Tag Archives: airplanes

It’s a living

Posted on May 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

I can be chatty in airport gate areas if I’m bored — even more so if my plane is delayed by weather.

Last night at DFW I ended up commiserating with a fellow passenger as we waited for our flight.  He was from Brooklyn, and sold..

Helicopters

hermes-helicopter2He had gone to Dallas to deliver one to a corporate client and was headed home.

I found his job to be very entertaining.  I don’t know exactly why.

I’m sure selling helicopters is not that different from selling cars or trucks or farm machinery.  But it is just such a niche….and absolutely the last thing I expected him to say in the long list of possible occupations.

And I kept thinking, “Man, where was this guy when I was doing improv comedy back in Kansas City?“

‘Helicopter salesman’ would have been such a great suggestion.

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Posted in Airplanes, Business, Comedy, Humor, Life, transportation, Travel, Weather

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Dear New York City airports,

Posted on April 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

I will be headed back your way in less than 48 hours. Coming home is always a pleasure. But let’s be honest, my Big Apple airstrips…

Youse guys are fugly.

My current trip through Narita-Tokyo Airport en route to Singapore drove that point home…hard. I only spent two hours in Japan, and the ultramodern, high-tech facility convinced me that JFK and LGA need a major redo.

2013-04-28_09.08.16We can begin with a fun identity for each of you. Look at this little guy; he graces most of the signage at Narita Airport.

What is he?  Who cares? He’s cute… and LaGuardia could use a major dose of cuteness… JFK, too.

There’s nothing cute about either of you now.  No offense.

And speaking of high-tech, check out this gadget in the airport restrooms in Narita.

2013-04-28_09.14.23The facilities in Japan have talents that go far beyond the simple flush. (Come to think of it, everyone was smiling a lot.)

Lastly, you need better food…but I’ve always said that.

Okay, NYC airports, get started.  I’ll be back in two days, and I am expecting great things!

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Posted in Advertising, Airplanes, Commentary, Humor, Life, transportation, Travel

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So far, everything is tall

Posted on April 27, 2013 | 1 Comment

Greetings from Singapore!

It took exactly 24 hours of travel time, but I’ve arrived on the other side of the world. And since we crossed several time zones, it’s already the wee hours of the morning Sunday.

(Don’t worry — I’ll get that time back on the way home.)

My room is at the very top of one the hotel’s three towers and overlooks the city. Here is a taste of what I can see:

marina bay sands view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the drive in from the airport, I also discovered quite nearby the Singapore Flyer, a large ferris wheel similar in scope to the London Eye.

SONY DSC

 

 

 

 

 

 

I may need to check that out in the morning.

What am I talking about it?  It’s morning already!  Time to get some sleep and adjust to Singapore time.

Tall order.

 

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Posted in Airplanes, Business, Humor, Life, Photography, Travel

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Safety is fun!

Posted on April 13, 2013 | 2 Comments

Move over, Southwest Airlines.  There’s a new contender for ‘funniest in the air.’

Delta Airlines

Their new safety video is filled with sight gags large and small.  I’ve seen it on two flights, and am still discovering all the little surprises they have left for the attentive viewer.

juggling chainsawscartwheelsMy favorites?  Bogus safety stickers featured on distant cabin walls.  Sure, we are used to observing “No smoking” and “No electronics”…but “No juggling chainsaws” and “No cartwheels”?

(The video version on my flight also featured “No comb overs”, which I sadly could not find online.)

A robot turns himself off when the cabin door shuts.  The main spokesperson changes clothing and accessories for no apparent reason. And remember the “cat lady” who did the previous safety video for Delta? She makes a cameo, too.

It’s worth a watch or two or seven.  I’ve never enjoyed a safety video more. Or, in fact…

Watched one.

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Posted in Humor, Internet, Travel, Entertainment, Comedy, Life, Commentary, Airplanes, transportation

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Bribes accepted here

Posted on March 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

I flew home from Frankfurt today, and the fine folks at Delta upgraded me to Business Class — a first for me on an international flight.

I hope it’s not the last.

Sure, the attendants are friendlier, and the food is fresher and more readily available.  But the real selling point?

business classSPACE

When you have a nine hour flight, being able to stretch out your legs — and even lie down if you want — is the greatest luxury of all.

Thanks again, Delta, for showing me some love.

How ’bout we keep our relationship at this level…hmmmm?

