I usually claim the 4th of July as my favorite holiday. Why? Here's my reasoning: You get to blow stuff up. No presents to buy. In fact, hardly any preparations at all. Got hot dogs? You're good to go. Everywhere's still open, so if you don't have hot dogs, you can still get some. No expectations other than #1. No expectations=no disappointment. Sparklers are pretty. No morphed pagan traditions to explain. I love my country and that whole Star-spangled Banner thing gets me right HERE (thumping my heart with a sparkley tear in my eye). Happy Independence Day. At the parade. Flying Monkeys everywhere. Is it just me, or do they both have the same exact expression on their faces? And, finally, the quote of the day by Butterfly who was enveloped in sparkler smoke: "I HATE it when smoke follows pretty people!!!"