July in New York City - Weather and Event Guide

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
Beginning at approximately 9:20 p.m., Macy's will have fireworks being released from six barges in the Hudson River. This year's theme is American Harmony taking spectators through the history of American music. The New York Pops Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will perform, and there will be unique versions of classic patriotic tunes performed by Straight No Chaser, Broadway Inspirational Voices, U.S. Army Soldier’s Chorus, and United We Sing. The music will be performed in sync with the fireworks and can be heard on 1010 WINS. If you're not in the area, NBC will broadcast the fireworks live beginning at 9 p.m. EST.
Hudson River below 59th Street
Fireworks will be launched from six barges in the Hudson River. 12th Avenue will be closed below 59th beginning at 4 p.m. for viewing. Pedestrians can access the 12th Avenue from 11th Avenue at 24th, 26th-30th, 34th, 40th-44th, 47th-52nd and 54th-57th streets. The West Side Highway will be closed to vehicular traffic from 22nd-59th Street starting at 4 p.m. You can also view the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks from anywhere you have an unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River.

Fourth of July celebrations all around Pinellas County

Fourth of July Patriotic Picnic: The city of Tarpon Springs and corporate sponsor, Waste Management, present an old-fashioned July Fourth picnic with live entertainment in the band shell (bring lawn chairs); a children's area with waterslide (wear bathing suits, bring towels); free food; a game area; and outrigger rides in the bayou (children must be accompanied by parent). 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Craig Park, 5 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade:Kids are invited to decorate their bicycles and wagons to join in this short parade that includes military vehicles, honor guards, fire trucks, Shriners, motorcycle groups, car clubs, the Dunedin Pipe and Drum band, walking units and floats. 10 a.m. Free. Safety Harbor Main Street parade route, Main Street and Second Avenue N, Safety Harbor. (727) 726-9601.

July 4th Worship Service and Picnic:In response to the oil spill in the gulf, St. Paul's Lutheran Church is commemorating the Fourth of July with a special worship service in Shelter 2. Join us for music, food and worship. Bring a dish to share. Chicken and beverages will be provided. Unite with St. Paul's in partnership with the Skycrest Neighborhood Association in an effort to support Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Eagle Lake Park, 1800 Keene Road, Largo.

Clearwater Celebrates America:Clearwater Celebrates America, the city's annual Independence Day celebration will feature the Mostly Pops Orchestra, fireworks, children's activities, a craft show, food and drink concessions. Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30. No alcoholic beverages, glass containers or bottles, umbrellas, canopies, throwing objects, pets or personal fireworks allowed. The Memorial Causeway Bridge will be closed from about 9:15-10:15 p.m. for the fireworks. Expect traffic delays as a result and consider alternate routes. 4-10:15 p.m. Free. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. (727) 562-4700.

July Fourth Celebration: The city of Safety Harbor's annual July Fourth Celebration and Fireworks Display will take place along Bayshore Boulevard, at the City Marina and on the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. The event includes games and activities for all ages, food and beverages available for purchase, beer and wine available with proper ID and local bands performing on the Budweiser True Music Stage. It also features one of the larger fireworks displays in the Tampa Bay area. 5-10:20 p.m. free admission, with nominal fees for some activities. Safety Harbor City Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor.

July Fourth Celebration and World Record Attempt: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts as well as the 50th anniversary of the dance move, The Twist. To celebrate, Largo will be attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Recordsfor the largest number of people doing the Twist at the same time. Music provided by Joey Dee and the Starliters. Participation fee includes a commemorative world-record attempt hat. Registration will take place on-site. Fireworks viewing and other activities follow at 9 p.m. 6 p.m. $3 dancing, fireworks free. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. (727) 587-6775; www.LargoEvents.com.

Today

Clearwater Coin Club Show: Annual show attracts more than 150 dealers from across the country buying, selling and appraising coins. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Parkway, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg. (727) 733-3577; or visit clearwatercoinclub.50megs.com/.

