Quintessence #2

1. American tennis thrives at Wimbledon - On the July 4 weekend, the Stars and Stripes can really stick it to the Brits in their own backyard. Venus and Serena Williams will square off in the ladies' championship match on Saturday, while Andy Roddick will play in the mens' final on Sunday after trouncing Britain's favorite son Andy Murray. The grass at SW16 will also showcased the depth of U.S. tennis, with American duos featuring in both doubles' championship matches (the Williams in the ladies' draw, twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan on the mens'). The future looks bright too: three Americans were in the final eight of the boys' singles draw, including Jordan Cox, who will play for the boys' championship on Saturday. The resurgence should appease critics who think American success in tennis is on the decline.
   
2. Free music at Amazon! Go buy your version of The Star-Spangled Banner! Go ahead, browse through hundreds of choices. Props to Kronos Quartet for twittering about it; they've created a version of the national anthem inspired by Jimi Hendrix's cover.
   
3. Taste of Springfield - So far I've had the jambalaya from Augie's, the horseshoe from Catie Girls', the schnitzel from the German Club (outside ToS, but good nonetheless), baklava from Holy Land and shrimp and rice from the Plaza. Where has this Springfield food been all of my life? You can't help but give props to the organizers and the event; restaurants get some great visibility and attract new customers while visitors enjoy some tasty dishes at discounted prices. I didn't see a ToS plate that cost more than $5 . I easily counted three more places to try tomorrow, fireworks be damned!
4. Springfield Farmers' Market - I ride a bike. I rarely visit the grocery store. So when I get the chance to buy fresh, delicious produce near my workplace, I leap at (or pedal to) the opportunity. My weekly goal is to try a fruit or vegetable I've never prepared and/or tasted; two weeks ago it was kale, last week it was rainbow chord. Oh, the savory mysteries of the farmers market.
5. The rights and liberties afforded to citizens in the United States of America - Because things could be worse.