12-09-2010
10:49 AM
299 Loves
It all started when I was 13 and a friend of mine, a fellow junior high band member, gave me a pair of drumsticks as a birthday gift. I played cornet in band, but soon realized I would have had more FUN if I’d chosen percussion. On more than one occasion, our band director, Mr. Larry Colvin, caught me in a band hall practice room banging on a drum that I’d confiscated from the percussion closet—even though I received a scolding from Mr. Colvin, it was worth it to experience the joy of drumming. While I’m no John Bonham, Keith Moon, or Neil Peart, whenever I’m listening to a favorite CD on my home stereo, I can’t resist the urge to pick up my drumsticks and play along on my practice pad. It’s so exhilarating to imagine that I’m playing to thousands in a packed concert hall. One of our newest Employees, Dawson McPherson (aka Awesome Dawson), played on the drumline in high school, and I can tell you firsthand that he’s an accomplished drummer with great skills. We decided it would be FUN to bring our practice pads and drumsticks to work; take a small break from our daily duties; and conduct our own “drum clinic” in a breakroom during our lunch hours at Southwest Headquarters. Geez, I had no chance keeping up with him as he played circles around me. But you know what, I still had a fantastic time—so did Dawson. We took turns drumming away and had a blast comparing techniques. For me, this experience is another Freedom story made possible by working at the greatest airline on the planet—Southwest Airlines. And for our blog readers who are wondering, the title of this blog post refers to various drumming terms.
... View more
11-11-2010
03:40 PM
334 Loves
… Into the Wild Blue Yonder. In early October, I was transported back in time to a bygone era when Americans lived a simpler life and, through sacrifice and bravery, rightfully earned their reputation as The Greatest Generation. It was a privilege to join others at the Vintage Flying Museum's 20th Annual Big Band Hangar Dance, an evening set aside to raise funds in support of the museum (located at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas). Attendees were dressed in World War II period military and civilian attire, and The Alan Glasscock Orchestra was onhand to get the place swingin' with big band tunes from the 1940's. A Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" Bomber, which is the focal point of the museum, was parked right in the middle of the hangar for all to gaze at in amazement. I jumped at the opportunity to board this awe-inspiring aircraft for a guided tour, and I’ll never forget the feeling that came over me when I was reminded of the devotion and sacrifice required to preserve the values of freedom and liberty. As a Company, we never forget that our mission of giving Americans the “Freedom to Fly” would not be possible if not for the men and women of the American armed forces—both past and present—to whom we all owe our freedom.
... View more
07-14-2010
05:20 PM
179 Loves
Who is Polar Pete, you ask? Why, he's the newest camper at Camp I-Thonka-Chi. As I've shared in a previous post, every year in early June, a group of Southwest Airlines Employees volunteer to share our LUV with a group of remarkable, brave kids who happen to be burn victims. We recently returned from our 17th annual visit to Camp I-Thonka-Chi, where young patients of Parkland Memorial Hospital's Burn Trauma Unit go at the beginning of each summer to have FUN and just be kids. Of all the times we've been honored to visit Camp, this was the most heartwarming we've ever experienced. The highlight of our visit was the dance, which we traditionally host on the last night of Camp. There's always an awards ceremony; plenty of games to play; photo ops with a range of FUN backdrops; and, of course, all sorts of dancing. One of the most popular spots at the dance has always been the sno cone stand, where our volunteers are happy to serve each child his/her favorite-flavored icy treat. Last year, we noticed that the sno cone machine was pretty beat-up and had cracks in the Plexiglas body and a frayed electric cord. The machine still worked but was clearly on its last leg. Enter Polar Pete. Polar Pete is a new and honorary member of the Southwest Family, and he joined us out of our wish to do something nice for our young friends at Camp. So, out with the old sno cone machine and in with a new one-Polar Pete! He also brought a shiny new popcorn machine with him. The Southwest volunteers are thrilled that Polar Pete will always be on hand to make sure that the kids enjoy delicious sno cones and tasty popcorn for years to come. Anything that brings a smile to a child's face is a good thing. Polar Pete to the rescue!
