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.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Arriving in Heathrow from Rotterdam

05OCT08 Heathrow International , London England (LHR)

By 9:15a, we arrived at the gate. I collected my bag that I had gate checked from one of the rows in the plane as the flight attendant had stored it there.
I then made my way out of the plane walking on the ground then up to the terminal. This was actually quite cool. The weather was overcast and slight rain, but did not feel as cold as Rotterdam.

In no time, I was in the Immigration Hall. I tried using the Iris machine, but twice it failed to recognize me. I think I will have to re-do my biometrics. I then went to the regular line and waited for a about 10 minutes to be processed.

After all that was over, I made my way to Customs and then out to the arrivals hall. As I had not listed for my return flight just yet, I did so at the kiosk and collected my boarding pass for tomorrow. Now I don’t have to worry about it tomorrow. I then headed for the Underground, where I topped up my Oyster card and boarded the waiting train to the city. In an hour or so, I’ll arrive at my destination.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Arriving in Rotterdam International, Rotterdam Netherlands (RTM)

05OCT08 Rotterdam International, Rotterdam Netherlands (RTM)

It was 7:30a when I exited the #12 bus at Rotterdam airport. It was still dark out and raining. There was one guy boarding the bus heading back to the city.

I made my way into the empty terminal; I was the only passenger in the entire check-in lobby. I approached the agent, greeted her, presented my credentials and got checked in. Window or aisle she asked; I chose a window. As I finished up, three persons queued up behind me for the same flight.

I then took a few pictures before I entered the secure area. This was a painless process as I was the only one in the queue. Inside the waiting area, there were actually a few other passengers waiting for the flight.

After a while, I took out my computer and it was then that I noticed a sign saying that T-Mobile was offering complimentary WiFi. Sweet! I connected, sent some blog updates and checked e-mail.

At 8:01a, an announcement was made that we should clear Immigration and then wait the boarding of the flight. I logged off, then did as was requested. I was able to log on again just before we started boarding promptly at 8:10a.
We all boarded a bus and headed out to the waiting Fokker F50 as it continued to rain..

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental from downtown Houston

Houston intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) Terminal E

I was glad that we made it to the Terminal in one piece. The trainee driver looked really frazzled as we departed. That hitting the curb really shook him up.

Clearing security was not an issue. I then went to get a ticket for the Rotterdam to Heathrow segment of my trip. We called my other colleague who had already arrived at the Presidents Club.
She was relaxing and waiting for us. In a few minutes we joined her there.

After a round of beverages, we then headed for the gate at 6:45p. As we approached the field, I realized that everyone had already boarded. The agents seem bored as they waited for us. They re-printed our boarding passed and we boarded right away.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston

Downtown Houston, TX

It was 5:31p when we left work and headed for the airport. There was a lot of traffic so it was really slow going for a while. Once we got to US59, we took the HOV lane as the traffic was horrendous. As we neared Greens Rd., we noticed a motorcycle accident; this was the reason for the traffic.

We exited at the airport and decided to use the Parking Spot 2 facility as we were early enough. As it turned out, they were going to Terminal E so it all worked out. As we neared Terminal e, the trainee driver hit the curve as he moved over so he could get us to Terminal E.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Oct. 2008

I have not yet logged the Rotterdam airport so it is time. I have been to Rotterdam before though.

I noticed that in Heathrow KLM has a Fokker F50 there each time I use the airport. I checked and it goes to Rotterdam, Netherlands (RTM). It is so funny to see this small 50-seater airplane next to all the other large airplanes. I want to say that it is the smallest scheduled service passenger aircraft flying into Heathrow.

So the plan is to fly into Amsterdam tonight, train it to Rotterdam, then on Sunday fly into Heathrow, spend the night in London and ten fly back home on Monday. I'd fly into Heathrow and then take the flight to Rotterdam, but on Saturdays, the flight leaves at 10:05a, which does not connect nicely with my 9:35a arrival from the U.S.

