tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188015042024-03-07T02:20:55.976-05:00Results MatterCovering The Network Centric Revolution™Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-26333589987121918542012-06-10T21:17:00.001-04:002012-06-13T22:59:24.736-04:00The Opportunity to Make a Difference: The Presidential Innovation Fellows Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLzIoHsYUsF66fTNE0a8KqPpIefmISTgLID3v0VK9FbDsHBXNiy7Wu5V4K5fwP65D41bO62S1Z9knDsGWVSe_d4c3a47F6e5IWSJ8xr-UjvB4bliy46XyD8jYJkiFJo7vh0pt/s320/The+Presidential+Innovation+Fellows.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little over two weeks ago, I came across a unique, and once in a lifetime public service opportunity while reading about start-ups, innovation and small business. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />President Obama’s senior White House technology advisors, </span><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/author/Todd%20Park" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">U.S. CTO Todd Park</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%40todd_park" target="_blank">@todd_park</a>) and </span><a href="http://www.cio.gov/profile/VanRoekel-Steven.cfm" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">U.S. CIO Steven VanRoeke</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/stevenvDC" target="_blank">@stevenvDC</a>), announced the launch of </span><a href="ttp://www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Presidential Innovation Fellows</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> program at </span><a href="http://techcrunch.com/events/disrupt-ny-2012/coverage/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TechCrunch Disrupt</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> New York on May 23, 2012. The venue selection for the release, a conference for innovators and entrepreneurs, was a telling sign about the Obama Administration’s thoughtful strategy, lofty objectives, and commitment to game changing solutions.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The program is looking for 15 “amazing innovators” who are interested in coming to Washington, DC for 6- to 12-month fellowships. They will work in small teams focused on the five project’s Park and VanRoekel announced earlier this week: MyGov, Open Data Initiatives, Blue Button for America, RFP-EZ and The 20% Campaign. The scope of these projects was chosen so the teams can “deliver significant results within six months.”</i></span> - <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/25/white-house-receives-flood-of-innovation-fellow-applications-after-its-disrupt-announcement/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">www.techcrunch.com</a></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After learning about the program, I went online to further learn about the program. I reviewed descriptions of all of the initiatives and determined that my background, experience and passion would be best utilized on the RFP-EZ project. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>RFP-EZ aims to create a streamlined process for the federal government to do business with small high-growth companies. - </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows/rfpez">www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows/rfpez</a></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In December 2011, I was invited to a <a href="http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/official-sba-news-and-views/open-business/sbas-council-underserved-communities-liste" target="_blank">roundtable discussion</a> in New York City with approximately 15 other entrepreneurs to meet with <a href="http://www.sba.gov/administrator/7585/3445" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns</a> and <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/sergionyc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sergio Fernandez de Cordova</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/sfdecordova" target="_blank">@sfdecordova</a>), a member of the SBA’s Council on Underserved Communities (<a href="http://www.sba.gov/underserved" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CUC</a>). The conversation primarily focused on how the SBA can better assist small business win government contracts, gain access to capital, and better understand opportunities created by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/jobsact" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President Obama’s American Jobs Act</a>. I left the roundtable yearning to make a difference and questioned exactly how I would engage in architecting a game changing solution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />On May 25, 2012 while reading about The Presidential Innovation Fellows program and researching more about it, I realized how I was going to be part of the solution. I was going to apply for a 2012 Presidential Innovation Fellowship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />The Presidential Innovation Fellows program is an example of the Obama Administration’s commitment to Government 2.0 and innovative leadership. The program provides a means of using the best minds and methods from the private sector, non-profits, academia, and government to develop game changing solutions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I encourage other passionate entrepreneurs and innovators of varied backgrounds and experiences to apply. Applications are being processed this week. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Apply at:</span><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows/application" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.whitehouse.gov/innovationfellows/application</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I hope to see you in Washington, DC in July! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Jonathan B. Smith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ChiefOptimizer" target="_blank">@ChiefOptimizer</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Related Posts</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://techpresident.com/news/22308/backchannel-ed-mullen-five-reasons-be-presidential-innovation-fellow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ed Mullen: Five Reasons to Be a Presidential Innovation Fellow</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bytes2bites.blogspot.com/2012/06/now-this-is-leap-in-right-direction.html?m=1" target="_blank">Now, this is a leap in the right direction!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/23/wanted-few-good-women-and-men-serve-presidential-innovation-fellows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wanted: A Few Good Women and Men to Serve as Presidential Innovation Fellows</a></u></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-17866928152177122302011-12-21T15:54:00.000-05:002011-12-21T15:54:44.914-05:00SBA's Council on Underserved Communities is Listening to America's Entrepreneurs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I had the pleasure of meeting with SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns at an Entrepreneurial Roundtable in NYC this week to discuss the SBA's engagement with the entrepreneurial community. It was a lively and passionate discussion and was well received by the round table.<br />
<br />
For more about the Entrepreneurial Roundtable <a href="http://community.sba.gov/community/blogs/official-sba-news-and-views/open-business/sbas-council-underserved-communities-listening-americas-entrepreneurs">Click Here</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-53560531350191354832011-04-04T12:12:00.000-04:002011-04-04T12:12:28.336-04:00British Airways Face 2 Face<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiM7jMTrFZtGs1kmIsJCUITaNJ8M_usSIwT9yAhAnxVI8S45M_AEaUfPJ6bJ4_KfK30X0uKSt8G6MnNDVqMvVzgDJDVHDyIg5m37JxkfErqkwxFiw1JS_RoulFaEmB7noUvxyE/s1600/badge_rev01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiM7jMTrFZtGs1kmIsJCUITaNJ8M_usSIwT9yAhAnxVI8S45M_AEaUfPJ6bJ4_KfK30X0uKSt8G6MnNDVqMvVzgDJDVHDyIg5m37JxkfErqkwxFiw1JS_RoulFaEmB7noUvxyE/s400/badge_rev01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-25338162377365467302011-04-02T10:56:00.006-04:002011-07-13T14:13:21.625-04:00Pigeon in the Cabin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildlife-patrol.com/pigeon-control-orlando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://www.wildlife-patrol.com/pigeon-control-orlando.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When i got on Continental Flight 107 on April 2, 2011 from EWR to IAH there was a pigeon flying in the rear of the cabin, hard to believe but true . I boarded early and the plane was not full at the time of the bird's antics. Naturally there was some chaos on the plane while the flight attendants tried to catch the errant bird / stowaway. <br />
<br />
The flight attendants were unable to catch the bird. I jokingly called for an Air Marshal to no avail, though I did not expect support. Using my entrepreneurial mindset and resolve to solve the problem, I got up and took my overcoat and used it to catch and subdue the bird. I picked the bird up and successfully released it. <br />
<br />
The plane did depart on time, mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
Results Matter!<br />
<br />
Birdman of Continental</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-34780554456195587752011-03-29T12:57:00.003-04:002011-03-29T12:59:49.434-04:00Pentagon InvitationONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE:<br />
<br />
Army Executive Outreach, Department of the Army, is offering outside groups a unique opportunity to gain insight into the Army. Groups of 12-25 are cordially invited to a "Fly-In" visit to the Pentagon where they can receive specialized Army briefings and gain personal insights into operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other national security issues confronting America's Army.<br />
<br />
A typical "Fly-In" visit consists of a 4-5 hour itinerary with substantive briefings from Army leaders, a "Boots on the Ground" panel, guided Pentagon tour (including the Pentagon 9-11 memorial site and chapel), and a private lunch in the Executive Dining Room hosted by an Army Senior Leader. The cost of the transportation to and from the Pentagon is carried by the visiting party.<br />
<br />
This opportunity also includes an invitation to the Army's premier "Twilight Tattoo", a time-honored tradition that blends the precision and discipline of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) with the orchestral sounds of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." This show takes place at Fort McNair on the banks of the Potomac between 7 and 8.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-68090245924792271782010-04-09T21:00:00.000-04:002010-04-09T21:00:19.564-04:00Peter Drucker on EntrepreneursThe entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunityUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-8181143689896321122010-02-21T23:07:00.002-05:002010-02-21T23:07:31.858-05:00Why Nations Go to War<div id="__ss_1711036" style="text-align: left; width: 425px;"><object height="355" style="margin: 0px;" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=whynationsgotowar-090712085214-phpapp02&rel=0&stripped_title=why-nations-go-to-war" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=whynationsgotowar-090712085214-phpapp02&rel=0&stripped_title=why-nations-go-to-war" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />
<div style="font-family: tahoma,arial; font-size: 11px; height: 26px; padding-top: 2px;"><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-18207114572230423552010-01-24T22:22:00.001-05:002010-01-24T22:25:52.652-05:00From Zero to $100 Million - A Success Story<h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tune in to learn how Jonathan Smith and his father launched their beach erosion barrier business in the early 1990s and ultimately landed a $100 million contract with the port of Abu Dhabi to protect strategic assets for them using their floating fence technology.</span></h2>Rich Sloan interviews Smith and reveals the long but undeniable road to a whopping success story. Learn how a $5,000 investment in a search-engine-friendly website helped them land their massive, nine-figure deal. Also learn about how Jonathan leaned heavily on his partnership with his father to endure the low points along the way.<br />
<br />
This is a story about sticking to it, but not about making crazy sacrifices. Every step of the way, Jonathan was basing the will to press on on feedback and real potential being indicated by the marketplace. <br />
<br />
Want inspiration? This is your podcast!<br />
<br />
Learn about the company at <a href="http://www.whisprwave.com/" shape="rect" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.whisprwave.com/">www.whisprwave.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.startupnation.com/media/episodes/9521/zero-to-100-million.htm">Podcast </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-57204637434863242712010-01-24T22:03:00.004-05:002010-01-24T22:55:10.750-05:00Wave Dispersion Technologies (UDM-Keen Interview Series)<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="255" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mtsOW-_t2Yk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mtsOW-_t2Yk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="255"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
<a title="View 2008-1210 Technical Entrepreneurship Case Studies 20080228 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/25740861/2008-1210-Technical-Entrepreneurship-Case-Studies-20080228" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">2008-1210 Technical Entrepreneurship Case Studies 20080228</a> <object id="doc_72829121013045" name="doc_72829121013045" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" > <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=25740861&access_key=key-19ku27ar0e89i3mdxpvz&page=1&viewMode=list"></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-75359469333547369982010-01-03T21:20:00.002-05:002010-01-03T21:21:20.918-05:00Commercialization Process<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzZiHwJSPDcmhsWpCJBhcuBm7N2P1IL_vN8Xa-5o5Tqq7ocu9G1801pemaKm-8aOxH4oJXRzwRf84Ml6aET9wTwFZIvzgP1ASbpUlt3af1pwh5whxecwK9N4HTADD-PliKWe_/s1600-h/commercialization.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzZiHwJSPDcmhsWpCJBhcuBm7N2P1IL_vN8Xa-5o5Tqq7ocu9G1801pemaKm-8aOxH4oJXRzwRf84Ml6aET9wTwFZIvzgP1ASbpUlt3af1pwh5whxecwK9N4HTADD-PliKWe_/s400/commercialization.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422702318918155042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.idahotechconnect.com/Commercialization/">http://www.idahotechconnect.com/Commercialization/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-24780098273014856442010-01-03T21:04:00.008-05:002010-01-03T21:27:07.842-05:00Technology Transfer Cycle<span style="font-weight: bold;">Source:</span> <a href="http://www.orpc.unh.edu/tech-transfer-cycle.html">http://www.orpc.unh.edu/tech-transfer-cycle.html</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfEFjFYXKMFwBcvHqiiMGCfVvIB-_Devn-_0cnmf4BkJiccgV4TA30jH1OBMl40o7O7AG1ENE7k9yWTYSeYT6-rp6s00af2X7jLCcr23TgbFd6FJ9d00Gq8G6C5LPpalnY5E/s1600-h/techcycle.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfEFjFYXKMFwBcvHqiiMGCfVvIB-_Devn-_0cnmf4BkJiccgV4TA30jH1OBMl40o7O7AG1ENE7k9yWTYSeYT6-rp6s00af2X7jLCcr23TgbFd6FJ9d00Gq8G6C5LPpalnY5E/s400/techcycle.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699748633309154" border="0" /></a><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-41230158659943421162009-12-30T17:30:00.001-05:002009-12-30T17:30:48.991-05:00The Other Silver Bullet Option - Underdog<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7XRil07h5uE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7XRil07h5uE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-45297750103899215242009-12-30T17:08:00.024-05:002010-05-04T00:07:13.488-04:00Homeland Security is "Everyone's Responsibility" - The Silver Bullet Solution<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5EGrGEBz-E9MFckSImIP7Ok-JAF9WR_O90_DzCE1e4HuaFqjzGgZTvQ_VLUSDpROZDaCbpZrRKpH5DaEXYb7KuoN5JwQq4-p2qdQ2-fkAjwGCELCH47lombvJft36bDszPEI/s1600-h/silver-bullet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421156843257458802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5EGrGEBz-E9MFckSImIP7Ok-JAF9WR_O90_DzCE1e4HuaFqjzGgZTvQ_VLUSDpROZDaCbpZrRKpH5DaEXYb7KuoN5JwQq4-p2qdQ2-fkAjwGCELCH47lombvJft36bDszPEI/s200/silver-bullet.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 155px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 149px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can develop the plans and implement the systems to help mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks to our Homeland. However, their plans and systems are not fool proof; there is no single </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_bullet"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">silver bullet</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> solution.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will always be loopholes in the system and it is everyone's responsibility to help "plug the gaps."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOMELAND SECURITY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY</span></span></blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harvard Business Review on Network Centric Strategy</span> </b><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obama's making the same mistake as record labels, fighting a decentralized network of extremists with centralized structures, like </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/opinion/16obama.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NYT op-eds</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It's not going to work, because the economics don't hold . . . The only solution is to challenge, dilute, and redefine the incentives that cause networks to coalesce in the first place.<br />