... View more
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and I’ve been thinking about the valuable lessons my dad taught me over the years. There are many reasons why I’m proud of my father, but today I’ll just focus on one area where he truly left an impression on me—his remarkable work ethic. Dad grew up on a farm in the small, rural town of Frost, Texas, where he was captain of the high school football team, the Frost Polar Bears (seriously, I’m not making this up). He was also voted most handsome in his senior class—even though there were only six other guys (and only four girls) graduating with Dad, this award makes me smile. At 17, Dad moved away from Frost and headed to Dallas, Texas, where he worked stints with Reserve Life Insurance; General Electric; and Darr Equipment Company. Eventually, he took a position at J.I. Case Company (an agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer), where he never missed a single day’s work in all his years of service. Perfect attendance for 32 years! “Always show up for work.” These words of guidance weren’t said out loud by my dad, but they were clearly demonstrated by his devotion to his family and his job. Simply put, my dad faithfully arrived to work ontime, "strapped on the harness," and didn't stop pulling to the best of his ability until his shift came to a close. For 32 consecutive years he did this. I look up to my dad, and I’m grateful for the quiet, strong, and steady example he set for me and my brothers. All three of us are honored to adopt his work philosophy, and we carry it with us to this day. Dad, you make me proud, and I salute you on Father's Day and every day.
... View more
12-09-2009
02:24 PM
210 Loves
June 6, 1962 saw this band's historic first visit to EMI Studios at 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, London. During the next eight years, they pushed the boundaries of recording music to unparalleled heights to create what is regarded by countless music fans (including me) and musicians as the greatest collection of studio recordings in Rock ‘n’ Roll history. Note to our younger blog readers: I’m referring to the one and only...The Beatles. Each generation listens to their favorite music via the format of the day, and technology has always dictated what that format will be. When I was younger, I listened to music on vinyl, cassette tapes, and eight-track tapes. Cassettes and eight-tracks dropped out of the market many years ago; vinyl was replaced with the Compact Disc (CD); and now it looks like downloading music online will eventually make the CD obsolete. (Surprisingly, vinyl is making a bit of a comeback lately for those serious audiophiles who actually own a turntable.) In 1987, The Beatles' albums made the move from vinyl to CD, and most serious Beatles fans will agree that the sound is somewhat thin and "tinny," not nearly as rich and full as what came out of your speakers when you listened to the lads in the days of vinyl. Since that time, technology has made leaps and bounds, and the sonic improvements you'll hear on CDs today are astounding. Now, after 22 long years of waiting, the time is finally here! The Beatles catalog has been digitally remastered and repackaged and is ready for rediscovery. A team of engineers spent over four years at Abbey Road Studios (where the Beatles recorded almost all of their songs) painstakingly remastering each and every Beatles song from the original stereo analog master tapes. I’m thrilled to report that the results are magnificent! I've heard these songs literally hundreds of times, and they've never sounded as rich, warm, full, crisp, and vibrant. Truly, the sound is spectacular—feels like you are actually in the studio with John, Paul, George, and Ringo as the sounds are being recorded. All 13 Beatles albums include a mini-documentary attached to each disc and are available in stereo—for sale individually or as a box set. Also, there's a box set containing the Beatles albums that were recorded in mono—these mono versions will not be released separately. Good luck finding a mono box set—only 10,000 were made, and there are no plans to produce more. Each album comes with a deluxe booklet which includes historical notes, recording notes, and many pictures (some previously unpublished) of the group at the time the record was being made. The earlier records also include original liner notes. The historical notes of each album chronicle the Beatles' chart action that the album generated, and in some cases, the decision behind the album cover is also revealed. The recording notes help to uncover the process by which the Beatles, led by their producer, Sir George Martin, laid down the sound in the studio. Listening to Beatles music has brought me such joy, hope, and inspiration over the years, and I'm thrilled that these albums (really historical documents of the turbulent 60's) have at long last received such a well-deserved upgrade.
... View more
12-07-2009
04:16 PM
3 Loves
Yes!!! Now that "BL's" back, all is right again in SWALand!
... View more
08-18-2009
11:30 AM
163 Loves
Have you ever thought about your very first recollection, and if so, is it something you hold dear? (I hope so.) My first remembrance is a treasured one. It was a cool day in the fall of 1964. I was only four years old when I tugged on my mom’s coat pleading for her to take me to see the Beatles in their first feature film, A Hard Day’s Night. This fun and influential movie had opened just a few weeks earlier at the Majestic Theater in downtown Dallas. As I watched the screen light up with black-and-white images of the four lads from Liverpool, I could seldom hear the soundtrack because of the almost nonstop screaming from the excited (mostly female) audience. I remember sitting next to Mom and looking all around me, trying to make sense of the frenzied scene that surrounded us. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was witnessing Beatlemania firsthand. From that moment on, I was hooked on the magic and musical greatness of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. With no recollection of anything before that day of discovery in September, this defining experience is the absolute earliest memory I have of my entire life. What’s your earliest memory?
