10 Surprising Facts about the Fourth of July
Everyone loves Independence Day, the quintessential American holiday, full of parades, picnics, and ... surprising facts? You bet! Be the life of the party--share a few of these tasty nuggets of knowledge with your fellow picnickers this year.

1. Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941.

2. Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th century. The Chinese used their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives.

3. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.
4. There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, we're sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.

5. Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence.

6. The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when, according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.
7. The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song ("To Anacreon in Heaven").

8. The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
9. The patriotic poem "America the Beautiful" was published on July 4, 1895 by Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates.
10. Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.
Source: MSN encarta

The Declaration of  Indepence..> A TRANSCRIPTION

STATE OF THE ARTS
Get out of the heat and step inside some of Galveston’s “coolest” venues to check out what’s on view for the July 11th ArtWalk.

“Everything happens on the seawall!” exclaims Galveston artist Gayle Reynolds. “Pelicans scan the scene and the seagulls are looking for handouts. There are flags and banners and umbrellas, and people are busy coming and going to the beach.” Reynolds finds her inspiration...

David Cook Live in Concert Sunday July 5, 2009
Moody Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater

KRBE 104.1 FM and Island Star Performances are proud to present David Cook live in concert on Sunday July 5, 2009, at the Moody Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater.

With the new single “Permanent” from his self-titled album rapidly climbing the Billboard charts, Cook brings his white-hot Declaration tour to Galveston Island for a rockin’ concert under the stars. Gates to the event will open at 5:00 p.m. with David Cook taking the stage at 8:00 p.m

Trippin' Away
by Kris Hopkins

Go ahead and climb in the attic, uncover your travel bags and waddle back down with your hands full. We’re toasting away in the dead of summer, which means one thing to me; time to travel!

It’s a hundred degrees outside, the air is thick, surf is flat and the tourists are going 8 mph down the Seawall. What better time to pack up, book a flight and escape the summer madness? Especially if you’re a surfer!