Friends, I hope you've had a good fortnight. Thanks again to Steve M.R., Hans C.H., and Brian W. for the favorable feedback to my retro role-playing blog posting on April Fools' Day. Fellow blogger Ken G. has posted links to similar Star Trek humor.
On a more somber note, in addition to the recent obituaries of genre luminaries E. Gary Gygax and Arthur C. Clarke, I must also note the passing of classical literature scholar Robert Fagles and movie actor Charlton Heston. I enjoyed Fagles' translations of Homer's Illiad and Odyssey and plan to check out his version of Virgil's Aeneid. I also listened to them on audiotape. Although I didn't agree with Heston's politics, I liked his work in Ben Hur, Planet of the Apes, and Soylent Green.
In the past few weeks, I've been busy with work, copy editing online news feeds and trying to get ahead on print issues. We've also discussed pressures on journalists in the wake of cutbacks at The Boston Globe, CBS's Boston affiliate (and possible outsourcing of news gathering to CNN), and French newspaper Le Monde in preparation for our annual off-site retreat at the end of the month. The New Yorker has offered some insightful analysis on current media trends.
Fortunately, the esprit de corps among my co-workers is strong. After work on Thursday, 3 April 2008, CW's copy desk went out with reporter (and soon-to-be father) Brian F. to J.J. McKay's Restaurant & Pub in Wayland, Massachusetts. On Sunday, April 6, Janice and I drove to the Weston Town Hall to see Ken G. in a community theater production of Brigadoon, which we liked (I have fond memories of the Gene Kelly movie musical). Afterwards, we had dinner at Margaritas on Moody Street in Waltham, Mass.
Backing up a bit, on Tuesday, 25 March 2008, I had a follow-up appointment with the doctor who did my root canal a year ago. Fortunately, the X-rays didn't find any further problems. On a related note, my latest oil change at Direct Tire & Auto was free, thanks to a frequent-customer card. No additional automotive repairs were needed — this time.
On Saturday, March 29, Janice and I went to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Hartford, Connecticut, where we browsed among various art vendors, as well as sampled and bought some foods. We also picked up some housewares on the way home, although our bathroom still needs painting. Rain has kept us from yard work, but I have to admit that I'm not in a big hurry to face spring allergies.
Coming soon: entertainment and travel!
Gene's Worlds 
