photo: New York Times 12/10/07
I don't remember when I first learned I couldn't actually fly. I was so convinced that when I sat in a certain chair in my dad's study I could close my eyes and fly anywhere I wanted, as long as it was inside that room. I never told anyone. It was my secret.
But I guess I must have found out the reality of my lack of superpowers at some point, because I no longer believe I can fly. I imagine it must have been like when I once watched helplessly as one boy in my carpool shouted to another, "Yea? I'll bet you think that Santa Claus is real! Ha!" I looked in my rear view mirror and saw one boy grin with pride of accomplishment and the other slowly and painfully deflate.
Anyway, it was with great interest that I read in the New York Times that there's a (small) movement of individuals who are hoping to someday fly without a parachute, wearing what's called a "wing-suit." Not that I would try it, but I am right beside them in solidarity with their mission. I know what it's like to fly without a parachute and it's wonderful.
The comment that brought me back (again) to reality was from a professor of physics (and skydiver) at St. Louis University. When asked about the possibility of this type of flight, he said that it's totally possible. However, he said, "the thing I'm not sure of is your margins in terms of safety, or likelihood to crash."
Well, I guess I won't be donning a wing-suit soon. I much prefer the safety of flying within the confines of my dad's study...
But I guess I must have found out the reality of my lack of superpowers at some point, because I no longer believe I can fly. I imagine it must have been like when I once watched helplessly as one boy in my carpool shouted to another, "Yea? I'll bet you think that Santa Claus is real! Ha!" I looked in my rear view mirror and saw one boy grin with pride of accomplishment and the other slowly and painfully deflate.
Anyway, it was with great interest that I read in the New York Times that there's a (small) movement of individuals who are hoping to someday fly without a parachute, wearing what's called a "wing-suit." Not that I would try it, but I am right beside them in solidarity with their mission. I know what it's like to fly without a parachute and it's wonderful.
The comment that brought me back (again) to reality was from a professor of physics (and skydiver) at St. Louis University. When asked about the possibility of this type of flight, he said that it's totally possible. However, he said, "the thing I'm not sure of is your margins in terms of safety, or likelihood to crash."
Well, I guess I won't be donning a wing-suit soon. I much prefer the safety of flying within the confines of my dad's study...
[Note: My friend, Matt, just sent me a link to video of of the wing-suit in action and it's awesome (if it's for real...): click here for wing-suit video ]
1 comment:
You can fly, but you cannot blog. At least, not enough for a person to check in daily or even weekly. It's January 7th and this post is from December 10th. I know you were in line at the submarine ride at Disneyland for 3 hours during that time. That by itself should rate an entry. Your loyal public awaits. - a starving reader
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