What’s Going On?

Wicked is probably one of the best musicals that I have ever seen. It is full of color and emotion. Wicked was so good that it’s worth seeing over and over again. I wonder if theatrical musicals ever sell on DVD because if so I’d love to get my hands on a copy. Wicked is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the west by Gregory Maguire. The musical itself was created in three parts (music, lyrics, and book/unsung words). The music and lyrics were developed by Stephen Schwartz and the book was created by Winnie Holzman.

Wicked was great in so many ways. What i loved about the musical was that is made me laugh and almost cry. Actually, I don’t cry. I bawl and snivel. Just kidding, I just get a little choked up. Watching Wicked kept me at full attention because a lot of the songs hit home for me. Based on a different view of the witches that we don’t see in the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz we get a little glimpse of what life was like for these two witches in Oz.

See, life is all about perspective and how you look at your life or another’s life is often seen one sided. Wicked allows us to see that other side of the story that is often unseen. What one person experiences might be interpreted differently from one person to that of another person. That’s what makes this story so interesting and captivating. This story helps fill in the gaps from what was not seen in the original story.

The story of Wicked is developed around two women, Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba will later become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda to be the Good Witch of the North. The story of Wicked brings us back to the earlier moments of their life when Elphaba and Glinda were roommates in school. During their time in school Glinda tries to teach Elphaba how to become more of a popular woman because Elphaba is seen by everyone in Munchkinland as an odd scary green being. Elphaba in turn tries to indirectly inform others that she’s not different and that she wants all animals to have their freedom, basically she’s pro-animal rights. Throughout their time at the university they experience laughter, love, envy, distaste, and friendship. By the musical’s end, I got a better understanding on perspective about the Wicked Witch of the West and came to the conclusion that she wasn’t that bad after all. She was actually a really caring person, but no one ever gave her the opportunity to share her feelings or hear her words except for a few willing ears.

(If you don’t want any possible spoilers don’t read the content below)

Some things new about the musical that I did not know before in the original story was that the Wicked Witch of the East was Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose. I also learned that the scarecrow’s name was Fiyero who later ran away with Elphaba. I did not know that the melting of Elphaba was just a scheme to fool the citizens of Oz. I did not know the Tinman was Boq, who secretly loved Glinda, but was going out with Nessarose. Lastly, I didn’t know that Madame Morrible had control over the weather and caused Dorthy’s house to fall on top of Nessarose.

Several moments got me laughing in the musical that I thought were cleverly scripted. There was a moment when the two girls had to room with each other and they wrote letters back to their parents. Glinda called Elphaba a girl that was “unusually and exceedingly peculiar and all together impossible to describe” and Elphaba described Glinda as “blond”. There was a time in class when Elphaba was heated and Glinda poked fun of her saying that the artichoke is steamed. I laughed pretty hard because this was a moment early on when all the kids were making fun of the way Elphaba looked. Another time was when Doctor Dillamond a professor had a conversation with his students that he was seen as the token goat around, well that was because he was the only goat. Another moment was when Glinda was showing Elphaba how to toss her hair into the air (”Toss, Toss, hehehehehe”). There were many more moments, but they’d have to be seen to really enjoy the humor and subtle humor through gestures.

The songs in the musical were very meaningful and I thought had a lot of emotion behind them. In most musicals that I’ve seen, I have never come to understand the meanings of the lyrics since sometimes the lyrics get lost in the music and rhythm. However, with Wicked the lyrics of the songs were well enunciated. Since the lyrics became so understandable I was able to relate more with the story. A few songs that I’ve come to know because of advertisements and such were “Popular” and “Defying Gravity”. Those two songs were great and catchy, but no other song in the musical had much more meaning than near the end of the musical and that song is called “For Good”. This song was probably so heart wrenching that I got choked up. It was a moment when both witches had to go and part their separate ways and to say goodbye. The basic lyrics that kept repeating itself within the song was “I do believe I have been changed for the better because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” If you hear this song and truly listen to lyrics, this can probably apply to any one’s life. It hit home for me and that’s why I will never forget this song. Truly a blessing to hear it and I hope you get a chance to listen to it.

Overall, this musical in terms of story and song was probably one of the best that I’ve seen if not the best I’ve seen. I highly recommend watching it if you haven’t already, but if you have seen it already perhaps watch it a second time to truly absorb the subtle meanings of the story and relive some of the hilarious moments. This musical gives “Jersey Boys” a run for it’s money. That is probably another best musical in my favorites list.

