Roosevelt Island Remembers 9/11 Terror Attack On World Trade Center Towers 21 Years Ago Today

Twenty-one years later, we keep alive the memory of all the precious lives stolen from us at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. To the families and loved ones who still feel the ache, Jill and I hold you close in our hearts.

We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/IZlAmyone2

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 11, 2022

It's been 21 years since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center Towers, Pentagon, and the downing of Flight 93 in Shanksville Pennsylvania. This is how it looked that day seen from the Rivercross building.

Main Street Wire Image of 9/11 Smoke Burning From World Trade Center by Vicki Feinmel/Linda Heimer

Roosevelt Island's Main Street Wire local newspaper reported on the 9/11 attack at the time.

September 12,2001

September 22, 2001


September 7, 2002

Roosevelt Islanders who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center are honored at the Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance Tree 

and Memorial Plaque.

at Good Shepherd Plaza.  The Roosevelt Islanders who died on 9/11 are:

Ed Beyea,
Anthony J. Fallone,
Taimour Khan,
Scott Larsen,
Kevin J. Smith and the firefighters who were based on Roosevelt Island
Deputy Chief Ray Downey,
Deputy Chief Charlie Kasper,
Battalion Chief John Moran, and
Battalion Chief John Paolillo.

Former Roosevelt Island Public Safety Chief and NYPD Assistant Chief Jack McManus died of 9/11 World Trade Center related cancer.

Retired Assist.Chief John (Jack)McManus retired in 2006. After a stellar 26yr career he served as Director of Security @_WTCOfficial then as Director of Public Safety @RIOCny. A 2019 Liberty Medal Recipient & NYPD Legend was mourned today.#NVR4GetJackMcManus #FidelisAdMortem pic.twitter.com/d60cUWKQRi

— NYPD Ceremonial Unit (@NYPDCeremonial) May 2, 2020

Unknown how many other Roosevelt Islanders may have died from 9/11 related illnesses.

On this anniversary, remember that more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses since than on the day of.

28,000 have cancer.

Since we talked to this survivor last year, 1,000 more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses.https://t.co/cPGsZhpZP8#NeverForget

— Cameron Joseph (@cam_joseph) September 11, 2022

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes adds:

Dear Friend,

Today marks the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our state and our country.

We remember the 2,977 innocent lives, including Roosevelt Islanders that perished due to the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Out of the ashes, we rose more united as a nation.

The worst attack in American history brought out the very best in the American people. Heroes ran into crumbling buildings, volunteers lined up to donate blood, and communities across the nation joined together in acts of service and charity. The outpouring of generosity that has continued in the years since 9/11 proves that America is stronger than any adversary.

We will continue to stand united, we will work to reaffirm the strength of our country, and we will never forget the heroes we lost.

May God bless you and your families, and may God bless the United States of America.

WARNING: GRAPHIC ⚠️ Remastered footage of the most intense clips from 9/11 pic.twitter.com/7O4b8PelUp

— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) September 11, 2022

9/11 20th Anniversary Roosevelt Island Community Remembrance And Tribute Saturday Morning And Evening Taking Place At Good Shepherd Plaza Memorial Tree - Main Street Wire Reports Residents Stories Of 9/11

Hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center Towers, Pentagon, and the downing of Flight 93 in Shanksville Pennsylvania. This is the view that day seen from Rivercross building.

                                                          Main Street Wire Image of 9/11 Smoke Burning From World Trade Center by Vicki Feinmel/Linda Heimer 

Anticipating the upcoming 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack, several weeks ago Matt Katz, who was the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President at the time of the 9/11/01 attack, asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes:

Hope you are coping with the heat and humidity today. It occurs to me that this September 11 will be the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy we memorialized with a plaque, plantings, and, for ten years, annual events at the site. While the original impetus was exclusively a RIRA project, RIOC has played a significant role in maintaining the memorial over the years. I thought it might be appropriate if the two organizations combined forces this year to offer the community something approaching our earlier efforts to honor the residents and special ops firemen that we lost. Does this seem feasible to you ?  

