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Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
By * * Starman * *
Last edited: Sunday, February 22, 2009
Posted: Thursday, February 19, 2009
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Stormy weather memories, reminded me again that all good things must come to an end.
Dedicated to Karla Dorman, and her sister Karen Lynn Vidra, who continue to inspire me with their words.
We went through tornadic weather last night in Georgia, where we had 10 confirmed tornadoes, one of which was an EF4, with winds of 166 to 200 mph. The conditions where we live, just outside of Atlanta near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, were intense, with the gusting winds driving a blinding rain. There was even baseball-sized hail breaking car windows, a house roof torn off, and a tornado related death in Georgia resulting from the devastating twisters.
The satellite TV went out as usual from loss of line of sight to the orbital position of the satellite's transmitter, which was whizzing by in a geosynchronous orbital position, stationary relative to us at 25,400 miles overhead. We must be whizzing along underneath it at the same angular momentum. Isn't that right? Physics! Don't you love it?
Weirder still I thought, "What the heck is going on now," as I lost DSL Internet connectivity for an hour. I got to sit down and read a book; my brand new copy of our own Dr. John Michael Domino's classic, "Mentoring To-Go!" Exciting stuff.
Hey, did you know that I have a fundamental design for a tornado killer? I named it Lucy, after Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. There is a line of lyrics in that song, about "head in the clouds" that I fell in love with and named my tornado killer after. Lucy. I love you baby. If you knew the operation of the invention the name would make more sense. Of course I have never been able to build a proto-type, money problems you know? However, I believe it would save lives.
In the 1980's I designed a battery-backed tornado alarm, housed in a smoke detector type package with the same type of alarm. It was going to be my first patentable invention. I went to the United States Regional Patent Depository at the Georgia Tech Price Gilbert library in Atlanta, before the Internet gave us all access to it. I did a patent search and found someone had patented a device identical to my design two years prior, even down to the exact integrated circuit and implementation circuitry I had designed and planned to use. Yep, battery-backed circuitry and and all, you know, in case the approaching storm knocked out the power upon approach. This was before those civil defense NOAA weather radios that could wake people in their sleep, came available to the general public in recent years for about $25 each. I never saw any tornado alarm on the market though, and people continue to die in their sleep when these storms hit, especially in the communities without the emergency sirens. I wanted to license it to build, but it would cost me $25,000 to get the rights to license their patent to build and market it. The idea died right there, as I could not find any backers to help me. So much for venture capitalists!
Every year when I see the tragedies from these storms I cry, knowing I could help people, if only someone would help me. I refuse to abandon my wife to do it. I love her too much.
Rockie Coppolella aka Starman
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Reader Reviews for
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"
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| Reviewed by Ed Matlack |
3/15/2009 |
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| So, build it for yourselves, at least you and the wife would be safe & am I GLAD I don't live anywhere near tornado's, as even a 50 MPH gust in this motorhome feels like its going to blow us away...I sometimes wonder if God invented tornado's to destroy trailer homes and such, or did man invent trailer homes to do the same, if that made any sense at all, please explain it to me...Ed & Rufuz [w00f] |
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| Reviewed by Michelle Kidwell Power In The Pen |
3/2/2009 |
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You and Bridget remain in my prayers, I hope something is done to help her with the finaces for the life saving devices she needs
In Christs Love
Michelle~ |
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| Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner |
2/22/2009 |
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I hope you find the resources to finance this potentially life saving device. What is also needed is MANDATORY underground shelter, especially in Tornado Alley and in the south. Don't never, never, never give up on your dreams, Rockie.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. |
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| Reviewed by John Domino |
2/21/2009 |
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WOW! what an experience! I agree that sometimes we have ideas and no one seems available to help us. Pray my friend. Have faith and never give up on your dream!
Thank you Rockie for the vote of confidence by saying
... "What the heck is going on now," as I lost DSL Internet connectivity for an hour. I got to sit down and read a book; my brand new copy of our own Dr. John Michael Domino's classic, "Mentoring To-Go!" Exciting stuff.
I am writing a Christian Goals Chapter and I should be one by Monday. I will post it on the den as a free sample of what is to come.
We used to live in Valdosta, Ga.
We really grew strong in our faith out there.
Rockie we have a lot in common.
I am so glad to have you as a trusted friend.
Yours in Christ,
John Michael
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| Reviewed by J'nia Fowler |
2/20/2009 |
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| Frustration rings clear here. Oh that life could be much easier and we could save lives, an honorable aspiration. I love the way your mind works. Blessings to you and your wife. Hugs, J'nia |
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| Reviewed by Carol Surber |
2/19/2009 |
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So many great ideas..so little money. You have the best treasure though. Your Bridget! The best part is you know it. Love and wishes to you dear Starman...and healing Love to Bridget.
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| Reviewed by Cryssa C |
2/19/2009 |
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My father in law has had so many projects that have gone the same way...always brilliant ideas, but never the capital to put his ideas into a marketable product. It is sad...others would much prefer to try to steal his ideas for greed then to actually help others through his inventions. And that...my friend...is what is REALLY wrong with this world and why science and technology have not advanced (to the public eye) as far as they could have.
Cryssa |
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| Reviewed by Rose Rideout |
2/19/2009 |
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Great idea Rockie but I am glad you quoted that you love your wife too much to abandon her. Thank you for sharing.
Newfie hugs, Rose |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
2/19/2009 |
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Excellent write, Rockie; may God bless you and Bridget! Know you two are both in my prayers/thoughts! Well done; glad you are safe!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( |
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| Reviewed by Regino Gonzales, Jr. |
2/19/2009 |
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I go for content in stories and this is loaded. "I refuse to abandon my wife to do it. I love her too much." are worth noting.
Be well Rock and your lady too. May blessings come your way, to both of you.
Sincerely,
Regino
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| Reviewed by Paul D Berube |
2/19/2009 |
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| Quite the story Rockie. Very well done my friend. Stay safe out there and may God always watch over you. |
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