A Capitol Fourth Concert With Steve Martin, Little Richard, Glee’s Matthew Morrison, and More!

A wonderful tradition in DC for the Fourth of July is to attend the Capitol Fourth concert at the Nation’s Capitol lawn.  There is a rehearsal on July 3rd and the actual taping of the show is on July 4th.  It is strongly recommended to get there early as it is first come first serve for seats on the lawn.  You can bring food and drink too and low chairs.


Among the stars in this years concert: Steve Martin (who will perform an original new song he wrote for this gig about the midnight ride of Paul Revere told, in true Steve Martin form, from the horse’s perspective!), Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard, Josh Groban, and Dancing with the Stars Mark Ballasand Chelsea Hightower (who will dance to “Beauty and the Beast,” sung by Jordin Sparks in commemoration of the Disney film’s 20th anniversary).  Jimmy Smits will be hosting.

WHEN: July 3rd Rehearsal, 8 p.m., but doors open at 3:00 pm.
July 4th Taping and Show, 8 p.m., but doors open at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: U.S. Capitol Lawn
East Capitol Street, NE and 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

TICKETS: Free, but first come first seated on the lawn.

Sources : AskMissa.Com

The True Meaning of Independence Day

In the American holiday calendar no day is more significant than the Fourth of July, in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. That Declaration proclaimed to the world our separation from Great Britain and our emergence as a new sovereign nation, as we state in the pledge to our flag, "under God, with liberty and justice for all."

The Declaration stated unequivocally: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."

Those few words sum up the divine source of our unalienable rights and our philosophy of government. Nothing quite so revolutionary had been proclaimed anywhere by any people. But those beliefs had to be affirmed by a long, bloody war, which was finally won. The result has been this shining light on a hill, the United States of America, the freest, most creative, productive, and richest nation in the history of mankind.

The Beginning of the End for Slavery

Today, the Declaration of Independence is celebrated as the centerpiece of American political philosophy. It clearly spells out the purpose of government, which is to secure our God-given unalienable rights. A government limited by its basic purpose does not need to incur a back-breaking debt of trillions of dollars. Our legislators have obviously forgotten what is written in the Declaration.

But what about slavery, you might ask? Why didn't the liberty-loving Declaration also abolish slavery? First, the Declaration was not a set of laws. It was a statement of principles... and its principles clearly were anti-slavery. However, they could only be implemented after winning a long, bloody war. Also, at the time the Declaration was written, indentured servitude and slavery were centuries-old worldwide practices that could not be done away with overnight. The truth is that the Declaration did serve as the basis on which slavery was finally abolished in the United States, for it was the Declaration that Lincoln insisted on using in his argument for abolishing what the great Southern statesman Henry Clay called "a foul blot upon our nation."

In the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, Lincoln declared:

There is no reason in the world why the negro is not entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

It should be noted that even though Lincoln abhorred slavery, he was still not ready to accept total social equality. In 1858 most Americans shared Lincoln's views. Maine was the only state in the Union where African-Americans could vote or hold public office. It took the horrible ordeal of the Civil War to speed up the cause of social equality for the ex-slaves. And it took another hundred years to finally get rid of racial segregation. But the leaven of the Declaration's "self-evident truths" finally did work its way so that "all men" could be free.

The Soul of America

It is interesting that we do not widely celebrate Constitution Day, although the United States Constitution provides the legal framework of our form of representative government. The aim of the framers of the Constitution was to make it as difficult as possible for any person or group of persons to establish a despotic regime over the people of this country. They therefore broke up the government into three branches -— Executive, Legislative, and Judicial -— in order to disperse power as widely as possible. And they divided the legislature into two bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives, representing local Congressional districts, brought the citizen as close to the seat of government as possible. The large states, with their larger number of delegates, could exert power over the smaller states. However, in the Senate the smaller states could exert power over the larger ones. In the Senate, little Rhode Island or Delaware has as much clout as California or New York.

What an ingenious plan to limit the power of government over a free people! And yet we have Timemagazine, the voice of the liberal elite, advocating the shredding of the United States Constitution because it is an obstacle to total government.

