How (and why) to Ramble on your goat sideways
05-06-2011, 01:16 AM
#7883
Boost Pope
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,071
Total Cats: 6,623
I have only been through CDG once, however I was really quite impressed by it.
I came in on a Delta redeye from ATL arriving at terminal 2E, and had an Air France connection to DUS at 2D. Going from 2E to 2D may not sound like much for someone who is accustomed to airports like ATL or IAH, but it's quite a trek. You have to exit security, go through border police and passport control, walk a surprisingly long distance, and go through security again. I had approximately one hour in which to do this, so I was extremely nervous.
It was one of the easiest connections ever. I was really impressed by the fact that an airport designed, constructed, and operated by the French turned out to be extraordinarily well organized, clearly laid out, and quite efficiently managed. Seriously, I just cannot even begin to say enough nice things about the way CDG is run.
I'm actually quite sorry that I rushed through it as quickly as I did and didn't stop to take any pictures, as the fundamental architecture of the place was really quite interesting. Douglas Adams' novel The Long, Dark Teatime of the Soul famously begins by observing "It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression 'As pretty as an airport'", however I'm quite certain that he never flew through CDG. It's not beautiful in the sense that it contains that which would be called "art" (unlike PHX, which contains entirely too much of what attempts to be called "art"), it's just a very interesting thing to look at all by itself.
DUS, by comparison, is exactly what you would expect of something designed, constructed, and operated by the Germans. It is clean, efficient, orderly, and precisely as interesting as a dramatic recitation of the Delaware corporate tax code.
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 10:33 AM
#7886
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 8,682
Total Cats: 130
I have only been through CDG once, however I was really quite impressed by it.
I came in on a Delta redeye from ATL arriving at terminal 2E, and had an Air France connection to DUS at 2D. Going from 2E to 2D may not sound like much for someone who is accustomed to airports like ATL or IAH, but it's quite a trek. You have to exit security, go through border police and passport control, walk a surprisingly long distance, and go through security again. I had approximately one hour in which to do this, so I was extremely nervous.
It was one of the easiest connections ever. I was really impressed by the fact that an airport designed, constructed, and operated by the French turned out to be extraordinarily well organized, clearly laid out, and quite efficiently managed. Seriously, I just cannot even begin to say enough nice things about the way CDG is run.
I'm actually quite sorry that I rushed through it as quickly as I did and didn't stop to take any pictures, as the fundamental architecture of the place was really quite interesting. Douglas Adams' novel The Long, Dark Teatime of the Soul famously begins by observing "It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression 'As pretty as an airport'", however I'm quite certain that he never flew through CDG. It's not beautiful in the sense that it contains that which would be called "art" (unlike PHX, which contains entirely too much of what attempts to be called "art"), it's just a very interesting thing to look at all by itself.
DUS, by comparison, is exactly what you would expect of something designed, constructed, and operated by the Germans. It is clean, efficient, orderly, and precisely as interesting as a dramatic recitation of the Delaware corporate tax code.
Joe, please tell me. Do you have an amazing memory or meticulous notes about everything you do?
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 11:58 AM
#7888
Boost Pope
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,071
Total Cats: 6,623
It's worse in environment where I am exposed to several "new" people, such as when I first walk onto a new jobsite, and the chief introduces me to a half-dozen engineers all at once. Some people can walk away from that encounter with perfect recollection- I just can't.
On the other hand, sometimes weird little things happen. Last night I was out to dinner with several other folks from work and a client, and we got to all talking about how we first hooked up with the company. Suddenly, I'm mentally back on the second floor of the building at 500 corporate pkwy in Amherst NY in January of 2000, working in the cold and dark, along with Don Jewel, Sissy Keiffer, and Paul Araujo, three names which I had completely forgotten about for years.
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 12:12 PM
#7889
Newb
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 32
Total Cats: 0
I have only been through CDG once, however I was really quite impressed by it.
I came in on a Delta redeye from ATL arriving at terminal 2E, and had an Air France connection to DUS at 2D. Going from 2E to 2D may not sound like much for someone who is accustomed to airports like ATL or IAH, but it's quite a trek. You have to exit security, go through border police and passport control, walk a surprisingly long distance, and go through security again. I had approximately one hour in which to do this, so I was extremely nervous.
It was one of the easiest connections ever. I was really impressed by the fact that an airport designed, constructed, and operated by the French turned out to be extraordinarily well organized, clearly laid out, and quite efficiently managed. Seriously, I just cannot even begin to say enough nice things about the way CDG is run.
I'm actually quite sorry that I rushed through it as quickly as I did and didn't stop to take any pictures, as the fundamental architecture of the place was really quite interesting. Douglas Adams' novel The Long, Dark Teatime of the Soul famously begins by observing "It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression 'As pretty as an airport'", however I'm quite certain that he never flew through CDG. It's not beautiful in the sense that it contains that which would be called "art" (unlike PHX, which contains entirely too much of what attempts to be called "art"), it's just a very interesting thing to look at all by itself.
