Nine mosquito myths debunked

The first buzz of a mosquito is an unpleasant reminder that summer fun comes with a pesky price. We examined the science behind common mosquito myths and found that while some have a basis in reality, many are plain bunk. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance -- they carry harmful diseases such as encephalitis and malaria.

1. Lemon dish soap and Listerine repel mosquitoes

Fiction: This myth has been widely circulated around the Internet. According to the Florida Medical Entomology Lab at the University of Florida, these household products do not work to thwart mosquitoes. One of the most effective repellents is DEET. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends repellents with Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

If you use a product containing DEET, read the label and do not over-apply. DEET is a powerful chemical that can be harmful if used incorrectly. Make sure the repellent has an EPA-approved label and registration number. Use caution with small children and stick with a formulation that is made for kids.

2. Ultrasonic devices repel mosquitoes

Fiction: Save your money. According to the Department of Entomology at Purdue, these gadgets don't work. Bug zappers do kill mosquitoes, but they also electrocute many beneficial insects including those that eat mosquitoes, so the scientists at Purdue recommend against using them.

3. Taking B vitamins repels mosquitoes

Maybe: According to the Mayo Clinic, B vitamins change a person's odor, which may indeed make them less attractive to mosquitoes.

4. Eating garlic repels mosquitoes

Fiction: According to current research, consuming large amounts of garlic only works against vampires and bad dates.

5. Skin-So-Soft products repel mosquitoes

Fact: BUT, buyer beware: According to a study by the University of Florida, Skin-So-Soft and other products containing Citronella oil are only effective for between 3 and 10 minutes after application.

6. Creating a bat or insect-eating bird habitat will rid your yard of mosquitoes

Fiction: While these species do eat mosquitoes, they probably won't eat enough to make a noticeable difference at your next garden party.

7. Meat tenderizer calms an itchy bite

Fact: The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of meat tenderizer and forming a paste to apply to a bite. Using an ice pack can ease discomfort as well. OTC remedies to try: hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion.

8. Mosquitoes die after feeding

Fiction: Unfortunately, the female mosquito (males don't eat blood, they feed on nectar) can live to bite again. Females will die if they don't get their first blood meal, which they require in order to lay eggs.

9. Mosquitoes transmit the HIV virus

Fiction: According to scientists at the Centers for Disease Control, Rutgers University, and others, mosquitoes cannot transmit the HIV virus from human to human. They do carry the West Nile virus and other serious diseases.

Nearly one million people die each year from malaria, mainly children under the age of 5. You can help eradicate this preventable disease.

Tour de France 2010: The winners

The 2010 Tour de France started on Saturday, July 3, in Rotterdam, and finished in Paris on Sunday, July 25. In between, the race provided a rollercoaster ride for riders and fans alike.

On this page we chart the stage winners, plus the wearers of the four main classification jerseys after each stage: Overall classification (yellow jersey); points classification (green jersey); king of the mountains classification (polka dot jersey); and best young rider classification (white jersey).


Tour de France 2010
Kilometres completed: 3,641.9km
Final overall classification top ten
1. Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana in 91-58-48
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank at 39 seconds
3. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank at 2-01
4. Samuel Sanchez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi at 3-40
5. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma at 6-54
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank at 9-31
7. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin-Transitions at 10-15
8. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Katusha at 11-37
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas at 11-54
10. Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack at 12-02
----------------------------------------------------------- 

Prologue, Saturday, July 3
Rotterdam, individual time trial, 8.9km
Winner: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank (worn by David Millar (GB) Garmin-Transitions)
Mountains jersey: None awarded
White jersey: Tony Martin (Ger) HTC-Columbia

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage one, Sunday, July 4
Rotterdam to Brussels, 223.5km
Winner: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
Mountains jersey: None awarded
White jersey: Tony Martin (Ger) HTC-Columbia

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage two, Monday, July 5
Brussels to Spa, 201km
Winner: Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step
Yellow jersey: Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step
Green jersey: Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step (worn by Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini)
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Tony Martin (Ger) HTC-Columbia

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage three, Tuesday, July 6
Wanze to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, 213km
Winner: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage four, Wednesday, July 7
Cambrai to Reims, 153.5km
Winner: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage five, Thursday, July 8
Épernay to Montargis, 187.5km
Winner: Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky

-----------------------------------------------------------

Stage six, Friday, July 9
Montargis to Guegnon, 227.5km
Winner: Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage seven, Saturday, July 10
Tournus to Station des Rousses, 165.5km
Winner: Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step
Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Stage eight, Sunday, July 11
Station des Rousses to Morzine-Avoriaz, 189km
Winner: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Yellow jersey: Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------  

