I may live in Brooklyn, but during the college semester I head to Boston three days a week to teach at Boston University, and today is a day of mourning in this city. The Patriots’ Perfect Season hopes were dashed last night when the Giants pulled out an end-of-game touchdown, beating the Pats 17-14.
But there’s something I don’t get about the way Boston practices sports spectating. Boston fans are inconsistent.
I am a superstitious girl, I believe in jinxes and I knock on wood at least once a day. Webster’s defines jinx as something “that brings bad luck” and a “state of spell of bad luck” brought on by a jinx. When it comes to sporting events, I grew up with that “It’s not over until the fat lady sings” mantra and therefore I knock as much as possible and fear saying something out loud that will change the ways of the sporting universe.
You may laugh, but I don’t care. It’s how I grew up. In this sense, Boston is one of those places that boasts wonderfully hilarious superstitious fans (so I am in good company)–when it comes to their Red Sox. Lately, all that superstition has worked pretty well in the baseball department.
The Patriots, for this city, is another story.
Boston planned its Superbowl/Perfect Season victory parade before the Patriots even made it to the Superbowl! The mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, was even quoted in the Globe saying he didn’t “want to jinx the Patriots by talking about a celebration before it is warranted, but he said a victory parade would probably start on Dartmouth Street near Columbus Avenue in the South End.” Um, jinx anyone?
Then there were all the people, colleagues, family, friends, who talked on and on about the “inevitable” Patriots Perfect Season Victory, who I kept telling to be careful but they just laughed. Alas….
I think Boston is hanging its head today, and people are eating their words. But I am definitely not going to say “I told you so.” I feel to sad for all my friends. Besides, I don’t want anyone to hit me.
|
Previous Posts
UNDEFEATED is an Uncommon Film: Share Your Story For a Chance to Win a $500 Giftcard to Sports Authority
UNDEFEATED, the new documentary from the Weinstein Company (opening in limited release this Friday), is the real deal. It's one of those perfect, real life underdog sports stories that are only captured on film once in a long while (ala Hoop Dreams). It follows the hopes and dreams of the Manassas
posted 12:35:58am Feb. 13, 2012 |
read full post
»
Exclusive Interview with Rachel McAdams & Channing Tatum, Stars of "The Vow", on Relationships
I had the chance to sit down the other weekend with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum and talk about their new film (opening this weekend, Friday, February 10th ) called "The Vow."
Now, just so you know, I am NOT the target demo for romance films. Maybe, MAYBE, once in a blue moon I'll enjoy the
posted 2:57:16pm Feb. 08, 2012 |
read full post
»
Is Your Dad the Greatest Dad of All Time?
Dad's are awesome! (although, being one myself, I am a bit biased) And if you think your Dad is awesome - no, if you think your Dad is the GREATEST DAD OF ALL TIME!!!! - then we want to hear about it! Just leave a comment below using a valid email address and tell us in as much detail as you want wh
posted 2:19:28pm Dec. 30, 2011 |
read full post
»
Show Review: Reaching Generations with Switchfoot
Switchfoot performing on the Tonight Show
Switchfoot’s debut album Legend of Chin came out in 1997, it was a fun, anthemic rock album that stretched the boundaries of Christian rock. Fourteen years later, the band is still bringing it. Seeing Switchfoot live at the National in Richmond, VA
posted 3:12:06pm Dec. 06, 2011 |
read full post
»
Mitch Albom's 'Have a Little Faith' Inspires
Mitch Albom is world famous for his moving and inspirational books. “Tuesday’s With Morrie,” “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” and “For One More Day” have all spent months upon months on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, “Have a Little Faith,” has just been a
posted 2:51:06pm Nov. 22, 2011 |
read full post
»
|
posted February 5, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I am not a sports fan per say, but my husband is a sports lover espcially for football. But I did watch the superbowl, and I know that New England was 18 -0. and I say to the patriots and all of their fans hold your heads up you did a wonderful job this season, and there is no team that can top that not even New York.You can’t win them all, but you guys won them all but one. so be proud of the wonderful, fantastic, and awesome job you did this season.Even thogh i am not a sports fan i am very proud of you, and i take my hat off to you all of you.So even though you didn’t win the super bowl you still have a reson to celebrate and praise and thank God. You have (18) of them.Congratulations to the “NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS”, and i say that with all sincerity. I don’t care what others may say, I think you guys are the best. Again congratulations!!!
posted February 5, 2008 at 2:40 pm
YEA!!!, Yea!!! the Patriots LOST!!!!!!!!!!Miami forever!!!!!!
posted February 5, 2008 at 7:08 pm
If I’m not mistaken, Randy, Miami’s perfect season ran for fewer games than the Patriots played this season. My feeling, like Theon, is to be proud of 18 winning games this season …. every regular season game and every playoff game except the Super Bowl. With that said, I am very happy for the Giamts and their fans. Had the Patriots not been playing, I would have been rooting for New York. I am so happy to have only heard gracious comments by the Giants full of real sportsmanship along the lines of “the Patriots are a great team and we are thrilled to have won this game.” How refreshing not to have to hear the “in your face” type remarks.
Superstitious? Not me … but maybe I should have worn my Patriots shirt during the game instead of on Saturday …….
posted February 5, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hey VickiB,
You are right, Miami’s season only ran for 17 games, but they won them all and the Super Bowl. In 1972, the seasons were shorter but they played harder. They were not penalized for some of the dangerous plays that they are now. As far as I am concerned, the Dolphins still hold the record because they were undefeated through the whole season because they WON the Super Bowl.
posted February 6, 2008 at 2:16 pm
The Pats and their coach are a bunch of cheaters, which made the NY victory that much sweeter. Go Giants!
posted February 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm
The Miami Dolphins didn’t play one team over .500 during their entire undefeated regular season.
posted August 11, 2008 at 1:34 am
hi donna,
I’m the champion jinx of all time. I’m 61 and live in northeast Ohio. I’m tired of hearing chicago and Boston fans whine abut their teams when they have had hockey, basketball, and football champions many times. Cleveland has the Indians, Browns, and the Cavs (who can’t win with the greatest player on earth-he’ll be gone soon just like all the rest of our temps that we prepare to be stars for other cities. I’ve never won a coin toss in my life. I decided to test my powers this year by rooting for Tiger Woods (although I switched to Rocco Mediate in the Open playoff(he’s Italian ,like me). In the past year, I’ve had heart surgery, a stroke, a prostate biopsy, two seizures, a torn rotator cuff, was blinded by LASIK surgery, and was fired from an educational grant that I obtained myself . When I played Monopoly a a kid, I spent the entire game in jail;I’ve never passed “Go” and collected $200. When I foolishly play slot machines, all I ever get is blank,blank,blank.I was in 2 fantasy football leagues last year and all my players got injured except my kickers. I’d like to find out if Vegas actually hires “Coolers” like in the movie. I need the job.
Bill Carli
Alliance Ohio
ps. I’m campaigning for Obama (jinxed Gore and Kerry already)