Birthday Wish for Our Country

Why is it always so HOT on the 4th of July? I know, it's summer, and of course it's hot in the summer. But here in DC we always have a heat wave on the 4th. I can tell you of 4ths that I spent in shopping malls to avoid the heat (once it was Pentagon City, so I guess that counts at least as patriotic). I've also spent the entire 4th at home, having declined invitations to BBQs, pool parties and fireworks on the Mall.

But this year I want to brave the crowds, search endlessly for a parking space, and endure the evening heat -- all to be with a local like-minded community as it celebrates the birth of our country with music and a display of fireworks. In the past, I've watched the fireworks from the Mall on TV. (Kathleen even hates that. She says that they roll the credits before the finale is over---whatever!)

But I'm feeling a little patriotic this year. And I'm feeling a little hopful too! Maybe we can get Barack re-elected, and the world can continue to follow a saner path. That's my birthday wish for our country...and the world!

National Pride Weekend

Capital Pride will host an estimated 250,000 this weekend. The parade will be on Saturday, and the festival will be on Sunday. Even though Kathleen and I won't be attending either (we don't do crowds well), I will be very interested in monitoring for positive media coverage on TV and the Internet. If you're interested in more information, I suggest that you google Capital Pride or look for Pride activities in your local area on the Internet. In the meanwhile, I want to wish a HAPPY PRIDE to everyone who is LGBT and to all our friends and supporters too!!!