July Fourth.

It is July Fourth, and while I work tonight, and miss the regular fetivities of fireworks, I can celebrate in other ways. Today I have been watching the HBO miniseries "John Adams" on dvd. John Adams. A visionary who could only hope without any ceartainty to unify the colonies in declaring cessation from mother England, and establishing an incorruptible government of self rule rooted in law.

This while facing his own impatience pressuring him, the long days here in Philadelphia of the gentlemen who talked for the sound of their own voice, a ragtag, hungry army as their only hope, the threat of British troops marching on Philadelphia and beheading those daring to assembly in public, and the worries of a wife and family left in Massachussetts, stricken with small pox. That America could win it's independence was such a long shot. Well, thanks to his vision, including the recommendation of Colonel Washington to lead the continental army, we did.

I wanted to post an excerpt from a letter John Adams wrote two centuries back, and the leat letter Thomas Jefferson wrote before his death in 1826. Of interesting historical note, John adams and thomas Jefferson died the same day. Before he died, Adams said "Jefferson lives." Unaware that Jefferson had passed away hours earlier. Two great men who sometimes clashed angrily, but will forever be remembered for their part.

John Adams:

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

Thomas Jefferson:

"To Roger C. Weightman, Monticello, June 24, 1826

RESPECTED SIR, --

The kind invitation I receive from you, on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration on the fiftieth anniversary of American Independence, as one of the surviving signers of an instrument pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for the comfort of such a journey. It adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day. But acquiescence is a duty, under circumstances not placed among those we are permitted to control. I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations personally with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies, who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact, that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should have met my ancient neighbors of the city of Washington and its vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social intercourse; an intercourse which so much relieved the anxieties of the public cares, and left impressions so deeply engraved in my affections, as never to be forgotten. With my regret that ill health forbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive for yourself, and those for whom you write, the assurance of my highest respect and friendly attachments. "




Happy Fourth of July!

Window.

I paid a visit to the South Philadelphia block where I worked two of my days on Rocky Balboa. More specifically, to Franco & Luigi's Pastaria. The best pizza in Philadelphia is here, without doubt, and it seems to be one of Philly's best kept secret. I first had their pizza when working on Rocky, and was blown away by the quality. When I decided to move to Philadelphia, truth was, it was because of this resteraunt.

I don't get to stop by that often. I've only been ther three times since 2006, but when I walk through that door, it's amazing. Known for the pizza, it also boasts the singing chef. And when I stopped in the other day, I closed my eyes and listened to the songs sung in Italian, accompanied by accordian. The song was romantic and full of a heritage. Of culture, and tradition. Listening to it, I realized, that as we go through each busy day, we forget the simple beauty that can be found around us. I had forgotten that such a world could exist.

Music in particular, takes me to another place, and it's been too long since I'd listened to true music. Thanks Franco and Luigi. I have to come back soon!