Mike Coe - Author

Chrysopylae Bridge

2012-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Flight into Darkness was originally titled The Golden Gate. The title was changed when I decided that the story would be written as the 2nd book in the Flight Trilogy. Since the Golden Gate Bridge is the key focal point in the story, I wanted to share an interesting story how the bridge got its name—a fact that most people are not aware of.

Construction

Construction began on January 5, 1933. The project cost $35 million and opened one month ahead of schedule and $1.3 million under budget. Eleven construction workers died while working on the bridge and nineteen others were saved by the use of movable safety netting beneath the construction site.

Bridge-opening Celebration

The bridge-opening celebration began on May 27, 1937, and lasted for one week. When writing about Pedestrian Day the next day, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Wills O’Brien wrote, “A necklace of surpassing beauty was placed about the lovely throat of San Francisco yesterday.”


May 27, 1937 - Pedestrian Day

May 28, 1937 - Bridge opens to vehicular traffic

The Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicular traffic at twelve o'clock noon, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a telegraph key in the White House to announce the event to the world.

Suicides

More people die by suicide at the Golden Gate Bridge than any other site in the world. After a fall of approximately four seconds, jumpers hit the water at around 75 mph. Most jumpers die from impact trauma on contact with the water. The few who survive the initial impact generally drown or die of hypothermia in the cold water. Most suicidal jumps occur on the side facing the bay. The side facing the Pacific is closed to pedestrians. The fatality rate of jumping is roughly 98%. The bridge is fitted with suicide hotline telephones, and staff patrol the bridge in carts, looking for people who appear to be planning to jump. The bridge is closed to pedestrians at night. Cyclists are permitted across at night, but must be buzzed in and out through the remotely controlled security gates.

How the Golden Gate got its name: "Chrysopylae"

A fact not commonly known—even among Californians—is how the Golden Gate got its name. Before the bridge, there was only the strait—later named the Golden Gate Strait. The Golden Gate Strait is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The strait is approximately three-miles long by one-mile wide.

On June 5, 1848, Army officer John C. Fremont submitted his "Geographical Memoir" to the U.S. Senate, where the San Francisco Bay entrance was called Chrysopylae (Golden Gate). When Fremont named the strait, he had in mind the Chrysoceras (Golden Horn) of Constantinople (later Istanbul), and suggested that the San Francisco Bay would be advantageous for commerce.

Chrysoceras

Chrysoceras means Golden Horn (Chryso=gold; ceras=horn). The origin of the name is derived from Greek mythology.

Zeus and Io – one of the most touching dramas in Greek Mythology; a story of infidelity and revenge.

Once upon a time, Zeus (the father of gods and men) was sitting high up on his Olympian throne when he spotted a beautiful young priestess named Io (eye-o). When he came to her, she was so awed by him that she immediately fell in love with him.

Zeus and Io

Zeus obviously knew that if he and Io were caught together, bad things would happen to Io. But being the typical womanizer that he was, having no fear of being caught, Zeus threw caution to the wind and entered into a passionate affair with Io.

Zeus presents Io as a gift to Hera

It wasn’t long before Zeus began to sense that Hera (the goddess of women and marriage, and wife of Zeus) might be suspicious of his relations with Io. In an attempt to hide her from Hera, he changed the girl into a beautiful white cow, but Hera saw right through Zeus' plot. Pretending that Io was just a normal cow, she demands Zeus to give her the heifer maiden as a gift. Now, Zeus could not refuse Hera without giving himself away. He had no choice but to turn Io over to Hera.

Hermes is ordered by Zeus to kill Argus

Zeus was inflamed. With Argus on guard, he couldn’t secretly meet with the lovely Io. He instructed his son, Hermes, to kill Argus. To this day, Hermes is often called Argeiphontes, ‘the slayer of Argus’. He lulled the herdsman to sleep with sweet music and then beheaded the sleeping watchman before he could defend himself. Io was now free of the all seeing Argus.

Bosphorus Strait divides Europe and Asia

The punishment was not over yet. The gadfly was still goading the heifer-girl to the ends of the earth. Io’s flight took her East towards Asia, hopping across the Bosphorus Strait (a strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia), giving the strait its name (boos-foros, which is Greek for cow-ford).

Golden Horn River - Istanbul

After years of tortuous wandering, Io came upon what is now the Golden Horn River where the hand of Zeus reached out and touched her, lifting Hera’s curse and restoring her to her youthful beauty. Impregnated by the divine sperm of Zeus, Io gave birth to a daughter, Keroessa (Chrysoceras)

When Keroessa was born, she carried the scars of her mother’s transformation: there were two projections on both sides of her forehead like horns. It was because of her golden hair and the little horns on her forehead that the mythical nymphs along the river named her Keroessa.