<br />
Source: </span> <a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/haque/2009/08/why_network_strategy_is_differ.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harvard Business Review - "Network Strategy and the Anti-Defense</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does "everyone's responsibility" mean?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Everyone should be vigilant, take notice of your surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.</span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: </span> <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/files/reportincidents/counterterrorism.shtm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DHS | Report Incidents</span></a></span></div></span><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/files/reportincidents/counterterrorism.shtm"> </a></span></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The best homeland defense will be a good homeland offense. The weapons must not only come from without through what government does. The more powerful weapons will come from within when millions of us decide to think, act and live differently.</span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: </span> <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/CalThomas/2001/10/11/homeland_security_is_everyones_responsibility"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.townhall.com</span></a></span></div></span><a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/CalThomas/2001/10/11/homeland_security_is_everyones_responsibility"> </a></span></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity</span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: </span> <a href="http://www.nationalterroralert.com/suspicious-activity/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.nationalterroralert.com/suspicious-activity/</span></a></span></div></span></span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span></div><div class="normtext-12pt-nc" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottom Line - "If you see something, say something"</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tomtoles/2010/05/03/c_05042010.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tomtoles/2010/05/03/c_05042010.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This simple phrase and concept should be the cornerstone of President Obama and the DHS's leadership platform when publicly addressing homeland security risks, threats and appropriate responses.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jonathan B. Smith</span></div><div class="normtext-12pt-nc" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patriot<br />
Concerned Citizen<br />
Homeland Security Entrepreneur</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Original Research for the Post - </span></span><a href="http://www.whisprwave.com/msu-hs-class/homeland-security-research-priorities.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homeland Security Research Priorities</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-24493769513982522842009-12-10T18:27:00.000-05:002009-12-10T18:30:24.745-05:00Good Judgment<blockquote>Good judgment comes from experience, but experience comes from bad<br />judgment.<br /><br />Mulla Nasrudin</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-46863810819577663732009-12-09T21:33:00.035-05:002010-01-12T18:19:29.407-05:00Mark the Spot - iPhone Application - Share Your iPhone Call Dropping Frustrations<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.foundchris.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/att_iphone.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.foundchris.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/att_iphone.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 120px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 168px;" /></a>I am a huge fan of my iPhone as a mobile device, but find it exceedingly disappointing as a traditional mobile phone, which is why I have dubbed it the iRate. I have replaced my phone 3 times, updated the software on numerous occasions, and spent countless hours with both Apple and ATT to try to determine the source of my frustration - which is the iPhones propensity for serial call dropping.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who is at Fault?</span><br />
<br />
In my opinion, the culpability resides with ATT. The runaway popularity of the iPhone has outstripped the capacity of the ATT Network and that is why the iPhone stinks at its primary purpose of being a simple phone. I would be better off with a throw away pre-paid phone if a phone was all that I needed.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">A Great Deal for ATT and Definitely a Crummy Deal for the Consumer</span><br />
<br />