Stage nine, Tuesday, July 13
Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 204.5km
Winner: Sandy Casar (Fra) Francaise des Jeux
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------   

Stage 10, Wednesday, July 14Chambéry to Gap, 179km
Winner: Sergio Paulinho (Por) RadioShack
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------    

Stage 11, Thursday, July 15
Sisteron to Bourg-lès-Valence, 184.5km
Winner: Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Jerome Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------     

Stage 12, Friday, July 16
Bourg-de-Péage to Mende, 210.5km
Winner: Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Katusha
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------     

Stage 13, Saturday, July 17
Rodez to Revel, 196km
Winner: Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------     

Stage 14, Sunday, July 18
Revel to Ax 3 Domaines, 184.5km
Winner: Christophe Riblon (Fra) Ag2r-La Mondiale
Yellow jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank, worn by Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank

-----------------------------------------------------------      

Stage 15, Monday, July 19
Pamiers to Bagneres-de-Luchon, 187.5km
Winner: Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------      

Stage 16, Tuesday, July 2010
Winner: Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------    

Stage 17, Thursday, July 22
Winner: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey:  Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------    

Stage 18, Friday, July 23
Winner: Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------    

Stage 19, Saturday, July 24
Winner: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
White jersey: Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank

-----------------------------------------------------------   

Stage 20, Sunday, July 25
Winner: Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana
Green jersey: Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre
Mountains jersey: Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
Team: RadioShack

-----------------------------------------------------------    

Tour de France 2010: Days in yellow jerseyFabian Cancellara: 6
Alberto Contador: 6
Andy Schleck: 6
Sylvain Chavanel: 2
Cadel Evans: 1
----------------------------------------------------------- 
Tour de France 2010: Stage wins by team HTC-Columbia: 5
Saxo Bank: 4
Bbox Bouygues Telecom: 2
Lampre-Farnese Vini: 2
Quick Step: 2
Ag2r-La Mondiale: 1
Astana: 1
Cervelo: 1
Francaise des Jeux: 1
Katusha: 1
RadioShack: 1
----------------------------------------------------------- 
Tour de France 2010: Wins by nation
France: 6
Great Britain: 5
Italy: 2
Luxembourg: 2
Switzerland: 2
Kazakhstan: 1
Norway: 1
Portugal: 1
Spain: 1

Le Tour de France

One word. If I had to use just one word to define the links that unite the Vendée and the Tour, without hesitation I would say: passion!
A shared passion for an event that is a century old, a wonderful popular celebration and for an authentic and innovative land, a place of liberty and challenges, where traditions and the future live in harmony.
So, after 1976, 1993, 1999 and 2005, the Tour de France will again be coming to the Vendée in 2011. At the turn of the century, each Tour de France whose Grand Start took place in the Vendée crowned dominant champions: firstly Miguel Indurain with his show of power on the Côte du Fossé in the prologue of the 80th edition, a foretaste of his performance throughout the event of which we still have vivid memories; and secondly Lance Armstrong, for his first triumph soon after recovering from cancer, then for his last triumph during a farewell tour, which we now know was not a definitive conclusion to his career.
Of all the many images of the Tour that I can remember, the pack crossing the Passage du Gois in 1999 is definitely one of the most exciting, in fact probably the finest that I have ever seen on a flat stage. Since the tide allows us, we will be back on this inimitable road in July 2011, during the initial parade, before the official starting ceremony, several minutes before the actual start of the race.
We have designed this first stage to be a "linear" one, in a similar way to the successful experience enjoyed in Brittany in 2008. It will link the Ocean with the Mont des Alouettes at the heart of the Vendée, which is an ideal summit for a finish where punchers and sprinters will battle for the first Yellow Jersey of the 98th Tour de France.
The following day, a team time-trial - only 23 kilometres long, no more, no less to keep the race fluid - will force the favourites to show their mettle for the first time, then the race will move to Olonne-sur-Mer, from where we will head to other regions and new adventures.
But we already know that even before the first kilometre, the presentation of the riders at Le Puy du Fou will have dazzled the crowds, just like Cinéscénie, which recounts the history of the Vendée, fascinates each summer hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Saturday 2^nd July

FIRST STAGE

Passage du Gois > Mont des Alouettes: 180 km

A Grand Start between sky and sea… The official start of the 98th edition of the Tour de France will take place at the Passage du Gois. Linking the continent to the island of Noirmoutier and measuring 4.5 km in length, the Passage du Gois is a submersible road covered twice daily at high tide, but which remains fully accessible at low tide.
Beforehand, the starting ceremony will take place in Fromentine followed by a parade along the island of Noirmoutier. Then, once they have rejoined terra firma, the pack will wind its way through the Vendée, firstly along mainly flat roads towards the south, before heading northeast towards Les Herbiers through more rolling countryside. The finishing line will be based at Mont des Alouettes whose summit stands at 232 metres. The Mont des Alouettes was a strategically important site during the Wars of the Vendée (1793-1796).

Sunday 3^rd July

SECOND STAGE

Les Essarts > Les Essarts - Team time-trial: 23 km

The second day in the Vendée will witness the return of the team time trial, a stage not included in the programme for the Tour de France 2010. It will be contested over a 23 km circuit with the start and finish at Les Essarts.
The route will follow a loop to the west of the town, mainly on the flat and straight roads in the Bocage of the Vendée, passing through the towns of Boulogne and La Merlatière in particular.

Bastille Day (French National Day)

Date: 14 July

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.

Although the Bastille only held seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens; like the Tricolore flag, it symbolized the Republic's three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens. It marked the end of absolute monarchy, the birth of the sovereign Nation, and, eventually, the creation of the (First) Republic, in 1792.

Bastille Day was declared the French national holiday on 6 July 1880, on Benjamin Raspail's recommendation, when the new Republic was firmly entrenched. Bastille Day has such a strong signification for the French because the holiday symbolizes the birth of the Republic.

As in the US, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, in France the storming of the Bastille began the Great Revolution. In both countries, the national holiday thus symbolizes the beginning of a new form of government.

On the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Bastille, delegates from every region of France proclaimed their allegiance to a single national community during the Fête de la Fédération in Paris - the first time in history that a people had claimed their right to self-determination.

The French Revolution The French Revolution had numerous causes which are greatly simplified and summarized here: Parliament wanted the king to share his absolute powers with an oligarchic parliament. Priests and other low-level religious figures wanted more money. Nobles also wanted to share some of the king's power. The middle class wanted the right to own land and to vote. The lower class were quite hostile in general and farmers were angry about tithes and feodal rights. Some historians claim that the revolutionaries were opposed to Catholicism more than to the king or the upper classes.

Philippine Independence Day

Independence Day in Philippines

One of the most significant dates in the Philippine’s history is Independence Day because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. Filipinos celebrate it annually on June 12.

What do People do?

Independence Day is a day when many people, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades.  However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute.  Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.

Public life

The Philippine’s Independence Day is a national holiday so government offices are closed.  There are absolutely no classes in all schools.  Many business establishments are closed except shopping centers. Public transport such as buses, passenger jeeps, and tricycles still operate but their routes may be limited due to the closure of streets used for parades.      

Background

The annual June 12 observance of Philippine’s Independence Day came into effect after past President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964.  This Act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization.  The Philippines’ flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898.  However, liberty was short-lived because Spain and the United States did not recognize the declaration.
The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the war between Spain and the United States. Spain surrendered the entire archipelago comprising the Philippines to the United States.  The Philippines started a revolt against the United States in 1899 and achieved national sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.  Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166, which set out to move the holiday to June 12, was approved on August 4, 1964.

Symbols

The Flag of the Republic of the Philippines, representing the country is symbolized by the following:

• Royal blue field – peace, truth, and justice.
• Scarlet red field – patriotism and valor.
• White triangle – equality and brotherhood. 
• Three stars on the corners of the triangle – the three main geographical regions of the country namely Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
• The sun at the center of the triangle – has eight rays representing the eight Philippine provinces that started the revolt against Spain.

The flag is seen in various places across towns and cities in the Philippines during the country’s Independence Day.  Many cars also sport miniature flags on this day.

Independence Day Observances

Note: Employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to their daily basic wage for any unworked regular holiday.

Weekday	Date	Year	Name	Holiday type
Thu	Jun 12	1980	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Fri	Jun 12	1981	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sat	Jun 12	1982	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sun	Jun 12	1983	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Tue	Jun 12	1984	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Wed	Jun 12	1985	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Thu	Jun 12	1986	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Fri	Jun 12	1987	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sun	Jun 12	1988	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Mon	Jun 12	1989	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Tue	Jun 12	1990	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Wed	Jun 12	1991	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Fri	Jun 12	1992	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sat	Jun 12	1993	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sun	Jun 12	1994	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Mon	Jun 12	1995	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Wed	Jun 12	1996	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Thu	Jun 12	1997	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Fri	Jun 12	1998	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sat	Jun 12	1999	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Mon	Jun 12	2000	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Tue	Jun 12	2001	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Wed	Jun 12	2002	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Thu	Jun 12	2003	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sat	Jun 12	2004	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Sun	Jun 12	2005	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Mon	Jun 12	2006	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Tue	Jun 12	2007	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Thu	Jun 12	2008	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Fri	Jun 12	2009	Independence Day	Regular Holiday
Mon	Jun 14	2010	Independence Day	Regular Holiday

American Independence Day

Independence Day in United States

 

Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Many people display the American flag on their homes. The celebrations have deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.

