Stories with Tag 1975

• The Pinball Philosophy (1975)

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  Posted: 2025-02-10 05:57:53

  Verbose tl;dr

  John McPhee's "The Pinball Philosophy" explores the world of competitive pinball through the lens of Roger Sharpe, a top-ranked player in 1970s New York City. The piece delves into the intense focus, strategy, and almost mystical approach Sharpe takes to the game, highlighting the nuanced skills involved beyond mere luck. It contrasts his zen-like calm and calculated nudges with the frenetic energy of pinball parlors, ultimately portraying pinball not as a mindless pastime, but as a demanding game of skill requiring precision, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the machine's mechanics. Sharpe's pursuit of mastery reveals a unique subculture where dedicated players strive for perfect games and fleeting moments of control in a world of chaos and flashing lights.

  John McPhee's 1975 essay, "The Pinball Philosophy," delves into the nuanced world of pinball, exploring its then-precarious existence within the cultural landscape and dissecting the intricate skillset required to master the game. McPhee meticulously details the mechanical intricacies of pinball machines, illuminating the complex interplay of flippers, bumpers, targets, and slingshots that dictate the trajectory of the steel ball. He elucidates the fundamental principles of nudge and tilt, demonstrating how these seemingly simple actions can subtly, yet significantly, influence the outcome of each game. The essay paints a vivid portrait of the pinball wizards of the era, individuals who possessed an almost preternatural ability to control the seemingly chaotic dance of the pinball, achieving scores that defied the odds.

  Beyond the mechanics of the game itself, McPhee's essay explores the cultural context surrounding pinball, touching upon its societal perception, which at the time often relegated it to the realm of dimly lit arcades and illicit gambling dens. He contrasts this perception with the reality of pinball as a game of skill, requiring precision, anticipation, and an intimate understanding of the machine's unique characteristics. McPhee eloquently argues for the legitimacy of pinball as a worthy pursuit, highlighting the strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and nuanced understanding of physics necessary to excel. He draws a parallel between pinball and other games of skill, such as billiards, emphasizing the strategic elements involved in maneuvering the ball towards desired targets and avoiding detrimental outcomes.

  Furthermore, "The Pinball Philosophy" delves into the psychological aspects of the game, examining the intense focus and concentration demanded by pinball, as well as the accompanying exhilaration of achieving a high score or executing a particularly skillful maneuver. McPhee describes the almost meditative state players enter when fully immersed in the game, their attention laser-focused on the silver sphere's every movement. The essay also touches upon the social aspect of pinball, portraying the camaraderie and competition that often developed among players in arcades, fostering a sense of community centered around this shared passion. In essence, McPhee's piece transcends a mere description of a game, evolving into a thoughtful exploration of skill, strategy, perception, and the human pursuit of mastery within a seemingly simple, yet profoundly complex, realm of entertainment. He elevates pinball from its often-dismissed status to a legitimate pursuit demanding both physical dexterity and mental acuity.

  • Pinball
  • Philosophy
  • John McPhee
  • 1975
  • Essays
  • The New Yorker
  • Games
  • culture
  • History
  • Nonfiction
  • American Culture
  • Writing
  • Literary Criticism
  • art
  • design

  Summary of Comments ( 10 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42997344

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users largely enjoyed McPhee's writing style, praising its evocative descriptions and engaging narrative. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about pinball, reflecting on its enduring appeal and the unique focus it demands. Some discussed the cultural and historical context of pinball, including its past association with gambling and its resurgence as a hobby. A few users expressed interest in the technical aspects of pinball machine design and operation. The overall sentiment was positive, with many commenters appreciating the rediscovery of this older article. A couple noted the philosophical connections McPhee makes, linking pinball to broader life lessons about skill, chance, and persistence.

  The Hacker News post titled "The Pinball Philosophy (1975)" has generated a modest discussion with several interesting comments revolving around the linked article about pinball.

  One commenter draws a parallel between pinball and debugging, describing the process of meticulously tracking down a bug in code as similar to understanding the intricate mechanisms and scoring strategies within a pinball machine. This commenter also appreciates the older electromechanical machines for their relative simplicity and the satisfaction of mastering them.

  Another commenter touches upon the philosophical aspect of pinball, noting how the game reflects a blend of chance and skill, mirroring aspects of life itself. They also appreciate the article's historical context, offering a glimpse into a time before video games dominated the arcade scene.

  A different user reminisces about their childhood experiences with pinball, emphasizing the tactile and auditory experience of the game, contrasting the physicality of pinball with the more abstract nature of video games. This commenter expresses a certain nostalgia for the era of electromechanical machines, highlighting the unique sounds and feel they offered.

  Another contribution focuses on the evolution of pinball, discussing the transition from simpler electromechanical machines to more complex solid-state and microprocessor-driven games. This comment also mentions the shift in design philosophy, noting how newer machines often prioritize complex rule sets and multi-ball modes over the more straightforward gameplay of older machines.

  The theme of nostalgia is revisited by another commenter who laments the decline of arcades and pinball's diminished presence in modern entertainment. They express a fondness for the social aspect of arcades, recalling the communal experience of gathering around pinball machines.

  Finally, one commenter shares a personal anecdote about encountering a rare and unusual pinball machine, showcasing the enduring appeal and collectibility of these machines among enthusiasts.

  While the overall discussion is not extensive, the comments provide valuable perspectives on the history, gameplay, and cultural impact of pinball, ranging from personal anecdotes and nostalgic reflections to technical observations and philosophical musings. They effectively expand upon the linked article by offering personal experiences and insights that resonate with the themes presented.

