Caught the Chicago Air & Water Show this weekend, which culminated in a 30-minute show by the U. S. Air Force's Thunderbirds. Nothing like a nice tip-of-the-iceberg display of military might and precision maneuvering to remind you why it's good to be on their side. I'm certainly not dumb enough to try and start something with the good old U. S. of A. It always makes me wonder why anyone ever is. Maybe they just want the no-holds-barred version of the show.

As awe-inspiring as the various aircraft were, at times, however, some were not to be outdone. At the close of the show, while the Thunderbirds were doing their farewell pass and going "feet-dry" over Lake Shore Drive, one had only to look back to Earth to see a group of City of Chicago tow trucks driving southbound, lights running, in all four lanes, in perfect > formation.