rate, the idea of "luck" has a weight and importance in Santiago's Cuba that it lacks in the United States.

In a larger sense, the word introduces and encapsulates a major theme in the book, which is "luck" as an expression of the unpredictability and indifference of the universe. Santiago's story is one of tremendous courage and perseverance in the face of misfortune, whether it comes in the form of no fish or too much fish. I think by the time we've gotten through the book, we may come to understand "salao" in the continental sense, as a jokester whose pranks Santiago must overcome by hard work, self-reliance, and, ultimately, a kind of faith.Towingline.com

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Witte Marine Scrapyard

by Hans | September 22nd, 2010

Once of the largest marine scrapyards on the East Coast, the Witte Marine Scrapyard is located at 2453 Arthur Kill Road in Rossville.

Now officially known as the Donjon Iron and Metal Scrap Processing Facility, the scrapyard was opened in 1964 by J. Arnold Witte, Sr. The scrapyard is known for its large assortment of obsolete steam tugs, ferries, carfloats, and other craft. Witte acquired them faster than he could break them up; the end result is dozens of vessels slowly rotting in the muck of the Arthur Kill. A number of noteworthy vessels, including the New York City Fire Department fireboat Abram S.Hewitt, which was involved in the rescue of survivors of