I'm dragging two of my colleagues with me to Rotterdam as well, so it will be fun! Maybe a third who is undecided at the moment.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Electronically robbed

So I went out to lunch today and tried to use my bankcard. It was declined. Annoyed, I gave the guy another card which workd fine.

Once I got back to work, I checked my account and sure enough there were two charges which I had not made. They were made in Florida at two separate Walmarts forty-five minutes apart. The stores are located 3.2 miles from each other. Total charges were over $400!

I called up my bank and they will credit me the amount and investigate what happened. I am thinking that the only time this could have happened was when I gave my card out for a meal at a local restaurant Friday night after arriving in San Francisco, CA. I did also use the card for cash that same night, so it is possible that there was a little device in the card reader at the bank.

This is quite disturbing to say the least!

San Francisco, CA September 2008: San Francisco International, San Francisco CA (SFO) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

CO1444 29SEP08 San Francisco International, San Francisco CA (SFO) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 8:05a 1:48p 739 N??419

Flight Time: 3:20
Seat Map

The jetway was still backed up so it took a few minutes to make it onto the airplane. I greeted the flight attendant who greeted me back, then I continued through the twenty leather seats configured in a 2-2 configuration. Finally, I made my way to the Economy class cabin which is configured in a 3-3 configuration with an extra lavatory just behind First class.

The doors closed at 8:04a and three minutes later, we pushed back as the flight attendants did the manual safety demo. This aircraft is not yet equipped with any entertainment system, so there are no screens. It does have power ports at every seat in First class and two to every row of three seats in Economy class, but they are not yet powered up.

As we taxied out, the Captain advised the flight attendants to take their seats at 8:12a and three minutes later, we commenced our takeoff roll, climbing into the foggy morning skies.

After takeoff, the lead flight attendant advised that alcoholic beverages were 5 USD, other beverages were complimentary and that we would have breakfast on our way to Houston this morning. No mention was made of any entertainment or lack there of. I did check below my seat and felt the electrical plugs, but did not bother to try them as I figured they would not be working either. I did see the little sticker similar to what I'd seen on the other airplane on the bulkhead in front of me.

The position of this seat is actually crappy, as people stand there waiting for the bathroom which is actually right across from that seat. The legroom is fantastic though! Also, when the flight attendants go from the first class cabin to Economy, invariably they bump your shoulder as you go by. So do other people waiting for the lavatory.

It was 8:35a when the beverage service arrived. I had some apple juice as well as some hot water so I could have my lemon and ginger tea. In a few minutes, breakfast arrived. It consisted of a banana, a muffin, milk and cornflakes.

I had taken out my computer and started to sort out some of the pictures I had taken all weekend. I had to close it to eat as there is not much room to accommodate it and the meal. At that point the guy next to me said hello and we started a very lively conversation. He was actually quite the traveler and had been to about 35 countries. I applauded him, he was equally impressed at my 82.

A second drink service commenced at 9:24a; I declined as I'd had enough to drink at this point. I started watching one of the TV shows I'd downloaded from the BBC and actually fell asleep about 15 minutes into it. I was really tired having gotten up at 4:40a.

I did hear the Captain say that it was now 83F and sunny and that we were starting our descent and he anticipated an ontime arrival at 1:48p. I was soon awoken to get ready for landing, then I went right back to sleep.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Departing San Francisco International, San Francisco, CA (SFO) for Houston, TX

San Francisco International, San Francisco CA (SFO)

I "detrained" [is that a word, like deplaned?] and then took the airport train to Terminal 1 where I alighted and headed to the Presidents Club.

I hate taking BART as the process is so much longer than the bus. the KX only takes about twenty minutes and I get dropped off right outside my terminal. it is also cheaper at $4.00 as opposed to $5.35 on the train.

I checked in at the club and had a breakfast of a bagel with cream cheese, a banana and some juice. I took some time to check e-mail and the status of my flight. Doesn't look too god, but will see.

