By Margaret Mead
Small groups can have big impact.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Cowardly Lion, No More
Courage
The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines it as the ability to conquer fear or despair.
I always thought I was brave. I thought I was in control of my life. But I wasn’t. I was only reacting to the things that happened to me. I felt inadequate to do anything for myself. I was not brave enough to be proactive of my own life. I tried to find what was stopping me. What was holding me back? I suffered personally, academically, socially, and even within my family circle. I was the Cowardly Lion.
I feared myself to be overcome by inspiration.
Thus I never realized my true potential.
I feared revealing my true emotions to anyone.
I’ll only hurt myself.
I feared failure towards reaching my goals.
My goals seem so distant and unreachable.
I feared losing anything that meant anything to me.
I’ll feel so forlorn.
But now, courage, I seek you.
With you, I’ll be focus on my dreams and my passions, without fear of failure.
With you, I’ll say ‘I love you’ when I feel love.
With you, I’ll say ‘fuck off’ when I want peace.
And I’ll understand the consequences, but I’ll stay true to my being.
With you, I’ll embrace any opportunity and try anything possible.
With you, I will not be shy to reject people and things that stand in the way of my goals.
With you, I won’t be afraid to stand by my views.
And I’ll defend them and re-examine them regularly.
I do not have any other option.
This yellow brick road is mine.
Don’t hide from me now,…
Courage, I’ll find you.
And when you don't elude me any longer,
I won't allow desertion.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Identity Theft Is No Joke!!
Last night, I received an email from a dear friend of mine...
My friend was a victim of online identity theft. She was never in London; her email was hacked into. A poser used her name and wanted money by making a appeal to her friends-- ones who would rescue the girl by sending over whatever she need.
This is the first time I've seen this type of scam and it can really bamboozle anyone. I even had my own bank account open in another window and I was ready to go to a Western Union to wire any amount I can spare. If it wasn't for a phone call, I would most likely be scammed a few hundred dollars.
So please, regularly change your passwords and safeguard your identity online, treat any request for money with suspicion, and always being cautious of who you give your personal information.
Moment of Zen:
"Hello
How you doing? I made a trip to London (United Kingdom) unannounced some days back, but Unfortunately I got mugged at gun point last night! All cash, Credit card and phone were stolen, I got messed up in another country, stranded in London, fortunately passport was back in my hotel room. It was a bitter experience and i was hurt on my right hand, but would be fine. I want you to know this is really from em and not a spam or virus, I am sending you this message cos i don't want anyone to panic, I want you to keep it that way for now! My return flight leaves in a few hours but I’m having troubles sorting out the hotel bills, wondering if you could loan me some money to sort out the hotel bills and also take a cab to the airport about ($2,000). I have been to the police and embassy here, but they aren't helping issues, I have limited means of getting out of here, i canceled my cards already and made a police report, I won’t get a new card number till I get back home! So I really need your help.
You could wire whatever you can spare to my name and Location via Western union:
(Name removed for victim's protection)
272, Coriander Avenue, Docklands, E14 2AA ,
London United Kingdom
Get back to me with the western union details so I can have the money pickup here and make my way back to Home. I would def refund it to you once I arrive! Hopefully tomorrow
I await your prompt response."
My friend was a victim of online identity theft. She was never in London; her email was hacked into. A poser used her name and wanted money by making a appeal to her friends-- ones who would rescue the girl by sending over whatever she need.
This is the first time I've seen this type of scam and it can really bamboozle anyone. I even had my own bank account open in another window and I was ready to go to a Western Union to wire any amount I can spare. If it wasn't for a phone call, I would most likely be scammed a few hundred dollars.
So please, regularly change your passwords and safeguard your identity online, treat any request for money with suspicion, and always being cautious of who you give your personal information.
Moment of Zen:
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Caressing Breeze
The soft breeze caresses the world.
It freshens our days,
gathers giggles of innocence,
eavesdrops on cuddled lovers' whispers,
heralds tempestuous storms,
sings sweet songbird melodies,
heeds the old oak's advice,
enlivens mesmerizing campfires,
tastes salty oceans,
dries sorrowful tears,
reveals tenderness in hearts,
urges fairytales to become realities,
and reassures the hopes of noble ambitions.
