Diana Nyad - Courageous and Determined!

Wanna hear something inspiring?

"Diana Nyad "

Simply said.... The name is inspiring enough. But here's the story anyway.

In 1979, Diana Nyad stroked her way into the history books by completing the longest swim (men or women) in written history. The path --from the island of Bimini to the Florida shore-- 102.5 miles. Apparently, that incredible record still stands today.


But here's the most inspiring part - 30 years later, Diana will make her second attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida... Yep. non-stop; sharks, sunburn, dehydration, and jelly fish included.

Her first attempt was thwarted by a storm. Here's part of what happened:

41 hours and 49 minutes later, Diana's team was pulling her out of the sea – battered, delirious, ravaged by jellyfish, scarred by the salt water; and only 50 miles from where she had started. That left her almost 60 miles from her intended landing spot see full story

Diana Nyad

In her words talking about her 102.5 mile swim: "I knew that this was going to be my last swim. I was 30 years old and I thought, it's about time I grow up and join the job market. And you know, as an athlete, it's part of the tragedy of sports, is that you have to retire when you're young. Nevertheless, I was swimming 102.5 miles, from the Bahamas to Florida, and it took a long time. It took many, many long hours. But in the end, when I saw the shore, of course, some of the perspective started flooding. But the way to do it is not to think of the big picture. It's to think of stroke by stroke and do it as perfectly as you can."




Now she's at it again.... Watch these videos taken during her 24 hour practice swim:

Impressive... I'm inspired.

How will she do it? Stroke by Stroke!

Wish her luck.

A 7-year old boy saves his family!

Courageous Acts Must Be Noted!


"Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death."

***Omar Bradley ***

This true story is sure to touch you!


Carlos, a brave 7 year old second-grader in California, displayed courage and moxie when he took vital steps to protect and save his family from armed robbers. After learning that armed men had entered his home and were threatening his parents with guns, Carlos acted with the speed and precise thinking of an adult. He grabbed his younger 6-year old sister and fled to the bathroom where he locked the door and called 911.

Here's the story........

Carlos...

For your bravery, courage, and moxie, in a threatening time.... I salute you!

Godspeed!

I think Carlos deserves a few days out of school and a trip to Disneyland!

Now it's getting Boring! - Extreme Base Jumping

Courageous or Dumb? You be the judge -

Extreme Base Jumping in Wingsuits

Courageous Acts - A Dog's Tale!

Courageous Acts must be noted!

"My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian."

You may recognize this line from the short story 'A Dog's Tale' written by Mark Twain. The story first appeared in the December 1903 issue of Harper's magazine. Later, it was extracted into a stand-alone pamphlet and published for the National Anti-Vivisection Society. Ultimately, in 1904 it was expanded into a book published by Harper & Brothers.


Here's a brief summary of the story:

When a fire breaks out in the nursery, the dog risks her life to drag the baby to safety. In the process, her motives are misunderstood and she is cruelly beaten. Soon however, the truth of the situation is discovered and she receives no end of praise.

This is a great story but the reality is - It was all conceived in the mind of Mark Twain. Please take a look at the video below for a real life Dog's Tale!

This surely looks like a clip from a Lassie episode doesn't it? I'm not sure what happened to the two dogs but in my mind - This was truly an act of courage.

Hero Dog - I salute you!

Godspeed!

The complete text of the A Dog's Tale book is now in the public domain and can be viewed at:

A Dog's Tale. It's a quick and short read. I hope you will take a few minutes to enjoy it.

"In memory of me, when there is a time of danger to another do not think of yourself, think of your mother, and do as she would do.”

From A Dog's Tale

Edit: The video is from a traffic camera overlooking the busy Costanera Norte freeway in Santiago, Chile. The Hero dog is one of approximately 220,000 stray dogs in the Santiago area. The viewing of this video quickly went viral and there were instantly many offers to adopt this dog. Unfortunately, the dog ran away from the rescue workers and has not been located as of this posting. I have no confirmed reports of the injured dog but some unconfirmed reports indicate that the injured dog may have died.

U.S. Airways Lands in Hudson River

Courageous Acts must be noted!



U.S. Airways flight 1549 makes an emergency landing near
USS Intrepid museum!

That's the bad news! The good news is the 148 passengers and 5 crew members are reportedly alive and well and there were no ground casualties. The initial reports indicate that the Airbus 320 ingested birds in both engines on departure from New York's Laguardia airport.

The successful ending of this story clearly highlights the great aviation skill of the pilots who brilliantly maneuvered the airframe to a safe water landing. Additionally, the professionalism of the cabin crew and air traffic controllers, the expeditious evacuation by the passengers, and the speedy recovery by maritime vehicles in the area should also be noted.