I once thought that ATT's iPhone exclusivity arrangement was a brilliantly negotiated deal by ATT executives that would not impact the consumer much because I wrongly assumed that the ATT Wireless Network could handle the most basic task of providing universal dial tone and phone service (<a href="http://resultsmatter.blogspot.com/2008/03/iphone-customer-acquisition-concept-for.html">Flat Rate Commoditization in the US Wireless Market</a>)<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>. OH HOW WOEFULLY WRONG WAS I!!!<br />
<br />
My calls to ATT have been in vain. I have repeatedly been fed lines like the ones below by the ATT Customer Service Reps, aka the ATT Shock Absorbers:<br />
<blockquote style="font-style: italic;">The issue reported has been investigated and no network fault found.<br />
</blockquote>The ATT Executives who artfully crafted this bit of <a href="http://redcouch.typepad.com/weblog/2007/05/joshs_dictionar_1.html">CorpSpeak</a> must have forgotten that we live in the age of social media and EVERYONE has a voice.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">ATT Knows all about the Problem</span><br />
<br />
The reality is that ATT knows internally how woefully inadequate their network is for the level of traffic that they are attempting to manage. Why else would Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive for mobility and consumer markets at AT&T, be talking to the NY Times about how they are going to "incentivize" heavy data users to curb their iPhone usage.<br />
<ul face="times new roman"><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/technology/companies/10iphone.html"><span style="font-size: 100%;">AT&T to Urge Customers to Use Less Wireless Data </span></a></li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">ATT's Solution</span><br />
<br />
ATT has even created an iPhone Application called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/at-t-mark-the-spot/id338307313?mt=8">Mark the Spot</a> to address the issue and determine where the network needs enhancements. This is an official iPhone app from ATT letting you report dropped calls, failed calls, lack of coverage, data failure, and poor voice quality.<br />
</div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/183912/atandts_mark_the_spot_iphone_app_admits_coverage_woes.html"><span style="font-size: 100%;">AT&T's 'Mark the Spot' iPhone App Admits Coverage Woes</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/12/07/mark-the-spot-tell-att-where-the-iphone-sucks/" rel="bookmark" title="Mark the Spot: Tell AT&T where the iPhone sucks">Mark the Spot: Tell ATT where the iPhone sucks</a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What Can You Do?</span><br />
<br />
It is time for iPhone users everywhere to unite and break ATT's monopoly on our coveted devices connectivity. ATT service is so bad that I also have a Verizon phone to ensure that I can make imporant calls.<br />
<br />
I personally have filed complaints with the Federal Communication Commission, Department of Justice, my US Senators and Congressman, and even filed a complaint with the Office of the President (see below)<br />
</div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><a href="http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm">FCC - File a Complaint</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm#submit">DOJ - File a Complaint</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm">Contact your Senator</a></li>
<li><a href="https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml">Contact your Congressman</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact">Contact the President of the United States</a><br />
</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Sample Letter Below:<br />
<blockquote>Dear Senator XXXXX:<br />
<br />
I am writing you to express my discontent with what I believe to be an antitrust arrangement between ATT and Apple regarding their five year exclusivity arrangement tying anyone who wants to use an iPhone in the US to the ATT Network. I encourage you to vigorously investigate this arrangement on the grounds of its anticompetitive nature, homeland and national security implications and consumer protection principles.<br />
<br />
I have found my the mobile phone service on ATT's network to be prone to dropped calls and spotty coverage. Consumers deserve to have a choice when it comes to their wireless carrier and the tying arrangement between ATT is proving grossly unjust to consumers from a quality and choice of competitive carriers in the marketplace.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your attention to this matter in advance.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The Department of Justice has launched a preliminary inquiry into this arrangement, but it is my belief that additional voters "encouragement" will help to move their investigation forward.<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124689740762401297.html">Telecoms Face Antitrust Threat</a></li>
</ul>It is time for everyone to make their voice heard. The chains of ATT need to be broken from our iPhones.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Responses Received to Date</span><br />
<blockquote>Dear Mr. Smith:<br />
<br />
Thank you for contacting the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Departmentof Justice. The Citizen Complaint Center has reviewed your complaint, and we have forwarded it to the appropriate legal staff for further review. We have your information on file and should legal staff need further information, they may contact you in the future.<br />
<br />
We appreciate your interest in the enforcement of federal antitrust laws.Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Citizen Complaint Center<br />
Antitrust Division<br />
Department of Justice<br />
</blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rumors</span><br />
<br />