This soft caressing breeze,
flirts with emerald fields,
charms with immortal stories,
laughs with gusty bursts,
allowing the grass to forever sway and dance
with unbridled joy, eternal life and endless love.
-DW
It freshens our days,
gathers giggles of innocence,
eavesdrops on cuddled lovers' whispers,
heralds tempestuous storms,
sings sweet songbird melodies,
heeds the old oak's advice,
enlivens mesmerizing campfires,
tastes salty oceans,
dries sorrowful tears,
reveals tenderness in hearts,
urges fairytales to become realities,
and reassures the hopes of noble ambitions.
This soft caressing breeze,
flirts with emerald fields,
charms with immortal stories,
laughs with gusty bursts,
allowing the grass to forever sway and dance
with unbridled joy, eternal life and endless love.
-DW
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wish Away
Think of a wish,
Gently blow away.
Let the wind flow,
Make your dream sway.
Dancing in the breeze,
It will come to a grassy hill.
Your wish that you released
Will plant itself- your wish fulfilled.
Your wish will blossom,
And be nourished by the day.
Growing until its is plucked
by a little girl who jumps, laughs, and plays.
Tenderly she will shield
the unassuming delicate flower.
Smiling softly, she makes a wish,
And than blows with all her gentle power.
-DW
Image by S.K. Tsay
Gently blow away.
Let the wind flow,
Make your dream sway.
Dancing in the breeze,
It will come to a grassy hill.
Your wish that you released
Will plant itself- your wish fulfilled.
Your wish will blossom,
And be nourished by the day.
Growing until its is plucked
by a little girl who jumps, laughs, and plays.
Tenderly she will shield
the unassuming delicate flower.
Smiling softly, she makes a wish,
And than blows with all her gentle power.
-DW
Image by S.K. Tsay
Friday, March 13, 2009
"It's not a f*cking game..."
On March 4th, Jon Stewart (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) aired a piece that blasted the entire CNBC financial organization for irresponsibly giving 'sound advice' in this downward and volatile economic meltdown. The week long 'feud' ended with this unedited, uncensored 3 part interview between Stewart and Jim Cramer (host of Mad Money with Jim Cramer).
Stewart urges Cramer, CNBC and other financial news networks to be responsible by reporting and exposing the garbage and lies that top companies, CEO's, crooked wall street traders and investment brokers were feeding the public, causing panic and the depletion of lifelong investments of many hard-working innocent people.
--
Part 1:
--
Part 2:
--
Part 3:
Stewart urges Cramer, CNBC and other financial news networks to be responsible by reporting and exposing the garbage and lies that top companies, CEO's, crooked wall street traders and investment brokers were feeding the public, causing panic and the depletion of lifelong investments of many hard-working innocent people.
--
Part 1:
--
Part 2:
--
Part 3:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Spin Out
February 3, 2009 at approximately 7.50pm:
I am going home from work. The roads are slick from today's snow and icy mix. My parents call me as I'm driving along Chamberlain Ave. They ask me, "Dana are you ok? Is everything all right? Be careful!" I quickly tell them I am driving slowly, that I am fine, and everything is okay. I make a left turn onto Cumberland Ave as Kanye West's song 'Streetlights' starts playing in my car. Slowly, I go down the slight descent. I'm extra vigilant for the potholes on the road. Up ahead I see someone (stupid guy) trudging in the snow along the right side of the road where there is no sidewalk. As soon as I pass the lone walker, I prepare myself to stop to make the right turn onto Union Blvd. That is when I spin out of control.
Its not as serious as it sounds. I did not panic. I stayed calm as I took my foot off the brake and try to steer away from the road and onto the side. Trixy made exactly one revolution before we stopped half a foot away from the street pole. I did not curse nor did I yell angry Adyghe words (like I usually do at the shids who should be taken off the roads and brought to the farms where they belong). When I stopped I see the lone walker 25 feet away from me, walking as nothing happened. I notice Trixy is perpendicular, blocking the road and I'm grateful that there are no cars around. I gently reverse, straighten my car and drive away.