Following Wicked, I got to meet the following and get autographs from: Teal Wicks (Elphaba), Natalie Daradich (standby for Glinda), DeeDee Magno Hall (Nessarose), Patty Duke ( Madame Morrible), and Nicolas Dromard (Fiyero).

Settlers of Catan is probably one of the best board games ever invented. It is a game that can last a long time and never get boring. Settlers of Catan is a 3-4 player game which can be expanded to 5-6 players by purchasing an additional expansion set. It was designed in Germany by Klaus Teuber and distributed by Mayfair Games in the United States. The game was introduced in 1995.

The basics of the game is to reach 10 points. There are various combinations of getting to that goal by collecting victory points from development cards (1pt ea.), building settlements (1pt ea.) and cities (2pts ea.), having the largest army card (2pts), and having the longest road card (2pts).

The game is based on collecting resource cards need to build such roads, settlements, cities, and purchasing development cards. To collect resource cards you have to roll the dice. Each resource on the game board has a particular number corresponding to that tile. When that number is rolled with two dice a person with a settlement or city built in one of the intersection of the resource tiles collects that particular resource. Exchanging of resources can be done with other players, with the bank or with harbors. Trading to the bank is always 4 cards of the same kind in exchange for any card that you would need to build. The harbors are different. If a person has a settlement built on one of the harbor points then it’s possible to trade 3 similar cards in exchange for one card that you would want,  and there’s other harbors where you can trade 2 cards of a particular resource for a resource of any one kind you would need to build.

I know all of this sounds complicated, but once you learn the rules and get started it becomes very addicting. Sometimes when you play the game gets really tense between your opponents and you just go nuts.

I played this game in some spare time that my friends and I had and boy was it a crazy game. Never in a long time have they and myself yelled and screamed over a simple little game. It was probably one of the best times that we’ve had in a while. This game is addicting and if you want to have hours and hours of fun and mayhem get a hold of it. If the basic set is not enough for you Mayfair has come up with some expansion sets that make the game a little more interesting. Two of the designed expansions that make the game much more interesting are Cities and Knights of Catan and Seafarers of Catan. Go and get yourself Settlers and have fun!

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt helpless? Well I’ve been there plenty of times and it’s not the best place to be in. I was at Safeway shopping for some drinks and I came out of the parking lot and I saw two people stranded with their car that wouldn’t start.

At first glance they seemed like they just finished shopping and a woman was just waiting for her husband to return the cart back into the cart return area. In a faint cry for help I heard, “Does anyone have AAA?” I wasn’t too sure if I heard correctly and even if I did hear that correctly I couldn’t help because my AAA insurance does not cover the AAA membership roadside assistance. As I finished putting the drinks into my trunk a man approached me and asked if I had jumper cables. I looked in my trunk and I realized that I did have them in my car.

This situation is ironic because about a year back I had a car battery that was dying and I too needed my car jumped. I had gotten the cables from my dad because I knew that my car would continue to die until I would replace battery. I eventually had the battery changed, but the cables stayed in the car. Despite cleaning out my trunk a couple of times, I didn’t know that the emergency kit that I once used in the trunk would come in handy so soon in a similar situation with my battery already replaced.

Anyhow, I brought over the cables to the couple’s car and attached the positives and the negatives from the dead battery to my battery. While I was in the process of jumping the car the woman suggested to her husband to pay me, but while over-hearing I said to myself, “are you serious?” I had the woman crank the engine and it was running again. As I was taking off the clamps the man hands me money, I looked at it with hesitation. A part of me wanted to take it because it was green and I haven’t gotten green for some time now, but nevertheless I had to fight myself. I declined the offering and I just told the couple to both have a good day. I’ve never seen two people go from desperation to emotions of joy and happiness in a period of ten minutes. This situation was probably one of the best moments of my life this year and it was the moment of a situation where I was a little help to someone in need.

If you see someone in need, pitch in and give a little help. It doesn’t hurt to take the time to make someone happy. All you need is a little push and in this case, jumper cables.

The Giants County Fair is an that event in San Francisco that ran from July 9th to July 19th. It is the first county fair that I’ve been to in San Francisco, well not really in context a county fair as most people would come to know, but it is the first fair for me to have county fair in it’s title in San Francisco. The event was put together in partnership with the San Francisco Giants and it was held in Parking Lot A next to McCovey Cove. The Giants County Fair is an event in partnership with the San Francisco Giants that had carnival games, midway games, food, and live music.

