What I learned at Superbowl 51 DI LI

Like most Americans, I spent Sunday evening watching the Superbowl. I was at a friend’s house, eating chili and chicken wings, staring at the big screen and drinking a few beers. Unexpectedly, I learned quite a lot at the party. Things like:

• 51 in Roman numerals is LI. Does anyone else have trouble remembering that 50 = L?
• Melissa McCarthy is very funny. Her Kia commercial where she saves the world was hysterical.
• Lady Gaga is amazing. Her half-time performance was terrific.
• Nihilist Imperial Stout Barrel Aged by Sly Fox Brewing Company is a delicious bourbon stout. Thanks, Z!
• Bells Hopslam is spectacular!
• There’s another winter warmer called Fireside Chat by 21st Amendment. As you may remember, I brewed a winter warmer: Fireside Chat Ale. I will submit mine to the Febrewary competition this Sunday. 21st Amendment uses a lot of spices to their Chat, so the two beer are quite different. Also, 21st Amendment has a can with FDR, mine bottle shows a fireplace.
• My relationship with the New England Patriots is complicated.

Now, about the New England Patriots. Being from the Baltimore area, my NFL team is the Ravens. When I think of the Patriots, I think of the Billy Cundiff missed field goal giving the Patriots a playoff game win — urg! I also remember the Ravens/Pats game where Baltimore collectively melted down to lose the game. The highlight of that meltdown was Bart Scott throwing the ref’s flag into the stands in a fit of anger – hysterical! Of course, there’s also the Tom Brady “deflategate” and the Bill Belichick cheating scandal. It seems everyone at the party in Columbia, MD was hatin’ on the Patriots and Tom Brady in particular.

But there is another side to the story. Years ago, I would visit my in-laws in the Boston area and watch the pre-Brady Patriots lose with my father-in-law. Dave passed away, never seeing his Patriots win a Superbowl. Now, when the Ravens are not involved, I root for the Patriots. Like I said, it’s complicated.

So, when I watched the Patriots and Tom Brady put up one of the most amazing comeback victories of all time, I can only think of one thing. This one’s for you, Dave!

Cheers!

Warren