One of the things that I remember most vividly about being a child inPittsburgh was driving through the tubes - downtown and on the turnpike.I would hold my breath when we entered the deep, dark hole, and try notto let it out until we reached the other side.

I'd watch the weak tubes of light on the wall go by, shoop, shoop,shoop... and the trucks revving beside us, behind us, all around us...the smell of the exhaust and the sound of all things motorized roaringin my ears was splendid.

I liked the darkness and the dizzy fun that came with it.