Paradise Driver

Thursday, February 22, 2007

THAT POUNDING SOUND YOU HEAR

IS ME BANGING MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL

02-21-06 - METERED $221

02-21-07 - METERED $75

Just before bar close, I was advised that I had a late arriving flight. Delta 343 was due in at 3:30 am (normal arrival time is 4:13 pm) and the four people that I will be greeting need a van for their trek to The Grand. At 3:00 am, I switch to "double deuce" (cab #22), a huge Chevrolet Astrovan, and head for OGG. I call Delta's number (800-221-1212) to see if there is any updated information. I arrive at the airport and am still listening to Muzak, interspersed with Delta promotional ads. The airport is dark. Security didn't even challenge my presence. Finally, at 3:45 am, I actually get a real live human being on the line. I explain the situation and give him the pertinent info. He tells me that that flight number will depart at 7:00 am. Say What? I ask him if he is looking at flight 343 for the 21st or the 22nd. Oops! After a few minutes he tells me that 343 is now scheduled to arrive at 4:48 am. I call the day driver Mary (#21) to see if she is interested. She was and so I assigned her the run as a start for her day and headed back to Wailea, empty. Had to decline 3 regulars during that wasted period of time. That was a shame, since these folks typically give me $20 for their fares, the longest of which never meters over $11.50.

I am not really feeling sorry for myself. I am just frustrated with events and circumstances over which I have no control.

When the pounding stops, you'll know I have finally fallen asleep.

Thanks for dropping by.

Later.

THE PICTURE GALLERY

Aerial view
Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort
South Shore
Kaua'i

Brennecke's Beach
Poipu
Kaua'i

Chickens At Spouting Horn Beach Park
South Shore
Kaua'i

Coastline At The Sheraton Kaua'i Resort

Father And daughter
Poipu Beach
Sheraton Kaua'i Resort

Garden Wing
Sheraton Kaua'i Resort

Hawaiian Crafts
Spouting Horn Beach Park

Kalaheo Plantation
South Shore
Kaua'i

Kayaking
Salt Water Lagoon
Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort

Keoneloa Bay
Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort

Koi Pond
Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort

Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor Park
South Shore
Kaua'i

Lagoon Area
Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort

Lobby
Sheraton Kaua'i Resort

***

"Let's all be careful out there!"

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT

SAVED MY ASS!

7:00 pm - midnight = 2 runs (24% of meter)
Midnight - 2:00 am = 2 runs (27% of meter)
2:00 am - 4:30 am = 5 runs (49% of meter)

I did NOT meter $100. Close, but no cigar.
We'll just leave it at that.

*** *** ***

The LUXOR, in Las Vegas, has a new show called Fantasy. To promote the show online they have a free slot machine. To play, you must have:

Minimum 1024X768 Resolution
Flash 8 Plugin (Download Here)
Broadband Connection

Don't forget to check the little box that says you are 18. You get 50 "pulls" and if you get the right combinations, you also get a brief show. No nudity in the game and I have seen skimpier costumes on the beaches. So I don't think anyone should be offended.

Good Luck!!

*** *** ***

Star Trek vs. Star Wars (7:04)
Nicely done and I won't squabble over the continuity errors. See if you can spot them.