In Greek mythology, Keroessa later bore a son to Poseidon (elder brother of Zeus and lord of all waters). This son in time became the founder of Byzantium (currently Istanbul) and named the Golden Horn, Keroessa (Chrysoceras), after his mother.

So there you have it. Now I invite you to read Flight into Darkness and learn why the Golden Gate Bridge is the focal point of the story.

In Search of Paradise...

2012-01-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

Yogi Berra said it best: “If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else.”

Berra, who quit school after the eighth grade, has a tendency toward malapropism and fracturing the English language. “It ain't over till it's over” is arguably his most famous example, often quoted. Simultaneously denying and confirming his reputation, Berra once stated, “I really didn't say everything I said.”

In April 2007, my wife and I took a road trip up Highway 1, California’s coastal route, to San Francisco. I must say, the beauty of the coastal route was romantic and filled with dizzying twists and turns—much like a good love story should be. I highly recommend it. My only caution is to plan your trip during off-season and definitely avoid July and August.

Bixby Bridge on Hwy 1

At that time, I was well into writing Flight into Darkness (my second novel) and I wanted to take a scouting trip to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito—two key locations in the story.

It was during the return trip home (on the much faster route down I-5) that my wife and I started discussing the themes of Flight to Paradise (at the time the working title was A Love Once Lost). I was not completely happy with the title as I felt it implied a negative message by the word “Lost” when in fact it was a story of hope. As we dug deeper into the themes behind the story, I realized that it was about the journey of two hearts to satisfy their deepest desires.

I have read that many of the most successful novel titles (especially the classics) are metaphorical, or hold deeper meaning while exploring the theme: Catcher in the Rye, Valley of the Dolls, To Kill a Mockingbird, Catch-22, The Grapes of Wrath, and others. I tried to relate my story to some metaphorical word that could be used in the title. When I tried to think of a word that would best describe the most perfect place in the entire world, the word Paradise popped out. It could have been because, at the time, I was making weekly flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii and my mind was overcome by thoughts of the hundreds of giddy tourist I hauled to the Islands every week—a place most of them referred to as Paradise. Hawaii is nice, but I was looking for something more.

I guess it was my mind struggling with words when the two words Lost (from the original title) and Paradise crossed. The result was John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Milton’s epic poem originally published in 1667 was about the Biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. I thought, “That’s it!” What better description of Paradise than the Garden of Eden—a place of complete perfection where love was without fault. Further thought led me to meditate on a non-physical place—more of an emotional state of being where this feeling of relationship paradise might exist. Then it dawned on me. I turned to my wife and said, “I’ve got it! The title of the book is Flight to Paradise.” The word “flight” represents the journey of each person’s heart to find “Paradise”: The place where the desires of the heart are completely satisfied.

She asked what made me so sure. I told her that if there could ever be an emotional state of being—a non-physical place on Earth—that best describes the feeling of Paradise, it would be the relationship we have shared for the past 30 years (35 years on Sunday, January 22, 2012). If there ever was that “perfect someone” or “soul mate”, she is that person for me--she is my Paradise. I wrote the story as a story of hope in spite of failure.

When I returned home and continued to finalize Flight to Paradise, I stumbled on a story about the beautiful birds of Paradise. I included a quote in the front of the book.

Four centuries ago, John van Linschoten (1563-1611) wrote about the beautiful birds of Paradise (God’s birds) during his voyage to the East Indies. He wrote, “. . . no one has seen these birds alive, for they live in the air, always turning towards the sun, and never alighting on the Earth till they die.” The Malay Archipelago, by Alfred Russel Wallace, 1869

Alfred Russel Wallace

The quote was referenced in The Malay Archipelago, the land of the orangutan and the bird of paradise by Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913). The Malay Archipelago is the chain of 25,000 islands (archipelago) located between mainland Southeastern Asia and Australia; situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist. He had been studying some of Linschoten's writings when he came upon his findings of the paradise birds.

The quote struck me as the perfect metaphor for this story. We are God's birds in search of the one thing in this life that really matters—love. We need people in our lives and we need to be loved. Ironically, our need to be loved is the same need that causes us to remain loveless. In our search to be loved, it is only when love is given that we ultimately find the love we are looking to receive. Even The Beatles understood this truth—or at least Paul McCartney understood it. The last song recorded collectively by all four of The Beatles was The End. The writer, McCartney, wrote the line: “And in the end, the love you take (get) is equal to the love you make (give).” Lennon called it, “...a very cosmic, philosophical line.”

