Carmichael's Position

Obama Campaign Couldn't Have Planned this Better!

Kwanza Christmas comes early for the Obama campaign!

The New Yorker Magazine released this cover it plans to publish for its July 21 Edition!  So how could something so tasteless be beneficial for the Obama Campaign?

Think about it... for the next few days (possibly longer depending on how much traction this gets, or is allowed to get in the mainstream media... I suspect quite a bit actually) we will be talking about how disrespectful this is, how insulting, how racist, etc...  Republicans and democrats alike will have to agree this is tasteless. 

In order to really demonstrate our disdain for tripe like this we Republicans will be forced to state things like: 

"Of course Barack Hussein Obama is a Patriotic American who loves his country... He would never do anything to weaken our stature in the world!"

"Having Michele carry an AK-47 is a travesty!  She's always been for GUN CONTROL!"

"Besides!  Good Democrats would NEVER BURN THE AMERICAN FLAG!... in a fireplace... in private... no press attention for "The Cause" to be gained in such a private act!"

"Oh... the picture on the wall illustrating support for Osama... well that's just silly!  Barack isn't a Muslim!"

Seriously, this cover is a boon for the Obama Campaign.  Just as the polls are beginning to narrow because real issues facing Americans are becoming harder and harder to ignore, the Obama camp can only benefit from redirecting attention from serious issues like Terrorism, Green Environmental Economic Destruction, Federal Economic Intervention levels, Energy Policy, His lack of any tangible leadership experience etc... Obama is able to refocus on the one element where he can leverage sympathy and empathy.  The Stereotyping, race-bating, religion-bating baseless attacks of the ignorant.

"Drown me! Roast me! Hang me! Do whatever you please," said Brer Rabbit. "Only please, Brer Fox, please don't throw me into the briar patch."

"The briar patch, eh?" said Brer Fox. "What a wonderful idea! You'll be torn into little pieces!"

The New Yorker is a long time supporter of Liberal ideals and as such one must be suspicious of a cover that so negatively portrays their guy!  There is an ulterior motive, don't doubt otherwise.  Getting Republicans to publicly proclaim that all of these satirical stereotypes imbedded in this cartoon are categorically false is the ultimate goal of a cover like this!

• Barack is not a Muslim - he's said so.
• Michelle is not a terrorist - She's proud to be an American... now.
• Obama would never celebrate Osama... Obama hopes more than anything that slippery sombitch is caught!... in 8 months!... So he can face trial...
• Burning the American Flag in such a fashion is a travesty!... We've already covered the "Proper Democrat Way to Burn An American Flag"
• Michelle in Camo?  Now that's just WAAAY over the top!  Michelle would NEVER be in Uniform!

Tune in to all the talking head shows and watch how many times issues are brought up over the next few days.  Remember once again how we treat BARACK is the topic of conversation!  Not how Barack will treat us... poor, poor Barack!

Example of Why I Find it Difficult to Believe Anything I Hear From the "Sky Is Falling Global Warming Alarmists"

This kind of reporting is nothing but irresponsible...From Australian ABC News:

Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming...

Crap!  And I was going soooo green, watching Discovery HD channel and now the Green Channel in HD about how terrible we humans are for the the future of the planet.  See... If you all would have just let Ronald Reagan Nuke the Crap out of the world back in the 80's we wouldn't have any humans to mess things up for... uh... the cockroaches!

Sorry propensity for digression... Back to the article.  They are not happy enough with the headline... no they have to elaborate their sensationalistic BS with a sub-line:

A gas used in the making of flat screen televisions, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), is being blamed for damaging the atmosphere and accelerating global warming. 

Oh no!  Not Nitrogen Triflouride!  Damn! General Ripper in "Dr. Strangelove" may have been on to something!  Albiet he missed his chemistry by a Nitrogen atom and 2 more fluoride atoms. for those of you who need a refresher on General Ripper's concerns, I provide the following dialogue from the Kubrik film Dr. Strangelove:

Ripper: Mandrake?
Mandrake: Yes, Jack?
Ripper: Have you ever seen a Commie drink a glass of water?
Mandrake: Well, I can't say I have.
Ripper: Vodka, that's what they drink, isn't it? Never water?
Mandrake: Well, I-I believe that's what they drink, Jack, yes.
Ripper: On no account will a Commie ever drink water, and not without good reason.
Mandrake: Oh, eh, yes. I, uhm, can't quite see what you're getting at, Jack.
Ripper: Water, that's what I'm getting at, water. Mandrake, water is the source of all life. Seven-tenths of this earth's surface is water. Why, do you realize that seventy percent of you is water?
Mandrake: Uh, uh, Good Lord!
Ripper: And as human beings, you and I need fresh, pure water to replenish our precious bodily fluids.
Mandrake: Yes. (he begins to chuckle nervously)
Ripper: Are you beginning to understand?
Mandrake: Yes. (more laughter)
Ripper: Mandrake. Mandrake, have you never wondered why I drink only distilled water, or rain water, and only pure-grain alcohol?
Mandrake: Well, it did occur to me, Jack, yes.
Ripper: Have you ever heard of a thing called fluoridation. Fluoridation of water?
Mandrake: Uh? Yes, I-I have heard of that, Jack, yes. Yes.
Ripper: Well, do you know what it is?
Mandrake: No, no I don't know what it is, no.
Ripper: Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face?

Damn digression again... Back to the article.  If you stop at the headlines like most of our MTV generation is wont to do, you will obviously do the right thing and go back to watching TV on your RCA Black and White!  However reading the article to it's conclusion I am troubled by the lack of ANY SCIENTIFIC support for this sensationalistic Headline and Sub-line... Note the absolute nature of both using the term "IS being blamed..." 

However, reading further... I run across this:

Dr Paul Fraser is the chief research scientist at the CSIRO's marine and atmospheric research centre, and an IPCC author.

He says without measuring the quantity of NF3 in the atmosphere it is unclear what impact it will have on the climate.

"We haven't observed it in the atmosphere. It's probably there in very low concentrations," he said.

"The key to whether it's a problem or not is how much is released to the atmosphere."

So I fail to see the supportive argument for the major premise "Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming..." When a specific fact of the matter is "...without measuring the quantity of NF3 in the atmosphere it is unclear what impact it will have on the climate. "We haven't observed it in the atmosphere. It's probably there in very low concentrations..."

Y'all getting this?  Scientific evidence has not even been being collected as to the effect NF3 has on the environment, it is not even being measured!!!!  Should it be? Probably... but to make an irresponsible unknown claim like  "Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming..."  Is completely and utterly baseless and equates to nothing more than the continued incestuous relationship between the "Global Climate Change/Global Warming" as a religion freaks and the "mainstream responsible, J-school educated Media!" 

What a bunch of WONKS!

I'm going to put my Dr. Strangelove DVD in my high heat emitting Denon  Up-Convert DVD player and watch it on my 42" 1080P LCD flat screen!  Just on General principle!

One of those calls you don't want to get...

In an effort to explain the absence of recent posts... I've been in Jacksonville Florida for the last week!  I received a call from my Sister Kelly last Sunday morning letting me know that Dad had just called her to let her know Mom had been admitted to the Navy Jax ER with severe abdominal pain.  And that the initial prognosis was not looking good... they had "discovered a mass."

These are never words you want to hear! 

As is the normal in situations like these, the details were continuing to pour in and were often sketchy, terminology was wrong, organs involved were wrong, why the delays?... etc...

After a number of brief conversations with my sister and discussing it with my ever supportive wife Ginger, I decided I was going to catch the first plane out I could from Denver to Jax.  I was on the United Red Eye that night... First stop Dulles.  Landed at 05:00... connection to JAX scheduled for 08:45, this should put me at the hospital by 11:30!  Not so fast sparky!  First connection "Canceled" No reason given!  44 of us make a bee line to the United Customer Service Desk (oxymoronic, I know.)  I am first in line, thank God!

I let poor lone individual behind the counter know that she is about to be inundated with displaced passengers from the canceled flight.  Not a happy one she.

She begins by looking for an open seat on the next flight to JAX, due to leave at 12:10.  Things are not looking good... but once she hears my situation she is very sympathetic and begins using management overrides to get me on that plane.  Bless You!

She manages to get me a seat... others in that line would not be able to get to Jacksonville for another day or even two!

I arrive Jacksonville having slept about 2 hours in a number of 20 minute increments throughout my journey.  Grab my rental car and head for St. Vincent's Hospital. 

I get to my mother's room, on the fifth floor overlooking the St. Johns River, nice digs actually, but trust me you do not want to have reason to be on the telemetry floor of a hospital, I don't care how good the view!

I learn more about my mother's condition (or at lease as much as we know up to that time)... it does not sound good.  It is the "C" word.  And it involves the pancreas! And has metastasized to the liver Aw crap!  But they are still to perform more tests, and biopsies. 

