Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:13:40 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 369

I was up a few minutes before the alarm with about 4 hours of restless
sleep. I turned the coffee on and took a locker room shower then it was a
quick shave. With that all done I got dressed in the outfit I had
selected the previous evening. Looking in the mirror I decided that I
needed a jacket and selected a blue blazer. I hated the look but knew it
was appropriate. I filled my travel mug and headed for the airport. At
that ungodly hour there was no traffic and I pulled into a parking space
15 minutes early. I saw one of my pilots checking the jet and went up to
him and said, hi Colonel thanks for doing this. He smiled and said Mike,
cut the Colonel shit, I'm Vapor and the other guy is Hawk. Mike, will
you be doing any time in control? Well Vapor, not on the way down but I
would like to fly a good bit on the way back. I need to get my head
straight for this damn TV show, it's a big time national event. Well
Mike, get comfortable and we will get the wheels up in short order. I
said thanks and went in the cabin and sat down.


Vapor wasn't kidding as we were in the air in about 15 minutes and I was
asleep before we hit cruising altitude. I work as we started our descent
and the slight change in altitude and speed woke me up. I wasn't sure I
was ready for all this but I was determined to keep the drama to a
minimum. I have no idea how or why but we didn't need to get in line to
land. Then again it was still very early and I assumed there was very
little traffic. Once we were at the terminal, I thanked the guys and
asked if they wanted a ride into town. They refused and said they
weren't letting none near the jet until they had it secured. I was give
a contact number so that when I was ready we could hook up and get back.
Then Hawk said well we need to find a TV. They both laughed and Vapor
said Mike, break a leg. I laughed and went inside the terminal.


As soon as i opened the terminal door a guy approached and asked, would
you happed to be Mike Simmons? I smiled and said, guilty as charged. The
guy smiled and said well I'm your driver for the day and I'm Ray. Mike
if you are ready we can beat most of the traffic, there is coffee in the
limo. We went outside and around the corned or the terminal and just
laughed as Ray held the door open for me. Inside he said, using the
intercom, Mike the coffee is in the console in front of you and there is
an envelop for you on the seat. I said thanks and found the coffee. I
knew we had about a 30 - 40 minute trip to the studio and I just sat
there looking out the window and enjoying the coffee, which was
excellent. The envelop was a larger one and when I opened it there was a
visitors pass and a note. Basically it welcomed me to New York and ABC
News. It also said that if I needed anything all I had to do was ask Ray
and he would  manage things.  I have never been to New York City and if
this was light traffic I wanted no part of rush hour traffic.


The studio is right in Times Square and while I had only seen it on TV
and on New Year's Eve it was damn impressive, sitting in this Limo. Then
I started to laugh as I realized that Diane wanted me here in New York to
see if she could get me outside my comfort level. We pulled up at 1500
Broadway and the door of the Limo was opened and the attendant said,
welcome to New York, Mr.Simmons. I smiled and said thanks. Another guy
opened the door to the building and went to the reception station and the
receptionist said, Good Morning, Mr. Simmons I'll let them know you are
here, just keep that security badge on and take any elevator to the third
floor and someone I'll meet you there, have a great day. I hurried to
the bank of elevators and was quickly on one and pushed the button for
the third floor. The elevator was almost full and I was glad that nobody
pushed the button for the second floor as I wanted to beat whoever was
meeting me there. Sure enough when I stepped out of the elevator a guy a
few years older than me, well early 20's approached and said, Good
Morning Mr. Simmons I'm Jacob, how was your flight into Teterboro? I
laughed and said it was good, thanks for asking. Mr. Simmons if you need
anything just ask. Jacob what I need is for everyone to call me Mike,
this Mr. Simmons shit is starting to piss me off. Jacob smiled and said,
no problem Mike please follow me.


