i tried to steel myself and watch the endless pre-game show (told myself that it was another way to "learn
about america") but i couldnt manage it. i felt my gorge rising every 3 minutes or so and had to tune
away to the soccer/rugby instead. mostly i spent the afternoon alternating between shouting at the telly
and pricing up CDs for sale! what a loser!

as for the U2 show i suppose that it was appropriate. pomp rock for a big moment. i just wonder where the synth lines were coming from during "Where the Streets Have No Name". i am, however, still amazed at how Bono can make these grand gestures without a hint of self deprecation while he's actually doing it. before and after he has a little, but not during.

it's a shame that Mariah prerecorded her anthem, as one of our correspondents said, it would have been interesting to see her break down live...