... in the dark. Walking past the food places near my hotel, I quickly came upon Ground Zero at the corner of Church and Liberty. There's one security guy pacing back and forth trying to keep warm, and a couple cops sitting in police pickups.

A Christmas tree has been set up in front of the iron cross. Behind the tree is just a big hole in the ground which might one day be filled with one of the nine design proposals that were released today.

Random people are walking by to take in the scene. In just 10 minutes, about 40 people have come by. Even at this wee hour, people want to remember.

Oy, my hands are numb. Heading back to the hotel now.

- mike lee - new york and baltimore - curiouslee.com