Happy July 4

Q: What did one flag say to the other flag?
A: Nothing. It just waved.

Today is July 4 — Independence day — recognition of the day that the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence that had been written largely by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence was first read publicly by Colonel John Nixon on July 8, 1776. When I was in Philadelphia years ago, I stood on the very spot. It was quite chilling. The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official signing event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it. John Hancock was the only person to actually sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4. ^{source: PurpleTrail.com}

Q: Why did the duck say bang?
A: Because he was a firequacker.

Autodesk employees in the United States have today off to celebrate the founding of our country. My daughter and her fiancé are visiting, so we'll watch the Alameda July 4 Parade and perhaps head to the beach. So for those of you working with us on the Autodesk Forge, fear not, we will get back to work next week. For now, we will enjoy the day and the rest of the week (mandated vacation days for Autodesk employees in most countries).

Q: What do call a witch that lives at the beach?
A: A sand witch! ^{source: Nevaeh, age 9, Banning, CA}

A beach-based celebration is alive in the lab.