You're probably reading this with half a mind on your big Independence Day plans, and the other half on just how to perfect those dogs or burgers or steaks you plan to put on the grill this afternoon.

Oh, and not to mention the fireworks. (Quick promo: Check out Stephanie Mlot's "How To" blog on fireworks safety tips. Go to fredericknewspost.com/howto.)

Speaking of promos, that's what this column is all about.

So, before you take off to enjoy the day (or, if you're already on the go, perhaps you're reading this on your phone at mobile.newspost.com), you'll want to make a mental note of some of the latest offerings on fredericknewspost.com. From new blogs and web-only columns to special sections to social media, here's some of the latest attractions:

New blogs

Along the Rail -- Jeff Brammer, new copy editor/page designer for the FNP, has a blog that covers the horse racing industry. In one of Brammer's most recent posts, he touches on racinos. Don't know what those are? Check out his blog.

Key 2 Investing -- Citizen blogger Henry Becker Jr. hits on all things related to strategies to consider when building and maintaining your financial portfolio. Becker says that he's not a fan of the "buy and hold" strategy. He follows trends, and that's what he blogs about in one of his most recent posts.

To check out either of these new blogs, or your old favorites, visit www.fredericknewspost.com/blogs

New columns

When in Tomsk -- Susanna Merrill, who graduated from Frederick High a few years back, isn't spending her summer living at the beach. She's a bit farther away, as in way away. Merrill is living in the Siberian city of Tomsk this summer, and she's writing a weekly column about her experience.

Deadlines & Diapers -- Katie Bishop has recently come on board and writes a parenting column. She writes about the "struggle to find happiness in being a full-time mom and a full-time employee."

Thinking Out Loud -- Susan Writer offers up a rather clever look on life, and how she sees things. Her columns run the gamut, from what it's like to be nearing your 50th birthday to the seemingly more prevalent use of certain four-letter words used today as opposed to yesteryear.

To check out the new columns, visit www.fredericknewspost.com/online_exclusives

Election coverage

The one-stop shop for anything to do with the City of Frederick election can be found at fredericknewspost.com/cityelection2009. In this section, you can access stories and quick-hit info on the mayoral and candidates for alderman, as well as stay on top of pertinent information related to this year's election.

Social Media

Follow The Frederick News-Post on Twitter at twitter.com/frednewspost.com. More than 420 folks are following our feed now. Follow us, too, and stay on top of the latest stories we're working on.

We've recently launched our Facebook page. Become a fan -- dozens of folks have already -- and look for several updates each weekday. Go to facebook.com and search for The Frederick News-Post.

This and That

2009 College Commitments -- From Texas to Long Island and from NCAA Division 1 to the junior college level, more than 140 area prep student-athletes plan to continue their playing careers on the collegiate level. Check out the complete list at fredericknewspost.com/sports.

Databases -- Search and sort everything from city and county employee salaries to restaurant inspections to airspace violations and more. Go to fredericknewspost.com/databases.

Daily 5 -- The "Daily 5" is a quick video tour of all the news you need to know to get through your day, or at least through your next water-cooler visit. The video is delivered in a countdown format and includes everything from local events to entertainment news, celebrity gossip and must-see TV. Look for it by 10:30 a.m. every weekday.

Jason Brennan is the web editor for The Frederick News-Post.