First, some of you may remember the most awesomest TV show from our youth:

This was appointment TV at the Propst house when I was a kid. Well, ABC is remaking the V series and the first episode is this coming Tuesday. Here’s a sneak peek:

And while we’re on the subject of my favorite TV shows, here’s a sneak peek at the new season of 24, which starts in January:

Hat tip: Below the Beltway

hat tip: @no634 from a long time ago

The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty — that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.

George Washington, General Orders, August 23, 1776

In case you ever wondered how Thomas Jefferson was selected to write the Declaration of Independence, wonder no more:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Law of Nature and Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Ten things you may not know about the Declaration of Independence, courtesy of Nick Rogers of the Victoria Advocate.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775

The Muppets sing Stars & Stripes Forever:

But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations…This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.

John Adams, letter to H. Niles, February 13, 1818

And, finally, a unique fireworks show:

Happy Independence Day!!

* All quotes are courtesy of Mark’s Quotes.

The River Piedra is a story about Pilar, a student in Zaragoza, Spain, and her week-long journey of love and self-discovery along with her childhood sweetheart, now a spiritual leader. After an eleven-year hiatus, Pilar accepts her friend’s invitation to attend one of his speeches in Madrid. Having been in love with Pilar all along, he invites Pilar to travel with him to France for the celebration of the Immaculate Conception and she accepts. On their journey, Pilar confronts the cynicism and apathy that has worked its way into her life and embraces her spiritual side, reigniting her amorous feelings for her friend. The result is a beautiful love story intertwined with spiritual awareness.

Some of my favorite quotes:

Pitiful is the person who is afraid of taking risks. Perhaps this person will never be disappointed or disillusioned; perhaps she won’t suffer the way people do when they have a dream to follow. But when that person looks back — and at some point everyone looks back — she will hear her heart saying, “What have you done with the miracles that God planted in your days? What have you done with the talents God bestowed on you? You buried yourself in a cave because you were fearful of losing those talents. So this is your heritage: the certainty that you wasted your life.”

I observed the woman I had been up until then: weak but trying to give the impression of strength. Fearful of everything but telling herself it wasn’t fear — it was the wisdom of someone who knew what reality was. Putting up shutters in front of windows to keep the joy of the sun from entering — just so the sun’s rays wouldn’t fade my old furniture.

The few people there in the bar must have been thinking that all they were seeing was just a kiss. They didn’t know that this kiss stood for my whole life — and his life, as well. The life of anyone who has waited, dreamed, and searched for their true path. The moment of that kiss contained every happy moment I had ever lived.

God hides the fires of hell within paradise.

I will not talk to my own darkness anymore, I promised myself… A fall from the third floor hurts as much as a fall from the hundredth. If I have to fall, may it be from a high place.

Obviously, Coehlo writes beautifully. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining, and fulfilling read, pick up this book. I know I’ll be reading much more from Paulo Coehlo in the near future.