The Pinup Is Back

COMBAT BOOTS TO HEELS

Hittin' a Bump

Laugh Out Loud

The term Pinup became an attested to usage in the English language in 1941; from there it ran amok throughout World War Two, and has not slowed down since. Famous actresses, models, and celebrities of various sorts have carried the name, but the style is not limited to big name celebrities. Just like the girl-next-door that most troops envision, the pinup is a vision from back home, and from perceptions … real or not, perceptions are reality. Used as a moral booster the somewhat sexist imagery is tolerated even in these times of Political Correctness. Troop lockers around the world have had pinup images posted in them since Pearl Harbor, and tonight is retro night.

Not only is the pinup that you see here a wonderful image, but the model is one of you. She is a reservist in the Marines, and wanted to do something for you all over there. Kristen worked outdoors in the blistering cold, in below freezing temperatures, and did so for a long time to bring you her retro-WWII-pinup look. I shot her as snowflakes were still falling. She is wearing a Navy look as she cannot wear official uniforms, especially Jarhead outfits for obvious reasons. She is doing this not as a Marine, but as a private model that wants to do something even if it is small to help some of you keep your head up; maybe even crack a gut busting smile. She is one tough Marine working in such conditions in summer attire. I give you Kristen, she is one of you, and she may be putting it all on the line one day, as you are now. If you require a locker size poster, please leave a comment in the comment box (at the bottom of each column) with an APO address. I will get you one.

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Another local woman does well!

Franklin Regional High graduate Julie Benz is the female lead in the new Rambo movie just released last Friday, titled “Rambo.” She has been an ice skater since age 3, but an injury at 13 sent her to the tryouts for a local play. She got the part, and has not stopped since. I viewed Rambo at the theatre and she is a wonderful actor, and as far as my personal opinion goes, I believe that she carried the movie. Well Done Julie!

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The newly revised Boyce Ski Park has finally opened after a couple of years of down time. They added a new tubing hill, and improved the beginner ski hill, and the main ski slopes to include lift upgrades. The other two hills have the new ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ which carries standing folks back up on top to start their very fast decent which is lead by the screeching sounds of kids having a ball; as you can see in a few images here in this week’s column.

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Next week is Groundhog Day. So remember to look for the little Rat’s forecast right here. Phil and I are good buddies on a first name basis. Last year we had a serious talk about if his forecasts were fixed, or fairly given without coercion. He assured me that it was of his own free will that he spoke with such authority.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Blonde Bombshell Coming To Your LZ

(Scarlett Johansson photo by: Francis Specker / Landov)

"Some Things Old" ... Time goes by

Colleen, Angel of the USO

Time has a way of changing depending on what you are doing at the moment you measure it. If you are touching a hot stove, a second can seem like an hour; kissing Scarlett Johansson for an hour can seem like a second. I also would entertain the theorem that a tour over there in the sand would be forever. Doing what one must do is so much longer than doing what one wants to do, and so on, as the point has been made here.

Time is going to slow down even more for you males over there with boots in the sand, as you wait for the USO show of the year. This Bob Hope USO style show is all about showing support for all of you. The lovely muse of the romantic hearted, Scarlett Johansson, is coming to the Persian Gulf to entertain you! This 23-year heartthrob, or Blonde Bombshell in military tradition, will visit various military bases during a five-day tour, signing autographs, and doing face-to-face interaction with you. This was something that she has wanted to do for a long time … to come to you and show you how much she loves what you do for her, and for all of America… No date has been announced as of this posting. Guys, get your Valentines Day cards written so you can hand them to this stunning beauty in person … something you will never forget! For more information go to the USO Site:

http://www.uso.org/

On a personal note, I have had great experiences with the USO. I was lucky enough to catch Bob Hope himself at the Air Force Academy putting on a show for the flyboys. These acts of selflessness give much hope to those so far away from home. The effect may not hit you until years later, but it will I assure you. I still remember one of the USO volunteers, Colleen, who was like an Angel at the Memphis USO. Her kindness made a profound change in my attitude and outlook, that will last until my last days.

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The weather has taken a sudden turn for the cold, as the Siberian Express hit Western Pennsylvania late this evening. The temperature has dipped down to 13 degrees, a huge change from the near 70 degrees just last week. The mid-west was hit harder with temperatures below zero in some areas.

