Why do you watch the Super Bowl???

If you're like most Americans, you're saying you like to watch the Super Bowl because of the great commercials. It's true, at Super Bowl time all the companies bring out their best works of advertisement. It's only natural then that 100 American students who haven't watched US television in over a month are going to be excited for the Super Bowl and it's phenomenal commericals.

You can imagine our disappointment when we realized that, yes, we are in England, I guess they'll be showing British commercials, not American ones. Booo. And because the Brits don't especially enjoy the NFL, the commercials were not cream-of-the-crop (due to a very limited British audience). Soooo, they were average-day British commercials that most of didn't understand.

Despite the lack of great commercials, it turned out to be a good night. The atmosphere in the Manor's Junior Commons Room was awesome. About 100 students gathered on random couches, chairs, and bean bags to watch the big game. Hot dogs were served. Everyone settled down when the National Anthem began. You could tell there was a bit of pride shared by everyone in the room. At the end of the Anthem we were all being typical cocky Americans and we shouted, "Go USA," "America!" etc. It was fun.

I found the actual game quite boring (probably because the Colts aren't in it.. another sad story for another day). Due to time differences, the Super Bowl didn't start until about 11:30 p.m. here. I fought to stay awake for the halftime show. It didn't come on until after 1:30 a.m. I was so tired. All I remember was cheering for Paul McCartney and singing along to "Hey Jude." I thought it was ironic to have Paul McCartney do the halftime show, because he's British and the Brits hate American football. In fact, check out this article I found in the Brits Star TV Magazine: "Normally, we wouldn't be seen dead watching 'Rugby for Softies,' but after last year's Janet Jackson 'Nipplegate' Incident, we'll be tuning in with our fingers hovering eagerly over the 'record' button. This American sporting institution is traditionally screened on some obscure digital channel, but ITV has stepped in to cover the event this year with a star-studded line-up of broadcasting and sporting talent... The game's between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, in case you care. I know we don't!"

Rude! I love my American football. I love the NFL. BUT, I have watched a rugby game on television here. It is quite intense, I will give them that. Here's a site to check out the game that they claim is so superior to our football, our "rugby for softies." http://www.planet-rugby.com/

Have a great Wednesday... I'm off to bed!