Mr Haynes replied:

RIOC will acknowledge this important day, commemorating those lost, by lowering all flags at half-staff and participate in the nationwide moment of silence at 8:46 AM, led by Chief Brown and our PSD department. Our Grounds team will beautify the area around the 9/11 tree with new plantings & flowers and place a special memorial wreath next to the plaque. We will also encourage the community to place flowers, small flags, and notes at the site as well, to pay tribute.

RIOC announced this week:

Saturday will mark the passing of two decades since New York and the world were forever altered by the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of Flight 93.  

Under flags flown at half-staff, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) will be holding a commemorative tribute on the morning of Saturday, September 11th, honoring the lives lost. As the concerning Delta variant of COVID-19 remains widespread and accounts for 98% of tested cases in our area, we are not encouraging a gathering. However, we do urge the community to join the tribute by placing flowers, small flags, notes, and other significant mementos around the 9/11 tree, located on the northwest side of Good Shepherd Plaza. Additionally, we invite community members to submit names of loved ones who were lost on that weighty day to be read aloud. 

To submit names, please email info@rioc.ny.gov with the subject line “9/11 Tribute | Reading of Those Lost”. A full schedule of the tribute will be made available this week. We look forward to your participation in this poignant tribute.

Matt Katz and his wife Sherie Helstien are organizing a Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance later in the day too. According to Mr. Katz:

We are inviting the community, which includes our neighbors at the Special Ops branch of FDNY, to come together at 6:30 p.m. Saturday evening. 

Our event, which is centered on community members' remembrances, not flags and wreaths, will take place at the Memorial, conceived and built by RIRA 20 years ago, and honored for ten years with annual commemorations also produced by RIRA. 

We believe that RIOC's concerns for crowding during the pandemic is unnecessary, especially in light of their FDR Hope Memorial ribbon cutting in mid-July, orchestrated by RIOC, which brought several hundred Islanders together seated under a tent, as well as the many outdoor events all summer, including the farmers market and flea markets held every Saturday at the Good Shepherd Plaza, also the site our our 9/11 Memorial. 

Our posters suggest the wearing of masks at our event. We feel that this event is more in keeping with the sense of community and mutual loss that characterized our past remembrances, is not competing for attention with the farmers market given the evening start time, and we urge our neighbors and friends to join us.

Roosevelt Islanders who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center are honored at the Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance Tree

and Memorial Plaque 

 at Good Shepherd Plaza.  Those Roosevelt Islanders who died on 9/11 are:

Ed Beyea,
Anthony J. Fallone,
Taimour Khan,
Scott Larsen,
Kevin J. Smith and the firefighters who were based on Roosevelt Island
Deputy Chief Ray Downey,
Deputy Chief Charlie Kasper,
Battalion Chief John Moran, and
Battalion Chief John Paolillo.

Former Roosevelt Island Public Safety Chief and NYPD Assistant Chief Jack McManus died of 9/11 World Trade Center related cancer.  

Retired Assist.Chief John (Jack)McManus retired in 2006. After a stellar 26yr career he served as Director of Security @_WTCOfficial then as Director of Public Safety @RIOCny. A 2019 Liberty Medal Recipient & NYPD Legend was mourned today.#NVR4GetJackMcManus #FidelisAdMortem pic.twitter.com/d60cUWKQRi

— NYPD Ceremonial Unit (@NYPDCeremonial) May 2, 2020

Unknown how many other Roosevelt Islanders may have died  from 9/11 related illnesses.

Take at look at how Roosevelt Island's Main Street Wire local newspaper reported on the 9/11 attack at the time.

September 12,2001

September 22, 2001


September 7, 2002

UPDATE 9/12 - Scenes from both of the Roosevelt Island 9/11 Remembrance gatherings.

