In the last couple of weeks, I cogitated (good word) about some events and issues that were on my mind. This week I want to continue those thoughts.

Nothing says “Happy Birthday America” better than a cacophony of exploding roman candles, bottle rockets, cherry bombs and artillery shells perpetrated by a band of incendiary neighborhood idiots and fireworks fanatics who find the noise and bedazzling sights therapeutic. Time to repeal this idiotic law! Let’s get back to sparklers and lady finger firecrackers! Or leave it to the professionals, who do such a great job in the Lake Orion fireworks!

Attended the Rib Fest this past weekend at Canterbury Village, as did thousands of other people. It was epic and hopefully will return in the future! There were food trucks with ribs and pizza and hot dogs and other gastronomical treats from all over the country. It was quite a sight. Bands played throughout the day and night and the throngs of people who attended understood why we have a sign at the entrance that reads: “Lake Orion – Where Living Is A Vacation.”

Still time to attend The Oakland County Fair at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg, just a short drive from Lake Orion. Lots of animal exhibits and carnival rides and eats such as chocolate covered Twinkies. The Miracle of Birth Barn and of course the racing pigs are highlights. Have fun!

Sirius XM has a station called Yacht Rock featuring songs of the 70’s and 80’s. One of our favorites the Bertie Higgins song “Key Largo.” It’s about a couple sailing away to one of the islands in the Florida Keys. There is a line in the song that I suspect anyone under 40 does not understand: “Just like Bogie and Bacall.” Sure makes sense to us seniors who enjoyed their movies.

Joey Chestnut consumed 71 hot dogs to retain his crown at Nathan’s Coney Island Hot Dog Extravaganza, down from his record of 74 doggies last year. Good to see that Joey is thinking about his cholesterol.

He got into an argument with a sports writer who had the audacity to suggest that this is not a sport, but a gluttonous embarrassment. I agree. When we elevate this type of decadence to being a sport and honor someone who can consume multiple hot dogs as a hero, it demonstrates how low we have come in our country.

Bill Kalmar

Lake Orion