Welcome, spvii, glad you enjoy the board.

I too did not post my e-mail address when I first joined the board, but soon became so comfortable that I added it. I certainly have never experienced a flood of e-mails (except when I post coupons and specifically ask people to e-mail me). I do get some e-mails from FlyerTalkers, but they are certainly not intrusive and always have a valid point, so they are very much appreciated when they are received.

Again, welcome.

Hi, Pam,

Nice to have you here. I, too, was reluctant to post my e-mail at first but haven't received a significant increase in the amount of spam since then. But I have received some nice e-mail from the friendly folks here.

Providing an e-mail address is valuable as it gives people here a way of taking a topic off line. Sometimes, it's really nice and really useful to be able to share a thought or sentiment privately.

FWIW, you can always get an e-mail account at Yahoo or Hotmail to use just for FlyerTalk and check it sporadically as time allows.

Hope this helps, and again, welcome. And I'm a little surprised my favorite ex-marine on this board didn't extend a special "Sempre Fi!" greeting!

[This message has been edited by dgolds (edited 07-16-2000).]

welcome to OUR board and 'clique' svpii (and sorry. I can't pretend to be an exmarine ... from the middle of the alps ...).

I understand your email-concerns - so far my personal experience with my official main-email-address here was pretty good: besides some rare 'beggings' for gifts (always only from lurkers who have never posted on the board ... at least not under the name they emailed me) and one funny attempt/try/offer for a sentimental meeting (probably a fake one, looking at my age ...) I only have very nice-friendly mails coming in.

Hi Pam, welcome to the board. Given your jump experience, you are one of the few (and proud) on the board that have more take-offs than landings. I too have not had any increase in junk mail since I joined the board. Happy Miles.

Hi, Pam,

My email address was displayed from the beginning, but it is an email address I use for travel (I can check it from the road, my travel confirmations are sent to it, etc.). Lots of people have more than one address, there are so many free sites available (hotmail, yahoo, etc.).

I have not received any unnecessary junk mail or emails related to FT. A few people have asked questions about the area I live in, and advice, and I've gotten some letters or notes from some very nice FTers. Pleasant surprises. Just for that reason, I'm glad my email address is in my profile.

Now the junk mail I get is from using those darn free internet access kiosks in Denver, etc. I check each one, without opening (around 10 a week and always sent on Friday), and press "block sender".

Welcome.
Linda

I'll throw my hat into the ring even though I'm considered an extreme newbie. Though I've only got a few posts, I was a lurker for about six months -- posting mostly to a different board called PlaneBusiness (where I recently achieved at least a few minutes of fame for my selection of "Si Oui Fly (and it shows)" in the name the Aeromexico, Air France, Delta, Korean Alliance contest.

Like most of you, the more I read FlyerTalk, the more I become addicted... I enjoy reading and learning from seasoned travelers, and some of the mileage advice is incredible! I mostly travel on Delta, Air France, and United; but never quite enough to achieve any type of status. As my career advances, I anticipate this will change, particulary as I endeavor to pursue work in Europe! Anyway...

ORD12 is Gil Neumann, a consultant with the Aviation Consulting firm Landrum & Brown. I work in the Chicago office primarily on operations planning for O'Hare. Obviously, ORD is a fascinating airport with numerous planning constraints, so work is a never-ending challenge, and I love it! As such, my work week is never-ending (which explains why I'm procrastinating from work on a Sunday)... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Prior to L&B, I worked six years as a Transportation Planner for the Georgia Dept. of Transportation in Atlanta.

I was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1969, so as my friends always tell me, this means I'm only nine years away from age 40 (and of course nine years from age 22, which seems like yesterday). C'est la vie... With the merging of North Central and Southern, my father transferred to Atlanta in 1980, where I spent the formative years of my life. As such, I have a midwestern accent with a hint of a southern drawl. This goes over very well here in Chicago. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I grew up in the southeast Atlanta suburb called Stockbridge. Nothing too famous there, though I did attend high school with the members of the alternative rock band Collective Soul. We lived just under the western approach/eastern departure path of Atlanta Hartsfield.

Since my father worked there, and since I love aviation, I virtually lived at Hartsfield whenever possible. Whether it was walking around the airport, observing a "turn", parking my car near arrival ends of the runways, etc., I lived for Atlanta Hartsifield! I try not to be biased, but I can't help but get a jab in here or there when I'm working with the administration of O'Hare. After all, ATL just took over as the world's busiest in both passengers and operations... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif However, I know where my bread is buttered, so I generally keep my thoughts to myself.

