Amen. I knew the CLE hub was domed when that merger was announced. UAL went out of its way to deny it. Then came praise at how CLE was the most efficient hub ops they had and had the best on-time %. ONE MONTH after a pass release touting the above virtues, they killed the CLE hub and said it had been "losing money for a long time." Glad I won't have to worry about slimmer seats, as I'll never fly these bastards again.

(Written on 06/24/2016)(Permalink)

Even more, what's better for close air support than a slow, quiet plane that's built like a tank and simply looks like hell on wheels when you're staring down the barrel at 30mm of fury? None of the newer a/c are nearly as hardy as the A-10, and the worldwide trend seems to be more of this guerilla-style warfare that will require more close air precision and anti-personnel strikes, as opposed to high altitude "fixed target" strikes against government infrastructure.

(Written on 10/17/2014)(Permalink)

I love Chicago, but there's a reason their (auto) gas is the most expensive anywhere this side of Honolulu....(Hint: It has nothing to do with refineries). If the politicians and cta want local businesses to shop locally, they better do something about the tax rates they're using to drive business elsewhere. In this case, giving up a little (rate wise) would have increased their tax revenues significantly. With as much fuel as ORD's hubmates consume, this is hardly surprising.

(Written on 01/22/2013)(Permalink)

Just north of "Navelborough," I'm guessing.

(Written on 08/17/2012)(Permalink)

Much like the government (and many US citizens), it's time to downsize and improve efficiency. I would think the 787 would suffice for the space needed, even if they go with the -900, or whatever numeric assignment denotes the largest Dreamliner series. If that's too small, let the press outlets pay to fly their reporters around. Why should the citizens continue to foot the bill for them?

(Written on 08/17/2012)(Permalink)

I thought "poop decks" were only on boats? Justin: Nice.

(Written on 03/03/2012)(Permalink)

More costly than Obama's parties, and more frequent. I wasn't even that upset about GWB's vacations, but to claim that Obama's behind "class warfare" and then insinuate that he is the exception when it comes to flying "at someone else's expense" is absurd.

(Written on 02/28/2012)(Permalink)

They all do it, Dear. Doesn't matter which party; it's called "politics." At least he has a real functioning and profiting factory to take pictures in. Remember GW Bush's backdrop of "Made in America" boxes that turned out to be made in China?

(Written on 02/24/2012)(Permalink)

When Republicans cut their own taxes it's called "trickle down economics." When Democrats (for the record, I am NEITHER) want to make the rich pay a little more, it's "class warfare." Real mature of you. Maybe you haven't noticed, but the rich aren't hurting as much as the middle class right now, genius. How about those Bush tax cuts, eh? They really got the economy rolling....At least enough for him to take more vacations than any other President "at someone else's expense." Sorry this went political, but sometimes I refuse to let idiotic remarks go without a retort.

(Written on 02/24/2012)(Permalink)

Amen!! Fellow UPSer here. I couldn't have said it better myself. SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY, sign this sheet saying that you will work according to our safety rules, but then break them every SINGLE DAY when we tell you to. Work faster, faster, FASTER! A few months back, I tweaked my knee while working. Thankfully, I didn't miss any time for the injury, but I had to speak on the phone with our District Manager, who tried every angle he could use to blame me for the injury. I was in an overloaded truck that didn't (COULDN'T) have the proper 18" aisle down the middle, and somehow it was supposed to be my fault that I had to use a "side step" to maneuver through the mess. You are also spot on about Jim Casey rolling over in his grave if he knew how this company is managed now. I appreciate the outstanding benefits that I have, but there are some major differences between UPS's safety standards and their actual practices. Kudos to the pilots for standing up against this absurdity.

(Written on 01/04/2012)(Permalink)