At about 7:05a, I headed to the gate; the line at security was building, but it did not take too long to clear it. At the gate, I waited until about 7:45a, at which point I got a seat. I went around to the gate and boarded when it was my turn, which happened to be the last group as I was seated jus tbehind the First class cabin.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Leaving downtown San Francisco

29SEP08 San Francisco, CA

My phone rang at 4:40a, it was my friend who was in the city for the weekend telling me that he had arrived in Newark and was on his way to Atlanta, GA. I groggyily acknowledged him and advised that I was sitll sleeping as my flight was at 8:05a; he thought it was at 6:00a. Grrrr.

I went back to sleep and awoke at 5:00a when the alarm clock on my phone went off. I got ready and was out of there by 5:35a. I made it to the platofrm at 5:45a, missing the 5:44a train to the airport. I had considered taking the KX, but they don't run too often at this hour and I did not feel like waiting in the dark at that

bus stop. Also, I had no change and when I asked the hotel guy, he had none either.

At 5:59a, a 9-car train showed up and I boarded along with other airport bound passengers. It was 6:30a, when the train pulled into the station at the airport.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: The Maltese Falcon

I just saw Tom Perkin's boat called the Maltese Falcon. It was out in the San Francisco Bay with many other boats enjoying a sail on this picture perfect day.

If you read the book Valley Boy, you will learn all about this boat.

Here is a story about why it is here.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to San Francisco, CA (SFO)

CO307 26SEP08 Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to San Francisco International, San Francisco CA (SFO) 5:50p 8:09p 739ER N??421

Flight Time: 3:43
Seat Map

It was slow boarding as passengers tried to find space for their bags. With such a large aircraft I found it strange that it was taking so long to accomplish this task. But apparently people take a lot of crap on board.

I found my row, just after finding a place for my bag in the overhead compartment. I was at the window and had to ask the guy and the young girl next to me to let me in. Apparently, my standing there and pointing to my seat was not enough. The guy commented that I was late; I told him it happens and tomorrow will be his time, taking my seat in the process.

It was not until I sat down that I realized that this was a Boeing 737-900ER. It has five rows of 2-2 leather seating in First class with a lavatory separating the Economy cabin with its 3-3 cloth seat configuration.

I settled in after a few seat changes and ended up with a window with the middle seat empty; yes, more room for this almost 3 hours flight.

It was 5:49p, when we pushed back at which time the flights did the manual demo as this aircraft is not yet equipped with any entertainment system. we then started our taxi out to the runway.



At 6:01p, we had made it to the runway and the left engine was started. Once that was accomplished, we made our way to runway 33L/15R, took our position behind an Embrear ERJ-145 from Continental Express and took to the air at 6:05p after the Captain telling the flight attendants to take their seats two minutes earlier.

After takeoff, the lead flight attendant welcomed us onboard and advises that there would be a beverage and meal service. There was no mention of the lack of entertainment on this aircraft.

I eagerly tried the power outlet, but was disappointed as it had no power at all. My battery life said 3:34 so at least I had some juice in it. Before closing, she re-iterated that the flying time was 3:43 and that we should sit back and relax and enjoy the flight to San Francisco.

The flight attendants passed and headed to the front of the plae with the beverage cart at about 6:35p.

At 6:31p, the captain welcomed us at 34,000' advising us that although he had turned off the seatbelt signs, we should keep our seatbelts fastened when seated. He re-iterated the 3:43 flying time and advised that we would be 20 minutes early arriving at 7:50p. He also advised us to re-set our watch as it was 4:33p in San Francisco at this time. The weather in San Fran was the winds were 20 mph and the temperature is 68F with scattered clouds. He added that he would update us later of our arrival as we neared the airport; concluding with "once again, welcome on board."

The meals came through and I spotted pizza, which is not really my favorite on planes, but we will see.

At 6:47p, the Stefano steak & cheese hot pizza arrived with a salad plus pepper cream dressing and a KitKat milk wafer bar.

By now the drink cart had caught up and I ordered some ginger ale as well as some water. The couple sitting aisle across in my row, held each other's hands and prayed before the meal.

