Open Thread - Thurs 06 July 2023: Aspects of the 4th of July
Aspects of July 4th just don't do it for me:
I love the get-togethers, the picnics and BBQ's, the parades, the speeches. I don't like celebrating war and fighting though, and I don't really like fireworks unless run by the town or city (and controlled, so that fires, death and injuries don't result from those fireworks). That's because I have too many animals which are, and know too many people who are, stressed or terrorized by fireworks. As an aside, here's a great idea to replace fireworks: lasers, drones, and fun music!
Not stressful! A sunset view from this Land, from about as far west on the mainland as one can go: Kalaloch, WA. I took this back in 2004, I think those trees are still there 
I got an email from RFKJr and his campaign which says it better than I can,
On this Fourth of July, I’d like to invoke a different American theme than what we are used to. The fireworks and glorification of war is but one aspect of the American psyche. The time has come to elevate another one – the aspiration expressed in songs like “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land.”
.... let us celebrate the beauty of America and the basic goodness of the American people. Let us resolve to hold these precious, and to live up to the magnificent future that they promise.
No more 'rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air...' for me. I'm doing this:
'This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me...'
Video of Bruce Springsteen singing the song - live, and boy, was it long ago. We were young! And yes, his version still makes me choke up.
Some Rolling Stuff:
Even amusement parks have problems at times. A park in North Carolina had to shut down its roller coaster because of a crack. This link has video of the crack opening and closing as a coaster full of people goes by.
And - here's another roller coaster story that, well, I won't be riding one again, will I, after reading these two stories? 'Roller coaster riders stuck upside-down for at least 3 hours due to 'mechanical failure,' authorities say'. Here's some video of it in the Beeb.
Summer Time!
Have fun in the heat! Hope it's only blazing and not super blazing where you are. Here, it is now, 'blazing'. But we here in the PacNW are wimps when it comes to heat, over 80 is hot here. So many other places are so much hotter and getting worse.
Thanks for reading and here's the open thread - and remember, everything is interesting if you dive deep enough, so tell us about where you're diving!
Comments
Hello!
Hope you are having a great Thursday! Me, I am out in the town picking up trash after the 4th of July parade. Me and my husband, we volunteered for this. Seems like a good thing to do, and very 'this land is your land, this land is my land,' in feeling, come to think of it.
This is the open thread, so post anything you want! We wanna hear/read it!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
The glorification of war
has been a major theme of America forever.
Was it Dennis Kucinich that proposed a
cabinet level Department of Peace?
That went over like a lead balloon.
Thanks for the OT!
Nize tune QMS, gracias.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Yes, Cabinet of Peace..
Why not? Why not?
Great tune, btw. Thanks!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning...
RFK and I were on the same wavelength (or maybe he read my Sunday column
We stayed on the run the entire holiday, and we're glad it's over. It was great seeing old friends and family, but too much too fast too soon compared to our usual laid back lifestyle.
Next week we're off to meet friends and play music for a few days. That will be a good contrast to all the travel last weekend.
We have gotten off so easy on the heat, getting cooling rains almost every afternoon. We've had 80's for highs most days. That's rare in July in Alabama, even on the mountain.
Tomatoes are ripening...when it rains it pours, meaning there will be a flush for the next 6 weeks or so and then none (fresh) till next year.
Have a good post holiday everyone! Thanks for the OT.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I bet he read your Sunday column!
I bet most of us here are on the same wavelength. Don't celebrate war, celebrate the people.
We've got two gates on our long driveway now. Two. One at the top of the driveway by the road, which has been there forever (the gate, and the road!), one down by the house which my husband put up to stop our sometimes demented dog from running up the driveway and out onto the road. Both gates were closed for the whole holiday, weekend and all. It was GREAT. I think running around would tire me out too much. I'm very happy that you made it work for you!
Our tomatoes are just starting. The first ones will be ripening in the next couple weeks. If all goes well, they'll keep going until early October. But we'll see. It might get too hot. I'm glad you are getting some rain in the afternoons. That is not happening here, yet!
Have fun next week with the music! It'll be great, I bet!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hotter than Hell
Another day in the Florida Panhandle where it is in the mid 90's before noon. Try not to go anywhere in the afternoon if I can help it. You get out of your air-conditioned car, and it just takes your breath away, it is so hot. And I like hot weather.
