Ray Charles + Baseball = America.

"There was only one night game a year. On the 4th of July the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks, giving us just enough light for a game."

Festivities for the 4th have begun with today's firework show at USU's football stadium. I didn't attend, but I did drive by during the finale. It reminded me of maybe the most American film EVER MADE:

To see the fireworks going off at the stadium was nice, but even nicer were the swarms of families with lawn chairs and young lovers with blankets watching from nearby lawns, parks, and pickup beds. Kids running around with glow sticks, teenagers lighting off their own fireworks, or the occasional block-party lit my drive home. I may or may not have been a little moved by the patriotism and camaraderie that the 4th of July brings out in the people of America. It was beautiful. I think this is a red white and blue high that I will be riding for the next few days (more posts to come) (you're welcome)

(Play this starting at 2:15) (you're only required to watch til its day again)

(with this music) (copyright stuff is anti-blog)