Ditching The Star-Spangled Banner
Michael Kinsley annoyed some people this week by suggesting that we replace our national anthem with some other, more singable tune. This subject comes up at least once per year, usually around either the Super Bowl or the World Series, when some new butchering of the song prompts the discussion. Personally, while I don’t agree with Kinsley’s reasoning, I favor the change.
Growing up a Philadelphia Flyers fan, I’ve always had a special affinity for “God Bless America” and often wondered why that tune wouldn’t be a better choice. And anyone who has ever heard Ray Charles sing “America the Beautiful” can be forgiven for thinking that this is our country’s anthem. Both are far representative of the nation than a song about one battle in Baltimore’s harbor.
So, I’m curious. Where do you all stand on the Star-Spangled Banner? Would you rather a different song, and if so, which one?
A Little Housekeeping
Most of you who regularly read and comment here know the few rules we have for commenting. But in the interest of new readers and commenters the “official” QandO comment policy is now posted.
Counting Down From The Top
Now here, for movies buffs, is a real labor of love (or someone without a life) – imagine the movies you’d have to scour to come up with 100 movies, 100 quotes and 100 numbers – counting down from the top:
Snow. March 1st. Atlanta. Damn Global Warming
A scene from my back yard on March 1st
Big fat wet flakes (you can see the smears in the pic – that’s them) and accumulation. It’s supposed to continue through tonight. We’re told to expect 3 to 5 inches.
In Atlanta.
Can’t wait to see what Boston gets.
~McQ
“Friends” – A Valentine’s Day Special
A needed break from the doom and gloom that is our slickened slide into American socialism. It’s good to remember the important things in life. And sickly sweet sarcasm …
That’s from the HBO series “Flight of the Conchords,” an offbeat story about a laconic New Zealand band.
Your “Thanks I Needed That” Feel Good Story Of The Day
This is a great one:
Read the story as well. A 40 year hunt for the man who saved her life. A tip of the cap to both of them. Him for what he did and her for not forgetting.
Super Steelers
A good Super Bowl (and a good half-time show). No standouts on the commercials.
I had picked the Cardinals by three. That was also the top pick in our Super Bowl poll.
Interestingly, no one picked the Steelers by 3 (the closest pick to the result).
The Great QandO Super Bowl Poll
OK all you NFL experts out there, tell me how it is going to go today in this oh, so irrelevant of many, many irrelevant Super Bowl polls today:
For extra credit, put the final score in the comments.