Normally this blog is for stuff related to pop culture but I ran an article today that, at first I thought was funny, but now after letting it sink in, really bothers me, so I'm going to address it.
The article, from Smartmoney.com, is 10 Things Baggage Handlers Won't Say. After reading this again, it really insulted my line of work, especially since I've been a ramper for close to four and a half years now. The story to me seems like it was written by someone who used to do this job but lost it for one reason or another and decided to reveal "secrets". That being said, us rampers already feel like we are the lowest level as it is, this article makes us seem even worse than we already feel.
Let me go through this one by one, if you would like to follow along, here's the link.
1. “Don’t pack light—we need the money.”
There is alot of truth to what is written here. The airline business has been through some of the roughest times financially ever. Do I like the fact that we charge for bags and for itinerary changes when we never used to? Not at all. But honestly, give things time. I know our company is starting to make money again, once we start making money again, I hope that things get better.
2. “We’re losing fewer bags—because there are fewer to lose.”
This is a low blow. How can I even argue this? You're right, we have fewer bags. That means mishandle numbers are way down. Isn't that a good thing? Don't you want the number to be down? That just means we doing a great job with the bags that we are being given.
3. “Some of us have sticky fingers.”
Okay, I'm going to make this very clear. They talked about a one-time incident. This doesn't happen everyday. I've been doing this for over four years and not one person has ever stolen something from a bag or from a passenger at anytime. This just gives us a bad reputation. Maybe passengers should close their bags better, then stuff won't fall out and get lost.
4. “Sure, we can handle your pet—but can your pet handle us?”
Again, this is ridiculous. This is talking about certain airlines. I know for a fact that Frontier and Airtran both allow small animals outboard for their flights. As a matter of fact, Frontier allows celebrity dogs to have their own seats! As for loading animals in the bins, we have VERY strict rules on how to load animals to make sure they have a very safe flight like any other passenger. As for the story of the cat who was mad at her owner after he showed up at her destination late, are you sure it wasn't just the cat? Cats are just known to be mean anyway especially away from home. There was only one time that an animal got left behind overnight in Milwaukee and we had to send it the next day. It was a big dog and it was kept in our warm ramp room, with constant supervision by a ramper, or two, so much so that a ramper stayed overtime and slept next to the dog's cage to make sure he was safe and sound. That's what I call great customer service, especially when we make a mistake.
5. "We don't actually do that much."
When I first read that line, I chuckled, but just because we always joke about how much we actually do do at work on a daily basis. That being said, what they are talking about are the fact that SOME big airports has major advance that make their rampers' lives easier. Us at General Michtell don't have that kind of money or technology. My point being we actually do have to lift every bag in the bagroom when they get checked in, sometimes more than once. The rampers outside still have to load the planes by lifting bags and loading planes using raw strength. We do alot of work, just never get the real credit we deserve.
6. “Not all bags are created equal.”
Okay, this is vaild. Can't really argue with this portion at all.
7. “Stressing about baggage claim? You should.”
What does this have anything to do with being a baghandler or a ramper? What goes on at baggage claim has nothing to do with us at all. This is baggage service's resonsiblity not ours.
8. “Many of us don’t actually work for the airlines.”
Okay this part is true for some people. I for a long time worked for Skyway Airlines, a contracted employee that worked on Midwest planes. Now I officially work for Frontier. This part I can't argue with. BUT I will say that rampers, no matter who they get paid by, they still work hard to do their jobs. That's how it should be. No one ever slacked just because technically we were "Skyway contractors".
9. “We can’t handle unusual items.”
Antlers? Really? That's the big complaint here? Are you serious? This is the major problem? Because some Alaskian can't bring his antlers on board? Give me a break. The major stuf we can't travel with is chemical stuff. The obvious stuff. I've never heard a problem with anything else. Antlers? Wow.
10. “If you think we’re bad here, just wait till you go abroad.”
What does this even mean? Are the flight crews "worse than we are"? I don't get this at all. Again though, why would we worry about the flight crews as rampers? We barely have any communication with them as it is. If they don't treat passengers good, that's not my fault.
