The #Occupy phenomenon has been pretty interesting. For some it seems to be an unrivaled chance at empowerment, while for others it's nothing more than an irritation. As tension mounts in LA, long one of the most peaceful Occupy sites, we headed out to chat with some people about the movement. The following is bits and pieces of what we heard/saw/thought.

Since we shared a Passover Primer last year, you probably know by now that the splitting of the Red Sea has is more than a ride through Universal's backlot. While you can rent The Ten Commandments for the Hollywood version, most people probably relate to the story through their tummies. We're talking Passover food: matzah, charoset (add some phlegm to the beginning of the word to fit in), and…more matzah. Matzah is also known as "poor man's bread," making it right up our alley. And from matzah to matzah balls is a pretty swift jump.

One of the more random traditions we have as Americans is designating months and days as a national this or that commemoration. Apparently, March is National Irish-American, Peanut, Nutrition, Frozen Food, Craft, and more month. It may be a bit silly, but RFB is in favor of all celebrations. So read on for a selection of some of our favorites.

We hear about the perils of disenfranchisement all the time. MTV is out there trying to "Rock the Vote" and Obama-nation did a darn good job of utilizing social media to bring out voters, but one of the big underlying issues is cluelessness about what is at stake. It is a bit embarrassing to admit on November 1 that one really has no clue about tomorrow's election issues, though many of us are. Sure, blanketing ad campaigns have assured us that both candidates for governor are lame and that legalizing pot will be both beneficial and extremely dangerous (for whom? btw). But, honestly, this bum is still confused about even showing up at the polls. Here's some info on the issues and why your vote matters.

You may have slept in late this morning, but did you stop to wonder why? What is this whole Independence Day celebration about? Sure, throwing out "1776" and "Constitution" and "former British colony" may win you some points at a cocktail party, but what is America (and specifically the United States) all about? Here are our selections for a quick brush up on the roots of the land of the free and the home of the brave.