The Google Android G1 Phone

My Motorola flip phone died a few months back. One of colleagues, Dave lent me his RAZR until I could get the next best thing. Thanks Dave!

As it turns out it is the new Android G1 made by HTC, which arrived by UPS today at about 3:30p. Now I can be a true techno road warrior or can I?

The UPS guy said I was his 112th delivery of the phone for the day and he had 70 more to go and he can't wait to get rid of them :-)...

Here are first look. It is charging now, so no screen shots as yet.


It is really nicely packaged.



















Compared to the Motorola RAZR

Qantas flies the A380

Qantas flew the A380 for the first time from Melbourne, Australia (MEL) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) on October 20, 2008. Here is a schedule for other flights of the A380 the next few months. Go to http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/A380/schedule

London October 17, 2008: Arriving at Gatwick from Central London

19OCT08 Gatwick International, London England (LGW)

I detrained and followed the signs to the North Terminal where I arrived via train a few minutes later. This was my first time departing from gatwick since Continental started their Heathrow service back in March. Many of the check-in areas were now replaced by Emirates check-in counters. By October 26, I think it will be all gone as there will no longer be service to Gatwick from Houston or Newark.

I used the kiosk and received my boarding pass and took an aisle seat with the window currently open. I then did my security checks and headed for the security lines. Good, there were no lines so it was smooth sailing which was a plus.

Once inside, I found the IRIS office and as it turned out it was not open until 7:30a and it was now 7:23a. I did not see any activity inside, so I am assuming that it will be opened late. The drawback is that the Lounges are on the other side of the airport and I don't really want to be going back and forth today.

Hopefully the wait won't be too long.

At 7:30a, the two agents showed up. After a few minutes of back and forth, they re-registered me and I was on my way. Hopefully, it will all work when I return.

I then headed over to the Emirates Lounge and relaxed until it was time for the flight.

London October 17, 2008: departing London

19OCT08 Canary Wharf, London England

The alarm clock went off at 5:00a, aarghhhhh. I had only crawled into bed 2.5 hours earlier. I got my act together, then went and checked on the Journey Planner Web site at http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk where exactly was the bus located. It was in the same area that I was the previous afternoon.

At 5:44a, I headed out and was at the bus stop in no time. There were two others behind me as well. At about 5:50a, the N550 appeared and I was on my way. I somehow think that this bus was a little late, but I am not complaining at all.

I spoke with the driver and told him my intentions and he said he would let me know when to get off. In about 12 minutes or so, he called me forward. There was also another guy who was catching the same bus as well.

Unfortunately, the #11 passed before us as we were held at the traffic light. The driver was really good though and said that we can catch up with it at Trafalgar Square so stay on the bus. We did and sure enough at Trafalgar Square we caught up with it.

In the brief time I spent at the bus stop waiting, I heard two girls talking about the relationship that the other had with a guy. Apparently, they had just broken up and she was not taking it well. I could not help but overhear them talking about. The one who had broken up wanted sympathy and the other was just not having it. How insensitive, I thought...

It was 6:24a when the #11 deposited us just outside Victoria Station. This gave us six minutes to make the 6:30a Gatwick Express train. This was going to be close.

We hastened our steps and made it to the station by 6:25a and noticed that the train was on track 14. We both started to make a run for it and was onboard the train by 6:27a. At exactly 6:30a, it pulled out, 35 minutes later we will be in Gatwick Airport.

At about 6:45a or so, the trolley buffet came by. I thought this was odd as the announcement had said that there was no service this morning and had even apologized for it. I brought that to the attention of the guy and he smiled.

At 6:51a, the conductor came by and I purchased my ticket. It has been a while since I rode the Gatwick Express and the price had gone up considerably, it was now 16.90 GBP for the one way fare. The Heathrow express fare is 16.80 GBP.

We pulled into the station at 7:04a.

London October 17, 2008: Canary Wharf

London October 17, 2008: Arriving in London Heathrow (LHR) from Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

18OCT08 London-Heathrow International, London Heathrow (LHR)

It was 9:04a when we touched down with ease. We taxied across towards Terminal 4 and as we did, it was great to see a number of aircraft making their way around the airport.

