too many cheers, not enough cheer

26.april.05: the word "cheers" is used more often here than i have previously imagined. it's used as a substitute or complimentary description for a slew of things, like "thank you," "everything's ok," "goodbye," "tickets please," "excuse me," "thanks for paying our cafe $10 for a substandard sandwich," and more, i'm sure. but it usually doesn't mean the tv show about a bar in boston.

at least i hope not. otherwise i'm in a mess of confusion.

but speaking of tv, several fellow hostelmates here in london were watching this reality show about people contending to host the perfect party (or something similar, because i was only half watching). a substantial amount of money was at stake to see who would be rated the best by these panel of judges. this one particular man's turn was up, and the entire episode was devoted to his prep time, his execution, and the follow-up interviews with the judges. and some of the things they were saying behind the poor guy's back were just scathing and venomous. he was mocked and put down in a very mean-spirited way.

for a country so full of "cheers," why all the negativity? does everyone just need a group hug?

and can you tell that last sentence was sarcastic?