​Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday night open thread. I hope everyone had fun this past Fourth of July weekend. I was tied up with work that evening, but my girlfriend and I managed to throw a little housewarming party at our apartment complex the following day. We had to improvise 30 minutes before the guests arrived, when we found out the community pool—and the BBQ grills we planned to use—were unexpectedly closed. That unexpected twist nudges me to a question: after a last-minute Home Depot run to grab a grill, I’m curious to hear from all you grill enthusiasts. I’ve long been intrigued by grilling, inspired by my dad’s skill with a charcoal grill, and this incident feels like the final nudge toward embracing my own destiny as someone who dives deep into grilling in his 30s. So, what are some practical tips you’d share about grilling, especially if you use charcoal? I’m open to anything—from techniques of the trade to recipes. Thanks in advance!
If grilling isn’t your thing, consider this: everyone needs a hobby. What’s yours? Have you picked up any new hobbies lately that you’d like to share and discuss?
Every summer, the NFL releases those player-voted Top 100 lists and fans get talking about the outcomes. While those lists are a bit silly, I still enjoy making my own. So I’d love to hear your top five all-time Steelers. Two simple rules: 1) they must be players you remember watching (no picking all-time legends from the 70s if you were born in the 80s and don’t recall them firsthand), and 2) these are your favorites, regardless of who was the most talented or influential to the franchise. Tell me who you’d choose and why.
I’m a movie buff, and every so often I like to ask about what shows and films people are enjoying. Lately, my girlfriend and I have been watching The Americans, the FX thriller about Cold War-era spies that we missed when it originally aired. I’m also excited to see The Odyssey in theaters and catch the latest Spider-Man installment later this month. What have you watched recently that you’d recommend? Are there any upcoming projects you’re eagerly awaiting?
Song of the Night: “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes. This track always evokes summer vibes for me and was perfect for my grilling session the other night. If you have a favorite summer song or a track that instantly puts you in the mood to grill, I’d love to hear it.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and favorite recommendations as we kick off another great weekend of football banter, hobbies, and film chatter.