I go back to the airport and pick my sister up, and return to the river view hospital room .  We now have all of us together, but it is a trepidatious time.  My father, strong as he is emotionally and physically is struggling with all of this, as one would expect.  My Mom, always the fighter is lying there in her hospital bed pissed off that this is what has to happen to get the family together!  I love that!

Long story short... we spend the next 3 days at the hospital waiting on tests, waiting on consultations with specialists, waiting on getting the right meal mom ordered... you name it, we waited on it.  Finally we get the briefing from the surgeon.  And without going into all of the details... my mom is a very private person and she will already be upset that I have broadcast this much across the Internet, but she has many loving friends that I know read Carmichael's Position and want to know how she is doing!... turns out it is pancreatic cancer and it has spread to the liver.  However it is SLOW GROWING!  Islet Cell, and OPERABLE!!!!

Mom is scheduled with the premier surgeon next week to determine the next course of action!  We are all praying for her!  For her steadfast determination to beat this, and her strength she will need to get through it.

My Mom is awesome!  She has been calm, direct, and optimistic during this entire episode.  And I have to tell you, my faith in people and my faith in God have been tested and reaffirmed in these trying days.  I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for your support, care, love, warm positive thoughts, wishes, prayers etc...  We felt and appreciate them all!  And the benefits are tangible!

I have a number of customers and suppliers I work with daily, and when each of them learned why I was in Jacksonville, they each conveyed in a sincere way their best hopes, prayers and wishes.  A couple of my suppliers actually made a note to put my mother on their church's prayer list.  That touched me dearly! 

And here in the south, southern hospitality is alive and well!  And in great Southern tradition, Mom will probably not have to cook a meal for the next 3 months!  Neighbors, fellow church members... you name it all have been by  the house bringing very well made, truly home cooked (with love) meals for every time of the day!!!  They are all a blessing!

Mom is at home now, waiting to go to Gainesville for her next step in this unwanted journey.  She is in good spirits, and loves to be surrounded by her family and her friends.  There have been many laughs, and great stories told these past few days here at the house in spite of the conditions facing us all.  And that is the way of we Carmichaels, we know tough times lie ahead, and that many a battle remain, but when we can, we try to focus on the positives in our lives.  It is how Mom wants it.  She will find a way to make it through this, of that we are all most confident.  She is a strong woman and I for one am most proud of her.

By the way, one of the greatest blessings this week is that Mom and Dad celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary yesterday!  We all went to a simple seafood restaurant and enjoyed the evening.  But we especially enjoyed that Mom and Dad were together and able to truly enjoy the day!

I will try to keep you all posted on her progress in her fight, for now I want to thank you all for your support, kind loving words, and your dedication to my family... I will never be able to express just how much it means to all of us!

Thank you...

You're Free to Go Now...

I am a bit saddened by the news I received yesterday.  I've learned though my extensive network of former coworkers, that my previous employer (A software company in Denver CO) in an effort to refocus the business to a degree, has had to take the difficult action of sending a few fine folks on their way. 

I am not privy to the behind closed door conversations leading up to yesterday's actions, but I am sure they were numerous, painful, and probably even cantankerous.   As they should be.  The action of terminating anyone's employment should never be taken lightly!  I know most all of the execs, I consider most of them friends even, and I know that despite the dictating business reasons, a decision to reduce the labor force was not an easy one for any of them.  I am sure many lost countless hours of sleep (and probably still are), knowing the grief, anguish, and shock they have likely created in the lives of the unfortunate few for whom the bell would toll.  I even know a few who would have traded places (good people they).

I also know most of those who received word that their services were no longer needed.  I've worked closely with them, shared good times and troublesome times.  Laughed with them, yelled at them, been yelled at by them... even Photoshoped a few for my infamous "Photoshop Pfridays" and... to the person... each is a dynamite performer in their respective vocations.  

My previous employer is well known for hiring "Rock Stars" and even these who are now "Free to Go" are still rock stars, far surpassing the capabilities and competencies of 95% of the work force.  This is a Windfall for all those businesses seeking quality people and make that well know claim of "You just can't find good help anymore." 

Not true!  I know a few who you might could use!

So, I offer this prediction to each of my friends now out of immediate work, I seriously doubt your acute condition will last for any length of time.

Now to the rest of my readers, I know a number of very high quality individuals who are now unencumbered with the daily grind of a job!  Who may be able to help you in your company's pursuits.  Here's a brief list of department types I can provide you immediate access to if so needed.

