And I have searched in vain for a video of what started it all... 

In 1974, my family was vacationing in Ecuador.  At that time there was a Rally that ran all through the country.  Our friends lived in Manta, and the race wound through town, having an overnight stop.  We were given the opportunity to walk among the cars as they sat in Parc Ferme.  The teams couldn't work on the cars at that time, but team members were around the cars, answering questions and interacting with the crowd.  It was the first (and only) time I was able to see a Lancia Stratos up close. 

Early the following morning, we got up and rode a bus into the country outside of Manta.  Out hosts knew of "a spot" that would be entertaining. 

It was a small cafe in the middle of nowhere, just after a crest in the road.  We sat on the patio all morning, eating local food and watching the 50 or 60 cars entered in the event come by.  Each car launched a little (or a lot) as it came over the crest.  Some just barely pulled their wheels off of the ground, others flew for 20 or 30 yards. 

There were no big factory teams, but there were some teams that were obviously well sponsored.  There were also teams that looked like they barely could put together a deal for fuel each day. 

I couldn't understand much of the conversation around me, as I didn't speak much Spanish... but I could understand the excitement.  I knew which fans were cheering for which marques.  I knew who the local drivers were... and which driver's wife and sister were sitting in the same cafe. 

Ever since that moment, I have loved seeing this particular type of car hurtling through the woods, along the coast, in the desert or the snow.  On asphalt, gravel and dirt. I love the smell of the fuel. The clutch.  The tires.  The brakes.  Thirty-five years later, I can think back to that day... sipping a Coke, eating fresh baked croissants, watching these brave racers drive on real roads at breakneck speeds.

It isn't WHY I'm a car guy... I was a car guy before I was 9 years old.  But, at the same time it says a lot about why I LIKE being a car guy.

One day I might find video from one of those South American Rallyes... but I still have my memories...

Every once in a while I run across a video that is amazing... and then there are some that are hilarious.  Tonight's installment has one of each. 

I'll start with slow and amazing. 

I've always felt that motorsports represented a kind of dance...  Man, Machine and Talent... combined into an artistic expression.  The footwork of the racer going through the gears while blipping the throttle on up and down shifts, feathering the brakes and strategically slipping the clutch or trailbraking while increasing throttle pressure...  All of this framed by the rhythm of the steering inputs. 

This video slows down the responses as viewed from outside... both in two and four wheeled sport. 

The Fast and Hilarious... 

This modified Cadillac launches so hard that On-Star thinks it has been in an accident.  So they call to make sure everything is ok.  You have to get to the 1:30 mark to hear the operator call to check up...  That's funny.

Happy 77th Birthday, Dad. 

I wish I could give you a gift worth even 10% of what you have given me.  The lessons that you taught me, and the values that you instilled in me are the most amazing gifts one could receive.  Now that I am a Dad, those gifts are even more important.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and the impact you've had on my life and the lives of my family. 

As I go through the joys and travails of fatherhood, I often ask what you would do.  I think back to when you told me about finding me crawling through a drainage culvert pipe.  One of the most important lessons from that for me was that even when I am freaking out on the inside, on the outside I have to be the calm rock my kids need.  I never understood how afraid you could be... until now.  And I now I find it amazing that you were so calm. 

I vividly remember how bored I was in all of the museums you dragged me in to.  I remember how I swore I wouldn't drag my kids through battlefield "interpretive centers" and "interactive experiences."  Of course that was when I was just a kid... and now I want to drag my kids to the same places. 

The gift I could have given was the boys, they would have brought you joy.  I know that you would have loved to have been able to play with them and bounce each of them on your knee in turn.  And I also know what you meant when you told me that one of your great joys was to give me a kiss on the forehead as I slept, as a youngster.  

I hope that you know that even thought you have been gone for 12 years, you are still very much a part of my life and the lives of your grandsons.  And though they won't meet you in this life, you will shape them as you have shaped me. 

Happy Birthday, Dad.

And thank you!

There are a few things that need to be said up front... This is NOT my story. This is the story from someone that was on US Airways Flight #1549 when it went into the Hudson River. The story is that of a friend of a co-worker of my wife... not quite direct, but we had an email conversation before I posted this. There was NO way I was going to put this up without permission. He had emailed it to a few people... and away it went.

Here is the story

Hello, All.

I realize many folks have expressed an interest in hearing (1st hand) the full details of flight 1549...

But, before I go into that, let me begin by saying THANK YOU! I can't thank everyone enough for all the support, emails, text messages, and voice-mails I've received. This event has made me extremely proud to be an Accenture employee and has made me realize how blessed I am to have such a great network of colleagues and friends to lean on.

The story:

I flew up to New York late Wednesday night for a quick client meeting on Thursday morning. I had booked a 5PM return, but since we wrapped up around noon, I decided to head to the airport early and jump on the earlier flight (flight 1549).

