Happy 4th everyone. It's only fitting that this Fourth of July I am currently reading an Outline of American History. I'm only up to the French and Indian War, but here's what I've learned so far:

* Doing anything significant in the 1600's required seeds, boats and the name "John"
* Harvard is way old. So is Yale.
* Barbecues are a fine American tradition rooted in colonial times
* There was a sort of JET Program in the 1700's for Scottish and Irish people to come to America to teach

Had a little barbecue outside the mansion here to celebrate. Got some fireworks too.