Lil' Top Gun

My 11-year-old son Saylor went flying with the local Young Eagles program that comes to the Columbus Metropolitan Airport the last Saturday of every month. Kids ages 8-17 can go on a free flight, although with much publicity, they may have to recruit more pilots. Saylor was lucky enough to go up with John, who had an experimental two-seater, so Saylor was automatically the co-pilot. And he was pretty thrilled with getting to see his native Columbus from the sky. And, oh by the way, the experience was free. Amazing how many similar gems there are in this area for kids to experience. All you've got to do is look.

Monroe's

Ever had a Monroe's hot dog? If you're within 50 miles of Americus, Ga., the answer to that question is most likely yes. Two things you must eat from Americus at some point in your life are Monroe's hot dogs and Pat's pizza. Going to Americus without stopping at Monroe's is like going to Montezuma without getting a Troyburger from Troy's Snack Shack. What's the point?

Thought I'd snap this shot of my lunch (two chili-cheese dogs and cheese fries) Friday afternoon. I hadn't eaten much in the previous day and a half after going to a visitation and a funeral for my aunt. So, I decided to make up for lost meals with a month's worth of calories, fat and cholesterol.

By the way, if you show this picture to my doctor, I'll have to kill you. Assuming, of course, that this meal doesn't kill me first.

Best jazz online

I'm kinda the guy real jazz buffs hate. I like smooth jazz, and I'm not really looking for music that "challenges" me. I just want music I enjoy. But Jazz24.org out of Washington state plays a little bit of everything jazz, including many classics with very little repetition like you'll find on Pandora, which I also enjoy.

And, right now, Jazz 24 has unveiled the 100 greatest jazz songs as voted on by their listeners. Even better, they now have a constant stream of the 100 greatest jazz songs. When you need some great jazz in a pinch, it's a handy link.

I was listening to it at work today because most jazz does not have vocals to distract me. It also helps me chill out in a high-stress, always-on-deadline environment. And people have learned over the years at work that if CJ is wearing his headphones, your question better be important.

Ah, the many benefits of jazz.