Our Boys Over There

THIS POST WILL BE BACK ON LINE SHORTLY...

2010-05-23T12:44:00.003-04:00

(F-22 Raptor in a dive)

I am back in town. I am now putting together my plan to get this post restarted back to its original roots, of supporting you over there... It will be published on Sundays or Mondays. I will advise further shortly...

I am presently searching for the New monthly Pinup Girl!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

SPRING IS HERE!

2010-03-22T21:24:00.004-04:00

Click on images to enlarge

Spring has finally arrived with motorcycle riding temperatures all weekend. The Pittsburgh Pirates season starts at home on April 5Th, and I will be there capturing images for you over there! This time of year is slow around here, hence the lacking reports here.

The whole country is divided at the moment over the Health Insurance Bill, with Pennsylvania joining other state to sue over it's citizens being under a federal mandate to purchase health insurance. This issue is not over by a long shot!

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Sports Update:

Football Commish Goodell is looking to meet with Big Ben in regard to his repeat legal problems and charges of sexual misconduct. Perception is reality in the real world, and such imagery is hurting Big Ben's rep around the league. Last year he heard boos and other negative comments from the stands in enemy territory. I expect it to increase this year regardless of the legal outcome! This is unfair in our system, but this is how it works when you become a celeb!

The new hockey stadium is growing every week and is on time with the predicted completion schedule!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

WILL BE OUT OF TOWN... POST WILL BE LATER THIS WEEK!

2010-03-15T17:11:00.001-04:00

This is a one man show, and I will be out of town unexpectedly today...

Last week for Boyce Ski area

2010-03-09T00:33:00.006-05:00

The air of spring is upon as the Boyce Park Ski slopes will close this weekend on March 14. The 2010 season was the best skiing ever at the facility!

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Welcome home to the Army reservists of the Hempfield-based 1st Platoon, 14th Quartermaster Company who were deployed in Iraq! This second deployment was finally over with the happy meet and greet by family and friends.

Sports Update:

Sidney Crosby returned to the Civic Arena after winning Gold Medal for Team Canada in the Winter Olympics, to fans cheering louder for Ryan Miller who played goalie for Team USA! They also started cheering USA, USA, USA, over and over. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo nonetheless! We cannot blame Sidney for playing well for his homeland, eh?

Big Ben has again been accused of Sexual Assault. It appears not to be rape, but some sort of illegal sexual contact, or so it seems. There are not enough facts to comment on at this time.

The Steelers and free safety Ryan Clark agreed to a four-year, $14 million contract. Clark received an offer from the Dolphins, but decided he still wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler ... good choice Ryan, well done! A welcome of sorts was the theme of the day for Antwaan Randle El, who signed a three-year deal with his old team. He was released by the Redskins. All of this good news combined the resigning of nose tackle Casey Hampton is a good sign of things to come!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

March, winter keeps rolling!

2010-03-01T20:41:00.007-05:00

(Click to enlarge images)

Last weekend brought another storm in, which dumped enough snow to make up for what melted just a day before! I have been shocked by the lack of kids in the streets taking advantage of the days off school, especially with the inspiration of the Winter Olympics.

It was 1962, and snow was busting out of the sky. I headed out with it in my hands. It was a battered and beat wooden Flexible Flyer, with rusty looking blades. The old man said be careful, but that was like not saying anything to us boys! Those were the days when snow was a friend, and mother nature was our playground. I will never forget that first day that the Old Man let me fly, and that is exactly what I did!

Sports Update:Our own Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal for Team Canada in the Olympics! I don't know whether to say "Go Sid the Kid" or "YOU SUCK!" It is very confusing, leaving me in conflict on this one!

The USA scored a new Winter Olympic record 37 medals overall!

Local Military News:

Thousands of active-duty military dependents were seriously shortchanged by the Defense department. They shut down the program, The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts/or MyCAA, were suspended due to heavy participation! Apparently over 98,000 participants were signed up and in classes, with over 38,000 more signing up as well! It is something not expected for the Defense Department to do to the dependents of active duty military who are at risk to earn these privileges! I seriously hope they sort this out for the dependent's sake. The more education they have, the more they can do to support their families back here at home!

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This winter has been nasty, and I got in 3 rides during Febuary! These are one of such.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum, Pennsylvania

NEXT POST ON MARCH 1, 2010

2010-02-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day and more...

2010-02-15T23:26:00.010-05:00

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

Valentine's Day has come and gone. This is a most divisive day where the lover and the naysayer are in constant flux. You are either a romantic and love it or you are a naysayer and hate it. It seems to me that happiness within the seer determines on which side one stands.

This holiday can bring you together or get you dumped. I have experienced both. I still try valiantly to do it right each and every year. My success has been 50/50, but I am always working on my shortcomings; I trust that you over there are also a work in progress. In this endeavor, I wish you the best!

Western Pennsylvania has been hit by two major storms in a row, and as I type to you it is snowing again. As you can imagine the city is overwhelmed, the roads are clogged with excess snow and stuck vehicles. The good news is Seven Springs has exceptional ski conditions for an east-coast ski facility. The Surf is Up! Below you will find a few images of the local Boyce Park ski slopes!

There is a lot of movement in the military as new planning going on; hopefully I will have some news next week. Until then keep your spirits high, and your eyes open. It is most dangerous when distractions such as going home come to mind. Do not think about home until the wheels hit the runway back here in the good old USA!

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The Winter Olympics is currently open for business. At the time of this writing the USA has 8 medals, twice the number of any country so far.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Snow Storm 2010

2010-02-08T21:21:00.007-05:00

Last Friday a major snow storm, the 4Th biggest storm in the history of Pittsburgh, hit the area with a vengeance! Our area was not as bad as Washington DC, as they were buried, which is unusual for that area, and their response was very poor as a result.

This week the weather is story, and a photo essay for you over there who cannot see. As always, click on the images to enlarge them. Tomorrow another storm is bringing another 10 inches on top of this one. The city has in no way cleaned up or clear the majority of the streets yet. Many are out of work on a mandatory basis. This is one big mess!

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Sports update:

The Colts came under the ire of the Terrible Towel curse! When they laid down and let the Jets win to rest their starters, the Jets bumped the Steelers out of the playoffs. The season depends on fair games for the whole season, and letting up on a team is no less than Point shaving in this reporters mind. They got theirs when the Saints kicked their butts back to INDY on a platter! WHO DAT? RIDING BACK TO INDY, HEADS DOWN? DAT TEM COLTS, CRYING LIKE A SCHOOL GIRL, THAT WHO DAT!

SAINTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Groundhog Day! THE PROPOSAL OFFER...

2010-02-01T12:15:00.023-05:00

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SEE THE FULL SIZE IMAGE)

'THE PROPOSAL'
Find below my offer to those stationed overseas if YOU want to propose to your love next year!

The Pitt women take on UConn, more below.

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As unlikely as it sounds, Groundhog Day is here again! The event is early tomorrow morning, an all night affair that ends when Punxsutawney Phil is pulled out of his tree stump around 0720 hours, and looks for his shadow!

This year the actual day is beyond my posting day, so I am using a few photos from last year. The images below, and "The Proposal" above, you did not see last year, the opening Groundhog image you did. This is one of those of events that you should see in person at least once. It is iconic and one of the landmark visual memories most Americans have of Western Pennsylvania, especially so since the movie, "Groundhog Day", was released back in 1993! It was required viewing by my kids until they went off on their own.

When you are there you will see people from all over the world attending the event. One of the things that they do is bring out-of-county visitors up on stage to be formally introduced to the crowd; the crowd last year was 10,000 strong! Every year a few men propose marriage to their girlfriend right on stage in front of the crowd and media cameras! It was a long night though; it was on the same night our Steelers won the Super Bowl, then you had to leave for the all-nighter in Punxsutawney! The Super Bowl parties, all the food, and the excitement of the Super Bowl made it quite the challenge to make the 150 mile round trip drive, and stay up all night standing in the blistering, cold winter darkness!

Anyone stationed overseas that would like to propose to your Love at this event next year, please leave me a comment on this weeks page; see the bottom of this page for the comment box. If so, I will take you there and shoot the photos for you!

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Sports Update:

Last Weekend, the Pitt Panthers played UConn at the Petersen Event Center. It was Girl Scout night and the big girls put on a show on the floor! UConn is ranked #1, something Pitt lost earlier in the season. They are an awesome team!

The score you ask? I do not recall! :-)

ALL NET!

ALL NET, the shooter is still posing.

This young lady/Little Pitt Panther is putting on a show! Look for her in a few years, in a Pitt uniform!

Swish........

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

WELCOME HOME

2010-01-25T14:19:00.006-05:00

(Click on the images to enlarge them)

Troop movement is all about as you are aware. Some of you are close to completing your service, and others are just starting their tour. I would like to address the men and women who are close to coming home. Just the thought of such a day can be wonderful, but it can also be a distraction. I wish you the best, but be dutiful in your diligence so that day becomes a reality. We at home at are doing our best to keep it as you left it, but that requires a lot on our part. Most Americans are hard at work everyday, as are you. We are spoiled here at home though, and only by your dedication can we be as such. No matter how gloom the news looks from over on the other side of the planet, we still have it pretty damn good over here. We sleep in soft beds with springs, sleep with our loved ones, take hot baths, eat meat marbled with fat, drink water out of pipes without slimy things, and our girl friends smell good; no matter how your buddies love you, they do not always smell good--be honest!

Even in a crowd you can be alone. You can be lonely in a crowded mall, but to tell you the truth, moreover a perspective, there are just as many in that crowd who are opportunities to make a new friend! Remember that when you come home!

Welcome Home Ceremony, Fort Carson

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316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command awarded Meritorious Unit Citation!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

MLK Holiday, my brush with history...

2010-01-18T12:47:00.008-05:00

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

I shot these images when they were setting up the dedication ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial a few years ago in 2003. The memorial is carved right into the marble, on the exact stair where Dr. King delivered his most famous speech, “I had a dream”. I was the first non-worker to see this memorial as it was covered by a blue cloth. Park Rangers were present to guard the memorial and to prevent anyone from seeing it before the ceremony. A divine wind somehow moved the cover exposing the carved-in-stone speech, by happenstance, I just happened to be standing there. I got the shot quickly, the first one by anyone, then just as suddenly, the cover fell back down before anyone else got the shot. I went back up the stairs to the President Lincoln sculpture, and again luck was on my side. Before I could clear the area per the orders of the Park Rangers, Coretta Scott King walked out of the elevator right past me, and I got the shot that you see here. It was a quick responsive shot with no time for any adjustments or setup.

After the dedication I went downstairs to the Lincoln Memorial Museum. I met a man there who I chatted with while we watched videos of history, and photos that were on exhibit. I do not know why, his knowledge, his insight, but I just turned and asked him, "did you know Dr. King?" He looked right at me and said, "yes I did. I marched with him, and I am the last man still living that gave a speech that day with Dr. King, right there on the steps of the memorial. I am Congressman John Lewis." This took me back a little, this new and very interesting meeting by happenstance again! I started to feel that I was supposed to shoot this dedication, whether I chose to or not. I only had my rangefinder film camera at the time. My brush with history was a memorable occasion!

Coretta Scott King

Congressman John Lewis

Deep Freeze...

2010-01-11T23:35:00.001-05:00

This week has been a continuation of the last two weeks of well below average temperatures. The whole east coast corridor has been extremely cold, Florida crops are threatened with heavy losses from this deep freeze. The Midwest has been setting record cold temperatures.

The Steelers are not in the playoffs, so sports are also slow this week.

The news has been mainly about various bills now in progress, and both sides of the issues are engaging in a manner that is not worthy to report on this night.

A slow and cold week, and I will let it go for this week. I hope to get back to more news, and interesting events next Monday!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2010-01-04T22:05:00.009-05:00

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

The Pittsburgh Steelers, prominent football team of the NFL, died last night from complications of losing its “Eye of the Tiger”, and one game too many. The team was 77 years old. Soft spoken and obsessively focused, the Steelers never looked the part of a gridiron gentleman, but in the final game of its life, it revealed an unknown side of its psyche.

This hidden quasi-Gandhi persona surfaced during its yearlong pursuit of its old Eye of the Tiger. Sadly, their protracted search ended Sunday night, even with a victory in that game, in an embarrassingly and ugly failure! They fell short of the playoffs.

