the rix mix

I used to be a fun guy sometimes, & the 4th of July was a fun holiday. But the last time I had a date to share a bag of zeppoles at local fireworks was 2003, & after watching the next year alone from a parking lot radiating the day's heat, I was on my way to being no fun at all anytime for anyone. So now I watch people have fun at the fireworks on TV. Macy's-on-the-Hudson was impressive on a big screen with neighbors shooting off rockets & firecrackers & a finale rumbling through the air from the next town. Boston is where they get in the right spirit. You can dress up silly for that one. Craig Ferguson is a fitting host. Even Neil Diamond seemed right for the occasion. They lay the sentimentality on lightly up there. Although one of the recorded songs played during the display said America is "a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song," & went on to list a bunch of other stuff we're supposed to be. I detest those kinds of lyrics.

American Joey Chestnut decisively defeated six-time titleholder Takeru Kobayashi of Japan in the Coney Island Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 68 weiners & winning his third consecutive title. What more could we ask for on Independence Day? Except peace.

Labels: holidays