Did you know that San Francisco is the only city of it’s kind to be both a city and county all by itself in the United States? Well, yes it is and now you know.

Unlike most county fairs there was no livestock auctions, horse track racing, vendor booths selling local goods and services, and agricultural displays. I’ve come to realize that despite being a city that produces a lot of income, to hold an event like a county fair costs a tremendous amount of money and usually cities within a county chip in to pay for it, but since San Francisco is all on it’s own I don’t think tax payers would want to foot the cost.

The Giants County Fair was open to the public for $5 admission and $15 for an unlimited rides wristband. Later within the fair’s running the admission fee was waived. The Padres came in to San Francisco for the first 4 days of the fair and fans could have the opportunity to attend the fair during the day/night and go to a baseball game in the afternoon/evening. At the fair there were mini concerts on the stage at McCovey Cove, but the main event concert was Kenny Chesney who performed on a built stage on the field of AT&T Park. If you don’t know who Kenny Chesney is he sings country music. I particularly am not a big fan of country music, but I suppose hearing it at a friends party a few blocks away wasn’t too bad.

All in all, the Giants County Fair has been a good success to bring baseball, music, and a carnival all together in one place. I had a fun time on the day that I attended listening to awesome 80s cover songs sponsored by Live 105FM. I hope that the first ever Giants County Fair will not be it’s last.

Ocean Beach is a beach along side the western coast of San Francisco. It has been for me a great place for rest, relaxation, reflection, and much much more. I’ve been going to the beach for as long as I can remember, but I noticed that I’ve frequented the beach as I get older. It’s something about the crashing waves that makes me at ease. The repetitive motion and sounds of the water is quite hypnotising. The hypnotising noise is so hypnotic that it draws me easily to fall asleep, block out all the other noise around, and just paves the way to meditate on life.

Ocean Beach has just about been always good to me. It’s a great place to park the car and people watch, to sit back and relax, to take a walk or even bring out the old bicycle and ride along the 4 mile or so stretch of road. Sunsets at the beach are just mind-boggling on a clear sunny day.

The times that Ocean Beach can be a bad place to visit are when the fog rolls in and salt water air is just thick, cold, and soaks your skin with a thin layer of salt. Other horrible times you don’t want to be at the beach are when windstorms reach the coast and sand is just blowing all over the place; getting pelted by sand in the face is no fun. Sandstorms are sometimes so strong that they fill the Great Highway full with sand that they have to close the road to traffic and have to use bulldozers to clean up the mess.

Recently, this year I’ve back to the ocean for a bonfire, to nap, a photo shoot, to eat, walk around, kite flying, watching water sports, and even to witness a friend’s baptism. Overall, the Ocean Beach may not be the most beautiful beach in San Francisco, but it is a great beach that is accessible by car, bus, bicycle, and foot. It is one that I can always go to whenever I’m wanting time alone. If you can’t find it while visiting San Francisco, just keep heading west and you can’t miss it.

Michael Jackson’s public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA was an emotional celebration of the life that he lived. He was honored for being a man of great accomplishment and a kind humanitarian. The “King of Pop” was seen by about 20,000 guests (family and fans) while the rest of the world watched on television and over the Internet. Fans were able to attend the ceremonies by obtaining tickets via winning a lottery. Fans logged onto the Internet and entered a random lottery where winners were notified by e-mail. They were then asked to bring their confirmation email down to Dodger Stadium where they would show ticket handlers and they would then receive two tickets and two wristbands.

The heartfelt and emotional memorial was a great demonstration of the amount of love that people had for this man. Despite the negative reviews about his personal life, Michael Jackson lived most of his life helping others and that’s what the focus of this memorial was all about. I watched the memorial on television at home as I wished that I could be there, but watching it at home allowed me to cry without anyone watching. However, since I’m telling you now about it, it was a manly cry.

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Special guest appearances at the memorial were as follows:

Pastor Lucious Smith - he opened the memorial service by telling viewers that around the world Michael was seen as an idol, hero, and even a king. Smith also stated that Michael through his words, music, and good deeds tried to heal our world. His testimony was very warm and comforting.

Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz - both sang a duet to “I’ll Be There”. I remember listening to this song in the early 90s which was originally sung by Michael Jackson (Jackson 5) in 1970. Mariah Carey sang this song with back then background vocals Trey Lorenz. Both sounded good, but not quite as good as Mariah’s album version. Nonetheless, this is probably one of my favorite songs.

Queen Latifah - spoke about Michael and her early years when her and her brother bought an album with Dancing Machine and they tried to dance and be like the Jackson 5. She also read a poem written by Maya Angelou. The poem was entitled “We Had Him”. Very touching poem and makes one proud to have known him and to be able to have him within our midst. Maya Angelou attended my high school, George Washington H.S. which overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lionel Richie - sang “Jesus is Love” in tribute to Michael. Lionel sang this song while he was with The Commodores. He wrote “We are the World” with Michael. Lionel is another talented singer that I’ve blessed to have listened to while growing up.

Berry Gordy - a record producer and the founder of Motown signed Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5 in 1968. He told viewers that the Jackson 5 are the only group to have their first four records to reach number one on the charts. Those songs were “I Want You Back”,  “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I’ll Be There”. He went on to say that Michael Jackson is “simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

Stevie Wonder - gave a few brief words before singing “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer”. Stevie Wonder is another amazing artist.

Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson -  Bryant shared briefly of Michael and his record breaking talent and he even made the Guinness Book of World Records for most charities supported by a pop star. Johnson shared about his life growing up knowing the Jacksons while he was with the Lakers about 30 years ago. He went on to share about the time when Michael asked him to be a part of the music video “Remember The Time”. Johnson also recalled going over to his house to talk about the video and the chef asked what Johnson would like to eat and he asked for grilled chicken, when dinner was served Johnson got grilled chicken while Jackson got Kentucky Fried Chicken. He jokingly said that he didn’t know that Michael Jackson eats this type of food. Johnson finished up his eulogy stating that Michael opened up the doors for Black people all over the world.

Jennifer Hudson - sang “Will You Be There”. This song was featured in Michael’s Dangerous album and for the movie Free Willy.

Rev. Al Sharpton - gave a great eulogy for Michael. He told everyone that Michael lived his life making so many achievements. He opened the doors when the doors were not opened yet. He had powerful influence on the world and helped change the world. Sharpton went on to say it’s not about his mess, but it’s about his love message. Sharpton made a great illustration on Michael’s life that truly gave a sense of inspiration and that was when he said, “As you climb up steep mountains sometimes you scar your knee, sometime you break your skin, but don’t focus on the scar, focus on the journey…” Sharpton gave truly the best eulogy the entire service. One of his closing remarks was directed at Michael’s children and he wanted to let them know that “it wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it… he dealt with it anyway, he dealt with it for us.”

John Mayer - had no words to say but he played electric guitar to an instrumental to Michael Jackson’s song “Human Nature”.

Brooke Shields - reminisced about the years of her life when she use to hang out with Michael. Brooke said that both him and herself had to grow up fast and be adults and a young age. However, whenever they were around each other they would be like kids. She told us that she had never danced, collaborated or sang together, but what they both shared together was laughter. She gave examples of moments where they’d laugh together and Michael being  his mischievous self.  She went on to share that Michael’s favorite song was a song written by Charlie Chaplin for a movie called Modern Times. That song is entitled “Smile”. The song was first recorded by Nat King Cole and later by others including Michael himself.

Jermaine Jackson - came on the stage to sing Michael’s favorite song “Smile”.

Martin Luther King Jr. III and Bernice King - both gave some kind words to family and friends. Martin made an important remark that “…if you cannot be a sun, then be a star, for it isn’t by size that you win or you fail, you got to be the best of what you are.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee - commemorated Jackson by honoring him with House Resolution 600. It was to commemorate his humanitarian efforts to help change this world. Following the memorial House Resolution 600 was put on hold by House leader Nancy Pelosi until it receives further legislation that is needed for it to pass.

Usher - performed one of Michael’s songs called “Gone Too Soon”. As Usher performed he emotionally broke down, while singing still wonderfully. I too broke down and cried almost twice listening and watching. It is a very touching and emotional song that keeps me choked even now. The lyrics are just very touching and it is so applicable to this situation. It’s a song that I would not like to hear at memorial services for it is very intense.

Short video of The Ed Sullivan Show - The Jackson 5 sung a song entitled “Who’s Loving You?” As the song is sung Michael sings with a fluffy pink hat while his brother sing and back up dance.