Yet, even in certain defeat, the courageous Pittsburgh Steelers secretly clung to their belief that football is not just a series of meaningless games won by accident, or by coincidence, oh no, but rather a canvas on which to paint an exquisite, and beautiful landscape. A landscape filled with the colors of victory, not for the victory of itself, but for the passion and the love of life.

Rest in peace my brothers, rest in peace…

PLEASE ENJOY THE MEMORIES THAT I HOPE MY IMAGES WILL PROVIDE OF OUR WARRIORS WHO HAVE PASSED ON TO THE LOCKER ROOM AND BEYOND!

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I Know you have seen this before, but it needs repeating!
2009 Super Bowl Champs, L to R: Matt Spaeth, Rashard Medenhall, Jered Retkofsky

Big Ben, Big entrance into the Pep Rally, a mere week before winning the
SUPER BOWL!

James Harrison, who High-Fived me, a week before making his
RECORD 100 YARD INTERCEPTION AND TOUCHDOWN RUN!

The Ambassador to Ireland, and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers,
Mr. Art Rooney

Big Ben bending a few ears!

FROM THIS POINT ON, ARE IMAGES FROM THE SUPER BOWL PARADE!
"THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" (By Bob Hope), PITTSBURGH STEELERS!

James Harrison amongst 250,000 Gentlemen-hooligans and passionate Steelers fans!

Pittsburgh Steelers fans enjoying it while it lasted.
Nothing lasts forever, but the memories will last a lifetime!

The off field, soft spoken Troy Polomalu shows his hidden quasi-Hulk persona when the games start.

The fans love Troy, because he always plays beyond his natural gifts, and one can never question his passion for the team, the game, and for his honor. He is one of the injury losses this year that truly showed his contributions to the team, as he is indispensable!

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A few more images of the 2010 Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club swim on 01-01-10

Walk on water

Elvis

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Keep your head down, Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

HAPPPY NEW YEARS! POLAR BEAR SWIM 2010!

2010-01-01T13:39:00.013-05:00

A family that jumps in together, stays together! This is one family doing the Polar Bear!

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

On the morning of this first day of 2010, Pittsburghers started the year with a leap of faith! This is the annual Polar Bear Swim in the Monongahela River that brings out those who dare to dare, and want a fresh start, a do-over if you will, in their lives. Folks from all walks of life, all ages, and various expectations arrived early to leap into the frigid January waters. This posing is about this event, so I will let the photos tell the story.

REMEMBER, this water goes straight down and deep. They are jumping from the wharf, which is where barges dock, so it has to be maintained deep. You jump into winter water and disappear!

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They're Off, the fist wave of New Year daredevils attack their fears!

After the reality sets in, they all seem to say, "Help Me get out!"

This group of Marine Iraq Vets who just returned from over there, told me that while in the blistering 120 degree heat OVER there, they talked about doing this Polar Bear jump when they returned home. Here they are, Loud & Proud, Your United States Marines!

This is Christine only seconds after I pulled her out of her chilled dip in the river. Her face will tell you more.

These young folks wanted to show their support for YOU, over there!

This is Frank Nelson, a 45 year vet of this event, and the caretaker of not only the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club, but the energy to keep the tradition going!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

NEXT POST ON NEW YEARS DAY IN THE LATE EVENING!!!

2009-12-29T14:51:00.004-05:00

DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THE POSTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE HOLIDAY DAY ITSELF... SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, JANUARY ONE!

CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL REPORT:

2009-12-25T11:37:00.007-05:00

LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT SPAETH, RASHARD MENDENHALL, JERED RETOFSKY

(CLICK TO ENLARGE THE IMAGE)

A White Christmas is a reality back here at home! I hope this day finds you over there in a moment of peace amongst the chaos. May your day bring happiness and wonderful remembrance of yours back home...

SPORTS UPDATE:

Last year during our Super Bowl run, our long snapper Greg Warren injured his knee for the season. Jered Retkofsky, who worked for a moving company, replaced him. Jered earned himself a Super Bowl Ring with his outstanding play! He was cut this year; he went back to moving Americans to their new homes around the country. His Super Bowl Ring swayed many customers to select Jered and his company for their movers of choice.

On the last play of the game last week, with no time left on the Clock, Jeff Reed kicked the extra point that won the game, but bad luck struck Greg Warren again; he injured his knee again and is out for the season. Warren himself called Jered to tell him the good and the bad news. Jered's phone rang again, the Steelers calling! Just in time for Christmas Jered's income spiked, and his passion is giving him one more opportunity; not everyone gets two chances in this competitive discipline that is populated with big money and monster men.

The reason I tell you Jered's Christmas story today, is because he was so kind, along with Matt Spaeth and Rashard Mendenhall, to pose for the portrait showing their support for you the troops, moreover, the whole Pittsburgh Steelers organization expressed their support for you, the troops! I shot this portrait of these men last year in Dan Rooney's office during the Pep Rally, which was just days before they left for the Super Bowl. They all returned with the Sixth Super Bowl Trophy for this great team, SIXBURGH!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

CHRISTMAS, Ours and Yours...

2009-12-21T21:38:00.009-05:00

(CLICK IN IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

Christmas is a few days away, and most folks here at home are preparing to enjoy the day with family and friends. This is a luxury in life that some do not appreciate and take for granted.

The warm and cozy fire in the fireplace brings warmth to the revelers, while you over there huddle in tents, holes, and vehicles. Your situation comes without a true break. In World War Two, even at the battle of the bulge, Christmas found a way to have a truce and provide a little peace to reflect.

The malls here are full of shoppers driven to stress levels that exceeds any form of reason for such a simple pleasure, which again, is not appreciated for how much of a gift that is. The stores are full of brand new toys, gizmo's, high-tech games, and every sort of food that man can imagine. Your shopping is by mail call, and the boxes that make it in one piece, if you received one in the first place, may have great gifts from loved ones; some are from strangers who care. No matter the source, your gratitude and appreciation is more than you ever imagined for even the simplest gesture of kindness. This is something that you will carry for the rest of your life, this new found appreciation of the simple things.

The Christmas Holiday back here at home only exists because of what you do, and what the brothers and sisters in harm's way did before you. Here, after the Christmas parties, the dinners with the Steak laden with fat and red wine, most folks will go home and climb into a comfortable bed and sleep peacefully, in some cases with a mate that smells good. You, if you are lucky, will get a cot and a hot, and sleep in the company of some that may be in need of Old Navy. The only fat-marbled steak you will see is in your dreams!

The roads here are full of road rage idiots, while over there they are full of roadside bombs. The buildings here are just shapes and angles, while over there they are vantage points for the enemy to fire from. Yes, the mainstream folks are very supportive of all of you, but many do not know the difficult and dangerous tasks that you all do on a daily basis. The people who do know, appreciates it very much, as many of those have walked in your shoes. Lets hope all who have the power to do so will sort this out so that you will be back home for Christmas real soon! In the meantime, lock and load, and clear the area.

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SPORTS UPDATE:

Big Ben was running from the blitz, with no time on the clock, when he threw a pass to the end zone for an almost copycat catch from our Super Bowl win. We beat the Packers 37 to 36!

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A cowboy brings home the Christmas Tree

Doris and Bill wish you a Merry Christmas

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Dorothy and Floyd, December 7, 1941

2009-12-07T01:15:00.008-05:00

Dorothy and Floyd

December 7, 1941

The day started out as any other day, at the Soda Fountain in small town Ohio, where Dorothy worked; Soda Jerk was her job title. Dorothy’s smile greeted many folks each day, almost none were unknown; that was a perk living where everyone knew your business. Busy days at work made the time pass by, and any distraction, even the small ones such as the uncomfortable shoes that she wore, a decree by the Government to help the war effort, helped her to not think of Floyd all the time. Dorothy knew this was a small sacrifice compared to her husband Floyd, who was now thousands of miles away in Hawaii in the US Army. Her look was relevant the time, as she stood behind the counter in her Pencil Skirt, with a simple cut blouse topped off by wearing a Beret.

The US Government rationed fabrics. Women’s dresses had to be short with hems of only two inches, extra material added on such as ruffles, were forbidden for the duration of the war. Although hats were not rationed to allow women to express themselves, the designs were simple. Since there was rationing of elastic the beret may have been the favorite hat, it also had an elegant look. Veiled pillboxes and hats with plumage and ribbons were also popular. The pencil skirt cut in one straight line was within the limitations of clothing rationing, since the design required the least amount of material for the dress size.

The day was suddenly and permanently interrupted when the town clown ran into the store and yelled out, "Pearl Harbor has been bombed! Turn on your radio!"

Dorothy's heart almost stopped as she ran to turn on the old and worn Zenith Consoltone radio. She turned it on and waited for the tubes to warm up. A few minutes had passed, when the speaker finally crackled, voices told the news story, “Pearl Harbor has been attacked, many men were killed or injured!” All she could do was wait: one day, one week, one month, so many nights of not knowing and wondering if he was dead, lying in pain, and or wounded. After two full months news finally came. She heard from Floyd, and he was still alive and well.

Those were the days of no E-mail, no CNN, no cell phones, and also no phone contacts to overseas troops at all. Mail from over seas took forever, but a letter from Floyd finally made it to Dorothy. Now that she knew he was still alive, she worried all over again: night after night, month after month, for 4 years! It wasn’t until 1945 when Dorothy finally saw Floyd in person again, and what a happy reunion it was! They dated for five years before marrying; then they were separated by 4 years of war. This year brings them to year 68 of this most wonderful and classic marriage that most will never achieve. I, being one of such.

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Dorothy and Floyd 1941

(Click on images to enlarge)

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Keep Your Head Down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

DECEMBER, The Boy and Santa...

2009-12-01T23:43:00.003-05:00

The Boy and Santa

(Click on image to enlarge)

The turkey hangovers are over, the nightmarish 'Black Friday' is over, and the thoughts and plans are now focused on Christmas. December as always, is ushering in the holiday cheer, music and visual arts ... endlessly on TV, Radio, and captured elevator audiences. You can even see love blossoming right before your eyes, kissing in public, the holding of hands, and two-strawed chocolate malts everywhere. It seems that all that anyone wants right now, is finding a true love! Those already in love are rebooting their old times in these downturn times.

The times are hard and folks are starting to realize that the best things are free. The sharing, gathering and meeting places are filled, moreover, the movie theatres and on stage shows such as the original Rockettes are booming. Hard times brings back in retro-style the romantic outlook, and traditional festivities, as these pursuits are not as costly and pure fun. This is the positive side of things back here at home.

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The Commander in Chief gave his speech today spelling out for the world his plan to pull out the troops over there in 2011. Of course giving a time line has set off a firestorm in opines, and hopefully cool heads and wise ones will take your welfare into account as first priority in every decision that is now being made. Lets hope such is true, and every one of you comes home in good health, to your family and friends. You must not drop your guard during this transition in policy and troop increase. The enemy will take advantage of any and all opportunities, so never let your determination and American spirit wane, ever!~ Your life and your buddy just ahead depends on it...

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Sports Update: The Steelers -- you don't want to know. The Penguins are setting offensive records and looking like defending champions...

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I would like to remind those who plan to send our troops overseas Christmas gifts, that they are running out of time to do so in time for them to receive them by the big day. Please send early and often!!!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Thanksgiving 2009...

2009-11-24T00:13:00.001-05:00

If you are reading this you probably are not in transit to your Thanksgiving destination; you may be on post. I have been there, and I know the feeling of being so far away during the holidays. Such has been the life of warriors as far back as war goes in history. You can be assured that most folks back here are in full support, and all of your brothers and sisters in arms who have actually been there feel your place and time.

There is no news worthy of repeating this week in light of the situation of all of you over there. The sports news is not worthy either this week, if you know what I mean. So this will be a very brief note to wish all of you the best Thanksgiving possible away from your loved ones!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

SUMMER OPTIMISM

2009-11-16T21:46:00.010-05:00

The summer swim hole in fall...

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

The colder nights have brought a new look everywhere; My 'Boys of Summer' hangouts have been through a lot, with the summer look being devoured by the grayness of fall. If I had a day of summer that I could bring back, it would be that day at the ole Swim Hole, with the beautiful women swinging on the rope swing ... not in winter dress! The swim hole now is very fall looking and not filled with those lovely summer girls or summer optimism. It tells a tale of winter over the hill, the rope swing now hangs in despair. But, and there always is a but in life, a day will come when that ole swing will again fill the beautiful hands of those 'Girls of Summer' once more...

