The members of this church went on to use other harder core churches...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
to-SHEE-buh, Japanese, "We don't give a crap about our customers!"
Howdy. Yes Grandma (and other concerned parties), I’m still alive. The reason I haven’t written in the last month has nothing to do with your stance on beer. (Beer is “Anti-Grandma”) My absence from online life is actually due to a bad power supply on my Toshiba M35-X laptop. This part is evidently located on the main system board, which has been on back order for the last month. I wish I could say that Toshiba’s customer relations department has done everything possible to help me out and support their three-month-old product, but even online I’m a horrendous liar. They are worthless, incompetent saps! No one expressed any desire whatsoever to help in finding a temporary solution, and no one had any access to the parts people who could tell me when I might expect to have my computer back. After two weeks of daily calls to Toshiba and their authorized service center, I finally got through to someone who was able to tell me that the part was to be shipped on March 14, which happens to be tomorrow (and my birthday). We’ll see.
So, tonight finds me in the bayou. That’s right, Cajun country. The first night I was here, I ate two pounds of crawfish and a half-pound of shrimp. Beautiful. I’m staying in Galliano, Louisiana, a town situated on either side of a canal that runs 25 miles south to the Gulf of Mexico. There are three North-South roads, one on the east of the canal, and two on the west. Every couple miles there is a drawbridge crossing the canal and linking one side of town to the other. People around here wait for barges and shrimp boats like people in Kansas wait for trains.
Flying around here is fascinating! On the way down from Athens, I filed my flight plan so as not to fly over the large lake north of New Orleans because I’d rather not over-fly large bodies of water if avoidable. The controllers asked why I was taking the route I had chosen, and when I told them, they all but laughed at me on the radio. After I passed New Orleans to the south, I saw all the swampland and realized that the whole place was water. Then I understood why the controllers had thought I was ridiculous. Even what looked like solid ground from the air was mostly just junk growing on top of the water.
The network of canals is laid out like a diabolical aquatic maze and somehow I doubt there are “road” signs out there. I found out from Jeff, the airport manager, that the reason there are so many dead ends has to do with the oil drilling that is so prevalent down here. I guess that when they cut through the swamp to drill a well, they leave a canal behind.
Occasionally, I see an isolated shack hidden deep in the bayou. My curiosity and imagination go wild! Who in the world lives there? Why? Is that the Toshiba Parts Department?
I’ve got to get the computer back to my boss now. I can’t wait to call Toshiba tomorrow and find out if the part actually shipped or if I’m going to have to buy a Dell and sell the lemon on E-Bay.
So, tonight finds me in the bayou. That’s right, Cajun country. The first night I was here, I ate two pounds of crawfish and a half-pound of shrimp. Beautiful. I’m staying in Galliano, Louisiana, a town situated on either side of a canal that runs 25 miles south to the Gulf of Mexico. There are three North-South roads, one on the east of the canal, and two on the west. Every couple miles there is a drawbridge crossing the canal and linking one side of town to the other. People around here wait for barges and shrimp boats like people in Kansas wait for trains.
Flying around here is fascinating! On the way down from Athens, I filed my flight plan so as not to fly over the large lake north of New Orleans because I’d rather not over-fly large bodies of water if avoidable. The controllers asked why I was taking the route I had chosen, and when I told them, they all but laughed at me on the radio. After I passed New Orleans to the south, I saw all the swampland and realized that the whole place was water. Then I understood why the controllers had thought I was ridiculous. Even what looked like solid ground from the air was mostly just junk growing on top of the water.
The network of canals is laid out like a diabolical aquatic maze and somehow I doubt there are “road” signs out there. I found out from Jeff, the airport manager, that the reason there are so many dead ends has to do with the oil drilling that is so prevalent down here. I guess that when they cut through the swamp to drill a well, they leave a canal behind.
Occasionally, I see an isolated shack hidden deep in the bayou. My curiosity and imagination go wild! Who in the world lives there? Why? Is that the Toshiba Parts Department?
I’ve got to get the computer back to my boss now. I can’t wait to call Toshiba tomorrow and find out if the part actually shipped or if I’m going to have to buy a Dell and sell the lemon on E-Bay.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Beer Saves The Day Again!
Howdy. You find me at the end of a long day. I flew just under 7 hours today for my first full day since arriving in Athens. The scenery down here is really pretty cool. The Appalachian Mountains distort the horizon to the North, and a large teal lake surrounded by forests and golf courses dominates the landscape below. If I had to pick an area to orbit for seven solid hours a day based on scenery, this would at least be a finalist. Other perks to this location include the fact that I’m not in any complex airspace, so I don’t have to be talking to any controllers. The ability to listen to my music as loud as I want without the fear of missing a traffic call improves the day markedly. It’s also a more serene setting than downtown Fort Worth to drop the drawers and urinate in a Gatorade bottle, for whatever that’s worth. Have I mentioned that I’m the Half-Naked King of The World?
