Support Our Wounded Warriors and Boston Marathon First Responders - At Fenway Park Today at 6:00

Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team Logo

"Life Without A Limb Is Limitless"

Our beloved hometown baseball team, the beloved Boston Red Sox, limped out of town early this morning for a flight to the West Coast.  They leave Boston having succumbed last night to the New York Yankees and the much-maligned A-Rod.  While on the Left Coast, they are hoping to cling to their precarious 1-game hold on first place in the AL East Division as they face the strong LA Dodgers and SF Giants.  In their absence, the Red Sox home base of Fenway Park will be well defended.

At 6:00 this evening, Fenway will be the venue for an epic event that will give Bostonians a chance to thank two special kinds of heroes: Wounded Warriors and Boston Marathon First Responders.  

The heralded Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team attended last night's game, and stood along the first base line during the presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem.  Tonight they will take center stage at the plate and on the filed as they face a team comprised of members of the Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department and Boston EMS.

Please read the Press Release below, and if you are in the area, plan to join me in cheering on these amazing citizens and athletes.  Gates will open at 5:00 at Gate D on Yawkey Way.  Admission is free with voluntary donations going to the First Fund.

Review of "Paris - The Novel" by Edward Rutherford

I have become a big fan of the writings of Edward Rutherford.  I first discovered him in reading "Sarum," then "Ruska" and "London" before devouring his new novel, "Paris."  His meticulous research, his clever weaving together of centuries worth family histories from all social classes and his distinct literary style make the publication of each new work an anticipated event.

I love Paris and know it reasonably well, but I learned a great deal of the hidden history in following the fortunes and misfortunes of several generations of members of the de Cynge, LeSourd, Gascon, and Blanchard families, et al.  Several historical figures are interwoven into the fictional lives of these clans, including Napoleon, Robespierre, Messr. Eiffel, Monet, Hemingway, Mlle. Josephine Baker and many other cameos.

The river Seine and the bridges that span the stream figure prominently in the narrative.  Rutherford seems to be saying that just as the river flows through the city as it has for unknown eons, so there runs a thread of connection from generation to generation - a common humanity that transcends class, economic condition, political persuasion, occupation or lack thereof.  I came to care about each character and whatever fate might await them.  At the same time, I came to appreciate the city even more than before, and cannot wait to return and walk its boulevards and explore its galleries and cemeteries.

Enjoy!  Amusez-vous bien!

Al