Results Matter

Stop Worrying and Start Living

2009-11-03T17:57:00.001-05:00

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)

2009-10-12T19:16:00.004-04:00

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

Contact TEB CBP

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

CBP Private Flyers Resources

AOPA Checklist and Resources for Traveling to Canada

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

Ivan Drago

2009-09-12T23:07:00.003-04:00

Winston Churchill on Lies

2009-09-12T22:02:00.001-04:00

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)

2009-09-08T21:25:00.004-04:00

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!

Description of Block Island

2009-09-07T10:35:00.004-04:00

I was reading the "Block Island Summer Times" 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.

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.

Hudson River Mid-Air Collision

2009-08-09T19:41:00.016-04:00

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 NTSB 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.

I was in New York City over the weekend and marveled as a Cessna 182 flew by me on the Hudson River at approximately 800 feet. The plane was flying up what is commonly known as the Hudson River Corridor, a slice of uncontrolled airspace underneath the highly controlled New York Class B Airspace. The Hudson River Corridor provides a welcome gateway to transit through New York Airspace without having to get an often unattainable Class B Clearance from New York TRACON.

Hudson Corridor Mid-Air Collision

Ironically, a few hours after seeing the beautiful Cessna 182 pass overhead, I heard about the mid-air collision of a Piper Saratoga and an AS 350 Tourist Helicopter.

I have flown the Corridor 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.

Hypothesis - Blind Spot

Aircraft, airplanes and helicopters alike have blind spots just like automobiles. Based upon the description of the accident I surmise that the Piper Saratoga was above and overtaking the AS350 and was blind to the helicopter. The helicopter was below and ahead of the Saratoga and could not see the airplane because it was outside of the purview of the pilot's visual scan.

Neither aircraft, nor pilots have "eyes in the back of their heads," but situational awareness can be improved with advanced technology in the cockpit.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association produced a comprehensive report on Collision Avoidance, 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.

Collision Avoidance Technology

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.

Collision avoidance technology is similar to automobile back up sensor technology that provides an audible and/or visual cue when a car detects an obstacle at the rear of a car when backing up. 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."

I fly with a PCAS XRX from Zaon 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.

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 TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), but no joy [I do not see the traffic yet]."

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.

If you want to learn more about collision avoidance, check out the following articles:

Conclusion

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 corridor will not.

Chris Dillon from Dillon Aero on Discovery Channel's Future Weapons

2009-08-04T22:30:00.002-04:00

I 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.

Dillon Aero (Future Weapon)

Pretty Woman- Vivian's Goes Shopping!

2009-06-23T23:31:00.000-04:00

Quote on Growth

2009-05-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Chinese Proverb

What Makes a Dog “Red-Zone” Aggressive

2009-04-26T11:25:00.000-04:00

Caesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer's, thoughts on red zone aggression.

“Red-zone” aggression is created by an extreme imbalance. A dog does not choose to be in the “red zone” because it does not exist in the animal world unless it is sick with a disease, like rabies. A good majority of the time, the behavior is caused by a traumatic experience humans may have inflicted upon the dog.

The Four Agreements

2009-04-21T09:51:00.002-04:00

Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

What Works, What Does Not, Expectations, Not Personal

2009-03-16T19:26:00.001-04:00

Here is what works for me 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. This disarms the person - and has you be present to what the person's contributions are. I find if I can't find something to acknowledge them for I am upset and this is not the time for the conversation - emotional edge vs results.
Here is what does not work 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. Specific behavior vs. You do this you do that. If the person has done something wrong, focus on the behavior, they are not a bad person - take it away from being wrong/bad or feeling like a personal attack.
Here are my expectations - this can also be improvements or outcomes - what needs to happen going forward.
This is not personal, just setting expectations and boundaries.

Quality of Your Life

2009-03-15T22:17:00.000-04:00

The quality of your life is directly related to what you are willing to or not willing to put up with.

Greatest Generation: Solution to Credit Crisis

2009-02-16T19:48:00.004-05:00

Dear Mr. Brokaw,

I heard you speak at my brother's graduation for Yale in 1998. Your speech about "The Greatest Generation" has stuck with me for the last 11 years and its thesis continues to prod me to do more for our country.

I strongly believe that now is the time for our generation to embrace the values of "The Greatest Generation."

There is so much discussion about a Washington created top down solution via a massive stimulus package, but there is very little focus upon the grass roots elements of the solution that allowed the USA to triumph during WWII.

This forum does not provide enough room for significant elaboration, but it is my belief that every American can help to will the solution by:

Employment - Help your "brother" get a job. I have helped a few friends out already.
Hunger - Make sure no one you know is going hungry. If you don't have the means to help, work to find someone who does.
Housing - Make sure no one you know is homeless. If you don't have the means to help, work to find someone who does.

I know this seems simplistic, but it is my opinion that we all need to re-learn the concept of "helping thy neighbor."

The Depression that the company is experiencing can not be overcome merely through government spending, we all need to be part of the solution.

