I'm traveling today, but I'll be back next week with a longer post, bringing news of some international developments that I think many of you will find interesting.

In any case, I expect most Americans won't read my blog today because they'll have taken time off to enjoy the holiday.

For those of you who don't live in the United States, the Fourth of July is a big event for us because we celebrate our independence as a nation, with many considering today our nation's birthday.

At night, there are fireworks all over the United States, in every town large and small, to mark the occasion.

Even the most cynical people get nostalgic about our country at this time.

So for my U.S. readers, if you're out celebrating, have fun and stay safe. And no matter where you are, I hope you can check back next week when normal blogging resumes.

Read more Jacobus Report entries here.