I followed Jacob down a long hallway and he stopped at a door that had a
Mike Simmons name plate on the wall. Jacob used a key to unlock the door
and I stepped into a room that was about 10' x 10' and had a mirror
with lights, a club chair and small sofa. There was also a swivel chair
at the table in front of the mirror. Jacob then said Mike, Joan and
Charlie will stop by in a few minutes. You are on the second hour, well
you are the second hour except for the weather, it was a slow news night.
Can I get you anything? I smiled and said just coffee. Oh Jacob, a toilet
would be nice. He simply pointed to a door I hadn't noticed and left to
get the coffee. I immediately took care of business and when I came out I
found Joan and Charlie sitting on the sofa. We shook hands and I sat in
the club chair. We chatted about some insignificant small things and then
I was briefed about what to expect and was told that Diane had brought
them up to speed on many of my activities. Joan asked if I had flown any
on the flight up and I smiled and said well basically I slept. They both
laughed and Joan said that they had a list of topics that they would be
discussing and she asked if I wanted that list. I told her that I was
better spontaneous but thanks. Then I was told that I could watch the
show or simply hang out here. I asked about Diane and was told that she
was a guest for the second hour as well. They left and I assume simply
went about their business.


Jacob returned with a thermos of coffee and some scones, which I was
grateful for. He sat down and asked so how was Joan? I shrugged and said
fine. Jacob smiled and said Mike, there are people here you can fuck with
and people here you can't. Joan is in the group of people you can't
fuck with and that other group, which will be in here is makeup. The set
is very hot and while you are not the type for makeup just trust them and
people won't even know you have that shit on. Mike, that jacket was a
good idea as it will hide the sweat marks on your shirt. I grabbed the
coffee, took a sip and said thanks. I grabbed a scone and took a bite and
there was a knock on the door. Jacob got up and opened the door and there
stood Diane. Jacob said, I'll leave you guys alone. I laughed and asked
Jacob, what if I need a door opened?. He laughed and said he would be
right outside. Diane found that exchange hysterical.


Diane filled a paper cup with coffee and said well Mike I see you are
adjusting well to being pampered. Hell, it took me an hour to stop
calling me Mr. Simmons. So Mike, did you meet with Joan and Charlie?
Diane I did and they said you are a guest along with me and I'm the
entire last hour. Mike, that's correct and I bet they offered you some
topics they would be discussing. Diane, they did and I declined. Mike,
generally they are easy and it is more of a conversation than question
and answers. We chatted a while about things in general and she said well
I need to change and deal with the makeup  people. She left and I found
Jacob and asked if I had time to check out the set? He said sure and we
were off to investigate. It was comfortable chairs and I was amazed that
there were only 2 but Jacob said well that's why we have a stage crew.
Basically I wanted to see how hot the lights were and I knew that Jacob
was correct nd I would trust the makeup people.


Back in my dressing room Jacob and I just spent the time chatting and I
discovered he was a St. John University grad with a degree in Journalism
and a minor in communications. He said he was lucky to get the job here
and was wondering if it was a good start or not. I told him it was always
easier to find a job when you have one. He shrugged and said I guess but
for now I'm seeing where this goes. His only complaint was the cost of
living in New York. Next up was the dreaded makeup people and she turned
out to be exactly like the HR bitch at work. Unlike Maggie I didn't have
to put up with her. It started as soon as she came in. I stood up to
great her and she said son, have a seat over here and pointed to the
chair in front of the mirror. I smiled and said mam, I'm not you son and
you will please call me Mike. She said whatever but just sit down.
Immediately I was covered with a cloth, like when you get a hair cut.
Then she said well before we start we should do something with that hair,
it's a mess. I laughed and said, well everyone over 50 thinks that but I
like it so don't touch my hair. Well if you want to look like a jock on
steroids it will be fine. I stood up, handed her back the apron and said
please leave. She just stood there and I went to the door and opened it
and Jacob asked Mike, what's up? Jacob, this very rude person is leaving
and you need to fine me someone else to remake my face and tell whoever
it is to be polite. Jacob looked at the woman and said Agnus one of these
day they will fire you. Please move along to your next victim. Jacob said
Mike, I'll be right back with the dude they should have sent in the
first place, I thanked him and sat back down in the club chair.


