Super Bowl or Stupor Bowl?
Today, as you are probably well aware, is Super Bowl Sunday. This year is Super Bowl LI (that’s 51 for you non-Romans), and I have watched them all. I haven’t always paid close attention, but it’s been background noise at least. The first Super Bowl was not officially called the Super Bowl. It was called the AFL-NFL Championship Game because there were still two separate leagues then. But Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, coined the term “Super Bowl” in July 1966. The first game was played on January 15, 1967, and the press ran with the moniker. Unfortunately for Hunt, the Green Bay Packers defeated his Chiefs 35-10, no matter what they called it.
For many, watching the Super Bowl is an annual cultural ritual. It’s not just the football game that attracts people. Viewing parties are practically de rigueur for many. Sports bars are packed with fans wearing team colors. And did you know that more food is consumed in the US on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year except Thanksgiving? Of course, Super Bowl commercials, which cost around $5M for 30 seconds this year, are their own show. Media critics report on their TV ratings and the reactions of focus groups. Old ads are reviewed with nostalgia. Another draw is the extravagant halftime show, which always features a big name entertainer (Lady Gaga this year), although, alas, not always a wardrobe malfunction.
But for many other people, the Super Bowl is the Stupor Bowl. Their eyes glaze over at the mere mention of it. I expect we have some CUActors who feel that way. Thankfully, there is an abundance of alternative programming available. It seems to be aimed mostly at women and nerds. Take a look at some choices:
Puppy Bowl XIII on Animal Planet
Star Trek marathon on BBC
The Real Housewives of Atlanta marathon on Bravo
South Park marathon on Comedy Central
Kitten Bowl IV on Hallmark
Jerry Maguire marathon on Starz Encore
You can, of course, choose to avoid the Boob Tube altogether and do something constructive with your life instead. That’s not my choice, but it’s probably the best choice.
Sadly, I am a lifelong football fan, and I’ll be watching the game. Because I grew up in Georgia and I hate the Patriots, I’ll be rooting hard for the Falcons today. Which means they’ll probably lose. I refuse to predict the outcome, however, having eschewed prognostication entirely after recent events.
I will watch the game, Mrs. Dragon will watch the commercials and Lady Gaga, and we’ll fill in the blanks for each other after the fact. How about you?
Super Bowl or Stupor Bowl?
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
RSVPS
1. side pocket
2. Mrs. side pocket
3. maggie jean
4.
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MAYBEES :
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RSVPS
1. Thinking Fella
2. Ojibwa
3. state of confusion
4. jakedog42
5. MotherMags
6. MTmofo
7. Done4nau
8.
MAYBEES :
pucklady
Simple
woolibaar
Back Porch
philosopher
COMTNGRL
bleedingblue
angry marmot
Kitsap River
Charles Curtis Stanley
Boise Blue
Mrs. Boise Blue
paradise50
smileycreek
dsb
NormAl1792
Winifred
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Women’s March, January 21, 2016, all across the nation!
Muslim Ban protest at major airports around the nation,
January 28th & 29th:
Kosmail navajo with any photos of YOU at your protest and we’ll include them here in CUA’s collection.
Meet-ups: