Happy 250th Anniversary!

Courtesy Robert and Holly

Anybody remember this?

I was just a kid. I wore an Uncle Sam costume my mom made, and my sister was Lady Liberty, complete with torch. My dad helped me rig up this old heavy wood-sided cart, and I painted each side with American flags. The cart was on hard rubber casters and didn’t move too good, but I…
— William M Briggs - Statistician to the Stars! (@FamedCelebrity) July 2, 2026

I remember community celebrations on ordinary Independence Days, too. How about you?

In particular, a person who will remain nameless here (with whom I had gone to a community program and who was featured on that program) accidentally stepped off the stage into a tub of watermelons at the park. Memorable!

* * * * *

Keeping Track of History

Frank Luntz:

This is an incredible account that posts moments from American history as they happened 250 years ago from the date of each tweet.

Thomas Jefferson submits the final draft of his Declaration of Independence to Continental Congress. pic.twitter.com/Z8xWYwU94x
— 1776 Live (@250YearsAgoLive) June 28, 2026

Go to the main page for the latest tweets from this account, but older ones are also interesting.

For some unknown reason, Thomas Jefferson is preoccupied this morning with recording the temperature.

He writes that upon awaking at 6 AM, the temperature is a pleasant 68.0 degrees Fahrenheit, but that it is creeping up toward 70.

On his way to Congress, Jefferson purchases a… pic.twitter.com/tdRojvAdol
— 1776 Live (@250YearsAgoLive) July 4, 2026

Continental Congress has convened for the day at the Pennsylvania State House.

The doors are shut and the windows shaded to keep the sun out as much as possible - and to keep out eavesdroppers and spies.

The delegates are stifling on the stuffy inside and we, the public, are… pic.twitter.com/i8X334eyQx
— 1776 Live (@250YearsAgoLive) July 4, 2026

The Cherokee Indians, allied with the British, launch a massive attack all along the western frontier, from Virginia to Georgia, against Patriot-held villages.

Citizens flee their homes in terror. pic.twitter.com/VEmwpIIkWq
— 1776 Live (@250YearsAgoLive) July 1, 2025

The tweets don't just address American history:

Catherine the Great ends her affair with advisor Grigory Potemkin after the love “lost its passion.” pic.twitter.com/CKwr5aTqZO
— 1776 Live (@250YearsAgoLive) July 3, 2026

* * * * *

Where do we go from here?

Year 251 Wilfred M. McClay

The 250th has once again brought the Declaration back into view, and much good can come of that fact, if we are willing and able to embrace it fully, courageously, with a willingness to hear what it is telling us. Let me try to suggest in what follows some of the ways the Declaration can be used as a tool to correct, reorient, and sharpen our sense of what is foundational to our way of life. Some of this work will involve correcting inaccurate notions of what the Declaration actually said.
First of all, it is vitally important to remember that the Declaration began by referring to the colonists for whom it spoke as a “people,” who were “entitled” to a “separate and equal status” by the laws of nature and “Nature’s God.” Those words formed the basis for all that follows. It was the “peoplehood” of the Americans, their sense of belonging together in their own separate land, that formed the basis for their declaring their independence. It did not come from their acceptance of some misty notion of America as “an idea” whose time has come, and which happens to have touched down from the heavens first in this particular place.
That the Declaration has universal implications, and has found favor all over the world as one of the great charters of human liberty, is certainly true; but it does not change the immediate context in which the Declaration emerged: as an expression of an important moment of self-recognition in the life of this particular political community. With the Declaration we declared ourselves to ourselves, proposing that we were now a distinct people among the peoples of the earth. “Something we were withholding made us weak,” wrote Robert Frost, “Until we found out that it was ourselves / We were withholding from our land of living.” The Declaration laid a foundation for the new thing that we were becoming. It was a declaration grounded in national solidarity, in the right of a people to define themselves and govern themselves.

After you read (or listen to) this piece, you might want to read Buck Throckmorton's Morning Rant from yesterday again, and listen to the music at the end. The rant also suggests the right of a people to define themselves and govern themselves. And the rant gives meaning to the music.

* * * * *

Weekend

Powerline has some good posts for the weekend, including their annual post on the address by Calvin Coolidge celebrating the 150 anniversary. The address features the Declaration of Independence.

And:

Steven Hayward: The Week in Pictures: Sophia and the 4th

Move over Sydney Sweeney: America has a new heroine perfectly fitted to the July 4 semiquincentennial today: She is Sophie Cunningham, Sophie being an adaptation of sophia, the ancient Greek word for wisdom. And sort of like Helen of Troy, our Sophie has launched a thousand memes. So as we celebrate today the sophia of our founding, let Sophie help point the way!

* * * * *

Music

Hope I got the right performance, Hadrian.

* * * * *

Hope you have something nice planned for this weekend.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Serving your mid-day open thread needs

* * * * *

Last week's thread, June 27, Let's go forward, not backward or sideways, in medicine!

Comments are closed so you won't ban yourself by trying to comment on a week-old thread. But don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Happy Independence Day, 'ettes and 'rons!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at July 04, 2026 11:01 AM (xVpNO)

2 Nooded.

Posted by: Nazdar at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (NcvvS)

3 Blade snags a first on the 250th?

Posted by: Elric the Blade at July 04, 2026 11:04 AM (FyPhv)

4 fOURTH ON THE FOURTH?

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM (/enuJ)

5 yeah us

Posted by: doug at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM (Hy+R4)

6 Roomy.

Posted by: Brother Tim, still standing at July 04, 2026 11:06 AM (mQbp+)

7 “Catherine the Great ends her affair with advisor Grigory Potemkin after the love “lost its passion.”

Mr Ed said “see ya later, loser!”

Posted by: Tom Servo at July 04, 2026 11:06 AM (H8EHh)

8
I'm told that because we're not perfect we have no reason to celebrate.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 11:07 AM (O0L8i)

9 I do indeed remember the 200th. My cousins and I went out into the cotton field next to my Uncle's farm where we sat there in the deep South Texas darkness and watched the fireworks from all around. Lovely evening...

How the hell did 50 years get past me that quick?

Posted by: Brewingfrog at July 04, 2026 11:07 AM (bdHbP)

10 Happiest of 250s everyone.

Deadline reported DC parade was cancelled.
Stay cool.

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog at July 04, 2026 11:08 AM (Sco7b)

11 Willowed:

322 >>They have degrees, credentials but zero knowledge of the actual world. I can't recall if it was Orwell or Lewis that said some things are so stupid that only the educated can believe them.

Look at the new wave of communists taking over the Democrat Party. Virtually all of them, including Mamdani, have never had a real job. Lots of education, zero real world knowledge.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:43 AM (viF8m)

No experience in running even a lemonade stand, but lots and lots of hubris. Collectivism is demonic -- it requires the commission of the Sins of Pride, Wrath, Envy and Greed. Any spirit of agape' is conspicuously absent, despite their protestations of caring about the downtrodden.

I jut don't get this argument. I, unlike all the "real world" types you adore, have never failed at anything. True, I've never attempted anything, but my record is perfect.

Posted by: Zorro Mamdani at July 04, 2026 11:09 AM (Riz8t)

12 I’ve seen very little 250 related stuff in my area. Granted 4th of July is celebrated here every year with a lot of excitement as it is. Just weird to see the 250th almost ignored.

Do people just not care about the number? Personally I think it’s cooler, more significant than 200. I wasn’t around in 1976 but from what I’ve read/heard it was yuuuge deal then.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 11:10 AM (Qlrgu)

13 Been watching the Navy celebration being held in NY.
Impressive.
But if that little pissant Mamdani keeps shooting his mouth off, a couple battalions of tanks rolling down Broadway will be just as impressive.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 04, 2026 11:10 AM (2WIwB)

14 Socialism’s appeal is simple. People love getting free shit. And will vote for those who promise it.
Children would happily vote for someone who promised them candy for dinner every night. Same concept.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 11:12 AM (Qlrgu)

15 i missed all the excitement for '76 'cause i was in yerp. dad didn't retire from the army until october '76.

Posted by: anachronda at July 04, 2026 11:14 AM (qdr3M)

16 Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Don’t Know What America’s 250th Is Celebrating

-
I think it was the birth of Keith Richards.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:14 AM (ndZc7)

17 Quite the show up in NYC. Must leave some conflicted.

On that note, some conflicted person there posted a photo on X of a subway car, dressed up in an Iranian flag motif.

The left never, ever misses a chance to rub your nose in their shit.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 11:14 AM (jehhT)

18 Taking colonial house tour

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 11:19 AM (qXs2h)

19 16 Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Don’t Know What America’s 250th Is Celebrating
-
I think it was the birth of Keith Richards.

I think it's the age of the milk in my frig.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 04, 2026 11:20 AM (Riz8t)

20 >>I wasn’t around in 1976 but from what I’ve read/heard it was yuuuge deal then.

It was. I graduated high school that year.

My senior yearbook:

https://tinyurl.com/4nuzt7mn

Posted by: one hour sober at July 04, 2026 11:21 AM (J4Dwc)

21 Earlier the Declaration of Independence was read from upstairs porch. Was easily couple hundred people for that

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 11:22 AM (qXs2h)

22 Happy 250th! As I said in the previous thread, "May the wings of liberty never lose a feather." Truly.

Going to spend the day grilling, movie watching, and fireworking.

Posted by: LizLem at July 04, 2026 11:22 AM (gWBY1)

23 Re Jefferson and the thermometer - according to AI thermometers were hard to get luxuries in the colonies at the time and generally could be found in hubs like Philadelphia via specialized merchants. Sounds like he picked up a cool techie souviner.

Posted by: Smellslikevictory at July 04, 2026 11:22 AM (jPdyB)

24 Had a Ruger mini 14 "liberty model".

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 11:23 AM (Kt19C)

25 Today we’re celebrating the defeat of Germany in WW2 on July 4th 1865. The end of the war was formally signed by President George W. Clinton in Philadelphia.

Posted by: Recent High School Graduate at July 04, 2026 11:24 AM (Qlrgu)

26 Given the heat and our lack of interest in being in crowds, the celebrations are at home today. However, there are going to be plenty of fireworks in my neighborhood.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 11:24 AM (/k3in)

27 Today we’re celebrating the defeat of Germany in WW2 on July 4th 1865. The end of the war was formally signed by President George W. Clinton in Philadelphia.

Posted by: Recent High School Graduate

Ummm, I think you forgot to mention the key role played by George Floyd.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 04, 2026 11:26 AM (Riz8t)

28 There was a Centennial celebration too. I happen to have a set of Centennial chairs--bought many (many) years ago at an auction in NYC. Summer, a small unairconditioned auction house, so not many people to bid.

Eight side chairs, two arm chairs. The backs are so intricately carved, I still stop and admire them. Two of the chairs are not in good shape, but I keep them till I can find someone to repair them properly.

At that time, small museums frequently used small auction houses when they were de-acquisitioning, and they did it anonymously, so there were occasionally great finds.

Anyway. A small reminder of a previous big day in 1876!

Posted by: Wenda at July 04, 2026 11:26 AM (3uyrB)

29 George Washington's favorite hoecake recipe:

https://www.mountvernon.org/inn/recipes/article/hoecakes

Posted by: LizLem at July 04, 2026 11:26 AM (gWBY1)

30 Yeah, well, I have to stay home and wash my hair that day.

Trump Floats White House Football Invite for Obama, Biden, and Bush

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:26 AM (ndZc7)

31 USAF Academy Band at Mt. Rushmore yesterday. Video on X. Unexpected vibes.

https://tinyurl.com/c4p8yk7x

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 11:27 AM (jehhT)

32 E Plebnista!... The Thing!

Posted by: Cloud William von Biden at July 04, 2026 11:28 AM (rgnea)

33 Having a Long Island Iced Tea to start the Celebration.

In a very real sense, The US exists because of Tea.

It's the elixir of Patriots.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 04, 2026 11:28 AM (XV/Pl)

34 The Bicentennial was a huge deal. Everything had a tie-in to it. Now? There are so many foreigners and America hating citizens in the nation they are actively mocking and sabotaging the 250th.

We need a cleansing.

Posted by: AZ Hi Desert (Gringo fuertemente armado-Tempus belli) at July 04, 2026 11:29 AM (HXBtj)

35 No invitation for me?

Posted by: President Bubba at July 04, 2026 11:30 AM (Qlrgu)

36 That Sophie girl is growing on me. She plays basketball? 'Cause I never see any basketball, but I see a lot of non-basketball stuff. Of course, it's the WNBA, so nobody else sees much of it, either.

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at July 04, 2026 11:30 AM (QaH55)

37 >>> Trump Floats White House Football Invite for Obama, Biden, and Bush

Trump is going to host Freddy the German at the WH! He sadly had an attempt to cancel him because he was having too much fun loving our country. Glad he's still going.

Trump met another world cup visitor and gave him a commemorative coin.

Posted by: LizLem at July 04, 2026 11:30 AM (gWBY1)

38 Fireworks have already started on the beach by the more patriotic among us. Some well brought up 7 or 8 year old has dug in and is returning fire as best he can with some whiffle balls. We've had a few flybys of some F-18s already. They have to be out of NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach.

Day drinking is fully underway and the college-aged lifeguards are completely overwhelmed.

Wish you all were here. No, really. It would be a blast.

Posted by: Tonypete at July 04, 2026 11:31 AM (NXz0i)

39 35 No invitation for me?
Posted by: President Bubba

Sorry, Bill. Hillary said she had plans for you that day.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 11:32 AM (/k3in)

40 Being on the cusp of 30 years of age makes you appreciate the little things.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at July 04, 2026 11:34 AM (cWLG3)

41 That Sophie girl is growing on me. She plays basketball? 'Cause I never see any basketball, but I see a lot of non-basketball stuff. Of course, it's the WNBA, so nobody else sees much of it, either.
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder

They're invading basketball!

Stephen A. Smith Stunned by Lakers’ Building Roster Around White Players: “3 White Dudes?!”

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:35 AM (ndZc7)

42 Very cool yearbook, One-hour-sober!

I also graduated in 1976. Our mortar board tassels had a Liberty Bell and '76 on them.

Posted by: Brunnhilde at July 04, 2026 11:35 AM (3AwA+)

43 I rode my 10 speed bike to the Washington Mall to watch the fireworks on the 200th. Difficult to leave crowd walking bike out afterwards. Busses to take crowds away afterwards were late.
I stopped at intersection of Spout Run Parkway and George Washington Parkway in Arlington to redirect cars driving up wrong side of the Parkway.

Posted by: CapeFear at July 04, 2026 11:37 AM (9I1qu)

44 A couple days ago Gutfeld and crew filmed a show from the Mall and they were visibly miserable and sweaty. Lots of folks out enjoying the pavilions though.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 04, 2026 11:37 AM (kpS4V)

45 Happy Birthday, Horde!
America is 250 years young, today!

God bless America!

I'm gonna blow some stuff up this evening, just to let everyone know how much I love this country!

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 11:39 AM (kU0PQ)

46 >>> @ThePatriotOasis
🔥🚨 EPIC FLYOVER! Dozens of fighter jets — including the legendary Blue Angels — are flying down the Hudson River near NYC.
Our military is putting on a massive show for the 250th! 🇺🇸🔥
What a sight!

"When people say something can't be done, Americans have always proven them wrong"

Posted by: LizLem at July 04, 2026 11:39 AM (gWBY1)

47 American know how.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2224125045194097

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:40 AM (ndZc7)

48 Reddit been hilarious with the World Cup. Tons of posts asking how can people afford these tickets, when we’re in the middle of a Trump economic depression. Or the offshoot of how can so many people from South American attend the games when they’re all living in poverty there? Or how can any non-white foreigner come here when ICE Gestapo is waiting to kill them all.

The left was convinced the WC would be a total disaster because the world was boycotting due to Trump and ICE. They also live in a world where everyone is broke because capitalism is baaaaad.

Now they’re seeing every game in 60-80k stadiums sold out with tickets going for thousands of dollars on resale websites. Foreigners having the time of their lives. And their brains are short circuiting. Everything they believe isn’t real.

It’s been amusing to witness.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 11:41 AM (Qlrgu)

49 Blue Trane can get you where you need to be in 19 minutes:
youtube.com/watch?v=FmkGg1lc0hc

Posted by: gp at July 04, 2026 11:42 AM (Jr5Lq)

50 The WNBA tries to downplay attractive players like Sophie. Don't want the bull dykes to feel left out.

Posted by: Wally at July 04, 2026 11:43 AM (0e5Te)

51 I remember the Bi-Centennial Quarter with the drummer man with muscles on the flip side.

That was back before Sackameepenis and that lesbian Susan B Anthony ruined minted coinage forever and dumb Americans voted in Jimmy Carter.

Posted by: Echoes of 76 at July 04, 2026 11:44 AM (g7saB)

52 E Plebnista!... The Thing!
Posted by: Cloud William von Biden at July 04, 2026 11:28 AM (rgnea)

You know, that episode is very timely in this 250th year. A great many seem to have lost the meaning of the words in that great document, hearing only that we have license instead of liberty. They happily cling to their wealth and tranquility and shun the animating contest of freedom.

Go out there today, and let the world know how much America means to you! Let them understand why you love America, even with all her wrinkles, at 250. And live such that all of the sacrifices of those in 1776 and after have been worth it!

God bless America!
(I don't care that I already said that.)

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 11:47 AM (kU0PQ)

53 ABC 7, eyewitness news
13 minutes ago

Spectacular military flyover ahead of Sail4th 250 on the Hudson
A parade in the sky of military aircraft led by the Navy's Blue Angels took place during Sail4th 250, a gathering of tall ships and military ships celebrating America's 250th birthday.

The French Air Force acrobatic squad Patrouille de France released a stream of red, white and blue while flying over the Hudson River and New York Harbor.

I must admit, there's nothing as exciting as NYC and the Blue Angles are always magnificent.

Have a lovely holiday weekend.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 11:47 AM (NFX2v)

54 We’ve been dominating the NBA for a while now.

Posted by: European Whites at July 04, 2026 11:48 AM (Qlrgu)

55 I wore wool crackerjacks.
- a squid

Posted by: Eromero at July 04, 2026 11:49 AM (LHPAg)

56 Very fine speech by Calvin Coolidge. Thanks for posting a link, K.T. And thanks for the entire thread.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 11:49 AM (D+BhG)

57 I love the "Top 3 Finger Pointers" meme at Powerline.

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 11:49 AM (kU0PQ)

58 Blue Angles > Crimson Curves

Posted by: gp at July 04, 2026 11:50 AM (Jr5Lq)

59
42 Very cool yearbook, One-hour-sober!

I also graduated in 1976. Our mortar board tassels had a Liberty Bell and '76 on them.
Posted by: Brunnhilde at July 04, 2026 11:35 AM (3AwA+)

Funny, I graduated in ‘77, but most of the friends I hung out with were in the class of ‘76. Some things never change!

Posted by: Tom Servo at July 04, 2026 11:52 AM (H8EHh)

60 I was a kid but I remember the 200th as a warm time, much like the World Cup fun and fellowship we are seeing. Don't recall any one particular thing, just the feeling and the energy from everyone all summer. Joy. Gratitude. One people. We were American and we loved it. Nobody had to remind you how rare and precious. We all knew it.

Posted by: Smellslikevictory at July 04, 2026 11:52 AM (jPdyB)

61 I happened to be in Washington DC in the summer of 1976, helping a friend move to the area. There was a festive holiday mood. Good feelings of unity in the country, unlike today.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at July 04, 2026 11:52 AM (WaTrL)

62 Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 11:41 AM (Qlrgu)

I have appreciated your updates . I don't watch soccer, although I'm not one of the folks who thinks it's like kickball, but I am glad about all the fans who have come here and appreciated things about the U.S.A and I certainly hope our team does well.

Keep up the good work!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 11:53 AM (D+BhG)

63 Happy 250th Morons and 'ettes!

Great photos and I LOVE that Sophie is Queen!

I guess the Dims and commies are sad today. We just had a flyover and I ran out on the deck in my nightgown and could not see the fighter planes. Imagine how Iran feels when they hear this sound of freedom!

I want a photo of them but they are gone by the time you hear them.

Have a great and safe celebration!

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at July 04, 2026 11:56 AM (hzuYO)

64 I went to see the Boston Pops on the Esplanade on July 4th, 1976. Huge crowd and great fireworks. They always put on a great show in Boston for the 4th but that was by far the biggest crowd I ever saw.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 11:58 AM (viF8m)

65 Oh, I do remember July 4, 1976. My family were at a beach house in Dauphin Island, Alabama. It was quiet on the beach that night except for fireworks here and there as my late brother and I had beer.

Tonight might not be a lot different, minus the beer and beach. Quiet as fireworks are banned in much of the Intermountain West due to drought. Rock on!

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at July 04, 2026 11:59 AM (hzuYO)

66 Happy 250th all ! You don't look a day over 249....

Posted by: It's me donna at July 04, 2026 11:59 AM (xp6Fy)

67
Land of Grand Tetons!

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:03 PM (Kt19C)

68 Tip for those making a red, white, and blue cake for Independence Day: use gel food coloring, it works better and gives you richer colors.*

*except for the "classic blue," it doesn't get dark, but the red does.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 04, 2026 12:03 PM (1Ff7Z)

69 Grigory Potemkin couldn't hang with the horse.

Posted by: tsj017 at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (xakWh)

70 Bulwark endorsed Mayor of Scranton (Joe Biden!) and current congressional candidate (PA-

Paige Cognetti wants all of America (including cops) to be gun free!
AI Overview
Scranton Mayor and Democratic congressional candidate Paige Cognetti expressed support for emulating Japan's gun-control laws and disarming police in a resurfaced 2020 virtual town hall. She stated she would "love to get to a world... where our police don't have firearms and where citizens are not carrying them either," citing her time living in Japan

Daily Caller: Dem Mayor Seeking To Flip Red Seat Blue Fantasized About Disarming Police, Citizens In Resurfaced Video
https:/tinyurl.com/4nn6zk7a

Politician Wants America Gun-Free Like Japan
Colion Noir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLAz7HmHofg

Posted by: BetaCuck4Lyfe at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (9aVck)

71 >>>That Sophie girl is growing on me.

She's quite attractive and mentioned recently on some popular podcast that she will marry at some point, looking for a man to take care of her (her words).

That had to have upset the feminazis listening in.

She's a male gaze magnet (strike one)

She plays in the lowly women's league that exists only because it is propped up financially by the widely more popular men's league (strike two)

She's looking for a man to take care of her (strike three)

Posted by: one hour sober at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (J4Dwc)

72 That Sophie girl is growing on me. She plays basketball? 'Cause I never see any basketball, but I see a lot of non-basketball stuff. Of course, it's the WNBA, so nobody else sees much of it, either.
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder

---

I like her style on and off the court. While playing, she is cool as a cucumber. And she really seems to be enjoying just living life. Good for her.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (EqY/n)

73 Just completed marching in a 250 parade. It seemed a nice bookend to my march in 1976. Pretty sure I won’t make 300

Posted by: Community Notes at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (GIU8b)

74 Paige Cognetti wants all of America (including cops) to be gun free!
So soon after pride month?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:07 PM (Kt19C)

75 Foreigners having the time of their lives.

That's probably the part that is pissing off the folks on Reddit the most. "HOW DARE THEY BE HAPPY! DON'T THE KNOW THAT RAYSIS RETUGLIKKANS RUN THIS PLACE WITH THE CHRISTOTALIBAN!?"

(Have I ever mentioned how glad I am to not be liberal these days? Misery is overrated.)

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 12:08 PM (/k3in)

76 The Democratic Socialists of NYC, etc. are doing just fine.

NYC had the magnificent military flyover & the Tall Ships have docked nearby.

The Kelce's have donated 26 million across several major non-profits targeting "food rescue logistics," educational outreach, and specialized pediatric medical care including:

City Harvest (New York, NY): Summer Food Rescue Program, which distributes fresh food to more than 2.4 million New Yorkers.
Harvesters – The Community Food Network (Kansas City, MO): Expanding Mobile Food Pantries & child hunger initiatives to provide roughly 2 million meals to families facing historic inflation.
The Store (Nashville, TN): Supporting their Free Grocery Store Program for low-income families to shop for fresh, healthy food with dignity.
New York Cares (New York, NY): Scaling up Volunteer-Powered Community Service Programs which mobilize tens of thousands of locals to manage urban food distribution networks.

Then there's the Grammy Museum Foundation; Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and Education Through Music (New York, NY). And MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering (New York, NY), Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO).

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 12:09 PM (NFX2v)

77 65 Oh, I do remember July 4, 1976. My family were at a beach house in Dauphin Island, Alabama. It was quiet on the beach that night except for fireworks here and there as my late brother and I had beer.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at July 04, 2026 11:59 AM
******

I was in Gulf Shores.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 12:10 PM (2Ez/1)

78 Happy Birthday America.
I wouldn’t know what liberty meant without you.

Posted by: Speller at July 04, 2026 12:11 PM (pSotA)

79 Oh, my plan is to make the Tricentennial. Don't hate me. I'm just optimistic.

Posted by: Brunnhilde at July 04, 2026 12:11 PM (3AwA+)

80 Happy to oblige Fenelon.

US - Belgium is on Monday. And in Seattle too, easily the best home crowd the US team could hope for. That worked out well.

We’re actually the ever so slight favorites right now. Something alien to US men’s soccer.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 12:12 PM (Qlrgu)

81 Pretty sure I won’t make 300
Posted by: Community Notes at July 04, 2026 12:05 PM (GIU8b)

You can try, can't you?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 04, 2026 12:13 PM (1Ff7Z)

82 78 Concur. Well put.

Posted by: gp at July 04, 2026 12:14 PM (Jr5Lq)

83 Socialism’s appeal is simple. People love getting free shit. And will vote for those who promise it.
Children would happily vote for someone who promised them candy for dinner every night. Same concept.
Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 11:12 AM

-----

By design, our schools don't explain "the flaw the plan". Two weeks in high school on the the simple differences between capitalism and socialism would make the point.

There's no such thing as a free lunch

Posted by: JM in Illinois at July 04, 2026 12:15 PM (YDjYy)

84 >>I like her style on and off the court. While playing, she is cool as a cucumber. And she really seems to be enjoying just living life. Good for her.

She was a placekicker on her high school football team...and homecoming queen.

The sexy tomboy.

'merica...

Posted by: one hour sober at July 04, 2026 12:15 PM (J4Dwc)

85
The same people who are telling us that they can't possibly celebrate the 250th anniversary of this nation are the same ones who a month ago were screaming at some baseball players who refused to celebrate Pride Month.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 12:18 PM (O0L8i)

86 SOPHIE CUNNINHAM'S POINT IS HILLARIOUS BECAUSE THIS WAS HER RESPONSE TO THAT THUG PLAYER SCREAMING "DON'T YOU POINT AT ME!"

SOPHIE GAVE HER THE MOST 'MORE COWBELL' POINT POSSIBLE!

Posted by: BEN ROETHLISBERGER at July 04, 2026 12:19 PM (X8xt3)

87 Im glad Im not the only one who fixates on the temperatures in the morning

that must mean Im just as schmart as Jefferson!

Posted by: The Unvaxed and Unmasked Ranger - Now With More Quality Fapness at July 04, 2026 12:22 PM (fapp/)

88 There’s a decent chance I’ll make it to 300. Medical advances in the next 50 years could be revolutionary and make people live much longer than we’ve been used to.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 12:23 PM (Qlrgu)

89 1976, my dear late sister had just graduated high school.

She and I, accompanied by our only brother at that time, walked up the hill in our little rowhouse community and watched the local parade.

Police cars and fire engines; Miss 4th of July (had all teeth) riding in the back of a convertible; kids from the local boys and girls clubs & our 1st area swim club (private) on decorated bikes; a baby parade with judged winners, an ice cream truck stationed along the road at the end of the parade.

And most importantly, a few of our surviving military veterans from the Vietnam War.

That evening, there were fireworks in a field. Hoodlums, bikers, whatever present; everyone present was respectful and patriotic at that time.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 12:24 PM (NFX2v)

90
Good morning, all! Got 5 flags flying, including a special Happy 250th Birthday one.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 04, 2026 12:28 PM (mmrXZ)

91
-and make people live much longer than we’ve been used to-

I'm already living longer than I've been used to.

Posted by: Speller at July 04, 2026 12:28 PM (pSotA)

92 DC 4th Update: has to be a million people in DC to celebrate the 250th! Great American State Fair is amazing. Jam packed with patriots wearing their colors.

Not too many liberals; they must be keeping cool at Starbucks...

Posted by: The Sanhedrin at July 04, 2026 12:31 PM (+9A0s)

93 “Police cars and fire engines; Miss 4th of July (had all teeth) riding in the back of a convertible; kids from the local boys and girls clubs & our 1st area swim club (private) on decorated bikes; a baby parade with judged winners, an ice cream truck stationed along the road at the end of the parade.”

My small city’s annual 4th of July is basically this. It’s very local and “low cost” which makes it great. Volunteers and local businesses making floats. Local HS cheerleaders, marching bands, police cars, fire trucks, etc. Small town old school feel. And always heavily attended.

We hear about blue shithole cities like Buffalo canceling parades and fireworks because a Muslim is offended. But we never hear about the thousands of small cities counties and towns across the country who still celebrate.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 12:32 PM (Qlrgu)

94 There’s a decent chance I’ll make it to 300. Medical advances in the next 50 years could be revolutionary and make people live much longer than we’ve been used to.
Posted by: World Cup Update
__________

You'll be under glass and betting quatloos.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 12:32 PM (XvL8K)

95 My plan is to live forever.
So far, so good.

Posted by: Stephen Wright at July 04, 2026 12:32 PM (2Ez/1)

96 Another beautiful thread, K.T. Thank you.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 12:33 PM (NFX2v)

97 Surgery prep tomorrow so I won’t be able to eat anything. Going to make up for that today.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at July 04, 2026 12:34 PM (u73oe)

98 The same people who are telling us that they can't possibly celebrate the 250th anniversary of this nation are the same ones who a month ago were screaming at some baseball players who refused to celebrate Pride Month.

And had Kamala been installed in 2024 they would be flying flags and arguing anyone that didn't join in should leave.

Because nothing the left natters on about is real, it is all about power.

Pride month gives money and power to the Alphabet mafia. The 4th under a non-leftist gives legitimacy to a non-leftist. Hence the different reactions

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:34 PM (sKqQm)

99
"A land whose countryside would be bright with cozy homesteads, whose fields and villages would be joyous with the sounds of industry, with the romping of sturdy children, the contest of athletic youths and the laughter of comely maidens, whose firesides would be forums for the wisdom of serene old age. The home, in short, of a people living the life that God desires that men should live."

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 12:35 PM (O0L8i)

100
88 There’s a decent chance I’ll make it to 300. Medical advances in the next 50 years could be revolutionary.

I’ve already picked out a nice jar for my brain!

Posted by: Tom Servo at July 04, 2026 12:36 PM (H8EHh)

101 Ventura has a quaint parade tho it's been 29 years.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:36 PM (Kt19C)

102 Surgery prep tomorrow so I won’t be able to eat anything. Going to make up for that today.
Posted by: Duke Lowell
---------

Don't overdo it. Post-surgical intestinal problems are not uncommon.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 04, 2026 12:36 PM (XeU6L)

103 There’s a decent chance I’ll make it to 300. Medical advances in the next 50 years could be revolutionary and make people live much longer than we’ve been used to.

There have certainly been advances against cancer and some other long term health issues but longevity research hasn't been as effective as you might expect by looking at rising life expectancies.

The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:36 PM (sKqQm)

104 It's so damned hot that I just can't develop any enthusiasm for being outside at all.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 04, 2026 12:38 PM (XeU6L)

105 comely maidens

'Murica!

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:38 PM (Kt19C)

106 By design, our schools don't explain "the flaw the plan". Two weeks in high school on the the simple differences between capitalism and socialism would make the point.

Yes this is always an interesting discussions with relatively well meaning LIVs.

Ok, fine we share everything...who makes the stuff we share? The people currently working? Ok, but if they get the same amount of stuff whether they work or not why would they work? Oh...you think most people that work enjoy working so much they would spend their time doing it if they didn't draw a salary? Would you? No? Why would anyone else be any different?

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:41 PM (sKqQm)

107 There have certainly been advances against cancer and some other long term health issues but longevity research hasn't been as effective as you might expect by looking at rising life expectancies.

The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle
Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:36 PM (sKqQm)

Yeah for sure.

I’m not expecting a pill to magically make me live to 100. But if medicine/science can cure more cancers, Alzheimer’s stuff like that, then the path to making it to 100 becomes a lot easier.

Posted by: World Cup Update at July 04, 2026 12:42 PM (Qlrgu)

108
By design, our schools don't explain "the flaw the plan". Two weeks in high school on the the simple differences between capitalism and socialism would make the point.
--------

Two or three decades ago, 'Civics' was displaced by 'Sociology'.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 04, 2026 12:42 PM (XeU6L)

109 I would like to give a special Shout Out to the United Kingdom (or more aptly, England), for doing stupid sh*t back in the 1700's causing my relatives to head to Amsterdam, catching the ship Rotterdam, and moving across the ocean back in 1753.

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Posted by: Orson at July 04, 2026 12:43 PM (dIske)

110 I was told by a guide at Mt Vernon that while most depictions of George Washington show him with a powdered wig, he was actually a red head.

Posted by: SMOD at July 04, 2026 12:43 PM (O7XEN)

111 The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle
Posted by: 18-1
-----------

Healthy diet.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 04, 2026 12:44 PM (XeU6L)

112 The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle
Posted by: 18-1
-----------

Healthy diet.
Posted by: Mike Hammer
________________

It's still probably 80% genetic.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 12:46 PM (XvL8K)

113 I am going to play classical music and keep the TV on tonight for the animals because we are going into Fairhope proper for the concert and fireworks display on the bluff. Normally we just watch it from the pier here and can get a little view of Fairhope, Dauphin Island, and Mobile depending on cloud cover. But I want to hear the orchestra this year, it’s special.

Posted by: Piper at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (OoFl2)

114 Out of all the actors that have played Washington , David Morse in the John Adams series was by far the very best.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (afJtY)

115 The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle
Posted by: 18-1

Genetics.

Posted by: Zombie Gregor Mendel at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (g7saB)

116 The media's having a difficult time rationalizing the crowds that came out for the events in NYC and DC. So's the left in general.

Proclamations were made all week it'd be a bust. And it's not remotely true.

Here, it's popular to put an American flag in the back of a pickup truck and ride around in a convoy with others all flying the flag. I've seen several already. And we're out in the sticks.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (jehhT)

117 I’m not expecting a pill to magically make me live to 100. But if medicine/science can cure more cancers, Alzheimer’s stuff like that, then the path to making it to 100 becomes a lot easier.

Cancer we are making more progress on than Alzheimers/dementia which is actually in some ways sad. I have a relative with both and they just about have his cancer beat but I know the mental side is not going to get better.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (sKqQm)

118 I graduated high school in 1976. Good times it was.

Posted by: yep at July 04, 2026 12:48 PM (s9TOl)

119 110 I was told by a guide at Mt Vernon that while most depictions of George Washington show him with a powdered wig, he was actually a red head.
Posted by: SMOD at July 04, 2026 12:43 PM (O7XEN)
_________________________

Red-headed, fit, and 6'2" back in the 1700's.

Posted by: Orson at July 04, 2026 12:49 PM (dIske)

120 They always drew Indians like they'd never seen an Indian before.

Posted by: Delurker at July 04, 2026 12:49 PM (2Drhq)

121 Paige Cognetti, a note. JN Cops are armed. Also, don't fuck with them.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at July 04, 2026 12:49 PM (gm9Sb)

122 Paige Cognetti wants all of America (including cops) to be gun free!
So soon after pride month?
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:07 PM (Kt19C)

I would be OK with all of the full-time cops being disarmed, and having to call out the militia/posse if violence is needed.

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 12:49 PM (kU0PQ)

123 Jefferson was a nerd!
Awesome!

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 04, 2026 12:50 PM (u/wrI)

124 Genetics.
Posted by: Zombie Gregor Mendel at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (g7saB)

Actually I think this is kind of a random one.

Years lived after fertility ends have a quickly declining impact on producing offspring and making sure they in turn have children.

If there is a genetic aspect to religious affiliation though that could be a significant one since the depth of religious belief correlates pretty well with how many children you have.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:50 PM (sKqQm)

125 114 Out of all the actors that have played Washington , David Morse in the John Adams series was by far the very best.
Posted by: Ben Had

Concur. The resemblance was startling.

Posted by: Auspex at July 04, 2026 12:51 PM (Y8DZL)

126 I would be OK with all of the full-time cops being disarmed, and having to call out the militia/posse if violence is needed.

I'd argue that cops should only be allowed to carry the same weapons citizens are since they are just citizens, not military.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:51 PM (sKqQm)

127 112 The number one longevity treatment is still...don't do drugs or drink to excess and get exercise to stay thin-ish with some muscle
Posted by: 18-1
-----------

Healthy diet.
Posted by: Mike Hammer
________________

It's still probably 80% genetic.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 12:46 PM (XvL8K)
______________________________

I would not be surprised to see a more complete application of "sound" based medical treatment leading to longevity. Imagine if you could calibrate sound down to atomic weight to create resonate tones (like the reverberation you hear of the tiles when singing in the shower). If they can calibrate precisely enough and focus that resonate tone for specific targets, you can say goodbye to the barbaric (non-discriminating) radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Or so my imagination suggests.

Posted by: Orson at July 04, 2026 12:53 PM (dIske)

128 >>Red-headed, fit, and 6'2" back in the 1700's.

6'8" and weighed a ton.

He saved children but not the British children.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 12:54 PM (viF8m)

129 113 I am going to play classical music and keep the TV on tonight for the animals because we are going into Fairhope proper for the concert and fireworks display on the bluff. Normally we just watch it from the pier here and can get a little view of Fairhope, Dauphin Island, and Mobile depending on cloud cover. But I want to hear the orchestra this year, it’s special.
Posted by: Piper at July 04, 2026 12:47 PM (OoFl2)

------

Good plan. Fortunately, I'm out in a rural area, so the explosions are rare. But even a faint sound is enough to make the younger dog seek shelter.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at July 04, 2026 12:55 PM (91q/g)

130 Steven Hayward: The Week in Pictures: Sophia and the 4th

And now Rubio has to take over as WNBA pointer. He's such a busy guy.

Posted by: Wears a lot of hats, uniforms, and jerseys at July 04, 2026 12:55 PM (TbWk/)

131 Why is it the historical places you never see are the ones you can walk to?
Finally did.

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 12:56 PM (Ia/+0)

132 A nice post about America from the man known as Law Dog:

https://tinyurl.com/3sy73xbj

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 12:56 PM (/k3in)

133
I was told by a guide at Mt Vernon that while most depictions of George Washington show him with a powdered wig, he was actually a red head.
Posted by: SMOD

==============

I'll never understand why wearing fake old-people's hair was supposed to enhance your appearance.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 04, 2026 12:56 PM (mmrXZ)

134 . If they can calibrate precisely enough and focus that resonate tone for specific targets,...
-----------

Hmm. The Brown Note comes to mind.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 04, 2026 12:57 PM (XeU6L)

135 Washington was the irreplaceable man.

We had a number of great philosophical thinkers to argue why we should break with Britain and what sort of government is natural and right for a Judeo-Christian civilization but Washington is likely singular in having the organizational abilities he had, the natural charisma to make people want to follow him, AND no desire to get himself a crown.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:57 PM (sKqQm)

136
In spite of all our differences, it's heartening to see America come together and celebrate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce come together as a happily married couple at Madison Square Garden; disappointed there's seemingly no live coverage or pay per view but am hopeful a video will be available for purchase soon!

Posted by: Auspex at July 04, 2026 12:58 PM (Y8DZL)

137 I lived in Cody WY. I was 10 years old in 1976. Every year the town has the Stampede. a three day event with parades, rodeos, gunfight reenactments, concerts, picnics, fireworks. For a small town, they did it up right. John Wayne was grand marshal that year.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Trumpy can do magic at July 04, 2026 12:58 PM (0aYVJ)

138 I know how that old hippie feels. I remember the Bicentennial very well, esp. being 8 y.o. inside the Beltway (just inside the Beltway; could walk to it). Now. Yikes.

Posted by: Franklin Delano Milankovich at July 04, 2026 12:59 PM (DZ9Lv)

139 I went out to Assateague this morning: hot, humid, barely a zephyr. VB must be worse. I will hit the carnival rides @6 and then back out for the fireworks.
Too damn hot

Posted by: Accomack at July 04, 2026 12:59 PM (GbONR)

140 drew Indians like they'd never seen an Indian before.
Or a gladiator movie

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 12:59 PM (Kt19C)

141 From the "NY Post": President Trump appeared on a podcast to read the children's book "President's Play" produced by the White House Historical Society. In flipping through the book discussing his predecessors looks he often referred back to himself:

On William Howard Taft:

"He was our heaviest President , and I have to be careful , because I don't want to supersede his record , and a thing like that would be possible if I allowed it to happen..."

On Gerald Ford building an outdoor pool at the White House: " I don't get to use it. I don't know if I look good in a bathing suit. I haven't had a bathing suit in a long time."

I laughed.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 01:00 PM (Nx5jP)

142 Just got back from small-town New Hampshire parade. ‘Murica. Fu*k, yeah!

Posted by: RI Red at July 04, 2026 01:01 PM (WcJqs)

143
Can't believe how lucky I feel to have been born here.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 04, 2026 01:01 PM (mmrXZ)

144 I would be OK with all of the full-time cops being disarmed, and having to call out the militia/posse if violence is needed.

I'd argue that cops should only be allowed to carry the same weapons citizens are since they are just citizens, not military.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 04, 2026 12:51 PM (sKqQm)

Well, I'm actually OK with all of the citizens being able to carry the exact same individual weapons* the military carries.

But if we want to restrict anyone, I think restricting the power of the state and returning some of it to the people (militia/posse) is a better way to do it than to disarm everyone. Might help engender sense of responsibility among the people, too.

(* Limitations for everyday carry based on how appropriate certain weapons - like grenades - are when you're dealing with innocent bystanders.)

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 01:02 PM (kU0PQ)

145 Brown Note
The one Amber Heard?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 01:02 PM (Kt19C)

146 I'll never understand why wearing fake old-people's hair was supposed to enhance your appearance.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 04, 2026 12:56 PM (mmrXZ)

Primarily because 1) "good hair" wasn't as easy in those days, and 2) wearing 'fake' young-people's hair still needed powder to keep it clean and such. (Or so was my understanding.)

Posted by: GWB at July 04, 2026 01:04 PM (kU0PQ)

147 catching the ship Rotterdam - Orson, awesome.
+++
De Trouw (The Faith- they were Dutch) 1660 or so.

Posted by: Smellslikevictory at July 04, 2026 01:04 PM (jPdyB)

148 KT, Happy 4th!
Thanks for all those interesting links. Had to laugh at the old Hippie realizing 1976 was fifty years ago. I was an unsuccessful flower child. Wrong size (think offensive tackle) and the wrong attitude. But I miss the VW minibus. You could work on the engine sitting on a folding chair and enough interior room for some fun.

That reminded me that the flower girl and ring bearer at our wedding are almost fifty years old. When the hell did that happen? Seems only a few weeks ago they were waiting to start kindergarten.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 01:05 PM (yTvNw)

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