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November is a very nice month with Thanksgiving coming, and opening day of deer season pending. It isn't long after that when Christmas is here, and all the festivities and good times that bring families together to celebrate and share.

For those who love the outdoors, opening day is a tradition that goes back deep into a young boy's memory. The real outdoorsman knows it is all about the time spent together with the old man, not about the taking of game. When I was that boy, schools were empty on opening day, whereas the fields were full. The night before opening day was as bad as Christmas Eve, who could sleep? Just when you thought you were going to burst from anticipation, your first footstep in the crisp and crunchy snow brought the brutal reality of a wintry day to your senses -- now back down on earth.

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The Cheswick theater,which has been open for 61 years, has closed. A sign of the times, and disappearing times right before our eyes. Small town movie houses fading away in the shadow of the new "Big Box" metroplexes...

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

VETERAN'S DAY 2009

2009-11-11T12:39:00.006-05:00

Happy Veteran’s Day to my brothers and sisters in harm's way and back here on the home front.

Unlike most politicians and some citizens who give you the obligatory greeting and salutation, I truly mean it from the heart that beats with yours, and stops with every loss.

Some declare themselves as “Antiwar” as if you are for war! This shows their ignorance and misunderstanding! The soldier is sent to war by the politicians who disdain both! The soldier is not for war as is the poor and mislead, antiwar ideologue; but the soldier responds to the call to defend their country; unlike most politicians and the lost souls of the antiwar clan. With Honor, the soldier dies for them both!

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SPORTS UPDATE:

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers crushed the Denver Broncos 28-10, but the game easily could have been 42-10. The Denver offense scored their only points -- 3 -- on their first drive. Their defense score the other 7.

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Local happenings:

The replica ships Pinta and Nina, which are exact copies of the ships that Christopher Columbus used for his voyages are in Pittsburgh this week! The Nina was his favorite that he used for 3 1/2 voyages. When you see these ships and the relatively small size of them, although big for their time, it becomes apparent that these men were very bold and brave to do what they did. To cross the ocean, thinking that it may be flat and they could fall off, these wooden ships would have been extremely frightful. The crew was made up mostly of slaves, and this crew slept on deck, only the Captain, Christopher Columbus slept down below in a compartment. None of the crew perished on their voyage, which again is amazing!

The Pinta on the left, and the Nina

Heinz field is visible on the right, with the Heinz mustard color seats!

The Nina, Christopher Columbus's favorite ship used on three voyages!

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE)

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Amelia Earhart, and her Lockheed Vega

2009-11-01T19:06:00.005-05:00

This was shot a few days ago at the Air & Space Museum in DC.
The is Amelia Earhart's Lockheed 5B Vega that she flew solo across the Atlantic in.

This week the post was not completed due to circumstances of out of town travel. I am also grappling with keeping this column non-political -- the commander in chief -- being so indecisive about sending you over there the requested backup troops is making it very difficult for me to do so! The big news is the elections held on Tuesday, and of course the troop issue, and the health care bill(s).

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The Steelers had a bye week, and a well deserved rest.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Carnegie Science Museum visit ... Slow week.

2009-10-25T00:42:00.010-04:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

This has been a slow week, no decision from the Commander in Chief on the troop request, the weather has been indecisive, and the Steelers do not play until later tonight. We are between the end of the summer and the start of the holiday season. The recent movie releases have been weak, and the motorcycle riding season has been moderate at best. I did get in a visit to the Carnegie Science Museum! The robotics floor is one of the best examples of such in the country. Here are a few images that I shot there this week:

Gort, from the movie 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'

RoboWorld

This Robo-Thespian talks and moves with human qualities

Robby the Robot

A basketball shooting robot

B-9

Update:

The Steelers won, 27-17.
Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

VACATION ... NO POST THIS WEEK...

2009-10-17T23:05:00.001-04:00

THE RENDEZVOUS AND THE PIG ROAST!

2009-10-11T17:32:00.005-04:00

This week has been one where the fall season has hit like a freight train! The temperatures have fallen, as well as the rain. Summer is the past, and Mother Nature has been making that an explanation point!

The President and staff have been working on a decision of whether to send additional troops to Afghanistan, and according to the opposition party are taking too long. This battle continues, and will be as such for weeks apparently. Senator John McCain leads the battle to speed up the decision, while the side against it differs. As it has been forever, the folks with the power to decide the fate of those in danger, do not have the urgency that you over there under the gun would like. Hold and hope for the best whichever decision comes down the pipe!

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Sports Update:

Steelers 28, Detroit 20!

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On Saturday, the annual Burton Farm Pig-roast here in Plum was the event to attend! Close to 100 hundred friends, family, and visitors came to celebrate together. The theme as always, was shared humanity and friendship, with food, drink, and engaging conversations facilitating the connection. Over festivals took place around the area, to include the Fort Ligonier Days. I usually attend this festival and have posted it here the last two years, but not this year.

The big holiday season is right around the corner, so I hope you took my prior advice to send your love letters, and your gifts and packages early! This is for you citizens back home, and you over there. I cannot say enough how much a hand written, pen to paper love letter means to someone in a war zone, or other duty stations so far from their loved one(s).

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Photo essay of the pig-roast, click on the images to enlarge them.

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We hope to see you over there soon, back here to participate in these and similar celebrations that are the flying colors of freedom at the root of our country, and our American lifestyle. None of which would exist without the sacrifice of 'you over there' past and present! These little examples of personal freedom are so unappreciated by those who have it, whether they know it or not, is due to you. You know it. Your have loved ones are appreciating it, so your worthy efforts are absolutely needed to continue the American way of life ... the best there has ever been on the planet.

Remember, only America has the problem of illegals Breaking into our country, the rest have a problem of folks escaping and leaving theirs. What does that say, regardless of what someone with an agenda is saying.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

ANGRY LEOPARDS AND APPLE DUMPLINGS!

2009-10-04T23:55:00.008-04:00

This Leopard was part of a wild life show & tell at the Delmont Apple Festival. When I got up close and personal to shoot, he went crazy! The cage is only a temporary one as a transport and show device.

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

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THE OLD CIDER PRESS AT WORK!
This very old last centure machine still turns out the best apple cider your lips will ever have the pleasure to indulge in!

The Cider Press work area

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The Delmont Apple 'N' Art Festival was held on October 3rd and 4th in Delmont Pennsylvania. This marks the second anniversary of this weekly column!

This year the festival was still running full steam; the slow down in the economy was not much of a factor. People still love to enjoy the basics in life, and small town USA is still going strong in Western Pennsylvania! There are still a lot of fall activities to go, and the landscape is becoming a palette of fall colors already.

The serious sides of things are still there, such as the request for more troops. The final decision has not been made, but everyone is putting his or her four-cents in (inflation). I hope they error to the side of sending them when needed for the safety of the troops already there, than the other way around. You guys and girls get my priority vote! It would be nice to finish the job and bring everyone home safely! I am sure that this is the feelings that most of the folks at home have ... you guys are priority #1!

Remember that the holiday season starts soon. So those civilians who follow this column please remember to ship gifts early, and often! The love letters need plenty of time to arrive as well. There is nothing as valued by someone so far from home, than the classic, handwritten pen on parchment paper love letter! Trust me on this one! Again, mail early, and Often!

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You can see the Gold Star for sharing on this lover's hat!

The Apple Dumplings are legendary!

The young fans had a great time, as well as the old folk!

This 105 year-old Apple machine turns out all the delicious Apple Cider for sale at the festival! The Apple Cider makers Support Our Troops!

The Boy Scouts at the festival Support Our Troops!

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The Pittsburgh Steelers put it to the San Diego Chargers, 38-28. The game was a bigger victory than the score indicates due to strange happenings. The Steelers look strong, and San Diego under the conditions did an excellent job of coming back.

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Colored Sand for on site art projects

Colored sand art in a bottle!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

SUNSHINE ... NOT TODAY ... and smash mouth hockey.

2009-09-27T14:11:00.004-04:00

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

Due to problems with blogger today, I am having a lot of trouble posting. I will leave it this week with this photo essay. Earlier in the week when it wasn't actually raining all day, I caught some of our boys in action in Murrysville, playing Inline-hockey. Here is that story in photos.

I was hoping to have news for you on the troop request, but the White House has not decided either way so far.

SPORTS UPDATE:

The Pirates have lost 23 out of the last 25 games, enough said, as the season will end in a few days.
The Steelers play the Bengals later this afternoon, if I can, I will add the score later.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

LAST DAY OF SUMMER 2009: You have survived and/or flourished...

2009-09-20T23:13:00.013-04:00

Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield Pennsylvania supports you, the Troops!

The Pub is a favorite stop for bike riders. The lot is filled with a large number of bikes behind me here, as I shot this one of my bike and a friend's bike who rode with me. It is mainly visited by automobiles, this is not a rowdy biker bar by any means!

On the way back home I stopped to visit Gobbler's Know where Punxsutawney Phil does his World Famous weather prediction every year. These folks from the state of Utah I believe, parked near the stage where Phil performs his magic...

(CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)

The summer of 2009 has been a very good one, but also as unpredictable as a nor'easter. It has been a happy summer with playful moments in the sun. It has also been a cruel summer, with cold days sending the surfer babes back into warm clothes.

I have seen memorable things, places and people this summer. One of my summer projects was a very interesting photo project where I shot the whole summer on one roll of Kodachrome slide film: my last roll ever, as this venerable film has been discontinued by Kodak.

Today was the last day of summer and I found myself riding it to the very end without sparing a single moment, as I used up every last flicker of life out of it. I rode to one of my favorite eateries on this side of the state, Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, which is the maker of the World's Biggest Burgers, amongst other delightful specialties. The ride is a 250-mile round trip, which to some is a bit far for a burger. They miss the point, as they focus too closely on the destination and not the adventure and the ride. A point of fact: Denny's burgers are not just big, but delicious as well. Denny's is located in Clearfield Pennsylvania, right in the middle of some of the most beautiful country in the state.

This has been a long day so I will bow out now. I must say that when you get back home to Pennsylvania you may consider riding to this part of the state, it is wonderful. It is almost like going back in time to those wonderful memories of traditional Americana when you visit some of these quaint, Normal Rockwell style towns. When you do visit, Stop at Denny's Beer Barrel Pub or any of the other fine places to eat in Clearfield, Punxsutawney, DuBois, and other small towns along the way. We need to support these local hard working people that still work hard all day, everyday, and all week long. Our support is needed to maintain America's gem ... the small business ... and the American worker.

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Sports Update:

The Steelers played today.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

The "Boys of Summer" are still doing it at CCAC campus!

2009-09-13T15:35:00.005-04:00

(CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

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200 members of Alpha Co. 1/112th Infantry returned home to a warm welcome at the guard armory in Butler Township yesterday. They rode a bus from Fort Dix to complete the long journey back.

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The CCAC campus is still playing ball!

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Sports Update:

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Titans on Thursday by a score of 13-10. This was a knuckle dragging street fight! It was the NFL Kick Off Celebration right here in your hometown ... PITTSBURGH! Those with or without a ticket to the game were invited were treated to free festivities at Point State Park, which included a free concert by Tim McGraw and the Black Eyed Peas. This first official game of the season and the city festivities were the most watched sporting event since the Super Bowl ... which featured your hometown team, the World Champion Steelers ... had over 20 million viewers tuned in. The NFL Commissioner was so happy with how the game and the show, he wrote a letter to us, Pittsburgh AKA Sixburgh. Here is the letter from the Commissioner in its entirety:

On behalf of the National Football League, I want to thank the fans and the city of Pittsburgh for helping us kick off the 2009 NFL season in such a memorable fashion.

Nearly 20 million Americans viewed the concert and the game, which ironically was the most-watched sporting event since the Steelers won the Super Bowl last February. Fans around the country were treated to the tremendous passion of Steeler Nation and a taste of your great city.

We could not have showcased these events without your city's support and hospitality. I want to thank Mayor (Luke) Ravenstahl for his leadership and also the numerous city workers who helped stage the week-long activities.

Sincerely,

Roger Goodell

NFL Commissioner

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The Boyce Campus team doing what Boys of Summer do!

