Happy 4th of July
Hum? Never thought of it, but America is a cancer.
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Eef
I saw one of my favorite performers last night, Eef Barzelay - lead singer/song writer of the now-defunct Clem Snide. He 
released an album, Lose Big, earlier this year and from what I've heard is as good as his past releases - great music with clever lyrics that leave you wondering: "Did I hear that?"
But last night's show was off somehow. I'm not saying it was horrible, it was far from that. But it wasn't the Barzelay I was used to. It's hard to explain. And maybe it's me just missing Clem Snide, because when he performed solo Clem Snide tunes he sounded awesome - even with the guitar malfunction.
I will survive and I'm sure he will too.
Happy 40th birthday to me
What a long birthday day it has been. I woke up to a bird pecking at a window, hung out at Mary's a little longer for burgers and some beer, then had sushi with friends who weren't able to make it out Saturday. As the day is in its final minutes, I want to thank everyone who came out. 
Thank all of you for the presents. And thank Mary most of all for putting up her house, preparing the food and her great hospitality.
And to say that the best gift of the night was your alls friendship. Oh yes, it took most of the day but here they are - the party photos.
Happy 40th birthday to me
The photos from last night's fantastic party are coming. Mary went all out on this one! Thank you Mary. I am truely in your debt and everyone else who helped out or showed up to the festival that ushered in my 4th decade on earth. I will leave you with a video of what woke me up this moring.
Untitled from Parra Sight on Vimeo.
I heard the bird start at 7:30 a.m. and it just kept at it. Mary said this bird, and another one, have been doing this for three weeks.
Lordy lordy
Turning 40 wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the gags that go 
along with it. As I
made my way to the courthouse media room a few Capitol Police officers wished me a happy birthday. I wasn't sure how they knew it was my birthday until I reached the media room and saw the "Over the Hill" and "Happy Birthday" signs taped to the door. The culprit works in Chancery Court clerks office, where this other sign was posted.
Sarah turns 23
Parra Grafs newbie, Sarah, marked her initial appearance here on her birthday. I'm sure she feels special. Sarah captured my attention earlier this year after writing one of my favorite
headlines "Freezin' for a reason." This was for the polar bear plunge in Rehoboth Beach. She's also a smart ass, which is a good thing in my book. Anyhow, there was a gathering for sweet Sarah on Sunday and for some reason I was invited. Cool, my immaturity allows me to hang with the young 20-somethings. As I sat around listening and looking at the mostly co-workers assembled I realized I was surrounded by newbies. With the exception of one other person, no one there had been at the newspaper more than five years. It was an odd feeling that I've not come to grips with. I didn't feel old and I sure as hell didn't feel like their history guide to all that's happened at the newspaper before they arrived. Yet I was. Oh well. I'll figure it out later. For now, let's look at pictures.
By the way, Sarah kicks off the month of cancer birthdays, of which mine is one of.
Sooooooooooooooo...
...last week I donated platelets and was told to "call your doctor." The blood bank nurse said my blood pressure was at 157/98 - wowzers! 
That's stage one hypertension - a tad way bit on the high side.
I went to the doc Thursday and all turned out well. My blood pressure was 130/76 - that means I've got prehypertension. But the real story is the doc tor turning to me and saying I had reached the age for that "Test." Gents we all know what that's about.
He scheduled it for October. Maybe I'll get lost in the Grand Canyon before then. More news later.
Andrew was a punk rocker
Parra Graf friends Phil and Maureen have a punk rock son who has now shot his second commercial. The first was a Doritos Crash the Super Bowl ad - you couldn't see his face
in that one. But in his second commercial, an ad for McDonald's Arizona burger only sold in the UK, Andrew's face is visible as is his singing ability. Check it out. (Click the "Arizona Grande" box.)
Forge on
About 30 miles form my front door is one of our nation's more famous national parks - Valley Forge. I can't believe it took me 14 years to
make it out to the park. I first visited the park last month wanting to see the park's history. While I was there I learned the park has 19.5 miles of designated hiking trails. I decided I would use them to train for my hike into the Grand Canyon. Here's a few photos of my trip in May and last weekend.
Helluva of show
Saw Chuck Prophet last night at a hall in Arden with 
no air-conditioning. Whoa it was hot, but Prophet made it more than tolerable. I've seen him before and he always pleases. If you haven't heard him please do. He's voice is like its own instrument.
Toward the end of the show the instruments' power went out, leaving Prophet to play acoustic. He grabbed an acoustic guitar, walked to the edge of the stage and started singing. He didn't belt it out. He just quietly sang as the audience gathered around to hear. Midway through the song the power came on as if planned. It was awesome.