Smokey Robinson - speaks about the song that was just played in the previous segment. Robinson says that he wrote that song. He wrote it and Berry Gordy introduced him to the Jackson 5 who would later sing it. Robinson said that it was a little weird to see Michael Jackson at age 10 sing his song of a situation about what an older person might experience in his life. Robinson told about a funny situation where he would sing “Who’s Loving You?” at concerts and young kids would come up to him and ask him if he’s singing one of Michael Jackson’s song. I laughed after hearing that comment because it’s so funny how we often forget about the song writers, but we don’t forget about who sings a song. Robinson concluded that he was glad that he was born in this era where he could inevitably see the greatest entertainer of all times.

Shaheen Jafargholi - from Britain’s Got Talent sang “Who’s Loving You?”. Shaheen following the song went on to say that he loves Michael Jackson and that he thanks him for blessing him and everyone with his amazing music.

Kenny Ortega - is a producer, director, and choreographer. He helped create and direct Michael’s latest tour that was going to start in July in London, but of course that did not happen. The name of the tour is ironically titled This Is It. Ortega introduced Shaheen to the world by telling viewers that he was invited by Michael Jackson to join the tour in London and that Ortega thanked Shaheen for coming all the way out to the U.S. for this occasion. Ortega went on to share that it was just about a week ago where he can recall that it was in the Staples Center where Michael and the rest of the cast and crew were there practicing. He thought that what better place to have a memorial service than to have it in Michael’s house. Nevertheless, Ortega helped put together the memorial service. After the short eulogy, Ortega invited out some of the cast from the This Is It concerts in London to come out and sing. The two songs that they performed were “We are the World” and “Heal the World”. During “Heal the World” close family, friends, guest performers, and some children came together in one unified group and sang to one of Michael’s most favorite part about the tour.

Jermaine, Marlon, and Paris Jackson - gave some kind words on behalf of the family. Jermaine thanked everyone for attending and he was lost for words, but he was Michael’s backbone throughout everything. Marlon emotionally shared and wondered why Michael had to be called away so soon. He recalls a moment of their childhood trying to watch the Three Stooges before mom had to tell them that it was time to go to the recording studio. He then went on to reminisce about a time when he caught Michael in a record store dressed up as an old man buying up all the CDs. Michael then questioned Marlon how he knew it was Michael. He answered it was because of his shoes that he was wearing. I almost came to tears when Marlon continued to say, “We will never understand what he endured, not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathering around him, being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone.” Marlon had one request of Michael and that was to give twin brother Brandon Jackson a hug. Brandon was still born during Marlon’s birth and so he never had a chance in this world. Paris, Michael Jackson’s daughter requested to speak to the audience. She said, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just want to say that I love him so much.” With that said she broke down in tears and Jermaine closed out the memorial service.

Spotlight on empty mic stand - spoke thousands of words. Nothing could describe a mic without a singer.

Pastor Lucious Smith - came back onto the stage to close in prayer.

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Some say that this memorial was a production in itself and that it was cheesy, but I think that it was a great celebration for the life that he lived. With all the achievements and humanitarian efforts that he contributed to this world. I think if anything that this production falls no way near what he deserves. If you ask me the celebration should have lasted hours and hours and with representatives from each nation that he touched.

In closing the only thing I can say now is that may Michael Jackson rest in peace. May he not be the center of gossip and discussion. May a little bit of his life and influence be continually living within all of us.

In Loving Memory of

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

This year, I had the privilege of listening to Groove8 once again for two performances. They came back to California, but with a name change. Formerly known as Audioform, Groove8 has been able to bring back funk and soul to the western United States. The group is mainly comprised of eight members from Charlotte, North Carolina and a couple from other areas on the east coast. Every year they come together to bring something special to the Fillmore Jazz Festival; this year it was a third CD in the three years that I’ve known them (they’ve been at the festival for 4 years).

After performing in front of the Marcus Bookstore (one the oldest independent Black bookstores in the U.S.) on Fillmore and Post Streets, Peter Fitzsimmons asked Groove8 if they  would perform at the Jazz Heritage Center and they accepted. The Jazz Heritage Center is located inside of the same building as Yoshi’s on the corner of Eddy and Fillmore Sts. The great thing about the Jazz Heritage Center is that they hold a vast amount of art work relating to that of the greatest jazz musicians that ever lived. Paintings of all sorts line the walls from ceiling to floor. I believe some of the art is available for sale along with other jazz items.

