Hudson River Miracle

My mommy's friend Juan Betancourt sent an email to her with his boss's account of the crash of USAir Flight 1549 in the Hudson. Juan's boss Gerry McNamara was on that fated flight and since he received so many emails from friends asking if he was okay and what actually happened, Gerry wrote an email and sent it to all his friends, family and colleagues telling his story.

We at the PPP thought it would be interesting to read some one's first hand account of what happened on that flight, how they survived and the important lessons learned from that miraculous day. Here is Gerry's account:

Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the
Park Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for LaGuardia
Airport.

I was scheduled for a 5pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the
earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3PM. As many of us who fly
frequently often do, I recall wondering if I'd just placed myself on a
flight I shouldn't be on!

Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my
associate, Jenn Sparks (New York), and our placement, the CIO of
United Airlines. When I told him that I was about to board a US
Airways flight, we all had a little fun with it.

I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in
the cockpit and thinking "that's a good thing... I like to see grey
hair in the cockpit!"

I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young
business man. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I've taken what
seems like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over
the Bronx and as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New
Jersey and tack south. I love to fly, always have, and this flight
plan gives a great view of several NY landmarks including Yankee
Stadium and the George Washington Bridge.

I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to
me when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear
while flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt.
10 seconds later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we
would be landing and thought the pilot would take us down no doubt to
Newark Airport. As we began to turn south I noticed the pilot lining
up on the river still - I thought - en route for Newark.

Next thing we heard was "Brace for impact!" - a phrase I had heard
many years before as an active duty Marine Officer but never before on
a commercial air flight. Click for more.

Everyone looked at each other in shock. It all happened so fast we
were astonished!

We began to descend rapidly and it started to sink in. This is the
last flight. I'm going to die today. This is it. I recited my favorite
bible verse, the Lord's Prayer, and asked God to take care of my wife,
children, family and friends.

When I raised my head I noticed people texting their friends and
family..getting off a last message. My blackberry was turned off and
in my trouser pocket.no time to get at it. Our descent continued and I
prayed for courage to control my fear and help if able.

I quickly realized that one of two things was going to happen, neither
of them good. We could hit by the nose, flip and break up, leaving few
if any survivors, bodies, cold water, fuel. Or we could hit one of the
wings and roll and flip with the same result. I tightened my seat belt
as tight as I could possibly get it so I would remain intact.

As we came in for the landing, I looked out the windows and remember
seeing the buildings in New Jersey, the cliffs in Weehawken, and then
the piers. The water was dark green and sure to be freezing cold. The
stewardesses were yelling in unison "Brace! Brace! Brace!"

It was a violent hit - the water flew up over my window - but we
bobbed up and were all amazed that we remained intact.

There was some panic - people jumping over seats and running towards
the doors, but we soon got everyone straightened out and calmed down.
There were a lot of people that took leadership roles in little ways.
Those sitting at the doors over the wing did a fantastic job.they were
opened in a New York second! Everyone worked together - teamed up and
in groups to figure out how to help each other.

I exited on the starboard side of the plane, 3 or 4 rows behind my
seat through a door over the wing and was, I believe, the 10th or 12th
person out. I took my seat cushion as a flotation device and once
outside saw I was the only one who did..none of us remembered to take
the yellow inflatable life vests from under the seat.

We were standing in 6-8 inches of water and it was freezing. There
were two women on the wing, one of whom slipped off into the water.
Another passenger and I pulled her back on and had her kneel down to
keep from falling off again. By that point we were totally soaked and
absolutely frozen from the icy wind.

The ferries were the first to arrive, and although they're not made
for rescue, they did an incredible job. I know this river, having swum
in it as a boy. The Hudson is an estuary - part salt and part fresh
water - and moves with the tide. I could tell the tide was moving out
because we were tacking slowly south towards Ellis Island, The Statue
of Liberty, and The Battery.

The first ferry boat pulled its bow up to the tip of the wing, and the
first mate lowered the Jacobs ladder down to us. We got a couple
people up the ladder to safety, but the current was strong pushing the
stern of the boat into the inflatable slide and we were afraid it
would puncture it.there must have been 25 passengers in it by now.
Only two or three were able to board the first ferry before it moved away.