What do people do?

Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.
Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.
Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.

Public life

Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations.
There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.

Background

In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.
The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791.
Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers.

Symbols

The most common Independence Day symbol is the American flag. Its design is displayed in all possible ways on July 4 and can be seen in front of homes and buildings. Other symbols associated with Independence Day are the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in New York and the fireworks viewed all over the United States. Sometimes large civic works such as the Erie Canal and the Washington Monument start on July 4, emphasizing their contribution to the economy and culture of the United States.

Weekday	Date	Year	Name	Holiday type
Fri	Jul 4	1980	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	1981	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	1981	Independence Day	National holiday
Sun	Jul 4	1982	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 5	1982	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Mon	Jul 4	1983	Independence Day	National holiday
Wed	Jul 4	1984	Independence Day	National holiday
Thu	Jul 4	1985	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 4	1986	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	1987	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	1987	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 4	1988	Independence Day	National holiday
Tue	Jul 4	1989	Independence Day	National holiday
Wed	Jul 4	1990	Independence Day	National holiday
Thu	Jul 4	1991	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	1992	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	1992	Independence Day	National holiday
Sun	Jul 4	1993	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 5	1993	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Mon	Jul 4	1994	Independence Day	National holiday
Tue	Jul 4	1995	Independence Day	National holiday
Thu	Jul 4	1996	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 4	1997	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	1998	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	1998	Independence Day	National holiday
Sun	Jul 4	1999	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 5	1999	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Tue	Jul 4	2000	Independence Day	National holiday
Wed	Jul 4	2001	Independence Day	National holiday
Thu	Jul 4	2002	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 4	2003	Independence Day	National holiday
Sun	Jul 4	2004	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 5	2004	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Mon	Jul 4	2005	Independence Day	National holiday
Tue	Jul 4	2006	Independence Day	National holiday
Wed	Jul 4	2007	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 4	2008	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	2009	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	2009	Independence Day	National holiday
Sun	Jul 4	2010	Independence Day	National holiday
Mon	Jul 5	2010	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Mon	Jul 4	2011	Independence Day	National holiday
Wed	Jul 4	2012	Independence Day	National holiday
Thu	Jul 4	2013	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 4	2014	Independence Day	National holiday
Fri	Jul 3	2015	Independence Day observed	National holiday
Sat	Jul 4	2015	Independence Day	National holiday

St. Bernard

       The Saint Bernard is a giant, strong, muscular dog. As long as the weight stays in proportion with the height, the taller the dog the more prized. The massive head is powerful. The muzzle is short, wider than it is long. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is broad, with wide open nostrils and like the lips are black in color. The medium sized eyes are set somewhat to the sides and are dark in color. The medium sized ears are set high, dropping and standing slightly away from the head. The legs are muscular. The feet are large with strong well-arched toes. The long tail is broad and powerful at the base held low when the dog is relaxed. Dewclaws are usually removed. There are two types of coat: rough, and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black, in various combinations. The face and ears are usually black. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there is feathering on the thighs and legs.

Our Mission

To act as a shepherd for Saint Bernard dogs and puppies that are without suitable caretakers and are in need of help; to shelter the homeless; to care for and find homes for the unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused; to feed the hungry; to provide medical services to the sick, injured and lame; to assist in the rescue of those subjected to conditions hazardous to their well-being or to confinement in government or private shelter, who without intervention would be needlessly Euthanize; to provide for the humane disposition of those not sound in mind, body or temperament; to educate the public as to the characteristics of, and proper care for, the breed so as to promote compatible, loving, lasting home/family placements; to educate the public as to responsible pet ownership so as to prevent accidental litters and to prevent inhumane trafficking in puppies and dogs, and so as to promote the most humane manner of disposition of pets at journey's end; to encourage, promote and support research respecting the breed that explores or improves relations between the breed and owners or sheds light on the causes of abandonment, neglect or abuse, or promotes the public's understanding of the special characteristics and attributes of the breed or that is designed to improve the welfare of the breed in any manner. Though the Foundation is established to provide services primarily to the Saint Bernard, the foundation will not refuse services to any dog in need of immediate and caring attention.