Remembering The 11 People Shot And Killed At Pittsburgh's Tree Of Life Synagogue

Never thought this could happen in America.

Response From Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief To Times Square Port Authority Terrorist Bombing Today - If You See Something, Say Something

There was an attempted terrorist attack in Midtown Manhattan today. The suspect is in custody and there are no credible threats to NYC at this time. pic.twitter.com/4mXZL4L7IF

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 11, 2017

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus reports:

RIOC Response to Today’s Terrorist Incident

At approximately 7:30 AM this date, an individual strapped with an explosive device caused an explosion to occur within the confines of the Port Authority Bus Terminal causing injury to himself and several commuters. The individual was taken into custody by several Port Authority Police Officers.

I’d like to offer a few words on safety as it pertains to transportation modalities on Roosevelt Island. Both tram stations are under constant video surveillance twenty four hours a day seven days a week by the NYPD. Tram employees are able to contact the RIOC Public Safety Department immediately if suspicious activity is either observed or brought to the attention of Tram Employees.

Similarly, RIOC Bus Drivers are able to instantaneously notify PSD via portable radio if suspicious activity is observed or brought to their attention. The MTA has a robust security and safety program for NYC’s Subway and Bus systems. PSD is linked up with the NYPD’s Transit Police Bureau and regularly share information with same.

Additionally, our Ferry Terminal is under 24/7 Video Surveillance and PSD is connected to the Ferry’s 24/7 Operations Center in the event of an emergency.

As individuals, we can all help by contacting the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Hotline at 888-NYC-Safe if we observe suspicious activity either on or off Roosevelt Island.

In the wake of today's event the NYPD is doing everything possible to keep all New Yorker's & visitors safe.

We remind you the public’s safety is a shared responsibility.

If You See Something, Say Something.
1-888-NYC-SAFE/ 1-888-692-7233 pic.twitter.com/HDy9YWKmnw

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) December 11, 2017

Today's attempted attack will not change us. New Yorkers are going to keep being New Yorkers. pic.twitter.com/HOrg8wDkBf

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 11, 2017

Horrific Mass Shooting At Las Vegas Concert Last Night, Deadliest In Recent U.S. History - Selfless Acts Of Courage & Heroism Too

The deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history, captured by concertgoers. pic.twitter.com/a4C8JqGxtv

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) October 2, 2017

Watch Vice News Documentary Of Charlotesville Unite The Right Rally And Protests - Jimmy Kimmel Has Plan To Save America From Donald Trump

Although at times it may seem that Roosevelt Island is in its own little world, we are not isolated from what goes on in the rest of the country.

Watch this documentary from Vice News on this past weekend's Charlotesville Unite The Right rally by American neo-Nazis, White Supremacy Nationalists and those who protested the rally.



According to the NY Times:

President Trump buoyed the white nationalist movement on Tuesday as no president has done in generations — equating activists protesting racism with the neo-Nazis and white supremacists who rampaged in Charlottesville, Va., over the weekend....

Here's Donald Trump's August 15 press conference with his views on what happened at Charlotesville.



The US Army Chief and Marine Commandant tweet:

Army chief & Marine Corps Commandant both spoke up after Trump's remarks — career officers publicly pushing back on president. Think on that pic.twitter.com/wqih8J3iBX

— Matthew Rosenberg (@AllMattNYT) August 16, 2017

and the Air Force Chief of Staff too:

I stand with my fellow service chiefs in saying we're always stronger together-it's who we are as #Airmen pic.twitter.com/9XxOry93nf

— Gen. Dave Goldfein (@GenDaveGoldfein) August 16, 2017

.@jaketapper: To act as if these intellectually destitute people have any moral standing is not only immoral, but un-patriotic & un-American pic.twitter.com/NqzAwxFqb4

— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) August 16, 2017

Jimmy Kimmel has a plan to save America from Trump:

Read more »

London Responds To Terror Attack With Bravery And Resilience - America Shows Support, Why Can't President Trump

The NY Times reports on terrorist attack in London yesterday.