During the last century, many in the cultural and political elite have favored socialism, a political and economic doctrine contrary to the political beliefs of our Founding Fathers. With this powerful liberal elite pushing for government control over every area of our lives, for over 100 years, how have we managed to retain so many of our freedoms... and even exercise the almost lost freedom to homeschool? It's largely owing to the appetite for freedom still spread by the ringing words of the Declaration of Independence.

Yet, the New World Order socialists would prefer that we write a new Declaration of Interdependence, and joyfully accept the chains of statist tyranny.

But that is why we must celebrate the Fourth of July -— Independence Day -— with all the fervor and joy that the American people can muster. We do so to inform our would-be masters that we are not interested in the collectivist utopia based on atheistic Marxism they wish to impose on us. And that is why we humbly thank the men who gave us our Declaration of Independence, which will remain for future generations of Americans the beacon of liberty, the upholder of our divine unalienable rights, the guardian of our independence. Its words must be written in the hearts and minds of our citizens, so that we never forget the price paid for our freedom... and the reasons why freedom is worth paying the price.

Sources : TheNewAmerican.Com

Sandy Hook Concerts: Kick off the Weekend Early

Remember when summer hit when you were a kid? Suddenly, every day was Friday and you got to stay out late having fun every single night of the week.

Then you grew up, got a job, and summer became something you have to squeeze in on the weekends, with the occasional “sick” day or half day Friday if you’re lucky.

Well, enough already. I’m declaring Wednesday the new Friday, and the beach concerts at Sandy Hook are the perfect way to get a piece of summer way before the weekend. Stick with me and this little primer, and you’ll be feeling like you’re 12 again in no time.

Every single Wednesday evening from now ‘til the end of August, the Sandy Hook Foundation puts on a free outdoor concert at Beach E, just past the Visitor Center. Well-known local bands like Brian Kirk and the Jirks and Quincy Mumford jam out under the setting sun as carefree friends and families chill in beach chairs or bust a move on the dance floor that’s set up right there in the sand.

Concerts start at 6pm, which means you’ll need to ditch work a little early, but not so early that you won’t get credit for coming in. A post-lunch “bellyache” should do the trick, or my personal favorite: cramps. If you’re not a great fibber, go in an hour early, or tell your boss you’ll be working offsite. That’s the reason we all have smart phones now people. It’s just as easy to return emails from a beach blanket as it is from a cubicle.

My kids and I usually get there right at 4 because that’s when they stop charging to get into the park and we’re notorious cheapskates. At that time, most of the daytrippers are shipping out, and the concert crowd has yet to gather, so we get prime real estate, close enough to see both the stage and the shoreline. We swim long enough to for it to feel like a full beach day, then do dinner on the beach as the show starts.

Here at Hook concerts, the crowd takes picnicking seriously. You can bring coolers, and many of the regulars also bring mini folding tables and other elaborate tailgating paraphernalia. Some, like me, even fly flags or windsocks so friends always know where to find us. Adult beverages and mommy-juice are allowed (just no glass containers), and by show time, the beach feels like one big midweek party.

This past gorgeous Wednesday, we saw Tim McLoone & The Shirleys perform rock and Americana to a record crowd of over 8,000 people. The children dug a giant hole at our feet while we grown-ups sipped vodka flavored ice tea and swayed in our seats.

Then, when the band took a break, the kids went back in the ocean and I bought a ticket for the super 50/50. That’s how the Sandy Hook Foundation funds these free concerts, which they’ve been putting on for the last 17 years. Each week a lucky winner pockets anywhere from $2,000 to over seven grand (this week’s 50/50 was for $7,825, another record). So come armed with cash. I’ve yet to win, but I know it’s just a matter of time ...

When the band came back on, we took our weekly jaunt to the dance floor, where we bopped and watched the kids dive into their own makeshift, sandy mosh pit. Last year, at a Quincy Mumford show, Jack won a prize for his crazy dance moves, most notably his attempt at a handstand.  

The concert was over by 8, then we played in the surf some more as the parking lot emptied out. Hanging at the beach as it gets dark doesn’t just feel like summer, it feels like you’re on vacation. Do this once a midweek and that whole grown up job thing won’t suck quite so much.

The French spend all of August on holiday. Why can’t we Americans have Summer Wednesdays?

THE DETAILS:

Sandy Hook Beach Concerts: Every Wednesday at 6 pm through August 24, Beach E, Free after 4 p.m.
Bring:  Coolers and alcohol – Yes           Glass containers – No           Cash for the 50/50 – Definitely!           Garbage bag to take your own trash homeThere:  Snack Bar           Bathrooms           Ample Parking

Sources : Middletown-Nj.Patch.Com

EVENTS: 4th of July events

Here’s a list of 4th of July celebrations going on from Tri-Cities to Hermiston to Prosser

Kennewick: River of Fire Festival takes place at Columbia Park starting at noon.

There will be all sorts of free kids events and other entertainment happening in the park throughout the day.

The fireworks show starts at dusk and will be set off from a barge in the middle of the Columbia River.

Entry into the park is $7 a carload.

There will be vendors on site and no alcohol or personal fireworks will be allowed in the park.

Pasco:

The Grand Old 4th Celebration begins with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast from 7 a.m., to noon at Memorial Park.

The breakfast is by donation.

There will be a 5k/1m Camp Patriot 4th of July Fun Run starting at 8 a.m., from the Pasco Softball Complex on Homerun Road.

Participation fee is $25 for adults and $15 for kids, which includes a T-shirt.

All proceeds go to Camp Patriot, which is a non-profit organization that supports veterans.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., will be a kids street dance at Memorial Park, corner of 14th Avenue and Clark Street.

The street dance is just for the little kids and their kind of music.

The grand parade starts at 10 a.m., at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sylvester Street and ends at Memorial Park.

The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m., at Gesa Stadium next to TRAC in Pasco.

There is no admission fee.

Prosser:

Prosser’s festivities include a kiddie parade, barbecue, stage show, car show, obstacle course and fireworks show at dusk.

Most events happen at City Park starting at noon.

The kiddie parade starts at 1 p.m., in front of the courthouse and ends at the park.

Little Miss Prosser and Little Junior Miss Prosser contestants will strut their stuff on the stage at the park starting at 2 p.m.

The fireworks will be shot from Art Fiker Stadium on Paterson Road. Admission is free to all events.

Boardman:

Boardman’s Thunder 4th of July Celebration starts at 10 a.m., at Marina Park on the Columbia River.

There will be a breakfast, parade, kids games, food and novelty vendors, sporting events, street dance, talent show and fireworks.

The 5k and 10k runs/walks start at 8 a.m., at the park.

The parade starts at 11 a.m., on Main Street.

Kids games start at 1 p.m., and the talent show starts at 3:30 p.m., both at Marina Park.

The fireworks show begins at dusk at the park.

All events are free, except for the runs/walks, which have a $5 registration fee.

Hermiston:

Hermiston’s Independence Day celebration starts at 3 p.m., at Butte Park, on Northwest Seventh Street in Hermiston.

Admission is free.

Festivities include live music, appearances by Big Top the Clown, The Balloon Dude, Adam The Great Magician, and ventriloquist Keith Ramsey, as well as kids games, face painting, food and novelty vendors.

This is the first year Hermiston will add a fireworks show to its celebration.

They will be shot from the top of Hermiston Butte above the park at dusk.

There also will be a pool party at the Family Aquatic Center, 879 W. Elm St.

The aquatic center also is a prime viewing area for the fireworks show.

Swim fees are $6 for ages 16 and younger and $8 for ages 17 and older.

Stanfield:

A fireman’s breakfast, run fun, parade, kids games, fireman’s water fight, pie baking contests, music and more is planned for Stanfield’s Independence Day celebration.

The breakfast starts at 7 a.m. at the town’s community center.

Fun run registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at Bard Park and the run starts at 8:30 a.m.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by various events at Bard Park throughout the afternoon, including a hot dog eating contest, dance exhibitions and Tae Kwon Do demonstrations. Fireworks show starts at dusk.

Admission is free.

Walla Walla:

The annual 4th of July in the Park celebration is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pioneer Park.

Festivities happening throughout the day include arts and crafts, culinary delights, activities for kids music entertainment.

The fireworks show starts at dusk. Admission to all events is free.

