The magnificent World Trade Center

By Tom Quiner

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpQCUXNo5GI&feature=related]

I remember sitting on the top floor of the World Trade Center very well.  The date was July 19th, 1989.

The date stuck with me, because that was the day that United Flight 232 crash landed in Sioux City, Iowa, killing 111 of its 285 passengers. I was doing a lot of traveling in those days.  The thought of getting on a plane the next day didn’t exactly thrill me.

I quickly forgot about the Sioux City incident when I stepped out of my cab.

I marveled at the sheer splendor of the two gleaming towers.  This Iowa hick was overwhelmed.  What a feat for man to construct such edifices!

The elevator to the top was a quick ride, and my stomach flip-flopped.

Manhattan sparkled below me and around me.  I was truly on top of the world as I sipped on my cocktail and enjoyed the experience with clients.

It’s funny the things you remember.  Looking out the window at the other tower, my mind went back to an incident that took place on August 7th, 1974.  You probably remember it.  A guy named Philippe Petit, using a cross bow, strung a cable from the top of one tower to the other.  He then proceeded to walk across the tight rope 110 stories above the earth!

I do not like heights.  Just the thought of Mr. Petit’s escapade made my stomach flip-flop again.  Nonetheless, his crazy stunt was amazing.  Thanks to another marvel of modern man, YouTube, I share it with you today.  Below is the trailer for a documentary about the event, called Man on Wire.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyK0IfJXVOs&feature=related]