Small Town--Big City

Romantic Evening Under The Magic Spell Of Macy's Holiday Window

One of the Macy's Christmas Window Displays -- formerly Kaufman's Store.

Christmas Tree At Gateway Center

Macy's Window, a Homeless Man, both give scope to the reality of the season.

Pittsburgh on Light Up Night

Sunday, November 18

Last Thursday--November 17, was the annual Pittsburgh Light Up Night. The festivities started with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Gateway Center, and then came the arrival of Santa himself. Macy’s, the replacement company who is now trying to appease the local shoppers by keeping the very old tradition of the Kaufman’s Store holiday window display alive; they opened their window curtains on this night for the public’s first look at this year’s window art.

Pittsburgh has always been the small town--big city, in attitude, and in its mores. The act of kindness now in progress for a seriously disabled veteran, James Fair of Coraopolis, is beyond anyone’s expectations, including this highly appreciative fan. James Fair, who was stationed in Fallujah Iraq in 2003, fell victim to an enemy IED (Improvised Explosive Device), which wounded him severely, and he is now disabled for the rest of his life … I will not report the details of his injuries, as I find such reporting vile, and an unnecessary expose of Mr. Fair’s privacy.

Local Energy provider Duquesne Light Company set up the fundraising project, along with Homes for our Troops--a nonprofit, to build a house for Mr. Fair. The house is going to use special sensors to turn lights on and off, and to open doors and other needs as necessary to assist him in getting about the house. Local construction workers have volunteered their time, and their work to build a house for our local veteran who paid so much for those he left behind him, to protect them. Without reward, pay, or the spotlight, these men and women give back to a stranger, and to what they know is the right thing to do. This is Pittsburgh, the small town--big city.

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A local man from South Connellsville Pennsylvania, John Woodruff, a gold medal winner in the 800-meter run at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, has passed away. He brought back from the games an oak sapling, which was planted at Falcon Stadium where he ran for Connellsville High School. His memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. today under that sapling, that is now an old tree. The tree is now 71 years old, Mr. Woodruff was 92.

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This holiday season is already looking like a travel headache, as the Government is stepping in to help; historically their help turns into a major boondoggle, and this attempt should prove to be no different. If you are coming home for Christmas, plug into your plans, expectations of late flights, delays, and other surprises. US Airways has announced that it expects 1400 flights to depart late each day over the holidays.

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I must now announce that following my next report that YOU REMAIN CALM, but be prepared to adjust to any possible strange occurrences.

Although some may not believe it, or just DO NOT WANT TO BELIEVE IT, there have been sightings of a small patch of blue sky in Western Pennsylvania at this time of the year in the past. While odd looking, such happenings can lead to an even more serious--but strange--sighting. I was looking through records of the area that go back to the beginning of the last century, and I have found evidence it may appear at any time, so YOU MUST BE PREPARED to handle it. You must also TRAIN YOUR FAMILY, friends, and others on how to handle it!

These sightings that are part of the historical record, are of a BRIGHT BALL OF LIGHT in the sky, that sometimes peeks through the openings in the gray clouds along with the sightings of the blue sky. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR this bright light, similar to being under the covers with a 500-watt light bulb! IT WILL NOT HARM YOU! Witnesses have said that folks in Colorado have seen it numerous times, and no harm befell them. Please ORGANIZE NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK GROUPS to take turns watching for this phenomenon, and please REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS to the proper authorities!

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Sports Update:

Steelers lose to the hapless New York Jets. A pathetic performance at best.

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Photos are stock images that I shot last year. Don't forget to CLICK to enlarge.

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Wherever this message may find you, wherever your heart is, wherever your thoughts are, I wish you the very best and happy Thanksgiving Day; may you be home for Christmas.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania