Studio 360’s Redesign Challenge: the Fourth of July

Studio 360 has a summer project in the works and we need your help: we’re redesigning the Fourth of July.

Don’t worry, it’s not a complete gutting. We’re keeping the red, white, and blue, the cookouts, and the fireworks. But there are a couple of elements that we think can use some sprucing up.

Exhibit A: Uncle Sam

In this shot, he’s downright terrifying. And when he’s not bullying and pointing, he seems to spend a lot of time selling used cars and air conditioners at low, low prices — hardly the sort of behavior we’d expect from our national icon.

The Challenge: We want you to come up with a better mascot for the United States of America.You can update Uncle Sam or completely replace him.

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Exhibit B: The Star-Spangled Banner

When Portland Trailblazers coach Mo Cheeks steps in to help the situation, he just proves our point: while it’s certainly rousing and epic, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is notoriously difficult to sing, with lyrics most people can’t remember.

The Challenge: We want you to compose a completely new song — with original music and lyrics — for our national anthem.Post your songs here.

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The fine print: Enter our challenge as many times as you like. Submissions posted before midnight (ET) Sunday, June 20 will be eligible for mention on the show, airing Fourth of July weekend.

In you we trust.