I am praying that rumors of an an Apple approved iPhone for the Verizon Wireless Network.<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.tswn.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5">Is AT&T losing its grip on the iPhone? </a></li>
</ul>As my Russian friends say "I will be out of here (ATT) like Vladimir."<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-19147165525391859922009-11-03T17:57:00.001-05:002009-11-03T17:59:37.689-05:00Stop Worrying and Start Living<div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>The truth about our childhood is stored up in our body, and although we can repress it, we can never alter it. Our intellect can be deceived, our feelings manipulated, our perceptions confused, and our body tricked with medication. But some day the body will present it’s bill, for it is as uncorrupt able as a child who, still whole in spirit, it will accept no compromises or excuses, and it will not stop tormenting us until we stop evading the truth.</blockquote>Alice Miller</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-26747866783699236392009-10-12T19:16:00.005-04:002009-11-17T21:24:03.374-05:00US Customs Teterboro (TEB)<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j03u_EoG9XwxVl4GyG4R-pXw2sGn98gTP-r1rvwRJFFdXUywUOH9boJud6CL8CJfvQbjUpk41nmk5TJUneqML-AX5Z1Ii4dZqx8WRm-hutwagXkxhKc4aqfMYaXtosTL1XJV/s1600-h/seal_customs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j03u_EoG9XwxVl4GyG4R-pXw2sGn98gTP-r1rvwRJFFdXUywUOH9boJud6CL8CJfvQbjUpk41nmk5TJUneqML-AX5Z1Ii4dZqx8WRm-hutwagXkxhKc4aqfMYaXtosTL1XJV/s200/seal_customs.jpg" alt="US CBP" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391873666755694594" border="0" /></a>I am writing this post to provide a checklist for myself of important documentation and contact information that I need on international flights utilizing Teterboro as the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_entry" title="Port of entry" rel="wikipedia">port of entry</a>.<br /><br />I hope others find it useful, feel free to provide suggestions if there are resources that you feel should be added to this page.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Required Paperwork</span><br /></div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li> <a href="https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/">Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (EAPIS)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/20969299">Teterboro (KTEB) US Customs Form</a></li><li><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/20970435/US-Customs-Form-CF178">Customs Form 178 - Private Aircraft Enforcement System Arrival Report </a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/20970005/US-Customs-and-Border-Patrol-Form-6059B">CBP Form 6059B</a><br /></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact TEB CBP</span><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>201-288-8799 Work</li><li>201-288-4699 Fax</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CBP Private Flyers Resources</span><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><a href="http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/private_flyers/">Private Flyers Resources<br /></a></li><li><a href="http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/private_flyers/private_flyers_guide.ctt/private_flyers_guide.pdf">Guide for Private Flyers</a><br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Owners_and_Pilots_Association" title="Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association" rel="wikipedia">AOPA</a> Checklist and Resources for Traveling to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada" title="Canada" rel="wikipedia">Canada</a></span><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><a href="http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/">http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/</a><br /></li></ul> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/3ac5c682-9144-4022-9edc-f7a4edcfbbfb/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=3ac5c682-9144-4022-9edc-f7a4edcfbbfb" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-46453518061387792762009-09-12T23:07:00.003-04:002009-09-12T23:10:54.958-04:00Ivan Drago<object width="400" height="246"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ygQvB6OjHOU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ygQvB6OjHOU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="246"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-31311712449980904252009-09-12T22:02:00.001-04:002009-09-12T22:02:47.142-04:00Winston Churchill on Lies<span dir="ltr" id=":1f"><blockquote>A lie gets half way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.</blockquote>Winston Churchill</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-4646820413585235462009-09-08T21:25:00.004-04:002009-09-08T21:34:17.235-04:00A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)<span style="font-family: arial;">Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''</span><br /><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Live simply.</li><li>Love generously.</li><li>Care deeply.</li><li>Speak kindly.</li><li>Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:</li><li>When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.</li><li>Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.</li><li>Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.</li><li>Take naps.</li><li>Stretch before rising.</li><li>Run, romp, and play daily.</li><li>Thrive on attention and let people touch you.</li><li>Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.</li><li>On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.</li><li>On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.</li><li>When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.</li><li>Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.</li><li>Be loyal.