Aya

“And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” –Khalil Gibran

How many of us can say that our childhood soundtrack had a track or two from Michael Jackson? For all his faults and failings, I am sad for the man’s passing.

Like many people, I’ve been following the massive demonstrations in Tehran and other cities in the past week.  I urge the Iranian people to continue fighting and not be scared away by government and militia thugs.  It sickens me to see the dead and injured but fighting for your voice comes at a price.  All too high for some, unfortunately.

I watched this harrowing video of a young girl near her father.  Absolutely sickening.

Here is the video, please don’t click on it if you find these types of images disturbing:

Death of a young woman

I read today of another pilot who died while flying a plane over a massive body of water.

Until very recently, I wasn’t afraid of flying.  In fact, I welcomed a chance to be away from phone and e-mail for a few hours.  I stuffed my carry on bag with 2 novels I wouldn’t read, a couple of magazines I wouldn’t read as well, my ear plugs, my eye covers, and my personal pillow.  I tried and tried but couldn’t ignore the human swill around me.  But I did my best.  Either be out of contact range or share a small, midair cabinet with riffraff and make the best of it.

I have no tolerance for people who don’t respect personal space.  I know the seats are small but doesn’t mean that I put strangers on my lap.  No, you can’t rest your head on my shoulder, you are not my child.  Don’t even think about drooling on my sleeves, I will kill you, you fucking baboon!

Keep your toddler’s hands off my face.  Don’t give me a dirty look when I tell her: “little girl, stop it”.  She is your spawn, not mine.  Air hostess, I have no use for your poison food.  Don’t wake me up or I will address you as the stewardess.

I can tolerate all that.  What I can’t tolerate is some gluttonous asshole who spent his life overdrinking and overeating dying suddenly while flying the plane that I am on.  Listen, asshole, just because it is your day, don’t make it mine.

They should pair up these 60+ year old pilots.  One of them croaks, the other can land the plane safely.  I have sympathy for people who have heart attacks.  Almost all.  The guy flying my plane is the exception.  I will chase you into hell.