all about my blog: June 2008

Gemma Atkinson Yellow Bikini Candids

Gemma Atkinson In Bra

Here is another modelling shoot photograph showing Gemma Atkinson wearing a black and white striped bra in this picture.

Some Airlines to Charge For Checked Bags

(I took the above picture on a flight from Florida. A Southwest Airlines blended winglet helps save fuel and serves as a good surface to advertise on.)

As people try to figure out how to drive from their homes to the store, purchase a gallon of milk and loaf of bread, and get back without spending twice the hourly federal minimum wage ($5.85 per hour now and scheduled to increase to $6.25 per hour on July 24, 2008 pursuant to the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007), the airlines try to figure out how to transport Nashville’s approximately 10,000,000 passengers per year and the rest of the flying public from point A to point B with jet fuel prices that are 92.7% higher today than they were a year ago ($168.10 per barrel on June 6, 2008 as reported at IATA.org). As part of an answer to the latter question, American Airlines recently announced that starting June 15, 2008, certain passengers would have to pay $15.00 to check their first bag. United Airlines and US Airways announced Thursday that they would charge a similar fee. To date, Southwest Airlines, Nashville’s largest carrier, has stated that it will allow passengers to continue to check two bags free of charge.

The baggage charges have already started a heated debate among passengers and provided fuel for Southwest Airline’s new advertising campaign focused on the other airlines alleged nickel-and-diming of passengers. Another possible backlash to the charges (as passengers try to solve the former question above) may be increased weight in aircraft cabin overhead bins as passengers stuff more items into their carry-on bags to avoid checked bag fees. Of course, stuffing the overhead bins is the exact opposite of what safety consultants and the FAA recommend. As recently as October 1, 2007, the FAA provided the following tips, among others, for flyers to consider when carrying on bags: 1) Think Small (usually 45 linear inches maximum size and nothing oversized), 2) Think Smart (check more and carry on less), and 3) Think Safety (don’t stack items in the overhead bins and carry-on items may fall and injure someone in flight or during an emergency evacuation). Finally, passengers should know that the airlines may in certain situations require some or all of your bags be checked.

All of this dime squeezing is sure to cause tension at the airport. As a result, now more than ever, passengers should verify luggage size and weight restrictions with their airline before they fly. Hopefully, passengers and airline employees will be patient as the public struggles to meet its financial needs and the carriers juggle economics, aerodynamics, safety, technology and regulation to continue to provide safe and reasonably priced commercial aviation transportation.

Gemma Atkinson Swimwear Photo

Here is another photograph of Gemma Atkinson modelling, this time she is wearing a red bikini set. Gemma looks quite different in this picture, and this is probably because it is quite an old photo.

Gemma Atkinson Wet Tshirt

Here is another modelling photograph from Gemma Atkinson's collection, this time the beautiful model is wearing a white tshirt in a swimming pool. Gemma also looks quite different with lighter and shorter hair.

Pedro Alvarez

The MLB draft starts in less than twelve hours. For Vandy fans, the televised draft has been wonderful. Last year we cheered for David Price, Casey Weathers and other great Vandy players as they were selected. This year we'll cheer equally hard for the pack of Vandy players that Pedro Alvarez will lead in the Draft.

As a Vandy fan and alumni, it has been difficult during the past many years as I have often taken heat from my Alabama, Auburn, Duke, Carolina and UConn friends. I would explain (consistent with Chancellor Gee's philosophy of course) that Vandy's focus is on academics, but in my heart I would say, "hmmm, what about Duke, Stanford, or ....." (what is Nick's (Chancellor Zeppos) philosophy? We are spending some much needed money for athletic improvements).

Over the past few years, football, basketball, baseball and numerous other Vandy teams have been competitive and exciting to watch. By chance last year, I even saw the first Vandy team to ever win a National Championship (Vanderbilt's Women's Bowling). I didn't even know we had a bowling team, but I was proud, especially after learning of the team's 3.49 grade point average to go along with their athletic skills.

Well, back to baseball. My family and I were fortunate to watch some of Vandy's games in person this year and last year. The level of play was excellent, the work ethic tremendous, the team camaraderie exceptional and fan relations warm and open. After talking to some parents and grandparents of the players, it is clear the Coach Corbin is the commodore and catalyst and that the Coach's love, skills, knowledge and professionalism go into everything from playing the game to properly standing when the Star Spangled Banner is played. Go Coach Corbin!

Finally, lets look at some of the team this year as the draft nears. Pedro Alvarez is a great hitter and is expected to go number one or number two in the first round. He is a National and SEC Player of the Year Candidate and First Team Preseason All-American. He has great stats and his leadership and character skills are tremendous. Look elsewhere for all of the possible twists and projections discussing everything from Scott Boras to amount per slot to economics to....

Next, Ryan Flaherty at shortstop. He is a First Team Preseason All-American, A Golden Spikes Semifianlist, Student Athelete of the month, and the list goes on. He has great stats and is consistent with good leadership ability. In his spare time this year (right) he even wrote a journal and spent many hours communicating with fans. (See it at Vandy's baseball website).

Pitcher Brett Jacobson should also go fairly high in the draft. Finally, outfielders David Macias, Dominic de la Osa, and Jonathan White are hopeful of going high in the draft. Last year Dominic was drafted in the 10th round, but came back to play for Vandy. Catcher Shea Robin has also been coming on strong this year. His bat has been hot and he was selected as one of 12 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher. Alvarez and Macias won First Team All-SEC Honors this year and Flaherty, De la Osa and Alex Feinberg won second team honors.

Wow, have I missed anybody. If so, go to Vandy's baseball website, http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/vand-m-basebl-body.html and find out more.

Good Luck to all Vandy's eligible players in the draft!