15 Foods w/ the Most Pesticides and Their Harms

Avoid: 15 Foods w/ the Most Pesticides and Their Harms

By Jonathan Cho

Pesticides are chemicals used to spray non-organic food to ward off and kill insects. They’re poisons proven to harm (and kill if consumed in sufficient quantity) the people exposed to them, and cause anything from reproductive problems to cancer, even in small amounts. It’s best to buy organic to avoid them altogether, but in cases where that’s not an option, here’s a look at 15 of the worst pesticide-laden foods, based on a study by the USDA Pesticide Data Program, to steer clear from when doing your grocery shopping. I list the number of pesticide residues found on average, followed by the potential human side effects of the pesticides found when consumed in non-organic food.

1. Apples: 42 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 7 are known or probable carcinogens, 19 are suspected hormone disruptors, 10 are neurotoxins, and 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
2. Celery: 64 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 13 are known or probable carcinogens, 31 are suspected hormone disruptors, 12 are neurotoxins, and 14 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
3. Tomatoes: 35 Pesticide Residues Found.  Of them, 5 are known or probable carcinogens, 14 are suspected hormone disruptors, 6 are neurotoxins, and 3 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
4. Cucumbers: 35 Pesticide Residues: Of them, 9 are known or probable carcinogens, 25 are suspected hormone disruptors, 12 are neurotoxins, and 9 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
5. Grapes: 34 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 4 are known or probable carcinogens, 17 are suspected hormone disruptors, 10 are neurotoxins, and 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
6. Nectarines: 33 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 7 are known or probable carcinogens, 19 are suspected hormone disruptors, 9 are neurotoxins, and 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
7. Peaches: 62 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 10 are known or probable carcinogens, 29 are suspected hormone disruptors, 12 are neurotoxins, and 11 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
8. Potatoes: 37 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 7 are known or probable carcinogens, 12 are suspected hormone disruptors, 9 are neurotoxins, and 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
9. Strawberries: 54 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 9 are known or probable carcinogens, 24 are suspected hormone disruptors, 11 are neurotoxins, and 12 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
10. Spinach: 48 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 8 are known or probable carcinogens, 25 are suspected hormone disruptors, 8 are neurotoxins, and 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
11. Sweet Bell Peppers: 49 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 11 are known or probable carcinogens, 26 are suspected hormone disruptors, 13 are neurotoxins, and 10 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
12. Kale: 55 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 9 are known or probable carcinogens, 27 are suspected hormone disruptors, 10 are neurotoxins, and 10 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
13. Collard Greens: 46 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 9 are known or probable carcinogens, 25 are suspected hormone disruptors, 10 are neurotoxins, and 8 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
14. Lettuce: 51 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 12 are known or probable carcinogens, 29 are suspected hormone disruptors, 9 are neurotoxins, and 10 are developmental or reproductive toxins.
15. Blueberries: 52 Pesticide Residues.  Of them, 8 are known or probable carcinogens, 24 are suspected hormone disruptors, 14 are neurotoxins, and 7 are developmental or reproductive toxins.

The Unhealthiest of “Health Foods”

By Dr. Mercola

If you grew up believing the best way to start your day was a bowl of cereal, a piece of whole wheat toast smeared with margarine, and a glass of orange juice, you’re in good company.

If your health is ailing and you’re reading this, chances are your lack of progress isn’t due to apathy or poor willpower but instead, confusion over which foods are good for you and which are not.

Many foods considered “health foods” are doing exactly the opposite of what is claimed, thanks to massively successful corporate advertising campaigns. There are solid scientific reasons why America’s waistline has continued to expand.

In an article by certified personal trainer and health enthusiast Kris Gunnars, 11 so-called health foods are discussed,¹ and unlike most mainstream nutrition articles, I agree with all of them.

If you are stumped about why you aren’t making progress toward your health or fitness goals, you might just be a victim of your “health food.” It would help to take a look at those popular foods, starting with one of the most beloved beverages among children and adults alike: fruit juices.