We had to wait for a British Airways Airbus A320 to take off before, then we crossed the active runway behind a Sri Lankan Airbus A340, I think it was. We were at the gate at about 9:10a.

I deplaned and walked to the Immigraton area with my colleague and his friends. After about a twenty minute wait in the Immigration line, we cleared customs and then exited. I got them settled with the ground transportation to the city, then I headed to the Underground, missing the train by about a minute. Not to worry, the next one was in 15 minutes.

London October 17, 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental from downtown Houston

17OCT08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

The security lines were a breeze at Terminal C. We then took the train to Terminal E. Sadly, there was no time for the Presidents Club, so I stood outside and checked some flight details for my colleague who was heading to Seattle on the 7:25p.

It was now 5:57p, so we made our way to E-18 as he was meeting a friend at E-21 and my flight was leaving from E-18. When I got there, I noticed that they had not yet started boarded, bummer, I could have hung out a bit longer at the Presidents Club, oh well.

I went over to the gate and collected my boarding pass for my upgraded window seat on the right side of the plane. Boarding started at about 6:08p, so after saying hello to another colleague who was on that flight and goodbye to my colleague who was heading for Seattle, WA, I boarded.

London October 17, 2008: Leaving downtown Houston

Downtown Houston, TX

I had to finish a last minute report just before leaving work. Friday afternoons are always so hectic for some idiotic reason.

It was 5:05p when we pulled out of the garage and headed north on I-45 to I-10 and then to US59. There was quite a bit of traffic as usual, but we made it to the airport without incident by 5:45p.

Where?

It's Wednesday, so where to this weekend? I think it will be London.

Killeen, TX Oct. 2008: Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

CO09550 11OCT08 Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 4:55p 6:05p SF3 N356CJ

Flight Time: 0:40
Seat Map

I walked down the jetway and greeted the flight attendant as I boarded. She asked us to sit in row 9 and after for weight and balance purposes, so we all did.

This aircraft has a single entry door with one lavatory behind the cockpit and holds 38 passengers in a 1-2 leather seat configuration. I headed for the four seats across the back of the plane in row 12.

Later, the Captain came on the PA and announced that he was thankful for our being so helpful with sitting in rows 9 and aft. He then advised that it would be a 0:40 flight today.

At 4:43p, we pulled forward after the jetway was pulled back to clear the wing of the airplane.
We taxied out to runway 15 passing some military helicopters on the right, then took off at 4:47p or so.

The control tower can be seen just before takeoff.

It was a great takeoff and you could see the entire airport below.


At 4:54p, the flight attendant came around and asked if we wanted anything to drink. I asked for some water and Ginger Ale and she came back with a 16.9 Fl oz (500ml) bottle of water and a can of Ginger Ale accompanied by a pack of Honey Roasted Peanuts. I was happily surprised.

At 5:16p, the Captain came on the PA and said that we were beginning our sequencing for IAH now and it was 83F and the winds were form the SE at 6 miles per hour. We were 40 miles from the airport and will be touching down in about 15 minutes. He then asked the lone flight attendant to prepare the cabin for landing which she did.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Departing Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional (GRK)

Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK)

It was 4:04p when I arrived at the airport. I bade my sister and my nephew goodbye and headed into the terminal. At the check-in counter, there was a sign that read something like "We've gone to the gate and will be back after the flight has departed." So I went up to the gate to see if I could get beyond security. The TSA agent said no so I went back downstairs and waited.

By now there were four people there, only one of which was traveling. The lady said hello and apparently from my accent she realized I was from Jamaica as well. We struck up a little conversation as we waited. Her dad was the one traveling and she told me that she missed the first bag fee by three days. I also noted to her that his bag was 6lbs. overweight and that there would be a charge.

The agent then arrived and started checking them in. He collected the $15 first bag fee and advised them that the bag was overweight and would cost $50. They then proceeded to take some stuff out, placing the extra 6lbs in their carry on bag.

