Carmichael's Position

Lesson from my Cat...

This past weekend we had absolutely beautiful weather... 80 degrees, "Severe Clear"  (CAVU).  With all of my recent activities and business obligations it took my cat "Pudge" to remind me what I need to do sometimes...

She was right!

Florida... Business and Pleasure

I'm in Florida for the next few days conducting training on our software for one of our Enterprise Customers.  The trip afforded me the opportunity to swing by and visit Mom and Dad in Jacksonville, albeit it, only for a couple of days.

They were a nice couple of days.  To bad the alarm had to go off at 4:30 this morning so I could drive down to Orlando beating the traffic.

The time with Mom and Dad was well spent.  Nothing wrong with Golf (despite my none-to-stellar scoring) and home cooking!  I also managed to find my way out to the beach for a brief walk along the sand.  Got a few pics too, click here for the full gallery .  Here is a sampling:

LtCdr. Kevin Davis, Blue Angel #6, Killed in Saturday's Accident

I just completed this post for the Tailhook Daily Briefing and wanted to post it here as well.

It is with heavy heart we note the passing of Lieutenant Commander Kevin "Kojak" Davis, Blue Angel #6.  Family members are confirming that it was indeed, Kevin who was killed Saturday in an accident during the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration at MCAS Beaufort. Causes of the accident are still under investigation. 

From his Blue Angel Bio... 

Kevin was a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1992 where he played football and was active with the Civil Air Patrol. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with honors in 1996. 

Kevin reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Officer Candidate School and aviation indoctrination in September 1996. He completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk, and received his wings of gold in June 1999. 

Kevin reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for training in the F-14 Tomcat and was the “Top Stick” in his class. In July 2000 he reported to the VF-11 “Red Rippers” where he completed deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). While with the “Red Rippers,” Kevin served as the airframes/corrosion branch officer, air-to-ground training officer and head landing signals officer. His deployments included extended operations in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

In July 2003, Kevin transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet through Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) at NAS Lemoore, California, and then reported to the Fighter Composite Squadron (VFC-12) “Omars,” stationed at NAS Oceana, Virginia. While at VFC-12, Kevin served as a Navy adversary pilot providing valuable air-to-air training for fleet squadrons. In December of 2004, Kevin graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as an adversary pilot. During his tour at VFC-12, Kevin worked as the schedules officer, legal officer, FRS/SFARP officer and assistant operations officer. 

Kevin joined the Blue Angels in September 2005. He has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Air Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.

Farewell Kevin... You will be missed.  In the words of one of his Blue Angel Squadron-mates, Lt. Cmdr Anthony Walley (Blue Angel #2) 

"Our squadron and the entire U.S. Navy are grieving the loss of a great American, a great naval officer and, most of all, a great friend,.."

The Entire Tailhook Community send our condolences, our thoughts, and prayers to all of Kevin's family, friends and his Squadron mates.  We are here for you...

Blue Angel #6 Crashes At Beaufort

Our Hearts Go Out to The Friends, Family and Squadron Mates of One of Our Fallen Brethren...

Details are still coming in, (thank you Lee for the Heads Up in the Comments) but here is what is being reported currently,

From (CNN) --

A jet flying in formation with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels precision flying team crashed into a Beaufort, South Carolina, neighborhood, causing an "enormous fireball" during an air show, authorities said.

The Navy aviator was killed Beaufort County Coroner Curt Copeland said. The F/A-18's pilot is the only known fatality.

Fred Yelinek told CNN he saw the crash occur about a mile from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, which was holding the two-day show. He said the jet came down about 100 yards from him.

Yelinek said the jet struck a stand of pine trees, and pieces of the plane hit homes, but he didn't see any catch fire. The pieces were "as big as a hand but no larger," he said.

Pieces of a tree and the plane crashed into the home of a neighbor, Yelinek said, but she was uninjured. Pieces also hit other houses and smashed car windshields, he said.

"Most people were very shaken but unhurt," the witness said.

And from the Birmingham News comes these images...

The Navy Blue Angels perform the last maneuver before Blue Angel No. 6 (plane just above center) crashed during an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, S.C., Saturday, April 21, 2007. Blue Angel No. 6, one of two solo pilots crashed two minutes after this picture was made about four miles west of the base as the team was setting up for its final maneuver.

More to follow as it becomes Available...

Why Men Use Post-It Notes

From a co-worker of mine today.  A much needed laugh on a Friday.

Agenda Set for the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Tongue firmly ensconced in cheek...

