There have been numerous diaries today remembering personal reactions to the events of eight years ago today. Rather than posting a comment in these (and taking advantage of being asked to guest-host today's WCMF) I thought I'd share memories of my somewhat pedestrian experience of September 11, 2001.
I was sitting in my cubicle at work, about thirty feet from where I sit right now. I've always been a news junkie, and so I was one of the first in my office to know that an airplane had struck the World Trade Center building in New York City when it came across the AP wire; at first, it was reported to be a small plane, so I didn't think much of it. Within a few minutes, though, the atmosphere of the office was buzzing with the news, and our Internet connection slowed to a crawl as more and more people pulled up video of the scene on CNN; it was now clear that this was no accident.
Before long most news sites on the Internet became overwhelmed with traffic and were unusable. For most of the rest of the morning, I had three or four folks hanging out in my cubicle, since I was the only one getting news updates.
Productivity came to a standstill. Cell phone service became spotty as people everywhere tried to contact their loved ones.
After work, I went to my usual watering hole. My friends and acquaintances there sat in stunned silence watching the televisions. In my recollection, this was the only time, before or since, that the volume was turned up on the teevees except for the occasional football game.
When I arrived at home, I was mentally exhausted (as I imagine most Americans were at this point). I hugged my wife and began crying uncontrollably, and said to her "Things are never going to be the same."
Looking back on that day, my assessment was correct -- things are never going back to what was once "normal." I had no idea, however, of how bad things would get: PATRIOT Act, Iraq, torture, domestic spying. If this is the war on terror, we've already lost.
And now for something completely different!
Mojo Friday Guidelines
- If you comment you have to recommend all comments. (in order to receive mojo you have to give mojo. It's only good mojo manners.)
- Everything you say may be taken as a joke (so if you ask a question, expect a silly answer)
- You must recommend the diary (and pimp it unapologetically)
- You don't have to comment to recommend.
- You can't steal my idea (right, like that ain't goin' to happen)
- Please, no pictures or YouTubes until after 300 comments. Now, after 300, use a little common courtesy and be responsible in the number.
- Mojo mojo mojo mojo, mojo mojo mojo.
- TexDem (our benevolent sponsor) and MKinTN (that's me) are not bound by the guidelines. Heh.
Mojo Friday Time Shifters Goals (watered down from Mojo Friday Goals)
A. At least 40 different commenters and 300 comments by 2:00 PM PST.
B. 50 recommends for each comment, at least.
C. Get on the Recommended List (this requires some strategic planning by you guys, refer to guideline #3)
D. At least 50 diary recommends. 100 would be better, spread the word.
E. And always, fun fun fun.
F. Have at least 75% average participation rate as seen here in the Mojo Friday Postgame Comment by Yours Truly.
G. Have at least 10 kossacks over 90% participation (see here for some tips).
H. Overload the servers with recommends, not to mention dominate Top Comments Mojo list. (we do tend to mess with the site with all of our recommends at one time)(also, to dominate the Top Comments Top Mojo we need at least 50 comments with over 200 recommends, see guideline B)
I. That's enough for now. (Have a suggestion? Post it.)
MKinTN (that's me!) posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.