Another ferry came up, and we were able to get the woman that had
fallen into the water on the ladder, but she just couldn't move her
legs and fell off. Back onto the ladder she went; however, the ferry
had to back away because of the swift current. A helicopter arrived on
station (nearly blowing us all off the wing) and followed the ferry
with the woman on the ladder. We lost view of the situation but I
believe the helicopter lowered its basket to rescue her.

As more ferries arrived, we were able to get people up on the boats a
few at a time. The fellow in front of me fell off the ladder and into
the water. When we got him back on the ladder he could not move his
legs to climb. I couldn't help him from my position so I climbed up
the ladder to the ferry deck where the first mate and I hoisted the
Jacobs ladder with him on it.when he got close enough we grabbed his
trouser belt and hauled him on deck. We were all safely off the wing.

We could not stop shaking. Uncontrollable shaking. The only thing I
had with me was my blackberry, which had gotten wet and was not
working. (It started working again a few hours later).

The ferry took us to the Weehawken Terminal in NJ where I borrowed a
phone and called my wife to let her know I was okay. The second call I
made was to Jenn. I knew she would be worried about me and could
communicate to the rest of the firm that I was fine. At the terminal,
first responders assessed every one's condition and sent people to the
hospital as needed. As we pulled out of Weehawken my history kicked in
and I recall it was the site of the famous duel between Alexander
Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Thankfully I left town in better
condition than Mr. Hamilton who died of a mortal wound the next day! I
stayed with my sister on Long Island that evening, then flew home the
next day.

I am struck by what was truly a miracle. Had this happened a few hours
later, it would have been pitch dark and much harder to land. Ferries
would no longer have been running after rush hour and it would not
have been the same uplifting story. Surely there would have been
fatalities, hypothermia, an absolute disaster!

I witnessed the best of humanity that day. I and everyone on that
plane survived and have been given a second chance. It struck me that
in our work we continuously seek excellence to solve our client's
leadership problems. We talk to clients all the time about the
importance of experience and the ability to execute. Experience showed
up big time on Flight 1549 as our pilot was a dedicated, trained,
experienced professional who executed flawlessly when he had to.

I have received scores of emails from across the firm and I am so
grateful for the outpouring of interest and concern. We all fly a
great deal or work with someone who does and so I wanted to share this
story - the story of a miracle. I am thankful to be here to tell the
tale.

There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened
to me? Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this
gift? For me, the answers to these questions and more will come over
time, but already I find myself being more patient and forgiving, less
critical and judgmental.

For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share:

1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to
keep your promises.
2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry
about the things you don't have.
3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save
your own life, or help someone else save theirs.
4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll
end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and
of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.

I know from now on when I fly I will make sure I have my doggie booties on and I will talk my mom into buying a doggie life preserver. Chow for now!

Sunday Sermon - Offline Living

Hi y'all! I'm back. I took a little break from the PPP because mom and me have been busy with friends, going out and living life offline. You have to do a little offline living if you want to write a blog so you get some material to actually write about. I am a little dog and I am supposed to be outside living life, meeting people and chasing city squirrels.

Well, yesterday we were in Central Park due to winter giving us a little thaw in the weather. All the snow was melting so my feet were getting a little wet and dirty. Then from the corner of my eye I saw a squirrel and I ran off. My mother was not doing a great job holding my leash so I was able to break free from her to chase the squirrel. It was so great living in the moment, chasing the squirrel, doing what I was meant to do in this life. However the squirrel ran up a tree and mom eventually caught up with me and to her horror saw that I was covered from head to tail in mud. My brain started to come back to me and I didn't like being covered in mud. I stood still and refused to move. After awhile my mom realized she was going to have to carry me home and she wasn't happy about it. Everyone however thought I was too cute and I had lots of laughter thrown my way while mom carried me home. I know they were laughing with me not at me.

