Silly Brits

From CNN.com

Blair: Address terrorism causes
LONDON, England (AP) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair said it is crucial to address terrorism's underlying causes, which he identified as deprivation, lack of democracy and ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Thursday's bomb attacks on London demonstrate the pressing need for world leaders to tackle problems like poverty, he told BBC radio.

No, no, no.
The way to defeat terrorists is to smoke them out of their holes.

London Attacked

But don't worry, Americans. President Bush promises that we'll stop the terrorists:

"[W]e will spread an ideology of hope and compassion that will overwhelm their ideology of hate."

Kind of like the Care Bears. Only, with bombs.

The Wedding Season

Although I was not fortunate enough to attend, it sounds like Mr. and Mrs. Josh Rubenstein had a wonderful wedding this past weekend. The pictures (available care of Emily Jennings via Ms. J.C.) are incredible.

It seems like the wedding/engagement season is in full thrust. My next-door neighbors Alicia and Paul Moylan just got back from their honeymoon. My good friends Jess Stover and Dan Lapping are tying the knot later this summer, as are my friends and ex-co-workers Kerry and Brian. And on top of all of that, two of my close friends just got engaged: Josh Bauml and Liz Scheinfeldt. Not to each other, of course. My most sincere congratulations to all!

Meanwhile, my girlfriend has panic attacks at the mention of the word. We're so perfect for each other: we even share the same fear of commitment!

23 Years Ago Today...

"Twenty-three years ago today, we watched your first Red Sox game together," my father said as he placed a hand on my shoulder. For no real reason, I looked up the box score from the game. It was the nightcap of a double-header with Milwaukee on July 5, 1982, which the Sox lost 4-3. I was just over a day old. But just like my father has always said, I saw all-time great Carl Yazstremski hit a home run that night. And, as Dad pointed out, although I was too young to remember it, that game is something he and I will always share.

For those who might be interested, it was a nice relaxing birthday weekend on Lake Penneseewassee: a little swimming, a little cake, and a lot of QT with my family. And in typical fashion, I scraped my ankle on an underwater rock while swimming in the middle of the lake.

Something about that place is very calming; I don't think I've ever slept better than I slept on the top of that bunk bed. Plus, every time I go back to spend time with my family, I really do feel older and more mature. I've been floating a bit for the past month: staying up too late for no real reason, feeling listless, letting my responsibilities slip. But when I came back from this weekend, I felt grounded again. I can only hope that feeling will continue.

I hope the holiday treated all of you well.