October 30, 2012 - Checklist Day

Thenreason for this day is a tragedy: On this date in 1935, a planencrashed while taking off. Afterwards, people tried to find out why,nand they discovered that a gust lock was still engaged (whatever thatnmeans)—and, I guess, shouldn’t have been. A group of pilots satndown together and discussed what could be done to prevent future accidents. They camenup with a checklist to go through, each and every time they werenabout to take off in a plane. Similar checklists have been used by pilots ever since.
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All kinds of
people use
checklists!

nIt’s been discovered that hospitalnchecklists save lives. NASA’s space program uses many checklists for vehicles, spacesuits, and equipment. Camping checklists make enjoying the greatnoutdoors safer and more fun, and taking a grocery checklist to thenmarket makes you a more efficient shopper AND saves you money,nbecause you are less likely to buy things you don’t need (AND lessnlikely to have to come back for stuff you forgot and a little more stuff you don’t need).

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nDidnyou know that there is a checklist website that offers checklists fornhealth, home, travel, and even saving the earth? There are supernserious checklists, for such things as online safety and flunprevention, and there are lighter checklists, for going to placesnlike parties and amusement parks. Check out Checklist-dot-com!
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nOfncourse, the best checklists are the ones you make yourself—afternstudying other people’s checklists and personalizing them for yournexact situation!

nYou might want to make a checklist for getting ready for Trick-or-Treating tomorrow (if you celebrate Halloween). I need to buy some candy and candles for the jack-o-lanterns, and my kids might need some more glow sticks and special make-up…

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nAlsonon this date:

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