When we got home I was unceremoniously dumbed in the tub and scrubbed from head to toe. Then I got a nice blow-dry and was spanking white and fluffy again. Mom wasn't too happy as she had volunteered to make a dinner for the men who bought the apartment we live in. She already had been out till 4 in the morning with them at her friend Jeff's house where they all danced all night. She was a little grouchy from lack of sleep and she had promised to make a Spanish dinner so that needed some research and shopping and cleaning a dirty dog was not on her agenda.

So when mom did finally get to cook the dinner last night, she changed the menu couldn't find some of the ingredients. She should have stayed with her old favorites, or do Italian or tacos but no, she had to make Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) and codfish cakes.

Our guests came over. Jon, Tor and Stefan. They bought the property as an investment when the dollar was weaker as they did not want to invest in the stock market. They are Swedish and are really great guys. They told my mom and me we can stay as long as we want (or at least 10 months). They fixed some of the things that were going wrong in the apartment so we are grateful for that. They brought lots of alcohol which was good because mom burnt the main dish and we had to order from Blockheads to feed our guests (guess who gets the smoked chicken!!). Mom was very embarrassed but they were so nice about it. They stayed till 4 in the morning, those Swedes can sure party. They played with me and I even took a nap with Stefan when he fell asleep on the couch. Here is a photo of me with Stephan and Tor. Skoal to our new Swedish friends!

So mom and I are relieved that we can stay in the apartment however now we have to figure out how to afford it. Wish us luck!! We have some irons in the fire so let's hope the universe is kind to Malteses named Powder Puff.

We have a lot to do this coming week and mom is going to try to make sure I am out with her as much as possible as she knows I have been suffering from small apartment fever and need as much offline living as she does. Mom's life can be feast or famine sometimes so let's hope the feast part is coming up so I can partake of it too.

I guess my sermon for this week is go out and live life. Be happy to meet people, dogs, Swedes, etc. Don't hibernate this winter. We are not bears. We are social beings and need to be with each other and experience life outside our iphones, blackberry's, computers and all other modern technology. After reading this please go out and meet your friends, flirt with a potential lover, have a meal with your family, chase a squirrel, take a risk, take a chance. What have you got to lose?

Chow for now!

Just catching you up on my life...

Today's PPP is not going to be about animals, celebrities or politics. I decided to just ramble a bit about my life and catch you up on what has been happening to mom and me.

Well, the weather has been keeping me inside lately, especially today because it is so cold out my mom keeps my walks to a minimum. I swear I am starting to turn into a cat. Speaking of cats, you have to check this little video out. I think I played it over 100 times and I LOL each time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivIDikbgMs&eurl=http://www.dlisted.com/&feature=player_embedded

Today we have the people who bought the apartment coming over to inspect it so my mommy has been going around throwing bleach on everything (something she learned from my Uncle Adrian) as they will definitely look in our fridge, our cabinets, etc. It's a little snoopy! Well at least she finally got the mold off the walls as I was starting to think my fatigue and headaches was coming from the mold spores. Tomorrow we have to go to the lawyer's office for the closing and they want us to sign two legal documents; one to give up our rights to the apartment, the other is a mini lease. However my mom tells me that we really can't afford to stay here any more. So we are not going to sign any papers until we read them and we are going to have to try and figure out something with the new owners. My mom is a little worried because if we say we are moving, then where do we move to? We are hoping the universe will lead us to the right place. I just hope there is a nice park where ever we settle down to. Mom is just hoping we don't end up in Astoria, she has something against Astoria. I personally like Astoria as the food is great and they have a nice beer garden.

Lately my mom has been having a very social calendar. It's either feast or famine with her. So let's just say you can ask me about any bad reality show and I can tell you about it as mom leaves the tv on for me when she leaves for the evening. Mom has been dipping her toe back into the dating world and she just doesn't know what to think. It's either really young men or older men with teenage children going after her. Many of them seem to think "text dating" is appropriate which is making my mom lose interests fast. She says that it's okay to text someone to tell them you are running late, or to say "hope u r having a nice day!" but not to run the whole relationship through. Some men wonder why my mommy really isn't them and this is pretty much the reason. I think my mommy deserves to be with someone who is man enough to call her, not hide behind technology. Once they get to the apartment then they have to pass MY test as mom only dates men who treat me like a Prince and are man enough to give me a walk (and enjoy it)! I told my mom, "It's okay, I will always be there for you and be the main man in your life." I am steady, loyal, love her unconditionally, I'm warm to snuggle with, I'm always excited to see her, I don't do drugs, I have a job writing a blog and most important I don't talk back or boss her around (believe me I tried).

