Technology Transfer Cycle

Source: http://www.orpc.unh.edu/tech-transfer-cycle.html

The Other Silver Bullet Option - Underdog

Homeland Security is "Everyone's Responsibility" - The Silver Bullet Solution

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 silver bullet solution.


There will always be loopholes in the system and it is everyone's responsibility to help "plug the gaps."

HOMELAND SECURITY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

Harvard Business Review on Network Centric Strategy

• Obama's making the same mistake as record labels, fighting a decentralized network of extremists with centralized structures, like NYT op-eds. 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.
  
  Source: Harvard Business Review -  "Network Strategy and the Anti-Defense"

What does "everyone's responsibility" mean?

• Everyone should be vigilant, take notice of your surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
  
  
  Source: DHS | Report Incidents
• 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.
  
  
  Source: www.townhall.com
• Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity
  
  
  Source: http://www.nationalterroralert.com/suspicious-activity/

Bottom Line -  "If you see something, say something"

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.

Jonathan B. Smith

Patriot
Concerned Citizen
Homeland Security Entrepreneur


Original Research for the Post - Homeland Security Research Priorities

Good Judgment

Good judgment comes from experience, but experience comes from bad
judgment.

Mulla Nasrudin

Mark the Spot - iPhone Application - Share Your iPhone Call Dropping Frustrations

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.

Who is at Fault?

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.

A Great Deal for ATT and Definitely a Crummy Deal for the Consumer

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 (Flat Rate Commoditization in the US Wireless Market). OH HOW WOEFULLY WRONG WAS I!!!

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:

The issue reported has been investigated and no network fault found.

The ATT Executives who artfully crafted this bit of CorpSpeak must have forgotten that we live in the age of social media and EVERYONE has a voice.

ATT Knows all about the Problem

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.

• AT&T to Urge Customers to Use Less Wireless Data

ATT's Solution

ATT has even created an iPhone Application called Mark the Spot 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.

• AT&T's 'Mark the Spot' iPhone App Admits Coverage Woes
• Mark the Spot: Tell ATT where the iPhone sucks

What Can You Do?

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.

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)

• FCC - File a Complaint
• DOJ - File a Complaint
• Contact your Senator
• Contact your Congressman
• Contact the President of the United States
  

Sample Letter Below:

Dear Senator XXXXX:

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.

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.

Thank you for your attention to this matter in advance.

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.

• Telecoms Face Antitrust Threat

It is time for everyone to make their voice heard. The chains of ATT need to be broken from our iPhones.

Responses Received to Date

Dear Mr. Smith:

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.

We appreciate your interest in the enforcement of federal antitrust laws.Sincerely,

Citizen Complaint Center
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice

Rumors

I am praying that rumors of an an Apple approved iPhone for the Verizon Wireless Network.

• Is AT&T losing its grip on the iPhone?

As my Russian friends say "I will be out of here (ATT) like Vladimir."

Stop Worrying and Start Living

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.

Alice Miller

US Customs Teterboro (TEB)

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 port of entry.

I hope others find it useful, feel free to provide suggestions if there are resources that you feel should be added to this page.

Required Paperwork

1. Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (EAPIS)
2. Teterboro (KTEB) US Customs Form
3. Customs Form 178 - Private Aircraft Enforcement System Arrival Report
   
4. CBP Form 6059B
   

Contact TEB CBP

• 201-288-8799 Work
• 201-288-4699 Fax

CBP Private Flyers Resources

• Private Flyers Resources
  
• Guide for Private Flyers
  

AOPA Checklist and Resources for Traveling to Canada

• http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/
  

Ivan Drago

Winston Churchill on Lies

A lie gets half way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Winston Churchill

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.''

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.

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,

''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

• Live simply.
• Love generously.
• Care deeply.
• Speak kindly.
• Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
• ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!