... View more
06-09-2009
08:40 AM
185 Loves
I'm happy to report that the time has come once again to join some of my Fellow Southwest Airlines Employees as we share our LUV with our cherished Friends at Camp I-Thonka-Chi (for more information on the remarkable children and young adults who visit this incredible Camp, please see my blog post from 8/12/08). Before heading out to Camp, each child must go through a brief but important registration process which verifies family contacts, cabin assignments, and other pertinent information. This past Sunday, Southwest volunteers were honored to assist the Parkland Memorial Hospital staff with this registration process, which included loading luggage on the bus and handing out water as we visited with the children and their families. This year, a very special guest, Mimi the dog, was there to see the kids off as they boarded the buses that would transport them from Dallas to Camp I-Thonka-Chi. One of the sweetest dogs ever, Mimi is a burn survivor herself, rescued by Operation Kindness after surviving a house fire. Mimi loves the kids, and the kids love Mimi. Registration went off without a hitch. After loading up the buses, we waved goodbye and let the kids know that we'd see them later this week (Thursday) for the traditional closing night dance. Soon, my Fellow Southwest volunteers and I will board our own bus bound for Camp I-Thonka-Chi to celebrate our heroes, and I’m counting my blessings—spending time with these treasured young ones is high on my list.
... View more
04-20-2009
05:07 PM
217 Loves
They call him “Q.” More on this in a minute. I’m sure that most of our blog readers are aware that Southwest Employees are encouraged to work hard, have FUN, and be themselves. Well, after 12 incredible years as a member of the Southwest Family, I’m here to tell you that there’s another vital element that each Southwest Employee adds to the mix—it’s the Freedom to express our passions—whatever they may be—even on the job. One of my greatest passions is music, especially Rock & Roll, and the thought of even a day without hearing some of my favorite tunes is incomprehensible. If I ever have the privilege of meeting you, you’ll see that the topic of music usually makes its way into the conversation at some point. Okay, back to my “Q” story. I’m not usually star-struck, but when Quincy Jones (often referred to as “Q” by his legion of colleagues and fans) arrived in Dallas at the Barnes & Noble down the street last week to sign his new book, The Complete Quincy Jones, I could barely contain my excitement. Honestly, the thought of actually meeting this bona fide musical genius (oh, and living legend) was enough to make me almost speechless. As I stood in line waiting to get my book signed, I felt like a nervous little kid preparing to meet Santa Claus. Needless to say, Quincy is a pop culture and music icon and easily one of the most gifted musicians, composers, conductors, and arrangers who ever walked the planet. We are the World and Michael Jackson's Thriller are two of the most notable high points in Quincy's unparalleled career. Q has also worked with a host of other heavy-hitters in the music world, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and, believe it or not, Ringo Starr. Even though my visit with Quincy was brief, I’m smiling when I tell you that Q was genuinely humble, friendly, and generous (he signed albums, photos, etc., even though his handlers strictly advised that he would be signing only The Complete Quincy Jones). So, all in all, the main point of this post is to joyfully and gratefully state that I’m thrilled beyond belief to work for a Company that not only allows me to express my passions, but encourages me to do so.
... View more
04-08-2009
05:59 PM
10 Loves
Excellent post, Brian! I'm inspired to head out to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (home of the local MLB team, the Texas Rangers) this very minute, and I'm not even a big baseball fan.