I think I've said my peace. This article just really frustrated me. Thank you for reading
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Glee (6/1/10)-Final Stop To Regionals
Being a regular Glee viewer, well a Gleek, you have to expect the unexpected and realize strange things are going to happen. This week's show was no exception to the rule.
I guess the easiest way to explain this episode is song by song.
Vocal Adrenaline-Another One Bite The Dust
The show opened with Jesse leaving New Directions, and breaking up with Rachael, and rejoining Vocal Adrenaline. The sang an alright version of this song to show how good they are, as well as eventually toilet papering the choir room, and to psych out ND, and it worked because it put them in a funk, setting the stage for the rest of the night.
Highlight for me was the fact that Puck, in thoughts, said "For some unknown reason me and Finn are still not talking to each other." With that I knew that Puck would get Finn to help him seek revenge on VA, by slashing all their tires.
Meanwhile we find out that Will has officially gotten a divorce from Terri and that puts him in a funk. What I couldn't quite figure out was why Will went to former-Glee director, the ever-so freaky, Sandy for advice? But alas, he tells him what VA's weakness is, funk music, and the assignment to the Glee club is to find a funk song to sing.
Will-Tell Me Something Good
This had to be one of the creepiest performances Shue had EVER done, singing seductively to Sue. It was so insane to watch that there was no way me or Mandy could keep our eyes off the screen, but obviously for different reasons. This was very awesome though out of context.
Finn and Puck (with the rest of the staff of Linens & Things)-Loser
This was my favorite performance of the night. This song might just end up being my new main ring-tone when I download the mp3 soon. The only problem I had was the fact that it wasn't longer. This song was sung at Linens & Things, a.k.a. Bed Bath & Beyond, without having to pay for the rights, because Finn and Puck had to get a job to pay for the cars that they destroyed. It was such a fitting song and performance, can't say anything bad about it.
Quinn (and The Unwed Mothership Connection (I can't make that up))-It's a Man's Man's Man's World
I don't want to be overly mean, but who thought this performance was a good idea? Who said "let's get a bunch of overly pregnant girls, have them dance with their tummies, and sing a really obscure song that most of the audience doesn't know and it's a great idea!"? It brought the whole show to a screeching halt. It was boring, blah and just uncomfortable to watch.
Finn, Puck and Mercendes-Good Vibrations
This song was just fun. Sometimes you just have to have some fun. Singing this song was just that. You can tell the three of them had alot of fun singing and dancing to this song. There's not much else to say except this is the kind of performance that makes this a great show.
After this song we had to have a little storyline.
First Shue stood up Sue, after asking her out to dinner, they got into a major throw down. This caused Sue to almost pull her Cheerios out of nationals. This made the girls so upset that they were freaking out, this led to a funny sight of Brittney wearing her uniform backwards. Shue then went to Sue's house, apologized and they had one of the best sweet moments of this whole show. But it didn't matter because after the Cheerios won nationals, which included Kurt singing Celine Dion is fluent French, Sue went to Shue's place and told him that either he kiss her or she will put the massive trophy in the choir room in a bulletproof case. Well Shue was going to kiss her, very VERY awkward at home watching, but she stops him saying "Even your breath stinks of mediocrity." This led to the trophy being put in the choir room, with the background music being Loser from earlier in the show. Nice touch.
Jesse tricked Rachael to come outside, only to be completely egged by all the members of VA, including himself. This led to all the ND guys getting really mad and starting to barge out to kick some butt, but Shue stopped them. This led to my personal line of the night by Kurt, "Rachel's one of us — we're the only ones who get to humiliate her.'' Shue wanted a different kind of revenge...
New Directions-Give Up The Funk
This was fun. This was sexy. This was entertaining. This scared the crap out of VA who were watching. This was a great way to end this show even if it was hard to follow the words.
Next week is Regionals, the season finale, and I couldn't be anymore excited!
I guess the easiest way to explain this episode is song by song.
Vocal Adrenaline-Another One Bite The Dust
The show opened with Jesse leaving New Directions, and breaking up with Rachael, and rejoining Vocal Adrenaline. The sang an alright version of this song to show how good they are, as well as eventually toilet papering the choir room, and to psych out ND, and it worked because it put them in a funk, setting the stage for the rest of the night.
Highlight for me was the fact that Puck, in thoughts, said "For some unknown reason me and Finn are still not talking to each other." With that I knew that Puck would get Finn to help him seek revenge on VA, by slashing all their tires.
Meanwhile we find out that Will has officially gotten a divorce from Terri and that puts him in a funk. What I couldn't quite figure out was why Will went to former-Glee director, the ever-so freaky, Sandy for advice? But alas, he tells him what VA's weakness is, funk music, and the assignment to the Glee club is to find a funk song to sing.
Will-Tell Me Something Good
This had to be one of the creepiest performances Shue had EVER done, singing seductively to Sue. It was so insane to watch that there was no way me or Mandy could keep our eyes off the screen, but obviously for different reasons. This was very awesome though out of context.
Finn and Puck (with the rest of the staff of Linens & Things)-Loser
This was my favorite performance of the night. This song might just end up being my new main ring-tone when I download the mp3 soon. The only problem I had was the fact that it wasn't longer. This song was sung at Linens & Things, a.k.a. Bed Bath & Beyond, without having to pay for the rights, because Finn and Puck had to get a job to pay for the cars that they destroyed. It was such a fitting song and performance, can't say anything bad about it.
Quinn (and The Unwed Mothership Connection (I can't make that up))-It's a Man's Man's Man's World
I don't want to be overly mean, but who thought this performance was a good idea? Who said "let's get a bunch of overly pregnant girls, have them dance with their tummies, and sing a really obscure song that most of the audience doesn't know and it's a great idea!"? It brought the whole show to a screeching halt. It was boring, blah and just uncomfortable to watch.
Finn, Puck and Mercendes-Good Vibrations
This song was just fun. Sometimes you just have to have some fun. Singing this song was just that. You can tell the three of them had alot of fun singing and dancing to this song. There's not much else to say except this is the kind of performance that makes this a great show.
After this song we had to have a little storyline.
First Shue stood up Sue, after asking her out to dinner, they got into a major throw down. This caused Sue to almost pull her Cheerios out of nationals. This made the girls so upset that they were freaking out, this led to a funny sight of Brittney wearing her uniform backwards. Shue then went to Sue's house, apologized and they had one of the best sweet moments of this whole show. But it didn't matter because after the Cheerios won nationals, which included Kurt singing Celine Dion is fluent French, Sue went to Shue's place and told him that either he kiss her or she will put the massive trophy in the choir room in a bulletproof case. Well Shue was going to kiss her, very VERY awkward at home watching, but she stops him saying "Even your breath stinks of mediocrity." This led to the trophy being put in the choir room, with the background music being Loser from earlier in the show. Nice touch.
Jesse tricked Rachael to come outside, only to be completely egged by all the members of VA, including himself. This led to all the ND guys getting really mad and starting to barge out to kick some butt, but Shue stopped them. This led to my personal line of the night by Kurt, "Rachel's one of us — we're the only ones who get to humiliate her.'' Shue wanted a different kind of revenge...
New Directions-Give Up The Funk
This was fun. This was sexy. This was entertaining. This scared the crap out of VA who were watching. This was a great way to end this show even if it was hard to follow the words.
Next week is Regionals, the season finale, and I couldn't be anymore excited!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WWE NXT Season 2 Preview
So last night on NXT, they announced the rookies and pros next the new season that starts next week. Thanks to my boys at WZ.com, I got to find out who these guys are.
Husky Harris (Pro: Cody Rhodes) (Windham Rotunda) - Former Troy University offensive lineman and son of Mike Rotunda, Grandson of Blackjack Mulligan, and nephew to Barry & Kendall Windham. Has been working in FCW (WWE Developmental) since early 2009 as "Duke Rotundo" and is a former FCW tag team champion with his brother Taylor "Bo" Rotunda.
I'm intrigued by this guy. He's another one of those young third-generation kids that are being brought up lately. He should do a good job. At least I hope. I hope that Cody makes a good pro for him, I think this might work.
