The Big Bang Theory
Hey! Happy Independence Day, July 4. Grill those hot dogs. Take a break from carne asada and eat something that is not on any healthy food list: frankfurters, aka tube steaks or franks. Easy to cook. You can even heat Bimbo buns to go with the dogs, or make a border dog by wrapping it in a tortilla. This is a Chihuahua. Add salsa.
For those of you who plan on getting away for the holiday, go on-line and check out KPBS.org/ fireworks for a listing of cities throughout San Diego County hosting fireworks shows.
KXO carries on the tradition locally with Freedom Fest. This is the 28th year of KXO’s sponsorship. It’s the biggest fireworks show in the Valley, so come out to Imperial Valley College, spread out a blanket and enjoy. Concessions open at 6 p.m. The rockets’ red glare starts at 9:30 p.m. There are food and fun things for the kids.
If you don’t want to drive to IVC, you might be able to watch from nearby canal banks and backyards. If you choose to stay home, KPBS, channel
8 on Spectrum/Time Warner cable will be broadcasting, “A Capitol 4th” from Washington, D.C., at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. You can watch spectacular fireworks from the comfort of your La-Z Boy. “A Capitol 4th” also features the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Renee Fleming, Pentatonix, Chita Rivera and the Temptations, to name just a handful of the performers. President Trump will Tweet. Dems will plan to defeat the tweet.
Perhaps, you are unfamiliar with some of the performers listed above. In that case, ask a Geezer. It’s understandable. The Beach Boys have been around since 1961. Some think that’s not far from the original Independence Day. Nah. I have some Beach Boys LPs, 33 1/3 rpm record albums. Now they are collectors’ items.
If you want a more interactive Fourth, local groups are selling fountains and sparklers but nothing that flies through the night sky. Look for fireworks stands throughout the Valley. Walmart also sells “safe and sane” fireworks. And be careful. Keep a hose nearby just in case. I retired from fireworks when my thumb adhered to the sparkler I was lighting. I think the sheriff also caught us shooting bottle rockets from a canal bank.
Yes. There is a reason for the July 4 celebration. And Independence Day is NOT a military holiday. It is a rare celebration of a bold political decision by the 13 British colonies to declare their independence from the king. Those rebellious colonies on the East Coast adopted a Declaration of Independence. Thank goodness they did, or we would be drinking tea all day instead of coffee. Crumpets, too. Starbucks would not exist. In its place would be a tea shop named Stockingbridge or something.
Have a good Independence Day. Eat plenty of dogs, and be safe and sane.