Fruit Juices

In spite of beliefs to the contrary, there are several problems with fruit juice that make it a FAR cry from “health food.” Consider orange juice, for example—particularly nearly all commercially prepared OJ.

Most all commercially prepared orange juices are actually highly processed into a liquid that bears little nutritional resemblance to fresh orange juice, as Alissa Hamilton, author of the book Squeezed: What You Don’t Know About Orange Juice, explains in the interview below.
First of all, it is pasteurized which decimates its vitality. Then the juice is kept in giant tanks to ensure a year-round supply. In order to preserve it, all of the oxygen is removed, and therefore all of the natural compounds that give oranges their flavor are destroyed.

Some companies add artificial flavor packs, which are essentially chemical perfumes. A common one is ethyl butyrate. If the “Best Before” date is 60 days or more, you know you have a heavily processed juice. Fruit drinks are even worse, consisting mostly of high fructose corn syrup in a mélange of artificial ingredients. Many commercial orange juices are also contaminated with mold from damaged fruit.

Additionally, fruit juice is far worse than the whole fruit, especially if it is not freshly juiced and is stored in containers, as the methanol in the juice will dissociate from the pectin and actually increase your risk of M.S.
But even fresh, pure orange juice—even freshly squeezed—is very high in sugar that is separated from its beneficial fiber and therefore detrimental to your health. One eight-ounce glass contains about 8 teaspoons of sugar, compared to 10 teaspoons in a can of soda.
Habitually downing this much sugar can increase your risk for gout, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease and a number of other serious health problems. And many commercial juices have been found to contain unacceptably high levels or arsenic.

Consuming the whole fruit causes less of a problem as the sugar is modulated by the fiber and antioxidants in the fruit, so you’re better off eating fruit whole, but in moderation. If you want juice, making your own vegetable juice at home is an excellent option.

Whole Wheat and Other Grains

Contrary to what you’ve been hearing for years about the nutritional value of whole grains, there’s a sizeable body of scientific evidence that they frequently do more harm to your body than good. Grains contain anti-nutrients and lectins that can damage your gut. And it’s the fibrous portion of the grain—the bran—that actually contains most of the anti-nutrients. These components can cause inflammation, intestinal permeability and “leaky gut.”

Wheat and other glutinous grains are the worst of the bunch. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) has been found to be inflammatory, immunotoxic, cardiotoxic, and neurotoxic, and can pass through your blood-brain barrier and interfere with neurotransmitter function.
Gluten intolerance may be at the root of many chronic diseases, including many neurological and psychiatric conditions such as depression, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many people have gluten intolerance but are unaware of it, which makes it even more insidious. It’s important to realize that ALL types of grain contribute to insulin and leptin resistance, which are the primary underlying causes for most, if not all, chronic diseases—from diabetes to cancer.

Don’t be lured into believing that all products boasting the label “gluten free” or “low-carb” are good for you. Many of these items contain other grains that are highly processed, which make them no more nutritious than the average bag of chips as they will increase your insulin and leptin resistance. And many contain sophisticated combinations of ingredients specifically engineered to induce cravings.

Agave Syrup and Nectar

Agave still lines nutrition store shelves, as if you should be pouring it over everything. Most agave nectar or syrup is nothing more than a laboratory-generated super-condensed fructose syrup, devoid of virtually all nutrient value. Agave syrup is mostly fructose and is so highly processed and refined that it bears NO resemblance to the plant for which it’s named. Depending on how it’s processed, it may contain anywhere from 55 to 90 percent fructose. High fructose corn syrup is also about 55 percent fructose, so even in the best case, agave syrup offers no advantage.

The evidence is overwhelming that, when consumed in large quantities, fructose is the most damaging sugar you can eat. Fructose drives up uric acid, which is a direct pathway toward hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, kidney and liver disease. Better sweetener options are stevia (an herb), and raw organic honey, in small amounts. Honey is also a concentrated form of sugar, but at least it can offer some health benefits, provided it’s high quality.