Eli Cottonwood (Pro: John Morrison) (Kipp Christianson) - A former basketball standout at St. John's University, as well as in the CBA. He's been with FCW since early 2009.
This guy is freakin huge! I think it'll just be funny seeing him stand next to Jo-Mo. From the video they showed he looks tall but unlike Great Khali, very agile.
Percy Watson (Pro: MVP) (Chris McNeil) - Was 1/2 of the tag team "The South Beach Boys" with NXT Season 1 rookie Darren Young. Debuted in FCW in mid 2009.
This is called making it up to MVP for dropping him as a pro from the first season and replacing him with William Regal. From what I've heard about this guy, he's good in the ring. I hope they are right. We will see.
Titus O'Neill (Pro: Zack Ryder) (Thaddeus Bullard) - This former Florida Gators defensive end has been making an impact in FCW since his 2009 debut.
This guy is doomed from the start. Who thought that Zack Ryder would make a good pro? Give me a break here. This is a total joke. In my opinion, he will have to be a GREAT wrestler in order him to overcome how terrible his pro is.
Kaval (Pros: LayCool) (Brandon Sylvestry) - Best known as Low-Ki, he may be, pound for pound, one of the best workers out there. He's been a star and title holder in ROH & TNA. If he can avoid injury, his WWE career could really take off with or without winning NXT.
Not sure what the make of this pairing. I'm very excited that Kaval, a.k.a. Low-Ki and Senshi in TNA/ROH, is finally getting his shot in WWE. He deserves it. But when I heard LayCool would be the Pros, I figured that means we would have a diva on the show. But this just means to me that it's going to be good television because there is no way Kaval is going to be able to put up with LayCool, especially if they remain in character.
Lucky Cannon (Pro: Mark Henry) (Jon Emminger) - New Port Richey, FL native who started his FCW career in 2007. His ringname in FCW as of last week has been Johnny Prime.
This guy looks so familiar and I just can't place why. But he he looks good in his video, and I think Mark Henry could actually be a good mentor, especially since he's been through alot and has actually gotten better over the years.
Michael McGillicutty (Pro: Kofi Kingston) (Joe Hennig) - Son of "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. Has held the FCW Championship and FCW Tag Team Championship (with NXT Season 1 rookie Heath Slater) since his 2008 debut.
Two things ring here for me. Why did they change Joe Hennig's name? I'm think it's just so he can't use his name for votes from the pros. But still, it would help the casual fan care about him more. The other thing, Kofi should bring the best out of him and this should be a very entertaining duo.
Alex Riley (Pro: The Miz) (Kevin Kiley) - Has worked in FCW since 2007 as Kevin Kiley, Carson Oakley, and Alex Riley. He is the current FCW Champion. He may be the best on the mic of this group.
I've heard about this guy. He's amazing on the mic, which should be fun to hear him and Miz go at it. The fun part is that it's going to be like Punk-Young this past season, where these two are total opposites.
Overall it looks like it could be a fun season. The big announcement coming in is that the fans get to vote and have 50% of the power with the pros on the poll that knocks the rookies off. Should be interesting to see how that goes.
WWE NXT (6/1/10)-The Finale
"We are wild and young and we have just begun."-American Bang
That line is from the NXT theme song, which really does tell the story of this season.
Last night was the season finale of NXT, something very strange because typical wrestling doesn't have seasons, and they were going to announce the winner.
First I would like to say that I thought it was very cool that they did the show 100% live last night. It was good because it added to the intrigue and suspense of the night. I found out that they actually stopped Smackdown tapings right in the middle, just to make sure that the show as live. Well done WWE.
Second, they announced last night that next week will start season two of NXT. That now explains why they sped up the first season so that they could churn another season out before October when Smackdown moves to SyFy. I think the other thing is that they hope that it will pick up in the ratings.
Now onto last night's show. It was very nice to see all the pros there for once, as well as the eliminated rookies. That added alot to the show for me.
The one match that they had was a three way dance between Barrett, Otunga and Gabriel. It was an okay match, Mandy said it perfect "I hope these guys improve because I'm bored." I think that statement actually explains all the wrestling on the first season of NXT. Barrett won the match, pinning both guys and you can see where this is obviously going.
