First of all, I wanted to wish everybody a safe and festive Fourth of July weekend. Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays because like Thanksgiving, it features great food and great sports. This weekend, we have Cubs/Cardinals, Red Sox/Yankees and Dodgers/Giants, which are the three greatest baseball rivalries in case you did not know that already. But wait, there's more.Don't forget about Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Friday, pitting Kobayashi (10/11 at Sportsbook.com) against defending champion Joey Chestnut (5/6). Then on Saturday, UFC 86 takes place in Las Vegas featuring Forest Griffin (+200 at BetUS) against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (-260) for the light heavyweight championship. I will miss out on watching the UFC because I will be up in the Bay Area for a buddy's wedding, but I think it will definitely be worth watching if you get the chance. Speaking of which, please share your favorite Fourth of July memories or plans for the weekend here. I enjoyed fireworks a lot as a youngster but have quite honestly grown tired of them. We used to go to Lake Ellyn in my hometown of Glen Ellyn outside of Chicago each Fourth of July to see the annual pyrotechnics show, and nothing has really compared to that experience since then. Taste of Chicago was also quite fun when I lived back there, although big crowds seem to be a bigger and bigger pain in the ass each year.Maybe it is because I am just plain old now or that my bigger concern is settling my dog down every time there is a big boom in the sky, but Fourth of July has become more about spending time with friends and including BBQ and baseball in the mix. Last year, we had some friends over to the house, and I remember watching my Triple Dime TV Play on the Tigers come home to complete a perfect 4-0 sweep on my 4th of July Spectacular package. Hopefully, this year we can duplicate that feat So what are YOU doing this Fourth of July weekend?
I'm doing nothing. I never do anything. I'm just sitting here waiting for football season to start. I hate the summer. I hate swimming, barbeque's, golf, beaches, everything. The only thing good about the Fourth is what it stands for and the fact that when it's over football season is almost here. I'll be sitting in the house watching sports. I may go to the gym one day. That's my life. That's all I do. My wife is one lucky girl, huh? lol
By the way Matty, people who have their wedding on the Fourth should be killed. That is taking away a holiday from people so they can travel on the busiest travel weekend of the year to come to your stupid wedding. Talk about self involved. Have your wedding at the end of July. These freaking people.
Wow, and I thought I was becoming a bitter old man. We are actually flying up on Saturday and coming back Sunday night.
Matty, that's unfair. I'm been bitter for years now. My age has nothing to do with it. lol
Matty, the key to enjoying the Taste of Chicago was to get there early in the morning, chow down, drink up, then get the hell out by one or two in the afternoon. And the best way to enjoy the fireworks there was on a boat on Lake Michigan. Grant Park was packed liked sardines, too many people for me.
Tommy, you remind me of Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It Gets". He played an ornery writer who preferred to stay indoors. My favorite line of his was "People who speak in metaphors should shampoo my crotch." Good stuff.
My 4th of July plans are the usual. Maybe go to the beach, maybe hang out by our pool, definitely grill out some beef and chicken, drink a few margaritas, and watch some fireworks somewhere. I'm the mayor of excitement city.
That was a good one Chad. My wife was wondering what the hell I was laughing at. That movie has one of my favorite lines ever, "Go sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here." Great flick.
Chad, you're absolutely right about Taste of Chicago, especially when it's hotter than hell What's the craziest thing you ever ate there? I think I had an alligator kabob once and turtle soup.
Strangest thing I ate would have to be goat. I've had alligator there, but it was gator sausage not kabobs. Can't really remember anything real outrageous. It was the first place I ever had shark meat and fried ice cream (not together...ugh). My faves were the italian beef sandwiches, Bob Chinn's mai tais, Eli's cheesecake, and corn on the cob. Damn I'm getting hungry.
Me too - thank goodness it's almost time for lunch LOL
For years went to Destin,Fla. Fishing, Food, Fireworks & FUN. This Year.....STAYCATION!!!!
Heading down to Panama City Beach in about 2 hours!! Hope everyone has a great 4th!!!
Chuckles, love the "staycation" reference. It reminded me of this bit on The Daily Show: www.comedycentral.com/.../index.jhtml
Thanks for the contributions guys - I am watching Rocky IV right now while working on this weekend's Cheat Sheets. Hard to imagine a more patriotic movie than that LOL
Jesus Christ Matty, change the channel. Do it now! What's next? You're going to watch The Godfather III?
What's your problem with Rocky IV punk?
It sucks. I don't like movies that suck.