Checks and Balances!

The phrase is rarely uttered outside of an elementary school classroom, maybe a government class or two, but it's the World Cup, any American phrases can and will apply.  It isn't exactly 'Go Team' but neither is chanting "Democracy" or "Freedom".  A rowdy group of flag-clad, Suess Hat and Star bandana wearing American boys led the bar cheering section.  A bar that aired England vs. Slovenia on one side and America vs.  Algeria on the other.  I don't know of any bar capable of handling such split screen battles, yet as one of the only bars in London airing the US game, it did its best to accomodate. 

I spent the first half of the game standing on a picnic table outside planning my half time rush to the Patroit side.  A sea of England fans blocked any hope I had of entering the pile.  Thank god for drinkers and their fags, as smokers cleared out, Rebecca and I rushed for a spot.  Our hearts sunk as England took the lead against Slovenia, it was a modern day Revolutionary War, England and America taking turns yelling and offering verbal blows.  With both countries tied, a win against Algeria was our only chance of advancing to the finals.  Those football gods love a good joke...airing both England and the US at the same time must have given someone a great laugh.  With the reversal of an US goal (off-sides my ass!) it was clear that everyone counted the US out, including the questionable referees.  The second overturned goal of the Cup and a lot of uncalled fouls just about ruined the atmosphere of the Yanks, that is until 4 boys gave their best rendition of God Bless America.  With the crowd on their side they moved on to 'Yankee Doodle', a real crowd favorite.  The last 45 minutes continued with boisterous booing over missed shots and sighs at the bloodied American midfielder.  As the game entered 3 added minutes, the crowd was silent, with hands covering mouths and heads hung low, our cheerleaders gave one final USA....USA...USA...USA!!!!!!!!!!  Landon Donovan must have heard our pleas, he scored an amazing, unquestionable goal.  As the players piled on their leader, we mimicked their actions, we highfived, hugged, and jumped on top of each other singing our National Anthem.  Flags waved across the bar, as' Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue' by Toby Keith escorted the last England fans out the door.  As the winners of our group, it was our party, at least for another week.....

We gathered outside for celebratory beers and game discussions.  The cheerleaders continued their American Idol concert, pulling out every song from the patriot catelog....My Country Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty....
Our rowdy friends were none other than fellow Pennsylvania's, a little fact that makes their random chants make sense.  My new buddies and I are ready for Saturday, the flags are pressed, songs rehearsed, and the face paint brushes cleaned...Here's to hoping our underdogs don't let Ghana stand in our way of World Cup glory!

If my day wasn't Patriotic enough, I topped it off with 3 hours of an American icon, the still surprisingly sexy...Bon Jovi.  I've been to the O2 arena before, to see Lady Gaga, a mistress of extreme performances yet I must say there is something about that man in leather pants, belting out my college drinking songs...I enjoyed it so much more!  Rebecca, in her internet savviness, scored last minute, cheap tickets to the rock hero.  25 quid put us on the bottom level with a dirct view of the show. 

They definately still have it, whatever it is.  Unfortunately their opener does not still.  Although I was never a huge fan of his, I can't deny that at one time he was famous, he was a headliner, and he did fuck Pamela Anderson.  But like her face without make-up, Kid Rock's performance was a sad trainwreck!  You know you have fallen, far far off, when you are an opener, an opener that isn't even good enough to print on the tickets.  His 30 minute performance to an empty arena was enough to make you feel bad, bad enough to maybe spend a buck on iTunes on one of his greatest 'hits'.  I shouldn't be too harsh, afterall he is still opening for Bon Jovi and I don't see John or Richie calling me anytime soon....

The band played all my favorite drinking songs, Dead or Alive, You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Bed of Roses, and of course the crowd sing along, Livin' on a Prayer.  A perfect way to end an American high kind of day...