Sports Drinks and Energy Bars

For most average exercisers and athletes, sports drinks are not only a waste of your money but can actually make your health worse. Most sports drinks are loaded with things you DON'T want, like high fructose corn syrup, sodium, and artificial colors and flavors. Less than one percent of those who use sports drinks actually benefit from them.
Sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to your teeth than water. And brushing your teeth won’t help because the citric acid in the sports drink will soften your tooth enamel so much it could be damaged simply by brushing. A far better alternative is coconut water, sporting a long list of beneficial nutritional compounds including natural electrolytes, enzymes, trace elements, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Coconut water also has anti-inflammatory and blood pressure-lowering properties, making it the perfect “sports drink.” But even coconut water is loaded with sugar and ideally should be limited to when you need to replace minerals and fluid, like after a sauna or long duration cardio. Energy bars are no better than sports drinks—essentially just overpriced junk food. Most commercial energy bars are comprised of cheap soy protein, high fructose corn syrup, synthetic vitamins, and waste products from industrial food production.

Vegetable Oils and Fake Butter

Americans’ massive over consumption of vegetable oils is largely due to the demonization of saturated fats that’s been going on for decades. As the push to avoid animal fats rages on, people are consuming unhealthy quantities of highly refined vegetable oils—corn, soy, canola, and safflower oil. Unfortunately, all of these are highly processed and have virtually no nutritional value. And they have turned the average American’s omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios upside down, which is a major driver of chronic inflammation.

Soybean oil is one of the worst vegetable oils, and processed foods are positively loaded with it. Whether partially hydrogenated, organic, or made from newer soybean varieties modified in such a way as to not require hydrogenation, soybean oil can cause dysfunction and chaos in your body at a cellular level. More than 90 percent of the soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered, and as a result contaminated with dangerous levels of the herbicide glyphosate, which compounds their toxicity.

Margarine is basically a heart attack in a tub, loaded with trans fats (from hydrogenation, the process of turning liquid vegetable oils into a solid). Trans fats contribute to heart disease, cancer, bone problems, hormone imbalance and infertility, as well as low birth weight, growth problems and learning disabilities in children. Butter, on the other hand, is the real health food—it’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, CLA (if the cows are limited to eating grass and not grains), and many other nutrients your body needs.

Low-Fat and Fat-Free Foods

The low-fat craze has been one of the most damaging dietary fads in history, leaving many tens of millions with chronic illness in its wake. The idea that all fat (especially animal-derived fat) is bad for you is nothing more than a mistaken interpretation of science—one that has become “stuck” in Western culture. Of course, you want to avoid the previously touted “healthy” vegetable oils as not only are they highly processed but they have far too much omega-6 fats.

A healthier fat alternative that is not promoted by the media or most nutritionists, are saturated fats from animals and vegetables. They provide a source of a number of important health benefits. In fact, your body cannot function without saturated fats! They are needed for the proper function of your cell membranes, immune system, heart, brain and other organs. In fact, a recent “landmark” study provides compelling evidence that the type of fat you consume, not the amount, is what imparts the cardiovascular benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
When fats are removed from foods, it leaves them tasteless and unappealing. So manufacturers load them up with sugar and sodium and chemicals, in massive quantities. So stick with unaltered whole foods, including full-fat unpasteurized dairy. They’re much better for you—and they taste much better too!

Breakfast Cereals

Breakfast cereals are a favorite way to start the day for many, but they are rife with toxic ingredients and misleading advertising. Of course, the first problem is that they are grain-based, which I’ve already covered. But even many of the so-called “natural” varieties are contaminated with toxic pesticides, carcinogenic fumigants and solvents, and genetically modified ingredients. The only label that can give you any peace of mind is the “USDA Certified 100% Organic” label.

