Today's World

When we were kids - no concrete barriers around the city to practice our balance on. But we did have "duck and cover" drills. Okay everyone - let's pretend that an atomic bomb is going to hit the Empire State Building (that's what they said) - now quick - under your desk.

I used to think of the explosion - wondering how long it would take for the shockwave and cloud to get up to the Bronx.

Has anyone done a study about the psychological effects - or after shocks - when children come to believe that their world can be gone in a New York minute? Gives a new meaning to the term: baby boomers.

Also may be related to the fast food craze that began back then. "Sorry mate - no time to sit down and eat - I'll just pop by for a burger."

Did you ever read the interview with the man who invented instant coffee? "We need things quick now," he said. "We don't always have time to brew a pot."

Could he have had instant annihilation in mind?
in mind.

What will the results of growing up in today's world be? Annihilation is no longer instant - it's more random. Will a new cult that prays to the god of randomness emerge?

I leave those ideas to future historians - or to you.