Everything was normal on takeoff... We lifted off under full throttle and after a minute or so, the pilot throttled back and continued climbing.

It was at least 2-3 minutes more before we heard a loud crash that shook the cabin. At this point, it sounded like the captain quickly backed off on the throttle and leveled the plane. We made a few turns, but seemed to be flying level and straight. Although, initially, there was a gasp, the sudden quiet brought about a sense of relief across all of us... We were still flying, and it seemed like we would be going back to the airport. However, at that time, we started to smell some smoke in the cabin (to me, like an electrical burnt smell). While concerning, I still felt like things were alright because we seemed to be flying ok.

We continued to cruise, what seemed to be level for the next several minutes. It was clear we were following the Hudson River, but I really had no idea both of our engines were completely out.

Then came the announcement... "BRACE FOR IMPACT"... It was a very calm voice and in the same demeanor as you routinely here the Captain say, "Flight Attendants Prepare the Cabin for Arrival".

In my mind the first thought was, "You've got to be kidding me, right?" Then it sunk in... We were going down, and we were going to do it in the river.

The next thing that went through my head was a quick prayer... "Dear Lord, please help us through this... I could really use You right now".

The flight attendants were giving quick instructions... Head between your knees, grab your ankles. Then they started to chant, "Tuck and Brace, Tuck and Brace". The plane appeared to be descending normally, maybe even slower than a normal landing.

I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and powered it up... Maybe I'd have a chance to call my wife and tell her that I love her and to make sure she tells my 2 year old son that I Love him every day. The phone started to come up, but I never did get any bars to make that call.

They say your life flashes before your eyes in the final moments... It didn't for me. I was focused on how my wife would manage, how I'd never get to see my son grow up. I was also very glad I opted for the "7X my salary" on the life insurance.

Still looking for bars on my cell, I could tell, we were really close to the water. I did what the flight attendants said and quickly 'tucked & braced', holding on tight... Then we hit the water. It was pretty bumpy and it felt like we took a hard left turn in the water, but we came to a stop. I was expecting the worst... Maybe the plane would flip... Maybe it would break apart and flood quickly. It didn't.

I was sitting in the bulk head row just behind first class (seat 4D). As we stopped, the Captain announced quickly, "Abandon Plane, Abandon Plane!" Within seconds, the stewardess in the front was popping the doors open and we were sliding out to safety. I went out the front right door which turned out to be probably the best option as only the front doors had inflatable rafts that deployed.

As I got to the end of the raft, I looked towards both shore-lines... My thought was if the raft was too full, could I swim it? There wasn't a chance, it was approximately 1/2 mile in each direction and you could tell the water was "Titanic-style" cold. At this point, people were pouring out of the plane onto the wings and it was a great feeling to know we were all getting out. Another quick look at the shorelines, and I realized there was a ferry approaching fast... In fact, there were 4 ferries and they all arrived simultaneously.

Once everyone from our raft was on board, the Ferry quickly made tracks for the Manhattan shoreline and the ferry terminal. It wasn't more than a 2-3 minute ride before we docked and all headed into the terminal.

They used the terminal as a holding area in order to establish counts of us all. Luckily, I had already made several calls to my wife, and was now focused on reaching out to a wider group of folks to let them know I was fine. I quickly received a voice mail from Wayne trying to find out if I was on the plane. After returning his call, I was able to provide him with the details and asked him to contact the Employee Assistance hotline.

The Employee Assistance Program was truly a 'God-send'. They immediately contacted my wife, keeping her up-to-date. They also purchased a plane ticket for her so she could fly up to NY that evening to be with me. They arranged for a car service to come down and retrieve me from the docks, took care of booking me a hotel room and handled the travel arrangements for my return flight on Friday. Wayne took charge of the car service and came down to the pier to take care of me.

Back at the Hotel, there was food in the room waiting on me (thanks Dan!). I had also mentioned that I needed a phone charger and there were two brand new chargers ready to top off my phone. On another table there was a full set of toiletries. A few minutes later a bell man arrived with a wardrobe of clothes in my size from Lord and Taylor. It turns out, my wife had provided my sizes to the employee assistance group and they took care of the rest.

I didn't have much time before I jumped in the car service and headed to the airport to meet my wife. Seeing her come down the stairs to baggage claim was about the greatest thing in the whole world. The crash was quite surreal and left me feeling with a sense of, "Am I really alive, or did I really go down with the plane and I'm just dreaming all of this." When she came through security and was finally in my arms, I knew it wasn't a dream and that everything was truly ok.

I made it back to Charlotte Friday afternoon... We got home just before 4PM and rushed over to pick up my son from the neighbors. The tears were unstoppable as I thought about how lucky I was to hold him in my arms again.