• Software Technical Support
• Graphic Designer
• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Technology Consultant
• Network Systems
• Marketing Assistant
• Content researcher, Writer, Author, Musician, Taxonomist (NOT A DEAD ANIMAL STUFFER!  Look it up knucklehead!)

I know I have a national readership, and I do not know if any of these fine folks are interested in relocating, but do not hesitate to reach out.  And as for you hiring managers here in the Denver Colorado area in need of excellent employees... If you would like more details on any of these folks, please leave me a comment and I will put you in touch.  If you have a position you need filled, you're welcomed to leave a description of it here in the comments as well. 

Let's see if this Web 2.0 social networking really works.  Click comment below, and have at it! 

Oooh! I think I Found a New Hobby! Thanks to XKCD!

People who know me, know my pension for challenging the macramé heads on the "Overboard" nature of Green and GHG's etc...

MODERATION! is a term obviously long forgotten!  But either way... this looks like just too much fun!  From one of my favorite reads XKCD!

Haw!  I don't even have to rent one... I'm thinking I'm due for a road trip to Boulder in my GMC Envoy!  Hell it'll be worth the $100.00 in gas it will take me to drive the 60 miles!

Stupid... Stupid... Stupid!!!!

Oil Gushes Higher by More Than $11 to Record $139.12- AP

Oil prices have shot up more than $11 to a new record above $139 a barrel after a Morgan Stanley analyst predicted prices could hit $150 by the Fourth of July. Traders were also rattled by rising tensions in the Middle East.

So, let me get this right... Some knucklehead at Morgan Stanley, who probably has a vested interest in Oil Futures (duh you think...) and didn't like the fact that yesterday the News could have been "Oil Futures Continue Lower on Increasing Supply and Lowering Demand News" but NOOOOOOO the AP would NEVER print positive news!!!  His recommended investments were about to take a HUGE hit when he had recommended that folks buy at $130.00! and yet the market was as low as $121.80 yesterday... that's right! ... pulling WAY OFF!  But this would be bad for the super rich Morgan Stanley Analyst who has gotten away from his previous sure winner, Real Estate, and started sticking his nose in the Energy Market-- Heaven forbid he lose twice in the same year!!!

 

NOTHING folks!!!!  NOTHING has changed in supply or demand from yesterday's lows!  Just some suit, who cannot predict the future, saying the "SKY is falling!!!  And it will be before July 4th!"  This way he gets takers on his $138.00 price and can get out from under his burden!

Oooooh and as for the "Traders...rattled by rising tensions in the Middle East."... I call "BULLSH!T"  Again, NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN THE MIDDLE EAST!  It is the same "Nut Job" leaders rattling their saifs and continuing their 60 year claim that they are going to blow the tits off of Israel!   Oh heaven forbid not that... Oooh now the world is Unstable!!!!!  These are the same traders that ditched History class in college because it was boring... besides the Frat had just tapped the Keg!  Supply is identical today as yesterday ... and will be next week!  See if that prediction comes true!  I'm pretty sure I have a 98% chance of being correct!  Seriously how often do these wild fears materialize into physical reductions in supply?  Huh?  Answer: Friggn' RARELY!!!!

God I'm sick of the Media Bad News Criers, the Narcissistic Politicians that hope for these sky rocketing prices in a "BUSH" administration and the Wall Street Ass Clowns who have a herd of hebetudinous news groupies hanging on every Bovine Scatological statement being proffered! 

It's not Exxon-Mobile profiteering folks... its the energy futures traders!  Need to point a finger?  There you go!  Follow the money!  Watch to see who at Morgan Stanley profits from this fear tactic... hmm and maybe take a look at a certain analyst's martini buddies.   Focus on those who bought yesterday and sold today!

This continued Obama enthrallment is really cute! Ooh... I think I just threw up a little...

I remember a day back in '90 when I was coordinating security for a sizable concert festival in San Diego State's now gone, Aztec Bowl.  One of the performers in this festival was New Kids on the Block... Yea!

You'd think it was the second coming of the Beatles based on the high pitched squealing enthusiastically produced by the throngs of preteen girls standing 25 across and thousands deep in the line to get in.  Gates opened around noon, and here I was at 9:00am walking the grounds with the head of San Diego PD insuring we had good crowd control procedures in place.  We did.

Concluding our tour of the lower grounds we progressed up to the line... and there insuring no one crossed the line early, properly placed 6 feet apart at the gate were some of my bigger guards... you know the type that could make an NFL lineman say "Damn those dudes are BIG!"  It was here that I paused with the Police Captain to finish up our logistics discussion when from the front of the line I hear a pleading whine from a braces laden 12 year old 70 pound girl to one of the beefiest guards you'd ever want to meet. 