Than I think of all my dear friends and family. And I thank God that none of them were with me. The absolute last thing I want to happen while anyone driving with me is endanger their lives. If you anyone rides with me and I happen to stop short because something sudden occurred in front of me, my skinny right arm automatically and reflexively reaches out to protect them. But if anyone were with me during this moment, I'm happy to know that they are with someone who doesn't panic under pressure and will make sure everyone will stay unhurt.
That is a promise and I will do everything in my power to keep it.
--
"Streetlights glowing,
happen to be
just like moments passing,
in front of me..."
I am going home from work. The roads are slick from today's snow and icy mix. My parents call me as I'm driving along Chamberlain Ave. They ask me, "Dana are you ok? Is everything all right? Be careful!" I quickly tell them I am driving slowly, that I am fine, and everything is okay. I make a left turn onto Cumberland Ave as Kanye West's song 'Streetlights' starts playing in my car. Slowly, I go down the slight descent. I'm extra vigilant for the potholes on the road. Up ahead I see someone (stupid guy) trudging in the snow along the right side of the road where there is no sidewalk. As soon as I pass the lone walker, I prepare myself to stop to make the right turn onto Union Blvd. That is when I spin out of control.
Its not as serious as it sounds. I did not panic. I stayed calm as I took my foot off the brake and try to steer away from the road and onto the side. Trixy made exactly one revolution before we stopped half a foot away from the street pole. I did not curse nor did I yell angry Adyghe words (like I usually do at the shids who should be taken off the roads and brought to the farms where they belong). When I stopped I see the lone walker 25 feet away from me, walking as nothing happened. I notice Trixy is perpendicular, blocking the road and I'm grateful that there are no cars around. I gently reverse, straighten my car and drive away.
Than I think of all my dear friends and family. And I thank God that none of them were with me. The absolute last thing I want to happen while anyone driving with me is endanger their lives. If you anyone rides with me and I happen to stop short because something sudden occurred in front of me, my skinny right arm automatically and reflexively reaches out to protect them. But if anyone were with me during this moment, I'm happy to know that they are with someone who doesn't panic under pressure and will make sure everyone will stay unhurt.
That is a promise and I will do everything in my power to keep it.
--
"Streetlights glowing,
happen to be
just like moments passing,
in front of me..."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Lost Generation...
Shocking at first but as the video says, there is hope. We are not as lost as we may seem because in each one of us we have a very clear idea of what is right and wrong. We know how to fix our lives and we are not apathetic to improving the lives of future generations. It is what makes us human.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New Beginning...
Brand new morning,
brand new day.
A new start at the future
and an era of change.
Daring to hope,
daring to believe.
With work, patience, and courage,
we will all succeed!
President Barack Obama -- 1.20.2009
brand new day.
A new start at the future
and an era of change.
Daring to hope,
daring to believe.
With work, patience, and courage,
we will all succeed!
President Barack Obama -- 1.20.2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Good people in this world...
I am a part-time bank teller. My job consists of cashing out checks, deposit or withdrawing money from accounts... whatever you think happens with your money in a bank is part of my job. My shift is the afternoon and early evenings and I handle whatever transactions come through my branches' drive-thru. Usually, Friday evenings are the big payday of the week. We get a lot of people that want to get their checks cashed, and so the bank gets busy with its occasional rushes.
At the end of every evening, its required to count your remaining cash and total the checks that you received during your day. Everything should be in balance with what is in the computer. I usually don't have any problems.
Except on Friday evening because my cash drawer was a $100 short. I was going crazy trying to find where that cash would have gone. I recounted my cash drawer twice and I was frantic trying to find think of who I could have given too much money. At the end of the night, I could not find the missing money and I had to show a $100 difference (never a good thing! :S). I went home with a headache.
On Saturday, the next day, I walk into work with the determination to find what could have happened to the missing money. I thought about all the transactions I did and I narrowed it down to one customer that I believe that I might given an extra cash. I was just waiting for the best time to call this lady to see if my assumption was correct.
But than, a Spanish guy walks into the bank and speaks to our Spanish speaking Customer Service Representative (CSR). He does not know any English and I hear them talking away when I hear the CSR call out to me and the other teller... "were any of you short in cash last night?"