London responds with bravery and resilience.

Brilliant & defiant interview from someone who was in a restaurant attacked last night here in London. The right response from a tough city. pic.twitter.com/iyZT8V63Vc

— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) June 4, 2017

America shows support.

America stands by your side, regardless of the unspeakable insensitivity of some. Your great city has our support and our prayers!
🇬🇧 🇺🇸 https://t.co/1jT6wIfgo2

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) June 4, 2017

But not our President.

Another brilliant column. Trump tweets stain our national honor and the Presidency. Profound embarrassment to the American people and USA https://t.co/rmlFUFpZEt

— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 4, 2017

With his London tweets, Trump embarrasses himself — and America — once again - The Washington Post https://t.co/s4fF27P3Pl

— Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) June 4, 2017

And calling them "tweets" minimizes them. They're statements from the president made on Twitter. https://t.co/oZcwrx1cQ6

— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) June 4, 2017

From the former UK ambassador to US.
Not standard for diplo-speak. https://t.co/QYRJdziJ0Q

— James Fallows (@JamesFallows) June 4, 2017

World leaders call for unity. Trump tweets the complete opposite. https://t.co/98splT1k8E Let me be diplomatic. Trump makes me puke.

— Christopher Meyer (@SirSocks) June 4, 2017

As a proud Londoner I would invite you to absolutely go fuck yourself for attempting to capitalise on our tragedy for your shitty policies https://t.co/wxKag3K8J1

— Benedict Townsend (@BenedictTown) June 3, 2017

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

The US Embassy in London has it right.

I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack. – LLukens 3/3 https://t.co/p4dDZuCpyO

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) June 4, 2017

We are all shocked and angry today - but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/o7ZMwg28mv

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) June 4, 2017

RIRA Youth & Education Committee Asks A Roosevelt Island Moment Of Silence For Manchester England Concert Terrorism Victims

Some parents are still searching for children after the Manchester attack. Charlotte Campbell is one of them https://t.co/GBj4eFlrGz pic.twitter.com/sRZddNGexd

— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 23, 2017

A message from Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Child, Youth & Education Ad Hoc Committee Co-Chairs Adib Mansour & Anne Heskel:

RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee asks everyone to take a moment of silence for the ruthless targeting of the children and youth around the globe and in particular, the concert goers in Manchester England. We are saddened by this event and pray for an end to violence against the youth.

With Love,

RIOC Reports On Ongoing Roosevelt Island Safety And Security Precautions Following NYC Terrorist Attack Saturday In Chelsea - If You See Something, Say Something

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Ongoing Safety & Security Precautions on Roosevelt Island

In light of the recent terrorist bombing that occurred in Chelsea on Saturday, RIOC is taking all necessary precautions to maintain the safety of the island. The Public Safety Department (PSD) is expanding uniformed officer coverage to sensitive locations around the island. As a proactive measure, we will be conducting refresher training for our PSD staff, focusing on safe response to bomb threats and post explosion protocols.

PSD is maintaining contact with the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies to keep up with any developments and requesting assistance as needed. If you have any information pertinent to this or other recent incidents, please call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

It is important to stay vigilant and immediately contact the NYPD if you see any suspicious activities or packages. Never touch, shake or attempt to move any suspicious items.

If you see something, say something.

NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neil, Mayor Bill deBlasio, FBI Assistant Director William Sweeney and other law enforcement officials held a press briefing this afternoon following the arrest of Chelsea bombing suspect.

Here's what happened.



President Obama said:



If you see something, say something.

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket Chain Owner John Catsimatidis Hosts Sunday Radio Talk Show Too - Today Interviews Donald Trump On Presidential Politics, Archbishop O'Hara On Pope Francis, Congressman Peter King On Terrorism & NASA Scientist John Charles On Human Space Exploration

Image Of John Catsimatidis From The Cats Roundtable

Roosevelt Island Gristedes Supermarket chain owner, real estate developer, billionaire oilman, former NYC Mayoral candidate and entrepreneur John Catsimatidis is also host of a very interesting Sunday morning radio talk show - the Cats Round Table on AM 970.

