After a truncated workday on Tuesday, 3 July 2007, Janice and I went to Needham's fireworks. Unfortunately, we didn't meet with co-worker Brian F. and his wife, but they also attended the event, which every year draws thousands of people, many from surrounding.
We camped out from about 6:30 p.m. until dark, eating hamburgers and a hot dog, supplemented by chicken nuggets from the nearby Sudbury Farms. I caught up on newspapers, and Janice read a historical mystery until about 8:30 p.m. While the skies were cloudy, we were spared rain, although it was cool.
The fireworks themselves were spectacular for a town of Needham's size, and we later recognized similar explosions in the Independence Day celebrations of Washington D.C., New York, and Boston. The next morning, we went to a pancake breakfast offered by the local Masons and waited about an hour for our parade. After that, we browsed through a craft fair, grabbed lunch at Bertucci's (one of the few places that was open), and watched a model sailboat regatta on a nearby pond before rain came.
Speaking of the U.S., I've posted some replies to Steve M.R.'s blog (http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-zA8iOK8iaalgc0hpoQY-?cq=1&p=343) regarding how our government has been hijacked by a few power-hungry people. Both "The Boston Globe" and "The Boston Phoenix" (admittedly, left-leaning publications) have noted how the current administration has flouted the rule of law. Let's hope the next election brings some reformists into office.
Taking the longer view, perhaps the cycle of rebuilding and corruption is inevitable. On PBS's "Masterpiece Theater: Mystery," Janice and I have been enjoying the latest episodes of "Foyle's War" and "Jericho." "Foyle's War" examines the hidden intrigues in England during World War II, and the noirish "Jericho" shows the seamier side of London during the 1950s. As even Marvel Comics has shown in its "death of Captain America" story arc, the need for ideals is always tempered by the complexities of politics and conflicting interests.
On a lighter note, I'd also like to congratulate my brother Peter and Steve M.R. on their recent moves! Unfortunately, not all news among my friends has been good lately, as a few have experienced some legal difficulties. In the coming month or so, I look forward to visits by college chums Ron J.K., Steve A.L. and family, and Dexter V.H. I also hope to post more about music and upcoming genre television and movies!
Gene's Worlds 