Memories are odd things. We each have our own, and we call them our own because we have our own emotions tied to them. Even though they are uniquely ours, they hinge on so many other people's memories that it's amazing that we don't all just have on human consciousness, with no concept of "individual."
I remember the first time I thought of this. I was flying a Cessna 172 with a friend of mine down the Miami coastline, taking pictures and enjoying the early December sunset. As we neared the Port of Miami, I spotted a Carnival cruise ship about 4 miles offshore and turned in its direction, descending to about 400 feet over the water. As we slowly passed the ship, camera flashes began to appear in our direction, and we returned the favor with a few flashes of our own and waves to the passengers. As I headed back towards the shoreline, I realized that I would remember that moment for years as the first joy ride with my brand new pilot's license. At the same time, I hoped that it might be a memory for someone on that ship, to have seen a plane fly so close to their ship on a big vacation. Maybe it was their honeymoon, and 40 years later when they recounted it to their own grandchildren they would remember me. Or maybe it was a 5 year old kid who found our airplane interesting, and be inspired to pursue aviation in some form or another later in life.
I've thought about this a lot since that moment. For example, when I look up at the sky and see a plane cruising overhead at 35,000 feet I wonder about the people on that plane: the pilots and all the training and flying they have ever done, the family moving across the country or around the world for the first time, a father coming home from a business trip, grandparents going to visit their children and grandchildren, maybe for the first time in years, the child going away from home for the first time, and the countless other stories that become intertwined on that plane, and then become intertwined with mine for one brief moment when I look up and see them zoom across the sky.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Giant Flies Invade Norway
Oslo, May 2 - In an incident that has scientists everywhere baffled, giant flies have entered the country of Norway and taken over by force. The flies, weighing between 5 and 7 pounds (2.2 to 3.2 kg) entered in the night, and by sunset had gained control of Parliament, the city's police stations, and all major grocery stores. It is unknown where they came from and what their future plans are, but most citizens aren't taking any chances by trusting these unfriendly invaders.
The only serious opposition they faced during the invasion came from hardware stores, convenience stores, and tanning salons, all of whom banded together with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, signed at Paris' Hardware near the center of the city.
As these groups were coming together, various sources claimed that the invasion was nationwide, and state that the flies have met much less resistance in other areas of the country than here in Norway's capitol. The biggest insurgent attack of the past 24 hours occurred shortly after 5am with traps concocted of tanning beds, rotting food, and insect spray. Although the traps proved moderately successful, the fighting only succeeded in keeping the existing opposition alive and forced the flies to seriously consider the threat posed to them.
By about noon, both sides were worn down by the fighting. Hundreds of fly corpses lay scattered in the streets, among the bodies of those insurgents who had been picked up and dropped 10 stories by the roving fly patrols that have been set up. All national services were canceled, as were schools, universities, jobs, and private recycling services. The nations economy, which depends on oil for sustenance, was brought to a halt by the day's activities, while the krone traded poorly in foreign markets.
At 7pm, both groups agreed to meet and seek out a peaceful resolution. This was a big break for the humans, since that time of day is when the flies are strongest; however, many have criticized the humans for the concessions that were made. Some are even refusing to agree to the terms of the 2007 Oslo Accords, as they have been named, because of the clause giving only 3/5ths voting rights to the humans.
While the future of Norway remains uncertain, both sides are optimistic that an suitable agreement will be reached. Until then, most people have decided to hide in their basements. Said one scared resident on her way home, "Why would you be outside? I don't know who these flies are, where they have been, what diseases they could be carrying, or why they want to take over our nation. I know just one thing... nothing like this has ever happened before. And that is the biggest reason I am scared."
The only serious opposition they faced during the invasion came from hardware stores, convenience stores, and tanning salons, all of whom banded together with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, signed at Paris' Hardware near the center of the city.
As these groups were coming together, various sources claimed that the invasion was nationwide, and state that the flies have met much less resistance in other areas of the country than here in Norway's capitol. The biggest insurgent attack of the past 24 hours occurred shortly after 5am with traps concocted of tanning beds, rotting food, and insect spray. Although the traps proved moderately successful, the fighting only succeeded in keeping the existing opposition alive and forced the flies to seriously consider the threat posed to them.
By about noon, both sides were worn down by the fighting. Hundreds of fly corpses lay scattered in the streets, among the bodies of those insurgents who had been picked up and dropped 10 stories by the roving fly patrols that have been set up. All national services were canceled, as were schools, universities, jobs, and private recycling services. The nations economy, which depends on oil for sustenance, was brought to a halt by the day's activities, while the krone traded poorly in foreign markets.
At 7pm, both groups agreed to meet and seek out a peaceful resolution. This was a big break for the humans, since that time of day is when the flies are strongest; however, many have criticized the humans for the concessions that were made. Some are even refusing to agree to the terms of the 2007 Oslo Accords, as they have been named, because of the clause giving only 3/5ths voting rights to the humans.
While the future of Norway remains uncertain, both sides are optimistic that an suitable agreement will be reached. Until then, most people have decided to hide in their basements. Said one scared resident on her way home, "Why would you be outside? I don't know who these flies are, where they have been, what diseases they could be carrying, or why they want to take over our nation. I know just one thing... nothing like this has ever happened before. And that is the biggest reason I am scared."
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
If Only...
I'm tired of writing about the issues that everyone else cares about. I'm tired of having to see everyone else's point of view in order to understand and better support my own. I'm tired of how much effort I put into good argumentative techniques and logically clear writing, and the horribly written and/or spoken responses I get. I'm tired of having to care about the things everyone else wants to talk about. I'm tired of keeping up with everyone else's societal systems and expectations.
Why can't we all just take one big day off? Let's just say screw it all... screw the rivalries, screw the religious bickering, screw the competition, screw the rat race of life... let's just all chill out, and only put effort into helping others chill out. Let's all go out onto our lawns and barbecue and hang out. Lets raid furniture stores, monopolize all the big comfy sofas, and just talk with our friends. Lets lie down on our roofs and watch the clouds go by against the horizon, reminding us of the importance of the spaceship we call Earth. Let's all take one big break... a minimum 12 hours of sleep per person. Let's throw out the titles, the Sunnis and Shiites, the liberals and conservatives, the Red Sox and Yankees. Let's just be human beings.
Why can't we all just take one big day off? Let's just say screw it all... screw the rivalries, screw the religious bickering, screw the competition, screw the rat race of life... let's just all chill out, and only put effort into helping others chill out. Let's all go out onto our lawns and barbecue and hang out. Lets raid furniture stores, monopolize all the big comfy sofas, and just talk with our friends. Lets lie down on our roofs and watch the clouds go by against the horizon, reminding us of the importance of the spaceship we call Earth. Let's all take one big break... a minimum 12 hours of sleep per person. Let's throw out the titles, the Sunnis and Shiites, the liberals and conservatives, the Red Sox and Yankees. Let's just be human beings.
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