My head snaps up and I say, "Yes, I was!"
The CSR asks, "By how much?"
I reply, "I was short $100..."
The CSR recounts the money and this man has an extra $100!
He came in to return the money!!! The CSR later explains to me that the man walked in asking, "Can you count this money for me? I think I was given too much when I came through the drive-thru last night."
The CSR also explained to me that he said he didn't want one of the tellers to get into trouble!! What a sweet man! My heart swelled at his kind gesture and I was so full of gratitude towards this man that I could not stop saying "Thank you!" and "Gracias!" to him.
Most people would not return the extra money, and that just goes to show you that...
there are good people in this world and may Allah bless them all!!!
At the end of every evening, its required to count your remaining cash and total the checks that you received during your day. Everything should be in balance with what is in the computer. I usually don't have any problems.
Except on Friday evening because my cash drawer was a $100 short. I was going crazy trying to find where that cash would have gone. I recounted my cash drawer twice and I was frantic trying to find think of who I could have given too much money. At the end of the night, I could not find the missing money and I had to show a $100 difference (never a good thing! :S). I went home with a headache.
On Saturday, the next day, I walk into work with the determination to find what could have happened to the missing money. I thought about all the transactions I did and I narrowed it down to one customer that I believe that I might given an extra cash. I was just waiting for the best time to call this lady to see if my assumption was correct.
But than, a Spanish guy walks into the bank and speaks to our Spanish speaking Customer Service Representative (CSR). He does not know any English and I hear them talking away when I hear the CSR call out to me and the other teller... "were any of you short in cash last night?"
My head snaps up and I say, "Yes, I was!"
The CSR asks, "By how much?"
I reply, "I was short $100..."
The CSR recounts the money and this man has an extra $100!
He came in to return the money!!! The CSR later explains to me that the man walked in asking, "Can you count this money for me? I think I was given too much when I came through the drive-thru last night."
The CSR also explained to me that he said he didn't want one of the tellers to get into trouble!! What a sweet man! My heart swelled at his kind gesture and I was so full of gratitude towards this man that I could not stop saying "Thank you!" and "Gracias!" to him.
Most people would not return the extra money, and that just goes to show you that...
there are good people in this world and may Allah bless them all!!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Bill, Bill, and more Bills...
In the 90's I had three Bills in my life. President Bill Clinton, my old mailman Bill, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
I grew up during the prosperous years of the Clinton administration. Life wasn't hard. I was about 9 years old, wearing a mauve cloth headband and a maroon with a colorful parrot sequined sweater that my dearest Tayta lovingly made for me when Bill Clinton was reelected in 1996. I was so super excited that I even made a red, white, and blue sign with colorful fireworks and took it to school with me to celebrate. I was even somewhat infatuated when I saw images of Pres. Bill Clinton looking important in the golden Oval Office. Wow... I was happy I was to be an American during that time.
Bill, the mailman, was the blonde cheery fellow that came around every afternoon at around 4:30. It was after I finished school and I would be riding my bike or playing in the yard with my brother. But, when he came whistling by, Nurzat and I would always drop everything to run to him and grab the mail. He was always so nice too. Bill always complimented my smile even though I just lost my two front teeth. He would always split up the envelopes so that we can run to my parents with an equal amount. If there was one piece of mail, he'd make us guess which hand he was holding it in. The one who had the right guess got to deliver it to the house. For Halloween, he would give us lollipops. And for Christmas, he would give us a greeting card and a lollipop. We told him once we don't celebrate Christmas, but that didn't stop him from spreading the holiday cheer. He delivered the mail in the bitter cold, rain and snow; he did it all with a shiny megawatt smile and sunshiny personality.
After my brother and I delivered the mail we got from Bill the mailman to my mom, we would plop down in front of the TV to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. I was memorized. He was corny, but I was in love with him. He explained things like quicksand, the solar system, magnets, cells, geography, rocks, energy, matter, plants, animals, time, building, inventions... you name it-- Bill described it all with so much energy and enthusiasm. I would follow along, trying recreate the experiments he was doing. His goofy dances and expression were a perfect match for my own childhood silliness. I think I learned more from him than all of years of science classes combined. Well, almost all those 'real school' years. Nonetheless, Bill Nye the Science Guy made me appreciate the intricacies and simplicities of our world and the vastness and grandeur of our universe.
