See it today, 7/4/10 at google.com

Last year, we took the weekend off for America’s birthday.  This year…not so much.  for tips on how to pass the  time between the obligatory parade in the morning and patriotic pyrotechnics this evening, keep reading.

Tip #1: Check out the Google homepage.  In honor of the 4th (and perhaps an indication of their love of OK Go), it features a Rube Goldberg Device of sorts, complete with (American) football, eagles, Lady Liberty, and fireworks.

Tip #2: Compare your 4th of July style to that of the first ladies – from Eleanor Roosevelt to Michelle Obama – with this article from Huffington Post.  Are you a Jackie or a Hillary?

Tip #3: Watch a patriotic film.  I suggest Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) starring James Cagney.  Here’s a clip to get you started:

Tip #4: Get enthusiastic about the holiday.  My favorite domestic diva, Martha Stewart, has tips.

Tip #5: See if you agree with these choices as the “Top 12 Most Patriotic Songs Ever” from CBS.

Tip #6: Since it’s the weekend, you probably get free minutes with your wireless plan.  Take advantage of it to call some friends, especially the ones you haven’t seen since classes let out in April.  You probably have lots to catch up on!

Tip #7: As we said last year, take this extra time to catch up on what you’ve missed in the SHEI Archive.  Yes, you’ve been busy, but today and tomorrow (when you’ve probably got the day off) would be a great time to read up on the latest in design, pop-culture, and fashion.  Leave us some comments too!

Happy 4th of July!

-B.C.Bodnar