DeclarationOfIndependence

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  • Hyperspectral imaging reveals Declaration of Independence rough draft dubbed citizens 'subjects'

    by 
    Laura June Dziuban
    Laura June Dziuban
    07.03.2010

    Imagine, if you will, Thomas Jefferson sitting down to pen (or quill) a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence early in 1776... you know, when the colonies that would become the United States of America formally explained their decision to become independent states, and thus not be a part of Great Britain any longer. Imagine him writing the words "our fellow citizens" -- but know that, thanks to hyperspectral imaging, the Library of Congress has confirmed that he originally wrote "our fellow subjects" -- but then scrubbed it out and replaced it with the word "citizens." Personally, we feel pretty happy with the knowledge that the founding fathers chose their words so carefully -- after all, "we hold this stuff to be super obvious 'cause all dudes are like, basically the same" just doesn't have the same ring to it, now does it? Hit up the Boing Boing source link for far more photos.

  • Five app ideas for the Fourth of July

    by 
    Steve Sande
    Steve Sande
    07.03.2010

    Whether you're just hanging around your back yard, going to the beach, or waiting to set off a huge cache of fireworks, there are always a lot of fun things to do over the Independence Day holiday in the U.S. Here are some apps that can help you enjoy the fun during the holiday. Grilling: Weber's On the Grill (US$4.99 - separate apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad). One of the staples of the holiday weekend is the family barbecue, with friends and family enjoying the outdoors and stuffing themselves with grilled delectables. The app has 250 classic recipes, an additional 40 recipes for rubs, marinades, and sauces, and more. You can store ingredients from any recipe in a grocery list for quick shopping, send the grocery lists to others (good if you're sharing the picnic duties), read tips on grilling, and even watch short grilling videos. Last, but not least, there's a grill timer right in the app that tells you when to flip that steak. I personally use this app with my Weber Genesis gas grill and it's a winner.