A Tragedy for Sure - Germanwing Crash

Posted by: winkyincanada on 24 March 2015

http://www.smh.com.au/world/ge...20150324-1m6vie.html

 

An awful event, and my sympathy to those affected.

 

And yet the number (67) of Germans killed in this crash is only 2/3 of the number killed EVERY DAY on German roads (with many times more maimed and injured). Why don't we consider the appalling safety record of motoring across the entire globe to be a public health crisis?

Posted on: 05 April 2015 by Don Atkinson
Originally Posted by northpole:

Such a volume of diatribe has been posted on this thread, one initiated, I hoped, to express a sense of sympathy and compassion towards the many people affected by this tragedy, in addition to the poor people whose lives were lost.  Unfortunately not the case.

 

Peter, Your views are noted.

 

One thing about this Padded Cell, is that it generates a fair number of differing views, some of which are completely unexpected (to me at least). I think this serves a very useful purpose, giving insight to other peoples' priorities in life.

 

For the most part, the views and counter views are exchanged without verbal violence. I think that is also very telling.

Posted on: 05 April 2015 by winkyincanada

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fami...20150405-1meyjn.html

 

Completely, easily and utterly preventable. Unbelievebaly tragic. My heart goes out to those affected by this crash.....

 

The quote from John Hartley, Assistant Traffic Commissioner is profound....he gets it.

 

"When you get behind the wheel you accept the risks that go with it and that includes the real possibility you will change your family's life or that of another family forever. 

 

Please, before you get into your car today, talk to each other, make the commitment to whoever is in your car or on your bike, that they are your responsibility. 

 

Don't become distracted, don't drive faster than you should, and for everyone's sake – don't become complacent."

Posted on: 06 April 2015 by Don Atkinson

John Hartley certainly knows what's what. Well said that man !

 

I go through a somewhat similar briefing 4 or 5 times a day, ie before every flight. Spoken out loud, with a watchful eye to ensure the messages have sunk in. Each flight is different, even if the purpose or route has been flown before. This is the first time I have flown "this" flight.

 

Whilst I don't speak things out loud in my car, whether alone or with passengers, other than to make sure seat belts are fastened and everybody is ready, I am thinking and planning the journey along the lines of J Hartley. And I know my three daughters also think alike - they don't half brief me when I am entrusted with the grandchildren !

 

Unfortunately, its no absolute guarantee. A momentary lapse of concentration is all that is needed. 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 16 April 2015 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by winkyincanada:
Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

I gather the initial search was called off after about 10 days. No doubt the accountants decided it was no longer economically viable - assuming they were able to dismiss the emotional elements.

 

Happy serendipity outcome

 

A sailor who says he spent two months lost at sea has been rescued after apparently surviving on raw fish and rainwater.

Louis Jordan, 37, was found by a passing German tanker 200 miles off the North Carolina coast on Thursday.

His 35-foot sailboat had overturned and Mr Jordan was sitting on the hull, from where he was hoisted to safety.

His family reported him missing at the end of January, and when his father spoke to him after the rescue, he said: "I thought I lost you."

Ben Ando reports.

Read more

US sailor rescued after 66 days lost at sea

I guess we'll soon be hearing news of the MH370 passengers finally making their way ashore.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32331650

 

I guess not......

Posted on: 16 April 2015 by Don Atkinson

Well, possibly not anytime soon, but that BBC report states that they will extend the search area if necessary and that it could take more than a year. So the Malaysian and Austrailian Govs are quite determined, especially as they are spending so much money, £61m so far. You have obviously managed to convince the Chineese that their money can be better spent elsewhere !! I wonder where ?

 

"We are confident we are searching in the right area,'' Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss told journalists after the meeting.

"We are confident we have the best search equipment... if the plane is in the area we will find it.''

Posted on: 17 April 2015 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

Well, possibly not anytime soon, but that BBC report states that they will extend the search area if necessary and that it could take more than a year. So the Malaysian and Austrailian Govs are quite determined, especially as they are spending so much money, £61m so far. You have obviously managed to convince the Chineese that their money can be better spent elsewhere !! I wonder where ?

 

"We are confident we are searching in the right area,'' Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss told journalists after the meeting.

"We are confident we have the best search equipment... if the plane is in the area we will find it.''

That's a big "if".

 

As an Australian taxpayer, I guess they've spent about $5 on my behalf so far. But I continue to wonder of that money couldn't do more good elsewhere.