Postcard from Boston

BOSTON -- Greetings from the birthplace of the Revolution, home to the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church, Boston Common, the Big Dig, the B's, the C's and the Sox. It's the de facto capital of New England and one of the last places in the nation where a regional accent still survives. Boston reeks of history and tradition, and nowhere is that more evident than in the city's sports teams. The Sox's hold on the region cannot be overestimated. The Bruins, Celtics and Patriots fall in line behind the Sox, who play in a crumbling but beloved old ballpark called Fenway Park. The Bruins and Celtics are having superb seasons. The B's are seeking their first Stanley Cup since the 1970s and the C's are seeking their second consecutive NBA title. The TD Banknorth Garden has turned electric after years of shabby play by the B's and C's. It will be bonkers again tonight, when the Lakers make their first visit since the NBA Finals last June.