From the mouth of babes (uh, I mean kids)

JFK's air traffic control tower

We’ve all heard of “Take your Son / Daughter to Work” days. Okay, but in New York, the idea may have gone too far.

A just released audio reveals that in February a child directed pilots from the air traffic control center at John F. Kennedy Airport, one of our country”s busiest airports. The Federal Aviation Association has said it’s investigating.

In an official statement, the FAA said “This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees.”

In mid-February, schoolchildren throughout the New York area had a week-long winter break. The audiotapes show that during that time kids authorizing pilot take-off wasn’t a single incident.

A child can be heard on tape making five transmissions to pilots. 

In one instance, the child can be heard saying, “JetBlue 171 contact departure.” The pilot responds: “Over to departure JetBlue 171, awesome job.”

The child appears to be under an adult’s supervision, because a male voice then comes on and laughingly says, “That’s what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school.”

In another exchange, the youngster clears another plane for takeoff, and says, “Adios, amigo.” The pilot responds in kind.

FAA spokesman Jim Peters said children of the tower’s employees are allowed to visit but need to get approval from the FAA first.

The union representing air traffic controllers condemned the workers’ behavior.

Was this a potentially dangerous situation? Or was it a Dad giving his kid a chance to try their hand at something amazing, to inspire him / her, while closely monitoring for “just in case”?

What do you think?

ServiceMagic – a great home resource

If you’ve ever waited (and waited) for a contractor to come do some home repair, you’ll want to know about ServiceMagic. They’re a great resource to have in your corner. For those emergencies where you’re racing the clock and pending bad weather, you’ll appreciate knowing there’s a free service like this you can turn to with confidence.

Scroll through ServiceMagic’s website to learn more about their amazing array of services and to take the worry out of your next home repair.

Kohl's recognied as 2010 Energy Star® Partner of the Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have named Kohl’s Department Stores the 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Energy Management for the company’s commitment to energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program, Kohl’s will receive the award March 18th at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Kohl’s has implemented a wide range of sustainable business practices. This commitment led Kohl’s in December 2009 announce their plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2010. Last year the Environmental Protection Agency recognzied this family-focused Wisconsin-based company as a 2009 Green Power Partner of the Year.

Expect to hear more about Kohl’s sustainability initiatives.