Across the Bow

I know it's difficult to have a following when you take a month hiatus oh – every two months. I think I said it before, I write about things I am passionate about and typically only write when the mood strikes me – as a bit of therapy to get me through the weeks. Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been more about me getting my head on straight for the stretch run to a diploma, while I redirected my efforts to running my union's local branch.

Rachel Maddow of Air America and MSNBC fame unearthed this letter from Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR). Congressman DeFazio is a great friend to air traffic controllers and our union and is never one to shy away from speaking his mind. Thanks to Ms. Maddow for shedding some light on this. I want to thank the Congressman for once again standing up and saying what at least half of the country is thinking (perhaps more). Enjoy!

Web Based Office Applications (for my Instructional Tech Class)

Online office applications are very useful educational tools, as they allow educators to share information with students without having the students purchase expensive software. It also keeps the instructor from having to upload documents in multiple formats and allows students and instructors alike the ability to retrieve and edit office files from any computer with internet access.

Web based office applications also allow students to collaborate on a paper or project from their homes, libraries or a computer lab. This saves valuable classroom time for instruction while still giving students an opportunity to work together on a project.

I recently created the embedded presentation, The History of NATCA, for my Union Administration class. I intend to utilize it for the basic representation class that I am designing. It can also be found at this link:

The Search for the Perfect Martini

I am lending my blog space to my dear friend Kendall “Scott” Mann from Greensboro. Please take the time to e-mail him at kmann@natca.org or skyymann@triad.rr.com with your ideas for his project. Again, this is Scott's project. Please respond to Scott. I will return shortly with my own continued saga of life in this here FAA.

"I finally got around to starting a book project I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Why am I telling you this? Because I would like your help. The book is called “The Search for the Perfect Martini”.

I’m sending this email to folks all over the world to find out just what constitutes a “Perfect Martini” to different people. The term “Perfect Martini” would be a metaphor for “What do you really want?” this is a tough question that most people never give a second thought to, but really should.

Here is what I am asking for. I would like for you to write me back at kmann@NATCA.org or skyymann@triad.rr.com with as few or as many sentences as you want, describing your “Perfect Martini”. This could be anything. One of the responses I’ve already gotten is “A boat, alone, beer and fish”. That was a bit brief, but that is what this person wanted to say! I intend to put these together in a book similar to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. One other thing, I will NOT use your name unless you give me specific permission to do so. I will use your location, such as Greensboro, NC.

I’m hoping to get thousands of responses and would appreciate you sending this to as many people as you can. The only way this project can really work is to get a very diverse, worldwide response. Any input you can provide is appreciated!!



Kendall S. Mann
Greensboro ATCT"