Canadians, Get Your Hardhats Out!!!
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Found these articles about an attempt by the US Navy at shooting down a satellite on Wednesday. It looks to “take the bullet” somewhere over the skies around Hawaii, but the satellite will actually fall into the atmosphere over Canada.
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/sat-shoot-down.html
As an engineer, I find the act of shooting a satellite amazing considering the speed of the target and relative small size. It’s not like the Navy can blow some buckshot into the atmosphere and hope it hits the right object. The second article estimates the satellite will be traveling at around 17,000 mph. The Navy is going to have to lead that just a little bit.
I suppose the technology has been around for a while (i.e. Star Wars of the Regan era), but it’s still neat to see it put into action.
To my three readers in Canada, walk a little low tomorrow night.
DK
13 Things to Never Say
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I received these in an email from a wise man (my father) recently. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I use/think some of these things rather often….we’ll have to see if I can trim down or eliminate the use of these excuses and what the effects are of not using them and taking more responsibility for my responsibilities.
Never say, “I thought someone else was taking care of that.” Excuses indicate a roadblock to action. You do what you are told, but don’t think about what should be happening. Always ask questions to keep things moving.
Never say, “No one ever told me.” Let a project manager hear you talk this way often and you will have made a very clear statement about the way you work. You operate in a tunnel, oblivious to everything that is going on around you.
Never say, “I just assumed…” Making assumptions is the best way to gain an instant ex-client. This is stuff which layoffs are made of.
Never say, “I left her a message.” So what? Leaving the message doesn’t’ mean you have accomplished anything or that the responsibility is now passed to the person you called.
Never say, “I didn’t have time.” And don’t bother with “I was too busy” either. If you find yourself making statements like these, you are showing your lack of time management and delegation skills. Your epitaph will read, “Couldn’t handle the job.”
Never say, “I didn’t think to ask about that.” Anticipating what needs to be is your job. An inability to see down the road may indicate that you lack the ability to understand and grasp the big picture relationships.
Never say, “But they said it would be done on time.” There’s only one problem – it wasn’t. Why? Because you failed to check for progress and possible problems.
Never say, “It’s scheduled for…” A schedule is only important if completion will be on time. Schedules must be verified as many times as necessary.
Never say, “I’ll do it as soon as I get it from…” If you’re just a cog in the process you’re out. Even though it may not be your fault it’s late, if you’re smart you will make it your responsibility.
Never say, “I’m going to get on it right away.” Of course you are – now that someone has reminded you. You are sending the message that you are disorganized and deal with tasks when they are called to your attention.
Never say, “I’ve been trying to get everyone together, but…” These words make it appear that you cannot handle responsibility or that your associates and team members do not respond to you. Either way means trouble.
Never say, “We’ve been playing phone tag.” You may think you are letting it known how busy you are. No so. Top performers rise above these obstacles. Use a beeper. Give them you home number.
Never say, “I haven’t been able to get through to her.” Sure, voice mail can be a problem. Get creative. Send flowers; a limo, do whatever it takes.
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