In 2011, independent testing by the Cornucopia Institute had shown that several breakfast cereals marketed as “natural”—even some that claim to avoid genetically engineered ingredients contain high levels of genetically engineered ingredients. Typical American breakfast staples, such as cereal, muffins, and the like, are popular because of wildly successful corporate PR. You might even consider skipping breakfast altogether.

But wait—isn’t that the most important meal of your day? Compelling new research indicates differently. Skipping breakfast may reduce your hunger, stimulate your metabolism, level out your blood sugar, and stabilize your insulin levels throughout the day. Properly done intermittent fasting will actually help eliminate most food cravings and help you achieve your ideal body weight.

Choose Real Food Instead!

When considering food—regardless of whether it’s organic, local, from a supermarket or from a farmer’s market, make sure you keep the following criteria in mind. Most often, the best place to find high-quality foods is from a sustainable agricultural group in your area. If you’re unsure of what foods you should be eating and in what proportions, or you just need some help getting started, please refer to my free nutrition plan. Make sure that your food is:

Grown/raised without pesticides and chemical fertilizers (organic foods fit this description, but so do some non-organic foods)	Is fresh (if you have to choose between wilted organic produce or fresh conventional produce, the latter may still be the better option as freshness is important for optimal nutrient content)
Not genetically engineered	Not grown/raised in a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO)
Contains no added growth hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs	Grown/raised with the laws of nature in mind (meaning animals are fed their native diets, not a mix of grains and animal byproducts, and have free access to the outdoors)
Contains no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or artificial anything	Grown/raised sustainably (using minimal amounts of water, protecting the soil from burnout, and turning animal wastes into natural fertilizers instead of environmental pollutants)

Evil Monsanto

Is Monsanto Evil? From everything I have read, yes absolutely

I hadn't heard about this corporation until I listened to a video of Dr. Mercola interviewing Andrew Kimbrell (Environmental attorney and founder of Center of Food Safety).  The basic topic was food safety and GMO foods (genetically modified foods) and it was a huge eye opener for me on the subject.  I knew GMO foods were not good for me, but I had no idea about the story behind them and the fact that they literally have zero benefits, and are already banned in so many countries around the world!  And although I hadn’t heard of Monsanto before, I sure am aware now, realizing how big of a bully they really are and how hugely they’ve influenced our food supply…they are a part of pretty much every processed non-organic food. Also thanks to companies like this the toxicity in pesticides used to grow non-organic foods increase as foods become resistant to them.  We don't want to eat the toxic pesticides to start with leave alone stronger and more toxic ones over time!    

Below is a great article to touch on the corporation.  First I will give a brief summary on what Monsanto is, from Wikipedia. I will follow it with the 6 part interview with Andrew Kimbrell, and many resources to read up and learn more about Monsanto and GMO foods, and why you want to avoid these and go organic, or at least be mindful about what you’re consuming by reading labels.  Be aware that approximately 2/3 of the products sold by Whole Foods Market and their main distributor, United Natural Foods (UNFI) are not certified organic, but rather are conventional (chemical-intensive and GMO-tainted) foods and products disguised as “natural.” So look for the label 100% Organic Certified by the USDA.

What is Monsanto- Source: Wikipedia

The Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a US-based multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation. It is the world's leading producer of the herbicide glyphosate, marketed as "Roundup". Monsanto is also the leading producer of genetically engineered (GE) seed; it provides the technology in 90% of the genetically engineered seeds used in the US market. It is headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Agracetus, owned by Monsanto, exclusively produces Roundup Ready soybean seed for the commercial market. In 2005, it finalized purchase of Seminis Inc, making it the world's largest conventional seed company.

Monsanto's development and marketing of genetically engineered seed and bovine growth hormone, as well as its aggressive litigation, political lobbying practices, seed commercialization practices and "strong-arming" of the seed industry have made the company controversial around the world and a primary target of the alter-globalization movement and environmental activists. As a result of its business strategies and licensing agreements, Monsanto came under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department in 2009

Is Monsanto the World's Most Evil Corporation?