The pizza was surprisingly good and I ended up having it all. I just did not have the KitKat bar. Thrash pickup followed shortly after at 7:08p.

I had to use the lavatory and noticed that they had really nice LEDs. Once I closed the door, they are supposed to brighten but they did not. When I was done, I asked one of the flight attendants what happened and she advised me that the lights were not working as they should.

As there was no entertainment, I started to watch a film had downloaded from the BBC this past weekend. A second drink service came when I was about 1/2 way through the program called "The Real Hustle."

It was 7:58p, when the seatbelt signs came on as the Captain said that we are approaching some choppy air. I felt asleep soon after.

At 9:25p (Houston time), the Captain came on the PA and said that we were 15 minutes from touchdown; he also noted that it was 57F; wow, that's cold! The flight attendants came through the cabin and collect the trash soon after the announcement.

The final descent started at 9:35p; we then had to prepare the cabin for landing. Welcome to San Fran says the flight attendant making the address.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

We arrived at Terminal C at 5:25p. I hurried inside, cleared security as there was literally no one around, checked the board to ensure that my gate had not changed, then headed towards gate C34. My other colleagues took another entrance and headed for Terminal B.

I made a quick stop in the Presidents Club, had a beverage, saying hello to the bartender who used to work in Terminal E's Club then had some crackers and cheese and then looked for a newspaper. There were none, so I headed out to the gate.

I got to the gate at 5:35p, collected my boarding pass for a window seat and boarded right away as there was no one else around.

San Francisco, CA September 2008: Downtown Houston, TX

There was not much traffic leaving the city, but as we got onto the HOV lane on US59, the traffic started to build on the regular road. I was glad that we had taken the HOV lane today.

We got to the parking facility and I advised the lady that I was running late, but still we had to wait about 10 minutes for a shuttle. Once it came, it took us directly to Terminal C. As I did not know from which gate I was departing, we called Continental. It was funny as since the bus was noisy, the automated system had a bit of trouble. Eventually, one of my colleagues got through just as I did and advised it was C34.

San Francisco, CA September 2008

This weekend I'm heading out to San Francisco to hang with some friends for an extended weekend. I've been meaning

to do this and finally I am. This is a simple trip, straight out there and back, nothing extra. Let's hope it all hold out.

Hurricane Ike: Comcast

So, I saw the story below talking about how Comcast is giving us credit as we had no power, hence no cable, hence no Internet. But there is always a catch! The bastards wants us to call to get credit, when in the same story they said they could tell whether or not we were using the service or not.

The injustice!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6021492.html

Comcast counts lack of power

Customers to get credit for outages due to electricity

By BRAD HEM Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 24, 2008, 10:32PM

Comcast will credit customers for the time they were unable to access their service, even if it was simply because they were without power, a spokesman said Wednesday.

"They were still without service," spokesman Ray Purser said. "We're going to credit them for that time."

It is a departure from its usual policy, which is not to credit customers if an outage is strictly caused by lack of electricity, Purser said.

The scope of problems caused by Hurricane Ike prompted the company to take a different approach.

AT&T spokesman Dan Feldstein said U-verse television customers also will be credited for time they lost service because of a power outage. Time Warner Cable, which serves areas east of Houston such as Beaumont, is giving customers a blanket credit from Sept. 12 until service is restored in those communities, spokesman Gary Underwood said.

Incorrect information

After announcing its credit offer Tuesday morning, Comcast received 50,000 calls during the day from customers, Purser said. The company has about 750,000 subscribers in the Houston area.

However, some reported they had problems getting through or were told incorrectly a credit wasn't forthcoming.

Spring resident Nancy Thornton said she was told she'd have to foot the whole bill even though she was without power for nine days.

Purser attributed any confusion to workers in the Comcast call center not knowing the policy by the time inquiries started coming in.

"It's probably just a symptom of miscommunication," he said. "We're working at a rapid pace. Maybe the call center was not ready to handle the calls."

