Dear Mudcatters,

Can someone clarify exactly who is entitled to be called "an American"? According to my geography teacher, America is a continent, not a nation, and therefore Canadians, Mexicans, Brazilians etc are all bona fide Americans. So how should we address our American friends who happen to be citizens of the USA? "Dear Usatians?" Anyway, whatever you call yourselves, have a good time on the 4th of July.

The 4th of July, incidentally, is also Old Midsummers Day - that's going by the Julian Calendar. Over here, the more traditionally minded among us will mark the occasion with bonfires, and also with ale, feasting, and general merrymaking. (Including hobby-horses, green men, and the obligatory morris dancers.) Enjoy it while you can - next year it may be illegal!

Wassail!