NOTE TO SELF: If you are ever asked to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Superbowl (unlikely, I realize,but you never know for certain), do not — REPEAT, DO NOT — attempt to sing it a cappella. Remember Carrie Underwood’s gruesome, off-key performance at the 2010 SuperBowl, and resist the temptation to show off your magnificent singing voice and get yourself a backup band.
[Update — yeah, or a guitar . . .
But seriously, my son Sam, over at his blog, pointed me to a truly spectacular dixie Chicks version of the national anthem from the 2003 Superbowl. if you haven’t heard it, check it out . . .]