Fun facts about Super Bowl XLIII

Think a match-up between Phoenix and Pittsburgh can't make for an exciting championship game? Think again! Here are some fun facts about Sunday's big game so you can quiz your friends and keep you riveted to the screen:

** The Cardinals haven't always been in Arizona, you know. Before 1988 they played in Missouri as the St. Louis Cardinals, and before that in Illinois as the Chicago Arizonas. Weird, huh?

** This will be the Steelers seventh Super Bowl, and if they win they'll become the first franchise to get six Super Bowl trophies. So start the "one for the other thumb" chants now.

** Looking for former Eagles to root for on Sunday? How about Philly greats WR Sean Morey and CB Matt Ware of the Cardinals? Or P Mitch Berger of the Steelers? Who could forget his five games with the Birds in 1994?

** This will be the first football championship handed out since the Philly Soul won the Arena Bowl last summer. And it's be the first major sports championship handed out since the Phillies won the World Series. No, as a matter of fact the BCS doesn't count.

** Did you know Larry Fitzgerald's father is a well-respected Minnesota sportswriter? And his mother is Neil Diamond!

** Mike Tomlin? Yeah, he's killed men with his stare. Through the TV even.

** This is only the second time in NFL history that two Super Bowl-winning QBs have squared off against each other in the big game. The last time we had such great QBs squaring off? Kerry Collins vs Trent Dilfer in 2001. Those guys were amazing.

** You know what would have been more exciting than a Steelers-Cardinals game? Anything! Seriously, is the Puppy Bowl still on?

Upon reflection

Now that I've had a day to cool down after yesterday's debacle, I can calmly and clearly see the only rational reaction to yet another NFC championship loss.

Please go here.

A rough day for some

Tips for dealing with Giants fans

Many of the Philly faithful will be heading up I-95 this weekend to experience the third (and decisive) match-up between the Giants and Iggles this weekend. In the interest of being the good neighbors that we are, here are some tips to keep in mind when encountering the opposition's fanbase.

Bring a map with you -- Giants' fans have a very sketchy sense of direction and geography; For example, they seem unaware that their team does not play in the state or city of New York. To make sure you don't get lost, take a map of the entire eastern seaboard with you.

Be kind to young children -- Even the ones wearing Giants' gear who make funny faces at you. You don't want the experience of an Eagles win to be ruined for them. Besides, one of them might be little Eli Manning. He makes some of the weirdest faces.

Don't make any sudden movements -- You could shoot yourself in the leg. It's a problem up there.

Be careful about the food -- Just because they put "New York" in front of its name doesn't mean it's a new or better food. "New York Pizza" and "New York Bagels" and "New York Hot Dogs" taste just like regular ones. Stay away from "New York Cheesteaks."

Feel free to bring up the Patriots and Cowboys -- Just because we hate each other as fans doesn't mean we can't enjoy other people's misery. Feel free to thank them for the playoffs last year, when they dispatched both teams.

Don't sneeze -- Punter Jeff Feagles is 137 years old and the slightest wind could knock him over. On second though, sneeze alot.

After the game, don't bring Greg Lewis home -- Win or lose, he stays up there.