(9/20/2001) Although I haven't received a specific chain on the subject, several readers have asked about a couple photographs taken on September 11, 2001 of the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City that, according to many, clearly show the face of satan in the smoke. The big question on most people's minds is "could the picture have been doctored, or is it real?"

I cannot display the images here because they are copyrighted (they should not be forwarded via e-mail for the same reason). However, Snopes.com has them displayed here.

One of the images being forwarded via e-mail was pulled from CNN video coverage of the event. CNN insists that the image has not been altered in any way. The other was taken by professional photographer Mark D. Phillips of StellarImages Productions, Inc. In a statement on his website shortly after September 11, he asserts that he did not alter the photo. (His web site has since been removed for unknown reasons).

Be aware, however, that fraudulent pictures are easy to produce. To see how easy it could be done, I opened an image of the destruction in a photo editing package and, in minutes, created a very convincing face using just the standard "blur" tool. I have already seen reports of fictitious photographs making the rounds. They are not to be confused with the CNN and Phillips photos, but no doubt will be.

I personally don't need to see an image of Satan in the smoke to know that evil was at work here. Break this Chain!

Category: Picture Imperfect
References: None

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