Take a listen. Today, Mr. Catsimatidis interviewed Donald Trump on the Republican Presidential Primary,



Archdioces Of New York Bishop John O'Hara on the recent statement from Pope Francis on Family issues,



Long Island Congressman Peter King on terrorism



and NASA's Dr. John Charles on human space exploration.



Here's Mr. Catsimatidis at the March 2013 Grand Re-Opening of the Roosevelt Island Gristedes and 2012 Roosevelt Island Gristedes Town Hall Meeting.

President Obama's Speech To City Of Boston And Bombing Victims - Your Country Is With You And You Will Run Again

An excerpt from President Obama's speech:

... Our prayers are with the injured, so many wounded, some gravely. From their beds, some are surely watching us gather here today. And if you are, know this: As you begin this long journey of recovery, your city is with you. Your commonwealth is with you. Your country is with you. We will all be with you as you learn to stand and walk and, yes, run again. Of that I have no doubt. You will run again. You will run again because that's what the people of Boston are made of.
Your resolve is the greatest rebuke to whoever committed this heinous act....

Full text of speech is here.

We're all with Boston - even Yankee fans singing Sweet Caroline.

Horrible Bomb Explosions At Boston Marathon Today - Eyewitness Speaks About What He Saw

UPDATE 4/16: Just received this Press Release from NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo's office:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he has directed state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), the New York State Police (NYSP), National Guard, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to be on a heightened state of alert. These measures were taken to ensure the continued safety of New Yorkers after the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon yesterday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the people of Boston during this tragedy,” said Governor Cuomo. “As we learn more about this incident, New York has taken every step to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers and all those visiting our state. Our law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant in looking for any unusual activity, and I urge all New Yorkers to report any suspicious packages or activity to the authorities. No cowardly act of terrorism will ever match the will and bravery of New Yorkers and Americans, nor will it deter us from carrying on with our daily lives.”

New York State has been in close contact with federal, state and local officials as well as with authorities in Boston. All law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force.

Division of Military and Naval Affairs

The New York National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield has surged forces, sending 230 soldiers and airmen to assist NYPD Counter Terrorism and the MTA and are providing personnel to augment security missions at Port Authority Bus Terminal, PATH station, and Penn Station along with Grand Central Terminal, Amtrak, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, JFK International, and LaGuardia International airport.

New York State Police

State Police patrols, with emphasis on K-9 units, have an increased presence and visibility at train stations and platforms in coordination with MTA and Amtrak. Patrols are required to increase presence and patrol operations at mass gathering venues and special events, including transportation hubs.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

PANYNJ Police have increased their presence at all Port Authority facilities, including the World Trade Center site, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, PATH, its tunnels, bridges, airports and seaports.

In addition, PANYNJ officials are meeting with members of the NYPD to coordinate details and security arrangements for Sunday’s 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk. Security surrounding this event will also be increased to ensure a safe, secure environment.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Deployment of additional MTA Police throughout stations and platforms across 2047 miles of rail track; New York State Police will coordinate with MTA to deploy Troopers at train stations and platforms throughout the lower Hudson Valley area and Long Island.

Special attention to be paid to critical transportation hubs, such as Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, as well as the high volume Atlantic and Jamaica Terminals.

The New York State Intelligence Center will continue to monitor investigation efforts and share information and request action from the law enforcement community as appropriate to ensure every effort is made to detect and prevent attacks in New York State.

A Statewide Conference Call was convened last night by the New York State Office of Counter Terrorism and New York State Police to brief state and local law enforcement on the Boston Bombing and to request those agencies to increase their presence and awareness of venues involving mass gatherings, special events, graduations and transportation hubs; whether it be train platforms and stations, bus terminals, and bridge crossings.

