I’ve always admired Amelia Earhart. I liked her haircut and admired that she lived her life on her own terms. Like the rest of the world, I’ve wondered whatever happened to her.
It was more than 70 years ago that she and her co-pilot disappeared over the South Pacific and what was to have been the first around-the-world flight by a woman.
There have been many guesses about what might have happened. At first it was assumed that her plane simply ran out of fuel leaving no place to land in the vast expanse of water. Then there was talk that she had been forced down by hostile Japanese aircraft trying to maintain secrecy as Japan constructed a military base on one of those tiny islands in the Pacific.
Even more recently, talk has accused her co-pilot who, rumor has it, was more dedicated to the bottle than to the task at hand. Who knows? Yet, people remain curious, and so do I.
Now another group has sailed to Nikumaroro, a tiny uninhabited island in the southwestern Pacific’s Republic of Kiribati in an effort to find some answers and,perhaps a few remains of her aircraft. I eagerly read an article about the expedition hoping to find a plausible explanation or even a definite resolution to the question of what happened to Amelia. It didn’t happen
Ric Gillespie, founder and executive director of TIGHAT, led an 18-member research crew to the island hoping to find an answer, but if I hoped to find all revealed, I was disappointed. Gillespie is the author of “Finding Amelia: The True Story of the Earhart Disappearance” so I figured he had a new theory at the very least. Besides, his book was published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press which added an extra dollop of possibility. The article only whetted by curiosity. If I want my curiosity satisfied, the article suggested that I tune in the Discovery Channel and watch “Finding Amelia Earhart: Mystery Solved.”
You’d think the article would have given more of a hint than that! At the very least, it should be a fascinating program. There are no upscale hotels or grocery stores or gift shops on uninhabited islands, so the 18-member crew roughed it on a small boat. Their ordeal, if not Amelia’s, should make for interesting viewing.
I’ll be watching the television guide.
Liz Ciancone is a retired Tribune-Star reporter. Send e-mail to opinion@tribstar.com.
Top Story 2
Related Photos
-
Liz Ciancone
Discussion
Liz Ciancone: Fascination with Amelia Earhart still strong
- Top Story 2
-
-
10 things to know for Monday
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about across the nation today:
-
BREAKING: Arrest made in Archer homicide
A Terre Haute man has been arrested and charged with felony murder and altering the scene of a death in the homicide of his wife, Kayla Herchelroath Archer.
-
No ID yet on body found in Rosedale home
Sheriff Mike Eslinger said his department is waiting to obtain an immediate family’s confirmation of a woman found dead in a home in the 2900 block of West Rosehill Lane.
-
Police investigating Rosedale homicide
Parke County authorities are investigating a homicide at Rosedale.
Sheriff Mike Eslinger confirmed Friday afternoon that police had been called to a home in the 2900 block of West Rosehill Lane on a report of a dead person. -
Homicide suspect’s father: ‘I am so sorry’
The father of a Jasonville man charged with murder broke down in tears following his son’s appearance in Greene Superior Court on Friday morning.
-
BREAKING: Suspects in death of Linton teen arraigned in court
A week after Katelyn Wolfe went missing in Linton, the men accused of killing her appeared in court.
-
Katelyn Wolfe homicide: Affidavit alleges men’s scheme
Two friends from childhood allegedly had devised a plan over the course of about a week to rape and kill someone — without having a particular target — before causing Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe’s death last week, according to court documents released Thursday.
-
End of an era: WTHI-TV anchor Allen has come long way since debut in 1967
Reflecting on his career at WTHI-TV, Jim Swander pokes fun at retiring news anchor Mark Allen saying, “He has made millions by reading a teleprompter at a sixth-grade level.”
-
Police: Suspects posted on Linton teen's Facebook page 'to cover their tracks'
Two childhood friends, over the course of about a week, allegedly devised a plan to rape and kill someone prior to the killing of Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe, according to court documents released today.
-
UPDATE: Suspect in late-night standoff arrested, to appear in court
A Terre Haute man wanted for a late Wednesday standoff with police has been arrested and is due to appear in court this morning.
-
UPDATE: Semi overturns at Lyford; Mecca man airlifted to Indy hospital
A Parke County man was airlifted to Methodist Hospital this afternoon after he crashed his semitrailer on U.S. 41 just north of Lyford.
-
UPDATE: Missing Terre Haute woman found
A Terre Haute woman who was reported missing earlier today by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department has been found.
-
Analysts: Midwest drivers to see lower gas prices
LANSING, Mich. — The worst may be over for drivers in the upper Midwest who have been grappling with the highest gasoline prices in the continental U.S.