When you consider how populated the New York City area is, it's very easy to construct an alternate, more tragic, ending to this story. I'm thankful that we're just looking at the "cold and wet people option."

To the many that made this conclusion possible - God Speed!

Intrepid Remembers!

To read more about the Captain of Flight 1549;

Chesley Sullenberger III - Click Here

Courageous Acts! David Proeber

Yesterday while enjoying a nice cup of coffee and browsing the local newspaper collection at my favorite Sydney breakfast spot, I was captivated by a photo taken by David Proeber and featured in The Daily Telegraph. As I stared into the eyes (via the below photo) of what appeared to be a crazed gunman brandishing a pistol and puffing on a cigarette, I thought to myself, this must be an ad for an upcoming action movie. The shootout scene from the movie Heat, featuring Al Pacino, Robert Dinero, and Val Kilmer immediately came to mind. As I read further, I learned that this was the photo of Robert Sylvester, a man suspected of robbing four banks and several convenience stores in Illinois. This was not a scene being created for the big screen but a live event captured through the lens of a courageous photographer.

Sylvester was fleeing police in a high-speed vehicle chase when he stopped his SUV and exited the vehicle. Proeber, who works as a photo editor for The Pantagraph, a daily newspaper located in Bloomington, Illinois; found himself in a precarious situation after following the chase and taking pictures. As Sylvester exited, jumped a median, and ran towards him, Proeber had to make a quick decision to flee or snap. Proeber eventually ducked as the robber came closer towards him and then floored the accelerator- but not before taking 47 photographs of the incident in a three minute period. The 57 year old Sylvester exchanged shots with police but was shot and later died from his wounds.

David Proeber, for taking what may go on to be a Pulitzer prize winning photo, the courage to stare into the eyes of an armed fugitive, and the fortitude to continue snapping photos, I salute you!

Intrepid remembers!

God Speed!

Courageous Acts!

What's the difference between a finish carpenter and a shark?

1. Lipstick
2. A tool belt
3. Gills
4. A finish carpenter is meaner

Well, you're free to answer that question anyway you like but folks in the Florida keys are claiming # 4. is the correct answer. Here's the story:

Greg LeNoir, a finish carpenter, had taken his 14 pound rat terrier Jake for a swim at Worldwide Sportsman's Bayside Marina pier in Islamorada, Florida. That's where the near tragedy occurred. LeNoir watched as a 5 foot shark grabbed his dog Jake and pulled him under the water. LeNoir shrieked and without hesitating leaped into action.

''I clenched my fists and dove straight in with all my strength, like a battering ram,'' LeNoir, 53, told the Miami Herald. "I hit the back of the shark's neck. It was like hitting concrete.''

The shark, no doubt feeling out-matched, released Jake and swam off.

photo is courtesy of Cammy Clark / Miami Herald / Associated Press and foxnews.com

The 28 month old Jake who was rescued once from an animal shelter is doing fine and in my words, has just been issued his second get out of jail free card!

LeNoir's wife of 17 years, Tessalee, said she wasn't shocked by her husband's heroics. ''People know him as Dr. Doolittle,'' she said. ``He's the one who climbs up a tree to save a possum.''

Well Doctor- this was more than just a regular house call.

For your bravery, courage, and clarity of thought and action -

I Salute You!

Intrepid remembers! God Speed!

for more on this story see:

-http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,430441,00.html

-http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/story/707023.html

-http://www.latimes.com/features/custom/oddnews/la-on-shark1-2008oct01,0,7743756.story

Why Not?

Okay...


I couldn't resist this one: Courageous Acts must be noted!

I'm a Yankee for sure! Perhaps that goes without saying - But one of the tenets of my site is to recognize bravery and courage when I can. So for all those southern boys and their "Rebel Yells." I acknowledge your courage and bravery!

I also acknowledge Billy

And In my midnight Hour.............

I had a change of heart. Perhaps I'll trade in my Sabre for a Guitar and a microphone. (See my last post)

And Monday morning - I'll be screaming MORE! MORE! MORE!






Rock on Billy Idol!

What! No Invitation?

So guess what? I trek my butt all the way "down under" to Sydney, Australia and I hear they are having this big celebration. Turns out the Governor-General Michael Jeffery on Monday announced the annual Australian Bravery Decorations, including three Stars of Courage.


One would think that "I" king and writer of the "Courageous Acts" post would certainly get an invitation to the ceremony - Right? Well, due to a minor oversight someone forgot to get me my invitation. Imagine my dismay when I read the article in the newspaper. Foiled again! Oh well, think they'll stop me from having my own say in this matter? No way!


Several people were honored at this ceremony, most of them Australians. Many acts of bravery were recognized. I don't mean to discount the others but I must take pride in recognizing one of our own. Please read along:


On July 29, 2006, Miss Kimberley Dear was in America preparing for her first skydive.