After he was done with her, he printed my boarding pass and I went upstairs and cleared the security area without issues. I continued to talk to the lady's dad about random stuff. You could see out plane from the gate area.

Also, the back of the podium was a Laptop Station; wireless access is actually paid at this airport.


At 4:37p, boarding started for all rows for the five us that were going to Houston this afternoon.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Departing Killeen, TX

11OCT08 Killeen, TX

We left my mom's house at about 3:45p with my sister behind the wheel. It seemed like everyone was out doing something as it was such a picture perfect day. We pretty much hugged the perimeter of the Fort Hood military base as we made our way to the airport making fun of a picture of my nephew as we progressed. He's only 13, almost 14, but he looks like a 19 year old.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Arriving in Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK)

Killeen/ Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK)

We touched down with a jolt and then taxied up to the terminal. To our left was a Delta Connection CRJ at the gate.

I deplaned when it was my turn and walked across the tarmac and then up to the long jetway to the terminal building. I then made a small pit stop before heading out to meet my sister who was waiting with my nephew and my dad. I greeted them all and then we headed out.

Killeen, TX Oct. 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK)

CO9498 10OCT08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Killeen/Ft. Hood, Killeen TX (GRK) SF3 N352CJ

Flight Time: 0:45
Seat Map

It was 7:17p when I made it on board and last passenger arrived at 7:23p. This aircraft has a 1-2 configuration and the last row has four seats.

I tried to sit in my assigned seat, but there was a guy's bag strapped into the seat. I then headed for the open Exit row and the guy sitting in the single seat had both his bags under the seats in front of that row. I tried again and found a single seat further back.

At 7:24p the flight attendant closed the door. We pulled forward at 7:27p as she did the safety demo. As we taxied out, at 7:37p Captain said we were #3 for takeoff. It was 7:40p when we departed 33L-15R.

After takeoff, at 7:51p, an offer of mini pretzels and beverage of choice were made. I requested some Sprite and a few minutes later the flight attendant returned with a can of Sprite and a glass of ice.

I could not tell the last time I got a whole can of soda on an airplane flight.

The captain came on the PA at 7:57p to advise that we were at our cruising altitude of 12,000' and then turned off the seat belt signs.

All during the flight, I kept smelling a stinky smell, it was quite horrible actually.

The Captain came on the PA and said that the temp was 77F and that we had started our descent at about 8:13p.

The Captain also advised that it would be an early arrival and told the lone flight attendant to prepare the cabin for arrival which she did. I actually fell asleep a little bit and awoke when we touched the runway.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston, TX

10OCT 08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

The check-in lines at Terminal B were not too bad and in about 8 minutes, we had cleared. I walked her down to her gate, chatted for a bit and then headed to my gate. I had to take a shuttle bus to Terminal A.

It did not take too long to arrive and in no time I was at gate A2. I made my way across to the relatively new Presidents Club across from gate A7, which is actually my gate. When I got there, there was no one at the front desk. I did see a lady, but it looked like she was cleaning up stuff. As it turns out, it was 6:29p and the Club closes at 6:30p :-(. There was one other guy there who was protesting as apparently a sign on the bar says they closed later. The agent advised him that the sign was for the old hours.

As I left, I noticed that the sign outside said 5:15a to 6:30p daily. Bummer as the last Killeen flight is at 9:25p and there are other flights still leaving after 6:30p.

I decided to head for Terminal B so I could use the Presidents Club there. Here are some sights as I headed that way.





I arrived there via a shuttle bus at 6:40p, knowing that I would only have about 10 minutes there. I had a beverage and some crackers and cheese and then hurried back to the shuttle bay, barely missing one.

At 7:09p one showed up and I made it to the gate at 7:15p out of breath. Why do I do this to myself?

I identified myself and in a moment, I was given an aisle seat. They actually thought I was another passenger. I took the boarding pass and headed down the unusually long jetway.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston, TX

10oct08 Downtown Houston TX

It was about 5:01p when we left the office. My colleague who was driving was a little anxious that she would not get to the airport on time for her 6:30p flight. I reassured her that all was well.