Monday

Itty Bitty Splashtime: Parents and caregivers can enjoy the companionship of other parents and caregivers while their children ages 5 and younger enjoy the cool waters of the pool's splash area. 9:45-10:45 a.m. $1.50, 2 and younger no fee. Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016; www.largo.com/department/division.php?fDD=13-61.

LiveStrong Exercise for Cancer Survivors: Ongoing gentle exercise class for cancer survivors and those currently in treatment. 5-7 p.m. Free admission. YMCA (North Pinellas), 4550 Village Center Drive, Palm Harbor. (727) 772-9622.

Bingo: Early bird bingo at 6 p.m.; followed by regular bingo at 7. Smoking allowed outside on covered deck. 6-9 p.m. Free admission. VFW Post 10304, 724 Tuskawilla St., Clearwater..

Singing is life: The Palm Harbor Crystal-Aires Men's Barbershop four-part harmony chorus invites all male singers to come and see if this hobby might appeal to you. The chorus meets at 6:45 p.m. every Monday. Call Wes at (727) 784-8052. 6:45-8:45 p.m. Palm Harbor Community Activity Center, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor. (727) 784-8052; crystalaires.com.

East Coast Swing Dance: Enjoy a night of East Coast Swing Dance to the music from the 1940s and '50s. The evening will begin with a group lesson followed by the social dance. All ages welcomed and no partner is required. 7-11 p.m. $7 per person. Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin..

Tuesday

Tai Chi: Learn the movements of tai chi at a relaxed pace. 9:30 -10 a.m. $3 with ID card; $4 without. Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 298-3299.

Muvico Free Family Film Festival: Each summer, movie theaters throughout the Tampa Bay area offer parents a chance to give their air conditioners a break by offering free kid-friendly movies a couple mornings a week. Part of the proceeds from refreshment sales go to the Starlight Children's Foundation of Florida, a nonprofit group that helps families suffering through the illness of a child by providing entertainment and family friendly activities. The feature is Shorts. Doors open at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. Free; refreshments extra. Palm Harbor 10, 37912 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor. (727) 944-2282; www.muvico.com/freefilmfest.asp.

Small Business Counseling: Sign up for a free one-on-one session with a business counselor from Pinellas County Chapter 115 of SCORE. Register at the Reference Desk or by phone. 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Free. Oldsmar Public Library, 400 St. Petersburg Drive, Oldsmar. (813) 749-1178; www.oldsmarlibrary.org.

Military Order of the World Wars: The Military Order of the World Wars meets the first Tuesday of every month. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Belleair Country Club, One Country Club Lane, Belleair. (727) 461-7171; www.belleaircc.com.

Countryside Library Activities: Countryside Library presents the following fun events for kids. The Tampa Bay Children's Theater Group will perform a full stage production of Disney's Sleeping Beauty Kids. 2-3 p.m. Free. Countryside Library, 2741 State Road 580 , Clearwater..

Singles Meeting: The Upper Pinellas Singles, a group of active seniors 50-plus, meets weekly for dinner, a program and socializing. 6-7 p.m. $7 per person. First United Methodist Church of Dunedin, 421 Main St., Dunedin..

Singapore Garden: Dennis Cathcart of Tropiflora Nursery talks about Singapore's Garden by the Bay for whom he has provided bromeliads, at meeting of the Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society. 7 p.m. No charge for admission. Hope Presbyterian Church, 1698 S Belcher Road, Clearwater. (727) 439-7782; hopefamily.com.

Candidates Forum: The public is invited to a forum for Pinellas School Board candidates hosted by the Conservative Institute for Public Awareness. Visit www.cipa-us.com. 7-9 p.m. Free. Elks Lodge 1719, 237 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs..