Tomorrow mom is going with a bunch of girlfriends to see "He's Just Not That Into You" and I have a feeling she will be over men after this film. It will be another Valentines Day with just me as her Valentine.

We are working on getting the spring line up on the site by Valentines Day. We will be busy marketing ourselves at Fashion Week. My mom likes to take me along for these events which I usually love but I am hoping the weather will be a bit warmer.

So that's it in a nutshell. Everything is a little bit up in the air but mom says it should be okay and no to worry. Malteses were not created to be homeless on the street so I am trusting her! Chow for now!

Eye on Palin

Sorry I am sending the PPP so late today, my mom was running around the city today and she is the one that pushes the "publish post" button so as Roger Grimsby used to say, "Here now the news".

It will be short today, but I was made aware of an organization called EyeOnPalin.com. It's an organization and website with a national campaign dedicated to exposing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's anti-conservation agenda.

Their statement follows as: "WASHINGTON –Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today launched a national campaign to expose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's renewed anti-conservation agenda. The Action Fund first highlighted Palin's record in Alaska during last fall's presidential campaign when it ran TV ads across battleground states, highlighting Palin's championing of the brutal and unnecessary aerial killing of wolves and other carnivores.

"Sarah Palin isn't fading into the background, so neither are we," commented Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen. "Given her known political aspirations, the American public deserves to know what she's doing in Alaska, and about her extreme anti-conservation policies. The list is long, and we will document it all, from her continued promotion of the aerial slaughter of wolves and bears, to her lawsuit to remove the polar bear from the endangered species list, even as the sea ice melts beneath it."

Watch the Video NowDefenders Action Fund's campaign to expose Gov. Palin's anti-wildlife agenda has attracted the support of actress and activist, Ashley Judd, who narrates the new video on www.eyeonpalin.org.

"I am outraged by Sarah Palin's promotion of this cruel, unscientific and senseless practice which has no place in modern America," commented Ms. Judd. "Because she is apparently determined to continue and expand this horrific program, I am grateful that Defenders will aggressively fight to stop her. I am proud to be a part of that effort."

Governor Palin is expected shortly to introduce state legislation that would dramatically expand the aerial killing program by removing the few remaining scientific requirements from the program.

During the 2008 presidential election Defenders Action Fund ran several TV ads exposing the realities of the Alaska governor's aerial killing program. The ads stimulated public outrage at Palin's treatment of wolves and other wildlife in her state, helping President Obama to win six swing states. The new website – www.eyeonpalin.org – thus builds on the organization's previous efforts to educate the public about both the aerial killing program and Palin's wider anti-conservation agenda.

"While the country moves on in a new wave of hope and determination to solve our nation's problems, Governor Palin is still stuck in the last century, along with the other global warming deniers. But our new website will track every harmful step she takes with regard to Alaska's environment and natural resources," concluded Schlickeisen."

I don't understand people who think this way, it's not the stone-age anymore. I am very happy that this organization exist and I hope you can view the video that is shown on the website to see how cruel this act is. I as an ancestor to wolves am appalled! Please view it on:

www.eyeonpalin.com

Chow for now!

Working Like a Dog Can Kill Ya

Today in the PPP we pay homage to Springer spaniel Max. Max was a Police sniffer dog who was recently put down due to a rare nose cancer he caught after years of sniffing cocaine during his work.

There are many professions we dogs can participate in; K-9 bomb and drug sniffing dogs, stunt dogs, model dogs, service dogs for the blind, shepherd's dog, hunting dogs etc. I myself have volunteered to become a porn dog but mom says I am a Rivera and not hung well enough to have a career in the porn industry so I reverted to blogging. That is why I am saddened by the death of Max after all the years he gave of his life to service and how ironic that it led to his death.