The partisan politics that are Washington are divisive and not in the best interest of the country. We are a nation under seige economically and need to band together to work towards a solution.

I would be happy to discuss these matters with you or your staff further.

My bio can be found at:

http://www.whisprwave.com/jbsmith-bio.htm

V/R

JBS

PS I hope whoever your assistant is who reads these questions and comments actually lets you read this post, "The Greatest Generation" is the solution to much that ills the USA today.

Letter of Support: Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program

2009-02-14T09:06:00.007-05:00

I am applying to the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School for the cohort beginning in May 2009. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) was kind enough provide the letter of support referenced below.

Thanks for the support Congressman Pascrell, it kind of feels like an Military Academy Nomination for a 38 year old private sector homeland security executive.

Mr. Heat Miser

2009-02-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

TrimTabs Liquidity Theory

2009-01-31T18:17:00.001-05:00

Price is a function of liquidity and has nothing to do with value.

Charles Biderman
www.trimtabs.com

Letter to President Obama about Reaching Out to

2009-01-28T09:15:00.009-05:00

I was in the Middle East during your inauguration and was taken by the optimism surrounding your Presidency. I wanted to commend you for your outreach to the Arab and Muslim World yesterday.

Obama Extends Hand To Arabs and Muslims

Based upon my experience, I believe that you made a very wise decision to reach out to them.

Kudos to you Mr. President.

Keep up the good work!

Anchor Mike Quote

2009-01-24T09:15:00.006-05:00

Never let a white lie stand in the way of a good story.

Anchor Mike McDole

Decision Making Process for Children

2008-12-15T21:17:00.002-05:00

TO MAKE A DECISION

Younger children:

Must recognize that a decision must be made (I would have the children say this out loud)
Must understand that they must make the decision on their own
Must have a deadline to meet in the making of this decision
Must see that the results of the decision are important to them and the people they care about

When the actual decision-making process begins, the steps below should help. You might first talk you children through the following steps with a make-believe decision so that you're sure that the steps are understood.

There should be a record made of the following steps. Each child should:

State the problem that requires a decision
List the choices of action that can be taken (most situations have more than two options)
Recognize what happens if a decision is not made (not making a choice is a choice)
List values held that will help make the choice
List the prejudices held that could unfairly influence the choices
Recognize how the various choices effect the child and others (what will happen with this choice)
Make the choice
Examine the choice to make sure it is consistent with the values held
Commit to the decision

YEO Protocol

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Special Thanks to John Drury from www.fullyalive360.com for facilitating our forum retreat and sharing his wisdom. The diagrams below were part of John's "bag of tricks" and we shall be forever grateful for his guidance and mind share.

john drury
fullyalive360, inc.
drury@fullyalive360.com
2823 ne 21st court
fort lauderdale, fl 33305
954-565-3136 wk
954-444-3460 cell

25 "To Do's" in Uncertain Times

2008-12-03T10:26:00.006-05:00

1. Communicate regularly with your team and with your clients

2. Take time to think about things…especially when you are stressed out

3. Cut your losses early and cut deep – you would be surprised how many people step up to the plate after you get rid of the fat

4. Stay close to your key relationships – if you don’t have a very strong relationship with them – fix this right away (this includes vendors/partners/clients/etc)

5. Trim the fat (kind of like #3)

6. Incentivize your team – do more with less

7. Use technology whenever possible to make things easier (it will also save you money in the long run)

8. Negotiate better pricing

9. Measure everything – we all have key indicators for our business health (don’t just look at profits either)

10. Watch your key indicators (again – similar to #9)

11. Eliminate unproductive people

12. Invest in training your staff and yourself

13. Sell more to your existing customers

14. Offer incentives to your clients

15. Go to conferences to learn and network

16. Visit and befriend your competitors…he said this has been very helpful in growing his business…you can learn a lot

17. Do not slash your marketing budget – this is the time to spend

18. Always find opportunities in adversity

19. Your advisors should challenge your assumptions

20. Do not worry about what you can’t control (I thought this was a really great one)…

21. Keep a great attitude

22. Go to the gym

23. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst

24. Do not panic

25. Make it fun!!!

Dominos: Pizza Tracker

2008-11-30T20:33:00.004-05:00

It's snowing hard here in the big D. The flakes must be 2 inches in diameter. The kids were hungry, so we ordered Domino's Pizza online - but of course.

What a great website! They have a Pizza Pracker page where you can track the progress of your pizza from:

Order
Prep
Bake
Box
Delivery

The kids loved it.

I wonder what genius or team of geniuses came up with this! Was it the team from Bain Capital or the internal marketing folks or their web vendor? I would love to know.

Great execution and use of the web!

Deaf Performing Artists Network (D-PAN) on CNN

2008-11-27T23:00:00.007-05:00

I got an opportunity to meet Sean Forbes and Joel Martin from the Deaf Performing Artists Network at a Detroit President's Organization event a couple of weeks ago.

It is incredible what these guys are doing! Below is a CNN piece about their efforts:

Buy D-PAN Music Video DVD

Donate to D-Pan