1/13/2011 3:14:19 PM

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence

“Evil” is a word most people don’t use lightly. Yet the majority of NaturalNews readers didn’t hesitate when asked to name the Most Evil Corporation of the Year in an online survey this week. More than 16,000 voters participated, and an astonishing 51 percent gave Monsanto the dubious prize. (The Federal Reserve took a distant second with 20 percent of the votes, followed by British Petroleum with 9 percent and Halliburton with 5 percent.)

How bad is Monsanto? Mother Earth News writer Barbara Pleasant answered that question in a “Happy Homesteader” post last year. “In 2006 the corporate giant bought Delta and Pineland, a leading producer of cotton seed, so that it now controls a huge share of the cotton seed market,” Pleasant reports. “Monsanto’s genes are in about 95 percent of commercial soybeans and 80 percent of commercial corn, and people like the attorney generals of Iowa and Texas are concerned that Monsanto’s business practices violate federal antitrust laws that protect free competition. When it comes to licensing agreements, Monsanto is reportedly a big time bully.” Monsanto’s misdeeds are well chronicled in Christopher Leonard’s excellent article, “Monsanto Stomps Down Budding Seed Competitors.”

NaturalNews editor Mike Adams believes readers overwhelmingly chose Monsanto because of its “touchy-feely corporate spin that tries to position the company as the savior of life on planet Earth.” He cites the "Monsanto pledge," which claims integrity and sharing of knowledge and technology as corporate values. “To anyone who knows anything about Monsanto, these words must strike them as particularly nauseous,” Adams writes. “For a company that thrives on GMO seeds and is an aggressive opponent of open-pollinated seeds to talk about ‘sharing knowledge’ and ‘helping farmers’ is enough to make you quite literally vomit.”

Adams offers the following resources to help us learn more about the corporation’s efforts to squeeze competitors, control smaller seed companies and protect its dominance over the multibillion-dollar market for genetically altered crops:

http://www.NaturalNews.com/Monsanto.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/NoGMO.html
http://ResponsibleTechnology.org
http://GMwatch.org 

Is Monsanto truly the world’s most Evil Corporation? I’m pretty convinced.

Dr. Mercola Interviews Andrew Kimbrell (6 parts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbcthSOcXjw&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bh18yZiRwA&feature=relmfu 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPLChzIPy3A&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln4NawmGlvw&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2s8u89KqSM&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upGnKU5VCX8&feature=relmfu

More articles

Monsanto already dominates America’s food chain with its genetically modified seeds. Now it has targeted milk production.  Just as frightening as the corporation’s tactics–ruthless legal battles against small farmers–is its decades-long history of toxic contamination.

Monsanto’s Harvest of Fear- Source: Vanity Fair

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805?currentPage=1

This is a 6 page article, but well worth the read. I think this is amazing that a mainstream information source like this is speaking out against Monsanto. 

It’s a great, investigative article that everyone should read.

The Organic Elite Surrender to Bio-Tech Terrorist Monsanto – Why? - Source: Natural News

http://www.truthistreason.net/the-organic-elite-surrender-to-bio-tech-terrorist-monsanto-why

Monsanto: The Evil Corporation in Your Refrigerator- Source: Walletpop

http://www.truthistreason.net/monsanto-the-evil-corporation-in-your-refrigerator

Monsanto, How Evil Are Thee? Let me Count the Ways…

http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=2921

German Report Exposes Horrors of Toxic GMO Soy- Source: Natural News- Ethan A. Huff

http://www.truthistreason.net/german-report-exposes-horrors-of-toxic-gmo-soy

Books

Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal: War Stories From the Local Food Front

The World According to Monsanto

Videos & DVDs

Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It

The World According to Monsanto (US NTSC Format)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

