U.S.A. A-OK

Fun fact: if you take too long with a Canada Day post, the timing goes from merely belated to downright unpatriotic... can't very well wax poetic about the music of another land today, whether (or not!) it sounds all wicked and maple-soaked.

Today: U.S.A. A-OK!

"When my family arrived in this country four months ago, we spoke no English and had no money in our pockets. Today, we own a nationwide chain of wheel-balancing centers. Where else, but in America, or possibly Canada, could our family find such opportunity? That's why, whenever I see the Stars and Stripes, I will always be reminded of that wonderful word—flag!"

— Trong Van Din's essay "USA A-OK" from The Simpsons episode "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" (back when the show was good, 30 or 40 years ago.)

On Deck: Canadian music. British art. American reviews a go-go.

Tonight, fellow Americans (and everyone, really), be safe, and look out for the animals in your life, who most likely aren't sensitized to noisy fireworks (not that doing so is necessarily a great idea, yikes).

Schoolhouse Rock Fireworks video:



Schoolhouse Rock The Shot Heard 'Round The World video:



Schoolhouse Rock - The Shot Heard 'Round the World (on Schoolhouse Rock: America Rock)