</li><li>Never pretend to be something you're not.</li><li>If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.</li><li>When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.</li><li>ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!</li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-10870888073382691952009-09-07T10:35:00.004-04:002009-09-07T10:49:05.241-04:00Description of Block Island<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blockislandchamber.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Qnn1oOek9SotIOFJQkYzd2ZoiYmBmBAFlRKlhZkUkSvPKwA3rztOrmGLIyrTZ6nGP-MXQSnUjURe-inU1UY9OcqpsvaKxea_5h10GpgOtg5NSFFaLzZnyZZuFJCRWKFY7k9Z/s320/block-island.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378734553910744658" border="0" /></a>I was reading the "<a href="http://www.blockislandtimes.com/">Block Island Summer Times</a>" and came across this description of this island gem from a railroad brochure in the late 19th Century. I was struck by the quality of the prose and incredibly descriptive use of adjectives. It reminded me of the fact that this type of writing has been lost amongst the cacophony of media choices and 24 hour news cycle.<br /></div><br /><blockquote>The natural characteristics, with its unique setting in the ocean, which is visible from all parts of the Island, present one of the most delightful pictures of natures which defy the power of creative genius to depict and beffles the skill of the brightest imagination.</blockquote></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-45916464747479044382009-08-09T19:41:00.021-04:002009-12-27T19:59:41.219-05:00Hudson River Mid-Air Collision<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2003/lowwing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 313px;" src="http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2003/lowwing.jpg" alt="Aircraft Blind Spots" border="0" /></a>Because I am a seasoned pilot of 20 years and a New Yorker, a number of people have asked my opinion about the Hudson River Mid-Air Collision last weekend. I have spent some time formulating an explanation about what may have happened on that beautiful Summer day over the Hudson. The accident investigators from the <a href="http://www.ntsb.gov/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NTSB</span></span></a> will produce a comprehensive and fully supported explanation within 6 to 12 months, outlining their findings. The post that follows details my initial impressions of what most likely caused the accident.<br /><br />I was in New York City over the weekend and marveled as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_182">Cessna 182</a> flew by me on the Hudson River at approximately 800 feet. The plane was flying up what is commonly known as the <a href="http://www.germaise.com/interests/aviation_flyinghudson1.htm">Hudson River Corridor</a>, a slice of uncontrolled airspace underneath the highly controlled <a href="http://skyvector.com/#51-119-3-1642-977">New York Class B Airspace</a>. The Hudson River <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Corridor</span> provides a welcome gateway to transit through New York Airspace without having to get an often unattainable Class B Clearance from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_TRACON">New York <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TRACON</span></span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hudson <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Corridor</span> Mid-Air Collision</span><br /><br />Ironically, a few hours after seeing the beautiful Cessna 182 pass overhead, I heard about the mid-air collision of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_Saratoga">Piper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saratoga</span></span></a> and an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" org="" wiki="" eurocopter_as350="">AS 350</a> Tourist Helicopter. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I have flown the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Corridor</span> countless times and have been amazed at the volume of traffic and the orderliness by which the various aircraft navigate the airspace and "see and avoid" each other without any tacit government intervention.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hypothesis - Blind Spot</span><br /><br />Aircraft, airplanes and helicopters alike have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">blind spots</span> just like automobiles. Based upon the description of the accident I surmise that the Piper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Saratoga</span> was above and overtaking the AS350 and was blind to the helicopter. The helicopter was below and ahead of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Saratoga</span> and could not see the airplane because it was outside of the purview of the pilot's visual scan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Neither aircraft, nor pilots have "eyes in the back of their heads," but situational awareness can be improved with advanced technology in the cockpit.</blockquote>The <a href="http://www.aopa.org/">Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association</a> produced a comprehensive report on <a href="http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa15.pdf">Collision Avoidance</a>, that provides a wealth of information about collision avoidance causes, factors, and means of mitigation. This is a great resource if you want to learn more about how mid-air collisions can can avoided.