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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Sikskiyou students embrace Middle School Fridays ... What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday? ... Inner Peace: How can politics promote inner peace? ... Sikskiyou students embrace Middle School Fridays ... What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday? ... Inner Peace: How can politics promote inner peace? ... LOCAL TAKE What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Feb. 5, 2016 at 5:07 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Feb. 5, 2016 at 5:07 PM » Social News Sitting home alone reading a book on Super Bowl Sunday just is not done anymore. This one NFL football game has become a major social event of the year — and excuse for drinking and shouting — right up there with New Year’s Eve and Halloween. Now 50 years old, the Super Bowl is watched by 114.4 million people or about 36 percent of the population of the U.S. — an astounding number of people. Viewership has skyrocketed in the last 10 years — and the event last year was the most-watched TV show ever. Halftime shows have lured the biggest names. this year it will be Coldplay and Beyonce, assuring a new record viewership. Millions who don’t care for football still tune in for the music and commercials, which are supposed to be the coolest ever. They’d better be, at $4.5 million for a 30-second spot. The game will be an east-west competition, with the Denver Broncos trying to overcome the powerful Carolina Panthers, who were nearly undefeated. The legendary Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning, pushing the advanced age of 40, goes up against dazzling young QB Cam Newton. The Panthers are favored by 5.5 points in Las Vegas, but just remember, on any given Sunday, anything can happen. Super Bowl Sunday is a great excuse to gather, crack brewskis and cook chili, pizza and such pub food. Bets flourish and vocal cords are unleashed to bellow and moan at any unexpected pick, fumble or long bomb into double coverage. This gladiator-like contest has the special appeal of being uniquely American and, for better or worse, somehow capturing our notable spirit of aggression. We asked Ashlanders how they plan to spend these mad four hours, which start at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on CBS. Sarah Bowdin — I’m going down to Mount Shasta to watch it with friends. I’m for the Broncos. I’d like to see Peyton Manning win and go out with a bang. This is probably his last game. We’ve decided to make food that reminds you of where the teams are from. The host is making barbecue pulled pork. I think that represents the Carolinas. I’m going to make my great pretzel dip. It goes great with beer. Charles & Veronica Sparkes — We’re going to light a fire and watch the game, the two of us, and have some pizza. No big celebration. Denver is our sentimental favorite. We spent 10 years in Boulder. Cam Newton has a lot of enthusiasm but we want Peyton Manning to win it because he’s older. Cam is great and may eventually surpass Peyton in age on the field. We’re having pizza and red wine. It’s not going to get rowdy in our house. We’re past that. We’re from Britain, but we’ve gotten into this game. Michael Owen — I’m going to avoid it, with all its commercialism and militant triumphalism. A lot of militant ideals get channeled into football, instead of war. They need to be channeled somewhere. I’m militantly peaceful. I’m going to be doing what I always do — relax, hike, spend time with my family. My partner watches it for the commercials and I make fun of her. It’s just a regular day for me. Tim MacCurdy & son Luka — My wife and I will be in different locations. She’s an anti-Super Bowlist. In an effort toward camaraderie, I will attend a Super Bowl party with friends. I’m actually an anti-Super Bowlist myself but I’m doing it to be friendly. Historically, I go out in nature because no one else is out there. It’s empty. My wife is doing her own thing. I’m going to be with my son. He understands football. Lois DeBruno — I don’t watch football. I’m not a sports fan. I go to church in the morning and practice the joy of Sabbath in the afternoon, relaxing. My husband is glued to the game. We’ve been married 41 years and it works, sharing and also having our own lives. I might watch a little of the commercials. My husband is an actor but he doesn’t have any rehearsals Sunday, so he’s very happy about that. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Feb. 5, 2016 at 5:07 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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