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Looking ahead to Super Bowl XLVI - Feb 6
I do not know how important football was to Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and all the other computer pioneers in 1967. But today’s Super Bowl fan can’t help but appreciate the communication abilities we take for granted 45 years later and the footprint they helped create.
Vince Lombardi, the man who the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl’s trophy is named after, winning coach of the first and second events, probably would have been astonished by the effect this game — of just determining which American football team was the best — would impact the globe today. He probably would find it hard to believe how important this game has become to so many people, football fans or not.
Can you imagine Coach Lombardi today, on a flight home, from his seat electronically mailing to his guests party information such as what they can bring, his address, so they can Mapquest or be sure to have GPS ready? Heck, Vince could be Facebooking with his mystery date for Valentine’s Day and not know she is actually on his flight!
Lombardi Tweeting!
Upon the last leg of the trip home to Green Bay, Mr. Lombardi could be conducting an interview via Twitter while simultaneously watching his grandchild compete in her first international cheerleading competition in Australia, listening to his favorite Sinatra downloads on his iPod, and texting quarterbacks’ pep talks. He could adjust the thermostat at his house, set the DVR from his Smarty Phone, start his car on the walk from the terminal, as well as use GPS to find his Buick.
Of course, he would have checked Columbia River Reader website for recipes and beverage ideas and e-mailed them to his favorite grocer which would be delivered and paid for prior using his debit card, so his focus could be on, “The Game.” Vince would have all the necessary statistics, current slang, history of past Super Bowls, recent media predictions — not that he probably ever cared — and checked YouTube, for anything that is circulating that matters to him.
Simpler Days
I wonder if he would be reminiscing about the simpler days of communicating with things such as what is coming off the wire, black and white television, rotary dial phones, typewriters, or tube radios.
I think somewhere Coach V is smiling and, under his breath, saying his famous quote, “Never, Never, Give Up!” That is what keeps fans supporting teams that have had spans of decades with losing seasons, like 2010 Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints. The resurgence of the Detroit Lions, The Cincinnati Bengals and new teams like the Houston Texans this year and teams like The Denver Broncos, who came in second place a couple of times before finally winning The Super Bowl.
If you are not a diehard fan, I must give a scenario that you may appreciate, the advertising that companies have spent months and millions (average price for 30 second spot is $3.5 million) that will be publicly displayed, critiqued, praised or rejected by millions of people.
From my longtime study of Vince Lombardi, I take from him: the value of preparation, hit em’ hard, and surround yourself with good people. So, as you plan for February 5, 2012, think about Lombardi as you create your special recipe of chili, plan where and with whom you want to watch the Super Bowl, and wonder what is the 2057 Super Bowl going to be like.
Test Your Super Bowl IQ
Wouldn’t it be fun to explore some interesting facts about the ultimate of grid iron warfare? We will make this DOUBLE fun by posting the ANSWERS to this trivia game on Columbia River Reader’s website: CRREADER.COM
1. What half-time entertainer inadvertently exposed her breast during 2004 half time show? Bonus: Which entertainer was performing with her?
2. Which artist is confirmed to perform at this year’s half-time show?
3. Which team has won the Super Bowl the most?
4. What does a hot dog, soda and small beer cost at this year’s event?
5. Who all receives the Championship Rings? Who was the first NFL coach to receive the “Gatorade Dunk” after winning on television? (Bill Parcells 1986)
6. What city has the Super Bowl been played in the most?
7. Who was the first to answer “I’m going to Disneyland” when asked what he was going to do now that they had won the Super Bowl?
8. Which coach has received the most Super Bowl Championship rings, combining current & previous teams/positions?
9. Who was the first African American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl?
10. Who was the oldest player in a Super Bowl game?
11. What is the current price range for tickets to this year’s game?
12. What was the ticket price for the 1967 Super Bowl?
In the Comment space at the end of this article: Tell us where YOU will watch the Super Bowl? What was the best Super Bowl party you ever attended? What made it so great?
Do you have recommendations for delivery or take-out place or favorite recipes? Did you ever invest in a new sofa, recliner or big screen TV for the Super Bowl?“The Fascinating History of The Super Bowl.”
Are you still thinking you don’t know enough about football to understand or care? I recommend you read the countless titles on the subject from Powell’s, including Football for Dummies,” $19.99, or visit http://www.superbowlhistory.net/
You might even find that betting in the office pool will make you more interested in the game. Any way you look at it, the Super Bowl can be fun for all!
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
1. Janet Jackson / Justin Timberlake
2. Madonna
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 6
4. Projected almost $30 based on last year over $26
5. It is an organization decision, some only give to the players, but some go all the way out to everyone involved with the team. A cousin of mine received 2 rings for each year as a team scout for the Broncos.
6. Miami Fl.
7. Joe Montana
8. Chuck Noll- 4
9. Doug Williams, Tampa Bay
10. Mike Horan, 40yrs.and 363 days
11. Starting at $900 to $20,000 Suites
12. $6 - $12
Tom Myklebust comes from a long line of athletes and sports enthusiasts. By day, he is a landscape designer. The rest of the time, find him at his boys’ games, Cowlitz Black Bears baseball games,Trailblzers or any other games of ineterest. Tom LOVES sports!
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