Changed another flight with Southwest today with no problems or fees. Why can’t all airlines be like this?
I Love Southwest Airlines
May 29, 2008
Since I’ve been flying a lot lately I’ve become even more fond of Southwest. Have you flown with them? I know many people give them a bad rap because it’s a ‘no-frills’ airline, but I’ll take that any day since they let me change flights all the time and consistently have the cheapest fares. Plus they have great direct flights out of Birmingham.
I don’t know for sure, but I think they were the first airline to not use the traditional ‘hub-and-spoke’ system like the other airlines. Does anyone know if this is for sure true? I’m not going to research it, so we can just go with this. Several other airlines have adopted a hybrid hub-and-spoke system in the past decade or two.
I did not like their new boarding system when I first experienced it back in December, but since then I’ve come to really like it. It keeps people from standing in line well before the plane is ready to be boarded.
I asked a flight attendant (in the old days she would be called a Stewardess) on Sunday how many days in a row she works. She said, “I’m probably not the best person to ask that because I only work six days a month.” She’s been with the company for 20 years and she said seniority is everything with them. She flies when she wants. I like that kind of job. Of course, I don’t know how much she’s getting paid, but obviously she can afford it. This is one reason why all their employees are much happier than the other airlines.
I read a great book last year called “Lessons in Loyalty” about how Southwest Airlines operates and what type of people they employ. It’s like one big party. I’d love to work for them. Too bad they don’t have planning or logistics positions in my area.
Red Mountain Park
May 28, 2008
This will be a nice addition to Birmingham when it’s fully completed. I look forward to visiting it.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/05/first_public_tour_of_red_mount.html
I spent the weekend in Millville, UT with Roz and her family. It was a great time. Pictures of people and food to follow.
McCain/Romney 2008
May 23, 2008
According to the NY Times, Sen. John McCain is set to meet with at least three potential running mates at a gathering this weekend at his Sedona ranch. We know Charlie Crist of Florida, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts have accepted invitations. Some of McCain’s associates said that while these will not be formal interviews, the weekend will allow McCain to get to know a potential running mate in a social setting.
I really don’t know who he’ll choose, but I hope it’s Romney. I’ve been a fan of his for about a year now. He is extremely qualified to lead our great country. I’d like for him to position himself to have a good chance at the White House in 2012. What do you think?
Gary Jay, what are your thoughts on this? You’ve been around a while and have seen many elections. Whether you’re for or against McCain, do you think he can beat Clinton or Obama? Damon, you’re up on this. Will it happen?
In a follow up on the Wii Fit, I knocked 14 years off my fitness age tonight.
Wii Fit
May 21, 2008
I am a big Nintendo fan and today got the new Wii Fit. I still don’t know what all it can do, but it measures weight, BMI, balance and provides little workouts. I was surprised by its initial diagnosis of me. It said I’m overweight, with a BMI of 27. My first workout even said I’m a couch potato. I resent that. It also grossly overstated my fitness age. Oh well, I’ll fix that real fast, unless I decide to box it up and send it back because it already lied to me. Regardless, I recommend the Wii and Fit for any kids and adults.
Rocket Man
May 20, 2008
“I’ve had many ‘whoops’ moments,” he said. “My safety is altitude.”
Rossy — whose sponsors have dubbed him “Fusion Man” — says his form of human flight will remain the reserve of very few for now. The price and effort involved are simply too enormous, he says.
I used to dream I was flying all the time when I was little. This guy has to be living his dream. Great story. I hope it’s true.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24617833?GT1=43001
Mullet Toss
May 19, 2008
I just recently learned of this event that takes place in a few cities along the Alabama and Florida coasts. If you thought you knew what a mullet was, get ready for defnition #2. It’s entertaining. Better hope PETA doesn’t see this; they’ll start some kind of protest.
Road Trip Through the Blue Ridge Mountains
May 18, 2008
Made a road trip to Washington, DC Friday night. You ever driven thru the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah wilderness at sunrise? It was a pretty sight. I rode with Michael since he’s moving up there. We drove all night and I ‘happened’ to see Roz while there. We had a great weekend, filled with good food. I’m amazed at how many eating places are all around that city. It’s nice, but it goes to show that people just don’t eat at home anymore. They have any food you can want, except biscuits and gravy. We had lunch at Luna Grill today, which was very good. Any place that serves grilled cheese will be a favorite of mine. Another food that tastes very good after no sleep and no food for many hours is ‘Popeyes’. You may think I’m crazy, but you gotta love that spicy chicken.
The Only Time I’ll Defend Obama
May 15, 2008
The media is making a big deal out of Obama calling a reporter ’sweetie’. And he actually apologized because he “has a bad habit of calling people sweetie”. Where I come from (and live), that word is used regularly. I use it; and older women say that to me. They also say ‘baby’ or ‘hun’ or ‘honey’. Once again, the media making something out of nothing. Imagine what they’d do if Pres. Bush said that.
Here are more details about this non-news story (that I’m writing about for some reason).
Investments Rising
May 14, 2008
Remember a few months ago when the stock market took a dive and I stated I’d lost a lot of money in my 401(k)? I said my strategy then was to stay put and I’m glad I did. I have since made up that loss and then some without touching a thing. That’s probably not always the best move, but I think most of the time it’s best to stay put a little while and not react to the market instantly.
Recently a senior investor friend told me how he’d talked a client out of pulling out of some funds when the market went down. She came back to him just last week thanking him because of the significant gains she’s now experiencing. I’m not predicting the market is forever on the rise because times will get worse, but they will also get better.
I know each investment needs to be treated differently based on a number of criteria, including your philosophy, but I initially stick with doing nothing at all in the beginning of downturns. Someone like Jay or Derek could probably shed good light on this topic.