A tragedy today in Maplewood, Mo., shows how social networking sites can provide a morbid glimpse into a life lost. One that’s arguably far more powerful than the ubiquitous news story featuring grieving friends and family.

I just saw this on coolhunting.com. A kinetic sculpture at the newly renovated BMW Museum in Munich, made up of 714 balls on individual strings that morph into all different configurations on their way to briefly resting into the shapes of vintage, present and future BMW models. All the while, in the background are the words “Innovation … Technology … Design…” while a narrative plays about a constantly changing world, changing lifestyles and paying attention to the future.

Friday was the 4th of July, a special day of meaning for people in the US, and a different one for everybody. For most, this day is not associated with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but more with the country in general, a day amongst family, a barbecue with fireworks at night, just a day off or even Will Smith. For me, quite frankly, it does not mean anything. But this will come; it was my first 4th of July in the United States.

America has a troubling brand portfolio quandary. Internationally, it seems America is a branded house, with the parent brand operating from the position “military strength.” Domestically, America strikes me as a house of brands, in which each sub-brand (i.e. state) is not necessarily chained to the militaristic meaning of the American parent brand.