Police Inspector Anne Higgins, the dog's owner, fears the training may have led to the disease which led to him being put down last week.

Max worked as a drugs dog with the Avon and Somerset police but lived with Insp Higgins, who is based at Tiverton police station in Devon.

She said: "It is ironic the wonderful organ that made him successful in his work has been his demise. It may or may not have been connected with what he used to do. Up until a couple of weeks ago he seemed fine and was doing well but it was an aggressive tumour. It was very hard to have him put down but we had to do it. I took him to the police station which he usually loved and was his favourite place but he did not show any reaction to being there and we knew he was not right."

"He was a fighter until the end and always very dignified. He has had a good life and a successful one as a police dog. Just think of all the bad people he managed to put away."

Max retired from police work last year after arthritis in his back legs led to him being fitted with a trolley so he could still run around.

Inspector Higgins said the cancer caused an infection in his front legs which threatened to leave him completely immobile.

Kate Fairclough, the dog's vet, his work may have caused his death from nasal cancer, which is rare in dogs.

She said: "Sniffing drugs may well have been a factor. I certainly cannot rule it out. Nose cancer in dogs is not at all common. It represents only one or two per cent of all cancers. It is difficult to know what caused it as there are so many different factors involved. Environmental factors can plat a part.

"He had done so well since 2006 when it was thought he would have to be put down so he had an extra three years of life."

In the future the PPP will highlight dog service work and all the brave unsung heroes we have in our canine companions. Max, hopefully you are in that field in the sky sniffing angel rabbit trails. Chow for now!

What's New Pussy Cat!

We here at the PPP are a post for all animals not just dogs. Whilst we realize that many of us are dog lovers (can't blame you there), there are other animals, especially domestic pets that should share the limelight. So today we will spotlight cats.

I actually have not met a cat face to face. I've seen them in shop windows. They are odd. They are similar to dogs but not. I really don't care to know any and they don't seem to care to know me. However they can be quite pretty and very cute when they are baby kittens. So today's post I have included many cute pics of kitty cats interacting with other dogs and bunnies. If you should feel like adopting one you can find a kitty on Petfinder.com.

Don't ever accuse the PPP of favoritism! Chow for now!

Sunday Sermon - Charity

Welcome my flock! LOL! Okay welcome my followers of the PPP to our weekly Sunday Sermon. Today's sermon is about charity. Charity is defined as "benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity". However since I am not a human I am also going to include the love of animals and the environment.

Now that we have a new president we can once again be proud of, there is a lot of good energy out there and what better way to keep the good energy flowing than to be more charitable. Now I don't only mean donating to a charity (although that is a great way to start and support your causes) but to actually donate your time and volunteer.

I say start volunteering with an organization that en capsulizes what you are passionate about whether it's the environment, animal rights, the arts, children, music, stamps, WHATEVER! Just join an organization (or create one if you feel there needs to be more representation) and get in there interacting with your community and making this world a better place to live.

We at the PPP are not only talking the talk but walking the walk. We are a member of Greenpeace, Amnesty International and The Human Society of the United States. It was part of our New Year's resolution to become more part of the solution to making this world a better place to live. We are trying to become a voice for those who have no voice.

In this world of Internet and online living it can be very easy to detach and just become these islands that don't let anyone on or only interact via technology (like the way I communicate to you via the PPP). It's time for some offline living and to actually grow heart connections the old fashion way, with one on one interaction. That includes helping others. I know I don't have to preach that it is far better to give than to receive, we all know that. However we find excuses to not find the time and miss out on making the world a better place to live. Especially in these hard times it is very easy to make excuses but actually these are the best times to make a difference. It's almost a bit selfish as to make yourself feel better, you can do this by making someone or something else better. I guess that is what they mean by "charity begins at home".

To see what charity or organization you would like to volunteer for please visit: http://www.volunteermatch.org/ as they will match your passions with an organization that needs your help and time.

Enough preaching, it's Superbowl Sunday (not that the PPP even knows who is playing) and it's time for us at the PPP to actually debut one of the Superbowl commercials tonight created by Pedigree for the adoption of dogs. It's hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl0x3LlWIig

Enjoy and Chow for now!