I was sort of a zombie today due to my going out and listening to music last night at “Tasty World.” At 9:40, I was already worn out. I rationalized that I wouldn’t stay out too late and that the mile walk would do me good. I should have been in bed.
The first band billed themselves as “New wave power-pop silk-pajama-wearing magnificent smirking bastards.” “The Shut Ups” played synth-heavy, funk-disco-rock and the keyboard player/lead singer couldn’t have been more over the top. He reminded me of Jon Lovitz’s character in “The Wedding Singer.”
“Good luck finding a DJ who can move and shake like this!”
He had the same unjustified cockiness. He ate a sandwich on stage. He made like a choir director cutting off the applause after a song. He even looked a little like Mr. Lovitz. Maybe it was the silk pajamas.
By the time the second band, “Funkle Ester,” got on stage, I had already destroyed my self promise to get back early and get to bed. I only listened/danced to a couple of their 70’s disco covers before heading out. Bed time? Oh no. Time to satisfy the impulsive, late night, alcohol induced craving for a western omelet. I’ve always loved the atmosphere of a late night, college town diner on a weekend night and “The Grill” didn’t disappoint. My waitress was an art school grad with shiny blue hair and an equally shiny personality.
As I finally made my way back to the hotel, I noticed a lot of cars in a parking lot with no apparent venue. The store fronts were dark. No bar noise emanated from the building. I looked behind the strip-mall-esque building as I came to the cross street, and the back parking lot was packed as well. I decided to take the side street just to see what was back there. I was mildly creeped out by the verbal altercation taking place at the door to the hidden bar and by the police cars hovering about, so I looked and walked straight ahead. Maybe this whole “side street in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar town” wasn’t such a hot idea.
As I turned down the next block toward the hotel, I saw a body sprawled out on a storm drain at the side of the road. The old black man was clearly unconscious. I didn’t look too closely, though, as I passed. I considered trying to rouse him, but decided against it out of concern for my personal safety. That was my excuse anyway.
It was cold last night. I thought about my Great Aunt Ruth, such a beautiful soul, who last winter, in a state of confusion, left her nursing home in the middle of the night and succumbed to exposure at the side of a road. No one deserves to die like that.
I had the hotel desk clerk call the police and went out to make sure they found the man. I know. I'm such a great citizen. Hey, being the Half-Naked King of the World has its responsibilities. I'm still wondering about all of the “bad” decisions I’d made that led me to that side street at two in the morning. I should have been in bed.
I was sort of a zombie today due to my going out and listening to music last night at “Tasty World.” At 9:40, I was already worn out. I rationalized that I wouldn’t stay out too late and that the mile walk would do me good. I should have been in bed.
The first band billed themselves as “New wave power-pop silk-pajama-wearing magnificent smirking bastards.” “The Shut Ups” played synth-heavy, funk-disco-rock and the keyboard player/lead singer couldn’t have been more over the top. He reminded me of Jon Lovitz’s character in “The Wedding Singer.”
“Good luck finding a DJ who can move and shake like this!”
He had the same unjustified cockiness. He ate a sandwich on stage. He made like a choir director cutting off the applause after a song. He even looked a little like Mr. Lovitz. Maybe it was the silk pajamas.
By the time the second band, “Funkle Ester,” got on stage, I had already destroyed my self promise to get back early and get to bed. I only listened/danced to a couple of their 70’s disco covers before heading out. Bed time? Oh no. Time to satisfy the impulsive, late night, alcohol induced craving for a western omelet. I’ve always loved the atmosphere of a late night, college town diner on a weekend night and “The Grill” didn’t disappoint. My waitress was an art school grad with shiny blue hair and an equally shiny personality.
As I finally made my way back to the hotel, I noticed a lot of cars in a parking lot with no apparent venue. The store fronts were dark. No bar noise emanated from the building. I looked behind the strip-mall-esque building as I came to the cross street, and the back parking lot was packed as well. I decided to take the side street just to see what was back there. I was mildly creeped out by the verbal altercation taking place at the door to the hidden bar and by the police cars hovering about, so I looked and walked straight ahead. Maybe this whole “side street in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar town” wasn’t such a hot idea.
As I turned down the next block toward the hotel, I saw a body sprawled out on a storm drain at the side of the road. The old black man was clearly unconscious. I didn’t look too closely, though, as I passed. I considered trying to rouse him, but decided against it out of concern for my personal safety. That was my excuse anyway.
It was cold last night. I thought about my Great Aunt Ruth, such a beautiful soul, who last winter, in a state of confusion, left her nursing home in the middle of the night and succumbed to exposure at the side of a road. No one deserves to die like that.
I had the hotel desk clerk call the police and went out to make sure they found the man. I know. I'm such a great citizen. Hey, being the Half-Naked King of the World has its responsibilities. I'm still wondering about all of the “bad” decisions I’d made that led me to that side street at two in the morning. I should have been in bed.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Just like "Wilson" the Volleyball...
