Photo by Martin Cox (c), 2008

And here, above, is Martin Cox's most recent report on the lotus of Echo Park Lake, photo taken a couple of days ago. Martin, who is Chicken Corner's waterfowl-and-lake correspondent, leaves it to the lotus leaves to speak for themselves. Meanwhile, the palms, reflected in the water, seem to be doing some kind of crazy dance, which Chicken Corner isn't sure how to interpret. A rain dance, perhaps.

Chicken Corner wonders which of these reflected palms will have its fronds blown to bits or burned in the July 4 mayhem that usually comes to Echo Park Lake. Something about a celebration of independence wants to burn it all down.

Click here to see video footage of last year's Echo Park Lake fireworks amid the trees, by the Jimson Weed Gazette's Kevin McCollister.