Groove8 set up their equipment in the main exhibit room where they captivated the audience there. Because of the size of the room and with hardwood floors, the acoustics were amazing. The sounds were similar to that if you were playing music in the shower. Imagine that. A live band blasting amazing music in your shower. It was that great.

Band members of Groove8 are as follows: Keith Whatley- Guitar / Tony McCullough- Alto Saxophone, Vox / Joe Smalls- Bass / Antonio Diaz- Percussion / Audi Jones- Drums / Joey Rayfield- Trombone / Travis Calvert- Tenor Saxophone / Johnathon Ayala- Keyboards / Mac McClain- Vox (added vocalist)

More information on Groove8 can be found on their website here at this link. Please keep local jazz alive and help purchase their latest CD and/or single tracks.

For more information about Marcus Bookstores click this link.

For more information about the Jazz Heritage Center click this link.

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is one of the most entertaining festivals in San Francisco. For many years, the festival is enjoyed by many and 2009 has been no different in terms of popularity. The diversity in types of jazz gives attenders so much freedom in selecting a particular style of jazz to listen to. Jazz encompasses a wide variety that I feel no one would be disappointed attending.

The Fillmore Jazz Festival located on Fillmore between Jackson Street and Eddy Street receives thousands of visitors from all over the Bay Area, States, and the world. The 12 block festival provided a wide array of things to do. Activities at the festival included eating of diverse ethnic foods, a farmers market (Saturday only), various informational booths, shoes and clothes shopping, Michael Jackson memorabilia, 4th of July trinkets, art (paintings and photography), carnival rides, a small animal farm, horse and mule roundabout, a swing dance floor, hip hop DJs, and three jazz grandstands. Other surrounding merchants also allowed visitors to shop in their stores, restaurants, and bars for a fun weekend with friends and family.

One band that returns every year that I cannot help, but to enjoy is Groove8 (formerly known as Audioform) from North Carolina. This year like every year in the past they have performed in front of the Marcus Bookstore and crowds gather by the truck load. Bringing a cool funk groove, Groove8 has captured me 100%. With now 8 members, Groove8 has a great horn line (sax, trombone, trumpet), keys, drums, congas, bass guitar, and electric guitar. One thing that I love about this band is that every time I hear them, I get reminiscent of years past when Kool and the Gang, the Doobie Brothers, and Chicago were on the radio. My hopes is that in future years they will be large and in charge taking upon the grandstand. Currently, most of the bands that play on the grandstands are local groups and are booked almost every year as well. Next year, I hope that thousands would hear this group and bring a funk revival back to the States.

Following a day at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, I got to see a great display of fireworks at San Francisco’s northern waterfront. There were two fireworks display areas located at Pier 39 and at Aquatic Park. Thousands of people lined the streets and public spaces of the surrounding area. This year I decided to change up the location of where I saw the fireworks. I found parking on the western end of the area and so I ended up finding a great secluded spot between Aquatic Park and Fort Mason.

As I set up my camera, I met a couple of people who kept me company while I waited about an hour before the show started. Later on a friend of mine brought her entourage of friends and we all enjoyed the wonderful spectacular show. With red, white, and blue filling the night sky, the fireworks brought out the child in me. I love fireworks and I don’t know what it is about them, but they seem to keep me in this hypnotic state of being.

I enjoy fireworks almost every time there is a show, but the only times that I hate the shows are when the fog rolls into the bay and just hides them. It makes going down to the wharf a nightmare and definitely not worth the trip. Traffic jams are not my thing and having to walk miles back to your car or other destination is just not what I have in mind for a good time. Catching the bus or a cab is practically impossible. If you do happen to catch a cab or a bus, don’t forget to bring a lot of patience with you. Sitting in a cab in traffic could easily run up the tab. Hopping on a bus could easily be like sitting in a humid oven. In fact, the fastest mode of transportation would be to either walk or ride a bike.

Nevertheless, as the 4th of July has come and gone I have a great respect for what this country has done for my liberties. Yes, there are times when I take things for granted, but when I look back at things I always am thankful and grateful for what people do to give us the freedoms that we can enjoy everyday. As for next year’s celebration, get to the area early if you want to get a good spot. Bring some food and drink, games, and friends for a great celebration. And if the fog rolls in be sure to bring something warm to wrap yourselves in. God Bless America.