A Dog Eat Dog Super Bowl

What does the Super Bowl mean to you? Is it about the game? The teams? Perhaps you watch it for the half-time show or the commercials? Do you gather each year for the food or because it is another reason to drink and be with friends? Maybe you watch the Super Bowl each year just because everyone else does?

As we gather to celebrate, yet mourn, the passing of the football season, we do so with the most American of pomp and grandiosity. As expected, fans will see two-day long pre-game shows, overly expensive advertising spots, obnoxiously attractive cheerleaders, major displays of fireworks, and premier concert performances. I usually enjoy the half-time shows and always look forward to the commercials. The games, however, are less memorable (with the exception of last year’s amazing catch by Tyree).

While most networks will concede the night to NBC’s coverage of the Super Bowl, many will embrace the idea of cheap programming to attract a different breed of viewers. Allow me to introduce you to the annual airing of the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.

The concept is simple: Pull together the cutest puppies into a small room with a football field carpet and stadium painted walls, add one crazy referee, and throw in some balls. What you end up with is one of the growing cult programs that air opposite the Super Bowl. Scoff all you want, but this concept is brilliant, funny, and satisfies the need of a niche audience in need of the Super Bowl ritual without the actual football. And it’s adorable.

While the Falcons are disappointingly not on the bill in Tampa, the commercials, the Boss, Hines Ward, and Leonard Pope will supply quality entertainment. Will it be better than Puppy Bowl V? Tough to say, but the game itself will be more hype than delivery.

*This is part of a duel post with dirtysouthsports.com


Your Words John Updike (1932-2009):

"To be President of the United States, sir, is to act as advocate for a blind, venomous, and ungrateful client."

"A leader is one who, out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself the woe of the people. There are few men so foolish, hence the erratic quality of leadership in the world."

"Being naked approaches being revolutionary; going barefoot is mere populism."