I passed by this farm and saw these old trucks (1948) just rusting away!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE LAST STAND OF SUMMER!

2009-09-06T22:48:00.015-04:00

(Click on an image to enlarge)

Labor Day has been a Bastian of support for labor since the late 1880's, but today it is not much more than a day off of work, and the 'Last Stand' of summer. With the ailing economy even that can be a problem for those millions that have lost work. That said I went to the annual Labor Day weekend fair at North Moreland Park. This quaint Pennsylvania blue-collar rendezvous’ is an almost perfect visual display of Norman Rockwell’s vision of nostalgic Americana! The structures and rides are right out of 1955! The only thing that was missing is Elvis.

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This Hybrid truck/train is a vehicle that belongs to the local VFW who was also celebrating Labor Day with their own Fair at their Wildlife Lodge right down the road from N. Moreland Park.

The Big Tent

The kid train

They said they would paint my face, but, they wouldn't let me ride the pony!

Nothing says Americana than a Camel ride (huh?)

This is where the lazy, triflin' adults hang for eating and meeting

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The summer is winding down with only 14 days left until fall. The football season begins in earnest this coming Thursday with a big concert at Point State Park. It is free to the citizens/fans! Tim McGraw and the Black eyed Peas are the performers that will start the NFL season off right, right here in your town ... Pittsburgh ... the 'City of Champions!'

Pittsburgh won last the last preseason game, and ended up 3 and 1. The Tennessee Titans are coming to town for the NFL opener. If you recall, they are the team that stomped on our 'Terrible Towel" and they will have to pay for such disrespect for a local symbol of hard work and dedicated fans.

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Remember that summer will return, and hopefully you will be here when it does. It seems that the draw down has begun, in theory at least. Keep your wits about you when you get close to being 'the one' to come back. We have covered the issues with distraction as you near the end of such engagements and how dangerous that can be! Until you see the enemy out of the back window of your transport plane, please stay focused until the very true end.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL.

2009-08-30T23:48:00.008-04:00

The writing is on the wall according to a just released news report. The largest movement of manpower and equipment in military history is starting to leave Iraq; Brig. Gen. Heidi Brown is in charge of the withdrawal. They are packing tanks to radios out in what will the first step to move 60% of the equipment out of Iraq by the end of next March.

This is time to reinforce due diligence in combat readiness and awareness. You over there cannot be distracted from your normal mindset during these times. Do not become a last day of the war statistic!

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Things back home are still summer based, as bike riders get in their summer trips and rides. Sport venues are busy, and the new casino next to Heinz Stadium is doing just fine separating hard earned money from those who earned it. The Steelers are two and one in the preseason; they beat the Bills on Saturday. The news media is filled with chaos as Washington debates the Health Care issues. There are many summer movies that are well worth a viewing when you get back. Today, I went to see “(500) Days of Summer.” It is a wonderful film, along with other summer releases like “The Ugly Truth” that is grown up romantic comedy. I am confident you will find a film that suits your taste this summer or fall.

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Regardless of what your interests are, there are still a lot of wonderful things to do here in South Western Pennsylvania upon your return. We are home to two World Championship teams, Super Bowl Champs, and Stanley Cup Champs. The bad news is the Pirates. who are taking a beating this season—there is always the cliché, wait until next year! The football season looks promising, as well as the Hockey season … more reason to look forward to coming back home. Again, with due diligence! There is no room for distraction over there!

I leave you with a few images from a bike ride we did near Indiana Pennsylvania

(CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

"ONE DAY I will be QUEEN"

2009-08-23T14:59:00.004-04:00

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

The Westmoreland County Fair began this week, and what a wonderful beginning it was! Although this is one of the largest such events in the state, it still has that small town USA feel, which accurately reflects the community that it portrays. Saturday was Armed Forces Day, a day that you over there or back home can enjoy with all the festivities on them, those with military ID get in free. This county fair is a major supporter of the military men and women who serve their country.

http://www.westmorelandfair.com/

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One of the events that I attended was the competition for fair queen. Since you could not go, I went for you. Visiting with all these lovely ladies was a chore, but what is a boy supposed to do? These young ladies restored my faith in American youth. They were all so All-American, my opine on what that is of course, and their resumes’ were chock-full of wonderful accomplishments.

Emily Gabriel, 17, the 2009 Westmoreland Fair Queen from Slickville Pennsylvania, is a Greensburg Salem High School senior; she is wearing Black & White in the “I will be Queen one day” image, and separately as shown. Emily will represent the county during her reign.

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The Steelers lost their second exhibition game to Washington, 17-13.

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PHOTO ESSAY OF THE FAIR QUEEN EVENT:

ONE DAY ... I will be QUEEN!

Emily Gabriel (L), the 2009 Westmoreland County Fair Queen

The outgoing 2008 Fair Queen

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

WET OLD DOGS AND MEN SMELL TERRIBLE, BUT THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE HERE!

2009-08-16T22:25:00.009-04:00

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

There are a few things that I passionately dislike about summer, out-on-summer-break-politicians, new taxes, divorce attorneys, rotund senior citizens on nude only beaches, and orange-barreled road construction ... and in this order.

Whilst the mid 30's yuppies and retired folks fill the highways, byways, waterways, and the beach summer sand, summer truly belongs to boys. It's falling from a rope swing into the swimming hole time and rafting time and bikini census time. It's baseball time and super-speed-roller-coaster time and flirting in the light of the bonfire time. Exception to such is the former 'boys of summer'. The difference between a boy and a F.B.O.S man is the latter has just aged a bit; the universe of summer knows the difference.

These summer memories may the nice thing that comes to you on some nights over there. Let not the thought that that was then, as all of it is still here I assure you. The humid night air and lightning bugs, the pretty girls who shared the light--and the summer darkness, and even the old swimming hole and fishing hole; it all awaits your return home. Ring me, and I will share my swimming hole with you. This wonderful place is captured in the few images that you see here.

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The rematch of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals ended up the same as the last time they played, which was last February in the Super Bowl . The Cardinals were again spanked like the old cliche.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF SUMMER...

2009-08-09T12:56:00.013-04:00

Today is the hottest day of Summer 2009, and as such makes this old Boy Of Summer a bore if I continue on this keyboard avoiding the sun and the babes out there. That is not going to happen.
Today is the hottest day of Summer 2009, and as such makes this old Boy Of Summer a bore if I continue on this keyboard avoiding the sun and babes out there. That is not going to happen.

Below you will find a photo essay of summer 2009 as of this week. Capturing the high-speed coasters coming at me blind from around, below and above you was quite the challenge, but a blast to do!

Kennywood Park is Summer! Please find the images below that were shot earlier this week; these are more adult boy images that tell what the park means to such a boy or girl of summer who has had Kennywood indelibly burned into their memory!

I would like to thank Kennywood for the incredible access to do the shoot. They wanted you to know that Kennywood supports you over there!!!

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(Click on the images to enlarge)

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Midsummer in western Pennsylvania

2009-08-02T13:31:00.005-04:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

Midsummer is unusually cool this year with July being more Seattle-esque than the searing summer heat of Pittsburgh. I had a more Pittsburgh July when I was in Alaska last month! You would find the cooler weather a nice break from the inhuman and torturous weather that you are probably encountering over there I am sure.

There have been announcements that some of you may be coming home earlier than previously planned! Such good news probably spreads fast and those so affected may be aware, if not, I am glad to be the first to inform you.

Pittsburgh is hosting the Forrest Wood Cup Bass Tournament. This is reputedly the richest bass-fishing championship in the world. The winner of this best-of-the-best fishing competition will garner $1 million for his or her efforts! In this outsider’s opinion, that is not bad money for doing something millions of folks do everyday all summer for free…

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Sports Update:

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to training camp at St. Vincent College on Friday! This is the first step to the process of repeating their Super Bowl run, and defending their title of Champions of the World!

The Pirates have traded just about all of their talent, and are still holding tight to last place … well done Pirates!

The good news is, the Steelers and Penguins are STILL World Champions, making Sixburgh the defending City of Champions!

I hope to have photos of the Steelers in camp at a later date.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

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The Jewel of Summer...

2009-07-27T00:47:00.004-04:00

The 'Boys Of Summer' won't be seeing much of this, this summer!
It is too cold!

The Jewel of the summer is July, but this year the Jewel is tarnished. To the ‘Boys Of Summer’ this is big news, but in a negative way. They are an elite group that enjoys the sunnier side of things when chasing their favorite summertime activities: Motorcycling, fishing, hiking and camping, and hitting the beach to pursue the wile ‘Surfer Babe.’ This year July has been cool and wet, not a good sign for we hot and sunny day worshipers of summer!

The Meteorologists at AccuWeather, have a name for 2009: “Year Without True Summer” trite, but accurate! According to these prognosticators, July’s low summer temperatures may forecast heavy snowfalls and very cold days this winter! If you are returning home soon, the weather will be quite the change from the July of your memories. Lets hope they are wrong about their dire winter forecast, which I say is partly overcast with a 50 percent chance of failure!

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Deployment Update:

Local troops in the HHD 336 Battalion left on a bus from Highland Park for an 18-month deployment to Iraq. The 72 troops were split into two groups, one left on Saturday, and the other on Sunday.

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Sports Update:

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed their first round draft pick, Ziggy Hood, to a five-year contract! He is going to bring youth and athleticism to the defensive line. This 6’ 3” 300 pound former Missouri player promises to surprise a few teams bringing new blood to the current World Super Bowl Champion Steelers AKA Blitzburg!

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The popular ‘Park Diner’ in Monroeville has been torn down, and now nothing is left of the structure at all. The lot is an empty spot. I shot these images of the diner the day the doors were closed for good, May 7, 2009! Another slice of Americana disappears with the progress of the regress of our economy.

(Click on images to enlarge!)

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Summer Loves ... 2009

2009-07-19T21:56:00.005-04:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

Yesterday I attended a graduation party of my friend’s grandson, Chris. This was a trip back in time for me to the Summer of ‘68,’ where everything in my life prior was changing like a whirling dervish, a focus point in the middle of my life’s prism that was ready to explode out of the other side in a wide sweeping spectrum of light into the world beyond. High school to the US Navy, innocence to the real world, crushes into real love, and the unlimited possibilities of the future.

Many of you over there have went through these changes that seem to take no time before you are gone and out of high school, and then find yourself over there engaged in your daily struggle to survive and to prevail. Chris is now at that point that we have experienced, as he celebrated his new found freedom of adulthood unbeknownst to him what the next day will bring. His Summer of ‘2009’ is filled with hope, and he is lucky to have a summer love that can share it with him. Summer Loves back home are the subject of letters from over there every day, sometimes summer loves are lost, sometimes they last a lifetime. Either way, that Summer Love from that last summer before the real world will never be forgotten … I am now toasting all of the Summer Loves of 2009! May you never part…

Your mission as has been the mission of all before you, is making sure Chris and others do not have to follow your footsteps into that world of war … may this be the last war fought. May all who have sacrificed rest in peace and we can finally declare the mission is complete. This is the dream, but we all know that many will still fight for their buddies, and go to war for their country. If only that last summer could last forever, so would we!

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Summer Lovers

Chris and Brit

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Sports update:

To the point, the Pittsburgh Pirates … still playing, but not much more.
But, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still the World Champions and caretakers of the Stanley Cup, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still the World Champions and owners of their six Super Bowl Trophies!!!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

This column will be back and running this Sunday ... July 19th

2009-07-17T14:17:00.003-04:00

Been fishin' the Russian River in Alaska!
#1 son below is after the Salmon!
So are the huge Brown Bears ... Yikes!

SUMMER VACATION SHUTDOWN--SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY TIME!

2009-06-28T13:13:00.006-04:00

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

Summer is upon us, and as such it is that time of year to break away from the work routine and seek adventure; this is what goes on around here at least! The next few weeks may or may not have postings depending on if I am in civilized areas or beating the bush in some remote corner of the world … not unlike you, but without the war—hopefully—around me.

I am fully aware such a luxury is not part of your world at this time being over there fighting for us to do as such, and I do fully and deeply appreciate this fact. I put in my time as well in various positions fighting for what is right, and hope that I have earned the right to do so.

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Sports Update:

Since the Penguins just won the Stanley Cup only four months since the Steelers won the Super Bowl Trophy, mere words now in these boring and dry times of local sports would only be ‘Gilding the Lilly!’

