Super Bowl in paradise

It's been three weeks since the New York Giants won the Super Bowl and I'm still riding that wave.

I ordered the Sports Illustrated subscription with the free Giants swag, reluctantly removed the Giants logo as my facebook profile picture and now a guy named Jeremy Lin has quickly become the new king of New York.

Funny how fast things can happen.

But before I turn my Sunday sports attention toward PBA Bowling, I wanted to put a few photos up that documented that glorious February night in the Caribbean.

First, it all started out with a pig roast at the Dog House Pub. Check out what the cook wrote near the pig's ass. (From the Simpsons: the best meat is in the rump).

They set up some projector screens at the pub and of course the party started early. I started to grab random rastas. Usually, that is not a smart move but my team was in the Super Bowl, bitch. Just like Big Ern McCracken, I was finally above the law.

Then Eli Manning did what he does best and rallied the G-Men back in the fourth quarter. It was a great moment in sports and definitely something I will remember for years to come (even though I had to watch SportsCenter the next day to confirm it actually happened).

The week leading into the big game, lots of people knew of my allegiance to Big Blue and wondered where I would watch the big game.

On a small island, this can be a tough decision. Few options.

I considered locking myself in a dark room with just a chair and a television. Then Brianna suggested we have people over and have a small party -- nothing serious.

I was cool with the idea until I realized my potential for disaster. This wasn't just your typical Super Bowl. For Christ sakes, my team was in it, so this was serious. Very serious. Not sure if I could handle the emotional ups and downs of my team in the Super Bowl with house guests just watching my every move. Nope, not going to happen.

Met a guy who was running a boat trip to Jost and watching the game with a projector on the beach. I've been to Jost many times. I actually got kicked off of Jost once. Yeah, I'm sure I blogged about that little excursion. This plan seemed like pouring gasoline on the fire.

My only retreat was a local bar. And not just any bar...

Pedro (upper right corner) is the owner of the DHP and a solid Giants fan. I knew I could find refuge there regardless of the score. Later on, when Pedro was dancing on the bar, he hurt his knee and was on crutches the next day. Small price to pay, my friend.

The Giants brought us together and the Eli Manning rasta knew how to keep the celebration party going.

Somehow, I found my way to Betsy's Bar for a nightcap and the Super Bowl party continued. There may not be a lot of Giants fans on the Rock, but that didn't stop me.

So for the rest of you football fans on island or across the globe, you can suck it. Giants are the Super Bowl champions. And that is my Super Bowl blog post. Did you have a good time? I sure did.

Super Sunday

While a record number of people from across the world tuned into the Super Bowl -- 111 million viewers, which made it the most-viewed thing on television ever -- I joined friends at Havana Blue for a beach party.

It was a simple equation I never seem to understand:

open bar + thirst + football = inevitable and incredibly horrific hangover.

Some of the office ladies even commented on my miserable state earlier today when I scurried into the newsroom for some paperwork.

The party was great. I went swimming at halftime because who really cares about Fergie? Brianna made three plates of cookies and they were demolished.

On the drive over, my old college roommate Jeff B. asked me what happens on the island during the Super Bowl. Good food, booze, and weather can be had just about any day. But on Super Bowl Sunday, a special 3-on-3 flag football tournament was held for charity and all the island yahoos showed up.

And since all the lunatics were in attendance, I felt the sporting press should be included as well.

Actually, I should have entered a team. The winner got Super Bowl tickets for next year. Which explained why tempers flared and the referee feared a post-game beat down.

Every call was contested, spectators complained that bribes were had and the championship was fixed. "They been holding all game like that! How much did he give you before the game? You're an ass hole cheater!"

When I heard it, I thought it was a joke. No, this random lady was dead serious.

Then I watched as one of the players broke away for a touchdown and instead of running across the goal line, he stopped right before and stood there to gloat. Yeah, he is also a local high school's head baseball coach. The sight gave me with a warm feeling in my heart. Because of spectacles like that, I now know the island's very best is in charge of teaching children the value of sportsmanship.

His team later won the final and I had the joy of interviewing him.

Flag Football player: "This was the hardest game I have ever played."

AG: "Now you're going to the Super Bowl -- how does that feel?"

FFP: "I'll probably sell the tickets."

AG: "You are a gentleman and a scholar. Not to mention an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with."

FFP: "What?"

AG: "Nevermind."

So for me, I saw the very best and very worst football on Super Bowl Sunday. Who won the big game? I had to watch SportsCenter earlier this morning to find out for sure. Go Giants.