Pages

Friday, December 19, 2003

This post from from ~35,000 ft on an American Airlines flight from Philly to Dallas on the 18th.

On my flight we have a number of American servicemen and women on their way home from Iraq. I can't imagine how happy they must be to be on their way home.

Once again, notwithstanding what one thinks of this or that US foreign-policy decision, I think it's imperative that we recognize and respect the debt we owe these young (and young they are) men and women for the time they've spent in harm's way and the job they continue to do. This fact wasn't lost on the passengers on today's flight.

As we made our final approach to Dallas, the pilot came on the intercom and thanked the soldiers "for all your service" and welcomed them home.

The spontaneous applause following the pilot's announcement made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Welcome home indeed and thank you. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday, all the best in 2004 and here's to the safe and soon return of your colleagues.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

A post from Harrisburg, PA.

Today I had the pleasure of working with faculty, staff and guests of the Penn State University -- Harrisburg during a Train-the-Trainer session for the SMART Board(TM) interactive whiteboard. I learned a lot from this group and thanks to all for making today's session both fun and educational.

This marks the last session for 2003 and I'm looking forward to taking some time off to recharge and regroup. I'm not sure exactly how I'll react to not having any work-related travel, or school work, to do for a couple of weeks, but I'm sure I'll manage somehow ;-)