Since You've Already Been Inundated With Super Bowl Coverage...

I won't be putting a full-blown preview of the game up here.  No point.  If you haven't already heard two hundred analysts and hosts discuss this game over the last two weeks, the only thing I could conclude is that you're on the Island in ABC's Lost.

Assuming you're not there, and you haven't been speared by John Locke, you probably have seen the wall-to-wall coverage on ESPN, or any of the other sports networks previewing the game.  So instead of giving the whole rundown, here's what I'm excited for in tonight's Super Bowl: (and by the way, the Steelers are favored by 7 points, for those of you who haven't yet wagered on the game)

• I'm excited to watch the teams come out of the tunnel before the game.  Doesn't even matter which team it is.  It gives me goose bumps because I feel their excitement sitting in front of the TV.
• I'm excited to watch Larry Fitzgerald leap for a couple of big catches.  He's great.  I'm also excited to hear how many references to his father covering the game there will be.
• I'm excited to see Hines Ward play, and interested to see how truly healthy both he and his quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, are.  I like Ward.  He's a consummate professional.  So is Big Ben, so long as he's not near a motorcycle.
• I'm excited to watch Kurt Warner in another Super Bowl.  I've always liked the guy, even though he's a little too religious for my taste.  He's a stand-up guy, he's got great belief in himself and his teammates, and he's a born leader.
• I'm excited to watch Bruce Springsteen as the half-time show.  Honestly, of all things, I'm most excited for that.  He's definitely going to play some hits, like Born to Run and Glory Days, but I'm hoping for a Rosalita, Lonesome Day, Radio Nowhere.  Eh, screw the game.  Just let him play a couple hours.
• I'm excited to see how many references to Ken Whisenhunt's former job with the Steelers are mentioned.
• I'm excited to see if the team that loses almost as often as my Cubs, the Cardinals, can finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
• I'm excited to see how many athletes ESPN personalities kiss up to after the game.
• I'm excited to hear how many references to the "Terrible Towels" there are.
• I'm excited that football season is over.  It's time to get ready for March Madness and Major League Baseball.

Some Christmas Tips From a Blogging Jew

While many of you are cozying up to your Christmas tree, or watching Miracle on 34th Street (I prefer the 1994 version to the one from the 40s,) or whatever it is you do to ring in some Christmas cheer, here are some tips for how the sports fan in you should enjoy this December 25th:

• Don't watch it!  While there are a couple of compelling match-ups on Christmas day, would it kill you to miss the Suns play the Spurs or the Lakers face the Celtics?  I think not.  Instead of sitting in front of the television watching the games, gather some friends and play a game of snow football.  Or, if you're in a tropical place (like I am right now), relax on the beach, or play some baseball or basketball.  Maybe those of you warm weather people will hit the links or play some tennis, but take advantage of the fact that you don't have to work (unless you work in a Chinese restaurant or in broadcasting.)  And, you'll get a little exercise in the process.
• If you can't get away from your favorite teams for one day, (I know for some of us this is a preposterous thought), write down a list of all the positive moments of your year as a sports fan.  Pour yourself a glass of egg nog, and make a list of five to ten things that make you smile when you see them.  For some of you, that may be difficult.  If you really can't think of anything good that's happened, (Lions fans, I'm talking to you), make a list of your your five to ten all-time favorite sports moments.  If you can't think of ten all-time great moments, (Lions fans, again, take notice) then list the ten reasons why you love sports.
• Call, text or email people wishing them a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, or a happy holiday and a happy new year.  You'll feel better about yourself, and others will feel better about you.  And, they'll also forget about that time you threw their serving dish against the wall and smashed it because your quarterback threw a pick-6.
• Look at the picture at the top of this post and laugh at it.  Have a good laugh at it.  Now that O.J. is heading to the slammer for at least the next decade or so, we don't have to worry about seeing him in the headlines for a while.  As sports fans, we can all rejoice about that!
• Sing some Christmas Carols, or Chanukah songs.  If you must sing about sports, or something sports related, sing your favorite team's anthem or song.  Yankee fans, sing "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio".  If not that, then rock out to the AC/DC hit, "Money Talks".  Cubs fans, sing "Go Cubs Go".  If you're looking for something cooler, try Eddie Vedder's new tune, "All The Way".  Red Sox fans, sing one of the many songs that you've ripped off from either Neil Diamond, or the Standells, or one of those ear piercing tunes written by the Dropkick Murphys.  Belt out whatever you want.  It's the holiday season.  Nobody will give you dirty looks.  Or do what my buddy Andrew does, and take a popular Bruce Springsteen song and sing the names of your favorite athletes over the lyrics.
• Watch your favorite team's championship DVD.  If you don't have one, think about how great it will be when you finally do have one.
• Think about what you might give your favorite teams for the holidays, or what they might give to you.  For most of us, we'd want a championship.  For Bostonians, they have everything they want, so maybe they'll want their teams to get worse to actually provide drama to their sports scene.  Here's what I'd give to my favorite teams:  The Cubs- a lead off hitter, a power hitting left handed bat in the middle of the line up, and a farm system to trade for Jake Peavy.  The Bears- an offensive and defensive coordinator, wide receivers, a free safety, and a cornerback that doesn't suck.  The Bulls-talent to compliment Derrick Rose, a big man, and a team to take Luol Deng.  The Blackhawks- a do-over on the Cristobal Huet contract, another scoring center, and a few wins over Detroit.  Syracuse- a re-do of the last 2.5 seconds against Cleveland State, and a football program.  Try it for yourself.  You'll have fun with it.
• Most importantly, enjoy the day with your friends and family.  Sports happen every day of the year.  Christmas comes only once.