the buzz log

The Declaration of Independence has made a comeback.

Not that the founding statement of breaking from the Mother Country ever went out of fashion. However, dramatic readings of the 1,337-word document have returned, just like in the late 1700s.

The History Channel website gives a detailed overview of how the declaration came to be written, first from Richard Henry Lee's resolution to cut ties to the British Crown, to Thomas Jefferson hunkering over his handmade portable desk, to the arguments over changes and cuts—among them, criticism over the "execrable commerce" of the slave trade.

Incidentally, the National Archives in England just announced unearthing another original copy of the historical document. A researcher came across the find months ago, and by accident, but the Brits conveniently timed the news for the American holiday. As if they could hog all the attention.

The U.S. government archives has electronic copies, for people who want to do their own readings from the almost-real thing. For those who prefer being read to, NPR continues its tradition—now going on 21 years—of airing a reading by its newscasters, accessible here.

Filed under: Holidays, History, Reading, Fourth of July

Independence Day is the time to come together with kin and community, to admire the bravery of America's founders, and to eat like there is no tomorrow.

The economy may have dampened travel and pyrotechnic shows, but the hot dog-eating contest will go on. Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest (now that's a mouthful) is the crown jewel of Major League Eating. If you don't believe it's a $10-mil industry, read the Forbes article.

In case the sight of men and women gorging on meat tubes doesn't satisfy, organizers have made a circus show of out of this year's competition. Literally. Circus elephants Bunny, Susie, and Minnie will face off with human gurgitators Juliet Lee, Gravy Brown, and Patrick Bertoletti in what's being billed as the "First-Ever Cross-Species Eating competition." (Apparently, the organizers don't count the "Man vs. Beast" FOX special when a Kodiak bear crushed then-hot dog eating champ Takeru Kobayashi.)

The six-minute pachyderm appetizer event takes place July 3. In concession to elephants' dietary restrictions (they're herbivores), contestants will only be eating the buns. Animal rights activists feel nauseous over the elephantine event, and at least one "mindful eating" proponent's not thrilled about the human involvement either. 

But, as sure as illegal firecrackers on a neighborhood street, the Coney Island hot dog tradition will go on, with defending champ Joey Chestnut trying to hold his own against former six-time champ Kobayashi. ESPN will again air the gullet-guster at noon (ET) on July 4. Don't forget the mustard-flavored popcorn. 

Filed under: TV, Holidays, Food, Contests, Fourth of July

How do you show your love of America? Speechifying? Shopping? Flag-waving?

Celebrating the country's birthday usually means minding your p's and p's, like parades and pyrotechnics. However, nothing can quell a Buzz upswelling of "patriotism." Indeed, people simply seek out "patriotic" (+102%) and see what the searches bring. While in the "patriotic" mode, a few people also take the time to salute the "flag," "stars and stripes," and "god bless america."

After a decline, public interest in the "patriot act" is up over the past few weeks and that interest has pushed it to the top of our patriot-related searches. Perhaps the spate of news stories of FBI surveillance errors and the ongoing Alberto Gonzales drama may have revived scrutiny for "patriot act summary," "patriot act pros and cons," and "patriot act vs. bill of rights."

As for the last item on our Buzz patriotic call-out, yes, people proudly sport their love of country on their vehicle. In America, the mighty mobile rules. Have a happy Fourth.

Filed under: Holidays, Fourth of July