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

PS:

The below images are hooligans that were at a Summer Solstice party!
I have never seen them before in my life, I think...

FATHER'S DAY ... FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

2009-06-21T23:09:00.011-04:00

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a day for dads to take in a few moments and actually breathe. Spending the day with the kids or the whole family is traditional, with special days for the more adventurous. I found kids at the Murrysville Carnival and also on the back of Harleys going by. There were streams, rivers, and parks filled with revelers of all sorts and sizes. While not as big or as popular as Mother’s Day, it was a busy day here in Western Pennsylvania. The kites, footballs and baseballs taking flight this afternoon were evidentiary proof of such. Those who are a dad, Happy Father’s Day! To those with a dad, give the old guy and hug and a kiss…

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This is the first day of the, “100 Days Of Summer,” and it all starts now. Summer is more than just a set of dates, so much more. This transient place we call life is but a whisper amongst the sounds of time, a minuscule stop in the motion of all. Some go about blindly and miss it all, whilst others see, and these “Boys of Summer” bask in its 100 days of gifts; beaches and bikinis; roads and motorcycles; music and ears; romance and girls, and no school for the young.

It looks like Summer is going to be one to remember, as summer activities are cheap or free, at least the best ones are. This is the remedy the Doctor ordered for bad economic beaten hearts and minds. Dress code is sandals and shorts. This is summer, I hope you all keep your head down and return to enjoy all summer has to offer this year. I will keep you informed on what can, and what can not.

The annual Murrysville V.F.D. Carnival

The Fireworks Watchers

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Sports Update:

Penguin fever has not slowed at all so far! The four months between the Steelers Superbowl victory and now the Stanley Cup has the blood of tenacious Pittsburgh fans still pumping as if it were just yesterday!!!

The Pirates are still hanging in there with hope for better days.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

PENS WIN! PENS WIN! THE STANLEY CUP NOW LIVES IN PITTSBURGH!

2009-06-14T22:45:00.007-04:00

A eulogy:

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are all gathered here today to pay our last respects to our fallen friends, the Detroit Red Wings. After a painful and protracted fight with Wild Penguins, they succumbed to their own inadequacies. To those of you who knew them well, you also had to suffer through their chronic complaints, whining, smelly under-protective garments, and the hockey-man overbite during television interviews. The sweat, the toil, and the underachieving were all for not.

But, fear not my friends, the few surviving members of this vanquished team has a new book in the works! “1001 excuses for not winning”

We, as did the whole Penguin team will toast the departed by drinking champagne out of Our Stanley Cup! Rest well old friends, and may you Rest in Peace…

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F4U Corsair shot today doing a flyby

"Glamorous Gal," my new favorite girl!
I shot this today at the Jimmy Steward Airport (yes, named after the hometown actor)

She is a beautiful P-51 Mustang!

(CLICK ON TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

________***________

Sports Update:

Against all odds the Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off the big upset by vanquishing the Detroit Red Wings in game 7! This thriller to the end with the Penguins fighting like their life depended on it, ended with a 2 to 1 score… Yes, our Pens are now the Champs; the Stanley Cup lives in your town!

Tomorrow there will be a huge parade downtown with the Penguins accompanying the Stanley Cup through town. The route will be the same as the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl win parade!

Yea, our town has won its name back:

PITTSBURGH IS AGAIN “THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS!”

In 3 out of the last 4 years we have won a major sports Championship!

________***________

In Indiana Pennsylvania at the Jimmy Steward Airport was their small-town air show, and how big it was! Three of my favorite World War Two aircraft were there; the British Spitfire; the P-51 Mustang; and the F4U Corsair!

The British Spitfire

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

D-DAY

2009-06-06T18:35:00.003-04:00

D-Day says it all. Words cannot start to tell the tale of its importance, so I will let my photo essay do the story on this day here.

I decided the best way to remember the over 400,000 men and women who paid so dearly for our freedom, was to go out and experience a little freedom in their honor, and yours.

When you over there come back home, look me up and we will ride it together.

Canal Days Market

Lovely day for exploring the countryside.

An artist doing a portrait at Canal Days in Saltsburg Pa.

A group of 105 canoeists paddled from Johnstown Pa to Saltsburg to celebrate 'Canal Days' commemorating the great waterways of Western Pennsylvania.

A local "Pretty Girl" was in the dunk tank to support the Saltsburg Pennsylvania PTA. The ball throwers ( 3 balls for a dollar ) kept missing the trigger plate, so I enlisted a young man to hit it by hand, whilst the Pretty Girl was screaming No, no, no...

Wet Pretty Girl!

( CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE )

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

JUNE

2009-05-31T22:27:00.005-04:00

June is the portal to summer, and as such brings forth the local festivals among other traditions for the Boys of Summer.

Today I went to a car show.

________***________

VETTE

ROAD RUNNER

T-BIRD

GTO

(CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM)

________***________

The country is changing every moment these days, and I wish to bring you hope in these times of uncertainty. Your fellow Americans are by and large still as you left them, but, and there always is a but in life, some of our core structures have bent a little. We as a people have always been strong, flexible and resilient, and this nature will again bring us back to the front of setting an example for the world to see. You over there are a prime example of such, and may you continue to do so…

"Keep the faith baby!" by Kojak

________***________

Sports Update:

Our Penguins have made it again to the Stanley Cup finals. The first two games have been back to back and we have lost both.

"It's not over until it's over!" Go Pens!!!

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

MEMORIAL DAY

2009-05-25T00:32:00.001-04:00

I shot this image at the World War Two Memorial at the mall in D.C.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Time goes by and change becomes the only thing that one can count on. War has also changed, not only in scope, but also in cultural perspective. World War Two was so intertwined with the everyday citizen’s life, as everyone was related to, or knew someone who was in the war. Such closeness brought support and loyalty that has no peer in our history. It gave life to towns like North Platte Nebraska, where the citizens voluntarily organized a canteen at the railroad station to feed the troops on the way to war. They feed over six million troops out of pocket and without government assistance until the war ended. Troops were treated well upon their return, with the GI bill helping to build Suburban USA after the war.

Today, many citizens are not as personally connected and therefore not as well versed on the mission now or before. The political environment is also so different. History is not taught in such great detail with survey courses dominating the educational landscape. This is part of the reason that Memorial Day’s impact is waning with less participation and appreciation. The veterans of World War Two are leaving us at a fast pace; they were the standard by which to judge how to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Korean and Vietnam vets do an honorable job as well, with the huge Rolling Thunder rally in D.C. every year. Over 600,000 motorcycles show up for this event that starts in California and ends at the Vietnam Wall!

MEMORIAL DAY

The cliché is all about the flags and crediting all who sacrificed for every right and amendment in the constitution. The truth is less complicated; they fought for their country and died for their buddies, and the American Way, and as such are a personal perspective of each soldier who made such choices. Most of the time choice was not an option, it was instantaneous action or lack thereof; or just plain being in the wrong place, or the right place depending again on subjective perception—this is war! In any scenario they made the ultimate sacrifice and have earned the respect to be remembered and honored.

Today, some folks who have never sacrificed anything for anyone only think of this day as a day off of work. You over there still fight, even for such folks. This is what separates us from them … we fight and sometimes die for those so disrespectful to have the right to be so…

May you all have a great Day, and KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN…

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

HORSES, FISH, MOTORCYCLES AND BASEBALL...

2009-05-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

The spring is still turning and churning its way towards summer. This weekend was fabulous! I rode for all of you that can’t at the moment, but will real soon! I was able to seek out the unusual and the fun in Western Pennsylvania, starting on Friday, which was a very warm day ... clear skies with visibility ten miles or the nearest pair of Daisy Dukes! After riding all day, I made it back in home in time for an invitation to take in a Pirates night game. We lost 3 to 1, after blowing a 9th inning lead. We won the next two though, which is good news. Today I helped with a Pleasure Ride Horse competition (104 Horses and riders), and it turned out to be quite the day. The fast paced ride in a horse drawn carriage or wagon is thrilling and fun! Doris’ carriage is the nicest that I have ever seen!

I hope all this good news and fun will motivate you to keep the faith and look forward to returning back home. They say, “You can never go home!” I have always been a rule breaking kind of guy, and not only did I return home, I stole home in baseball! Just as you can do!

The rest of this week’s column is going to be a photo essay. CLICK ON, TO ENLARGE THE IMAGES…

________***________

My friend Doris driving her big boys around a curve!

Whilst out & about on Nomad my legendary Harley, I found this special ‘fishin’ spot’ called Blackleg Creek, north of Saltsburg. The fish were biting!

My bike took me to places unknown, where I met unknown folks this weekend. I meet an ex-Navy man who assembled this strange Harley! It is his “Shore Patrol” bike. This privilege of creating your own Harley awaits you…

A front view of the "Shore Patrol" Harley.

This young man who sat behind me was given a ball by one of the Colorado Rockies, and he also autographed it for him. This is how they make new fans for life! Well Done Rockies! They beat our Pirates on this night, but lost the next two games including today…

This is the losing pitch thrown by Matt Capps in the top of the 9th Inning, blowing a lead. This pitch ended up out of the ballpark at the deepest point--a two run homer, YIKES!
(THE WHITE STREAK UNDER THE 3RD BASEMEN, IS THE BALL)

Unfortunately, horses can be dangerous as are other things in life. The horse reacted wildly to an unknown source and threw her, and then rolled over her. She was transported by Life-flight to a medical facility.

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-11T00:19:00.000-04:00

I hope Mother’s Day finds you well. When a woman gives you life, she sacrifices a lot of hers. The best gift any child can give her or his mother is: Be the best person that you can be so as to not waste her sacrifice. I will not tarnish this holiday by any further Gilding of the Lilly...

________***________

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania.

KENNYWOOD IS OPEN!

2009-05-03T23:32:00.000-04:00

There is nothing more Americana or a sign that Spring has sprung than opening day at Kennywood Park!

(CLICK ON TO ENLARGE PHOTOS!)

The romantic memories of Kennywood dominates the summer times past of so many Western Pennsylvanians. This magical place is where many life long relationships started and is also the place where dreams came true. The heat of summer melded with the heat of the moment as many lives were changed; some for the best, and unfortunately in some cases, for the worse. Summer is very loving, but it can be cruel for those who fell by the wayside of romance.

In either case, Kennywood is up and running for the year, place your romantic bets and take your chances!

________***________

Sports Update:

The Penguins are in the second round of the playoffs. Game one was disappointing; we are down one game to none. Tomorrow is game two … GO PENS!

The Pittsburgh Marathon filled the city with runners from around the world today. This annual running event grows every year…

For results>> http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/

The Pittsburgh Pirates are playing 500 ball right now. They have promise, and are ahead of last year so far. Well-done Bucks!

________***________

I would like to suggest to many of you to resort to an older technology when communicating back home to your sweetie. Writing letters by hand! Woman love a piece of you, which a hand written letter is. It is so much more personal than email or texting. Try it, they will love it!

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE AIR OF FREEDOM!

2009-04-26T23:18:00.000-04:00

First stop was at DQ for a cold one!

Today was a special day especially considering it was still in April, as there was a sleepy, almost-June like feel to the hot blowing air. The spring robins were twittering all about, as they dodged and burned through the sky, and one brightly colored unknown songbird sang beautifully from its lofty tree branch. The sky was a washed out cobalt blue—near denim in color, and the sun shone down a golden hue in this unprecedented heat of early spring nearing 90 degrees. It was a day to ride, go fishin’, but it was not a day to do anything that might appear to be a chore or the deadly weekend killing Honey-do. I chose to ride!

It was such a privilege to be able to breathe in deeply the air of freedom. This air is so unappreciated by those who have never lost it, or never been out of their protected box of American living. Living in privilege and by and large without doing without things taken for granted. Living where food comes hot and fresh, and there is plenty of it. Living where beds have mattresses, and water comes out of a faucet, hot water at that! No, I am afraid is the answer by the many for this question. The air of freedom was bought by, and paid for by American sacrifice in the defense of it by our troops … YOU!

May my photo essays that I shoot on my motorcycle explorations for you, motivate you to do whatever it takes to make it back and breathe in that air of freedom! You paid for it.

________***________

This old Oak has been aged at 340 years old, the oldest tree in the county. I visit the old man every season of the year.

