Super Bowl Sunday: The Unofficial Holiday

As I wrestled through the aisles of my local Fortune 500 grocers, I was reminded how today is the most holiday-like of non-holidays.

Usually Sunday-morning grocery shopping is a rather tranquil affair. Not today—people with overflowing grocery carts and a few women looking a little too stressed about the day’s preparations.

I could almost envision a movie with a 21st-century version of George C. Scott poking his head out of his bedroom window and asking a lad below: “What day is it?”

“What day is it?” Well, it’s SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!”

Yes, on this celebrated day I know everyone is waiting with baited breath on Casey’s predictions for the game. I’ll leave that ‘til later. We have some other topics to consider.

Something to keep in mind: The New York Giants two previous Super Bowl victories have created a ripple effect that exists years later. Super Bowl XXI saw the first occurrence of the post-victory Gatorade bath while Super Bowl XXV included Whitney Houston’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that we have now heard ad nausea, and too many people have tried to create their own version of Whitney’s passionate piece.

Could today mark another Super Bowl victory for the Giants that will be remembered for years to come? Will it be the day perfection died?

(Oooh—a new Don Mclean song?)

Today’s contest comes down to the impact of Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants have established the little jumping bean as a second half compliment to Brandon Jacobs.

Jacobs has been wearing down defenses in the first half, and Bradshaw reaps the benefit late in the game of rushing against a tired defense. If the Giants are to win today, Bradshaw’s presence will need to be felt.

Anyone for a little spy gate? Nah, we’ll leave that alone - far too early to make conclusions.

Who do you think Bill Parcells is cheering for today? Actually, who do you think Parcells received more phone calls from over the last week or so? Coughlin? Or Belichik?

Looks cold in Arizona. Keyshawn has some funky scarf action working.

Congratulations to Art Monk. At long last the former Redskin great will get a bust in Canton. As a Giant fan Monk was one of those opponents I always had to respect. Nowadays we have receivers who spend more time preparing their end zone dances. Monk just did his job - to the tune of 820 career receptions – including at least one reception in 164 games.

NBA Chatter: What should we make of the recent victories by the East over the West? Sure it is February (actually games happened in January), but the Celtics passed one of their first tough tests by beating the Dallas Mavericks – and without Kevin Garnett. Also the Detroit Pistons knocked off the Los Angeles. Of course then the Lakers went out and acquired Pau Gasol. Does this make the Lakers into contenders?

Speaking of contenders the Memphis Tigers are the last unbeaten standing in NCAA Men’s hoops. Can the Tigers bring some validity to Conference-USA? Or will their regular season schedule hurt them come tournament time? A February 23rd date with the Tennessee Volunteers should serve as an ample gauge.

EPL Yakety-Yak: Brother Reynell was on the mark with his caveats about the Everton Toffees. Minus Yakubu and Andy Johnson still less than 100% the Mersysiders have back-to-back scoreless ties.

Are the Mets any more of a contender now that they have acquired Santana?

Casey’s Super Bowl Predictions:  Double-dipping will occur in 77% of the houses across the land.  At least 100 people will ask is that Peyton Manning's brother.  Tom Petty will play the following songs: ‘I Won’t Back Down,’ ‘Free Fallin,’ ‘American Girl,’ ‘I Need To Know,’ ‘A Mind With A Heart of Its Own.’

You didn’t think Casey would actually make a prediction on the game did ya?

Make sure you take your B-12…orally.

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