Teen Tidalwave Tuesdays: Teens and 'tweens ages 11-17 can hang with friends and enjoy swimming, snacks, games and prizes in and around the pool. 7:15-9:15 p.m. $3. Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016; www.largo.com/department/division.php?fDD=13-61.

Obama, won't release bin Laden death photos

In explaining his choice not to release the photo, Mr. Obama said that "we don't need to spike the football." He said that "given the graphic nature of these photos it would create a national security risk." 

The president told Kroft he saw the photos following the raid on the compound and knew that bin Laden had been killed. 

"We discussed this internally," he said. "Keep in mind that we are absolutely certain that this was him. We've done DNA sampling and testing. And so there is no doubt that we killed Osama bin Laden."

When Kroft noted that there are people in Pakistan and elsewhere who believe bin Laden is still alive, the president said "we we monitoring worldwide reaction."

"There is no doubt that Osama bin Laden is dead," he said. "Certainly there is no doubt among al Qaeda members that he is dead. So we don't think that a photograph in and of itself is going to make any difference." 

"There are going to be some folks who deny it," he added. "The fact of the matter is, you will not see bin Laden walking on this earth again."

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Osama bin Laden conspiracy theories race across the world

Paris

Less than 48 hours after the White House announced the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and his burial at sea, "conspiracy theories" are racing across the plane.

he quick burial of Mr. bin Laden and the decision not to release photos of his body were part of a White House strategy to prevent revulsion throughout the Muslim world. But the lack of public proof of his death is sparking wild rumors, not just in Pakistan and the Arab world, but also in Europe and the US.

Among the radical assertions bouncing around the Internet: bin Laden was dead before the attack; he is still alive; the DNA that was supposed to be bin Laden's was inconclusive; and that the White House concocted a raid just to ensure President Obama's reelection. That's just to name a few.

IN PICTURES: Global reaction to Osama bin Laden's death

The glut of conspiracy theories suggests a more general breakdown of traditional media’s authority in an era of text-messaging, Twitter, and instant “clarity” by far-flung experts, analysts say.

“More than simply a surfeit of conspiracy theory, [there is] a crisis of confidence between authorities and citizens," writes Bruno Fay, French author of a book on the spread of conspiracy theories called "Plot-ocracy," in the French magazine Nouvel Observateur. “Behind these plot concepts are all those who do not believe anymore in authorities. The situation today is: how to believe the authorities when bin Laden's death has not been transparent? By saying that, I am not saying that I believe in conspiracies.”

Osama bin Laden's Death / Fact or Fiction

The mission carried off by the U.S Navy’s DEVGRU, which used to be called, and is still known as, SEAL team 6, was flawless.

It took almost 10 years to find him and take him out, but all credit is due to the professionals who never stopped looking for him, never gave up, and finally succeeded.

And much credit is due to President Barack Obama, who made the decision to stand up and order his killing, when it could so easily have been hidden in a phonied-up after-action report calling the death an accident.

Bin Laden's voice was detected regularly until [14 December 2001] by intelligence operatives monitoring radio transmissions in Tora Bora, according to the Pentagon . Since then, nothing has been heard from the al-Qa'eda leader and President Bush has hinted in private that bin Laden's silence could mean he has been killed. [

But is Bin Laden Already Dead?

The Coalition troops are engaged in a mad search operation but they would never be able to fulfill their cherished goal of getting Usama alive or dead," the source said.

Bin Laden, according to the source, was suffering from a serious lung complication and succumbed to the disease in mid-December, in the vicinity of the Tora Bora mountains. The source claimed that bin Laden was laid to rest honorably in his last abode and his grave was made as per his Wahabi belief.

About 30 close associates of bin Laden in Al Qaeda, including his most trusted and personal bodyguards, his family members and some "Taliban friends," attended the funeral rites. A volley of bullets was also fired to pay final tribute to the "great leader."

The Taliban source who claims to have seen bin Laden's face before burial said "he looked pale ... but calm, relaxed and confident."