If any New Yorkers witness activities that seem suspicious or out of place, please report them to local law enforcement.

UPDATE 4/17 - I sent the following inquiry to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) yesterday:

I just received the Press Release below from Governor Cuomo's office regarding heightened NY State security measures being undertaken following the Boston Marathon bombing.

The Press Release indicates various security procedures being taken at named NYC/NY State transportation facilities but does not indicate anything about the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Have any additional security procedures been undertaken at the Roosevelt Island Tram following the Boston bombing?

Also, the Press Release notes that NY State officials have been in contact with local officials. Has RIOC been contacted by NY State officials regarding security concerns as well? If so, what was the nature of the contact?

RIOC issued the following advisory this morning:

Please be advised due to security concerns as a result of the Boston Marathon bombing, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC") has taken certain steps to heighten Tram security.
The RIOC Public Safety Department ("PSD") has assigned plain-clothes officers to perform patrols of both platforms of the Tram. In addition, PSD will provide periodic uniform presence as well. PSD will also continue to be in contact with New York City Office of Emergency Management to communicate concerning security.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Also, a reader reports:

NYPD at Manhattan platform this morning upon exiting north tram.

Roosevelt Island Communal Memorial Observance In Memory of Mumbai Terrorist Victims on December 4

Video of Mumbai Terrorist Attach from Wall Street Journal

All members of the Roosevelt Island community are invited to a Communal Memorial Observance for the victims of the Mumbai India terrorist attack.

Communal Memorial Observance in memory of the victims of the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks

Hosted by Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Duchman in memory of our dear friends and colleagues Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg

Thursday, December 4^th 2008, 7:30pm

Community Room of 425 Main Street

For more information and RSVP:

Nechama@RIJewish.org

212-652-5660

Thank you,

Zalman and Nechama Duchman

Just as advanced technology is being used to spread information about this Observance, it was also used as a tool in the attack. From the Washington Post:

The heavily armed attackers who set out for Mumbai by sea last week navigated with Global Positioning System equipment, according to Indian investigators and police. They carried BlackBerrys, CDs holding high-resolution satellite images like those used for Google Earth maps, and multiple cellphones with switchable SIM cards that would be hard to track. They spoke by satellite telephone. And as television channels broadcast live coverage of the young men carrying out the terrorist attack, TV sets were turned on in the hotel rooms occupied by the gunmen, eyewitnesses recalled....

News Links

NYPD and FBI Turf War in Battle against Terrorism. (Washington Post)
New York City Con Ed Electricity Rates Will Increase Alot (NY Times City Room)
Can You Insure Against Higher Mortgage Interest Rates? (Times Online UK)
For summer, Best new Amusement Park Rides. (Women's Day)
Indoor Skiing Comes to United States. (Boston Globe)
Sponsorship Naming Rights to Miam Parks. (Sun Post)
Black Rabbi Reaches out to Mainstream of his Faith. (NY Times)

Keeping Cities Safe From Real and Virtual Catastrophic Attacks

A common Roosevelt Island sight is looking up in the sky and seeing very low flying helicopters barely above some of our buildings and wondering what that was all about. This story may or may not have anything to do with those Roosevelt Island helicopters but recently the Washington Post reported on efforts to keep New York and other cities safe from catastrophic terrorist attacks.

A New York City Police Department helicopter with an ultra-sensitive radiation detector affixed to its tail whipped through a wintry sky over Lower Manhattan last month, hunting block by block through the concrete canyons of Wall Street for a black SUV containing the components of a homemade radiological "dirty bomb."

Article like this are just a reminder that despite much of the frivolity and nonsense of the daily news (I am not referring to the newspaper of that name) presented by all aspects of the media, we do live in a very dangerous world.

The Washington Post also reports that Intelligence officials are concerned over virtual 3D worlds such as Second Life as potential training grounds and havens for terrorists and criminals.