Across the pond

So we've come over to the 'Land of the Free' for a couple of weeks for two reasons: firstly to meet my new 6 wk old neice and then secondly to usher one of my best mates down the aisle.   Its all exciting stuff!

This is my fourth visit to the states and this time i thought i'd try and engross myself further in the american culture.  On the first night to try and avoid jetlag - i joined in with a bunch of college students and played kickball.  Its meant to be baseball with a foot(soccer)ball.  Essentially its just rounders.  I have no idea what triple plays are or foul balls but i can kick and catch.  The strangest thing was that we turn up to this college field to play and there are these bunch of guys playing cricket. Yes - cricket!! The game of the village green has finally made it across the Atlantic, the americans have finally become patient enough for the '5 day game that can still end in a draw!!' Ok, so on closer inspection they were all Indian but you never know it might become a college craze. 

The  next night i had the pleasure of attending a ballet recital.  2 of my neices were performing.  They're almost 4 and spent about 1 and half minutes of a 2 hr show on stage.  I had to sit through the rest and oh my gosh can the Americans whoop it all up.  You know the 'Go girl!' thing and the whoop calling when one of the performances was all star spangled banner.  Its a bit cringe worthy really.

the final thing is and i knew it before i came over but 0 people are excited by the world cup here. i mean it is on a couple of TV channels but no one really cares.  i have had the pleasure of seeing a US game and now an England game and the american commentary is excrutiating to listen to.  i guess the list of broadcasters in the UK goes something like this: At number 1 we have the good old bbc and the MOTD crew, then comes Andy Gray and the boys of Sky Sports, followed by (although nowhere near) by ITV, way way at the bottom (and it saddens me) is Liverpool legend John Barnes and Channel 5.  Ok so the American coverage is like 10 times worse than Channel 5. I mean 'what the heck is goal differential?'  Its just funny!!  I pray to God we get through to the Semis so i my memory of this world cup can be redeemed by Motty. On todays result - 'we're rubbish' but what a goal from Cole and good to see Stevie G score  but my one big questions is 'Whats the point of Theo Walcott?'

21.6.06 00:37