Feb 5th, 3:00pm

The Real American Holiday

It's been said many times before, but to reiterate, today is the best example of an American holiday. Super Bowl Sunday is the holiday that truly captures everything that makes us Americans. It's on a Sunday, so we don't miss any work like on Thanksgiving and most 4th of Julys, so that's good for big business, keeping the ants working, make 'em think they're happy.
Also, it's really all about the commercials, so business wins again, and we are all "entertained" by the 30-second ads. And we drink lots of beer, eat fried food, and sit around in living rooms in recliners and on bar stools across the country, getting fatter. It brings a tear to my eye to know I'm doing my part...

But this year, my friends, I cannot get too excited. And though I predict the Steelers will win 31 to 17 over the Seahawks, I really don't care. This was supposed to be the year the Bears did it. I didn't think they'd win the Super Bowl, but I really thought they'd get there. Their defense was supposedly unbeatable. Once again, I got sucked into the Chicago media hoopla. Ever since Sweetness and the Fridge shuffled through that '85-'86 season, we've been so ready for the Bears to do it again. Maybe next year? Sure. But it still hurts that this isn't that year. Hell, now I know what it must feel like to be a Cubs fan. And that makes it worse, believe me.

I'm off to a Super Bowl party, and lots of beer and food and good friends (thanks Mark & Jennifer!) to celebrate our national holiday, but inside, I will be lamenting our Chicago Bears for yet another year.

TB