An event like this really puts into perspective how important your family is and how easy it is to take them for granted. As consultants we work many hours and I find that when I'm home, I just want to relax and unwind. It has only been a few weeks, but I believe I've experienced a fundamental shift in that regard. The time I spend with my family has become real quality time and every moment is cherished.

I'd like to close this with a few thank you's to some amazing folks within the Firm. First, Wayne, you are the man! I can't imagine how much more I could have taken being stuck in the ferry terminal area. It was also great just having a beer with you and putting the day behind me. Second, I can't say enough about the support I received from Dan. He jumped into action and made an attempt at retrieving me from the docks. At the Hotel, he made sure my wife and I had everything we needed (as well as a few things beyond what we needed). Most importantly, he made sure we were comfortable and convinced me that I should take some down time to spend with Family (I'm so glad I took your advice!). I want to thank Cyndy who led up the incident from the Global Asset Protection group. I really feel you provided amazing support and in true Accenture fashion well beyond my expectations.

Lastly, thank you Mary, who immediately contacted my wife, and with repeated phone calls, helped to facilitate her flight, as well as coordinated with other groups in helping to insure I had all I needed. According to my wife, Mary provided the support she needed for her as well, lending an invaluable "virtual" shoulder to cry on.

Thank YOU all...

Tripp Harris

I don't know about you, but I had to hold back tears reading this. I thought of my sons and my wife, and what I would do in this situation. Even after reading through it a few times while posting it, it was no less powerful.

Take a minute.  Think about your life.  Think about the opportunities that you have today... right now.  What is the most important thing we can do?  I love my clients.  I don't work with people that can't be my friends, but there are times when my family gets to win.  Luckily, the VAST majority of my clients appreciate that.  They know that they are a high priority, but that there are times that family has to come first. 

What is important?

from LaneBailey.com

I wrote my Father's Day post a while ago, and now that the day has passed, I thought I would write something else.

As i was growing up, my father was fond of just calling me "the boy."  I often referred to him as "old man."  And so, one day I was wandering around a book store and I happened upon a book called "The Old Man and the Boy" which was actually bundled with another book called "The Old Man's Boy Grows Older."  These were by Robert Ruark, a writer for Field & Stream, among other things...  I had never read the book(s), nor had I heard of the author.  I was just hooked enough by the title that I decided to buy it for Father's Day.

This was a couple of weeks prior to Father's Day, and I hadn't sent the book to MN yet.  I have long had a voracious appetite for books, and I just happened to pick up the book I was sending my father.  I thought I would at least take a look before sending it off...  It shouldn't take long, because I had figured out that the books were about hunting and fishing, neither of which really interested me that much...

The next day I finished both halves of the book, packed it up and sent it to my father.  I was a fan of Ruark when i set that book down.  But, my father wasn't the hunting and fishing type... so, I knew that he would at least enjoy the title.  (Dad wasn't the hunting/fishing type, either)

Not only had my father heard of the author, but had been a fan as a youngster.  He wasn't familiar with the series depicted in the book(s) I sent, because he wasn't reading Field & Stream.  He had read (like most other boys his age) many of the stories of African Hunts that Ruark had written.  I went in search of a First Edition and while the younger than me counter guy had never heard of Ruark, the guys behind me in line... similar age to my father... had not only heard of him, but also wanted to find editions.

Odd that two grown men could be connected by hobbies that neither enjoyed...  But, the writing wasn't about hunting and fishing in Coastal North Carolina as much as about the relationship between a boy and his Grandfather.  And even then, it was about learning. 

When my father passed away, I found the book while handling his estate.  It now resides on my bookshelf.  And each time i see it, I think of my father.  I'm probably going to have to read it again... for about the 6th time.  I love reading blogs... but every once in a while, it is nice to read something completely different.

And, as an added bonus, the man was an incredible writer.  At 2:00am, as I was reading about the breakfast the Old Man was cooking for the Bot on a fishing trip to the Outer Banks, I was overcome with the urge to eat eggs.  I could taste the food just from the description. 

And he would have been an amazing blogger.

Those of you that know me already are well aware of my sense of humor. Those of you that know me well, know that I love cover music. What better way to combine humor, cover music and Christmas…

Enjoy this Holiday Season. I’ll be back each day with a new post, and I promise that some of them will be real estate related.

;^ ) 

There are three things in music of which I'm not a big fan.

• Reggae
• Elvis
• Led Zeppelin
  

Now, I'm not against any of them. Just, none of them hit my top 287 list. But, when one takes a little of each, and blends them together, there is magic. I wish I'd had my thinking cap on when I went out to Vegas for the NAR Convention. Viva Las Vegas...

Don't worry, I'm going to kick in another amazing video tomorrow.