Taking their word for it

To get the credit, customers must call 800-COMCAST and ask for it. For the most part, the company will take customers at their word for time without electricity, Purser said. However, the company can monitor when power becomes available at its nodes — vital boxes that serve whole neighborhoods — and Internet traffic by area, he said.

"More than likely, we believe the customer is going to be truthful," he said.

Credits would show up on the next 28-day billing cycle.

75 percent restored

By Wednesday afternoon, Comcast had restored service to 75 percent of its customers, though some of them may not know it because they are still without power, Purser said.

"We still have a number of nodes that are down," Purser said. "That is still an issue for us."

Comcast has posted maps of its nodes through its Web site, www.comcast.com, to let customers see where the outages are near their homes. But the maps are fairly small, and customers have complained on some online comment threads that they can't tell which node applies to them.

Spokesman Michael Bybee said Comcast wants to provide as much information to customers as possible and is considering adding detail to the maps.

brad.hem@chron.com

London August 2008: Departing London-Heathrow International for Houston Intercontinental. Houston, TX (IAH)

21SEP08 London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR)

I made it to Heathrow at 9:32a, plenty of time to check-in.

I made my way to the Check-in area and was surprised how sparse it was. The entire terminal was actually not very crowded. I think one of the reasons was that the flight loads are not too bad as well as the fact that British Airways (BA) has moved more of its flights to Terminal 5.

I got checked in, cleared the almost non-existent security lines and headed for the Holideck. I tooled around a bit, grabbed some breakfast and watched planes take off. I saw a British Airways (BA) Boeing 747-400, Jet Airways' Boeing 777-300ER as well as a few British Airways Boeing 777s.

I did notice that the BA 777 that crashed landed is now devoid of the BA logo as it still sits across from the take off runway.

My flight is delayed as it arrived late so at 10:50a, it still shows Will board at gate 2. I will head over there soon though.

London August 2008: Leaving Maidstone, England for London

21SEP08 Maidstone, England

It was 6:00a when my friend’s alarm went off and he got up. Fifteen minutes later my alarm went off and I awoke fully and got ready. We left the flat at 7:00a sharp and headed for the station. The plan was to take the 7:11a train to London Bridge station.

It was rather chilly out and all of the streets were devoid of cars and people except us. A silent mist hung low over the nearby canal as we made our way to the station arriving at 7:08a

We bade our goodbyes, then I made my way onto the platform. I noticed that the sign was saying the next train was at 7:30a to Victoria and it was delayed until 7:38a, Odd, I thought. I found an agent and he said that the first train was at 7:30a and they were hourly in the morning to Victoria and that there was no 7:11a. I was a bit bothered as I knew that I printed the schedule for today and it indicated a 7:11a train arriving at 8:12a in London Bridge. Oh well.

I used the kiosk to purchase a single ticket into the city, noting that a return ticket just cost 10p more. What a deal. I also found a return ticket for the next stop in the machine so I gave it to the agent. In a few minutes I heard him make an announcement and a lady came forward and claimed it.

It was 7:37a when the train arrived and we all got on board. By now the platform was quite crowded for a Sunday I thought.

Although the train was a few minutes late, we only arrived in Victoria two minutes behind schedule at 8:34a. I made my way to the District and Circle lines as the Victoria line was still down. The plan was to still take the Piccadilly Line to the airport.

A District Line train soon arrived and I changed to stops down for the Piccadilly Line, just missing one as I arrived on the platform. The signs indicated the next one would be in 7 minutes. Right on schedule it showed up, except it said Rayners Lane as opposed to Heathrow 4 & 1,2,3 as the platform signed indicated. I still got on as I would get off at Acton Town and take the Terminal 4 bound train there. I just wanted to keep moving really.

It was quite annoying on the train as a couple came on the train and would not stop slobbering over each other. They must have kissed a dozen times.

At Acton Town, the wait was about three minutes and I was not alone. There were indeed several people on the train who were going to Heathrow. The kissing couple came off and continued their romance; I guess last night was not enough. Can someone get them their own platform?