For The Record- 31. August. 2024

Interrupting my train of thought, lines of longitude and latitude

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KA~

For most of us, flying between Point A and B is simple: Get on board, sit down, and play on your phone. Often, the hardest part is making sure you get to the airport on time. A lot of work happens behind the scenes to make the extraordinary seem routine.

Massive investments in training and technology have completely changed the industry for the better. Everything from automated weather reports—and advancements in what said reports contain—to RFID tracking of your luggage to performing weight and balance duties in real-time adds up to an improved passenger experience.

In other words, a lot of people are doing a lot of work to make sure your trip doesn’t become a story at your next dinner party.

In that same way, being a consumer is easier than ever. Want to buy a pair of new shoes? If you’re like me, you can buy them at a store. If you prefer, you can order them from anywhere in the world with the click of a button and have them delivered right to your doorstep. It's the same story with that record you’ve had your eye on. Massive infrastructure and a global supply chain make that possible.

It’s enough of a well-oiled machine that we never stop to think of what makes that possible… until it stops working.

Ever Given (remember that?) ran ashore and sailed into meme infamy. And, of course, the Q-crew put on their tinfoil hats and got to work …because, of course, they did…

Initial reports pointed to high winds as a potential cause (human and technical errors weren’t immediately ruled out). A multinational effort worked to refloat this gigantic container ship, but higher tides ultimately enabled the team to get things moving again.

On a much smaller level, my carrier was recently unable to receive updated weather reports for my station. Without current weather, flights can’t be released to depart, and the operation runs aground.

The cause?