Lucky 7!

Short one here because we're heading out for some sightseeing this morning and barbecue and fireworks tonight.

Today marks Alternate Brain's 7th Blogiversary. I just wanted to say thanks to our readers, commenters, and contributors, past and present who've made this place what it is. Thank you very much for your support. If it weren't for you, Gord and I would just be two old guys yelling at clouds.

And just a little story:

We were out Saturday night at one of our favorite restaurants. Terry and I went out front for a smoke between dinner and dessert and all the parking valets were sitting on their bench, bored. Terry, kidder that he is, looks them over and says, "Happy Independence Day" to the boys (they were college kids from the local university).

As soon as he opened his mouth, they knew he was British and one of them said, "Yeah, we beat you guys."

Terry said "Bollocks, mate, we let you have the bloody thing." And they all start laughing. Then Terry looks at him and says "and so you know, lads, I'm from the British Foreign Service (he's not) and I'm here under invitation from Mr. Obama. He told me to tell you to enjoy your holiday this year, because with your dire financial situation, you can't afford it anymore and he asked us to take it back. On Tuesday, you'll all be subjects of the Queen again."