Lovers of air travel find it exhilarating to hang poised between the illusion of immortality and the fact of death.

For to be poised against fatality to meet adverse conditions gracefully is more than simple endurance it is an act of aggression a positive triumph.

Obama seemed poised to realign American politics after his stunning 2008 victory. But the economy remains worse than even the administration's worst-case scenarios and the long legislative battles over health care reform financial services reform and the national debt and deficit have taken their toll. Obama no longer looks invincible.

Through the harsh design of fate Florida was dealt the unfortunate circumstances of bearing the brunt of not one but two hurricanes and it appears more dark clouds are poised to visit the Sunshine State.

As a system of philosophy it is not like the Tower of Babel so daring its high aim as to seek a shelter against God's anger but it is like a pyramid poised on its apex.