The Frozen Shamrock

Favorite Things

2009-03-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

My 2 favorite things.

USAirways Flight 1549: First hand Account

2009-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Gerry McNamara (New York/Charlotte) was on US Airways Flight 1549 last week. Here is his account of the event:
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 5 pm 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 tome 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. 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 histrouser 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 everyone'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.

And I'd like to add: Fly with grey haired Captains.

Code or Co-ed???

2009-02-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

I got home from work about midnight and wanted to watch a movie. I'm trying to catch up on a long list of movies I've never seen before. Clicking through the on-screen programming guide I was thrilled to see "The Da Vinci Code" with Tom Hanks had just started playing on Showtime 2 at 12:30.

I poured myself a glass of wine, sat back in my recliner and started watching what I heard was an incredible film. At first glance, it was not at all what I expected. 3 busty blonds, bad dialogue and Tom Hanks nowhere in sight. I had to make sure I had the right channel on.........yep.. There it was on the on-screen guide....."The Da Vinci Code...Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou (2006)"

I kept watching..and the very next line from one of the busty blonds was "Hi we're the Da Vinci CO-EDS..wanna party?" She said.."The Da Vinci CO-EDS". Then it hit me.... I was watching a porn. And a bad porn at that. Someone at Comcast whose job is to input movie data obviously put in.. "Code" for "Coed" by mistake. I wonder if that guy still has his job.

I can't help wishing to be a fly on the wall when the guy who recorded "The Da Vinci Code" and sits down to watch it with his wife...

Brrrrrrrrr Humbug......

2009-01-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

I have lived in Minnesota for 2 years now and I have learned one thing. The weather effects your mood. I now suffer from seasonal effective disorder. I think that's what they call it. People here get depressed in the winter. Holed up inside for a few months a year is just a way of life for Minnesotans. Sure people here enjoy their ice fishing, snow sports and Winter Carnival but for the most part December through February we hibernate...therefore it can get seriously depressing. I now understand why people have cabins. To avoid cabin fever.

After a month of temperatures in the teens and windchills 20 and 30-below, we finally got a small, crumb-sized taste of spring...The sun was shining as a warm front came through overnight. It felt great. The burst of warm air in my lungs felt like an early spring day. I even heard a bird chirpping and I started scanning around the sea of snow for blades of grass..even dead grass... I felt this weight was lifted. I was in a good mood and took my dog Murphy for an extra long walk. Life is good..

My bubble burst when I checked the temperature and it was just 30. How could 30 degrees seem so warm? It's still officially freezing outside and I'm thinking I may need sunscreen. The worst part about it......we had 1 day of 30 degrees. That was yesterday. As I write this- the temperature is minus 6.....wait..............seriously it just changed...it's now minus 7 . Wake me in April.

Moving Day

2009-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

I'm always fascinated in the behind the scenes details.
The United States has few political ceremonial traditions but Inauguration Day has to be the most interesting of them all. It is a day full of customs, protocol and tradition celebrating the transfer of power. The historical significance of this Inauguration aside, I find the small details of Inauguration Day the most interesting.

The day started with the President -Elect, Vice President -elect and their wives attending services at St. John's Church, known as the "Church of Presidents" just a few blocks away from the White House. After church, the families arrive at the White House and are greeted in the North Portico by President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Michelle Obama arrived with white box wrapped in red ribbon for the outgoing First Lady Laura Bush. (That gift will be numbered and documented by the White House Gift Registry as the First Families last official gift) The 45 minute White House visit was officially called a "coffee" but I'm not sure if any coffee was actually served.

Next comes perhaps the most awkward part of Inauguration Day. The limo ride of incoming and outgoing Presidents to the Capitol. (Outgoing President is seated on the passenger side)

Some years the ride is a little more awkward than others. Presidential historians say Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman got into an argument during their 12 minute trip.

Scholars also report the limo ride of Presidents Carter and Reagan was a little frosty as well. (left)

Immediately following the Inauguration Address, then former President Bush is escorted to Edwards Air Force Base where he will fly home to Crawford Texas. He'll be on board the same plane but it is no longer referred to during that trip as "Air Force One" since he is no longer President.

At exactly 12:01pm, even before President Obama took the oath of office the White House website was changed to the new administration.

In the 6 hour time of transition, a team of 95 people will be completely transforming the White House residence to the Obama family specifications. All 135 rooms including 35 bathrooms will be changed over. Closets will be filled with Michelle's designer clothes. Obama's favorite food in the fridge. And the children's toys placed their new bedrooms. There will be no moving boxes or any sign of the Bushes. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will then officially be the Obama's home.

Do it for Dawk..Go Eagles!!

2009-01-15T23:17:00.000-08:00

Melissa Loven Benefit

2009-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, Melissa was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that is both shocking and life altering. Melissa and her husband, Twin Cities musician Jeff Loven have 2 small children and mounting medical bills. Although we are optimistic for her recovery, there is no doubt there is a very long road ahead for them.

