Sunday, August 28, 2011

Strollers a nuisance on planes

Some of us have noticed modern-day baby strollers at the airport or various public places. Baby strollers are getting as large as Volkswagens. They seem to be large enough to have stereos, auto-bottle feeders, cell phones, diaper containers, toy boxes and room for a friend.

We can live with them most of the time, except when frantic parents find out the stroller won't fit in an airplane. They clog the entrance to the plane, then end up stuffing the content of the stroller in the compartment over our heads. It's like stuffing a marshmallow into a ketchup bottle.

My solution: have certain airplanes for adults only. I'll even pay extra for that.

(Letter published in the Maui News March 22, 2010 and Lahaina News March 25, 2010)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Ships at Sea in Storms



Regarding US Navy ships headed to sea ahead of Hurricane Irene: It is safer at sea than near shore due to storm surge and wave damage.



However, during WWII our fleet got caught in a typhoon off New Guinea in 137 knot winds. Two ships turned over and sunk.



I was almost lost off our carrier the Nassau (CVE-16). I was trying to tie airplanes down on the flight deck. I fell over the side and landed in the cargo net.



It was always exciting on the flight deck.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Nothing is Free

We are all aware that airlines are charging for any little service that was previously offered free.

Of course, hotels are doing it also.

As far as I know, restaurants haven't started charging for napkins yet. But they will.

The crowning blow was while traveling, I ordered my favorite drink, vodka on ice, at a hotel bar. They charged me $1 more for the ice.

It's more than a drinking man can bear.

Blackie Gadarian
(Letter published in the Maui News Aug.13, 2011, and Lahaina News Aug. 18, 2011)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Fancy signs, dim lighting can lead to confusion

As we get older, little things become large obstacles when we go out for dining or cocktails.

The doors leading to the men's and women's restrooms were obvious in the past. But now artists have exhibited their talents by making the doors works of art rather than simple signs.

Then the entrance is in a dim light as well. After a meal or drink, barging into the restroom can be embarrassing.

Ladies, if you find me in the wrong place, it's not my fault. I say, "When you gotta go, you gotta go."

Blackie Gadarian.
(Letter published in The Maui News July 22, 2011 and Lahaina News July 28, 2011.)