Look Up: September 11 - 16 Years Later

Look up.

A deep, rich blue sky. The crisp morning air, filled with dew drops.

The first crunch of leaves under foot. Sun glinting through the trees, beginning to lose their lush green color now.

A day that felt bittersweet. That it was reminding us something was fleeting. Summer, we thought.

Looking back now, 16 years later, that is what I remember the most vividly about September 11, 2001. The brilliant blue sky. The backdrop to the gray smoldering ashes of New York. The Pentagon. Shanksville.

That something so horrible could pierce that seemingly perfect early September day is difficult to grasp.

Look up.

Airliners were turned into weapons, taking thousands of people from this country; from their families.

Thinking about it now, over a decade and a half later, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the events of 9/11. Sixteen years ago I was only a child, 12 years old, unaware that such hatred and violence could exist in the world.

Now, I think about my future children. How will I explain September 11 to them? How do you explain something to a child you didn't fully grasp when you were that age?

I learn something new about September 11 each year and am seemingly more contemplative. Several years ago it was music written in memoriam. In 2014 it was the 9/11 exhibit at the Newseum. This year it was the story of the haunting "The Falling Man" picture.

It is in these types of mediums that the horror of that day is on clear display. But yet, the story of 9/11 is so much more than that.

It is the people like you and me who became heroes, helping strangers to safety down the smoke-filled stairs of the World Trade Center. It is the firefighters, police officers, journalists, and many more who were there to save others and comfort the victims.

It was Brian Sweeney onboard United 175 leaving a message for his wife.

It is in these raw, vivid, and emotional pieces that we understand 9/11 in its entirety. Thousands of miles away from NY, PA, and DC, communities have memorialized this day and remember what we lost.

It is in this way that I hope to help my children understand September 11, 2001. When they are at an age to be able to learn about 9/11 we will be at least 30 years removed - double where we are today.

This continued pull of time asks us how we will remember the attacks not just today but in 15 more years. While I'm not sure I have a good answer to that, I think sitting quietly to reflect connects us with the past. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Mine is that blue sky. The first smells of autumn. The beautiful morning that turned so terribly tragic.

I looked up to the sky today. A gorgeous, shimmering blue on an early fall day - so eerily similar to 16 years ago.

#NeverForget

Bring Brightness to Life: Thoughts on Passing of Dave Schwartz

In a world where darkness seems to sometimes overshadow the good (at least if you watch the news), a few thoughts on instilling brightness to those around you, in relation to the passing of a fellow meteorologist, Dave Schwartz.

Life.

It’s such a fleeting thing when you think about it. Here one moment, gone the next, when you least expect it.

Several months ago, Dave Schwartz was on The Weather Channel, providing his good natured, folksy delivery. Now, sadly, he is gone. A victim of cancer’s unrelenting battle. Yet Dave survived much longer than expected.

Ten years ago, he was told he only had months to live. He defied the experts and cancer that time, and the second, but could not do so thrice.

Life. It’s too short in many cases.

We never do know when our day will come, yet (most of us) I argue, take our days for granted. I’m absolutely grateful for the wonderful blessings I have had in my life and that of my family and friends but I dare say most of us don’t pause long enough in the hectic “day-by-day” grind to acknowledge that tomorrow might be it.

What are you doing today to bring joy to yourself and others? What experience are you relishing? What memories were made?

Dave Schwartz created many memories for people via his delivery of weather information. This was clearly on display with the #RememberingDave hashtag – people sharing memories of his work. He also inspired countless young people to immerse themselves in meteorology, including myself. Dave was part of a host of individuals in the 90s and early 2000s that showed me weather was fascinating and fun. I remember numerous times sitting on the couch, watching Dave, wondering what odd phrase he’d use next. You never knew what he might say or how might make you chuckle. He always made you smile.

You can say the same about life – you never know what’s around the corner. But approach each day with a smile, try to showcase your zeal for life to others, and engage people positively, life will be pretty bright for you and all around you.

Although I never met Dave, the reflections of his friends and colleagues show he lived out this philosophy every day.

Thank you Dave for brightening the world and being one of the many who inspired me to pursue meteorology.

October: A Chill in the Air as Winter Approaches

The days grow shorter and the countryside turns a blazing orange as the sun slides lower in the sky with each passing rotation of the Earth. Scampering squirrels hurry to collect acorns for the inevitable snow and cold while woolly caterpillars slowly squiggle along the ground, in abundance this year, perhaps a harbinger of a long winter ahead.