We live in a relational world. We can't live without others. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of solitary confinement. In the beginning there is simple loneliness. Then as time progresses, there is a slowing down, losing the ability to initiate behavior or organize around any kind of purpose. One might begin to hallucinate, becoming unable to think logically, followed by irrational anger and obsessing on trivial things—ultimately, full-blown psychosis.

As described by Linschoten, one would have to assume that the paradise bird was lost. You would think that the paradise bird would know how to find Paradise. But according to Linschoten, instead of finding Paradise, the bird wandered through the sky, always searching with no clear understanding of what exactly he is looking for, or how to find it; always turning toward the sun (following the setting sun into tomorrow, hoping to one day find Paradise), until ultimately dying in flight.

* * *

Ironically, our need to be loved is the same need that causes us to remain loveless. In our search to be loved, it is only when love is given that we ultimately find the love we are looking to receive.

* * *

"If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else.” Yogi Berra

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Paul McCartney, The Beatles

* * *

Happy Anniversary to my beautiful, loving wife and best friend, Sue Marie. Thank you for showing me the way to Paradise. I love you! (Sunday, January 22)

“Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

Something Old, Something New...

2012-01-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe” is a good luck saying which dates back to the Victorian era. It refers to what brides should include as a part of their wedding outfit. This blog is not about brides, but it is about something old, something new. Please keep reading...

Have you ever had an idea for an invention—something new; something that could change the world? I am amazed at the many marvelous life-changing inventions we use today that change our lives for the better—from the paper clip (Johan Vaaler, Norway, 1899) to the Internet (Advanced Research Projects Agency at the U.S. Dept. of Defense, 1969). (see a list of 300+ greatest inventions of all time).

In 1982, I had an idea for a fantastic invention: the “Electronic Leash”. It was a way to let Fido out of the house to do his business—solo—on those cold early mornings without worrying about him running off. (note: Fido was the name of Abraham Lincoln’s dog.)

Little did I know, Richard Peck had already thought of the idea in 1973. By 1987, Invisible Fence had purchased Peck’s company and was boosting sales over $4.5 million as the result of selling 17,000 systems (see story).

A few years later, while living in Virginia in a condo located next to a very annoying barking dog, I remembered Peck’s idea—particularly the collar. My next new idea was to invent a collar that would buzz (not shock) a dog when he barked. The sound of the dog’s bark would activate the buzzing device in the collar. (see Ivan Pavlov and his experiments on conditioning).

As you might have heard, someone beat me to it—again—with the invention of the “Bark Collar”. (note: The video below was made by a dog).

I am intrigued by stories of great inventions as featured by Modern Marvels, How Stuff Works, and Discovery Channel. But creating something that can change the world is often a simple idea that is overlooked: wheel, wheelbarrow, Post-it Notes, safety pin, drinking straw, toothbrush, button, candle, playing cards, and many more (see list).

When I think of inventions and creativity, I can’t help but think of Walt Disney. He set the bar for thinking outside of the box and someone who was willing to take risks—something the aspiring inventors in the video below seem to have mastered. These bright minds seem to be working on the next great ride at one of Disney’s parks. They call it: “The Human Slingshot”.

As I contemplate the New Year and my next great idea for a new invention, and how it might make the world a better place, I reflect inward. Perhaps the greatest contribution that I can make is to re-invent myself. I’m not talking about a resolution; I’m talking about something much deeper. Taking something old, (me) and turning it into something new (improved me).

It is astounding how ignorant we often are about ourselves. We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us—even after we see it. The belief that we think we understand ourselves is always the last bit of pride to go.

If only for the next seven days, join me and look for one opportunity to say “no” to your pride and put others first: Listen to them instead of demanding to be heard; perform an act of kindness that cost you something (time or money); be quick to say, “I’m sorry, please forgive me.” (especially if you think you are right).

Note: To become a better listener you need to be...

1. QUIET - When you are talking, you're not listening.

2. CALM - When you are emotionally upset, you're defensive.

3. CLEAN - Truth is hidden when evil is prevalent. Dump the garbage: jealousy, resentment, vengeance, etc.

4. HUMBLE - Pride is a slow-growing seed of destruction.

The greatest opportunity we have to make the world a better place is by reinventing ourselves—turning Something old, into Something new—if only for this week.