Technically its The Declaration of Independence Day as the United States didn't gain true independence until years later when the British were defeated. I plan on celebrating Independence Day with Irish beers and German bratwurst, but you better believe the fireworks are from the U.S.A. Hope everyone has a happy and a safe one. Some quick independence day facts.
In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize Independence Day as a state celebration.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of Independence Day in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day". In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.
Running Backs like Terrell Davis, Edgerrin James, and Willis McGahee are warning Ronnie Brown to take his injury slow. Both McGahee and James said they felt better 2 years after their injuries. Personally I would not mind if Ronnie took the whole season off if that guaranteed a full recovery. Ronnie obviously wants to play and says he feels good, but I’d hate to see him rushed. With offensive personnel that includes 2 big blocking fullbacks Grigsby and Mauia, the rookie Hilliard who might be the next Alstott, the promising rookie tailback Parmele, the R&R express, and one the greatest run blocking offensive lineman in college football history, I would not doubt it if the Phins plan to grind it out on the ground this year. Ronnie would normally be the back to get the bulk of the carries, but I’m hoping for at least this season, that role belongs to Ricky, for Ronnie’s sake.
Supposedly Brett FAVRE wants a release and the Packers won't give it to him. Apparently The Packers are ready to move on and Brett isn't. I dont blame the guy, he still loves football and wants to play while he still can. The Dolphins have been rumored as a possible destination for Favre. Could a Jason Taylor Brett Favre trade be looming? Why not? Both players want to be somewhere else, and both plan on playing for one more season. Personally I would rather keep JT, but Favre would not be a bad pickup. He could definitely impart some wisdom to Henne. Henne is a gunslinger like Favre, but Henne also gets rattled like Favre. Learning by watching the mistakes of a Legend could be invaluable.
One thing about Fantasy Football player predictions is they take the care in trying to determine a player's productions on the upcoming season. Below are what the new NFL.COM FFL magazine predicts the impact of our Dolphins players.
QUARTERBACK: John Beck, #32
He could start, but will need to show tremendous improvement over his rookie season.
Brown was the best running back in fantasy football the first seven weeks of last season. He was on pace to post 89 receptions, 2265 yards from scrimmage, and 11 touchdowns before he tore an ACL image in a loss to New England. Brown had a reconstructive procedure on his right knee early in November, so, he should be available for the start of the regular season. It does take some time to regain mental and physical confidence in a knee after such an operation, however, so Brown could have a slow start.
Williams returned to action last season after an extended absence from the NFL, but his comeback was short-lived. The former fantasy superstar had 6 carries in a week-12 loss to Pittsburgh before a torn pectoral mescle landed him on injured reserve. With Ronnie Brown on the road back from reconstructive procedure on his right knee, however, Miami kept Williams, He has no real chance to return to elite status, but he has had a modest 283 carries (NFL and CFL) since 2003, so, his legs should be fresh.
When Miami passed on Brady Quinn in favor of Ginn in the 2007 NFL Draft, Dolphins fans were puzzled. Now, with Chris Chambers and Marty Booker out of the WR mix, Ginn has a chance to prove he was worth the selection. A speedster with the tools to stretch defenses, Ginn is a potential home-run hitter in an offense that lacked explosion last season. His value falls, however, because of the team's questionable quarterback situation, which could limit his level of success. The upside is evident.
A tremendous possession receiver with great size, Wilford signed with Miami in the offseason and is the favorite to start opposite Ted Ginn, Jr. The Dolphins, however, plan to lean on inexperienced John Beck as their No. 1 quarterback. That doesn't bode well for Wilford,k who won't produce impressive numbers in an offense that lacks firepower outside of Ronnie Brown. Wilford hasn't had a 100-yard performance since December 2005 and has scored touchdowns in only 3 of his past 32 games.