Nowadays... the bills I have in my life are: my credit card bill, my phone bill, my school tuition bill, and the recently passed Economy/Wall St. bailout bill. Oh, and I can't forget about the single $10 bill currently residing in my wallet; that particular bill needs to get me through this week.
Life is just simply lovely.
I grew up during the prosperous years of the Clinton administration. Life wasn't hard. I was about 9 years old, wearing a mauve cloth headband and a maroon with a colorful parrot sequined sweater that my dearest Tayta lovingly made for me when Bill Clinton was reelected in 1996. I was so super excited that I even made a red, white, and blue sign with colorful fireworks and took it to school with me to celebrate. I was even somewhat infatuated when I saw images of Pres. Bill Clinton looking important in the golden Oval Office. Wow... I was happy I was to be an American during that time.
Bill, the mailman, was the blonde cheery fellow that came around every afternoon at around 4:30. It was after I finished school and I would be riding my bike or playing in the yard with my brother. But, when he came whistling by, Nurzat and I would always drop everything to run to him and grab the mail. He was always so nice too. Bill always complimented my smile even though I just lost my two front teeth. He would always split up the envelopes so that we can run to my parents with an equal amount. If there was one piece of mail, he'd make us guess which hand he was holding it in. The one who had the right guess got to deliver it to the house. For Halloween, he would give us lollipops. And for Christmas, he would give us a greeting card and a lollipop. We told him once we don't celebrate Christmas, but that didn't stop him from spreading the holiday cheer. He delivered the mail in the bitter cold, rain and snow; he did it all with a shiny megawatt smile and sunshiny personality.
After my brother and I delivered the mail we got from Bill the mailman to my mom, we would plop down in front of the TV to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. I was memorized. He was corny, but I was in love with him. He explained things like quicksand, the solar system, magnets, cells, geography, rocks, energy, matter, plants, animals, time, building, inventions... you name it-- Bill described it all with so much energy and enthusiasm. I would follow along, trying recreate the experiments he was doing. His goofy dances and expression were a perfect match for my own childhood silliness. I think I learned more from him than all of years of science classes combined. Well, almost all those 'real school' years. Nonetheless, Bill Nye the Science Guy made me appreciate the intricacies and simplicities of our world and the vastness and grandeur of our universe.
Nowadays... the bills I have in my life are: my credit card bill, my phone bill, my school tuition bill, and the recently passed Economy/Wall St. bailout bill. Oh, and I can't forget about the single $10 bill currently residing in my wallet; that particular bill needs to get me through this week.
Life is just simply lovely.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My life in 44 years...
I got a glimpse of it.
I had just finished paying for some items at the card store by my house when I see an older woman, maybe in her her 60's looking at a glorious case of chocolate candies. It really is spectacular. All the different flavors.... I was very very tempted to buy some but my broke college student status prevents me indulging. Anyway, this is the conversation between the older lady and the store clerk...
Clerk: Can I help you with anything?
Lady: Ah yes. I want a pound of these (pointing at candy).
Clerk: Ok. Do you want it in a bag or in a box like a gift?
Lady: Mhm, well... in a box. Its a gift to myself.
<3 
My friends, I'm this lady in 44 years. This is definitely one awesome way to grow old!! By eating scrumptious chocolates bought for myself!!!!
I had just finished paying for some items at the card store by my house when I see an older woman, maybe in her her 60's looking at a glorious case of chocolate candies. It really is spectacular. All the different flavors.... I was very very tempted to buy some but my broke college student status prevents me indulging. Anyway, this is the conversation between the older lady and the store clerk...
Clerk: Can I help you with anything?
Lady: Ah yes. I want a pound of these (pointing at candy).
Clerk: Ok. Do you want it in a bag or in a box like a gift?
Lady: Mhm, well... in a box. Its a gift to myself.