Small town USA, Lower Burrell; this country baseball diamond was being grated by a boy on a board being towed by a truck!

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

________***________

May my photo essays that I shoot on my motorcycle explorations for you, motivate you to do whatever it takes to make it back and breathe in that air of freedom! You paid for it.

________***________

Sports Update:

The Pens kicked the Philly Flyers back to the east side of the state where they belong! After falling behind 3 zip, they stormed back with a 5 and 0 run to eliminate them from the playoffs. Well-done Pens!

The World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers had a great draft! They filled a lot of needs with their 8 selections. To see the whole selection, go here: http://www.steelers.com/draft/

________***________

NEW PINUP IMAGE AT BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG PAGE!

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THEN CAME THE BLESSING...

2009-04-19T23:34:00.002-04:00

The annual Blessing of the Bikes in Murrysville Pennsylvania was a grand time, with thousands of bikes and riders making their annual trip to attend; then a ride to Greensburg to break bread together. The age span was 1 to 85 years of age … the fun range was all-inclusive. Pastor Dan of the Murrysville Alliance Church blessed all who attended and wished them safe passage to their homes.

We hope to see some of you there next year! April 18, 2010!

________***________

Early Arrivals

The Murrysville FD raising the flag

Saluting the raising of the flag, and the National Anthem.

The front parking lot, leaving the back lot, and all the connecting streets full!

Bless all, and Bless America said Pastor Dan

(Click on images to enlarge)

________***________

SPORTS UPDATE:

The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the Flyers 2 games to 1 in the best of seven series. Go Pens!

________***________

Since World War Two the Pinup Girl has been a staple of our Boys over There. Occasionally I have local citizens volunteering to be yours! Melissa is one of such, and as usual her image will be posted at the bottom of this blog page until further notice. Her image here in this weekly column is only to give you the heads up in case you have not checked at the bottom of the page lately! If you are a person that may be offended by Pinup Girls, you now have notice to avoid looking any further in this weekly column, and the bottom of the blog page until further notice!

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE 'BOYS OF SUMMER' ARE BACK! Pittsburgh Tea Party...

2009-04-13T01:29:00.000-04:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Monday was the opening day home game for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a grand day for the return of ‘The Boys of Summer’ who played on the field, and also occupied the stands! It was a day where the ‘Old Man’ taught the ‘Boy’ the unspoken rules of being a gentleman; how to approach another gentleman, how to celebrate victory and defeat, and how as in life it is not about the score, but about how you play.

Tailgate Party

Late throw...

OUT!

Homerun!

The 'Wave'

Crowded

________***________

TEA PARTY, DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH:

The ripples in the Allegheny River spread out in all directions equally; the teabags continued to hit the water one by one. Protesters not unlike those on December 16, 1773 in Boston Harbor, demonstrated their ire for an unwanted tax without recourse—the tea tax in 1773, and the 2009 backdoor taxation of the bailout of failed banks and other select corporations. This time it was about Government spending, according to Dr. Alan Keyes, who was the keynote speaker. The Pittsburgh Tea Party on April 11, 2009, was the first such event to attract Dr. Keyes to speak.

Young protester

Dr. Alan Keyes passionately voicing his opinion!

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Spring Trudges Ahead...

2009-04-06T00:29:00.001-04:00

Tony on his first new bike!

(click to enlarge photos)

Today, spring trudged ahead with sunshine and mid 60 degree temperatures. In spite of the up and down spring tendencies, local motorbike riding has been good. My friend Tony purchased his first brand new motorcycle, and today was his first true ride. On the 19th of this month is the “Blessing of the Bikes” at a church in Murrysville, Pa. … more on that, that weekend. A lot of returning vets have found their way to their local Motorcycle shop; you could be next, back home and riding across our great and grand country. Harleys are a great way to meet the opposite sex.

________***________

If you do make it home and get in your new car or on your motorcycle, please take caution on the roads. Too many vets cash it in on the roads, after making it home from the war. Pfc. James “Hap” Writt of Export, a veteran of Iraq, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, the 21 year-old man who was proud to be a Marine, died in a speed related accident on the way home from Camp Lejeune. He was a graduate of Greensburg Salem High School in 2005. I do very few updates in regard to casualties, only when they are more than just news, but a lesson that may save another. Just like your boot training, You Will Do under Stress what you Train To Do, so Please Train yourself to be a very safe driver, and practice it until it is second nature!

We wish the family and friends of Pfc. James “Hap” Writt our best wishes and our condolences.

I usually avoid the negative in this column as already stated, but I think an occasional reminder that danger can be found everywhere is needed. Do not let your guard down when you come back. We want you back, and we want you to live a long and prosperous life! Even when you are out of the war zone, life can be dangerous. But, and there always is a but in life, life is worth the risk, so enjoy and appreciate it for all of your time.

________***________

Next Monday is the home opener for the Pirates. I will be there! Next week’s update will be on Monday night, after the game!

Sports may not be important in the big scheme of things, but, and there always is a but in life, it sure is nice to have fun in these trying times. If you get the chance to take in a Pirate game this year, Go!

My Harley, our Spring.

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Working on Spring ... Summer is next.

2009-03-30T00:17:00.001-04:00

Jamie, a local model, is your Spring Time Pinup girl this week.

Spring has been about as wishy-washy as a politician telling a true story. Even tonight, after a Harley ride today, a few snowflakes dropped out of the sky. April will be here in a day or two, and showers will follow as if on cue. April is the star of spring with green colors coming and the "Blessing of the Bikes” in Murrysville. Trout fishermen will soon fill the shores of local spots that produce an occasional rainbow; skiers will put away their dreams of another late snow.

________***________

Dorothy Gerber was awarded a commendation for the U.S. Army, which was signed by the Chief of Staff George Casey Jr. Ms. Gerber who resides in Berlin, Pa. started a local grassroots program, “Berlin Cares.”

The group provides packages of everyday items taken for granted, such as shampoo. Sandals, and so much more to keep up their moral and connection to life back home. Her son Jason is presently serving his second tour in Iraq. The group has been sending supplies to over 70 soldiers.

Anyone interested in donating either money or items, such as phone cards, baby wipes, paper, envelopes, nail clippers or even shampoo, can do so by dropping them off at Luther Haus or calling Gerber at 814-267-3829. The next fundraiser will be April 25, a bake sale during the church's rummage sale.

________***________

Sports Update is negative, with Pitt in men & women going down this weekend. That is all I have say about that.

________***________

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

SPRING IS HERE

2009-03-22T21:51:00.000-04:00

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

The long winter’s grasp over the ‘Boys of Summer’ has been broken with the first crack of the bat! Like a whisper teetering on the edge of Victoria Falls, the sound was lost in the magnificence of the moment. Winter has been smitten…

________***________

Photos:

The Boyce Campus team plays South. The game is of course the vehicle for a local community gathering, to include Jack, the baseball-loving dog. Here are a few images shot today during the game.

________***________

PITT is in the Sweet Sixteen! Two games down, and the Championship Trophy is that much closer!!! March madness has been properly named by the rowdy behavior going on these days with brackets, beer, hot wings and pizza, and sports widows all about town!

The Steelers have not made any significant moves yet, but they have signed a lot of returning veterans from last year. More news on such as it happens.

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

St. Patrick's Day is always a big day in SIX-BURGH!

2009-03-15T23:22:00.000-04:00

I am back from South America. Grandson Enzo flys the Terrible Towel over Lima, Peru!

(click on images to enlarge them)

The woman had her head and eyes down sunglasses notwithstanding, as she moved along the Southside unkempt on this early morn; an obvious escapee from a night of overzealous celebration, now feeling shame and a hangover induced headache! Her theme of Irish green clothing gave her away … a St. Patrick’s Day party to forget.

Not all the celebrations yesterday were as such, as the day started out with the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country; and that was right here in your hometown, PITTSBURGH--or to Arizona fans--SIX-BURGH! Downtown is filled with various events. Market Square has the large crowds, which sometimes brings in the law for the rare rowdy celebrant who needs minor adjustments or removal for the safety of all. All in all Pittsburgh is known for friendly folks, and even on St. Patrick’s Day most adhere to some degree of decorum. This year it was reported that the police estimated the crowd to be around 150,000 Irish Green loving participants.

________***________

Sports Update:

The big news of the weekend is Pitt, who for the first time in the team’s history was made the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament Bracket!!! Pitt is It!

________***________

Uniontown’s own Army Sgt. Troy Stiner is now deployed in Iraq and has a working dog Ruby, who out ranks him. The Belgian Malinois is a staff Sgt. and is one grade above Troy Stiner. They are stationed at Camp Echo, and part of the K-9 unit there. Ruby can detect explosives and weapons, and is a part of the long stored history of dogs in combat. Their sense of smell is better than anything man has invented yet, and they also are friends of their handlers, which makes it difficult for the handlers if the dog is killed in combat. Man and his best friend, like other buddies in war has a bond that is only developed in places and times like these. When one depends on the other to survive, that bond cannot be broken easily. The best to Sgt. Troy Stiner and Sgt. Ruby … keep your head down.

_______***_______

Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day, but the parade and celebrations took place on Saturday in Pittsburgh. I am sure that Tuesday will still find the serious Irish party folks busy again, and again the next morning will find lost, suffering souls wandering the streets looking for home…

________***_______

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

ON VACATION

2009-02-16T01:51:00.000-05:00

I SALUTE YOU ALL!
AFTER A LONG TIME OF UNINTERRUPTED COLUMNS,
AND BEING A ONE MAN SHOW,
I WILL BE ON VACATION FOR A FEW WEEKS.
IF THINGS WORK OUT I MAY BE ABLE
TO ATTEND TO THE COLUMN WHILE AWAY.
CHECK IN ON SUNDAYS...

KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,

HENRY HILL, SIXBURGH PENNSYLVANIA

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ... SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PARADE

2009-02-06T19:54:00.000-05:00

I am posting this week's column early. Words are not necessary this week, as most of you know the score (27-23), now here are a few images that I shot during our PARADE OF CHAMPIONS, February 3, 2009. Here is my perspective on the parade; you saw the rest on the news…

(CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

Little boy learning big Boy stuff

Troy Polomalu

Troy loves his fans, he dove into them again! Just like the last Super Bowl parade

Faces of the Steelers nation

Big Ben

Big Ben shooting the crowd

Matt Spaeth

Casey Hampton shirtless ( 24 degrees on this day)

Carey Davis

She broke her arm after the excitement of winning the AFC title

Well dressed Steeler Nation

The Party is over

Pittsburgh Horse Patrol

The Gateway Clipper Riverboat headed back to the dock

The SIXBURGH STEELERS ON STAGE, 350,000 FANS LOOK ON

One intersection out of the parade

The street band, by the street folks

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

SIXBURGH, AND PUNXSY PHIL...

2009-02-01T03:23:00.001-05:00

Punxsutawney Phil Supports Our Troops, and the Pittsburgh Steelers!

(Click on images to enlarge)

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers set a new Super Bowl Record, a 100 yard run end zone to end zone after an interception. (Image shot at the pre-super bowl pep rally)

James Harrison, a one man wrecking crew!

Hello to all of you over there! The name of our city has been changed. It is now known as
SIXBURGH! Your PITTSBURGH STEELERS have now won SIX Super Bowls!

WELL-DONE!!!

On such a glorious occasion, I will not use heavy-handed words, and no further gild the Lily.

________***________

Yours truly, not only partied all night yesterday at Super Bowl get-togethers, but I found it somehow necessary to forgo sleep for nearly two days. After the parties were over, I was en route to Punxsutawney Pennsylvania for the 2009 Groundhog Day celebration; how quickly a year goes by. There, I stood out all night until Punxsy Phil came out of hiding to see his shadow, and to declare SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!

Punxsy Phil Lookin' right at you

The Three Amigos

Phil saw his shadow this morning!
SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER IS PROCLAIMED ... BOO!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

PEP RALLY -- PITTSBURGH IS ON THE WAY TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!

2009-01-25T03:39:00.001-05:00

THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
L to R: Matt Spaeth #89, Rashard Mendenhall #34,
Jared Retkofsky #61
(CLICK ON, TO ENLARGE IMAGES BELOW)

BIG BEN RUNNING MAKING AN ENTRANCE

THE FANS GO WILD!