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collision Avoidance Technology</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When comparing options for safety, I think it is important to highlight the merits of modern collision avoidance technology over the more myopic suggestions to shut down the Hudson River Corridor coming from Capital Hill. Such knee jerk reactions from politicians with merely generalist knowledge of aviation safety, and a greedy eye on reelection, will result in a system whereby the pendulum will shift too far right with a unnecessary loss of valuable flexibility. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Collision avoidance <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">technology</span> is similar to automobile <a href="http://www.backup-sensor.com/">back up sensor technology</a> that provides an audible and/or visual cue when a car<span> detects an obstacle at the rear of a car when backing up.</span> Collision avoidance systems provide a visual or data reference to other aircrafts in the area and substantially enhance a pilot's ability to "see and avoid."<br /><br />I fly with a <a href="http://www.zaon.aero/content/view/12/40/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">PCAS</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">XRX</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zaon</span></a> and have been alerted to traffic on numerous occasions long before I was able to see it with my own eyes. I personally will not fly without collision avoidance technology in the cockpit.<br /><br />There are a variety of collision avoidance technologies ranging from $500 to over $100,000. When flying in controlled airspace, I often hear the controllers calling out traffic to airplanes and the pilot responding with "I see him on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_Collision_Avoidance_System"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">TCAS</span> (Traffic Collision Avoidance System</a>), but no joy [I do not see the traffic yet]."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Much like abstinence is the safest way to avoiding pregnancy, it is not the only option nor even considered to be realistic by most people. Such is the case with collision avoidance whereby closing down the corridor will guarantee collision avoidance, it is neither a reasonable nor viable solution to the ongoing effort by the Air Safety Foundation and all members of the flying community to completely eliminate mid-air collisions. Accidents happen and unfortunately they will continue to do so, collision avoidance technology is one of the best means of accident mitigation.<br /><br />If you want to learn more about collision avoidance, check out the following articles:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/aircraft-collision-avoidance-system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_collision_avoidance_systems</a></li><li><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/aircraft-collision-avoidance-system">http://www.answers.com/topic/aircraft-collision-avoidance-system</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span><br /><br />We will never know definitively, but there is a good chance that a good collision avoidance system may have helped to avoid this tragedy, closing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">corridor</span> will not.<br /></div> <div class="zemanta-related"><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//abcnews.go.com/US/story%3Fid%3D8291226%26page%3D1&a=6822702&rid=0c6bbc76-00b2-4cf4-b837-e51efcd055eb&e=84887be00902a8b7830ef35897569389">Did Blind Spots Play a Role in Hudson River Crash?</a> (abcnews.go.com)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Results - Finalized by FAA</span><br /><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://faasafety.gov/files/helpcontent/Courses/NY%20Course/index.html">FAA Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of the New York City</a></li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=79" title="Click to Resume this Course">New York City Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)</a><a href="http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=79"> - (www.faasafety.gov)</a><br /></li></ul></div> <div class="zemanta-pixie"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" alt="" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=0c6bbc76-00b2-4cf4-b837-e51efcd055eb" /><span class="zem-script more-info pretty-attribution paragraph-reblog"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-46478497136115559942009-08-04T22:30:00.002-04:002009-08-04T22:34:11.648-04:00Chris Dillon from Dillon Aero on Discovery Channel's Future WeaponsI just saw my friend Chris Dillon on the Discovery Channel's "Future Weapon" show. I am hoping that my brothers and I get to go to Phoenix this Fall and fly and shoot with Chris.<br /><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*OTQzOTM*NzE4NyZwdD*xMjQ5NDM5NDE*OTc2JnA9MTcyNDAxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImbz*wOTVlYzhjNWNiMTg*OGJjYjc3MDZlYzk*MzYyMWFiZSZvZj*w.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/1654919/dillon_aero_future_weapon.swf" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" name="Metacafe_1654919" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="345" width="400"></embed><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1654919/dillon_aero_future_weapon/">Dillon Aero (Future Weapon)</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-47533028937078384052009-06-23T23:31:00.000-04:002009-06-23T23:32:07.967-04:00Pretty Woman- Vivian's Goes Shopping!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LGPbvOirz8I&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LGPbvOirz8I&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801504.post-68163941358036772492009-05-04T09:07:00.000-04:002009-05-04T09:08:07.983-04:00Quote on Growth<blockquote>Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.<br /><br />Chinese Proverb</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0