William F. Buckley

William F. Buckley died at his desk yesterday in Stamford Connecticut. Our paths have crossed several times. One was on Long Island Sound. I was out alone in my 24 foot Bristol sailboat for a late season afternoon sail. I came across another sailboat and noticed a member of the crew looking at my boat through binoculars as I drank my hot coffee from a thermos. I waved and he waved back. As the boat passed I noticed the name and recognized Buckley and the sailboat he had used when he sailed across the Atlantic. He wrote about this passage in such books as Airborne. Sometime later I met Buckley on land and went up to him and introduced myself as a fellow sailor and said that our paths have crossed on Long Island Sound. His eyes widened as he said "Oh my Gawd, I hope I did not run into you?"

2007: A big story you might have missed. I did.

I am not sure how I missed this story but, being a sailor to me it is big news! 2007 was an historic year because the first transatlantic passage by solar power was achieved. It seems to have been covered by most of the major news organizations (at least online) but, I guess Brittany Spears probably got more air time. Anyway you can read about this historic crossing here and here and there are some great clips on You Tube also. This is big news! The kind of big news that the big oil companies want you to forget about as soon as possible.

Back on land and back on line

I've been away for the past nine days from computer keyboards and mainstream media. Unlike many people who are tied to computer screens it was not hard for me to look away and be out of touch. It was easy and refreshing. I recommend everyone try it for awhile. I spent two days observing the decadence and scene of South Beach in Miami Beach just about a half block away from where Versace was shot. Then it was off to Coconut Grove where I boarded a 45 foot Ketch and spent seven days watching the weather and dolphins in the upper Florida Keys. But, tonight I'm back in Washington D.C. and soon after I arrived thunderstorms blew through the area. It seems like an omen. It will take a while to get back up to speed. But, first a good nights sleep is in order.