Now, because this is a real estate blog... oh forget it, I can't even come up with an excuse. I'll have a better excuse tomorrow...

I have Life's Little Instruction Book and firmly believe that it contains some great points.  There are a couple that stick out to me... all of the time. 

• Own a house with a fireplace.  In the last 15 years, every house I have owned has had a fireplace.  I think I could count the number of fires I had in them on one hand... but I don't think a house is complete without one. 
  
• Own a convertible.  Triumphs and Jeeps.  I'm out of Triumphs, but I will always have a Jeep.  I understand why one should own a convertible, too.  There is no way for the bad attitude to be contained.  It just dissipates.  It's even better with the doors off. 
  
• Over-tip breakfast waitresses.  They deserve it.  I used to work a counter, and it is rough.  Add to that the little old ladies (and gentlemen) that leave a quarter after sitting there for an hour... give a nice tip. 
  
• Call your Mother.  I lost my Dad to cancer in 1997... I talk to my Mother at least once a week.  We don't always get along, but she is the only Mother I have, and I think she did better than the best she could trying to raise me.  I was a handful. 
  

So, why did we go through all of this? 

I want to add my own little piece of advice.  Do something crazy.  Please note, I didn't say to do something stupid.  (before doing anything crazy, please consult your doctor, lawyer, accountant and spouse... kinda makes crazy tough, huh?).  

So, back to the insanity...

Let me give you a few examples of the crazy things I've done that have made my life worth living.  

• Raced a sportscar.  I ran SCCA Solo for several years.  It was great.  Anyone can do it... ok, almost anyone. 
  
• Rolled a Jeep... ok, flopped it a few times.  But, I drove up some trails that I would have thought impossible. 
  
• Ran a marathon... ok, mostly walked... and didn't actually finish, but I could have.  I will go back and do that one again. 
  

Why?  (I just looked up and noticed that I wrote the three Rs... Racing, Rolling and Running)  Because it is those things that make the best stories.  I mean really... which conversation will stop you in your tracks while wandering through the office party?  "I took the family to DisneyWorld this summer" or "So there we were, the Jeep upside-down at the bottom of the ravine."  

But, even better, it helps you push your own boundaries.  I know that I can do things I thought were impossible.  I know that applying some self-discipline will bring me to the goal I set.  Some of those goals will be related to business, some to finances, others will be family.  But, the ones that free me are the ones that are only related to goofing off... and goofing off in an over the top sort of way.  But, when we step past our comfort zone, that is where we learn about ourselves.  The growth we get from that learning is what makes us more able to do our jobs.  (I keep telling myself that)

>>When I get the SO talked into the film scanner, I will be posting a much cooler variety of car stuff...<< 

And then I thought about it and decided that it wasn't as good as I thought it was...

Do you want to know the word?  It will take comments...

Anyway, as most of my weird ideas seem to, it pooped into my head at the oddest time.  I was wandering through the grocery store with my son.  As we approached the frozen pizza, I had a completely unrelated idea.  I talked it over with him... he thought it was cool, as long as I let him drive the little car attached to the front of the grocery cart.  

After we picked up dinner (DiGiorno Stuffed Crust...) we headed out to the truck.  It's only two miles from the store to the house, but Garrett wanted to talk about... construction equipment.  I tried to mention the new word to him again, but since I didn't make up "Backhoe" he didn't care any more.  

Anyway, ever have one of those moments?  You know the ones, flash of inspiration... and then reality sets in.  The flash wasn't inspiration, but rather just a misfired synapse.  I think everyone would love to hear... and if a few people ask nicely, I'll toss out my new word... 

While on another site, I ran across a fun little "tool" that is strictly for fun. It's even kind of real estate related...

Basically, you enter a few things about yourself on a questionnaire, and a home is generated for you. Mine had one of my garages full of Ferraris. How appropriate is that? I don't even remember a question about cars, although there was a box to check for welding.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to use something like this for viral marketing.

Your home is a Magnate's Hideout Your kitchen is someplace you never go, because you "have people for that." There's a Chocolatessin, a word you made up yourself, but that is beginning to catch on among your wealthy neighbors. Your master bedroom is the size of a small barn, with carpet thick enough to reach your ankles. Your study has hardback editions of every classic ever written, plus a special edition of Rich Dad, Poor Dad with the parts you ghost-authored highlighted. One of your garages holds your collection of ferraris, and is measured in acreage. Your home also includes a guest wing and private quarters for your servants. Your guests enjoy your collection of every console and associated game ever made. Except the Intellivision -- those controllers drive them NUTS. Outside is your hedge maze and gardens, meticulously tended by a team of world-class botanists. And, you have a pet -- a doberman pincer named "Warren". Below is a snippet of the blueprints:

Find YOUR Dream Home!