The autumnal smell of crackling wood fires and smoke gently wafting from chimneys during the evening twilight is one of my favorite parts of fall. The mornings are crisp this time of year as light gray mist hovers just above the fields as the sun crests over the eastern horizon spreading an array of warmth across the sky.

Soon the spectacular foliage will be just a fallen memory as the trees go bare and the dead leaves crackle in the November winds. By then, mornings will be frosty and flurries may fly across the landscape. Speaking of frosty mornings, a 7am Blue Band gameday practice in late November on a clear, calm morning with snare drum rim shots rifling across the field as the ground crunches underfoot is something to behold.

But before the world turns barren and the snow drifts pile up on the lawn, we have October. A beautiful yet somewhat bittersweet month. A time for reflection.

Frequent readers of this blog know I love a wide variety of music. In this case, I think Eric Whitacre did an extraordinary job capturing the many sights, sounds, and feelings above in his piece for wind ensemble, October. One of my favorite pieces for wind band, it exquisitely sums up all the feelings of the month in 7 minutes.

From falling leaves to pumpkin pies. From a hayride at sunset to taking a walk at sunrise. October is a month of change as we slip into autumn.

I think I need to turn on my gas fire place and pour myself a glass of whiskey.

12 Years Later: A Musical 9/11 Compilation

It's been twelve years since that fateful day and I still remember exactly how the day unfolded.

To remember the tragic events of this day, a list of poignant pieces of music is below that allow us to reflect. Click on a link or two if you are interested and listen for a bit. Let us never forget the lives that were lost that day and since September 11, 2001, fighting the global war on terror.

"That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you." -Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption

If I Had My Way; By Frank Wildhorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y32XCriC-rI

Linda Eder's first performance of a piece written in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Ever Braver, Ever Stronger; By Gordon Goodwin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxj16vzScfw

Piece written in tribute to the American spirit post 9/11.

Tuesday; By Five for Fighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X6Y0x615Ik

Note to the Unknown Soldier; By Five for Fighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUv-ZENAg0

September; By Michael Mogensen: http://www.barnhouse.com/~barnhous/samples/mp3/012-3967-00.mp3

Written in memory of those lost on that fateful day. A piece for wind band that ranges through the many emotions of the events of 9/11. Unfortunately the link is only a sample of this great piece.

Livin' on a Prayer (Live Acoustic); By Bon Jovi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0bFpRG7_9c

Undivided; By Bon Jovi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZmfMpUxmk

Memorial; By Rene Clausen:

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEk1VvxFDh4

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_FUiLpS3oo

Choral and wind symphony piece written in 2003 divided into 5 sections, September Morning, The Premonition, The Attack, Prayers & Petitions, and Kyrie. You can find professional recordings of this piece on Grooveshark.com by searching "Memorial Concordia".

Early Light; By Carolyn Bremer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ebtJXVsZE

An uplifting piece for wind band that has bits of patriotic themes throughout. Not associated with 9/11 that I know of.

Hymn for the Lost and Living; By Eric Ewazen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_D3zkAkjL0

Wind band piece. A description from JWPepper.com, "...intended to be a memorial 'for all the lost souls who are gone from this life but are forever treasured.' The profound sense of loss and extreme gravity of the situation are given a voice in this musically rich and emotionally stirring composition, displaying the power of music to portray so well things that are not easily put into words."

For my thoughts on 9/11 from the 10 year anniversary in 2011, see my first blog post: http://theskysthelimit-dan.blogspot.com/2011/09/reflection-september-11-2001.html

Tim and Paul Samaras, Carl Young: Meteorological Community Loses Three Great Men

Having never visited the Plains, I've only experienced the immense power of tornadic supercell thunderstorms virtually, through my computer and television. I remember one particular documentary (National Geographic I believe) that I must have watched at least 10 or 20 times when I was younger about severe thunderstorms and storm chasing. Of course Twister was a must see and still is my favorite weather movie. I always wanted to chase storms one day.
------
Mike Bettes and his team were lucky.

They came away with bruises and needed stitches after being hurled over 200 yards by the EF-3 El Reno, OK twister on Friday, May 31, 2013. Their mangled chase vehicle was severely contorted. After this news, many in the meteorological community hoped that this near death experience of a high-profile chase team would change storm chasing in the future before someone indeed did perish.

Sadly, it was confirmed this morning that three chasers, Tim and Paul Samaras and Carl Young, died in that same tornado on Friday.