"You just gotta let me in early!  I gotta be in the front were I can touch Donnie!!  Sqeeeeeeeeeaaaallll!!!! OOOoooooh and besides I've been here since 3am!!!" 

And before the Police Captain and I could roll our eyes, the "Moose" of a guard calmly looked down from his 6'8" frame, gazed sympathetically on yon impressionable waif and uttered one of the most memorable quotes I have ever been blessed to hear....  "3am huh?... Young lady, Stupidity is NOT a Virture!" 

The police Captain upon hearing this same assessment looked at me and said, "Well, hell John it certainly looks like your guys have a firm grip on the situation!  Carry on!"

I couldn't help but think of that guard's wise words when I read this "Over the top" praise from the Representative from the great State of Rhode Island, Patrick Kennedy... yes one of those Kennedy's! ... of the second coming of Bobbie Kennedy... you know, our savior, Obama.

Obama Is Continuing My Uncle’s Mission (Rep. Patrick Kennedy)

June 5th, 2008

I’m just absolutely thrilled to be part of this historic time in our nation’s history.  Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of my uncle Robert Kennedy’s death, but it is also, in a sense, a continuation of his unfinished campaign for a renewal in America, for how we can come together as a society between black and white, between those who have been disenfranchised in our society and those who felt left behind, and those who really haven’t been welcomed into circles of opportunity or into our country.  This is a chance, in this election, for them to finally have a voice and feel like this government belongs to them, too.

People haven’t felt this empowered really, I think, since my uncle  Robert Kennedy and Dr. King were giving them a voice in the late ’60s.  It’s ironic that Barack Obama will give his convention night speech on the same day that Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.  All of these ironies, I think, are not mere coincidences.  I think there’s something afoot here.  There is something spiritual about him, and you can’t help but feel that when you see the size of the crowds and you feel the spirit in the people.  There really is a great energy, and it’s really exciting to be around.

Ten Dollars says that our impressionable, idealistic Rep Kennedy was wearing a "New Kids on the Block" t-shirt and digging the pop rocks out of his braces when he penned this statement!

Be still my heaving stomach!

"How to Win at Video Poker Without Really Trying!

These were the odds facing Ginger on Monday as we played our final games at the Las Vegas Hilton.

1 in 649,740!

Ginger had become a convert from standard slot machines to video poker once I explained that the rules and regulations of the machine are better. 

Video poker machines operated in state-regulated jurisdictions are programmed to deal random card sequences. A series of cards is generated for each play; five dealt straight to the hand, the other five dealt in order if requested by player. This is due to a Nevada regulation, adopted by every other state with a gaming authority, that if dice or cards are used for an electronic game, the electronic versions must be as random as the real thing, within computational limits set by certain tests that are performed by gaming authority agents.

In short... by regulation it has to follow what one could expect from a 52 deck set of cards.  The only alteration is that most current machines now add a second randomization element to the mix, meaning the the machine issues the first set of 5 cards then re-randomizes the remaining 47 prior to the issuing of the draw cards.  Kind of like shuffling after the initial deal.

Anyway the previous night while we were waiting to enter the Cirque Du Soleil show "O" at the Bellagio we stopped by a Bar to enjoy an adult beverage to pass the time.  While there we played the bar top dollar video poker machines.  Ginger and Stu's wife Linda watched as we selected which cards to hold in an effort to get "Jacks or Better".  Stu and I both walked away in the time it took to consume a beer, each tripling our money.

So Memorial Day rolls around and Ginger is now more interested in playing Video Poker than those damn "Red White & Blue 7's".... Hallelujah!  She did pretty well to begin with, playing the quarter machines on a single $20.00 bill for an hour or so before busting out.  She the ever determined... loaded another $20.00 and fairly rapidly grew that to a $60+ number.  Me?  I probably would have quit there, knowing that one of the best ways to leave Vegas as a winner is to leave a table/machine when you're a winner.  But Ginger was having fun and why not, these games have proven to be much more fun for a longer time on a mere $20.00.  Especially when compared to the 4 card draw to a 21 to beat my 20 dealers over at the blackjack tables that day!

By now Stu, Linda and I had all joined Ginger at the Video Poker Machines each enjoying a break from the House Advantaged Blackjack tables.  All of the sudden Ginger lets loose with an excited squeal on my right!  Initially happy that she got the Flush... No wait that's a Straight Flush.... HOLY SH!T !!! That's a ROYAL FLUSH!  On the quarter machines that pays a cool $1,000.00!

