It's been awile since I've updated. I just wanted to post a quick update of some goings-on at the Tri. We shipped out another batch (6) of Bell Jet Ranger Helicopters to the Columbian Air Force. The Jet Rangers were 'finished' in Piney Flats. How bizzare is that?

We were also paid a visit, recently by one of only 2 fly-able B-24's left in the world. It was restored and operated by the Commenrative Air Force out of Texas. They used to be called the 'Confederate Air Force', but had to change their name, in the name of Political Correctness. The B-24 was the backbone of the 8th Air Force, during the daylight bombing campaign of Germany, during World War 2. The B-17 (one of my favorite aircraft) got most of the glory, being a better looking plane, however, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator could carry a heavier payload, had more range, and could fly higher. It was a thrill to get to see a B-24 in real life, and climb aboard her. I got to hear her start her massive radial engines, and got to observe a take-off. It was fantastic. The particular B-24 that was at the Tri, was 18th off the production line (remember almost 19,000 were produced during the war) and was delivered to the Army Air Forces in 1941.

This was my long week-end off, however, I had to work over Saturday, due to the Nascar Race. Everyone who knows me, knows my disdain for Nascar. I guess everyone has their own thing. My passion is U.T. Football. I just for the life of me, can't understand the fascination with watching cars go around in a circle. If anyone thinks Nascar is blue-collar, you should have seen the BILLIONS of dollars in private jets at the Tri, and the non-stop helicopter flights to the track. Unreal. Yet some poor slob living in a hollow somewhere will spend 3 or 4 months salary to go root for these 'American Royalty'. In my mind, the old joke holds true: NASCAR = Non Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks. lol.

In other news, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and his big-boobed, fat trashy wife passed through the Tri recently. It seems that Dog was going to speak at the Fountain of Life (Biker) Church in Johnson City. Apparently, Beth (the wife) was somewhat un-happy that one of her bags received a minor scratch, and made a big scene, cursing the workers at U.S. Airways. That's nice. Speaking at a church, and cussing low-level ramp workers. Life is funny sometimes, ain't it!

Anyway, more later.