DUS, by comparison, is exactly what you would expect of something designed, constructed, and operated by the Germans. It is clean, efficient, orderly, and precisely as interesting as a dramatic recitation of the Delaware corporate tax code.
CDG is indeed very interesting. I love the terminal with the sloped moving sidewalks through tunnels. It's actually quite surreal. Another terminal has glass soaring glass ceilings where you can relax and watch planes. I've enjoyed it on a nice day, looking out on the runway but it was somewhat creepy one time I was there during a big rainstorm. I'm always absolutely freezing in there though.
Two of the other terminals I've taken off from:
And my other favorite place in the airport. The Sheraton. Looking down into the train station, it's pretty amazing.
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 12:17 PM
#7890
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 8,682
Total Cats: 130
Wow me too!
Suddenly, I'm mentally back in the VIP room at 4416 paradise road in Las Vegas NV in May of 2009, working in the warm and dark along with with Candy Star, Angel Kiss, and Crystal Cream, three names I had completely forgotten about for years. I was 14.
Seriously though, I know a big brain when I see one.
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 12:29 PM
#7891
Not really. I'm terrible with remembering people's names in particular. I can meet somebody who I know is important and with whom I will be working in the future, shake their hand, say their name aloud, and then have totally forgotten it 10 minutes later.
It's worse in environment where I am exposed to several "new" people, such as when I first walk onto a new jobsite, and the chief introduces me to a half-dozen engineers all at once. Some people can walk away from that encounter with perfect recollection- I just can't.
On the other hand, sometimes weird little things happen. Last night I was out to dinner with several other folks from work and a client, and we got to all talking about how we first hooked up with the company. Suddenly, I'm mentally back on the second floor of the building at 500 corporate pkwy in Amherst NY in January of 2000, working in the cold and dark, along with Don Jewel, Sissy Keiffer, and Paul Araujo, three names which I had completely forgotten about for years.
It's worse in environment where I am exposed to several "new" people, such as when I first walk onto a new jobsite, and the chief introduces me to a half-dozen engineers all at once. Some people can walk away from that encounter with perfect recollection- I just can't.
On the other hand, sometimes weird little things happen. Last night I was out to dinner with several other folks from work and a client, and we got to all talking about how we first hooked up with the company. Suddenly, I'm mentally back on the second floor of the building at 500 corporate pkwy in Amherst NY in January of 2000, working in the cold and dark, along with Don Jewel, Sissy Keiffer, and Paul Araujo, three names which I had completely forgotten about for years.
But I can still remember all of the part numbers of the parts in the rechargeable flashlights and cigarette lighters I was involved with in the 60's.
Reply
0
0
05-06-2011, 05:48 PM
#7896
Today was a good day. 
I got $180 worth of paint from Sherwin Williams for free. Seeing that the manager knows I'll be back for $1000+ in paint and materials these were considered my "test" gallons. Powerwashed a section of the building and tried a few different techniques to see what kind of coverage I can expect. This way I know whether or not to charge for a 1 coat job or a 2 coat job.
Afterwards I made amends with the guy who's house I'm clearing out and we came to a comfortable agreement. I just started working on the coins though so unfortunately the majority of them will have to wait until Monday to get listed. I don't know how much longer I'm gonna stay in the office tonight, seeing that beer #2 is already underway and all the guys are starting to roll in to the shop. lol
First coin up is a 1974 Barbados $10 Proof Coin. - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MESE:IT
I got $180 worth of paint from Sherwin Williams for free. Seeing that the manager knows I'll be back for $1000+ in paint and materials these were considered my "test" gallons. Powerwashed a section of the building and tried a few different techniques to see what kind of coverage I can expect. This way I know whether or not to charge for a 1 coat job or a 2 coat job.Afterwards I made amends with the guy who's house I'm clearing out and we came to a comfortable agreement. I just started working on the coins though so unfortunately the majority of them will have to wait until Monday to get listed. I don't know how much longer I'm gonna stay in the office tonight, seeing that beer #2 is already underway and all the guys are starting to roll in to the shop. lol
First coin up is a 1974 Barbados $10 Proof Coin. - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MESE:IT
Reply
0
0
05-07-2011, 01:43 AM
#7899
Pretty sure the Odyssey engines (J35A) are underrated anyway. Same engine as the Pilot and MDX, and IIRC the contemporary MDX was rated around 265. Honda played this game often up until a few years ago. EK9 CTR, anyone?
Raced a friend's V6 Camaro with one of my dad's Odysseys, felt bad for the Camaro. And agree about the souls of Caravan drivers.
Raced a friend's V6 Camaro with one of my dad's Odysseys, felt bad for the Camaro. And agree about the souls of Caravan drivers.
Reply
0
0
