The Writer's Life 9/25 - Fantastic Stuff

Aldi Novel Adilang, 19, from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, earned $130 a month working on a fishing raft moored in the Pacific. Each week a boat would pick up the fish and drop off supplies. A storm severed the hut from its mooring, and it drifted almost 12,000 miles away. For 49 days he was lost at sea, his radio signal failing to attract rescuers. Ten boats passed without spotting him or stopping. He survived by rationing his water and cooking fish on his little stove. When his gas ran out, he burned wood to cook. He spent a lot of the time sleeping and praying. Finally, a Panamanian vessel picked up his distress signal. The ocean was so choppy that the bigger boat dared not get close to the rickety craft for fear of destroying it. A lifeline was thrown and fell short. Adilang dove into the water and swam to reach it, and hung on for dear life as he was pulled to safety. (From various sources, including the NY Post.) Here's a pic of the young man and his rompong:

Another article in the Post reports a fantastic development. After months of intense rehab, three patients suffering leg paralysis were able to stand and take steps, helped by an implant that zaps the spinal chord, and by an aide at their side. Its doubtful patients will ever regain total movement, but this must give great hope to so many. Kudos to those who are making it happen.

I watched the series premiere of Manifest last night on NBC at ten PM. It's too soon to dub it fantastic, but it was very entertaining. My guess right now is the jet missing for five-plus years was abducted by aliens. I've heard viewers are leery of committing to the show, fearful it will be as disappointing as Lost was in the the end. That's an unfortunate drawback that too often occurs in sci-fi. Here's the main cast, none of whom I recall having ever seen previously:

Mother Nature was fantastic today. The rain ceased just in time to allow the floating book shop to operate a full session. My thanks to the gentleman and two ladies who bought 13 books in Russian between them, among them translations of Stephen King, John Grisham and Danielle Steel; and to the Asian fellow who purchased The Films of John Wayne, a pictorial; and to Maria, who donated five books to the cause.
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