As grills across America fire up this weekend some Americans may want to crack open a history book instead of a cold beer.

A Marist poll found that 26 percent of Americans don't know who the United States declared its independence from.

The 26 percent includes 6 percent that are unsure that the United States fought any war of independence at all. Other respondents gave a range of countries that included France, China, Mexico, Spain and Japan, according to the pollsters at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

For the record, it was Great Britain the US broke away from.

This news comes as the U.S. Citizenship and immigration Service held ceremonies for 150 candidates for citizenship on Ellis Island and naturalized more than 3,800 citizenship candidates in approximately 55 special ceremonies held across the United States and abroad.

Independence Day reminds us all what it means to be an American, said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas.

Here are a few sample questions from the test to be a US citizen. How would you do?

What is one thing the Constitution does?
declares independence from England
protects basic rights of Americans
gives the President power over all branches of government

What are the first words of the Constitution?
Down with the King
When in the Course of human events
We the People

Which is NOT a right or freedom from the First Amendment?
speech
bear arms
press

What is NOT a right in the Declaration of Independence?
free speech
liberty
pursuit of happiness

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
separation of powers
rule of law
The Supreme Court

Who makes federal laws?
Congress
The President
The Supreme Court

How many U.S. Senators are there?
50
100
435

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
2
4
6

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Governor
The Speaker of the House
The Vice President

Which is NOT a Cabinet-level position?
Secretary of the Interior
Attorney General
Chief of Staff of the Army

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
7
8
9

What is NOT a power of the federal government?
to make treaties
to print money
to issue drivers licenses

What is NOT a power of the states?
provide schooling and education
provide Social Security
provide safety

Which is NOT a right of everyone living in the United States?
the right to bear arms
the right to freedom of assembly
the right to a drive a car

What is NOT a promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
vote in every election
give up loyalty to other countries
pay income taxes

What is a reason the colonists fought the British?
because they resisted foreign occupation
because of taxes
because they were loyal to France

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
Paul Revere

Who is an author of the Federalist Papers?
Thomas Paine
Benjamin Franklin
Alexander Hamilton

What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
deputy commander of the Army
first Postmaster General
second President

Who was President during World War I?
Woodrow Wilson
Abraham Lincoln
Herbert Hoover

Who was President during World War II?
Theodore Roosevelt
Franklin Roosevelt
Dwight Eisenhower

Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Mexico, Germany, and China
Russia, Germany, and Japan
Japan, Germany, and Italy

During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Free Trade
Communism
Vietnam

Which is the longest out of these rivers?
Colorado
Mississippi
Hudson

Which is NOT a US Territory?
Puerto Rico
American Samoa
Tahiti

What is the name of the national anthem?
America the Beautiful
The Star-Spangled Banner
God Bless America

A wonderful chat room last night was spoiled for me to a large extent by an individual who said something about prostitution in Thailand. When I mentioned that some people associated it with ALL Thai women, he said, "just look at Thailand's history," as those that justified everything. As though he didn't know what the world's "oldest profession" is. As though the UK, where he is from, doesn't have it.

And, most of all, as though this was some kind of reason why it was OK for some foreigners to assume I am a prostitute when I am in Thailand.

Very few things push me to the brink of anger and it was difficult for me not to blast him. But bigotry DOES make me angry.

For very personal reasons, this year I would like to pay a tribute to U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen. Thank you for saving lives. I won't forget your ultimate sacrifice.

Alway in my heart --- Benjie

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7QmwrhiObU&feature=related[/url]

I am sorry I have not been around. I have been in the hospital here in the USA where I have insurance too.

As some of you know, I lost two dear ones in Thailand because of illness.

Medical care in the USA is far better than it is in the provinces of Thailand (Bkk has some good hospitals).

I will not be able to return to Thailand this year


Do not worry, I plan to be around for a long time to make sure LB is OK.(He just got a gold medal in the shot put, excellent certificate in music and honor roll -- very proud of him

I am very concerned about the current situation in Thailand. I have never seen it so bad. I is even affecting remote provinces like mine.

Love for you and yours,
Benjie

I will never forget you. Ever. I love you.
See you soon
Love, Benjie

The crocodile cannot move his tongue. The whole tongue is rooted to the base of his mouth. So he can’t stick out his tongue at you, but you can always stick your tongue out at him.

I will try to come in the chatroom tonight or tomorrow (Thursday, Friday) at a reasonable time. I hope you say hi if you see me.

Lots of love for you.

A concert was held yesterday at the Central World Plaza to raise public donations to help quake-hit Haiti. You can find more info here.
[url]http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/31490/thai-rice-aid-to-be-flown-out-on-feb-1[/url]