Of the resolution of independence, John Adams wrote to wife Abigail: “It ought to be solemnized with pom and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” Have a Star Spangled 4th!

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was started on July 4, 1916 by four immigrants who were arguing about who was the most patriotic. The winner that year ate 13 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Last year, 59 hot dogs were consumed in 10 minutes. Who will be “the most patriotic” this year?

The lasting images of America are not just of flags, carved monuments, or bald eagles…

Live feed. On in the 1 o’clock hour. http://www.foxnews.com/strategyroom/ . I’ll be discussing all things RED, WHITE & BLUE and where to find the Star Spangledy-est Celebrations in America.

Fabulous Fifteen-Minute Fondue

I’m not a big cook, but after finding a few fondue pots at garage sales, I decided to revive a childhood favorite, adding a splash of Bailey’s Liqueur to my mom’s chocolate fondue recipe.

Serves 6 (double or triple if you’re having a bigger bash)

INGREDIENTS:
•12 oz package of milk chocolate morsels
•1/4 cup Bailey’s
•1 tablespoon butter
•Milk
•An assortment of pound cake chunks, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, orange sections, apple slices, pear slices

DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix ingredients in the top of a double boiler
2. Pour melted yumminess in fondue pot.
3. Eat with skewers. Take turns clockwise.
Fondue Etiquette: Don’t double dip! It’s unAmerican!

Makes 5 (1/4-cup) servings
Start to Finish: 15 minutes (I’m taking that to Rachael Ray!)

When you get a second-hand bargain–like my $9 mid-century lamp or the $5 I paid for an entire set of Bakelite flatware–I feel like you’ve earned the right to brag. In addition, you’re giving new life to something someone else was going to discard. And when I go out on my second-hand shopping adventures, even if I come back empty handed, I am filled with stories of junk; of oddities so freakish they belong in a sideshow, and of people and their varying tastes and proclivities. Second-handers are also generally willing to tell all they know about everything from fishing lures to Swanky Swigs and will be happy to help you figure out a way to get it off their property. What’s your favorite second-hand find?