On camera, she pointed to her instructor, Mr Robert Cook a 23 year old from Missouri, and said:


"This is the man that's going to save my life."


Moments after take-off, the engine failed and the plane carrying eight people crashed. In the 16 seconds it took for the plane to fall, Mr Cook turned to Miss Dear and told her to focus on his instructions. He clipped his harness to hers and told her to brace herself using his body to cushion the fall.



Robert Cook wrapped his arms around a young Australian woman and calmly instructed her to use his body as a mattress while their plane crashed from the sky. Mr Cook, was killed on impact but Melbourne woman Kimberley Dear survived despite extensive injuries.


Kimberley Dear would say:


"He was an amazing person and he was going to go on to do amazing things himself but now he can't. I am 100% certain he could have taken measures to save his own life but he didn't, he saved mine. There aren't many people who would put their life on the line for a stranger."


True statement indeed!


Robert Cook, for your dauntless and selfless act of courage and bravery.......


I salute you!



Intrepid remembers! God Speed!

Kimberley Dear, who survived a plane crash when her skydiving instructor Robert Cook died using his body to protect her.Photo: Melanie Faith Dove

Happy Leap Day! The short answer!

What exactly is a Leap Day? And what exactly is a Leap Year?


February 29 is a date that occurs only every four years, and is called leap day. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365.000 days. It works out to be 365.2422 days — resulting in almost one extra day every four years.


Okay, well that's kind of the short technical answer to the question. But what exactly is a "Leap Second?" Ha ha.... Got you there huh? Well, that answer is just a little bit more complicated and since today is my free day ( I've always viewed leap days as bonus days. Kind of like buy one get one free. Or a baker's dozen! You know? Once every 4 years you live February and instead of getting 28 days you get one extra day for free. ) I'll pass on the long detailed explanation. But if you want to know the answer and have got a few minutes to listen. Follow this link: Click Here




Otherwise, maybe you just want to contemplate this: Every leap year children are born on Leap Day. I have a cousin who was born on February 29 Th. I've always wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. They say that those born on a leap day are forever young because they only have a "real birthday" once every four years.


Well here's to Tempest Storm who was born on February 29, 1928. May she remain forever young. She was an American burlesque star and motion picture actress. Her beauty landed her work as a chorus girl, but her curvaceous figure and very generous and natural 40" bosom and 22" waist combined with a magnetic stage personality led to a highly successful career in burlesque. Her professional debut was at the El Rey Theater in Oakland, California. She took Tempest Storm as her stage name around 1950, legally changing her name in 1957.


Gutsy Move Tempest!



For a career in burlesque in those early days, you get the Intrepid "Courageous Acts" honorable mention.





Thanks for the entertainment!

Courageous Acts!

A Courageous display of gallantry or valor should not go unnoticed and more importantly, should not be forgotten. So from time to time I'll be highlighting individual or collective acts of bravery.

Last year this time - and PB - for me. (PB stands for Pre-Blog) I recall reading about a gentleman named Wesley Autrey. Mr. Autrey was a 50 year old construction worker and Navy veteran who happened to be waiting for a subway train in in Manhattan. While waiting with his two daughters, a nearby man collapsed and began convulsing. When Mr Autrey walked over to help, the man stumbled to the edge of the platform and fell to the tracks below. While observers stood by in shock and watched the approaching train, Mr. Autrey fearlessly jumped below and lay on the victim securing him between the two rails. The train attempted to stop but as the brakes screeched, five cars rolled overhead the motionless duo before the train could be halted.
Power was then cut to the train and workers rescued the two. Both men escaped with minor injuries. It appeared the 20 year old victim, Cameron Hollopeter, had suffered a seizure. When asked about his valiant act, Mr. Autrey replied: "I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help. I did what I felt was right.”


Mr. Autrey, for your dauntless and selfless act .......

I salute you!

Intrepid remembers! God Speed!

Wesley Autrey after the act with grease from the train on his hat- see the full story

On a lighter note. It seems Ms. Antibarbie is performing her own act of bravery. She is taking on all comers in her post: "Hit me with your Best shot." She has agreed to answer any of your questions. And she says anything! The door is wide open. To date she has about 30 comments. Most people, like me, have asked some pretty easy going questions. But come on. You all get in there and take the gloves off and go ask some juicy questions....... (smile) I'll be reading. See her taunts below:

Hope had this great idea for me to do a Q&A session with all my readers. So, feel free to ask me anything in the comments section of this post…. and I do mean anything. I have no shame and will air all my most sinful secrets, embarrassing facts, stupid mistakes, views, philosophies, fears, dreams and anything else you might throw at me. Nothing is off limits and nothing is sacred.
That pretty much sums it all up. Speak up now or forever bite your tongue.

Antibarbie