casa di bloogue http://bloogue.net chaska, minnesota posterous.com Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:01:19 -0800 Bon voyage! http://bloogue.net/bon-voyage http://bloogue.net/bon-voyage

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Blasting off in 90 minutes. Woohoo!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:01:06 -0800 Alaska Air going to Disneyland! http://bloogue.net/alaska-air-going-to-disneyland http://bloogue.net/alaska-air-going-to-disneyland

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:57:58 -0800 Airbus vs. Bird http://bloogue.net/airbus-vs-bird http://bloogue.net/airbus-vs-bird

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Tough day for this guy here at MSP.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:27:00 -0700 Commencing All Hallows' Eve Tradition http://bloogue.net/commencing-all-hallows-eve-tradition http://bloogue.net/commencing-all-hallows-eve-tradition

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I've tried to convince them that they should just dig in without their plastic bags but they refuse. Lots of "oh gross" and "ewws" coming from the kitchen. I seem to have raised a couple of city slickers. Thanks to my co-worker Chris and his roommate David for the pumpkins from his parents farm! 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:06:00 -0700 Ready for the cruise. http://bloogue.net/kierans-ready-for-the-cruise http://bloogue.net/kierans-ready-for-the-cruise

2011-10-26_18-23-55_518-1 Kier
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Trying on our formalwear for the upcoming cruise.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:16:00 -0700 This is what happens when you don't clean your room! http://bloogue.net/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dont-clean-your http://bloogue.net/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dont-clean-your

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We had a few garbage bags of soda cans stacked up in the corner of the office for a few weeks. Found this little fella that partied a little too hard. Hopefully I can use this to convince the kids that they need to keep their rooms clean.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:40:00 -0700 Please oppose new airline taxes http://bloogue.net/please-oppose-new-airline-taxes http://bloogue.net/please-oppose-new-airline-taxes
Reducing the federal deficit is important, that I understand. But to go after one of the least profitable and heavily taxed industries around is incredibly foolish.
Here's a copy of a letter I sent to congress members representing Minnesota. 
October 24, 2011

Dear Representative Kline, Senator Franken, and Senator Klobuchar,

I am a constituent and an employee of __________, and I am writing to request that you oppose any additional taxes or fees on commercial aviation.

My industry already pays more than its fair share of taxes - more than the alcohol or tobacco industries, whose products are taxed at high levels to discourage their use.

Today, taxes and fees on a typical $300 round-trip ticket already account for more than $60 or 20 percent of the total cost. And those taxes have been growing. In 1993, the industry's tax burden was $3.7 billion, excluding income taxes. Today it is $17 billion.

New taxes would place a significant new burden on my airline and our customers, even as we cope with volatile jet fuel prices and an unsteady economy.

Keep in mind that the airline industry is critical to the nation's economic health. Commercial aviation drives more than $1 trillion in economic activity and more than 5 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product each year.

Ensuring that airlines do not suffer an increased tax burden is a key issue for my company's 80,000 employees, who depend on the health of our airline to support our families. I would respectfully request your strong and active opposition to any new taxes or fees on aviation, airlines and our customers.

Sincerely,
Bradley Johnston

For further reading, refer to http://www.stopairtaxnow.com/

Update 10/26: Nothing from Senator Klobuchar, an email from Senator Franken stating he receives several thousand messages each week, and one from Representative Kline stating he also opposes such a tax.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:42:00 -0700 Thunderbird Aviation http://bloogue.net/thunderbird-aviation http://bloogue.net/thunderbird-aviation

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Utilized my Groupon today for 1/2 hour instruction and 1/2 hour flight. Thanks to Trevor Reis for the aerial tour around Chaska and up to Lake Minnetonka.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:06:00 -0700 Today's Interaction with Dish Network http://bloogue.net/dish-network-interaction http://bloogue.net/dish-network-interaction

Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...

Welcome to DISH Network Chat.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Hello Bradley.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): How may I help you today?

Bradley :  I was wondering how much time I had left on my contract with Dish Network?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): I will be happy to assist you with your contract details.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): For security purposes, would you please verify the 4 digit PIN on the account?

Bradley :  **** 

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Thank you.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Your contract is ending on 07/16/2012.

Bradley :  OK

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Is there a reason you are asking about the contract details?

Bradley :  how much is the termination fee?