And just in case that wasn't enough evil for the day, read this articles posted July 20th about human DNA manipulation through vaccines-

http://www.naturalnews.com/033062_Rupert_Murdoch_Andrew_Wakefield.html

Pesticides

Poison #3: Pesticides

Dr. Oz brought Dr. Alan Greene to join him for the pesticides segment.  Pesticides often have neurotoxins that are directly toxic.  If kids have higher levels of pesticides, they tend to have an increased risk of ADD and learning problems.  A study was done where they took two groups of animals and fed them the same amount of food, gave them the same amount of exercise, and the only difference is that one group got a little bit of pesticides in their food.  The group that got the pesticides gained 10% more weight in abdominal fat.  If that does not convince you to change over to organic fruits and vegetables, which greatly reduce your exposure to pesticides, then I don’t know what will.

Most Important Organic Fruit & Vegetable: Apple & Potato

Dr. Oz asked Dr. Alan Greene, if we could only buy one organic fruit or vegetable, what should we pick?  Dr Greene said that he would pick organic apples, because apples are the number 2 most popular fruit in America. And if you can only buy one type of organic vegetable, buy organic potatoes, because the pesticides get both onto the inside and the skin of the potato.

The Full List: 53 Fruits and Veggies

EWG analyzed pesticide residue testing data from the US Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration to come up with rankings for these popular fresh produce items. 

Lower numbers = more pesticides.  1 (worst) to 53 (best)

1  Apples

2  Celery

3  Strawberries

4  Peaches

5  Spinach

6  Nectarines - imported

7  Grapes - imported

8  Sweet bell peppers

9  Potatoes

10  Blueberries - domestic

11  Lettuce

12  Kale/collard greens

~~~The 12 above are called the dirty dozen starting from the top 1 down~~~

13  Cilantro

14  Cucumbers

15  Grapes - domestic

16  Cherries

17  Pears

18  Nectarines - domestic

19  Hot peppers

20  Green beans - domestic

21  Carrots

22  Plums - imported

23  Blueberries - imported

24  Raspberries

25  Green beans - imported

26  Summer squash

27  Oranges

28  Broccoli

29  Green onions

30  Bananas

31 Cantaloupe - imported

32 Honeydew melon

33  Cauliflower

34 Tomatoes

35  Papaya

36 Cranberries

37 Plums - domestic

38  Winter squash

~~~Below are the 15 lowest in Pesticide starting from the bottom 53 of the list up~~~

39  Mushrooms

40  Grapefruit

41  Sweet potatoes

42  Watermelon

43  Cabbage

44  Kiwi

45  Cantaloupe - domestic

46  Eggplant

47  Mangoes

48  Sweet peas - frozen

49  Asparagus

50  Avocado

51  Pineapples

52  Sweet Corn

53  Onions

Click here for  FAQ about Produce and Pesticides- http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/faq/

Food Safety

Doctor Oz did a show on "Poison in The Food Supply" including Mercury, Pesticides and Bisphenol A (BPA).  Did you know that there could be poisons in your fruits, vegetables, canned foods and fish?  Dr Oz mentioned that there is a worldwide health crisis, especially now with the major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  

How safe is it to eat fish from the gulf?  Dr Oz discussed mercury in fish, which causes developmental problems in babies, and heart, kidney and brain problems in adults.  Plus, 8% of women have dangerously high Mercury levels. Scary! Because No % of mercury is a safe amount for the human body!   Pesticides in our food supply can cause cancer and other health risks, yet pesticides are often covering all of the fruits and vegetables that we eat, unless we buy organic or grow our own.  And Bisphenol A (BPA) is an ingredient that allows plastic to harden, but can cause Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer and other health problems and is not only found in plastic containers but often found in the lining of canned foods too! 

What vegetables and fruits are most important to buy organic?  Which fish has the lowest levels of mercury?  And how can you avoid BPA?  Dr. Oz covered all of these topics in his show on Poison in The Food Supply, and I will touch on each topic in these next 3 days. 

Poison #1: Mercury in Fish

Poison #2: Bisphenol A (BPA)

Poison #3: Pesticides

Happy Independence day!