-
Unusually massive line of storms aim at Midwest
WASHINGTON — A gigantic line of powerful thunderstorms could affect one in five Americans on Wednesday as it rumbles from Iowa to Maryland packing hail, lightning and tree-toppling winds.
-
Coroner: Linton teen victim of homicide
Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe died of asphyxiation in a “manner that is ruled a homicide” Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell said Tuesday night after an autopsy was performed earlier in the day at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.
-
Apple revamps look of iPhone, iPad software
SAN FRANCISCO — Apple is throwing out most of the real-world graphical cues from its iPhone and iPad software, like the casino-green "felt" of its Game Center app, in what it calls the biggest update since the iPhone's launch in 2007.
-
10 Things to Know for Tuesday
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today across the nation:
-
VIDEO: Apple unveils new MacBook Air with improved battery life
At Apple's WWDC, the company shows off its new line of MacBook Air laptops with faster processors and improved battery life. The new models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch dimensions, ranging in price from $999 to $1,299.
-
Fair Association highlights attractions
In less than a month, the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds will be awash in 4-H projects, carnival rides, cotton candy and entertainment as the 2013 Vigo County Fair runs July 7 to 13.
-
How will you spend your time this summer? Check out 'BASH for ideas
Art, music, reading -- What's your summer escape?
-
I-70 accident snarls traffic for hours
An accident involving a semi-trailer containing hazardous materials shut down eastbound Interstate 70 in Vigo County from near the Illinois state line to Indiana 46 for about six hours Thursday.
-
Deacon Jones of famed Fearsome Foursome dead at 74
David “Deacon” Jones, the original sackmaster, has died.
The Hall of Fame defensive end, credited with coining the word “sack” for how he knocked down quarterbacks, was 74. -
Dugger couple claims big Hoosier Lottery prize
Linda and Joe Mentillo of Dugger have claimed a big Hoosier Lottery prize.
The 67-year-old Linda bought a winning $5 Cash For Life scratch-off ticket on Saturday at the Pimento Sunoco gasoline station. -
Got plans this weekend? Check out the Trib-Star's 'BASH section
Brazil Band to kick off outdoor concert season; Banks of the Wabash Festival continues; Bluegrass In The Park; Exhibit features interpretations of historic, natural aspects of the Wabash River and more!
-
UPDATE: West Terre Haute man killed in two-vehicle crash
Police have identified the people involved in this morning’s fatal crash of two vehicles west of West Terre Haute on National Avenue (formerly U.S. 40) at Darwin Road.
-
Police: Mom, son conspire to kill witness
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department seems to have prevented what it believes was a mother-and-son conspiracy to commit murder.
-
Terre Haute student passes Round 3 in Scripps National Spelling Bee
Kimmie Collins, a Woodrow Wilson Middle School student competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, made it through Round 3 of the competition this afternoon.
-
Pacers looking for ways to even series with Heat
Pacers coach Frank Vogel walked into Monday's practice with a simple message for players as they adapt to Miami's new wrinkle — using LeBron James in the post.
-
Opening Day: Terre Haute Rex host Quincy
In his first season at the helm, first-year Terre Haute Rex manager Ronnie Prettyman is going to be surrounded by men he knows and trusts.
-
Nabors returns, Henderson out as Indy 500 singers
INDIANAPOLIS — Gomer Pyle will be back for this year's Indianapolis 500. Carol Brady is staying home.
- More Top Story 2 Headlines
-
Historic Ruling Set in Affirmative Action Case
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Raw: India Floods Wash Away Apartment Building
Tebow Thanks Patriots for Opportunity
Raw: Marines Land Osprey on Japanese Ship
Need an Organ? A Lab-Grown One May Work One Day
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Solar Plane Reaches East Coast
Colorado Springs Wildfire 65% Contained
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
Prosecutors Push for Smartphone "Kill Switch"
Raw: Australian Begins Cuba to Florida Swim
Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery
FBI Searching Mich. Field in Jimmy Hoffa Case
Raw: Obama, Daughters Visit Trinity College
Obama Welcomes WNBA Champions to White House
Google Launches Internet-beaming Balloons
Raw: FBI Meets Plane After Poison Threat
Caught on Tape: Davie Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Lil Wayne's New Music Video Has Some People Outraged
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies
NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
Exclusive Clip: Jodi Arias: 'Dirty Little Secret'
Amphibious bus filled with tourists sinks
Best Bikini Abs
Mix-Up at Daytime Emmy Awards
Kim K. Is a New Mommy!
Sarah Silverman Roasts Mel Brooks at AFI Tribute
Moderate Cleric Wins Iranian Election
Obama on Fatherhood: 'Best Job I've Got'
