Day 362-Happy 4th of July!

Since today is our country's birthday, I thought it'd be poor form to write another post about moi. So I searched NYTimes.com in hopes of disovering a patriotic and somewhat worthwhile article to share. While I'm sure someone is manning the desk at 620 Eighth Avenue today, they're a little late in posting fun facts about the holiday so here's an alternative from Senior Editor Jane Farrell at http://www.bettyconfidential.com/. Maybe next year the New York Times will be deliver.

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About the Fourth of July
The secret history of our nation’s greatest holiday!

The first Independence Day celebrations weren’t held on July 4.
The colonists waited until July 25, 1776 instead. Celebrations took place in Williamsburg, Virginia; Trenton, New Jersey; and New York City. Residents of the first two cities had parades; New Yorkers, who were pretty tough even in those days, decided to melt a lead statue of the British King George III to make bullets.

Go NYC!

The father of our country didn’t mind a little booze. For the celebration in 1778, George Washington issued a double allowance of rum to each of his soldiers. It’s not known if he issued any to himself. But if he did, he deserved it.

Personally, I'll be partaking in a sweet tea vodka cocktail

Participants in Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest have to win qualifying rounds. You mean you don’t get into the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk barf fest just by signing up? No, you don’t. You have be either the defending champion or the winner of a qualifying regional round. Or (though this has caused controversy) you can be invited by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. Yes, there really is such a group. They even have a website.

I do have talent for downing a Dominos Pizza. Perhaps time to expand my horizons? In the moment, after all!

Only one president was born on July 4. That would be our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, who was called “Silent Cal” because he said as little as possible as often as possible. His birthdate may be the most interesting thing about him.

Nothing to say here, which seems perfectly reasonable given this lackluster fact.

Most of our fireworks aren’t made in the U.S…According to federal statistics, we imported $217 million worth of fireworks in 2009; $209 million worth came from China. On the other hand, we exported just $42.9 million worth of fireworks in that same year, with one third of the total going to the United Arab Emirates. What’s that about?

Always amazed to see that the United Arab Emirates has a hand in just about everything these days. Talk about ambition!

….but the best ones still are. And you can have them for your wedding.
The Grucci family, a fifth-generation pyrotechnics dynasty that has produced the spectacular July 4 fireworks on New York City’s East River, does private engagements as well. Want to have the most memorable U.S.-made fireworks you’ve ever seen exploding over your wedding reception or your kid’s birthday party? Minimum: $5,000 for 2-3 minutes. Just think how jealous everyone will be.

Back to the weddings, AGAIN? Another day, another point for the blog.

Food manufacturers really, really want you to have lots of snacks on July 4.
Because, you know, we need more soda, pretzels, chips and loaded potato skins. The Snack Food Association brings us the news that July 4 is among the biggest snacking days; others include Super Bowl Sunday and Labor Day. The SFA says it works to “incorporate snacks into these celebrations.” Something tells us that’s not such a hard job.

I actually had quite the beach splurge yesterday, but if our nation really needs me, I'm sure I can scrounge up something yummy to enjoy

Three of the first five presidents died on July 4. Eerily, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the second and third presidents, both died on July 4, 1826, about six hours apart. James Monroe, the fifth president, died July 4, 1831.

Mysterious...

Hundreds of U.S. soldiers are becoming citizens this year. Soldiers who entered our armed forces even before becoming citizens, as well as military spouses, will become citizens in ceremonies held at sites including Baghdad, Iraq; Frankfurt, Germany; Okinawa, Japan; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; and Fort Sill, Okla. Happy Fourth to them all!

The most important reminder for the day!

This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the 50-state flag. Hawaii was the last state to join the Union, in August 1959, but because a star is added only by the first July 4 after a state joins, the 50-star flag didn’t fly until July 4, 1960.

I've always wanted to visit every state. Since Hawaii joined last, I think it only fitting to see it first. Perhaps a single girl's honeymoon is in order?

After all...

I'm off the market & in the moment!