A Cross

While in New York City recently, I paid a visit to the World Trade Center site. There I came upon the famous cross, constructed of the steel beams that were once part of the Twin Towers. Here’s a view of the cross.

I remember arriving at the site six days after the fateful events of September 11, 2001. It wasn’t a pretty scene. Using a Hasselblad 6X6 camera, I took a number of documentary photographs that I keep archived in a secure place. Some weeks later, I returned for more photo taking, including piles of steel beams that were cut into pieces for scrap iron. Sad to see them twisted and mangled. Here’s a close up of the plaque on the cross.

Soon it will be ten years since the tragedy occurred. I’ll never forget that scene. Neither should you. At least one of the key personnel who concocted the nefarious act now has a special place in the deep blue sea, which just goes to prove my old adage: The woods may be lovely dark and deep, but from the ocean comes not a peep.

Published in: on June 16, 2011 at 12:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Deception…

Deception On His Mind, by Elizabeth George sends one of her regular characters, Barbara Havers, on a solo job. She rushes off to the fictional sea-side town of Balford-le-Nez, where a recently arrived Pakistani has been found dead, apparently murdered. Havers soon gets the job of interfacing with the local Pakistani community, which is inflamed by racial tensions thanks to actors on both sides of the divide. As would be expected, there is a list of potential suspects ranging from ex-employees to fellow immigrants, all of which have motives and means.

George tells the whole story in the course of nearly five hundred pages. While some of it is repetitive, it’s a pleasure to read a thoroughly written book as opposed to the more slender, sparsely populated ones of late. There is the backdrop of a town on the skids with renewal on the way. There is the coming marriage of the deceased into a wealthy family looking to maintain their religious traditions amidst a more secular society. There is the dynamics between Havers and her temporary boss, a relationship that teeters on the brink now and then. Not to mention the friendship between two young women whose common history is now unraveling. George leaves nothing out, building a narrative of these and many more elements, all of which spin together in a world that is highly believable.

Deception On His Mind can be read without knowing all of Havers’ background through George’s other mysteries featuring her and Inspector Lynley. Therefore, those looking for a taste of this series will find it enjoyable.

Published in: on June 13, 2011 at 12:33 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Final at Smoketown

Last week an interesting flight came up. The Cessna 172 airplane that I normally fly had just completed its 100 hour inspection and needed to be transferred from the field where the mechanics are located to its home base. It was my lucky day to make the run. Teaming up with Rick (a highly competent flight instructor and all around decent follow), we headed west to Smoketown Airport, which is located near those famous outlets in Lancaster County, PA, USA. Rick flew the outbound leg, giving me the opportunity to snap a few photos. Here we are on final approach at Smoketown.

The runway is a little narrow and not very long, but plenty of room for a 172 to land and take off. Sure enough the other plane was ready and waiting. I preflighted, warmed up, and headed east through the haze. It was a short hop but those flights are good for polishing basic skills. Never enough practice is a good motto. In the last couple of days the haze has lightened, only to be replaced by thundershowers. Still, there’s plenty of good weather to fly. Make the most of it.

Published in: on June 12, 2011 at 1:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Coast Guard Arrival

A United States Coast Guard helicopter arrived at my local airport the other day. You can’t miss this machine as it thunders in on final approach. After touchdown, the pilot taxied to the temporary parking area, snaking between a few small fixed wing craft. Here he is in action.

If you’re at sea and have a serious problem, it’s good to know that professionals like these guys have the ability to pull your sorry a$$ out of the drink. This helicopter had a crew of four, a bunch of affable guys willing to talk to the local gawkers impressed by the equipment. They lingered for a while before moving on to the next stop. Thankfully, there were no emergencies for them to chase, just a regular day of practice.

Published in: on June 9, 2011 at 12:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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