Pen-Elayne on the Web

Stand in the Place Where You Live

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has a nice page on the Declaration of Independence, incluidng a transcript of the complete text. Please note, "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government," apparently refers to a different George, not this one (the BuzzFlash Declaration via Cindy Roy, link at sidebar). Also for your reading pleasure courtesy of NARA, the complete text of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Very nice website.

My Google search on "patriotic posters" turned up this. I was actually looking for this July 4 flyer because I couldn't remember who on my blogroll mentioned it a few weeks ago so I figured I'd Google it; do check out the rest of the Peace Pretzel project while you're at it. Nice stuff. Also, today might be an appropriate time to peruse Micah's Propaganda Remix again. It's patriots like these who make me proud to be an American. Oh, and speaking of Google, if you get a chance click on their spiffy July 4 logo for a spate of websites on the History of Independence Day.

But what would this holiday be without sweltering-heat-inspired silliness? So you'll find me glued to the TV at noon, watching the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and rooting for, you guessed it, Japanese phenom Tekero Kobiashi to walk away with his third straight yellow belt. Only in America! And of course there's the nationally-televised Macy's Fireworks Spectacular tonight; if you're one of the idiots going, I have no sympathy for you whatsoever (I've done it exactly once, and learnt my lesson quickly) but NY.com suggests you take along headphones and a radio to both listen to the "specially recorded musical accompaniment" and protect your ears from the "bombs bursting in air." Not sure if the National Independence Day Parade is televised, though. Mostly I'll be watching the Travel Channel (another new one for us; not as good as the Food Network but a very welcome addition nonetheless) as they present their Amazing Americathon because, well, it's like this: The way I see it, people aren't all that much different wherever you go. Most of us have a fondness for the place where we were born or where we live. Politically every country has their ideals and the reality could be a lot better just about everywhere. But what makes America cool to me is the place itself, the amazing panorama of scenery that you find throughout the country. So I'm looking forward to exploring it all from the air-conditioned comfort of my apartment. Now that's America, buddy!