On Friday, January 23, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted a pep rally for the team. It was to be a sendoff by the fans as the team leaves to engage the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl next Sunday. The scope and detail of the celebration was not a surprise for me, having prior relationships with the franchise; the Rooney family is very classy, and loyal to the fan base. The event was the vehicle for the fans, AKA extended-Steelers-family, who will not have a seat in Tampa, to hitch a ride on the wave of excitement buzzing around Biltzburgh! A kind gesture, and a wise one!

The portrait of 3 Steelers holding up my support banner, are as follows:

Left: Matt Spaeth #89

POSITION TE
HEIGHT (WT) 6-7 (270 lbs.)
BIRTHDATE: 11/24/84
NFL EXP: 2
COLLEGE Minnesota

Middle: Rashard Mendenhall #34

POSITION RB
HEIGHT (WT) 5-10 (224 lbs.)
BIRTHDATE: 6/19/87
NFL EXP: R
COLLEGE Illinois

Right: Jared Retkofsky #61

POSITION LS
HEIGHT (WT) 6-5 (260 lbs.)
BIRTHDATE: 3/16/83
NFL EXP: 1
COLLEGE TCU

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fully behind you guys over there serving our country. Big Ben makes it a point when he talks to express his strong support. I would have had more players, but the traffic near Heinz Field from the thousands of fans coming to the rally caused most of them to arrive late. I had to grab whoever was present and accounted for. It was very busy, but these are the players that could get away. We shot it in Mr. Rooney's office, which is filled with sports history via photographs and artifacts from the beginning of the team to today.

I was on the field getting shots of the team running out of the locker room through the crowd, the excitement was contagious, so like a little boy, I was able to high-five Big Ben, Willie Parker and others; I will admit that I had a fun time doing it!

A BIG THANKS goes out to the PITTSBURGH STEELERS for their cooperation in getting the support banner portrait done. Now go and kick some Cardinal Butt!!!

________***________

The Steelers fans are the most intense in the country, bar none! I lived in Colorado for 25 years. The Bronco fans are great, but they are mostly from other places that moved in, it is a learned experience. Here in Pittsburgh it is intrinsic by nature, passed down though the parents genes! Pittsburgh fans were born here, as folks do not move in from other areas at as high of a rate as they do in Colorado.

A true story: A baby was born on the day of the Super Bowl when we played the Cowboys in our second Bowl. When the baby was delivered, the doctor who was holding him was wearing a Dallas Cowboy hat. When the newborn child had her eyes cleaned out, the first thing she saw was that hat. That little bare bum baby dove off of the table, tackling the doctor so hard he was knocked out cold, right there on the spot! A true story, a true story….

________***________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH IS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!

2009-01-19T01:38:00.001-05:00

Baltimore Ravens running back, Willis MaGahee, was knocked out by the Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Clark. This hard hit caused a fumble, which the Steelers recovered.
(photo courtesy of the Baltimore Sun)

Big Ben at training camp

The big news tonight is a pleasure for me to report. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the SUPER BOWL! After literally knocking out cold various members of the Baltimore Ravens (Baltimore safety Daren Stone was knocked so loopy with a concussion, he started walking toward the wrong sideline), the Steelers defeated the trash talking, uncouth, and rather uncivilized Ravens by a score of Twenty-Four to Thirteen!

(The following on the field, game day images were shot by me during a previous game. All images on my column were shot by me unless noted otherwise)

Ike Taylor

Casey Hampton blew up the Raven's front line all night long

Desha Townsend warming up on the stationary bicycle

Troy Palamalu looking to hit somebody, or something. He played like a demon, and was the star of the defense on this night. He would deny such, as he is very humble and does his talking with his deeds!

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

The game was an extreme lesson in how to hit like a Mac Truck, as the two top defenses in the NFL went head-to-head! The crème always rises to the top, as the Best-of-the-Best took the Ravens to school… After a week of threats, false promises, and other boorish communiqués from the Baltimore Ravens, who ended up showing their true color … Paper Tiger! An empty can rolling down the road makes more noise than a full one!

Big Ben thanked all of you over there, announcing his feelings and support for you who serve their country during an interview on national television after the game . He was the only one this weekend who (in the middle of a celebration, no less) was selfless, and took the time to do so! Well-done Big Ben…

________***________

The Steeler Fight song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAfHYQyxV08

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

CHANGE OF COMMAND

2009-01-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

Big Ben Firing a Pass

President Bush

President Bush Hugging Daughter Jenna Bush

President Bush Watching Jenna Bush Stumping For Him

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

A change of command is upon all of you over there. It may bring many changes that will affect you directly, so prepare yourself. Lets hope the change is positive in regard to your welfare. I have displayed a few images that I personally shot of your current, but soon to leave Commander in Chief.

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Pheasants Forever, a nationally based group, is going forward with plans to import thousands of Pheasants from Montana to western Pennsylvania. They are to be transplanted to Washington and Montour counties. They will also be released across Brothersvalley and Stonycreek townships. This is a three-year project. Lets hope they take to their new home and prosper. Our fading local Pheasant population needs a shot in the arm.

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SPORTS UPDATE: The Steelers won today’s playoff game, convincingly defeating the San Diego Chargers. The score was 35 to 24, the last six points that San Diego scored was a gift since the game was effectively over, we actually spanked them more than the end score indicates. We play our dreaded nemeses next Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens; with a win, we will earn the right to play in the Super Bowl once again! Lets go Steelers!!!

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Always remember, you paid the price, therefore it is only right that you should live long and prosper from that sacrifice. Let not the hoity-toity and pompous in the spotlight deter you from that goal.

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Especially in these times of change,

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2009-01-01T03:20:00.001-05:00

Happy New Years to all of you over there, from all of us over here.

Images from the Times Square New Years Celebration on ABC

Remember always, those that know they are going to make it do, and those who think they won't, don't! This is what I have learned from my World War Two friends when researching for my project on Pearl Harbor...

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES

2008-12-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

PPG Center, Ice Rink, Christmas Tree, Downtown Pittsburgh

Macy's, formally Kaufman's, Christmas Window Display.

At the top of kid's favorite list, among local Christmas traditions.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

Yesterday was a wonderful day with 70 degrees touching the record high ever recorded in western Pennsylvania. It was a worthy day for a photo essay using my motorcycle to get me there. This last weekend of the year is going to continue to be exceptionally nice. Now that Christmas has passed, the adult holiday is gearing up for this week. Soon, there will be dancing … the Foxtrot, Tango, and others, will fill the night before the first sunrise of the New Year.

Brevity is the style during these holidays, as this is a one-man operation. I hope all of you over there have had some semblance of a happy season in one form or another. Beauty is where you find it, and you can find it almost anywhere … if you see.

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The Pittsburgh Steelers took the Cleveland Browns to the woodshed, again! They even got to pick the branch, as the score was 31 to Zip! I repeat, THIRTY ONE TO ZERO!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

2008-12-26T01:11:00.000-05:00

I remember the day that we went out to cut down our Christmas tree in the Colorado Mountains. It was sputtering that flighty, cold, chilling and nasty, sizzle-sozzle snow that is so cold it pricks your skin like a thousand needles and makes your nose run like a broken faucet. The old Blazer complained as the key turned to start, as it let out banging sounds of pain, sounding like a black-smith tempering a horse shoe. It wound up tight whilst making feeble attempts to suck up the frozen oil into her heart. Vroommmmmm…

We arrived at the scene after four-wheeling through deep snow, then trudging through the trees to find that imperfect tree, as most wild ones are … a redeeming quality if I may say so. Little Henry and I finally found it, even though the girls were back in the Blazer nudging the heater vents with both feet, which were nearly frostbit. We did make fun of them as we loaded the tree on the blazer, although I am sure that all concerned would have gladly paid cash on the barrelhead for a pre-cut tree at this point.

Today, that would not be as such, as the memory of the event is such a pleasant one. Good memories always come from hard work or a little misery, and living in the moment. I hope that all of you do just that on this glorious day.

Go out, be miserable, and have a great day! The moment is now, and now will never come again…

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-21T02:42:00.000-05:00

Old Friends, Old Times, Stories being told.

Good OLE Fashioned Christmas Party Fun

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

Christmas is almost upon us, with only days to go. This early Sunday morning is the start of pending wintry weather moving in. Those of you who are coming home for Christmas have probably left, or are preparing to do so. The lucky ones who are already here probably are under the warmth of real sheets, in a real bed, and in good company. The many who are still on duty, can take with them the knowledge that they are not the first, nor will they be the last. I will skip all the duty bound clichés and say a heart felt thanks…

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The country is doing ok despite the news that you may have seen or heard. I am not saying that these times are not a little more difficult, but we have lived through hard times before. The ‘girl next door’ is still there. Those mountains where your skis ran the gauntlet is still there, as is that place where your mountain bike shuttered and shook over the bumpy dirt trails … with sunshine in both cases burning memories indelibly into your mind’s eye. Those who love you still do … unconditional love is beyond barter and does not know time. The only thing missing is you, and soon enough you will sort that out. Hang in there tough, and always and I mean always, know that you will be back. War after war those who did, did come back.

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This old sailor accepted a gift, a present if you will. I lived in the present today, and took a little time off to partake in a fun Christmas party. I did not let anyone present forget those who are where we were at another time, on another day. I can say with pleasure for all who were present:

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

COME HOME SOON

KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2008-12-14T23:09:00.000-05:00

Kids making their Christmas Wishes at Kaufman's Windows, in 2007.

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

The ‘Christmas Dinner for the Troops’ program is off and running. The responses to local media articles have brought a very warm response from the Pennsylvanians within earshot of the shout-out! They were so nice they must have fallen from the sky!

Now comes the hard part … finding the men and women in uniform that are in need of a little Christmas love via dinner and a social gathering with kind supporters. I will put forth my best effort to do so without regard to result oriented thinking. This is a labor of love, and it is already successful seeing such support and a willingness to help those in need. We have already won if you measure success by kind acts of humanity … I do.

All of you over there can rest assured that despite all the negative events going on around the world, that back home your fellow Pennsylvanians are here for you. They are willing to share such a very private family moment with a complete stranger; then again, you are not a stranger … you are our guardians. Well done!

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Not since Germany, circa 1939-1945, has the world seen threats to humanity on such a scale. It will take an effort by everyone -- military and civilian -- to address these issues, but you over there are in the most immediate focus point of such. If but for a moment, lets hope that you can make it back home for a very deserved break from the deafening sounds of chaos. If you do, please contact me via the comment box at the end of each week’s column, and I will do my best to match you with one of the many volunteer families that are so kind and willing to share their Christmas with you…

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Sports Update:

The Steelers taught the braggadocios bad boys AKA Baltimore Ravens, a little humility. They made them fetch a branch off of a tree, and took'em to the woodshed!!!

Score was 13 to 9! A defensive contest where the Ravens did not score a touchdown, although being in the red zone 3 times!

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IF YOU KNOW ANY SERVICE MEMBER WHO NEEDS A PLACE FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER, PLEASE ADVISE THEM OF OUR PROGRAM…

Here is one of the newspaper articles about it:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08348/934888-30.stm

Some of the personal facts in it about me are not accurate, but the point of the program is accurate, and this is the reason I am adding it here tonight.

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Keep you head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Christmas Colors

THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

2008-12-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

This is the only Japanese Zero in the world with the original Sakae Engine that is still flying!

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

(UPDATE: THE 'CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE TROOPS' PROGRAM IS OFF AND RUNNING! SUNDAY NIGHT DECEMBER 14, I WILL ADDRESS THE PROGRESS THAT IS CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE)

On this day many young folks write about war, but have never been around one. Many write about heroes, and later so describe any parent who shows up as one, or someone catching a pass in the end zone as one. Some even write of honor as if it were something that is given to another. In my years working with my Pearl Harbor survivors I have learned that honor is something that is earned when no one is around to see it … it is from within, not from another. It just like the character of man, which is apparent when he does worthy acts when no one is watching. The word hero is and has been watered down with simplistic overuse. A parent who helps his kid with their homework is not a hero … this is what they are supposed to do! A sports hero is not a hero, he does what he does for sport, and failure is a mere embarrassment. The purest form of hero is one who takes potential life ending risks or sacrifices for others knowing that no one may even be aware of such act(s). Most never survive to tell the tale.