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Posted in Airplanes, Business, Furniture, Humor, Life, Travel

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Quick trip

Posted on March 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

I just attended a business meeting at an airport hotel.

hilton chicagoNot near the airport. Not within two miles.  Not conveniently offering a hotel shuttle.

In the airport itself.

I never went outside. I never saw the city. Heck, I never even saw the sun except from the meeting room windows (and we drew the shades).

Then I jumped on a plane and headed home — on an earlier flight, no less, because I was at the airport and could.

Is it wrong to want to minimize the travel in my business travel?  To reduce the trip to the quickest way between points A and B and back again?  To forget the city my meeting was in because I never made it to the city?

You know, I’m okay with that.  ‘Cause I’m almost home.

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Posted in Airplanes, Business, Commentary, Humor, Life, transportation, Travel

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35,000 feet treats

Posted on March 1, 2013 | Leave a comment

Guess who took the flight with me today from New York City to Dallas?

garrettsGarrett’s Popcorn

American Airlines is now offering the yummy treat — a favorite when I travel to Chicago — on their afternoon flights over two hours.

It’s a mix of cheese and caramel corn — that perfect combination of sweet and salty — that disappears pretty darn quickly when you are reading a good book or watching the in-flight movie or trying to ignore the screaming baby.

(The baby rode with me today as well.)

I know the airlines are always trying to find ways to differentiate themselves — I think American needs to feature Garrett’s in their ads.

It’s that good, people.

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Posted in Airplanes, Commentary, Foods, Humor, Life, Travel

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Snap to it

Posted on December 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

I arrived home on the red-eye at 5 o’clock this morning.

red eyeEven though I’m typically a good sleeper on overnight flights, the day after always hurts.  A lot.

But today was different.

I didn’t hit my usual mid-afternoon wall.  Didn’t feel the need to weep in the early evening.  Actually felt normal.   And I owe it all to an early morning head nod.

I had only been home for an hour or so, and was grabbing breakfast while watching a show on DVR.  Suddenly my spoon hit the floor, and my head snapped forward.

I don’t know who jumped more, me or the dog.

But after that teeny tiny cat nap — which lasted probably five seconds — I felt great.  I felt focused, I felt awake, and I plowed through a day of paperwork and conference calls without a droopy eyelid or yawn in sight.

Just call it my version of the ‘bend and snap!’  So efficient…and effective.  Hope I can make it a habit.

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Posted in Airplanes, Humor, Life, Travel

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Films in-flight

Posted on November 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

I have two movie recommendations for you tonight.

They are both foreign films — one French, the other Israeli — so I suppose it is fitting that I watched them both on my plane home from Germany.

The first, The Intouchables, was recommended to me on the flight to Germany by the passenger in the seat next to me — a policeman on his way home from holiday.

I took his advice today and loved the film so much, I want to pay it forward.  The Intouchables tells the story of Phillipe, a quadriplegic — he was injured hang gliding — who needs a new caregiver.  Driss only applies for the job so that he will get turned down and be able to continue to live on public assistance. His careless attitude tweaks Phillipe’s interest, and he hires him.  Watching their friendship grow and change them both is perfection.

It is a feel good movie made one better because it is based on a true story.

The second movie, Footnote, centers on a father-son relationship that it is far more distant and troubled. The two are Talmud scholars who work and compete in the same very narrow field of study…and the son is winning the war.

How do his achievements impact his relationship with his father?  And how far will he go to make things right? This little film makes you think.

And I think you will enjoy them both.

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Posted in Airplanes, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies, Travel

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Deep in my heart

Posted on November 17, 2012 | 2 Comments

I fly to Germany tonight.

It’s for business — as is most of my travel — but every time I think about my upcoming stay in Heidelberg, it takes me back to junior year at the University of Kentucky.

I ushered every performance of The Student Prince, an operetta in four-acts that did a week of performances at the university arts center. The musical is set in Heidelberg, and after seeing that many shows in succession, it is what I associate most with the city.

When I walk into a pub this week, I fully expect to hear choruses of “Drink, Drink!” (and if I don’t, might be forced to start a round or two myself).

That operetta must be playing year round in Heidelberg — wonder if I could see it again in the motherland?  It has been a year or two since my junior year.

Time to make some new memories in Deutschland.

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Posted in Airplanes, Broadway, College, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Music, Singing, Travel

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