Not to shabby for a $20.00 entry fee!  So we're all excited and thrilled for her, especially when we only have about an hour left in Vegas before we have to head to the airport, harder to lose it all!  It is only then that I see the word "Held" above only the king in the middle of the draw. 

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  YOU HAD A FOUR CARD DRAW TO A ROYAL FLUSH?!!!! 

Nice draw!

My 21st 21st!

Today I celebrate (?) my 42nd Birthday.  And, amazingly enough, I am looking forward to this weekend!

A couple of months ago, Ginger and I and our good friends Stu and Linda sat down and said, "You know we haven't really taken a vacation together, we really ought to!"  From that point on we started working on this weekend's plans.

We're headed to VEGAS BABY!  For some fun in the sun and around the tables. I think what we are most looking forward to is this is truly a "Vacation" in that we are not going to Vegas for any reason other than to enjoy ourselves.  I mean, yes Ginger and I just got back from San Diego at the beginning of this month where we enjoyed 4 days, but we were constantly on the go with already established plans and events relating to the Intruder Reunion.  Don't get me wrong, that was a BLAST! But very busy.

This trip, with the exception of a couple of shows we scheduled ahead of time to save a few bucks (Blue Man Group and "O") our itinerary is... well... non-existent!  We will do whatever, whenever... for 74 hours!

The theme I've adopted for this jaunt is "Celebrating my 21st 21st!"  Hard to really believe that 21 years ago today I was celebrating my 21st Birthday with a number of close friends in the great town of Santa Barbara, California.  What is really nice about this excursion is that one of my longest lasting (read, "most tolerant") friends Stu, was/is there for both! 

I'm pretty sure there will be a good many differences in our enjoyment of this birthday than the one 21 years ago. And that's ok...  I'm pretty sure I learned my lesson about trying to haul a friend up a flag pole in front of the Bank of America... pretty sure... Different, but equally fun and anticipated.

I'm on the clock this morning, hammering out a few loose ends at work, but come 11:00am... I AM ON VACATION!  And pretty much going dark!  I need it! 

American Airlines Checked Bag Policy is Astonishingly Stupid! And Short Sighted!

Once again, a leader in the Airline industry makes a policy under the guise of "Money Saving" efforts, or "Offsetting High fuel Costs" that will cascade into systematic failures in efficiency and customer experience on the airline.

From AP...

American Airlines to charge $15 for first checked bag, slash flights to offset high fuel costs...

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices...

American, the nation's largest carrier, said Wednesday the fee for the first checked bag starts June 15 and that it would raise other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags. The other fees will mostly range from $5 to $50 per service, the airline said.

Last month American announced it would join other carriers in charging $25 for second bags checked for some passengers, but it wasn't immediately clear how Wednesday's announcement would affect that.

This direction is astounding!  Especially in light of continued lack of Customer Performance in the industry reported just yesterday!  [link]

Survey: Passengers call airline service 'dismal'

By DAVE CARPENTER – 1 day ago

CHICAGO (AP) — Passengers are more dissatisfied with airlines' customer service than they have been in years at a time when carriers are charging more and more for tickets and services.

An annual survey being released Tuesday by the University of Michigan found customers giving airlines the worst grades since 2001, with the industry's overall scores dropping for the third straight year.

I travel quite often throughout any given year... Seldom on American thankfully... however I do travel on the other "Hind Tit" airline, United.  Here's what's about to happen... you myopic management twits!

People are NOT going to check as many bags...The ARE going to now push the edge of the envelope of carry on luggage!... Hmm good thing there's not already a problem with idiots constantly trying to get through security lines with an oversized carry on!  Or if they  manage to clear security with all of their forgotten about "more than 3 oz." liquids resting comfortably in the airport trash can!...  They now board - as last passenger- an over booked airplane and try to stuff their carry-ons into the all to spacious overhead bins.  Adding to the constant delays we travelers already face! 

If I'm an airline exec, I immediately begin advertisements about my airline not charging for every little service detail!!!  Because it is what should be expected of a business who's JOB it is to provide transportation SERVICE to PAYING customers!

Really amazing when American Airlines own Customer Service Plan states (emphasis mine):

"Every customer is important to American Airlines and American Eagle, and we are dedicated to making every flight you take with us something special. Your safety, comfort, and convenience are our most important concerns."

Hmmm so Politicians ain't the only lyin' sumbitches!