Bradley :  I'm trying to weigh the costs between canceling the service or riding it out with barebones programming and equipment

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): The cancellation fee is $157.5.

Bradley :  that must be prorated?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Is there any way I could save you as a Dish Network customer.

Bradley :  not likely, we have free service through direct tv. my wife's company is affiliated with them and its one of the benefits of the position she has

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): I understand your concern.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): DIRECTV has the highest upfront receiver fees in the industry by far, generally charging $99 (for HD or DVR) or $199 (for HD DVR) per TV.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): You will save money staying with DISH even when you compare to their temporary promotional prices - You might save some cost while their promotional period is running, you factor in their higher everyday pricing, their monthly fee for a 2nd TV, their high upfront fees, and their commitment requirements, you will save money by staying with DISH.

Bradley :  how can you compete with free?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Your satisfaction is very important to us, so I would like to transfer you to an account specialist for further assistance. Please hold while I transfer you.

Nathaniel (ID: JJP) has left the session.

Please wait while we find an agent from the CH69 - Loyalty department to assist you.

You have been successfully transferred to Thiana (ID: LCA) with the Loyalty department.

Thiana (ID:  LCA): I will be handling your request today. Please give me a moment to access your account and review your conversation with the previous agent.

Bradley :  is this for real?

Thiana (ID:  LCA): Your patience is greatly appreciated.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:30:05 -0700 Tech Support Cheat Sheet http://bloogue.net/tech-support-cheat-sheet http://bloogue.net/tech-support-cheat-sheet
Tech_support_cheat_sheet

I don't know where this originates from but I am loving it. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:23:21 -0700 A whale in my side view mirror http://bloogue.net/a-whale-in-my-side-view-mirror http://bloogue.net/a-whale-in-my-side-view-mirror

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Super awesome view. Unfortunately she'll soon be replaced by a 777 :(

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:10:00 -0700 Girl and her guitar http://bloogue.net/girl-and-her-guitar http://bloogue.net/girl-and-her-guitar

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Looking for guitar lessons, kid friendly, in the southwest suburbs. Katie has been interested in getting a guitar for awhile now.

Update 10/30: We've signed Katie up with lessons at School of Rock in Eden Prairie, MN. She's really excited to go every time and really seems to like the staff there. We've also bought her a Fender starter guitar set that included an electric guitar, 15w amplifier, picks, tone, and a few other accessories. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:49:26 -0700 Leaving Pierre on the Good 'Ol Saab 340 http://bloogue.net/leaving-pierre-on-the-good-ol-saab-340 http://bloogue.net/leaving-pierre-on-the-good-ol-saab-340
147

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:16:35 -0700 Oscar http://bloogue.net/oscar http://bloogue.net/oscar Oscar is 18 this year! He's out lived his sister Rosie by 3 years as of July.

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>

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:44:30 -0700 Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO Pizza http://bloogue.net/tomato-mozzarella-basil-evoo-pizza http://bloogue.net/tomato-mozzarella-basil-evoo-pizza
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Yum. Here's today's lunch. Looks healthy, huh? Well, the cheese,
bread, and EVOO add it up to 550 calories. Not a bad lunch for me. I
was low on carbs today anyway.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:38:08 -0700 Beth & Matt's Wedding http://bloogue.net/beth-matts-wedding http://bloogue.net/beth-matts-wedding
Photo

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:04:11 -0700 Jiffy Burger @ Blue Door Pub http://bloogue.net/jiffy-burger-blue-door-pub http://bloogue.net/jiffy-burger-blue-door-pub
Photo

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:26:47 -0700 Tonight's Beverages from Dolce Vita Wine Shop http://bloogue.net/tonights-beverages-from-dolce-vita-wine-shop http://bloogue.net/tonights-beverages-from-dolce-vita-wine-shop
Photo

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:25:17 -0700 Katie & Kieran in Duluth http://bloogue.net/katie-and-kieran-in-duluth http://bloogue.net/katie-and-kieran-in-duluth
Photo

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:21:44 -0700 A good way to spend the fourth of July between parades and fireworks http://bloogue.net/a-good-way-to-spend-the-fourth-of-july-betwee http://bloogue.net/a-good-way-to-spend-the-fourth-of-july-betwee
Photo

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1578361/da357cd02c0952ad0e8c167985ddae59.jpeg http://posterous.com/users/5AB18Uk61RLj Brad Johnston trypnotic Brad Johnston