On Sunday January 11th, family and friends will gather to help raise money and support the Lovens need to get back on track. Come join us for a day of live music and fun as we unite for this wonderful cause and extraordinary family.

Silent auction items include autographed CD's and DVD's by Bon Jovi and Sugarland, guitars, ink time, leather jackets and more.

Benefit is being held at Throwbacks in Woodbury

Doors open at 1pm. Music starts at 3pm

Breaking News: TastyGate!!!!

2008-12-30T10:24:00.001-08:00

(Minneapolis, MN) An anonymous email recieved at The Frozen Shamrock newsroom is sending shockwaves through the Twin Cities.

In a covert operation at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome a Philadelphia Eagles fanatic accessed the Minnesota Vikings locker room and placed the "Tastykake Curse" on the team just days before their NFC Wildcard game against the Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

The informant claims the curse was activated by secretly placing an opened box of "Taskycake Butterscotch Krimpets" somewhere inside the Viking's Metrodome locker room.

A photograph shows the box is a special edition package emblazoned with the Eagles logo.

Pictures that accompanied the email provided visual proof the curse that bears the name of the Philadelphia made snack cake is place. The "Tastycake Curse" dates back to the 1980 World Series when when a package of "Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes" was discovered by an equipment manager above the locker of Kansas City Royals Willie Wilson. Wilson ended up striking out to end the the World Series and hand the Phillies a championship.

NFL Security is currently searching for the hidden snack cakes and mastermind behind the latest curse.

Hometown vs. Hometown

2008-12-28T19:39:00.001-08:00

It's funny how football works. At the beginning of the day I was just happy to learn I would be able to watch my Philadelphia Eagles on television for their last regular season game.

I don't get to see many games since I live in the Twin Cities and I usually work Sundays so today was a treat.

The Eagles were playing for their playoff lives. I told my wife that their chance of making it to the playoffs was about 10 percent. Well since both Tampa Bay and Chicago lost and the Eagles put a spanking on the Cowboys...the Eagles have made the playoffs. And they're coming to Minnesota next Sunday. My hometown playing my NEW hometown.

So 8 hours later I am getting frantic calls from family and friends looking for tickets and trying to get flights from Philadelphia for the weekend. I am sure it will be a week of trash talking and mudslinging with my friends from the Twin Cities.

Although I live here now I can't say I'm ready to throw my allegiance to the Vikings. If it were any other team I would......but this is the Eagles. I bleed green....see you all at the game ..I'll be the one with the Donovan McNabb jersey on.

UPDATE: Orphan Annie

2008-12-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Orphan Annie going to a foster home

I am happy to report "Orphan Annie' the Golden Retriever who was shot twice with a rifle in rural Minnesota is going to her new foster home. She'll be cared for by Dayle Stubbs, Foster Coordinator for Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota. (RAGOM)

Dayle Stubbs and Annie

Annie's journey started when she was found in a snow bank by a passing motorist blood-covered and shivering in sub-zero temperatures. She was taken to the Pope County Humane Society, then to a local vet hospital and eventually to the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Center. So far no one has come forward as the dogs owner as police investigate the shooting. They have few leads.

This gorgeous 2 year old dog underwent complex surgery and a week in the ICU recovering. Meantime, her story has captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Donations from 1 to a thousand dollars have come in to help pay Annies staggering vet bills. Last week doctors gave her a 60-percent chance of survival. 6 days later she's now wagging her tail and headed off to her new foster home in Minneapolis. RAGOM officials will now decide which lucky family out of the hundreds of applications will adopt Annie as their family dog.

To Donate to Annie's fund or adoption information click

http://www.ragom.org/

Winter is finally here...

2008-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

For the rest of the country winter arrived on December 21st.

Here in Minnesota-it arrived in September.

So far this month, we've had more than 11 inches of snow.

But if there's one thing I've learned about living in the Land of 10,000 (frozen) Lakes is that you have to embrace the weather. So, Cheers!!! Here's to winter!!!!

Orphan Annie

2008-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

As a TV reporter I see the best and worst in society. Today I witnessed both in 1 story.

We found out that a beautiful 2 year old Golden Retriever had been found in a snow bank covered in blood on a country road in Pope County Minnesota. Veterinarians quickly learned the dog had been shot twice with a rifle. No one knows who owns the dog. No one knows who shot the dog. I just can't imagine who would knowingly pull the trigger on a helpless innocent dog. That's the bad news.

The good news is the dog has been taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Center here in the Twin Cities. Vets have been working around the clock to save the dog they have now dubbed "Orphan Annie". She is in the ICU and is not out of the woods just yet. The more time passes the better Annie's chances of survival.

I knew this story would tug at the heart strings of a lot of people-especially dog owners. So far many people have come forward with donations to help pay for Annie's $15,000 medical bills after a complex surgery and 24 hour care. The organization "Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota" is taking on the task of taking care of Annie and eventually her adoption.

