Happy Independence Day!  On this date in 1776, the Second Continental Congress was hard at work finalizing the American Declaration of Independence. 

Now, over 200 years later, the nation they wanted to build is probably larger and older than politicians in the eighteenth century ever could have imagined.

 
Fireworks are a major part of Independence Day celebration around the country-- they're beautiful as long as they're being used safely!
Image from Public Domain, captured by SSGT. LONO KOLLARS.

There are two major ways that we commemorate this occasion-- one, through the outdoor preparation of food on a grill, and two, through the ignition of fireworks.  The first 4th of July firework display took place in 1777, years before the American Revolution was complete, and years before anyone could have been certain that it would even be successful.

Fireworks are a display of bravado and energy that appeal to American sensibilities, and for some people pyrotechnics (that's the fancy name for fireworks technology) are a way of life.  There are competitions where fireworks enthusiasts show off their skills at designing and launching precision fireworks routines both on the ground and in the air.  A good fireworks display on the 4th of July can wow people from far and wide and get them all thinking about just what America means in their life.

Fireworks displays definitely aren't just limited to those organized by professionals, however.  In a number of the states, fireworks are totally legal for the general public to purchase and set off-- and even in states where consumer fireworks aren't actually legal, people shoot them off anyway.  In my neighborhood of Brooklyn, the neighbors have already been setting off mortar shells and roman candles for weeks, even though they're not really allowed to be doing so.

So this 4th of July, make sure you're being as safe as possible.  The National Council on Fireworks Safety has a convenient website where you can look up fireworks laws by state, as well as a section on safety measures to take when handling fireworks.  According to the council, fireworks injuries have been on the rise for the past decade, even though many of the fireworks being sold in stores are actually becoming safer, and less likely to misfire. 

Fireworks can be very fun-- they can also be unpredictable and dangerous.

This could be due to people using unlicensed, home-made or less-than-legal fireworks which are not as safe as those being sold through legitimate channels.  The rise in injuries could also be cause by something as simple as a lack of education.  It's possible that children simply aren't being einformed about fireworks safety until it is too late. 

Fireworks are a part of American culture though, and they aren't going away any time soon.  Instead of trying to pretend that consumer fireworks don't exist in our communities, we should educate our friends and neighbors on how to use them safely while celebrating!

In my experience, even the most seemingly simple fireworks can be highly unpredictable.  I've seen low-key fireworks cause all kinds of unexpected damage, from fires to holes in the ground.  You can never be too careful with fireworks, so it's best to stand far away from them, wear protective eyewear, and avoid using one's hands as much as possible. 

Fireworks injuries are no joke!  But you can do things to prevent accidents, too.

Don't hold on to fireworks any more than you absolutely have to!  And if it isn't already totally obvious, it would be wise to avoid mixing fireworks with alcohol.  If you wouldn't drive a car under the influence, I don't think that playing with explosives is any smarter.  That said, have fun!  We can be safe and have a good time.

 Happy Fourth!  Enjoy the fireworks and be safe.

According to the Pentagon, there have been over 4,000 American casualties in Iraq since the American invasion in 2003. The war has been going on for far too long, and there are far too many reasons to be somber this Memorial Day.

In the face of the bad economy and ongoing violence, the most important thing we can do here at home is stay positive and work to make or local conditions as liveable and community-oriented as possible.

One way that lots of people celebrate is by barbecuing. I think this is great. Originating in the Caribbean, barbecuing made its way to America with French colonists and provided the southern states with methods for cooking and preserving meats that became a staple of the regional diet. Barbecuing is actually a big part of American history.

Barbecue-- the Great American Pasttime?

Barbecuing is also an arena for some heated competition. Barbecue is a sport, and like most other sports, has a great potential to make the world a better place. The American diet is often criticized for being made up of too many ready-to-eat fast foods with a lot of preservatives that give people problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Barbecue food isn't exactly heart-healthy either, but it is a gateway into the world of cooking that can get us preparing our own balanced meals instead of TV dinners.

Competition-level barbecue is usually slow-cooked, and a rack of ribs can sit over heat and smoke for eight or ten hours before being 'perfect'. We could all learn a thing or two about waiting and relaxing from the masters of barbecue. Military veterans have used barbecue to feed the homeless, too-- because the filling properties of smoked meat are just as useful to hungry people today as they were in the 18th-century American South.

Kansas City has a long history of providing a meeting ground for people and trade from all around the world.  As result, they have a long history of great BBQ!

Just to be clear, barbecue doesn't have to mean meat city. Portabella mushroom burgers, vegetable kabobs and grilled pineapples are all great nutrient-providing dishes that can satisfy the vegetarian grill-meister or balance out a barbecue meal to make it healthy and well-rounded. As far as I'm concerned, grilling is tied with Baseball for the most classic American past-time. Go grill, America!