Daniel Bryan was asked who he thinks is going to win and his answer was a perfect summary of the night. "Otunga can't wrestle, Gabriel can't talk, so that mean Barrett should win."
That being said the obvious choice won, Wade Barrett won NXT and will get a title shot of his choosing at a PPV. I figured he would have announced on the show but he didn't.
That's it for season one of NXT, it was fun. It wasn't the best show in the world, but I definitely enjoyed it. I hope they just continue to improve into the next season because the last few weeks were the best of the whole season by far.
That line is from the NXT theme song, which really does tell the story of this season.
Last night was the season finale of NXT, something very strange because typical wrestling doesn't have seasons, and they were going to announce the winner.
First I would like to say that I thought it was very cool that they did the show 100% live last night. It was good because it added to the intrigue and suspense of the night. I found out that they actually stopped Smackdown tapings right in the middle, just to make sure that the show as live. Well done WWE.
Second, they announced last night that next week will start season two of NXT. That now explains why they sped up the first season so that they could churn another season out before October when Smackdown moves to SyFy. I think the other thing is that they hope that it will pick up in the ratings.
Now onto last night's show. It was very nice to see all the pros there for once, as well as the eliminated rookies. That added alot to the show for me.
The one match that they had was a three way dance between Barrett, Otunga and Gabriel. It was an okay match, Mandy said it perfect "I hope these guys improve because I'm bored." I think that statement actually explains all the wrestling on the first season of NXT. Barrett won the match, pinning both guys and you can see where this is obviously going.
Daniel Bryan was asked who he thinks is going to win and his answer was a perfect summary of the night. "Otunga can't wrestle, Gabriel can't talk, so that mean Barrett should win."
That being said the obvious choice won, Wade Barrett won NXT and will get a title shot of his choosing at a PPV. I figured he would have announced on the show but he didn't.
That's it for season one of NXT, it was fun. It wasn't the best show in the world, but I definitely enjoyed it. I hope they just continue to improve into the next season because the last few weeks were the best of the whole season by far.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Winter Classic Ideas
I'm still really annoyed by the Winter Classic announcement today so I figured I'd give three other options that would make for great games in future years.
#1-New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
Possible Location:New Yankee Stadium Bronk, NY, Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
This matchup is first because it's the one closest to my heart. It's one of the longest and fiercest rivalries in the NHL, and one of the most under appreciated nowadays. This used to be one of FOX's go-to games when they used to do weekend games. These two stadiums are brand new and perfect for this kind of game. The Meadowlands Stadium might be the better choice for two reasons. The NHL already has alot of history at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and it's the home of a future Super Bowl and they could use that in advertisments.
#2-Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild
Possible Location:Target Field
To newer fans this match-up seems very random but it makes sense if you know the history behind it. The Stars were originally known as the Minnesota North Stars before moving the Texas. Have this game for all the old-school and new fans in Minnesota, after all as Commissioner Bettmann said this afternoon it is "The State of Hockey". The history of the state is your advertising.
#3-Detroit Red Wings at Colorado Avalanche
Possible Location:Corrs Field, Invesco Field at Mile High
I figure that if they are going to repeat teams, like go with a forgotten rivalry. These two teams at one time hated each other. The location would be extremely unique and I think it would be a great game. The only issue I could see would be the thin air for a hockey game, but if they could work that out, it would be a great time.
#1-New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
Possible Location:New Yankee Stadium Bronk, NY, Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
This matchup is first because it's the one closest to my heart. It's one of the longest and fiercest rivalries in the NHL, and one of the most under appreciated nowadays. This used to be one of FOX's go-to games when they used to do weekend games. These two stadiums are brand new and perfect for this kind of game. The Meadowlands Stadium might be the better choice for two reasons. The NHL already has alot of history at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and it's the home of a future Super Bowl and they could use that in advertisments.
#2-Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild
Possible Location:Target Field
To newer fans this match-up seems very random but it makes sense if you know the history behind it. The Stars were originally known as the Minnesota North Stars before moving the Texas. Have this game for all the old-school and new fans in Minnesota, after all as Commissioner Bettmann said this afternoon it is "The State of Hockey". The history of the state is your advertising.
