My Favorite Signals

Two of my favorite signals:

First, an aviation radiotelegraph signal:

QUQ -- Please train your searchlight on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if my aircraft is seen or heard, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (or land) to facilitate my landing. (This is also international maritime flag signal AX.)


Second, another international maritime flag signal:

AJ -- I have had a serious nuclear accident and you should approach with caution.

I really like these signals. Have they ever been used in all of history?

I am not prolix.

Well, I am not very prolix, am I? There are at least three reasons.

1. I am lazy, and a procrastinator.

2. I want to wait until I retire before I stick my neck TOO far out. (Current thinking is that that will be around December 2006.)

3. I have trouble with the idea that anyone cares what I think. But, if I have time to polish my prose, maybe I can be a good essayist some day -- i.e., when I retire!