Howdy. How’s everybody doin’ this evening? Good. Greetings from Athens, Georgia. I left Fort Worth Tuesday morning and shot an ILS into Athens about seven flight hours later. Memorable moments on the flight included a bright orange conflagration of the Appalachian Mountains caused by the setting sun behind me. A radio call from Steve, the pilot who I replaced, was also a pleasant surprise. He was flying cargo in a Baron when he heard his old tail number. Shooting the ILS in Athens down to 500 feet at night was good fun too.
It sort of sucked to leave. I really felt like I had a family in Fort Worth. I can’t express how grateful I am to Erin and Ryan (for putting up with my appropriation of the angel room), to Patrick and Tina (for introducing me to Babe’s Chicken and Rob Lumbard), to Tiffany (for introducing me to “Amelie”-one of my new favorite movies), to Shaina (for reminding me how much fun it is to roll one’s self down a grassy hill), to Rhonda (for the couch and the writing advice), to Chris and Jaimee Harris aka “Better Off Dad” (for being supportive of my playing and letting me crash their shows), to Josh and Maria (for the de facto intro to philosophy… check out www.contenttrucker.blogspot.com), and to Badger, Carma, Jason, Chris, and Snowflake (for making Panther City such a great temporary home- I hereby vow to use my “Close Friend of the Owner 10% discount card” again someday…).
I hope I didn’t miss anyone. Everyone down there was great. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand this job if I make such strong connections in every new town as I did in Fort Worth. I don’t think that’s probable though.
That said, I think I could really enjoy Athens. The University of Georgia is here, and the requisite “bar/coffee/music/book” district here has a great atmosphere. The first night I was here, I happened upon an open mic night at “Whisky Dick’s.” After listening to some talented local musicians, I borrowed a guitar and played a couple songs. Good times. One guy gave me a list of places that had open mic nights. I could play different places Monday through Thursday. Been feelin’ kinda crummy today, though. Maybe I’ll do that next week if I’m still here.
There is free wi-fi throughout the downtown area. It seems like the local business organization supports it as a draw for business and also as a way to get people to check out local events and activities on their bulletin board. I think it’s a great idea. More places should consider doing something like it. Check it out.
http://athenscloud.nmi.uga.edu/athens/inside.php
I did a little exploring this afternoon; resisted the temptation to buy a Pee –Wee Herman ventriloquist doll at a comic book/record store. Just think of the fun a person could have! I could use the box he came in as a tip receptacle for when “he” makes fun of passers by on the street. He’d be a great co-pilot/scapegoat. “Roger, I’ll have Pee-Wee recycle that transponder and squawk 4635…” There’s still time.
It sort of sucked to leave. I really felt like I had a family in Fort Worth. I can’t express how grateful I am to Erin and Ryan (for putting up with my appropriation of the angel room), to Patrick and Tina (for introducing me to Babe’s Chicken and Rob Lumbard), to Tiffany (for introducing me to “Amelie”-one of my new favorite movies), to Shaina (for reminding me how much fun it is to roll one’s self down a grassy hill), to Rhonda (for the couch and the writing advice), to Chris and Jaimee Harris aka “Better Off Dad” (for being supportive of my playing and letting me crash their shows), to Josh and Maria (for the de facto intro to philosophy… check out www.contenttrucker.blogspot.com), and to Badger, Carma, Jason, Chris, and Snowflake (for making Panther City such a great temporary home- I hereby vow to use my “Close Friend of the Owner 10% discount card” again someday…).
I hope I didn’t miss anyone. Everyone down there was great. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand this job if I make such strong connections in every new town as I did in Fort Worth. I don’t think that’s probable though.
That said, I think I could really enjoy Athens. The University of Georgia is here, and the requisite “bar/coffee/music/book” district here has a great atmosphere. The first night I was here, I happened upon an open mic night at “Whisky Dick’s.” After listening to some talented local musicians, I borrowed a guitar and played a couple songs. Good times. One guy gave me a list of places that had open mic nights. I could play different places Monday through Thursday. Been feelin’ kinda crummy today, though. Maybe I’ll do that next week if I’m still here.
There is free wi-fi throughout the downtown area. It seems like the local business organization supports it as a draw for business and also as a way to get people to check out local events and activities on their bulletin board. I think it’s a great idea. More places should consider doing something like it. Check it out.
http://athenscloud.nmi.uga.edu/athens/inside.php
I did a little exploring this afternoon; resisted the temptation to buy a Pee –Wee Herman ventriloquist doll at a comic book/record store. Just think of the fun a person could have! I could use the box he came in as a tip receptacle for when “he” makes fun of passers by on the street. He’d be a great co-pilot/scapegoat. “Roger, I’ll have Pee-Wee recycle that transponder and squawk 4635…” There’s still time.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
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