About 5 minutes later there was another knock on the door and I simply
said. loud enough to be herd, come in, it's open. Jacob was first and he
was followed by a dude with flaming red hair and about 6' 2" and build
every bit like me. As I stood up, hoping I wasn't going to sprout a
woodie, he stuck out his hand and said, hi Mike, I'm Finn. I smiled and
looked at Jacob and asked, so why wasn't he here first. Everyone laughed
and Finn was looking me over. Then he asked Mike, would you mind taking
off your shirt? I unbuckled my belt and loosened my pants and took of the
shirt. Finn smiled and said, how about the tee now? Then he went to his
bag and said, please lift your arms above your head and he brushed some
powder into my pits. Mike that will absorb any sweat, how about putting
just your shirt on and leave the top two buttons open. Mike, do you
always wear the gold chains? I said Finn, I do as they are special gifts
from important people to me. He smiled and said well they make you look
like a punk jock. Can you just turn them around or better yet take them
off. I shrugged and took the two chains off and put them in my blazer
pocket. Mike, that is a very small difference but it really shows you
chest off better. Finn motioned to the chair in front of the mirror and
he asked Mike, do you typically sweat a lot? I laughed and said, well
only when I'm working out. Finn laughed and said well the lights are
bright and hot and your face will shine and I would like to prevent that
and I'm not going to overdo it. Just a light dusting with some powder
which is as close to you natural color as possible, in fact it will make
you look a bit tan and that will play well. I looked in the mirror and
damn I liked the look and would forget the jacket. Then Finn asked, if I
happened to be free for lunch as Jake and I would like to have you as our
guest. I laughed and asked, what's on the menu? Finn smiled and said
well we could order in and our one room apartment is close by. I just
laughed and said well next trip, but thanks. As they were leaving Jacob
Sid Mike, the Producer will be here for you in 15 minutes or so and I'll
be outside and he closed the door.


There was a TV in the room so I turned it on and naturally it was an
in-house feed of GMA. It turnedout it wasn't much help as it was the
weather then a commercial. Thinking about Finn and Jacob I thought it
could be fun but extremely stupid to hookup on this trip and throw
discretion out the fucking window. When the program came back they went
to a reporter in

London and a report on the Queen. I simply turned the TV off and just
relaxed. Some how I was completely zoned out and relaxed and found myself
on that sand dune in North Carolina. I hadn't been alone during the day
in like forever and it was great to know I could still relax like that. I
must have jumped a foot when I heard someone knock on the door. I simply
said come in. There was Jacob and a woman, again young. She simply said
Mike, we are ready for you. I got out of the chair and said, I need a
minute. I went to my blazer and took out the VT necklace put it on, ran
my fingers through my hair and said, let's get this over with.


I was just off stage and a guy appeared and he quickly attached a
microphone. Just then Diane appeared and we chatted for a bit then we
heard her name and she said, I'll see you in a bit, have fun as this
will be low key. All that did was turn my radar on. Diane was greeted and
it was like comrades and friends getting together for breakfast. Then
Diane started with an introduction saying...


Last week I promised you that I had  a very special young guy here. While
he is still a high school senior and a great athlete he is ever so much
more. He has set Western Pennsylvania on its ear. For some reason, yet
unknown to me, he was given control of a large Technology Company. He has
built 2 buildings and has just revealed the plans for two more. He is
Chair or the next two Open Championships to be held at Oakmont and is I
newly appointed member of the USGA Executive committee. Joan said, well
that's a lot for people three times his age how about we bring him out
here and see what makes him tic. Diane laughed and said well good luck
with that. She paused and said let's give a GMA welcome to Mike Simmons.
I walked out on to set to polite applause and I waved to the audience. I
got a hug from Dine, shook hands with Charlie and stopped in front of
Joan and bowed and the place erupted in laughter and I even got a smile
from Joan. The set was 4 chairs a large coffee table and a small table
between the chairs. In front of me were a cup of coffee and a bottle of
water.  Charlie started thing off by saying Mike, we understand you flew
into Teterboro this morning in the company jet. We're you the pilot? I
wasn't I had very little sleep and my flying keepers were uncomfortable
with the traffic. Once we clear the New York air space, I'll fly home.
Mike, I would like to discuss you interest in flying. That Cessna
Citation is a very expensive and complicated craft. How did that come
about? Well we have a contract with Bell Helicopter Dr. Williams
negotiated that deal and Textron owns Cessna and Bell. As an aside it was
the second  jet of that series and I had to settle for that as Cessna's
long term user wanted the first, it is hard to tell Arnold Palmer no.