... View more
12-17-2008
08:47 AM
199 Loves
The Holiday Season is upon us. There's a chill in the air; festive decorations everywhere you turn; tasty treats galore; Christmas presents to select and put under the tree; holiday parties to attend; most importantly, though, it’s a time to be joyful and count your blessings. But there's another ingredient that has become part of Christmas tradition for many of us—watching a favorite Christmas movie. There are so many Christmas flicks I enjoy watching each year in December, but my hands-down favorite is Elf. Will Ferrell plays the main character, Buddy the elf, and I'm convinced that no one could have captured the innocence, wonder, and Christmas Spirit of an elf better than Will. As the movie begins, we discover that Buddy is a human who was given up for adoption and, through a twist of fate, ends up being raised as an elf in the North Pole. What follows is a truly funny and touching Christmas tale that will make you laugh out loud and bring a lump to your throat. I would like to tell our blog readers more about Buddy's escapades and adventures, but I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen Elf yet. But, I can tell you this: The acting is spot-on and inspiring; the costumes and sets are FUN; the soundtrack is perfect; and the final message of the film is genuinely heartwarming. I would even call Elf an “instant classic” Christmas movie—it's that good. Happy Holidays to all of our blog readers, and remember: Even if you’ve been a little naughty this year, there's room for everyone on the “Nice List" (according to the Code of the Elves). So, what's your favorite Christmas flick?
... View more
Thanks so much for your kind words, Joseph. Welcome to our blog and Happy Thanksgiving!
... View more
11-25-2008
08:20 AM
347 Loves
No matter what your current situation is, you can always find someone and/or something that brings a smile to your face and inspires you to give thanks. If you were to make a list of all the people and things in your life for which you are grateful, how long would it be? As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been reflecting on my own "Thanksgiving List," and if I were to reveal all the people and things in my life that bring me joy and happiness, this blog post would go on for hours. So for today, I'll just say that I'm thankful for health, loving family and friends, and the opportunity to work for the greatest airline on the planet. What’s on your Thanksgiving List?
... View more
10-20-2008
09:18 AM
337 Loves
Whether on vinyl or CD, all of you Beatles fans out there have heard this FUN song every time you listen to your Yellow Submarine soundtrack. Well, get ready for a brand-new Beatles-related release tomorrow (October 21)! All Together Now is the title of a DVD chronicling the inspiration for and creation of LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, a show which has amazed audiences at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas since 2006. Born from the personal friendship between George Harrison (we miss you, George) and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, LOVE is an assault-on-the-senses show joining together the acrobatic magic of Cirque du Soleil and the musical brilliance of The Beatles. I haven't had the good fortune to see this show yet, but I fully intend to the next time I'm in Vegas. Beatlemaniacs take notice: The entire Beatles catalog has finally been remastered and will probably receive the deluxe packaging treatment (booklets featuring extensive liner notes and never-before-seen photos, etc.) when released on CD. At the same time, everything in the remastered catalog of the “Fab Four" will be available for downloading online. From what I've read in music magazines and on the web, I expect this to happen in 2009, at which time you can expect an appreciative and enthusiastic blog post from this Beatlemaniac.
... View more
08-12-2008
09:20 AM
234 Loves
I suppose most of us have a hero or heroes of some sort, people who make a positive impact and inspire us—sports figures, actors, musicians, teachers, family members…the list goes on. I have heroes in every category listed above, but I hold a special place in my heart for a group of children and teenagers I know who are truly braver and stronger than anyone I've ever met. These kids are burn survivors, receiving treatment at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and they will steal your heart too if you ever meet them. Parkland Memorial Hospital has one of the most respected Burn Trauma Units in the world, and the staff and team of doctors there provide priceless support to children and adults who have survived the trauma of burn injuries. Along with the treatments and therapy, which are crucial to each patient's health and wellbeing, there is also a special and FUN excursion that the younger patients (six to 18 years old) look forward to each year. The first week of June is probably a bit like Christmas for these remarkable kids and young adults because that’s when they are able to get together in a positive environment where adventures are found and new friends are made. Camp I-Thonka-Chi is Choctaw for "a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life," and believe me, this phrase perfectly describes the unique and incredible camp in Meridian, Texas (just 78 miles outside of Dallas). The camp has grown from a weekend and nine campers to a week-long event with close to 100 kids some years. There's so much for the kids to do at camp—activities include fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, nature hikes, arts and crafts, cookouts, games and much more. Adult burn survivors join Parkland staff, firefighters, and others to serve as volunteer counselors. Camp I-Thonka-Chi, or "Parkland Burn Camp" as we call it, is a cause that Southwest holds dear. While Southwest does not officially sponsor Parkland Burn Camp, we have sent an eager group of volunteers to camp each year since 1993, making 2008 our 15th consecutive year to share our LUV with these precious and brave souls. Our volunteers are privileged to spend a day at camp, and one Southwest Employee has selflessly served the entire week there as a counselor for the past five years. After a week of bonding, discovery, and FUN, the campers celebrate with a dance on the last night of camp. Those who “have the moves” hit the dance floor as a “hip” DJ spins the latest tunes. A photographer snaps keepsake shots of the kids taken in front of a “green screen” presenting various backgrounds (magazine covers such as People, Vogue, and Rolling Stone; the Las Vegas strip; Studio 54; even Indiana Jones!). Snow cones, juice, and water are served to help everyone keep cool. And to cap off the evening, the lights go down and the hearts swell up as we all watch a slide show featuring the most memorable highlights of camp. That’s when the Southwest volunteers are saddened that we must say goodbye to these treasured Friends until next year. It's truly an honor to go to Parkland Burn Camp every year. These beautiful kids are the bravest I've ever seen and, because of them, I cherish every day of my life as a gift. We're there to lift them up but, in the end, they lift us up.