These three highly experienced storm chasers weren't your recreational folk seeking a thrill. They were trained scientists, sometimes featured on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, researching the atmospheric environment in and around tornadoes to gain a better understanding of why some storms produce tornadoes and others don't. This WAS Twister.

The outpouring of remembrance for the Tim, Paul, and Carl has been stunning and shows how tight-knit the weather community is and how many people were inspired by their work. Although I never met any of the three, I've heard numerous stories from colleagues over the past day. Those that knew Tim say he was doing amazing work and that the field as lost a great man.

This tragic event highlights the danger of storm chasing, especially for those not experienced and trained in meteorology. Unpredictable storms, combined with congested roads can lead to a "no way out" scenario.

There is certainly a bigger discussion to be had here regarding storm chasing and those that do it for research vs. those that do it to seek thrills. That however, will be saved for another day.
------
While chasing is still something I'd love to do some day, events like this past Friday remind me, and the rest of the world, of the risks involved. Even with the best intentions, latest technology, and some of the smartest minds in the business, chasing Mother Nature's monsters can go horribly wrong.

RIP Tim, Paul, and Carl

Quite the show of remembrance. Storm chasers use their GPS locaters to position themselves in the initials of the three chasers who died Friday.

Nat Geo's last interview with Tim
Tim Samaras Bio

Les Miserables: An Emotional Epic Fit for Film

It's not often a movie can make you leave the theater both completely drained emotionally, yet hopeful and inspired about the piece of art you just saw. Les Miserables is one of those movies.

An avid Les Mis fan for the past 8 years since I saw the revival on Broadway, I was eager to see the Tom Hooper's film and finally got around to it last night (after a delicious Red Lobster dinner). Going into the movie, I'd read some less than favorable reviews that had criticisms such as "the middle is drags" and "many of [Schonberg's] songs just seem to peter out." My parents had also said that Russel Crowe was poorly cast as Javert. So I was ready to be less than 100% impressed....At the End of the Day (pun intended), I was bowled over by the film and emotionally moved in a similar, if not more intense way than when I saw the stage version (2 times).

Are there things the movie could have done better? Sure. Are there moments where I wished I was watching Alfie Boe as Valjean instead of Jackman? Sure, but Jackman does an admirable job bearing the burden of the character--his opening soliloquy should win him an Oscar by itself...if it wasn't for that performance by Lewis in Lincoln.

One of the great things about the film version of Les Mis is the ability to use cinematography to make it such a sweeping epic. The film begins with a shot under the water and slowly pans up to above the water-line to a storm ravaged shipyard where Valjean is enslaved. From there forth, each time the time advances by a number of years (the film takes place in 3 main segments), Hooper decides to use a "pan-up" which is an awesome technique. He pans up as Valjean ends his soliloquy on the edge of a cliff. A pan up is used over top of a church after Javert's "Stars". And lastly, the camera pans up and over the monastery as Valjean dies. What this symbolizes is evident. Each pan up is part of Valjean's ascension to being a better man whether it be finding god, realizing love, or lastly, dying and ascending to heaven (the other side of the monastery) where the rest of the dead from the movie reside and they sing the closing number. As a side note, the faith based message of the film is spot on and there are subtle hints in the camera work throughout such as the pan-up (again) above Valjean as he finishes "Bring Him Home."

In addition to the phenomenal camera work just mentioned, the use of zoomed in shots on characters while they sing exceptionally emotional songs is a different and useful method. Fantine first gets this treatment and Hathaway soars...a lock for an Oscar. Somewhat overlooked is Eddie Redmayne's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." He plays a fantastic Marius and this song is the 2nd best performance in the film behind Hathaway.

Aside from the cinematography (and great use of lighting...which I won't go into for sake of length), the orchestration is exceptional. Having only seen this on Broadway with a relatively small pit orchestra, hearing Shonberg's score fully orchestrated and played by a full orchestra was a treat. While it stays true to the original, small tweaks here and there only add to the soundscape. "Stars", despite Crowe's performance, is a fresh take on the song while the arrangements of the opening 10 minutes of music are extraordinary.

I would be remiss if I didn't talk about Crowe's troubling performance as Javert. Was he terrible? No. But when you compare anyone to the original (Philip Quast), they have no chance. Thankfully Crowe is in tune but just doesn't have the right voice for the part. Javert should have a gravely, deep voice and Crowe just doesn't have the right timbre for it. On the flip side, his acting during "Stars" and his suicide is superb and you really feel the agony with which his character has to deal.