There were untold numbers of Heroes that arose from the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the war that followed, most of which still go unheralded to this day. They were not superheroes or without human frailties, they were person (s) who took actions that they saw as right in moments of horrific and chaotic human acts of cruelty; such cruelty will never be understood by men of reason. This is the day to remember the brave men and women that you do not know, but whose acts have benefited your life in so many ways.

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Station Hospital, Hickam Field:

“I didn't even take that elevator and I ran up and said, This is War! This is the Japs! Downstairs everybody, now ... NOW! Elevator and all, get down. We didn't have the elevator for a short time, and most of us ran down anyway. Then about that time you can't hear the next person. It is just Irene and I, and Major Lane there. In the mean time they are bringing these patients in. On chairs, doors, anything ... arms off, legs off, bleeding, oh by god!”

PT Boat Commander:

“Anyone who has ever seen a high altitude bomber at 10,000 feet when it drops a bomb, no matter where you are standing, you look up and the bomb looks like it is going to land right between your eyes! The angle of decent is only about a half of degree. You run this way, and you run that way, and you still look up and the bomb is coming right at you! I tell you, that is the only time in my life when I was really scared.”

Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor:

“I came down the stairs to the ground, and looking up in the sky I saw a lot of planes dropping bombs that were coming down like it was rain. The planes that were dropping bombs were so high; all you could see was bombs dropping. The planes with torpedoes were flying in right over the main gate then down over the water, over what looked like a canal. They had a straight shot down to the ships.”

The “Lucky Lou”

He knew what a periscope looked like, since he built them! He was a Naval Constructor by trade! He shouted, “Periscope to Starboard!” Then he saw something worse, and yelled out, “Two Torpedoes to Starboard!” He knew they were two torpedoes when he saw the impulse bubbles rise to the surface. The St. Louis was doing approximately 20 knots now, in shallow water, with no room or speed to maneuver!

On shore housing:

“All military, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, report to your station. The Harbor is under attack!” Blared from the radio, “I knew now that we were at war,” Jackson said. Jackson, still in civilian clothes, with the only thing he would have to eat--a piece of toast thrust on him by his wife Betty, hanging from his mouth as he ran for the door. He did have his straw hat on, as per orders of Admiral Kimmel. The Admiral wanted all of his officers to look more gentlemanly, so when they were on leave or ashore, they were ordered to always wear a hat. The officers called their hats, “A Kimmel Topper!”

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Today, on December 7, 2008, the USS Arizona Survivors that participated in my book project are in Pearl Harbor. This morning at 7:55 am Hawaiian time they stood above that great ship as it still lies below, with it watery shape giving it a ghostly appearance, paying their final respects. This is the final visit by the survivors of the Arizona, as age catches up with us all. I cannot fathom the feelings, the emotions, and the thoughts that must have come to life behind those teary eyes, which are the portal to their souls. This all took place in the presence of the 1177 souls just beneath where they stood together as men of the Arizona, one more time, today.

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Henry Hill, Plum, Pennsylvania

The Holiday Season Has Begun...

2008-12-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

Snow, skiing, adjust & overcome!

I hope all of you over there had some semblance of Thanksgiving last week. No matter how good it was, or how creative the symbols were, there is no place like being in your real world again. A world where your girl, or girl to be, is just like the one in your dreams … or even more so. A world where hot showers, a shave, and all the time to do both are common place. A world where you can be alone and you don’t mind one damn minute! A world where hope replaces despair…

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The 15,000 troops returning to Fort Campbell are going to find that world, but they will also find a lot of folks willing to help those who may need a hand. I do not know who put out the numbers, but one in five of the 101st Airborne Division is expected to receive guidance for stress-related issues. They have increased their staff to meet the needs of those who may use these services. This will include the three 101st Airborne combat brigades who have done at least three tours in Iraq. The 3rd Brigade also served a stint in Afghanistan. Good luck to all of you in your return home!

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Weather Update:

As the song goes: “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” as the ski season is about begin, and deer season starts this Monday.

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Sports Update:

The Steelers took the unruly New England Patriots to the woodshed! 33 to 10!

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Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Shape up, or go home alone.
You are back, so take care of business ... Happy Hunting!

CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES

Thanksgiving ... CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE TROOPS PROJECT

2008-11-24T03:39:00.000-05:00

(CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

The holiday season starts in just a few days with the coming of Thanksgiving. This time of year can be hard on those who are away from home, while those so privileged to be so take it for granted, as they fight over the table. The family is a given for most folks, but those lucky enough to have a sweetheart back home is doubly in jeopardy of a broken heart. I know it seems like a problem without solution, but sometimes you have to depend on those close to you, such as the same one who has your back everyday.

The first picture here tonight was shot in the new World War Two Memorial in Washington DC. These words of Admiral Nimitz so eloquently paints this relationship between brothers-in-arms; it is still so true today. World War Two didn’t have something new, or old fashioned. Not only does his words past the test of history, they still work today in our contemporary world.

The second picture of the two buddies was shot at Pearl Harbor just before the attack. They fought together, and supported each other for the long haul. Some of the men didn’t see home again for years after the war started; during that time all they had, was their buddies.

I am hoping that you do make it home this week, or on Christmas, but if you don’t, remember that you are not alone.

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CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE TROOPS PROJECT:

I am going to start up my program again this year that matches up soldiers coming back home to Pittsburgh without a place to eat Christmas dinner with volunteer citizens who will share this special time with you. Pittsburgh is not like a lot of cities with major military bases, as most here are guard units, but there will be some left out due to circumstances of various sorts. If you know anyone, including yourself in need of a place to share a Christmas meal, please contact me directly through the comment box at the end of each column. Please leave a way, address or phone number to reach you, or someone locally that has access to you.

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Sports Update:

Steelers spanked the Bengals, 27 to 10.

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Weather update:

This week has turned cold with the temperatures staying in the 30s all week long.

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Keep your head down; don’t lose your concentration during this season!

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

History is our teacher...

2008-11-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

This original Boot Camp graduation photo was shot in 1940,
he is a Pearl Harbor survivor

Black Sailors having a little R&R
this is an original WWII Photo

I have not mentioned it, but I have been doing a project that involves Pearl Harbor survivors. This column is not about me … it is about you, thus my silence on this project. It is relevant now due to my use of facts that I have learned from my survivors in this week’s column. Although the information in some parts relate to World War Two, the history is important so past mistakes will not be repeated.

Today’s military is very diverse, but that has not always been the way it was. During World War Two and before, Black service members were not treated as an equal. They served in non-combat rates, or units. In the Navy during WWII they were relegated to being mess attendants, stewards, and cooks. In the army they found similar limitations to their career and dignity. That was then.

This column is politically neutral, so the Presidential Election is not subject to such here.
I will say though, that going from a steward cleaning officer’s shoes to the commander in chief is worthy of noting here tonight.

I think that anytime a new commander in chief is about to take office it is dicey, as they have to earn your respect, since you live and die by their leadership or lack thereof. May it be the former?

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Sports Update:

The Steelers defeated the Chargers, 11 to 10! This is the first time in NFL history for this specific score…

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The weather has turned ugly this week, with snow flurries and much colder temps…

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

VETERANS DAY 2008

2008-11-10T00:20:00.000-05:00

Edith Shain Then,
August 14, 1945

Edith Shain today

Edith Shain next to her likeness sculpture

click on images to enlarge

Veterans Day was a good one here in Western Pennsylvania. The day started with a parade downtown, and the rest of the cold afternoon found this Veteran out and about on his Harley. I rode for those veterans who could not!

This day honoring veterans has changed over the years with the political winds, but it has always maintained the original creative intent … to make those who are not such, aware of what others have done in their name. Those who did make the ultimate personal sacrifice would probably not be concerned about such waxing lyrical, as they more than likely died for the man next to, or behind them. The outsider cannot see or feel that bond that can only come from those so dependent on each other … a bond of trust not felt by most. A bond like this one does not throw away, most remain friends for life, “I got your back!”

I have selected a few images of World War Two fame for this column, with a few hot and current ones as well. They are but symbols, and not current in today’s news. These symbols represent a time when we as a country stood by the men and women in harm’s way like at no other time in our history. Those who were there must less those who watched it by newsreels, cannot comprehend the scope of that war. Such horrific and ghastly scenes do not permit simplistic logic to understand what happened, so most who saw chose to forget. It took some over 60 years to talk about what they saw, did, and felt then, during the biggest event of man ever.

The VJ Day kiss image is THE image remembered when most folks from that time think of the end of the war. Thousands of images were shot that day, but this one is the one. Like most memorable images, it is one of a serendipitous nature that was born out of instinct, captured as it happened … these qualities give it that thing that we like about it. The nurse in the images is Edith Shain. I met her in San Diego while out there shooting portraits and interviewing Pearl Harbor survivors. She is a special woman with an attitude that has not diminished in all these years … she has grit!

Veterans are easy. If you know one, give him a smile … he will know.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Halloween Weekend, pre-election fun

2008-11-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

This week ended with Halloween on Friday. It was a nice relief from the national stress over the economy and the pending election in two days. The turnout of kids in the neighborhoods was great here in Western Pennsylvania.

The election is important to you over there, as your next commander in chief will be decided on Tuesday. On such an important event I will stick to the theme here in this column and avoid politics. My concern is for you over there and I hope that the right man gets elected, for your sake, and the country’s sake. Time will tell…

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The Steelers do not play until tomorrow on Monday Night Football. I will update you on the game then.

MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE:

Steelers 23, Washington 6!

Without gilding the lily any further this week before the election, I will say,

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum, Pennsylvania

New World Record Attempt, Zombies at Monroeville Mall

2008-10-26T21:57:00.000-04:00

The Undead Walking The Mall

Zombies, Monroeville Mall

Today was special as we attempted to break our Guinness World Record, “most zombies walking in one place” that we set last year with 1100 zombies, which broke the previous year. We did it with over 1400 zombie participants walking the halls of the mall. Pittsburghers take pride in the fact that the original movie, “Dawn of the Dead” was primarily filmed at Monroeville Mall. I take this serious since I was one of the original zombies in that picture. Cites worldwide were also attempting to break our record from last year as well, from NYC to Hong Kong. We here in western Pennsylvania represented well for all of our people here. The zombies ranged from 2 years old, to an older woman in her 80s.

REMEMBER, you can click on the images to enlarge. ALSO, there is now a pin-up girl on the bottom of this first page, AKA World War Two style in morale boosting. I am aware that such is more suitable for the male members of the armed services, but no one is perfect.

We broke last year's Guinness World Record with 1400 zombies today!

'The Undead' women shoppers doing what they did on better days!

A bunch of Zombies

The 'ugly ones'

1400 Zombies making their way through Monroeville Mall
in Monroeville Pennsylvania

World Record Banner held by 'Wreckin' Rachel'

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Sports Update:

Steelers played the Super Bowl Champs, the New York Giants today.
The weather sure was nice!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Birthday boy in Pennsylvania

2008-10-18T22:35:00.000-04:00

Due to this being my birthday, my weekly column is short and early. Instead of a lot of words, I have included a few photos that I shot yesterday down in Greene County.

May 1916 American Locomotive Works, the Cook Works.
This narrow gauge ran between Washington and Waynesburg, Pa

W & W Railroad

Business sign in Uniontown Pa

Tree Sculpture

This work of art was cut out of a once live tree still located on the owner's property

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

2008-10-12T22:26:00.000-04:00

Gold Star Mothers Memorial

This weekend was extremely busy back home. There were festivals all over the countryside for all cultures and tastes. The rest of the month is no different.

I found this crew of young ROTC members from Valley High School in New Kensington Pennsylvania. They were working on a perfect day for doing leisure activities, and the work they were doing was dedicated to veterans. The Gold Star Mothers Memorial in New Kensington was a little tattered from weather, age, and other forms of deterioration. Their age ranged from 14 to 16 years old. They did a great job restoring the memorial to a level of respectability that is worthy of it's original designers.

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(Crew Members, from left to right.

First row: Hanna Miller

Second row: Mark Akcyn, Leeanna Domanski, Allison Hamilton, Nathanial Quevedo, Rebecca McGowan,

Back Row: Logan Bryant, Kevin Miller ... Hanna Miller's father)

My mode of conveyance on most of my assignments

Click on the images to enlarge

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Sports Update:

The steelers have this week off, which is perfect timing to heal those many injuries and banged up players.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania