As you might imagine, unicorns have many fans. Here’s a collection of unicorn-related links.

From iMusic Country Showcase – Martina McBride

But it was that second album’s “Independence Day” that made the world really sit up and take notice of Martina McBride. This stunning lyric of domestic violence resulted in an emotionally devastating video that earned her a shelf full of awards. More importantly, it put her in front of thousands of teen girls in schools throughout the U.S. with a message of self-worth and caution about abusive relationships.

I couldn’t believe it when I finally heard the Hanhurst tape, where Bill introduced “Independence Day” as a patriotic song. He’s since learned his mistake, but in actual fact, as the song is presented in its square dance version, it could be used patriotically. Of course, that only works if no one in the audience knows the original song and context.

Ever wondered about the term “shindig”? Me either, but someone did…and hoedown too. I’m not sure I believe this explanation from Take Our Word For It; seems just a tad pat:

These two American words are really quite graphic. A hoe-down, for instance, is what happens after one “downs tools” (puts ones hoe down). There is an analogous concept in the English custom of “harvest home” which was a grand dinner and barn dance which the farmer held for the benefit of his workers after the year’s work was done.

Shindig is another splendidly descriptive word. This time it is an allusion to the typical wounds sustained at the hands (or should I say feet?) of dancing partners whose enthusiasm exceeds their skill. (For some reason, the gruesome image of an up-tempo eightsome reel danced in steel-reinforced farm boots springs to mind.)