#3-Detroit Red Wings at Colorado Avalanche
Possible Location:Corrs Field, Invesco Field at Mile High
I figure that if they are going to repeat teams, like go with a forgotten rivalry. These two teams at one time hated each other. The location would be extremely unique and I think it would be a great game. The only issue I could see would be the thin air for a hockey game, but if they could work that out, it would be a great time.
2010-2011 NHL Announcement Reactions
So the NHL chose today to make such major announcements for next season.
First of all, they chose the location and match-ups for the NHL Winter Classic.
For those who don't know, the NHL Winter Classic is a New Year's Day tradition, this will be the fourth year, and the NHL has two teams play outdoors. The first three games have been really exciting and the locations have been different.
This year the game will be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as the Penguins host the Washington Capitals. While the game is great on paper, I have one major problem with it. This is only the fourth Winter Classic and they are already repeating teams? Are you serious? Pittsburgh played in the first Classic game against Buffalo. I guess it's okay because of the high profile players, but come on? There was no where else and no other teams to have in this game?
In addition to the US outdoor game, Canada has been given one too as the Flames will host the Canadiens in the 2011 Hertiage Classic at the McMahon Stadium in Calgary. It's a cool idea and I hope it happens without a hitch like the game in Pittsburgh.
Moving on, I'm very excited to see that the All-Star Game is back this year. The game will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina. I say absolutely awesome!
They also announced that the NHL Premiere games are back again. The NHL seems to love to send teams to Europe at the start of the season. This year they are sending the Bruins, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, Coyotes and Sharks overseas. It's not a big deal, I just hope it doesn't mess up the teams when they get back like last year.
Finally the one major announcement that I'm very excited about. For years there has been a special day up in Canada, Hockey Day in Canada, where the country celebrates the sport and the major part of it is a triple-header with all six Canadian teams. Well this year the NHL and NBC are teaming up for the first ever, Hockey Day in America where there will be games and a celebration. They haven't announced all the details but it's definitely something to look forward to.
Overall, while I may not like the Winter Classic match-up, these are some very cool announcements and gives hockey fans like myself, alot to look forward to next season.
First of all, they chose the location and match-ups for the NHL Winter Classic.
For those who don't know, the NHL Winter Classic is a New Year's Day tradition, this will be the fourth year, and the NHL has two teams play outdoors. The first three games have been really exciting and the locations have been different.
This year the game will be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as the Penguins host the Washington Capitals. While the game is great on paper, I have one major problem with it. This is only the fourth Winter Classic and they are already repeating teams? Are you serious? Pittsburgh played in the first Classic game against Buffalo. I guess it's okay because of the high profile players, but come on? There was no where else and no other teams to have in this game?
In addition to the US outdoor game, Canada has been given one too as the Flames will host the Canadiens in the 2011 Hertiage Classic at the McMahon Stadium in Calgary. It's a cool idea and I hope it happens without a hitch like the game in Pittsburgh.
Moving on, I'm very excited to see that the All-Star Game is back this year. The game will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina. I say absolutely awesome!
They also announced that the NHL Premiere games are back again. The NHL seems to love to send teams to Europe at the start of the season. This year they are sending the Bruins, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, Coyotes and Sharks overseas. It's not a big deal, I just hope it doesn't mess up the teams when they get back like last year.
Finally the one major announcement that I'm very excited about. For years there has been a special day up in Canada, Hockey Day in Canada, where the country celebrates the sport and the major part of it is a triple-header with all six Canadian teams. Well this year the NHL and NBC are teaming up for the first ever, Hockey Day in America where there will be games and a celebration. They haven't announced all the details but it's definitely something to look forward to.
Overall, while I may not like the Winter Classic match-up, these are some very cool announcements and gives hockey fans like myself, alot to look forward to next season.
Stanley Cup Finals Predictions
I'll make this fast because I don't have alot to say right now.
My official pick is Hawks in 6. (I picked Hawks in 5 in my facebook predictions thread because I need the points to win)
My official pick is Hawks in 6. (I picked Hawks in 5 in my facebook predictions thread because I need the points to win)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)