Entertainment.
Sure, you can just set your iPod to shuffle and hope a podcast interview with a cast member of Heroes doesn’t kill the party mood, or you can create a smart playlist by searching for any tune with the words “America,” “beach,” “summer,” or “Independence” in them—then hit play. Ask your guests to do the same with their music, and keep changing out the iPod. Not up with the technological revolution? No sweat. Find a local radio station and let their DJs do the work for you. Sure, you’ll have to suffer some commercials, but do you really want to admit you have the Blue Crush soundtrack version of “Cruel Summer” in rotation on iTunes? Perhaps not.
When night falls, if you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, strike up some sparklers and feel like a kid again, or just poke your head out a window. With fireworks up and down either river, you may just catch a glimpse of the big show, or just a rhythmic change of color in the night sky. Otherwise, don’t forget it’s televised. Turn the music way up and ooh and ahh to the spectacle being broadcast in high def.
Sure, you have to go back to work the next day, but don’t let that stop you from celebrating our independence. After the fireworks are over, or if you chose to celebrate at home, slide in a DVD and watch Will Smith kick alien ass. I defy you not to feel patriotic when President Bill Pullman gets all speechy.
Happy Fourth of July!
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