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The NFL championship games are being played today. Our Steelers will only see the game in person if they have a ticket! There is always next year…

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Troop Trains Carried Millions of Men and Women to War

The first month of the new year has not bore new life into the gray winter yet, but it is working on it with spring temperatures setting record highs, 70 degrees just two days ago. This oasis was slain as if this were the ides of March by a cold front … again bringing reality back to the area. The pain of the Steelers loss in the playoffs is just starting to wane in most households, with more smiles and greetings on the street. The 250th year of Pittsburgh celebration is just starting to ramp up … things are starting to flow into the new.

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The Second World War depended heavily on the train, as troop trains carried millions of servicemen and women across this vast country; along with the human souls, every conceivable military item or supply was also transported on the vast rail system. This highway to the war wrought volunteerism to America as never seen before, or since. Canteens appeared along the lines where thousands of American volunteers served the millions of men and women food and beverages, among other helpful items, to do their part in the war effort. Their love was genuine, and their impact was immeasurable.

This national pride of volunteerism has shown its smiling face again in different ways since 911, but more is needed. I try and cover events where such is the driving force, and I will continue to do so. The wonderful people who do what they can no matter how small or large, is an in-your-face show of love for what you do.

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Local Military news:

The Governor’s annual Unit Citation Award, which recognizes extemporary conduct in the performance of outstanding service to Pennsylvania, was presented to three Pennsylvania Army National Guard units with the 1st Battalion and the 110th Infantry Regiment yesterday.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Concert To Support Our Troops!

NOTICE

WIZZARD

UNAWARE

Now that the holidays are over, and the Steelers quest for a sixth Superbowl is over, it was a somber day here in western Pennsylvania. The redeeming part of this day was the spring like temperatures reaching the mid-50s in this first week of January … mid-60s are expected tomorrow, surfboards will be optional!

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There has been a lot of goodness coming from Pennsylvania to you during the holidays, with one community going all out for all of you over there in harm’s way. Smithton American Legion Post 790 has been sending a variety of gifts/good stuff since 2004 on a regular semi-monthly basis, and these volunteers have been doing so from the heart. Even the best intentions can cost money, and this is a very costly venture, with contributions from private sources and individuals keeping it going, but money is short.

The Smithton Legion Post has put together a concert to support the troops, “Songs for our Soldiers” to be held on January 23, 7 p.m., at Yough Intermediate School. The entertainment will feature the award-winning 36 Madison Avenue, a wonderful group of 10 men from Drew University, Madison New Jersey. The Legion Post commander’s wife, Karen Primm, contacted one of the a cappella group’s members, her nephew Drew Cranisky, to see if they would do the concert while in Pittsburgh to perform at Carnegie Mellon University … Well-Done Mrs. Primm!

The cost of admission is $5.00 per beating heart, and the proceeds go the legion’s program of sending gifts to our troops. Tickets can be purchased at Yough High School, Yough Intermediate School, Smithton Borough Office, and All-Star Pizza in Smithton. It is desirable to wear patriotic colors at this event, but not required of course. A Charleroi Pennsylvania soldier wrote a letter promising to visit the Smithton post next summer when he returns home to thank them for all they do.

I am confident that anyone so obliged, can send a check to the post as their stand-in in case they cannot make it, but feel like showing a little support. I plan on doing just that, or attending the show.

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Boyce Park in Monroeville is almost done with their redo of the ski area. They have added an inner-tube slope next to the ski slope, with snow making machines on both slopes. I visited the slopes today, and there still is a base down, but with the temperatures going up into the mid-60s this week, the unexpected heat wave will take that away in short order. Hopefully, they will get it finished before the real winter temps and snow return. They have also added the, “Magic Carpet” ride. This is a very nice thing for you older folks. You just stand on it and it takes you back up the hill, the biggest excuse for some not to show up. Take the kids out and have a fun day, it is coming soon!

Photos shot today:
1. Notice: a sign at the bottom of the inner-tube slope.
2. Wizzard: one of the snowmaking machines.
3. Unaware: A sign of the off beat January temperatures, a man was sitting at one of the tables at the Boyce Park Cabin reading a book. He was totally unaware of anyone, including my Nikon and me.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

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I have not posted any other sites here, as I try to keep this one clean and on point, but there always is an exception. This is one: http://www.iwo.com/heroes.htm

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania