National Anthem

In response to Mary Lou Wickham's letter regarding Christina Aguilera's dreadful rendition of the National Anthem ( "Christina Aguilera: spreading the gospel of tacky ignorance," Feb. 8), I couldn't agree more! The Super Bowl was televised around the world, including to our troops in various locations who are always respectful of what it means to them and us. It was an embarrassment to hear her bastardize a song that should be sung as it was written! I noticed a number of the players being distracted, jumping up and down and not paying too much attention to someone who was more intent on glorifying herself.

So misunderstood is the historical context of the War of 1812 that Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture has become something of a standard at American concerts of patriotic music. Actually, it was written by the Russian composer in honor of his people having turned back Napoleon's army in the winter of 1812, which is why a few hurried bars of the French anthem, "La Marseillaise," can be heard in the lead-up to the part that was written for accompaniment by cannon, but goes so well with fireworks.

Steven Tyler turned in a beautiful rendition of the national anthem before Sunday's AFC Championship between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens -- that's "beautiful," the word that lost all meaning last year when Tyler used it to describe pretty much every "American Idol" performance, good or bad. And Tyler's rendition of our anthem definitely qualifies as the latter. It may not have been the worst version ever (although I'll leave that up to you to decide), but we're talking about a legendary singer who is now paid to judge other people's singing abilities.

I am not a big football fan and certainly not a Baltimore Ravens fan, but I did notice, during both playoff and Super Bowl performances, how Ray Lewis would have his hand over his heart and sing along with the national anthem. He was also, unashamedly, crying. From reading, I understand Mr. Lewis is deeply religious. I can't help but think that Mr. Lewis is very thankful that he was born and raised in the greatest country in the world, was able to attend free public schools, and excel at his chosen line of work!

There ought to be a law. Pop/rock singers and other celebrities who think they can sing should not be allowed to sing the national anthem, especially at large nationally televised venues. The latest insult to our national anthem was at this year's Super Bowl. Time and time again, event promoters make the same mistake, and the performance becomes the subject of ridicule even before the final note is sung. There are three basic reasons why this is not a good idea. First, celebrities all too often forget the words.

Maryland license plates would lay claim to the state as "Home of Our National Anthem," if one state lawmaker has his way. State Sen. Larry Haines, a Republican who represents Carroll and Baltimore counties, introduced a bill that would put the slogan on all plates starting Oct. 1. Maryland last displayed a slogan on its standard-issue license plate in the mid-1980s, celebrating the 350th anniversary of the state's founding as a colony. Maryland native Francis Scott Key penned "The Star-Spangled Banner" almost 200 years ago after the British attacked Baltimore's Fort McHenry.

Just before the Ravens face the Houston Texans Sunday, they will hear a familiar voice - other than John Harbaugh's, that is. It will be the smooth, vibrant baritone of Mishael Miller, who has sung the national anthem for Ravens home games since the first one in 1996. "It has definitely been a blessing," Miller, 41, said. "I meet people weekly who recognize me. I never thought it would have been the anthem that people would know me for, or that I would become a staple in this area as a result of singing it. " With an octave-and-a-half range, "The Star-Spangled Banner" has defeated many an amateur and professional singer.

At 2:53:42 Friday afternoon, thousands of Orioles fans committed an act of patriotic blasphemy. Or engaged in a show of loyalty to the hometown team on Opening Day. To "O" or not to "O," that has been the question since, well, when? Sometime in the 1970s, fans and Mike Gesker, author of The Orioles Encyclopedia, seem to agree. But there the agreement ends. Like the debate about the worthiness of playing "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy" during the seventh-inning stretch, the "O" argument goes round and round, getting stuck every couple of years like a phonograph needle on an old record.

If resurrecting Jimi Hendrix proves impossible, I'm going with the Dixie Chicks, who taught America that criticizing the president and singing a truly beautiful version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" are not mutually exclusive acts. Luke Broadwater, reporter, The Baltimore Sun This singing business is overrated. I vote for an instrumental version - blues, say, or, better yet, surf-rock. Maybe Los Straitjackets? (With or without wrestling masks.) Anne Tallent, editor, b Here's my short-term memory kicking in: Kristin Chenoweth, who performed at the NFC Championship with the right balance of flair and traditionalism.

It might be time to stop singing or playing our national anthem before high school basketball games.It has become increasingly painful for those of us who respect and even revere our flag and "The Star-Spangled Banner" to tolerate the noise, laughter and flat-out mimicking of the anthem, not to mention the too many who don't bother to stand when asked to do so.County high school athletic directors and administrators who help with crowd control at athletic events...

If any questions lingered about Beyonce's ability to sing live - or her ability to make even the most crazed football fans momentarily forget about a game - then she answered them with force and grace during her Super Bowl halftime performance Sunday night. The fact that she achieved this on the world's most-watched stage is unsurprising, because she has long relished moments with the largest audiences. After controversy over her lip-syncing at President Barack Obama's second inauguration, she opened a news conference last week with an a cappella version of the national anthem - and told reporters that there'd be no lip-syncing for the Super Bowl . Her opening song, "Love on Top," quickly confirmed it. The set list that followed was varied and surprising.

Tonight, "American Idol" arrived in Oklahoma City, the home of our very own Carrie Underwood. Surely after last night's show and being in a town that produced the likes of the country superstar, this town must be bustling with talent. Right? Not so much. Oh folks, it was a long night. First up: Karl, who sang the James Brown classic "I Feel Good" and threw in some classic James Brown moves. Voice? Mediocre. Ticket to Hollywood? Yes. Why? I haven't a clue and Karl would not be the only golden ticket recipient that left us speechless tonight.

Pop icon Beyonce didn't sidestep the lip-sync controversy that erupted after her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at President Barack Obama's inauguration. She embraced it. Before she took the podium to talk about Sunday's Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, she walked onstage at the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center with a hand-held microphone and belted out a flawless version of the National Anthem. "Any questions?" she said. It wasn't the most dynamic lead-up to the halftime extravaganza.

My Super Bowl is over. In fact, you can cancel Christmas, too. Three days before the Super Bowl, I got to see Beyonce up close. She was on stage at the Convention Center here in New Orleans and I was in the fifth row from the front. Only those who had reserved seats had better seats than mine. Of course, I had arrived about an hour and 15 minutes early. And when the time finally arrived, when she strolled out on the stage, I melted. My new nickname is Butter. I just stared and gawked.

(Note: This post has nothing to do with Baltimore other than the fact the performance discussed took place sort of close to it. And, Beyonce is performing at the Super Bowl this year -- where the Ravens will take on the 49ers. This is more of a rant that I felt needed to be said.) Congratulations Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o, there's a new national nightmare for everyone to debate ad nauseam . This one, at least, is simpler: Beyonce. Inauguration. Lip-syncing. Huh, really?

It was Dorothy's mantra in "The Wizard of Oz" and it might as well be the Ravens', too: "There's no place like home. " According to a new ESPN.com article , M&T Bank Stadium ranks as the NFL's toughest venue for opposing teams. No, it's not because of all the drunken, rowdy fans and the fat guys in face-paint, feathers and  beads -- although let's face it, the Bank has its share of those. It's not because of the noise levels. It's not because of "Seven Nation Army" blaring over the sound system until it fries the brain of opposing players.

LET'S TEST YOUR knowledge of music. Tell me what song these lyrics are from.1. Oh-dah-lah-hah la-hah-haha-eee-hee-hah-aaaand-uh aaaan-uh uvva-uvva-uvva fruh-heee-heeeeee.2. Anna homma-duh homma-du-du-du hommaaaaaaaaa.3. Dee-uh-dee-hah-hah-hah buh-huh-eee-buh-huhe-eee-eee-eee-ray-have.You say you don't recognize it? Nonsense. Of course you do. It's likely that you've heard and sung it dozens or hundreds of times, depending on your age. Your parents sang it. And probably your grandparents too.You still don't know it. All right, I'll throw out a few hints.

M arylanders are rightfully proud of this state's connection to the national anthem. When Francis Scott Key wrote what would become the anthem's lyrics, he was drawing from his experience at the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It's a bit like knowing the "amber waves of grain" of "America the Beautiful" came from your backyard or the actual "oceans, white with foam" mentioned in "God Bless America" happened to be located along the Ocean City boardwalk. The War of 1812 may not get the press of other U.S. wars, but you can't attend a baseball game without hearing about that one inspiring battle.

Charlesmont Elementary in Dundalk chose Sept. 14, the anniversary of the bombardment of Fort McHenry, to launch its War of 1812 interactive learning center. The students held a flag ceremony and demonstrated how they are mastering 19th-century history with an assist from 21st-century technology. The school's one-stop resource center offers materials to engage children and adults in the history of the War of 1812. The computer lab, a project of Maryland Public Television, the National Park Service, Friends of Fort McHenry and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, features interactive role-playing games and provides educators with lesson plans and electronic field trips.

Calvert Hall lacrosse standout Stephen Kelly is in Turku, Finland this month as a member of the U.S. under-19 men's national team, which is competing in the Federation of International Lacrosse U-19 men's world championships. The U.S. has won all six titles since the tournament began in 1988.  Kelly, a two-time first-team All-Metro midfielder, will share his experiences with a daily blog as he tries to bring home a gold medal.   Hello everyone! It is morning here in Turku, Finland and the team has just finished up a light walk through practice and film session to get ready for the biggest game yet against the Canadians.