by Vera H-C Chan

The Declaration of Independence has made a comeback.

Not that the founding statement of breaking from the Mother Country ever went out of fashion. However, dramatic readings of the 1,337-word document have returned, just like in the late 1700s.

The History Channel website gives a detailed overview of how the declaration came to be written, first from Richard Henry Lee's resolution to cut ties to the British Crown, to Thomas Jefferson hunkering over his handmade portable desk, to the arguments over changes and cuts?among them, criticism over the "execrable commerce" of the slave trade.

Incidentally, the National Archives in England just announced unearthing another original copy of the historical document. A researcher came across the find months ago, and by accident, but the Brits conveniently timed the news for the American holiday. As if they could hog all the attention.

The U.S. government archives has electronic copies, for people who want to do their own readings from the almost-real thing. For those who prefer being read to, NPR continues its tradition?now going on 21 years?of airing a reading by its newscasters, accessible here.

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by Vera H-C Chan

Ready to celebrate the Fourth, old-school style?

First, declare war on Britain (ok, you can Tweet it if you prefer). Get some people to sign on, set a bonfire on the lawn, burn some King George III effigies, and stock up on rum, applejack, and salted meat.

If it's a bit too late to get the applejack on short notice, a fireworks compromise will do. The recession has forced cities and sponsors to cut back on the pyrotechnics this year, but sellers actually believe sales will boom thanks to backyard celebrations.

If that's the case, here is what you need to know...and some things you don't, but it's interesting anyway...and stay safe:

• Check your area for rules. Some places crackdown on some types of sizzers, if not all. The American Pyrotechnics Association site has a good roundup of laws by state (but in PDF documents).
• Leave pets, from Fido to Black Beauty, indoors (or stalls) so they don't freak out during the ruckus, advises LiveScience. Tying them up may not work: They could go into a frenzy and choke themselves. Some critters may have to be sedated.
• Your kids asking why fireworks go kablooey? Tell them to read this article that runs down the ingredients. The Orange County Register explains the why behind all the colors.
• Ecofriendly fireworks exist, but they're pricy and hard to get.
• Yahoo! Food lists the best sites for a picnic show.

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by Vera H-C Chan

Given the continued Search interest, amusement parks will a Fourth of July weekend destination for many. Those headed to Orland's Magic Kingdom on Independence Day might want to stop by a revamped Hall of Presidents, where an animatronic Barack Obama?AKA Robobama?makes his debut.

Animatronics is, as HowStuffWorks puts it, a "mechanized puppet." The administration apparently is so tickled by this honor, the White House blog posted a "behind-the-scenes video" of the president reading the oath of office and a Disney-penned speech? tinkered a bit, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The Florida newspaper also reports that Obama's standing with good company (Abraham Lincoln) and represents the "most advanced figure," although "not a completely new generation." Who knew Disney imagineers were pundits?

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by Mike Krumboltz

Nothing moves the search needle like scandals. This past week, it wasn't so much the scandals themselves, but how people reacted to them that stirred the Web. Read on for the scoop on three big transgressions. Here's hoping next week is a bit more honorable.

Ruth breaks her silence 
While many may find comfort that Bernie Madoff will die in prison, others couldn't help but wonder what his wife thinks of his spectacular fall from grace. Until this week, Ruth Madoff had kept silent. Some interpreted that as meaning she didn't care about the victims of her husband's crime. Not so, says Mrs. Madoff. On Monday, she released a statement that reads "not a day goes by when I don't ache over the stories that I have heard and read." Searches on Mrs. Madoff soared 2,754% over the past seven days, due in large part to the $2.5 million of shared assets the government is letting her keep. According to insiders, she tried for the fur coat, but the feds said no dice.

All eyes on Jenny Sanford
Mark Sanford's wife Jenny may have forged a new path for spouses of unfaithful politicians. Following her husband's press conference in which he admitted an affair, Mrs. Sanford said that "his career is not a concern of mine. He's going to have to worry about that." Then, after the governor's most recent admission that he had crossed lines with other women, his wife issued another statement that said that in the "spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance..." In other words, she forgives him, but don't for a second think she's going to forget. Queries on "jenny sanford biography," "jenny sanford photos," and "first lady jenny sanford" all posted breakout gains in Search.

A tomahawk chop to the win column
Florida State University made some noise in the Buzz after claiming that the NCAA sanctions over the school's academic cheating scandal are just too darn tough. The NCAA had elected to punish the Seminoles by taking away wins from some of Florida State's athletic teams, including 14 victories from football coach Bobby Bowden. Why does Florida State care so much about past wins? The fact that Mr. Bowden is currently one victory behind Penn State's Joe Paterno for all-time victories is likely contributing to the outrage. Queries on "fsu scandal" and "bobby bowden wins" both spiked this week. This article from Sports Illustrated offers an in-depth explanation of the hubbub.

Also buzzing this week...
? Johnny Depp's "Public Enemies" sparked renewed interest in bank robber John Dillinger.
? The world's obsession with Megan Fox continued unabated.
? Obama's White House released the salaries of all its staff.

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