Friday, February 5, 2010

Superbowl Sund-, er, Friday...

Since I don't post on the weekends, I thought I'd do a football-themed entry today. My friend B mentioned this morning it doesn't feel like it's time for the Superbowl. I'm not going to lie, I actually forgot it was this Sunday. I've been in a baking frenzy, trying to assemble 120 iced cookies into 40 baby shower favors, so I'm not really sure what day it is, much less what's on TV. However, I shall spend the weekend on the other end of my apartment from the kitchen, parked on the couch, watching as much TV as humanly possible. : )

I will, in fact, be rooting for the Saints. Not that one of the highest-powered offenses in football is an underdog, but somehow, a franchise's first trip to the big game (despite the ridiculous numbers put up by that team all year) do not compare with a four-time league MVP and multiple trips to the Superbowl in the last few years. (PS - This is one reason for the dearth of Colts stories in today's post...The other is I'm from Baltimore.)

The following Reuters article is fun to read for its educational tone alone. Aimed at explaining the hoopla to non-Americans, the story nicely juxtaposes the Saints' success with the struggles of New Orleanians post-Katrina. Pay no attention to the Danny Downer somewhere in the middle of the story; focus on the "Saints Salve."

The Saints have been a big part of helping to rebuild New Orleans from the inside out, particularly in terms of education and the well-being of the city's children. As this story on www.NOLA.com tells, New Orleans teachers are returning the favor. Schools of all levels throughout the area are teaching their children through football-themed lesson plans. Some of the more creative ideas include third-grade math students learning how far $4000 goes for people attending the game, music students wrote lyrics to a Saints mambo, and one class of fourth-graders will Skype with their counterparts in Indianapolis.

This last little one isn't necessarily Superbowl related, but it's a nice thought (and good excuse to get on Facebook during a slow day at the office). St. Jude is partnering with Target and Facebook to help the kids at the hospital. Target is giving away $1 million to St. Jude's and other charity partners via its Super Love Sender app. Facebook users have until Feb. 14 to send football-inspired, customized video cards to family and friends (up to 10 per computer per day), and St. Jude will get one vote for every card sent which designates the hospital as the sender's charity of choice.

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