Lastly, Jackman, while not over-the-top impressive as Valjean is very good. I thought his rendition of Bring Him Home was pedestrian yet his soliloquy and "Who Am I?" superb. Another role that is not mentioned much is Eponine. Samantha Banks nails both On My Own and A Little Fall of Rain. The Thenardier's? Fantastic...perfect!

All-in-all, Les Mis gets a 9/10 from me and was close to a 10/10. I'm still confused with the casting of Crowe as Javert but he could have been much worse. The risk Hooper took with live singing and zoomed-in camera work could have completely backfired but instead really makes the movie feel real. I challenge viewers not to get emotional (or cry)...it's not easy as there are MANY opportunities to do so!

Les Miserables was epic...only made more epic by Colm Wilkinson playing the bishop (awesome symbolism).

We Were Penn State? Hardly

The upcoming Sports Illustrated cover says it all: "We Were Penn State." That's right, heinous crimes, a cover-up, $60 million in fines, stripping of scholarships, and a multiple year post-season ban strips Penn State of its identity. The university will never recover and is no longer Penn State.

What a load of crap.

While I'm sure this copy of SI will fly off the racks due to the dramatic cover, it twists the knife into a community that already has taken a lambasting from the media and much of the public. Maybe SI should donate half of it's proceeds from this issue to child abuse protection. But I guess that would be a common-sense and productive solution which people in power seem to be incapable of making.

From the alleged (has not been proven in a court of law and the Freeh report has a lower burden of proof) cover-up at Penn State to the nuclear bomb that Mark Emmert and the NCAA dropped on the Nittany Lions today, the leaders in the sporting world cannot seem to do what is right.

Clearly there is a big difference between the actions of Sandusky, Curley, Schultz, Spanier, and Paterno to that of Mark Emmert but both situations could have been handled differently. The Penn State gang should have made sure Sandusky was stopped while Emmert should have directed his urge to satisfy the lynch mob by using these tragic events to start a discussion of priorities in collegiate athletics. 

Instead, he wielded his power to cripple the Penn State program and use it as an example. He made it sound as if Penn State is the only school to put it's football (or in some cases basketball) program ahead of everything else. Has he ever traveled to SEC country? Will these sanctions on Penn State prompt other universities to take a hard, close look at their priorities? I doubt it.

Going back to the Sports Illustrated cover, they are wrong. So dead wrong.

Why?

Because you can't take away the memories thousands of us have of this great university. If I were a senior in high school today I would still make the same decision I did several years ago and attend Penn State. 

I didn't make that decision because of Joe Paterno.

I did it because of the magical feeling I got when I stepped onto campus for the first time.

I did it because of the fantastic people I met in the meteorology department during my first visit.

I did it for the opportunity to audition for the best collegiate marching band in the nation.

I was fortunate enough to make the the Blue Band and some of my best memories of Penn State revolve around the people I met in that organization. While the bowl games were fun, they pale in comparison to my most vivid memories as a member of the Blue Band.

Whether it be walking across campus at dawn on a crisp, Saturday morning in late October with frost covering the ground and hearing the crack of snare drums rifle across the IM fields, or marching into Beaver Stadium during pregame, or taking a moment out of rehearsal to view a spectacular sunset, all of these memories will stay with me forever.

I got to travel to Indianapolis and Tucson, proudly representing Penn State as a member of the basketball pep band. 

My education at Penn State prepared me for the job I now enjoy at AccuWeather. 

During my senior year, I was given the opportunity to attend the annual American Meteorological Society conference in Seattle where I networked with professionals in my field and met many interesting people and learned about a variety of specific topics in the atmospheric sciences.

I share these memories with the huge number of friends I met at Penn State. Although it is such a big place, you never know where you might run into someone. That was never clearer than last night when I was downtown grabbing a drink when a fellow sax player walked past. He was just up visiting for the day, yet we happened to run into each other and spent time catching-up. It's these impromptu experiences that make Happy Valley such a special place.

From parties and bars downtown to going ice skating to meeting truly awesome people, the memories I made will never go away.

There is no doubt the sanctions levied on Penn State will hurt the football program and negatively impact parts of our community, but we must overcome. We are being tested and we must prevail.

Before each football game, Dr. Bundy (director of the Blue Band and someone I had the privilege of working with for 4 years) would call us in for a huddle. Our 300+ member band would unite, mentally preparing for the upcoming day. "Carpe the heck out of the diem," he would say. These words are always words to live by but have greater meaning now. We must persevere, we must stay strong. We cannot let the public and media define us.

It's not the scholarships and bowl games.

It's the experiences.

It's the people you meet and will never forget.