• The South Vietnamese pilot who landed a Cessna on a carrier to save his family (2019)

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  Posted: 2025-01-26 00:40:46

  Verbose tl;dr

  In the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War, South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly loaded his wife, five children, and his mother onto a two-seat Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. Knowing Saigon was about to fall to the North Vietnamese, he desperately searched for the USS Midway. Locating the carrier, he dropped a note pleading for a clear deck and then skillfully landed the overloaded plane, a feat practically unheard of for such a small aircraft on a moving carrier. His daring act saved his family, and though the plane was pushed overboard to make room for other escaping helicopters, Ly's bravery became a symbol of resilience and desperation amidst the war's end.

  In the waning days of the Vietnam War, as Saigon teetered on the precipice of collapse under the relentless advance of North Vietnamese forces, Major Buang-Ly of the South Vietnamese Air Force executed an audacious and improbable escape for his family. Faced with the grim reality of communist rule and fearing for their safety, Major Ly conceived a desperate plan. He commandeered a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog observation plane, a small, single-engine aircraft ill-suited for such a perilous undertaking, and loaded his wife and five children into its cramped cabin. His original destination was Con Son Island, where he hoped to refuel and continue his flight towards the perceived safety of the US Seventh Fleet positioned in the South China Sea.

  However, upon reaching Con Son, he discovered that the island had already fallen to the North Vietnamese. With dwindling fuel reserves and the specter of capture looming, Major Ly made a split-second decision of extraordinary courage and skill. He spotted the USS Midway, a colossal aircraft carrier, a behemoth of American naval power, and resolved to land his tiny Cessna upon its expansive flight deck, a feat practically unheard of for a civilian aircraft, let alone one so small and burdened.

  Communicating with the Midway via handwritten notes dropped from his plane, Major Ly pleaded for assistance and clearance to land. The crew of the Midway, initially incredulous, scrambled into action. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the sheer audacity of the pilot's attempt, they cleared the flight deck, jettisoning expensive helicopters into the sea to make way for the incoming Cessna. The deck, designed for robust, high-performance military aircraft, presented a daunting challenge for the lightly loaded Cessna. Furthermore, the approaching twilight added another layer of complexity to the already precarious maneuver.

  Despite the enormous pressure and inherent dangers, Major Ly, demonstrating exceptional airmanship, successfully landed the Cessna on the Midway. The landing, though bumpy, was ultimately safe, a testament to his composure and skill under duress. His family emerged from the plane, shaken but unharmed, having miraculously escaped the turmoil engulfing their homeland. Major Ly's daring act, a blend of desperation and unwavering determination, became an immediate symbol of resilience and the lengths to which one would go to protect their loved ones. His courage and flying prowess not only saved his family but also etched his name into the annals of aviation history, a poignant reminder of the human drama interwoven within the larger tapestry of the Vietnam War. He and his family were subsequently granted asylum in the United States, starting a new life far from the conflict that had forced them to flee their homeland. The Cessna itself became a museum piece, a tangible artifact of this extraordinary tale of survival against the odds.

  • Vietnam War
  • South Vietnam
  • US Navy
  • USS Midway
  • aircraft carrier
  • Cessna O-1 Bird Dog
  • Buang-Ly
  • rescue mission
  • family evacuation
  • 1975
  • Operation Frequent Wind
  • Fall of Saigon
  • refugees
  • Military History
  • aviation history
  • heroism
  • Survival

  Summary of Comments ( 128 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42826536

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely focused on the incredible feat of landing a Cessna O-1 on the USS Midway's deck, highlighting the pilot's skill and bravery given the plane's lack of tailhook and the small landing area. Some questioned the historical accuracy of the number of people onboard, citing conflicting accounts. Others discussed the chaos of the fall of Saigon and the desperation of refugees fleeing the communist regime, with some expressing sympathy for the pilot's plight while others debated the US's role in the Vietnam War and its aftermath. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes related to the evacuation or their own experiences with the O-1 aircraft, adding a personal dimension to the historical discussion. The logistics of getting the family off the carrier and the fate of the plane were also points of interest.

  The Hacker News post discussing the article "The South Vietnamese pilot who landed a Cessna on a carrier to save his family" has a moderate number of comments, enough to glean some interesting perspectives, but not an overwhelming amount. Many of the comments focus on the logistical and human aspects of Major Buang Ly's incredible feat.

  Several commenters express awe and admiration for Ly's bravery and skill, especially given the inherent difficulty of landing a small, fixed-wing aircraft like a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog on the deck of an aircraft carrier, the USS Midway, which is designed for much larger and more robust aircraft. The precariousness of the situation, with Ly's wife and children aboard the Cessna, is highlighted, further amplifying the respect for his successful landing.

  Some comments delve into the technical challenges of the landing. They discuss the lack of tailhook on the Cessna and how Ly managed to land without it, emphasizing the precision and control required. The potential consequences of a failed landing, such as crashing into the carrier's superstructure or going overboard, are also mentioned, underscoring the risk Ly took.

  A few commenters mention the historical context of the fall of Saigon and the chaotic evacuation efforts, painting a picture of the desperation and urgency that likely motivated Ly's actions. His determination to save his family in the face of such adversity is a recurring theme.

  One commenter shares a personal anecdote of witnessing the event firsthand, claiming to have been on the USS Midway at the time. This firsthand account adds a layer of immediacy and authenticity to the discussion, although its veracity is not independently verifiable.

  There is some discussion regarding the challenges faced by South Vietnamese refugees after their arrival in the United States, and the difficulties they encountered in rebuilding their lives. This highlights the broader human impact of the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

  Finally, a few comments link to additional resources, including a video of the landing and other articles about Major Buang Ly's story. This allows interested readers to further explore the event and learn more about the individuals involved. Overall, the comments paint a picture of admiration for Ly's courage and skill, combined with reflections on the historical context and human impact of the event.