Commentary Search

  • The Tortoise and the Hare revisited

    While running the other morning I noted that I crossed my halfway point a few minutes sooner than I usually did. Feeling pretty good about myself, I continued for another mile or so when I suddenly slowed, unable to maintain the pace I had set. I struggled to finish and noted that it actually took

  • Banks, Ski Masks

    Perceptions are reality for the perceiver. I came across the following story the other day and it really underscores the point about perceptions. Salome was a 35-year-old man who lived with his mother in North Carolina. One day Salome drove to the bank to make a withdrawal from his account. It was

  • Fiscal Fitness – what does it mean?

    We've probably all heard that money can't buy happiness. A recent case where mega-lottery winners ended up on the wrong side of the law appears to verify this saying. In fact, a quick search reveals many similar stories. Two of my favorites include the 1997 story where the winner of a $31 million

  • Trees important to Turks

    Mehmet, one of my Turkish co-workers told me that he would be going to plant trees with his daughter's school over the weekend. I really couldn't understand why he was going to plant trees with his daughter. Do you know anything about that? That is part of the environmental campaign for the young

  • UCI Prep: don’t overlook obvious

    As we get closer to our Unit Compliance Inspection, I see everyone focused on crossing T's and dotting I's. It is refreshing to see our young Airmen and NCOs digging in the instructions and regulations ensuring their programs are not only in compliance, but also ensuring they are able to brief and

  • Jumping Without a Parachute

    Ivan, an experienced parachutist with 800 jumps under his belt, was videotaping a private lesson given by an instructor to a first time jumper. Ivan had attached the video camera to his helmet and the supporting power supply and recorder were in a heavy satchel slung on his back. He was intent on

  • Accomplishing the mission

    During a fatality brief last week the term "behavior incompatible with the mission" jumped out at me. I think we'd all agree that examples of behavior like drug use and criminal activity are clearly incompatible with the mission.In reality though, there are many types of behavior that are much more

  • Fire Extinguishing Heroes

    A married couple wanting to keep their home fires burning decided to install a woodstove in their home. They figured it didn't take a rocket scientist to install this basic bit of heating hardware, so instead of hiring a professional, they brought the stove home and installed it themselves. They

  • Working toward a common goal

    I am sure that many of you have driven or walked past our ARI sortie board posted in front of the Consolidated Club and wondered about its purpose and why it's located there. ARIs are alcohol related incidents for our many new U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Team Incirlik warriors; I often forget how

  • Flame-Shooting Karaoke Singers

    I had never heard of hydrogen beer until I read this account. Apparently there is a three-way lawsuit between an unemployed stockbroker, a bar, and a beer company. The unemployed stockbroker is suing the bar and brewery for selling toxic beer and claiming damages for grievous bodily harm leading to