The Bruce Springsteen of Queens: Born in the USA?

Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog thats been beat too much
Till you spend half your life just covering up

Born in the U.S.A., I was born in the U.S.A.

The BSOQ here, stroking my Springsteenian scruff, a little disillusioned. After a confusing Independence Day in this U.S. of A., I have one question: Where are the true Americans?

A day meant for listening to The Boss and high-fiving, it seems some people have forgotten what this holiday is all about. They’ve resorted to a fast food, low-carb, high-bullshit approach to liberty. You can’t Google your way to the heart and soul of America.

Because the 4th of July is not about restaurants. And it’s not about lounges. And it’s not about finding a “cute outfit” to impress that “hottie” you just met at the local “I-cafe.”

It’s about 2 things. Beer and barbecue. That simple.

So this week I am not going to tell about some trendy new panty store on the corner of Hoity and Toity. I’m not gonna chew your ear off about some bratty bourgeoise baby bar where you can drink from a glass shaped like a newborn panda.

What I will tell you is THANK YOU. Thank you for being the kind of American who isn’t afraid to drink an ice cold Coors Light, fresh off the Rockies. Thank you for having the courage to eat red meat until your digestive system shuts down. Thank you for taking the initiative to give the finger to anyone drinking out of martini glass.

And when it rained, you gritted your teeth, marched inside from your roof or backyard, cooked those greasy burgers and sloppy dogs on your George Foreman Grill and watched the fireworks on TV. And you didn’t even think about it. Because it was instinct. Because that’s the American way.

Thank you for being a true American. There aren’t many of us left.

I know this is a blog about Queens and the cool things it has to offer, but this week I wanted to take a little time for some WWBD (What Would Bruce Do). And I don’t think Bruce would compromise his beliefs for some corporate sponsorship at Applebee’s or TGI Friday’s. Neither will I. And believe me, they have tried.

Because I am America. I am the Bruce Springsteen of Queens .

Who’s comin’ with me!

Springsteen of the Week! Springsteen of the Week!

Gail Myers and Benjamin Franklin!

This week’s award goes to none other but two of America’s finest. Everyone’s favorite third grade teacher and everyone’s favorite intellectual. Gail Myers and Benjamin Franklin.

Gail Myers

Gail to her friends, Ms. Myers if your nasty, this soldier of celebration woke up with an ice-cold Coors Light and an Amerimosa (a mimosa with Grand Marnier). Then she powered through her day singing, dancing, prancing and romancing like she was wearing red, white and blue body paint. The only thing she didn’t do was stage-dive off of the roof. But she did stage-dive right into our hearts.

And we caught you Gail. We caught you.

At a moment of truth, faced with the dilemma of a hamburger or a hot dog, she dug deep and looked inside herself and found America .

She ate both. And conquered all.

Quote of the Day: “(singing) Summer of 69 . . . what’s the name of that song?”

Dance Move of the Day: The Charleston Shuffle

Benjamin Franklin

An oldie but goodie, and much like Meyers, an American icon, Ben Franklin believed in living life to the fullest. Drink a glass of wine. Eat an entire turkey. Live in Paris for 10 years. Invent electricity. Whatever. That’s just Tuesday for him.

And when my barbecue was in trouble, BF came through. The party started off with a bang, but simultaneous Foreman Grilling and a blown fuse later, the fear was palpable. But then I remembered, I have a Ben Franklin Mini-Breaker Fuse. Armed with a slight buzz and the wisdom of a great man before me, I glided down the stairs to the basement, pressed the reset button, and wallah! We had power. And a salvaged 4th of July party.

Thank you Mr. Franklin. All of your accomplishments pale in comparison to this.

Quote of his life: “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

So here’s to you Gail Myers and Benjamin Franklin, two great minds, true Americans, true educators, true Springsteens of the Week.

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