Happy Independence Day 2011!

Happy birthday, America!  And wishes for a very happy Fourth of July to all you patriots (and patriettes)!  Here's something to help kick off a day that should be full of friends, fun, food, and fireworks: a great bit from the delightful 1972 film version of the musical "1776," with John Adams, Ben Franklin, and a very ginger (and rather cute) Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence (do read it again here on this of all days).

Aw, what's a holiday without some humor?  Here's an oldie but goodie: a mashup of "300" and the American Revolution.