.:: The StrongBrain Collective ::.

There will be volumes written about the events of August 14th, 2003. I'll add my notes to the public record.

I was in New York City, in the cafeteria of my building at 57th and Madison, at the southeast corner of Central Park, when my cell phone discussion cut out during an important call. At first I thought it was an IBM-specific anomaly, but the cell phone carrier drop out signalled something wider.

Luckily, as I type this on the battery power of my lap top, I am safely ensconced in my apartment and need no medical care dependent on electricity. I fear for those who are.

Before my power cuts out, I wish to make some observations about the effect of this unique event.

First, this - as I understand it - was not terror related. It is however, now in the domain of the government to keep order. Whether this is a patriarchal exercise or fortunate coincidence serving to reinforce their value, I am not sure. But the NYPD and NYFD are in control now. Grudgingly, I cede them my sincere respect, irregardless of their spotty past and the plethora of ill-placed fire hydrants that plague my daily quest for a parking spot.

Second, I see the Big Dipper, and more. The stars are absolutely radiant tonight, in a way that the metro man has never seen. There is also a stunning silence that accompanies all this as well, interupted only by the chatter of neighbors and the odd siren.

There is also an unfamiliar comradery tonight, an odd collective rememberence of the anarchy of '77 has something to do with it, I'm sure, but also a community spirit born of 9/11. I met my neighbors for the first time tonight.