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This is partly inspired by one of my all time fave TLs, @Mad Bad Rabbit's "A Very Bad Year (1973): Pt. 1", as well as a recent AHC post.

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"Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."
Murphy's Law

"Murphy was an optimist."
O'Toole's Corollary

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US NAVY FIGHTER PILOT IN FATAL CRASH WITH LIBYAN JET
Injured U.S. crewman in reported in stable condition

By ROBERT PEAR, Special to the New York Times

Washington, Jan. 4th - An American F-14 fight collided with a Libyan warplane over international waters while on training exercises over the Mediterranean Wednesday, according to Defense Secretary Frank C. Carlucci.

According to Mr. Carlucci, at around noon, or 5 AM Eastern time, the two Navy F-14 Tomcats based on the carrier John F. Kennedy and on routine patrol, were intercepted by two Libyan MIG-23s while the carrier conducted regular operations in the region. The MIGs ''indicated clear hostile intent'' by their aerial maneuvers. "The F-14 pilots maneuvered to avoid the closing aircraft." Carlucci said. "They changed speed, altitude and direction. The Libyan aircraft continued to close in a hostile manner."

After firing several air-to-air missiles, the two aircraft made a close pass, making wingtip contact and causing the crash. Both crew members ejected, but when a rescue aircraft located the pair, one aviator was unconscious and the other had a serious leg injury. On arrival back at the John F. Kennedy, medical staff declared the unconscious pilot dead. His identity has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.

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AT LEAST 187 DEAD IN BRITISH AIRLINER CRASH
By STEVE LOHR, Special to the New York Times

LONDON, Monday, Jan. 9th - At least 187 people were killed Sunday when a British domestic airliner crashed. The British Midland Boeing 737-400 bound for Northern Ireland with 126 people aboard, crashed into a large block of apartments shortly after takeoff from Heathrow Airport. One engine caught fire about a minute after the aircraft took off and the second engine failed shortly after. All 118 passengers and 8 crew members are reported dead, along with at least 52 people on the ground.

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5- YEAR OLD ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTS CLASSMATES
By JESUS RANGEL
New York, Jan. 11th

A 5-year old pupil at PS 93 in the Bronx accidentally discharged a .25 Raven pistol while in class, killing one classmate and injuring another. It is unclear how the boy, whose name is being withheld, came into possession of the pistol.

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SECOND SCHOOL SHOOTING IN BRONX
Two Police Officers Killed
By CONSTANCE L. HAYS
New York, Jan. 12th

A 16-year old student was shot and killed, along with a transit police officer and another police officer at a Manhattan high school yesterday. Yesterday afternoon the principal John Rodgers of Norman Thomas High School on East 33d Street in Manhattan told a visiting transit police officer of rumors that a student was carrying a loaded pistol. At about 2:30,the officer and two other police officers approached Troy Boone, who pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and began firing. Boone struck and killed two officers. The third officer returned fire, killing Boone on the spot.
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