[All Thumbs]

Well, this is long overdue but I thought I’d give accolades where accolades were due. I can’t tell you enough how much Biff and Max were the driving factor for the Shootout’s success.

I saw them both, for my first time, trying to set up for the web-cast. Positioning the camera, typing on the laptop, plugging in wires and working frantically to get the web-cast up and running.

I had never met these individuals other than a few typed written words, here and there on the Giant Forums. I didn’t want to interrupt, but I wanted to somehow introduce myself. So, I waited for an opportune moment when they were both scratching their heads to interrupt their frantic effort to get the program web-cast program up and running.

I cautiously walked over to these guys and timidly introduced myself. Surprisingly, they were both eager to take a second and shake my hand. I thought to myself.. Yeah, they’re full of crap. Promoting the Giants is all they were doing. Well, my concept of what they did and how I took it was totally off course.

I was surprised that both Biff (Bob) and Max knew who I was. I was surprised at the fact that they both continued to engage in conversation with a mediocre pilot at the TAS. I really thought to myself that yeah, we met and that was that.
O contraire! From the minute we met to the end of the contest, those guys showed nothing but absolute CLASS! They not only remembered who I was, they actually seemed totally engrossed with who I was and treated me with nothing more than with utmost respect.

Bob Sadler (Biff) did and outstanding job emceing the event. He kept things interesting and without a hitch, kept things on a roll. However, Max, on the other hand was beating his head against the wall, trying to get the modern day technology to work. Day after day, I watched him beat away at a keyboard. I wasn’t sure if he had success or not. All I knew is that he frantically, from dawn (or somewhere abouts) to dusk, kept intensely pushing keys on the infamous Giant keyboard.

During the event, both Max and Biff took the time to spend a few minutes, here and there, to talk to me. They both addressed me as if they’ve known me all my life. And.. Whatever I said when I said it, they were both quick to pick up on and continue where we left off. I was truly astonished how much of the written word, here on the Giants, was comprehended by these two individuals. So all I’ve got to say is be careful what you type here, there are two guys here that have the ability to remember who, what and where.. The things have been said before.

All that was said was during the daily contest routine. Now, however, after hours.. That was a totally different story. Hooka’s, beer and partying. These guys really know how to "host" a party and entertainment. Both these guys were "fun" to watch. They kept the juices flowing till wee hours of the morning. Not a second went by that they weren’t the center of attraction in one way or another.

I’d really like to take this opportunity to personally thank the "Giant’s" main guys for making a newcomer welcome to the "Giant’s" scheme of things, especially at the Shootout.

If you ever get the chance to attend an event with these two clowns around, I’d suggest that you put all the intimidation away, fall in and go with the flow. Introduce yourself! From there, you’re on your own. "Fun" and "Respect" is all you’ll ever get from the Giant staff! I guess I really, really understand the term "Giant Style" now.

Thanks guys for making me feel like a real part of the "Flying Giants"!

Oh, and thanks for the sweatshirt. I'll wear it with pride.