I must admit though, I love Chicago. The city is much more "condensed" than the sprawling Atlanta, and the access to unique restaurants, cozy coffee shops, etc. seems that much closer. The culture available here is incredible, and reminds me at least a little of Europe. We have tremendous museums, fantastic lakefront parks, numerous summer festivals, and access to a world class symphony, opera, playhouses, fine arts theaters, etc. Obviously, I love it here.

How did I get to Chicago? First, I attended Georgia State University (in downtown ATL), and received a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration. I had an eye-opening internship with the dispatch department of ValuJet (one year before Miami). Believe me, they had an interesting approach to an airline! However, the highlight of my undergraduate coursework was an Air Traffic Control course in which we visited the Air Route Traffic Control Center just south of Atlanta. It was then that I realized that if I couldn't be a controller, I at least wanted to be involved with airport/airline/airspace operations analysis.

I worked through my degree, so it took me longer than the standard four years. And after graduation, I still felt the need for further education, and so I elected to go to graduate school. I attended Auburn University (War Eagle!) for two years, where I earned a Master's in Public Administration and another Master's in Community Planning. The MPA gives me solid grounding (along with my public service career) in understanding the policy making, public sector budgeting, and incremental approach by govt. While the MCP gives me an understanding of the rational comprehensive planning process.

At Auburn, I was also fortunate enough to study abroad for a semester. I attended Twente Universiteit in Enschede, Netherlands (due east of Amsterdam near the German border). I studied democratic legitimacy, international politics, and institutions of the European Union. My studies took me on a tour of European institutions, where I visited The Hague, Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg. I was also fortunate enough to travel all over Holland (Rotterdam, Arnhem, Eindhoven, Utrecht, etc.) as well as to European cities such as Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Zurich, etc. Needless to say, it was a blast!

Perhaps the most relaxing aspect of my European journeys came from my visit to Switzerland. I made my way up from Interlaken to a beautiful small town called Murren (at the base of the Schilthorn). The air was so crisp and clean, and obviously the view was breathtaking. I made picnic lunches of ham/swiss sandwiches, chocolate, and thermos of coffee and would hike across the glorious countryside. Each day I became more and more an Alpoholic, and now I endeavor to get back at least once every two years.

Aviation and flying is clearly in my blood. My father was in Route Development for North Central-Republic-Northwest, so I've been fortunate enough to have been flying for free (or nearly free) since I was born. (The irony is that my parents are both from Chicago... moved to Omaha, and eventually Atlanta. Now, like my father, I am furthering my own aviation career in the Windy City.) Unfortunately, when dad retired from NW, my free travel ceased; and I now get to buy a ticket like the rest of you! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif I'll admit, I truly didn't know how good I had it. I just assumed everyone else traveled as much as I did. In any event, I'm thankful now, and endeavor to travel as much as possible!

I truly enjoy FlyerTalk, and look forward to getting to know many of you. Thanks for operating such a friendly, educational, and professional board!

Welcome, Pam and Gil!

[This message has been edited by RKG (edited 07-16-2000).]

Perhaps the most relaxing aspect of my European journeys came from my visit to Switzerland. I made my way up from Interlaken to a beautiful small town called Murren (at the base of the Schilthorn). The air was so crisp and clean, and obviously the view was breathtaking.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif just looking now (before driving home this Sunday evening) from the Wengen balcony to 'the other side' = Mürren - as PremEx did and reported here on the board two months ago. You find his report (photos, a walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald, etc) at:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/000861.html

Rudi writes:

Who are you trying to kid, Rudi, everybody knows you are still gorgeous and studly. I certainly hope I look as good as you do when I am your age. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

well thanks everyone! I feel all warm and fuzzy!!! Yea, I know about the multiple emails - have several, in fact, and am adding one to my profile now! ORD12.. did you know Tom Moreland at GA Dept of Transportation? He's my godfather.. used to baby sit me when he was in college w/ my folks.. small world.

Thanks again everyone!

Welcome Pam. Hope your Tampa trip goes well.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

(deleted as obsolete, see new post at milepost 897)

Thanks! So far, not so good.. The Radisson Sabal Park is full of young families and young adults (read: loud) and at 9:45 I have a marginally adequate room overlooking (read: overhearing) 20 kids under 10 !!! Guess I'm spoiled w/ more business-oriented hotels.

Welcome, ElmhurstNick!