Airbus A380 -- Explosions in the Sky

Airbus and the FAA are at odds. The FAA (after the crash of TWA 800) mandated special fuel tanks to eliminate in-sky explosions, a good idea in theory. Airbus are complaining that this ought not apply to them in an article in today's USA Today. Obviously, that's a ploy by Airbus to save weight, which will in turn save money. There are many ways to cut corners on an aircraft -- some good, some bad. The fuel tank is not a great place to cut corners. Obviously Airbus has no concerns about the safety of their planes: okay, that isn't true. They are worried about more delays, more cost overruns, and more embarrassment. However this is not a good idea. Don't fly Airbus and especially not the A380.

Dave Barry

I flew to Las Vegas this past Monday for a pair of conventions (yawn) and also to see the new Cirque show Love (more later). I was standing in line to board and I thought to myself "the back of this guy's head looks awfully familiar." He turned briefly to hand his boarding card to the gate agent, and it was Dave Barry. After I cleared through, I caught up and said "hi" -- he didn't remember me right away, but he did after a few moments. I then left him alone, because I don't want to be a pest. Imagine my surprise when I find out my seatmate is, of all people, Dave.

We chat* a bit prior to take off and we both find the woman behind us insanely irritating because she and her seatmate are doing the crossword puzzle from the inflight magazine. Only they're doing it at a volume that is more conducive to watching a sporting event. We roll eyes at each other and he finally says something along the lines of "If you strangle her, I won't see anything." A tempting offer, but I decide against it and show him my Bose Quiet Comfort headphones -- but even they can't drown her out totally.

He's working on a new book -- I ask him what it's about, and he tells me*. I had a few other questions but mostly he wrote and I read. Neither of us ate the plane food. We both ate the hot nuts. We both had beverages. And that is the generic description.

I fired off an e-mail to Rob because I thought it was cool I should run into his dad on a plane. Slim odds. And I'm looking forward to the new book.





* The nature of our discussions shall not concern you except as noted :)