Sources : Tri-CityHerald.com

Heel turn No. 2: Max Talbot to Flyers for 5 years, $9 million

This was Max Talbot after his fight with Daniel Carcillo during Game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference quarterfinal. His shushing of the Philadelphia crowd and Penguins comeback soon after that moment made him an even bigger "superstar" in Pittsburgh than he already was.

Those memories have quickly been erased at the news that Talbot inked a five-year, $9 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers just hours after former Penguins legend Jaromir Jagr joined their hated cross-state rivals.

Talbot had rejected a three-year offer from Penguins GM Ray Shero earlier this week, which effectively ended his tenure in Pittsburgh. After rumors of his negotiating rights being on the market, the Flyers swooped in for a guy who brings versatility as someone who can play the wing or at center and can be a vital member of the penalty kill.

"It wasn't so much about money but finding the right fit for me," said Talbot during an interview on TSN where, like Jagr, he also said his heart was in Pittsburgh.

Talbot was a great presence in the Pittsburgh locker room becoming tight friends with Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby , and will forever be known as the hero in Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final for scoring both Penguins goals against the Detroit Red Wings

."I never thought I would play for another team in my life [over] the last couple of years," said Talbot.

He wanted the term, but five years was much too long for Shero's liking and both sides needed to move on with Talbot having to come to terms that his Penguins career was over.

Sources : Sports.Yahoo.Com

Time is running out to claim $250G prize

SOMERVILLE — The odds are stacked against you — 1 in 3.9 million, to be exact — of predicting the five winning numbers (minus the Mega Ball) in the Mega Millions lottery. Someone beat those odds, but has yet the claim the ticket.

On July 27, 2010, a Mega Millions ticket worth $250,000 was purchased at McAleavy’s Newsstand at 10 E. Main St. in Somerville.

The ticket has been unclaimed and, by New Jersey law, the holder of the ticket has until July 27 to claim the prize.

“The holder of this winning ticket should immediately sign the back of the ticket and call lottery headquarters or visit a local Lottery retailer to file their claim before the ticket expires,” New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger said in a statement.

There were 15 winning tickets worth the $250,000 prize, including three from New Jersey. The other two in-state winners were Silvia Gailliard of Westampton and Pamela Kopp of Hasbrouck Heights. The tickets matched all the numbers but the Mega Ball.

The winning Mega Millions game numbers drawn on July 27, 2010, were: 2, 7, 10, 16 and 29 and the gold Mega Ball number was 8.

An annual average of $38.2 million has gone unclaimed over the past five years. It reached a peak in 2010 with $42.2 million unclaimed.

By law: “Unclaimed prize money for the prize on a winning ticket or share shall be retained by the director for the person entitled thereto for one year after the drawing in which the prize was won. If no claim is made for said money within such year, the prize money shall be allocated to State institutions and State aid for education in the same manner as lottery revenues are allocated for such purposes under this act.”

McAleavy’s Newsstand has been in business since 1989 and participating in the New Jersey Lottery since the state added Mega Millions in 1999.

“We sell to a lot of neighbors around the area and to businesses that start office pools,” said Jesal Amin, the store’s owner. “When the jackpot goes up, we usually sell to a lot more people.”

The holder of the ticket should contact lottery headquarters at 609-599-5875. A claim form can be printed from the website www.state.nj.us/lottery and mailed to P.O. Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041, Attn: Claims/Validations.

Sources : MyCentralJersey.Com

No tickets sold with all 6 Mega Millions lottery numbers

LOS ANGELES - There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in Tuesday night's drawing of the multi-state Mega Millions lottery and the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing will grow to $105 million.

Four tickets -- one each sold in California, Connecticut, Illinois and Michigan -- had five numbers, but didn't have the Mega number.

The one sold in California is worth $701,316 while the other three are each worth $250,000, California Lottery officials announced. California law requires most major payoffs of lottery games to be paid on a pari-mutuel basis.

The numbers drawn Tuesday night were 12, 17, 27, 47, 48 and the Mega number was 33. The estimated jackpot was $88 million.

The drawing was the ninth since the last time a ticket with all six numbers was sold.

The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number is 1 in 175,711,536, according to the Mega Millions website.

The Mega Millions game is played in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sources : ContraCostaTimes.Com