Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Well it’s getting to be that time of year when the word “Super” gets used a lot. We already use the word frequently in phrases like supersize, superstore, superstore, supersmart and even superdumb. However now it’s going to be Superbowl! Yes this is the forty fourth time Superbowl has been on the minds and in the speech of millions of people. Football fans and even those who are not necessarily football fans are aware that the Superbowl is going to be talking place.
This year the game is being played in Miami at Land Shark Stadium and features the rock group The Who as halftime entertainment. I’ve watched all but two Superbowls on television mission one because of being stuck on the ground in an airplane during a snowstorm in Montana and the other because I was in the air on the way to Hawaii before laptop computers and in-flight television. That was the 1969 Superbowl when Joe Namath led the New York Jets to victory over the Baltimore Colts. When we were informed of the Jets victory by the flight attendant the mostly young hippish crowd burst into applause and the more conservative passengers sat in silence. Broadway Joe Namath was the flashy young quarterback with long hair in the prime of hippytime!

Of course a lot has changed since then but in essence the Superbowl has remained the most watched sporting event in this country. Approximately one hundred and thirty million viewers will tune in this year, both those in this country and others all over the world. Roughly fifty five million dollars will be spent on food for the game and the viewers will be watching commercials that cost about two and a half million dollars per thirty second spot. These numbers are amazing when you think about it but it says something about the way people think. Today we are dealing with some major political and economic issues and situations that are simply tragic and heartbreaking but for one Sunday, Superbowl Sunday, millions are going to put everything aside for a few hours to watch a game and enjoy the company of friends and family and root for their favorite team, enjoy commercials, and devourer food and other refreshments. It may only one day but for many including me, it’s a special day which provides memories for years to come. In fact I have forty three now and after this years Superbowl I’ll have forty four good ones!

May your team win and I hope all of you have a great Superbowl Sunday.

To reach Rick Schultze email yarick@pioneer.net.