RA1

Charlie PSP- You were the CAUSE of white coat syndrome when you were an active college prof. Now you just repel rain where ever it falls. Best regards, RA1

Basically I try to do all of my shopping between the airport and my house. It will have to be special to go very far beyond that track. However, it is 15 miles long, so going a few blocks off track isn't a problem. Unfortunately, Kroger and Walmart have run other "better" stores out of town. There are some specialty stores for various things not found in most grocery stores and there is an Aldi on my route. In summer time we have many farmer's markets so fresh veggies then are not a problem. I can go upscale or downscale and stay on my route but, as mentioned before, I plan my week generally around specials which every one of those stores have each week. Basically it costs about a dollar a mile to drive around so saving 50 cents by driving 5 miles out of the way makes no sense. Best regards, RA1

Interesting chart. Some things that I have been told by docs or read somewhere. Your BP fluctuates all day, generally being higher when you wake up, going lower all day (assuming not too much stress, etc.) then starting to rise as the day comes to an end. One point being, one should take those "tracking" pressures at about the same time of day (to include the same approximate mental/emotional state). My family doc, who also was a pilot, once told me that older folks can withstand "G" forces better than younger ones because of hardened arteries. Not sure I want to go out and pull 12 G's just to test his theory. Several docs over the years have suggested the white coat syndrome is real. Plenty of water is always good. If you drink a bit too much, your body knows exactly what to do with it. Best regards, RA1

It was only a very short while ago that "they" lowered the target BP to 120/80, a very young person's standard. Now this article says the older person standard is 150/90. The more you know, the dumber you get. It was hilarious when I took my battery operated monitor in to my doc. He had me run it on my right arm while he did it the old fashioned way on my left. Is that what a 3 way is like? Getting squeezed on both sides at once? My monitor was deemed close enough. Best regards, RA1

Everyone I know is strange, to include me. Best regards, RA1

I may not can define comedy but I know it when I see it. I refuse to share my bodily fluids with women. I never drive my E-type over 30. Best regards, RA1

I only shop at stores where I at least hope to have both. Best regards, RA1

The US is in a political, social and economic convulsion but apparently not cataclysmic as yet, at least not to the point of secession. We have been through that before and I hope it is somewhat settled for the foreseeable future. The Monroe Doctrine only barely or somewhat applies any longer and is not or should not be part of Russia's political strategy or so I think. If Hispanics are about to be the majority population of the US and I think they are sooner or later, I can only hope they discover and appreciate what has gone on before. At least the good things. Anything we all can do to make them and us better citizens is all good. Best regards, RA1

I just read an article about men in formal wear. Of course, I prefer them in former wear aka naked. Best regards, RA1

Is it A&P? Best regards, RA1

Generally, lower is better. As always, there are exceptions. I have little desire to live to 110 but I do desire to be relatively healthy until.................. Best regards, RA1

Naturally, 1400NM away, we did not feel this quake. However, we, like some of you, are waiting upon the Big ONE, which in our case will be the New Madrid fault presumably making the Mississippi River run backwards and doing all sorts of mayhem on the last 100+ years of infrastructure. So, today, I am making a toast to the San Andreas fault and the New Madrid fault. May they rest peacefully for many more years. Best regards, RA1

I am not sure why the Letts (not Latts) are being singled out in this and other threads. I think there are many current countries that feel like any Russians within their borders are either invaders or potential provokers of political and civil unrest. Just as a matter of curiosity, are you a big fan of Hispanics marching around CA and other places carrying a Mexican flag, with some suggesting CA should be ceded or sold back to Mexico? Isn't the best way to assimilate and become a useful and productive citizen of any country include learning the language and customs thereof? I know if I moved to Costa Rico I would certainly get my Spanish into high gear. I do the same in England and New Zealand. Best regards, RA1

How does a male run out of anywhere with his panties full of anything? Just curious. Best regards, RA1

That sure looks like a fun summer time activity to me. Best regards, RA1

What surprises me about this list is the reasons for down grading various stores. Long lines at check out might mean the store offers good value in their products but tries to save money with some being pushed to consumers with minimum staff. In other words, if there were not a line of otherwise satisfied customers, why would there be a line at all? What store offers excellent meat selection, beautiful and fresh vegetables, many options of canned goods, management and customer service par excellence and all at competitive or lower prices? So far as I know, no store does all this. I think we enjoy what seems reasonable and presses some of our buttons. Best regards, RA1

Good comment on the tricks and travails of MS. When I needed a new computer a short time ago, I bought one with Windows 7 which was before Windows 8.1, fearing several of the problems with 8. Of course, it will only be a matter of time before the same announcement about Vista and 7 comes along. Such is life in the fast lane. Best regards, RA1

Shadowing another 777. Lots of theories being advanced in the so called news + various blogs, etc. Yes, a TCAS II in standby or passive mode will depict a mode S transponder IF it is being interrogated by either an active TCAS or ATC radar. I would not be too thrilled to attempt this maneuver at night. First the turn to follow would have to be at relatively close proximity. Two aircraft of similar speed need a long time to catch one another in follow mode separated by only few miles. Yes, it might be possible but in the dark and needing to quickly get very close seems daunting. The biggest problem with the onboard fire theory is that almost all such fires consumed the aircraft and/or made it uncontrollable in a very few minutes. I cite the FEDEX DC-10 that was on fire and landed at Newburgh, NY just in time to get the crew and 2 pax out before the aircraft broke apart on the ground from the fire. About 20 minutes total. It must have been exciting with the captain directing and urging the FO to disregard any speed limits and GET ON THE GROUND. Same scenario on the Lufthansa MD-11. About 20 minutes from fire to crash. They went in the water in NE Canada. The Value Jet DC-9 had barely taken off in FL and turned right around and went out of control before getting back to the airport. The odds are very much against a fire occurring and the aircraft continuing on, with or without the crew controlling. Best regards, RA1

I have a friend who is very fond of "trolling" for "encounters" with rolls of $100 dollar bills. When he was displaced from his dwelling, he claimed he never rented a hotel room using the trolling technique. Best regards, RA1

Good quothing, AS. It is indeed interesting to see the metamorphosis of various legal rights. I see nothing that suggests that both the NSA and TSA (and their sponsors) should do nothing other than bug off and retract all. Best regards, RA1

Hito- Do you change clothes in front of a picture window? It is a thing called privacy and probably unconstitutional. Party lines excluded. Best regards, RA1

I get nervous when I don't fly. Flying is my passion and my life. It will be a sad day for me when I have to hang up my spurs. But, that isn't today. Best regards, RA1

JKane- Thanks for the reply. I WAS just curious. As an aside, I have never eaten at ChicFilA and other places that have PI attitudes but, no doubt, I have fallen off the wagon, if unintentionally. Best regards, RA1

You are only too kind. Obviously, aviation is near and dear to my heart. Best regards, RA1

Personally I believe a lot of it started with the Viet Nam war. Liberal and other professors gave away passing grades to males of draft age so they could maintain their deferments. If I don't have to do anything to graduate from Harvard or Cal Tech except be a male of draft age, what else can I get away with, etc. Best regards, RA1