<3 
My friends, I'm this lady in 44 years. This is definitely one awesome way to grow old!! By eating scrumptious chocolates bought for myself!!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Katie Couric Interviews Sarah Palin
The scary thing is that this sketch is not really a parody...
Part I
Part II
Friday, September 19, 2008
Muslims in China...
The following documentary is one of the most eye opening, fascinating pieces I've seen. The struggles our Muslim brothers and sisters in China endure because of their ethnicity and religion is wrong. I count my blessings and say 'Alhamdulilah' for the easy life that I had growing up in a tolerant society.
Learn about the suppressed Chinese Muslims called the Uighurs (pronounced weegir)...
Part I
Part II
Part III -- A du'a for the man described in this last clip.
May God bless these people and the oppressed everywhere.
Learn about the suppressed Chinese Muslims called the Uighurs (pronounced weegir)...
Part I
Part II
Part III -- A du'a for the man described in this last clip.
May God bless these people and the oppressed everywhere.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Moonset
Its majestic presence in the western sky
beckons the new day to pursue it.
The flame of its yellow glow warms me in the cool pre-autumn air,
as it presses against the the pale blue canvas of the dawn.
The purple sliver of night is in the distance
as the moon chases the darkness away.
Sweet slumber of the masses, and dreams sprinkled by the stars
are gathered in the moon's embrace...
As the magical golden dream catcher disappears over the horizon.
--D.W.
Image and writing do not do justice to the image etched in my mind.
beckons the new day to pursue it.
The flame of its yellow glow warms me in the cool pre-autumn air,
as it presses against the the pale blue canvas of the dawn.
The purple sliver of night is in the distance
as the moon chases the darkness away.
Sweet slumber of the masses, and dreams sprinkled by the stars
are gathered in the moon's embrace...
As the magical golden dream catcher disappears over the horizon.
--D.W.
Image and writing do not do justice to the image etched in my mind.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A little bit of American politics....
Some insight in the twisted American political and media landscape.
And even some Republicans confuse John McCain with lameduck President Bush.
Lastly, thank you Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
And even some Republicans confuse John McCain with lameduck President Bush.
Lastly, thank you Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
Monday, September 8, 2008
At First Light
As the sun breaks the inky black sky,
it shines a path of beautiful promises.
Promises that echo
in all the things the golden rays caress.
Caresses so warm and inviting
that allows a life to love.
A love so embracing
that forces darkness and hate to hope.
Hopes so inspiring
it lets the songbirds sing.
Songs so arousing
it paints the colors of a wonderful world.
And yet in this wonderful world,
I dream of such a picture...
A picture of unequivocal splendor
that I thought only existed in my deepest realms of my imagination.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Monday, August 18th 2008- 2:51 PM
I was waiting for a friend in New York City's Penn Station. I stood against the cement pole and watched as a minute fraction of the world passed me by. Hundreds of people; Millions of stories.
- Men and women in their business best all rushing to get to an important meeting.
- A Swedish family pass by with their flashy cameras.
- A young mother pushing her baby's stroller. She only pauses to pick up a her child's toy.
- Two teenage girls texting away on their cell phones.
- A young couple sharing a bag of popcorn.
- A pretty brunette in the flowing purple dress sweetly adding her guitar's flair to the flourescent lit station.
- A silver haired gentleman on his scooter wheelchair.
- A blonde eight year old sucking on his lollipop while following his grandfather.
- The bored and tired looking salesclerk selling tickets to rushing customers.
- The traveler with a duffle bag around his shoulder and a rolling luggage in his left hand, looking up at the time schedule board. His hand right hand is scratchign the back of his head and there is a confused expression on his face.
- A chic fashionista with 9 bags of newly purchased clothes and shoes.
- A long haired 16 year old bopping his head to his blaring iPod.
- The Yankee fan reading about star Olympian Michael Phelps in the newspaper.
- A cute dark-eyed European swaggering by. Yea, I see you too...
As I watched these people, I began to wonder. Where did they come from? What do they plan to do in their lives? What made them get up that morning? What are they hopes, dreams, and aspirations? Do they even have any? What are their passions? Likes? Dislikes? What are their beliefs? Who is the aspiring poet, dancer, artist, technician, docter or astronaut? Will I meet one of them in some other point and time still unknown?
