I suppose you can tell ahead of time that an ad is going to be pretty funny when it includes a ridiculous disclaimer like this:

Information disclaimer

This commercial is intended to serve general information purposes only. The information provided in this commercial is not intended as an advice in any way. The information in this commercial is composed and maintained with continuous care and attention by MINI Netherland. However, MINI Nederland cannot give any warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this commercial. Therefore no rights can be derived from the information in this commercial. MINI Nederland is under no circumstances liable for damages of whatever nature, in any way resulting from the use of this commercial or resulting from or related to the use of information presented on or made available through this commercial or damages resulting from the non-availability of this commercial.

Driving along the perimeter of Bradley Inernational airport today I spotted these two big reflective (and I think illuminated, though it was hard to tell in sunlight) X's across the main runway.



I guess that's one way to make sure pilots know a runway is closed.

Due to scheduled runway reconstruction at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT, Runway 6/24 will be closed from April 13 to June 22. For the duration of the closure, Runways 15/33 and 1/19 will remain open, providing several instrument approaches to the airport, including one instrument landing system approach to Runway 15/33. During the reconstruction, Runway 15/33 also will be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on several consecutive weekends, which are yet to be determined. NBAA's GA Desk recommends that operators check FAA notices to airmen to confirm which runways will be available before flying to BDL.

I guess it has been a while since I drove by the airport...

Did also catch this shot of a Northwest Airbus taking off, not a great photograph from a technical standpoint but I like that the tower is in the shot.

Letter from Red Cross in Farmington, CT complaining that collecting donated blood is expensive

I'm not sure what to make of this letter I received from Randy Henry, RN of the American Red Cross - CT Blood Services Region.



Which I summarize as, "Hey, dudes, it's great that you're willing to come in, lay down and bleed for 90 - 120 minutes (which may or may not be saving and/or extending someone else's life), but, dude, like, since times are tough if you can't commit to bleed for the whole 120 minutes, then, like, don't bother. Unless, you know, and you know who you are, you, like, aren't capable of safely doing so."

I think I should be offended by its content, but mostly I'm just sad that this letter was allowed to be sent out to volunteer platelet blood donors in the name of the Red Cross. Ignoring the content of the message, which is itself open to question, the tone expressed by its author is simply offensive considering that it was mailed to volunteer apheresis donors.