This probably isn't news to most of my readers, but in case you missed it, April 25th is Skip Krenek Day. While a special day isn't enough to pay tribute to such an excellent person, It is important to tip the virtual hat to Skip for all he has contributed to our society. I appreciate the many who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this particular Skip Krenek Day special.

Here's to Skip and to his many years of continual success!

I'm a pretty seasoned traveler and have been through many security checkpoints. I am also deathly afraid of the TSA. I have a recurring nightmare the TSA agents will find a 3.5 oz container of liquid in my bags and send me to Guantanamo Bay Prison. Every time I pack, I empty all items out of my backpack and make sure all pointy objects are left at home where they belong.

This last trip was no different. Before I left, I checked all nooks and crannies in my backpack. Finding nothing, I headed to the airport with bags in tow. After removing my belt, shoes, keys, 2 laptops and other assorted bits, I walk through the metal detector. No Problem.

As I wait for my baggage to clear the X-Ray, my nightmares become real. "Sir, you can not carry this Knife on board!" said the TSA agent...

He held my Gerber Multi-Tool in his hand, which apart from a bottle opener and needle nosed pliers, also has a 2" knife blade. I must have hooked the sheath to the outside of my backpack at some point and didn't even notice. "Oooohhhhhhffffff", I said, having nothing more intelligent to say before the imminent firing squad. I looked at the TSA agent knowing I was in big trouble.

Fortunately, this must have happened before. The friendly TSA agent calmly gave me my options and we chose to walk to the unsecured area of the airport to the cleverly located mailing facility used to mail prohibited items back home. $9.99 later, I was Gerber tool free and back in the security line. I was at my gate with plenty of time to spare.

This blog post is dedicated to those men and women who keep us safe in the friendly skies, and who also are patient with the (occasionally forgetful) flying public.

Blood Pain Agony,
At Last Mountain Bike Ride Done,
Am Glad For Helmet

This was my first time on the bike in 3 years. Man, I know I can do better next time.

April is a nice time to hang out and be friendly. I'm going to be in Washington DC the evening of April 8th for business and want to coordinate a meetup at Brickskeller. We'd meet from about 7:30 - 10:00, not too late, since it is a school night!

If you are interested in coming, either leave a comment or use the contact form on this blog to let me know and I'll put you on the list.

The Brickskeller Dining House
& Down Home Saloon
1523 22nd St NW
Washington, DC 20037 brickskeller@aol.com
202.293.1885
Award winning beer selection!

Shannon and I watched Beowulf in 3D at the local Raleigh Imax theatre. I henceforth proclaim (Using Beowulf Accent) that all movies shall be in 3D.

I have no idea what Beowulf would look like on a conventional movie theater screen. I can only imagine it to be dull and lifeless compared to the visually stimulating and realistic portrayal watched by us.

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My personal BS meter went off the charts when I read the following:

( source: BBC )

The US Federal Emergency Management Administration has apologised for having its employees pose as reporters at a hastily arranged news conference.

No actual reporters were able to attend Fema's televised briefing on the fires in California on Tuesday because they were only been given 15 minutes notice.

Instead, press officers asked questions many described as soft and gratuitous.

Fema employees posed as reporters at Tuesday's "news briefing" with Deputy Administrator Harvey Johnson because an agency was providing a live video feed to US TV networks, according to the Washington Post.

Six questions were posed by the Fema officials and Mr Johnson even used the typical practice of calling for a "last question".

While the press conference was for a briefing on the status of wildfire fighting in California and not a vital National Security Matter, I take no comfort.

I really don't know the quality or quantity of lies I am spoon fed daily. Catching officials red handed is embarrassing to the administration and embarrassing to the American Public. I expect more from my elected officials and appointed bureaucrats.

Aren't we overdue for a revolution?

American children are familiar with the phrase, "If Johnny jumped off a bridge, would you?" since parents use this retort after the child says, "But Johnny does it...". On October 20th, Shannon and I were 2 of 150,000 people that watched jumpers jump off the Western Hemisphere's longest single steel arch bridge. (Pictures below the fold)

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I just noticed that I've been blogging for exactly one year.

Maybe by next year, i'll have posted my About Me page....

Every once in a while I cruise over to the personal blog of Peter Coppinger, an Irish ColdFusion developer. Peter often writes humorously entertaining bits and I recently stumbled upon his most recent visit to the U.S. Make sure to read "Things I Learned in American (this time)" towards the bottom of the post.

Peter also writes about technology issues at his tech blog.

CFTopper, i owe you a beer for the laughs.....

Check this out:

This is a photo of me several feet above the water flying on a large tube. Pulled with a strong boat at 25 to 35 miles per hour, the tube will fly above the water. Since there is no wing or rudder, a proper flight depends on keeping relaxed and centered. I became uncentered once or twice only to be violently slammed into the water, adding to the fun.

Surprisingly, these flying tubes were pulled from the market due to severe injury and death resulting from improper usage. In my experience, a little common sense goes a long way towards safety so if anyone knows where to get one, please let me know.