Howard Dean was here in Denver yesterday discussing how he was going to overcome Union strife with the upcoming 2008 DNC convention.  It appears he also succeeded in finalizing the agenda as well:

 

> Subject: NEWS RELEASE
>
> Just Released- Agenda for the Democratic National Convention for 2008:
>
> 7:00 P.M.    Opening flag burning.
> 7:15 P.M.    Pledge of allegiance to U.N.
> 7:30 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
> 7:35 P.M.    Nonreligious prayer and worship. Jessie Jackson and Al
> Sharpton.
> 8:00 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
> 8:05 P.M.    Ceremonial tree hugging.
> 8:15 P.M.    Gay Wedding-- Barney Frank Presiding.
> 8:30 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
> 8:35 P.M.    Free Saddam Rally. Cindy Sheehan-- Susan Sarandon.
> 9:00 P.M.    Keynote speech. The proper etiquette for surrender-- French
> President Jacques Chirac
> 9:15 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
> 9:20 P.M.    Collection to benefit Osama Bin Laden kidney transplant fund
> 9:30 P.M     Unveiling of plan to free freedom fighters from Guantanamo
> Bay - Sean Penn
> 9:40 P.M.    Why I hate the Military, A short talk by William Jefferson
> Clinton
> 9:45 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
> 9:50 P.M.    Dan Rather presented Truth in Broadcasting award, presented by
> Michael Moore
> 9:55 P.M.    Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
> 10:00 P.M.  How Bush and Rumsfeld brought down the World Trade Center
> Towers-- Howard Dean
> 10:30 P.M.  Nomination of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Mahmud Ahmadinejad
> 11:00 P.M.  Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
> 11:05 P.M.  Al Gore reinvents Internet
> 11:15 P.M.  Our Troops are War criminals-- John Kerry
> 11:30 P.M.  Coronation of Mrs. Rodham Clinton
> 12:00 A.M.  Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
> 12:05 A.M.  Bill asks Ted to drive Hillary home


Sent to me this morning by one of my more "Democrat" friends (yes I have a few of those...) I'm sure the RNC version of the above is not far behind...

10 Years!

10 Years... A decade... Sometimes can seem like an eternity, other times can seem like a blink of an eye. 

Today marks my and Ginger's 10 year anniversary of being together.  And believe me, it tends toward the blink of an eye.  Just yesterday, I remember seeing this beautiful woman for the first time.  She's become more beautiful with each passing day.

Me... Hell, I'm ten years older!

The past 10 have been exciting times, difficult times, fun times but never boring times.  It has been a pleasure having Ginger in my life.  We make a good couple, amazing that two "Type A's" can compliment each other as well as we do.  But if we were not both "Type A's" I really do not think we could begin to understand each other.

Thanks Gin for always being there, and allowing me the freedom to be exactly who I am.  You do not know how important that is to me.  I look forward to the next 10 with you, I'm sure the ride will be just as adventurous as this has been.  I consider myself lucky!

Love you always,

John

JungleGrub Interview with Steve Brandt

A few weeks ago I told you about the success my buddy Steve Brandt has been having with his new Kid Oriented Nutrition Bar, JungleGrub!  Well he's got a video out now too.  Now mind you the best part of the video is of course the lady to his left...  Ease up there boys!  That's his wife!...   

Anyway I thought I'd let Steve explain JungleGrub for himself.

  ION Interview with Jungle Grub
See it and many more on vidshadow.com

Very Cool Photo

Saw this and really liked the creative perspective!

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2007) - Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class David Rankin stands by to direct the SH-60 helicopter assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 4 to the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Rankin, a native of Warrinton, Ore., was flying during an weapons off load between Reagan and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammunition ship USNS Flint (T-AE 32). The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is currently underway in the South China Sea on a surge deployment in support of U.S. military operations. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (RELEASED)

A Little Easter Fun

From our CEO this morning... It's been around, but its one of my favorite for this holiday.

HAPPY EASTER

Tailhook Joins the 6th Annual Grand Junction Cattle Baron's BBQ

MARK YOUR CALENDARS… 18th 19th and 20th of May 2007,

For the

Sixth Annual Grand Junction Cattle Baron’s BBQ
            and Mile High Tailhookers' Party

Hosted by: NAS Grand Junction
N  39’ 03.018’   W 108 ’38.542’
312 Dakota Drive
Grand Junction, CO

In conjunction with Static Air Show for Special Needs Children of Mesa County
Special Guest of Honor Mercury 7 Astronaut, Scott Carpenter

• Friday night:  Live music, Open Bar, BBQ
• Saturday night:  Live campfire music, Open Bar, Chuck Wagon Cookin’,  Horseback Rides
• Sunday morning:  Chuck Wagon Breakfast for Tailhookers and Out-of-Towners

Dress Code
Military:   Flight Suits
Civilian:  Denim & Diamonds   Leather & Feathers    Boots & Heels
Everyone: Bring a hat !

Logistics POC:  Doug Thompson   970-243-7500     970-261-1435

Anything else:    Kathy “The Boss” Schmoldt   970-241-7768
                         Hans “Big Gun” Schmoldt     970-243-4149

RSVP's will be necessary for Saturday night and Sunday morning.

So plan your Cross Countries accordingly, and plan to have a good time!

UPDATE:  Here is a wonderful collection of Pics from Last Year's event! [here]

If you have any interest in joining the Tailhook Association (you need not be an Aviator... just have a dedicated interest in Tactical Naval Aviation) please leave me a comment here and I will be glad to provide more details of the Quality Organization Tailhook is Today!  Or you are welcomed to visit the Tailhook Association's Main page [here] or their Daily Briefing [here].

A LEGO Car Manufacturing Factory... Built Out of, what else?... LEGOS!!

Are you kidding me?!  This is so cool!

A few months ago I posted about the guy who created an Aircraft Carrier (The USS Harry Truman) out of LEGOS. That is impressive.

But this video knocked my socks off!  I'm one of those guys who love mechanical processes.  Growing up Sesame Street would have clips on assembly processes of cars, cans, bottles, whatever.  And the flowing methodologies captivated me.

Someone took the time to create, out of LEGOS an actual automated, fully functional LEGO car manufacturing factory.  INCREDIBLE!  Check it out by clicking the "play" button.

Rubbing My Fur the Wrong Way!

I have alluded to my recent escapades relating to the purchase of my new house.  One of the greatest frustrations was the apparent LAZINESS of the previous owner in taking care of things.  From fixing agreed to items in our contract, to actually moving his crap out of the house in a timely manner. 

In my inspection of the house, I was quite pleased... for the most part, or else I would not have bought it.  But, one really big issue we discovered in the process was that the Master Bathroom tub drain leaked!  The manifestation of which was a new dripping shower in the downstairs powder room door jam... I'm pretty sure that's not to code!

So I made one of my non-compromised positions for purchase,  that the leak be fixed by a certified plumber, warrantied, and that the drywall in the powder room be pulled out, the structure inspected and "De-molded" where necessary.  "Hey I'm a fair man, I know stuff breaks... just frigg'n fix it!  Correctly!"

So then comes the last week before my close, and my mortgage broker asks me what time my final walk through is tomorrow...

YHS:  Huh?  What walk through? 

Him:  Oh, I thought that was conveyed to you...yeah you're supposed to do a final acceptance walk through tomorrow.

YHS:  Tha'd be sumpth'n I should know about huh?

Him:  I guess your Realtor (my cousin) didn't tell you.

YHS: Nope!  But I'll be there anyway.

Good thing too... Because it was then that I learned that the seller (here-on to be referred to as NIMROD) had not done what was a condition of the sale.  FIX THE FRIGG'N LEAK!  INSPECT THE DAMAGE TO THE DRYWALL!  REPAIR AS NECESSARY!

Nimrod:  Oh, I had my guy fix it. 

YHS: HOW?!

Nimrod:  It was a break at the drain... He fixed it. 

YHS:  Seeing visions of FARGO!....  HOW?????

Nimrod:  "Well it's on the "Contractor's invoice"

The repair as stated on the invoice: 

Repair drain Master Bath
Removed Cover
Removed Blockage
Re-puttied Cover
Labor: $10.00

YHS:  Uh... I highly doubt it was a "blockage"... And the drywall inspection? 

Nimrod:  Uh....

I was told time and time again by Nimrod (the seller who is also a Realtor) that the repair was performed.  BULLSHIT!

My Realtor sends one of his guys to inspect.  No inspection had taken place!  And no verification of FIXING the Frigging Problem took place!!!!!  Now that's quality!  WTF!!!  A-Hole!  Do the F*#KING WORK!  AS AGREED TO IN THE CONTRACT!  OR SO HELP ME GOD I'M PETITIONING TO HAVE YOUR (Nimrod's) REAL ESTATE LICENSE PULLED!

Again I am told that the drain is indeed fixed and that he will have the bathroom repaired... OK fine, I'll deal with the contractor and send you the bill. 

But then tonight, when my lovely SO, Ginger decided this would be a fine evening for a soak... pulled the plug on the very full garden tub... well my suspicious nature decided to take a gander at the aforementioned Powder room door jam.    Well, wouldn't you just know it!  There's the drips, rapidly gaining in size and frequency! 

GINGER!  STOP DRAINING THE TUB!!!! Gin and I proceed to grab the trusty ol' Home Depot Bucket, and proceed to bail out the tub... pouring the water down a drain I know works...

I'm LIVID!  I cannot stand being outright LIED TO!  What is it?  Are Real Estate Agents so accustom to stretching the truth, that is is completely unrecognizable to them anymore!  Scruples Folks!  Go ahead and get some!  They won't hurt!

I think I know a few phone calls I'm making tomorrow.  The Contractor... My Agent... Possibly my lawyer... and I'm within a rat's butt hair of calling the Colorado Real Estate Commission... If there is one.

Someone better fix something!  FAST!

Now mind you I have chosen to not use his name here in this post... That will not last for long...