Even after a slight detour, we arrived at the airport parking facility at 5:35p and the terminal at 5:45p.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008

It's the weekend right? So where am I going?

I am off to see family this weekend; my parents and my sister in good old Killeen, TX (GRK). Seeing my family is always so stressful, so it won't be a good two days at all. But this too will pass.

The flights looks good in both directions so I anticipate no issues.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental from London-Heathrow

06OCT08 Houston Intercontinental. Houston TX (IAH)

We touched down quietly and smoothly at 12:45a. I looked across at the Terminal D gates and there was only an AeroMexico Boeing 737-700 with winglets at the gate. Neither the Asia nor the European heavies have arrived as yet. We had a quick taxi into the gate arriving at 12:50p.
It took a few minutes to deplane, then I headed for the Immigration area, following the lines for “Global Entry.” As we were the first European international flight in and we had a light load the normal Immigration lines were almost non-existent.

There were two customers ahead of me, but by the time I made it to the kiosk, one of them was free. I placed my passport under the reader as instructed; it read it, then I placed my right index finger on the reader and nothing. I pressed a little harder and still nothing. Eventually the machine reset itself to the main screen. Well, so much for a pleasant first experience.

I moved to the next machine advising the Officer who was thereof my experience on the other kiosk. He called another Office to take a look. My second attempt worked as it should and I received my Customs form and exited.

Downstairs, I just showed it to the Office there and of course there was no line again, so I did not feel like I gained anything. I know this won’t last forever though…

I headed to the 102 bus stop in Terminal C via the underground train. I was just in time for the arrival of the bus from downtown, so the wait was only about 10 minutes in all. I did notice two passengers who had arrived on that Aeromexico flight from Mexico City at the bus stop. When they boarded, they had no change, but luckily a passenger did so they were fine. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Metro does not have a way for customers to get a Que card or at least change at the airport…

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: BA's downed Boeing 777-200 at Heathrow

As we taxied out to the runway I could see the Boeing 777 that crashed at Heathrow a few months ago. It is now devoid of the airline's markings.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Departing Heathrow for Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

06OCT08 Heathrow International, London England (LHR) Terminal 4

It was exactly 7:01a as my friend set me down at Terminal 4.
They are doing a lot of construction so you cannot drive up to the front of the terminal anymore. So, I bade him goodbye and made my way towards the elevators. It was taking forever, so I took the stairs along with another lady.

In the terminal, I was able to check-in rather quickly, well, did the security checks as I'd already checked in. I had not seen that few people in Terminal 4 in a long while and it was a Monday morning.

I got through security with ease and then made it to the Holideck Lounge. I had one purpose, check out the BBC's site for new shows. I did that, got some snacks and then headed out for the gate at about 7:45a.

I needed to check with IRIS so the next time I come back I would have no issues, but I have to wait for a few more weeks to get it all taken care of.

At the gate (1c), I got a window seat, got security checked and then showed my boarding pass and started the long walk down the winding jetway. As the flight was empty, I got the seat next to me vacant.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Leaving Central London for Heathrow

06OCT08 Central London, England

It was really early when the alarm clock rang; it was 5:15a :-(. We got up got ready and we were on our way by 5:55a. My friend programmed Heathrow into his GPS and after it found a signal, it told us where to go. The signs in the parking lot were pretty funny as we departed.


It was funny though as every now and then it told us to turn on a street that we could not see. Unfortunately, London is not a grid system, so it is a little difficult to navigate. Like all big cities, it has traffic issues. Luckily there was not to much of that this morning.

Eventually, we got out of the city and made our way to the A4 and found a sign that said "Heathrow."

As we approached the airport, we were in luck! An Airbus A340 in Star Alliance colors bore down upon us as we passed the end of the active runway. The timing could not have been more perfect. My adrenalin was racing as I kept my index finger on the shutter. Below is what it looked like.






As I approached the terminal, I saw my plane at the gate.