... View more
07-14-2008
07:48 AM
222 Loves
No, I’m not referring to Bobby Boucher from the Adam Sandler movie of the same name—he makes sure (in a very comical way) that his college football team is sufficiently hydrated until joining the team and discovering a unique (and hilarious) approach to tackling. I'm referring to me, and I'm a waterboy of a different sort—I water flowers and plants as a parttime job. Okay, let me explain. Colleen Barrett is perfectly willing to entrust her Employees with practically any responsibility, no matter how big or small. Well, eight years ago when I was new to the Executive Office at Southwest, Colleen sent me a memo asking if I'd be willing to water the vast array of flowers and plants in her backyard during the summer months. Of course, she pays me out of her own pocket. As I'm sure our bloggers will agree, this is not the kind of request a company President would normally make of one of his or her own Employees. Most Leaders in Colleen's position would hire professionals to do the job, but Colleen constantly looks for ways to include her Employees in just about everything, making us feel like Family. After quickly accepting Colleen’s offer, I was given a key to the gate leading to her backyard so I could let myself in to water during my lunch hour or after work. Thanks to Colleen, I have enjoyed countless peaceful moments enjoying the beauty and wonder of nature—it’s almost like I’m in my own private arboretum. I'm not a horticulturist, and I can't tell you the Latin names of flowers and plants. But over the past eight years, I've learned proper watering techniques and, more importantly, I've felt great pride in knowing that Colleen has entrusted me with something so dear to her. A Thousand Thanks, Colleen, for your friendship and Leadership over the years. You have always been, and will forever be, Southwest’s Matriarch.
... View more
05-15-2008
03:21 AM
309 Loves
Have you read any unputdownable books lately? Yes, unputdownable may be an unfamiliar term to some of our blog readers, and while you won’t see this word in every dictionary, it is an attention-grabbing alternative to other more familiar (the overused and blasé, “a real page turner”) expressions used to describe a book that shaped an impactful reading experience. For me, the most recent unputdownable book was Bob Dylan’s Chronicles: Volume One. In this mesmerizing autobiography, Dylan (or Bob, as I now refer to him after getting to know him so well) jumps around with time periods in his career, giving readers an intimate glimpse into key moments in his unprecedented musical journey. As a solo artist, Bob’s gift of crafting impactful songs is unmatched, and his major influence on music is well documented. This book makes it clear that Bob’s ability to tell stories and paint pictures with words is not limited to songs. Okay, l had my Saturday all mapped out. I would go grocery shopping, pay some bills, and give my mother a call. Well, all that changed. I figured I'd read a few pages of Chronicles: Volume One before heading out of the house. But I was hooked from the first paragraph and could not bring myself to put the book aside for a later session. Nothing, not even the numerous phone calls I received on both of my phones during the next five hours could win out over my curiosity to discover what Bob would reveal next. Well, I'm happy to report that my unputdownable experience was well worth putting off my plans for later in the day. I don’t know when Bob will publish Chronicles: Volume Two, but I plan to add it to my evergrowing book collection the day it arrives in my local Barnes & Noble. Reading is always rewarding, and most of us have favorite topics and/or authors we enjoy exploring (mine are World War II history and musician biographies). Even if the book you just finished is not the best you've ever read, hopefully, impressions were made and you gained new thoughts and ideas that enrich you in some way. When you dive into a book that's so intriguing you virtually ignore all that is around you, you discover what "unputdownable" is all about. Have you read any unputdownable books lately?
... View more