Then Joan got to the meat of things and asked, so Mike what possessed
your dad to turn a company with 15 million in sales over to a 17 year
old? I laughed and said well nothing like getting to the point. There is
no easy answer to that question as dad has never said. Most likely it was
because his life was a mess as his wife had died and his son Bill had
overdosed and also died. Then there is the possibility that I would just
look at the trust and say thanks and not get involved. Finally, dad is or
was a computer guy. However, what he does best is sell and the company
grew and grew a lot. He traveled a lot and he slowly turned the day to
day stuff over to others. The expansion was haphazard and not thought out
because they had to keep up. That's all I got so you will have to pick
one of those options. Then Joan said, well I think there is more to the
story but let's move on. Diane sitting beside me started to laugh and I
looked at Joan and said, well you asked a question and I answered it like
I answer every question, HONESTLY. Let's move on.


In fact the people sitting out there in the audience should have some
input, can we please have one of them ask a question? Diane immediately
stood up and went to the first row and pointed to a woman and asked, what
would you like to ask Mike? Diane listened and when she returned she said
Mike the lady would like to know about your girlfriends. I laughed and
said well since 7th grade there have been a number of them but only one
at a time. Winnie, my current girl, and I were in kindergarten together
and in 7th grade I asked he to the school dance and she said no. We
simply went in different directions. This year we were in AP Physics
together and were assigned as lab partners. We flirted so much that the
teacher told us if we didn't go on a date and figure things out he was
changing lab partners. Well as they say the rest is history? Then I
added, she is very special.


Then Joan said Mike there are a lot of ways I could ask this and it could
take many questions but I sense you like the direct approach. So how much
are you actually involved in the company or are you simply taking credit
for what others do? Diane whispered Mike, take a breath. Well Joan, which
company are you talking about? I am Chairman and CEO of MJS Enterprises
and under that umbrella there are a number of companies, that I have a
controlling interest. It includes Technologies, a Winery, a law firm, a
Real Estate company. There have been other companies that I have spun off
and each of them have prospered on their own. J & J Architects are an
example of a company I have spun off. Earlier I told you that Dr.
Williams did the deal for the Jet. I am not involved in the day to day
activities of any of these companies. I simply monitor their progress.
The Executives I hire to run these companies are well paid and they are
expected to be profitable. You know a little of research by your staff
would have eliminated the need for that question. Then I looked at
Charlie and said, I believe it is your turn.


Charlie smiled and said Mike, I would like to get into your school
activities and football accomplishments but first we have to pay some
bills. As soon as we were off the air I went into the audience and shook
hands and chatted. When I heard we are back in 15 I hurried to my seat.
When we were back Charlie said Mike, 3 years ago no one had heard of your
school athletically now you guys are a powerhouse in 2 sports, how did
that happen? Well Charlie it could be a once in a generation class. I
hope that while we were very good and work very hard we established a
program that will last. We had 6 D1 recruits in our class and that will
be hard to replace but there are good players remaining and they will
have a Sophomore QB who will eventually play on Sunday. But for me, I
have moved on and am focused on VT and starting as an outside linebacker
next year. Mike, you personally achieved a lot of recognition. 2 time
district football player of the year and this year state defensive player
of the year. Charlie, that was accomplished with a lot of help from
teammates. But when I show up at Blacksburg in a few months I will be one
of many who are state champs and big time athletes. But by then those
trophies back at school will have dust on them and in a few years very
few of us who earned those trophies will be remembered. In high school I
played football and worked hard on the academics. Then there were the
buildings and in looking back I should have graduated in January. Mike,
we want to get into what will soon be the 4 buildings but before that can
we please discuss you little know academic achievements. Football wise
you are both a high school All American and an Academic All American.
What else will you share? Well I am first in my class and have to give a
talk at graduation. I tested out of every math class at school, I am
taking computer science classes remotely at CMU and will walk on campus
at VT as a sophomore. Joan asked, you did all that and the buildings as
well? I smiled and said. yes.


There was a short break to deal with the opening of the stock market and
a weather update and as a nod to me the reporter said it would be a
pretend Spring day in Western Pennsylvania. Then a commercial and I went
back to the audience and shook hands. Diane took over and asked Mike,
which of the buildings are the most important to you? Diane, the two to
be built. Mike, why is that? Well the original building achieved their
purpose. Better environment for our employs and a tribute to the past of
our region. Then an interior unequaled anywhere with bnew innovation
furniture and a team environment. Mike, what about the award? Diane, that
was icing on the cake but that's all. It meant more to the architects.
So Mike, they don't mean anything to you? Diane, I didn't say that, I
said they served their purpose. I am excited about the restaurant and
marina, as it will make the place more alive.


Then Diane asked Mike, witch of the new buildings are more important to
you? Diane, neither they are different the big building with new
construction items and solar panels will be 90% off the electric grid and
in 50 years the manufacturing building won't be a rusted eyesore. I'm
hoping in 8 years, at the turn of the century all 4 buildings will be
relics of the past and new buildings will be constructed with new
materials and environmentally friendly. Mike I have one last question.
Why was the announcement limited to local media and print media only?
Well Diane, local media and at that time so that it wouldn't make the
evening news. No video because we wanted everyone to have the same
information. Oh, I had a dinner date and didn't want a ton of people
ruining dinner. Everyone laughed at that.


Then Joan said Mike, one thing my people did come up with is your unusual
relationship with the media would care to elaborate on that? Joan, I
expect them to be prepared, ask interesting and intelligent questions and
understand that if the question is asked in a way that requires a single
word answer it gets answered that way. Please note that the correct
answer to your question could have been a yes or no. My new friends in
the audience laughed out loud and applauded.


Then I said that if we had time I would like another question from the
audience. All of a sudden a young guy yelled Mike, what did you think of
New York? Wow, that's a great question, I got out of the jet and thought
I was in Oz. Doors were opened for me, I Was Mr. Simmons, someone got me
coffee. It took me a while to adjust but I plan to wonder around Times
Square for a couple of hours and see the real New York. In my wold, I
drive my own car, open my own doors and fetch my own coffee. Then someone
else asked Mike what do you drive? I said a Jeep Wrangler and a Mustang
convertible. Then Charlie said Mike, thanks for making the trip. I smiled
and said it was fun. With that I went to the audience and answered more
questions until I was told that I needed to end things. I shrugged and
waved to the audience and went to my dressing room.


When I opened the door Diane was sitting on the small sofa and I asked
Diane, did you get what you wanted as this was more than a little
inconvenient. She smiled and said no but you very nicely telling Joan off
was worth it. You see Mike, I was hoping you would be a little off
balance and let some of yourself sneak out, I'll keep trying. I laughed
and said, stop wasting your time. Jacob walked me out and asked when will
you need Ray for the ride back? I said 1:30 would be great and I was told
he would be in front of the building. We shook hands and I went exploring
in Times Square.


The first thing I did was call Vapor and told him I was eating lunch and
would be heading back at 1:30. I ordered them a ride back but he said
they were good and it would be wheels up at 2:30. I said fine but I'm
flying. He laughed and said not till we are out of New York air space. I
wasn't fighting so I agreed. It was a nice day and I walked around
really feeling like I was in Oz. There were co many people and I doubted
any of them were New Yorkers. I found a deli and ordered a Pastrami and
Corned Beef sandwich and a Pepsi. Once the sandwich was ready I selected
a seat by the window and took in the sites. I was surprised some people
recognized me and I even signed a couple of autographs. Finally I headed
to the building and Ray and the Limo were waiting. The trip back took 35
minutes and I thanked Ray and helped with the Pre-check. As planned we
were in the air right around 2:30. Sitting in the left seat I reviewed
the IFR and took over as soon as we were out of New York. I would just
follow the flight plan and not makes waves. We were back home before 4:30
and I thanked the guys and drove home, completely exhausted.


Thanks for reading and for the notes.


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