1. what is alchemy? how is it related to taoism?
2. what are talismans? how are they used in taoism?
3. what is at the heart of the taoist rituals?
4. what are southern and northern taoism?

"1" Taoist physical practices like breathing exercises, massage, martial arts, yoga, and meditation. These are meant to change a person both physically and mentally and bring them closer to harmony with the Tao.

"2" These are objects that are thought to bring good luck. They also keep the evil spirits away In Taoism talismans are strips of paper which written on them are words of power and religious symbols that focus on benevolent spiritual energies to purify, heal the sick, and drive away demons.

"3"  To bring order and harmony to many layers of the cosmos.

"4" Southern Taoism is more of an offshoot of Cheng-I Taoism, the only liturgical tradition that’s surviving today. The priests still perform liturgies just like the chiao, believed to harmonize their local community with the cosmos. But the north doesn’t approve of these rituals. Northern Taoism has grown from the Ch’uan-chen tradition.

b. the 200th birthday of the united states

whats the question? im not quite understanding your question.