The news around here is all the tourists drowning in the gulf. What part of flying double red flags means that the beach is closed, do people not understand? 11 deaths so far. "You're ruining my vacation" and "I paid good money to go to the beach." It's a touristry place. You don't have to be at the beach 24 hours. There's all kind of other things to do. I say that when the beach is closed, send the lifeguards home and swim at your own risk.
Pheww, can't do mid 90's...
I used to when I lived in CA, but that's been over 40 years ago. I used to when I lived in Philly, but that's been over 35 years ago. I admire you for being able to stand the hotter weather, although, like you say, mid 90's is too hot!
Tourists are nuts. They are nuts here too, about beaches too (and ferries and mountains and hiking...). We've had teens falling down restricted waterfalls. They had to climb through a fence to do so. Sheez. Anyway, take care and keep cool if you can!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Lots of fireworks-related
fires here in the Denver area, as always. One burned something like 5 families out of a condo complex, and another only about a mile from our place destroyed one house and heavily damaged another when somebody's fireworks cooked off in their garage. At least we have had enough rain that they didn't burn any major forests, yet.
Yet.
Between that and the various mass shootings that no longer even make the news, it's been a noisy weekend...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
One of my major fears...
is fire in the area, caused by fireworks, smoking, lightning, sparks, campfires, whatever. Yes, we are damp a lot of the time, but fires are possible. They get started by lightning in the Olympic National Park/Forest and burn for months. But, they aren't as likely here as they are where you live. Be safe!
Mass shootings... it's getting scary to go out into the city because of those. Maybe I'm just old? I dunno.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning Sima, et. y'all. Received a text expressing
wishes that my wife and I had fun over the holiday. Is July 4 a fun holiday? I never knew. When we worked it was a day off, and if one took appropriate other days off, one could have a mini-vacation, but, really?. Fireworks for 2 or 3 nights straight, and highly illegal because prime fire zone, not particularly fun. I ODd on fireworks as a kid, so not fun per se anyway. Celebrate wars (and slavery), meh. However, got some stuff done, weather wasn't too hot, etc. More stuff to do in the hopper for today, which will get largely done and is ergo good, but I know far too much history to be too enthused about el cuatro de Julio. Simon Bolivar correctly predicted that the USA would be a PITA for the rest of "America", then died of TB after freeing the slaves in areas under his control.
A query - When did going somewhere to have fun become work? Was that adulthood? Pick-up games of roundball or 500 long gone, I guess, gotta go somewhere fun and do something fun. How 'bout layin' on the beach all day drinkin' cheap wine and smokin' good weed? Also long time gone. Heh.
Everbody be well and have a good one.
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Going somewhere to have fun...
Yep, it's work now. Gotta pack everything up, get it into the vehicle(s), get it unpacked when we get to the destination, set it up. Or, stay in a hotel, which is easier but still work. If we're camping we still gotta make the beds, do the food, clean things.. Heh. Adulthood can suck.
4th of July can be fun, I guess, but it was much funner as a child. I like the picnic/bbq and the parade (not military at all) in our little town. Have a great weekend, hope the weather stays nice and not too hot!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I wonder if this also applies to beer?
It is in the ground, too.
I listened to some video that claims 90% of our insects are dead. If insects can't make it, how can we?
Get your blood tested. You, and all of us, are full of it. No pun intended.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Remember when we were young...
I don't know about you, but I would start cursing after the 20th bug in 1 mile hit the windshield. Now, I mourn when 1 bug in 20 miles hits it. Where did all the bugs go?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Makes me glad our water comes from a well...
A very deep well. Although, who knows? And if anyone did, would they tell us?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good afternoon, everyone!
The 4th of July holiday, for me, is like all the other holidays: a day court is not in session, an opportunity for me to go run and play. I do not mentally or emotionally connect the day off work with the event that spurred it. No parades, no Blue Angels air shows, no speeches, just play time, like music venues, and an opportunity to go parasailing in the Gulf, eat good food.
I did see city managed fireworks displays, but wouldn't spend a cent to see one. All I had to do was step out onto the balcony. They were all over in about 10 minutes.
The goal was to enjoy our wedding anniversary, try to sort out the vows. I am still certain somewhere on page 12,(or was it page 13?) it stated that hubby did most of the cooking, although I can't find it in all that small print.
We expect rain shortly, although some trees in the yard could have used some rain a week ago. Dead leaves all over the yard.
We are going on Round Two of the vacation. More music, more scenic views, but this round will be in Texas. With luck, the highways will not be bumper to bumper as they were on Round One.