Donate to Annie's cause:

http://www.ragom.org/ .

Here's a link to my story on KSTP.com

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S710956.shtml?cat=1

Merry Christmas from Minnesota!!

2008-12-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

White (trash) Christmas in Minnesota

photo by Dawn O'Connell

Another subzero night at the office....

2008-12-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's nights like these where my job-quite frankly- sucks. A winter storm blew through the Twin Cities and I got the lucky assignment to do the obligatory live shot next to a highway telling viewers about what they can already see outside their kitchen window. It's snowing and you shouldn't be outside. On this night the wind chill was 20 below zero. And it got even colder the following night.

Photographers Jason Hanson and Kevin Bubach were with me this night broadcasting from I-94 in St. Paul. It got so cold that my eyes teared up and instantly froze my eyelids shut. Pretty nasty bone chilling weather..On days like these I just wonder why I moved from Florida where the wind chill today was 75..

Recession?? What recession??

2008-12-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

My wife Dawn and I made a stop at Maplewood Mall for a few last minute Christmas gifts and a couple other things.

I was amazed at how crowded the mall was. I know it should be no surprise that a mall was packed 12 days before Christmas but with all of this talk of the bad economy and a recession I figured many people would be staying home. Apparently not..

We first went through the annual ritual of finding a parking space in the mall's parking lot which took about 10 minutes alone.

When we got inside the mall our first stop was Bath and Body Works. Weaving through the sea of shoppers and lavender bath bombs my wife got what she needed..1 bottle of lotion. "Sensual Amber" if I remember correctly.

We then proceeded to the checkout line where it all hit me....the economy must be in better shape than I thought. I counted 32 people waiting to pay for their body creams, bubble baths and aromatherapy.

We waited in line for about 13 minutes...not that I was counting. The all of the sudden a cashier who couldn't be more than 12 years old hung a sign on the "cash" register
saying they are not accepting cash. Only credit cards, debit cards, checks, your first born child and gold bullion...but no cash.

I guess the store realized that in this economy most people no longer have any cash to their names so they figured they'd help the average consumer dig themselves deeper in debt by not even offering a cash option.

When I asked the clerk why only half of their "cash" registers actually accept cash-she told me it was to "keep the lines moving" and "giving out change holds up the line".

Really?? How long does it take to count change?? After all it says so right there on the dollar bill. "Legal Tender". At least 1 woman was so disgusted she left the store saying "They're not getting any of my money.. all I have is cash". Luckily that woman was in front of us in line so we moved up a space...

We finally got to the cashier who obviously did not want to be there. I overheard her tell another employee how she can't wait until the holiday's are over. But the holiday's is WHY this girl has a job.

I after 17 minutes of waiting in line, I finally paid $10.76 cents for my wife's "Sensual Amber" body lotion (on debit card).

Then it finally hit me..we spent all of this time in the store and our purchase wasn't even for holiday gift.

Leaving the mall about an hour later I thought about the parking lot filled with cars, a mall packed with shoppers, long lines, stores refusing to accept cash and people like me willing to spend a half hour waiting to pay for a bottle of body lotion. My question is how bad can this economy really be??

It's a question I'd love to ask someone who has lived through "The Great Depression"

Happy Birthday Dawn!!!

2008-12-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

I LOVE YOU!!

Happy 34th!!

Winter is here....

2008-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

I forgot how cold 4 degrees was until had to go outside this morning..

The bad news is I will remember how WARM 4 degrees is when the temperature goes 15-below with a windchill of 35 below....Such is life in Minnesota. It seriously forces you to appreciate what all 4 seasons have to offer.

We got 2 inches of snow yesterday. And we're forecasted to get another 6 inches tonight.

Even our Labrador Retriever Murphy can't stand going outside in this weather. I litterally have to drag him out of the house every morning from his wintertime perch cuddled on his Eagles blanket next to the fireplace.

I know this is only the beginning of the winter and we have a long time to wait before we see the green grass again but I'm still complaining....at least we have nearly a 100% chance of a white Christmas...

Paying it forward...

2008-12-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

I walk into the Woodbury Dunn Brothers for my daily morning coffee and blueberry streusel muffin. But before I handed the barista my debit card she tells me my order had already been paid for......by a stranger. I asked who. Apparently, on the last Friday of every month this man forks out 20 dollars to pay the coffee tab for the customers behind him. The gesture not only put a smile on my face but also put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. I'm guessing the man heard the "Pay if forward" idea on Oprah but I won't hold it against him.

If you are reading this...thanks for coffee and inspiration to continue the anonymous goodwill on my next trip to the coffee shop..

Welcome to my blog..

2008-12-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this-- you have a lot more time on your hands than I do. I'm always encouraging others to start a blog so at the risk of being a hypocrite I have offiically arrived in the blogosphere...

I can't say I'll be posting daily musings, political commentary or photos from the family vacation....actually there's a very good chance this will be my first and last blog post...we'll see how it goes....