I've never had a such a curiousty of the people around me. It was as though I'm thirsty for the knowledge or experiences they can expense. However, I don't envy them. I treasure every story that I've had and eagerly look forward to more with the family and friends that I love and cherish.But it would be intresting to know more about these characters and what brought them to same spot I did in New York City's Penn Station.
On Monday August 18th 2008 at 2:51 PM.
- Men and women in their business best all rushing to get to an important meeting.
- A Swedish family pass by with their flashy cameras.
- A young mother pushing her baby's stroller. She only pauses to pick up a her child's toy.
- Two teenage girls texting away on their cell phones.
- A young couple sharing a bag of popcorn.
- A pretty brunette in the flowing purple dress sweetly adding her guitar's flair to the flourescent lit station.
- A silver haired gentleman on his scooter wheelchair.
- A blonde eight year old sucking on his lollipop while following his grandfather.
- The bored and tired looking salesclerk selling tickets to rushing customers.
- The traveler with a duffle bag around his shoulder and a rolling luggage in his left hand, looking up at the time schedule board. His hand right hand is scratchign the back of his head and there is a confused expression on his face.
- A chic fashionista with 9 bags of newly purchased clothes and shoes.
- A long haired 16 year old bopping his head to his blaring iPod.
- The Yankee fan reading about star Olympian Michael Phelps in the newspaper.
- A cute dark-eyed European swaggering by. Yea, I see you too...
As I watched these people, I began to wonder. Where did they come from? What do they plan to do in their lives? What made them get up that morning? What are they hopes, dreams, and aspirations? Do they even have any? What are their passions? Likes? Dislikes? What are their beliefs? Who is the aspiring poet, dancer, artist, technician, docter or astronaut? Will I meet one of them in some other point and time still unknown?
I've never had a such a curiousty of the people around me. It was as though I'm thirsty for the knowledge or experiences they can expense. However, I don't envy them. I treasure every story that I've had and eagerly look forward to more with the family and friends that I love and cherish.But it would be intresting to know more about these characters and what brought them to same spot I did in New York City's Penn Station.
On Monday August 18th 2008 at 2:51 PM.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Who says you can't fly?
This is something that only ever dominated my daydreams. It is a dream I'd like to fulfill in Europe. Can you imagine the view of that majestic countryside? The peace and serenity that can only be achieved by being up so high? Just one word to describe it all.... wow!
BEND, Oregon. - Using his trusty BB gun to help him return to Earth, a 48-year-old gas station owner flew a lawn chair rigged with helium-filled balloons more than 200 miles across the Oregon desert Saturday, landing in a field in Idaho.
Kent Couch created a sensation in the tiny farming community of Cambridge, Idaho, where he touched down safely in a pasture and was soon greeted by dozens of people who gave him drinks of water, local plumber Mark Hetz said.
"My wife works at the City Market," Hetz said. "She called and said, 'The balloon guy in the lawn chair just flew by the market, and if you look the door you can see him.
Kent Couch created a sensation in the tiny farming community of Cambridge, Idaho, where he touched down safely in a pasture and was soon greeted by dozens of people who gave him drinks of water, local plumber Mark Hetz said.
"My wife works at the City Market," Hetz said. "She called and said, 'The balloon guy in the lawn chair just flew by the market, and if you look the door you can see him.
"We go outside to look, and lo and behold, there he is. He's flying by probably 100 to 200 feet off the ground.
"He takes his BB gun and shoots some balloons to lower himself to the ground. When he hit the ground he released all the little tiny balloons. People were racing down the road with cameras. They were all talking and laughing."
"He takes his BB gun and shoots some balloons to lower himself to the ground. When he hit the ground he released all the little tiny balloons. People were racing down the road with cameras. They were all talking and laughing."
235 miles in nine hours
Couch covered about 235 miles in about nine hours after lifting off at dawn from his gas station riding in a green lawn chair rigged with an array of more than 150 giant party balloons.
It began after Couch, clutching a big mug of coffee, kissed his wife and kids goodbye, then patted their shivering Chihuahua, Isabella, on the head.
