See Expeditions Unknown - Ransom in the Sky

In Expeditions Unknown - Ransom in the Sky. The D.B. Cooper story.  Season 9. Episode 3

Designed Inefficiency

Our constitutional framers designed our American form of government to be inefficient.

Our experiment has outlasted countless governments that were much more streamlined and designed to be efficient, nimble, and quick to act. Autocratic, dictatorial, or fascist regimes are much more efficient (in the short term) than we are. And it’s that efficiency that kills them.

We need to remember the vision of our framers. Our decisions are slow. They are reviewed, challenged, and tested before they go into effect. We are inefficient by design, and for good reason. It’s the best system for long-term survival. Sometimes, no decision is the best decision.

So, those who want a much more streamlined, efficient, and nimble government run the real risk of destroying our democracy. Our survival depends on keeping our branches of government equal and ensuring our checks and balances filter out bad decisions. Let us survive another 248 years. Let’s stay painfully inefficient.

Always Know Your Exits and Security Tips

Safety and Security Tips

1. Always be aware of your exits. In panic situations, we do as we plan/train. Even when you’re outside, be aware of your exits so you can lead your family to safety. Remember, people usually exit the route they entered, especially when panicked. Plan for an alternative exit(s).
2. When driving, always stop far enough back so you can see the car's tires in front of you touching the road.
3. Park in spots that are under lighting in high-traffic areas.
4. Always leave yourself an out.
5. Accelerate out of trouble and into safety.
6. Get in the habit of locking your car as you enter.
7. Use non-washable ink Uniball 207 pens for all checks and legal documents.
8. In a parking lot, do not park next to a van.
9. Always look into your car’s back seat before getting in.
10. Car keys are a powerful weapon to use if accosted.
11. Always check your tires as you approach your car.
12. When driving, always position yourself so you can drive around the obstacle without using the reverse gear.
13. Always park so you can pull out without using the reverse gear.
14. Keep your windshield clean to reduce driver fatigue.

Understanding the Real Message

My lectures are often entitled, "Understanding the Real Message." 

Understanding the Real Message is a critical and needed outcome in the complex communication process. We learn at an early age to listen to what people say, not what they didn’t say or what they really mean. Using Forensic Linguistics, we will break down the communication process and help the attendee better understand what is being communicated, what isn’t, and why precise and accurate communication results in better, factual, and more ethical decision-making. The process includes asking the right question, the right way, at the right time. Equally important is the minimization of contamination. 

Contamination is anything that affects communication. Questions contaminate, the number of interviewers contaminates, interview locations contaminate, and even the absence of contamination contaminates. 

Through lecture and real-life examples, attendees will learn the skills necessary to understand the communication process, preparing them to become better communicators and ethical decision-makers.