Asked whether bin Laden had any feelings of remorse before death, the source vehemently said "no." Instead, he said, bin Laden was proud that he succeeded in his mission of igniting awareness amongst Muslims about hegemonistic designs and conspiracies of "pagans" against Islam. Bin Laden, he said, held the view that the sacrifice of a few hundred people in Afghanistan was nothing, as those who laid their lives in creating an atmosphere of resistance will be adequately rewarded by Almighty Allah..

 

St. Pete / Tampa, July Events, 2011

St. Pete Pier.

The 4th of July is on a Monday this year, but that won't stop The Pier from celebrating Independence Day for our country!  The festivities will include back-to-back bands in the Courtyard by the Bay with "soulRcoaster" (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), "Solid Core" (3:30-6:30 p.m.) and "Shotgun Justice" (7:30-11:00 p.m. A special treat by the "Baby Grand in the Sand" will occur during the band breaks at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Inside The Pier we will feature the River City Banjo Band (1:00-2:00 p.m.) Fritz, himself, from Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus (1:00-9:00 p.m.), face painters (1:00-9:00 p.m.), Power Skippers (2:00-5:00 p.m.), "Tropical Tom" (3:00-5:00 p.m. and "George Washington" (1:00-4:00 p.m.).  ALL events and activities are FREE, except for the face painters, who will charge a nominal fee based on design and complexity

Memorial Day Weekend
May 27-30, 2011 - throughout Tampa Florida

Come enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Tampa ... whether it's the lights & electricity of downtown Tampa... world-class shopping in Westshore... or fun and thrills at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island... there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Days are warm... nights still mild... summer-wear is usually the norm. It's also the first3-Day Holiday Weekend in a while ... so if you don't deserve a break ... who does?

 Memorial Day Weekend Hotels in Tampa 

July Events ...

July 4th Celebrations
July 1-5, 2011 - The Florida Aquarium & Downtown Tampa

Anywhere you are in Tampa, you'll find birthday parties for the good old U.S.A. Local newspapers carry all the particulars, so you can find anything from huge Fireworks Displays... to ... `small-town' Parades and Picnics.

The Florida Aquarium, located at 701 Channelside Dr, is the site of Tampa's daylongFreedomFest. Live Music and Entertainment start in the afternoon, and end with aspectacular Fireworks Demonstration at 9 PM. More than 50,000 People turn out, but you can also view the fireworks from a variety of `less crowded' spots nearby. 

July 4th, 2011. Fireworks / Events

Macy's - 4th of July Fireworks - Live from New York with America's biggest fireworks display, including information on start times and directions, best viewing locations along the river, background info and fun facts.

America's Independence Day Parade - How it's done in Washington D.C. with major events scheduled throughout the day beginning with the parade of marching bands on Constitution Avenue, plus additional info on the National Folklife Festival on the Mall and the big evening concert and fireworks display.

Boston's Fourth of July Celebration - Another Northeast spectacular with the Boston Pops providing the entertainment...and finishing up with ooh..ahh...those fireworks ...

Boston Harborfest - With an overview of the main events during the six-day extravaganza including a daily schedule of special tours and suggested historical attractions, photo gallery.

Sunoco Welcome America Philadelphia - A week-long celebration featuring a star-studded concert, parade and carnival and, of course, spectacular fireworks.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival - In Chicago's backyard featuring week-long nightly fireworks, live rock and country music, and those big, BIG balloons, with a map, driving directions, hotel, handicapped and parking info.

fairSTL - Meet everybody in St. Louis on the 4th of July with dozens of free activities at one of America's most popular celebrations.

Go 4th on the River - New Orleans spends the weekend - where else? - on the Mighty Mississippi with online coupon offers and information on events and attractions, photo gallery, related links.

Freedom Over Texas - The annual Houston, Texas fireworks extravaganza at Eleanor Tinsley Park surrounded by lots of entertainment and a lively outdoor festival.