People came out to travel with their families with a vengeance, post-plandemic. Over and over, we would see 3 generations in the family trekking out to the beach. Good for them.
Thanks for the OT, Sima!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
if all the bad you got is a slacken' cook
that's just small change
glad you enjoyed your getaway!
When we have differing opinions on
the various clauses, we contact the County Judge, who performed the ceremony, he decides the correct meaning, then ends with something like, "Sorry, Dude." It never gets old.
One thing about getting home, getting some r & r after the hectic drives we did, is we can get the best products to make tacos. Even state highway welcome signs say, "Welcome to the land of Tex-Mex".
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
City fireworks
are ok! They are planned, timed, and then over. People oversee (or should oversee) their safety. And it can be darn fun being out with everyone having a picnic and then the fireworks happen.
Heh, it's 2 am and I'm smelling wildfire smoke. I guess the haze is lowering as clouds come in from the coast. Rain sounds good. We might get some drizzle. And Round Two of vacation sounds great! Have fun!!!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Mid 90s here in the PNW
Had no fireworks at the farm, but a nice big campfire well into the next morning (3 am). Nice big full moon made the whole night surreal and warm.
Back at home in suburbia now.
Tending the garden here that is starting to flourish with Anasazi beans that I really didn't think would sprout because of their age. They are doing great.
Thanks for the Springsteen tune. Had never heard it before.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
So, beans never get old? Lol!
When in doubt, get a fire going. Sit. Stare at the sky. Listen to all the critters making singing noises. Coyotes, owls, cattle, donkeys...
My cows used to come up to the fire, lie down close by, chew cud. Great memories. sigh.
Anyway, sounds like a fine day at the farm. I hope you have many more.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Glad you liked the tune...
It only hit the mid 80's here, well, in Seattle, etc. Over where we are, it hit about 81/82. You are a bit further south and east, right? 90's are too hot for me! The moon was great, I gotta admit. We enjoyed it here too. The campfire sounds like it was fun!
I planted our beans late, but they are doing their best to give us a nice crop. Old bean seeds often do well, I think. We are finding that, here at least, old pepper seeds do NOT do super well. They seem to be producing stunted plants (only two, but yeesh...).
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I just made the mistake
of opening the Nextdoor app for my neighborhood. Holy *cow*, those people are absolutely insane.
There is a 60+ comment thread that is a pitched battle between the people with animals/kids/spouses/themselves that are disturbed by the week-long fireworks barrage, and those people who believe that fireworks are actually handgun-equivalents and who therefore cannot stand to see them "suppressed", regulated, and/or replaced with drone shows. Oh my Gawd, if they can Take Your Fireworks, then they can Take Your Life: you might need those ladyfingers to Fight Off Tyranny. Any day now!
There are a lot of second-amendment absolutists around these parts. The amazing thing is to see how little self-awareness they exhibit, let alone consideration for others. One guy actually threatened to come around to a double amputee IED-victim Iraq vet's place and blow the wheels off his wheelchair, for the unforgivable crime of speaking out against their Gawd-given right to keep and bear safe and sane fireworks like M-80s, quarter sticks, and (presumably) bricks of C-4. And then shoot 'em off whenever they damned well please, like 3am.
Not to put too fine a point upon it, but that vet has already been a lot closer to real explosives than *any* of us should ever be. They have good reason for not caring for the bang-bang boogie. People have absolutely lost their minds, here lately. I read stuff like that, and I want to change species.
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
bang bang boogie
not good for the brain
thanks for surviving
ANY IDIOT
who equates noise makers with weapons designed to kill the intended target is OUT OF THEIR MIND.
I could have loaded this comment with F-bombs, a 1st, not 2nd Am. issue, but I didn't.
We just did some searches, found fabulous zydeco for Sunday afternoon, and in late September, The Mavericks. I think we might get in some touring, as well as a Grammy Award winning band concert.
We fire more guns here, sort of skip the fireworks.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The Mavericks!!!
Ohh, I am so envious. Have a blast at that concert in September!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
They had some tickets available
at their Amarillo stop. We would rather drive 7 or 8 hours to go to that high crime area than an hour drive to downtown Houston to an even higher crime area to see them.
We may do another drive through beautiful Palo Duro Canyon while there.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Change species...
Me too, when I read and hear stuff like what you are describing. I have young friends who are veterans from Afghanistan. Fireworks are torture to them. I'd like to honor them by not hurting them more.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so