Some links for the 4th of July 2009

In the United States, the 4th of July is Independence Day. Where I come from, it's basically when the Americans celebrate their independence, and depending who you ask, they may point out how ironic given that the U.S. keeps a colony (namely Puerto Rico, but as I said, it depends on who you ask).

Anyhow, in the interest of the holiday, here are some links for your edification and/or amusement:

• The government website, usa.gov, has a nice little collection of links for the 4th of July. You can get connected to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, information about fireworks, safety tips for fireworks and barbecues, and some other goodies.
  
• The Census Bureau has put together some 4th of July Facts. For example, did you know that "eleven places have 'independence' in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 110,704 residents."
• The Library of Congress has some items as well here.

Eating? Here are some ideas:

• Are you having a barbecue or cooking? The Food Network has a page on 4th of July food.
• However, the USDA would like to remind you about food safety this 4th of July. They give some tips of food handling safety and making sure you cook at the right temperature. Getting food poisoning is not fun. You can also Ask Karen about food safety and preparation (it's the USDA's virtual knowledge base on the topic).
• From Epicurious, here is a whole planner to help you celebrate: menus, recipes, so on.
• There is a Squidoo lens on avoiding barbecue accidents. From safety tips to a Simpsons clip.
  

Are you drinking this 4th of July? Please do so in moderation. Here are some places to get some cocktail and drink ideas:

• From the eHow site, here is "How to make 4th of July" drinks. The site has some other things to help you celebrate as well.
• I like the selection of 4th of July drinks at Drinkhacker.
• And here are a few more from Hostess With the Mostess blog.
  
• Some of you may choose not to consume alcohol. That is cool. Here are some drink recipes with and without alcohol. Via Crafters Community.
  

Of course, this selection would not be complete without a word or two about the fireworks:

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision has a fact sheet on fireworks safety. In fact, they have whole section on the subject here.
• From CBS News, the obligatory fireworks safety demo and story with dummies and watermelons.
• Here are 11 Videos of Irresponsible Fireworks Use.
  

Whatever you do, do not follow the example of the LAAF (Liberation Army Against Freedom) when it comes to fireworks and explosives. It is not very politically correct, but it is funny. For example:





And finally, it is said that the Declaration of Independence may have been meant to be performed rather than just read on a text. Here we have a dramatic reading (if you are impatient, the reading itself starts at 4:45, but watching the beginning is well worth it too. Just watch the whole thing). I leave my three readers with this, and for the ones in the U.S. (or Americans abroad), I wish you a happy and safe 4th of July.



Declaration of Independence reading video found via YesButNoButYes.

And for reference purposes, here is the post on the library display we did for the 4th of July and American Independence, from my workplace's blog.


Update note (7/8/09): I came across this after I made the post, but I am sure someone probably experienced one of the experiences on the list. Here are "7 Things That Will Happen at Your Family 4th of July BBQ." (via Holy Taco). In my case (not this year, but in the past, I have had the older relative who would say a racist thing or two. The stories I could tell).