After spilling off some cherry-flavored Kool-Aid that served as ballast, Couch got a push from the ground crew so he could clear light poles and soared over a coffee cart and across U.S. Highway 20 into a bright blue sky.
"If I had the time and money and people, I'd do this every weekend," Couch said before getting into the chair. "Things just look different from up there. You've moving so slowly. The best thing is the peace, the serenity.
"Originally, I wanted to do it because of boyhood dreams. I don't know about girls, but I think most guys look up in the sky and wish they could ride on a cloud."
Couch's wife, Susan, called him crazy: "It's never been a dull moment since I married him."
It began after Couch, clutching a big mug of coffee, kissed his wife and kids goodbye, then patted their shivering Chihuahua, Isabella, on the head.
After spilling off some cherry-flavored Kool-Aid that served as ballast, Couch got a push from the ground crew so he could clear light poles and soared over a coffee cart and across U.S. Highway 20 into a bright blue sky.
"If I had the time and money and people, I'd do this every weekend," Couch said before getting into the chair. "Things just look different from up there. You've moving so slowly. The best thing is the peace, the serenity.
"Originally, I wanted to do it because of boyhood dreams. I don't know about girls, but I think most guys look up in the sky and wish they could ride on a cloud."
Couch's wife, Susan, called him crazy: "It's never been a dull moment since I married him."
His third flight
This was Couch's third balloon flight. He realized it would be possible after watching a TV show about the 1982 lawn chair flight over Los Angeles of truck driver Larry Walters, who gained folk hero fame but was fined $1,500 for violating air traffic rules.
In 2006, Couch had to parachute out after popping too many balloons. And last year he flew 193 miles to the sagebrush of northeastern Oregon, short of his goal.
"I'm not stopping till I get out of state," he said.
To that end, he ordered more balloons. Dozens of volunteers wearing fluorescent green T-shirts that said "Dream Big" filled latex balloons 5 feet in diameter, attached them to strings and tied clusters of six balloons each to a tiny carabiner clip.
Each balloon gives four pounds of lift. The chair was about 400 pounds, and Couch and his parachute 200 more.
"I'd go to 30,000 feet if I didn't shoot a balloon down periodically," Couch said.
For that job, he carried a Red Ryder BB gun and a blow gun equipped with steel darts. He also had a pole with a hook for pulling in balloons, a parachute in case anything went wrong, a handheld Global Positioning System device with altimeter, a satellite phone, and two GPS tracking devices. One was one for him, the other for the chair, which got away in the wind as he landed last year.
For food he carried some boiled eggs, jerky and chocolate.
Couch flew hang gliders and skydived before taking up lawn-chair flights. He estimated the rig cost about $6,000, mostly for helium. Costs were defrayed by corporate sponsors.
This was Couch's third balloon flight. He realized it would be possible after watching a TV show about the 1982 lawn chair flight over Los Angeles of truck driver Larry Walters, who gained folk hero fame but was fined $1,500 for violating air traffic rules.
In 2006, Couch had to parachute out after popping too many balloons. And last year he flew 193 miles to the sagebrush of northeastern Oregon, short of his goal.
"I'm not stopping till I get out of state," he said.
To that end, he ordered more balloons. Dozens of volunteers wearing fluorescent green T-shirts that said "Dream Big" filled latex balloons 5 feet in diameter, attached them to strings and tied clusters of six balloons each to a tiny carabiner clip.
Each balloon gives four pounds of lift. The chair was about 400 pounds, and Couch and his parachute 200 more.
"I'd go to 30,000 feet if I didn't shoot a balloon down periodically," Couch said.
For that job, he carried a Red Ryder BB gun and a blow gun equipped with steel darts. He also had a pole with a hook for pulling in balloons, a parachute in case anything went wrong, a handheld Global Positioning System device with altimeter, a satellite phone, and two GPS tracking devices. One was one for him, the other for the chair, which got away in the wind as he landed last year.
For food he carried some boiled eggs, jerky and chocolate.
Couch flew hang gliders and skydived before taking up lawn-chair flights. He estimated the rig cost about $6,000, mostly for helium. Costs were defrayed by corporate sponsors.
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