Lightning

To Greg and Joan Benford. Sometimes I think that you're the most interesting people we know. Then I always take two aspirin and lie down. But the thought persists.

The wailing of the newborn infant is mingled with the dirge for the dead.

— LUCRETIUS

I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens.

— WOODY ALLEN

Roller coaster: a small gravity railroad… with steep inclines that produce sudden, speedy plunges for thrill-seeking passengers.

— THE RANDOM HOUSE DICTIONARY