Humor

The Non-Sports Fan’s Survival Guide to Super Bowl LIX (Yes, You Can Fake It)

A photograph of a rugged, slightly worn "Survival Guide" handbook sitting on a living room coffee table cluttered with snacks, a remote control, and a half-empty soda can. The title "Survival Guide" is embossed in bold, comic-style block letters on the cover, with a distressed yet humorous aesthetic. The background features a blurred TV screen showing a football game.

It’s that time again—when nacho consumption soars, brands spend millions to make us cry over a talking golden retriever, and for one night, everyone suddenly becomes an expert on “momentum shifts.”

But what if you, dear reader, couldn’t care less about National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl LIX? What if you'd rather be anywhere else but trapped in a four-hour football marathon?

Good news! My annual guide will help you fake it, escape it, or—dare we say—actually enjoy it (without suddenly developing “strong opinions” about pass interference).

Step 1: Know Just Enough to Survive

The Game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, again. Just say, “This rematch really adds an extra layer of narrative intrigue.” People will nod.

The Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA. Expect one spectacular performance and at least one person loudly declaring that nothing will ever top Prince in the rain.

The Commercials: The only time people shush each other to watch an ad for Doritos chips. Be on the lookout for confirmed spots from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Starbucks, Best Buy, Dove, GoDaddy, and of course, hims & hers.

Step 2: Your Three Foolproof Phrases

These timeless lines work every single year:

1️⃣ “I just hope it’s a good game.” (Safe, neutral, cannot fail.)
2️⃣ “That’s a bold call. Let’s see if it pays off.” (Say this during any big play, and you’ll sound like an analyst.)
3️⃣ “I’m really just here for the commercials.” (Truth.)

Step 3: Accessibility = Super Bowl MVP

Want to sound insightful and support inclusivity? Drop these into conversation:

“Glad they have ASL interpreters again this year!”

Super Bowl LIX will feature ASL performers for the anthem & halftime show. Shoutout to Matthew Maxey for making the music accessible!

“More events should have live descriptive audio.”

The game has real-time play-by-play for blind & low-vision viewers.

“Can we turn on captions?”

Accessibility helps everyone, especially during loud parties (or when your uncle won’t stop explaining the rules).

Step 4: Your Escape Plan

If the game drags on, try these classic moves:

The Kitchen Gambit: “I’ll check on the snacks.” (Never return.) Anheuser-Busch, Totino's, Häagen-Dazs Shops, Uber, Instacart, PepsiCo, and DoorDash all paid a fortune to influence you. Did it work?

The Bathroom Break of Unusual Length: No one will question 20+ mins of doomscrolling.

The Pet Excuse: “The dog looks anxious. I should sit with them.” (Even if they are sound asleep.)

Final Thoughts: Just Ride It Out

Look, the Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s a national event, an excuse for excessive dip consumption, and a night where even the most football-averse people must endure sports commentary.

But with these survival tips, you’ll make it through Super Bowl LIX unscathed.

Now, repeat after me:

“I just hope it’s a good game.”

Why 'Dateable' is the Book Every Disabled Person Needs

Book cover of "Dateable"

Book cover of "Dateable: Swiping Right, Hooking Up, and Settling Down While Chronically Ill and Disabled" by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp. The background features a gradient of pastel colors including yellow, blue, and green. The title is in bold yellow text, with the subtitle and authors' names in smaller white and green text respectively.

Today, I am reflecting on the incredible opportunity to be featured in the transformative book, "Dateable" by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp. This book is a definitive primer on dating with a disability, and I couldn't be more grateful for the chance to contribute to this important text.

Representation in media and literature is crucial for people with disabilities. "Dateable" fills a significant gap by addressing the unique challenges and triumphs we face in the dating world. The book tackles the lack of representation and role models that can prevent us from seeing ourselves as desirable, romantic, and dateable. As the authors poignantly state, "There are huge numbers of disabled people dating, hooking up, and marrying. But if we don’t see that playing out on-screen, especially if we operate in actual communities made up of predominantly nondisabled people, it can feel like we’re the only ones on earth trying to figure this out."

One of the key themes in "Dateable" is the struggle against internalized ableism and the complicated questions around disclosing one's disability in the context of dating. The book explores the trauma of dating apps, the biases they perpetuate, and the often painful interactions that come with them. The chapter "S*?! (AHEM, STUFF) PEOPLE SAY" features my own story, an anecdote encapsulating the absurdity and the humor that often accompany dating with a disability. The book uses humor to address serious topics, making them more accessible and relatable. I often speak about my medical history and experiences, but having one of my favorite stories immortalized in print, with its perfect mix of humor and reality, is truly special.

"Dateable" provides a platform to advocate for disability rights and awareness. The book doesn't shy away from difficult topics like the fetishization of disability, the need for open communication and consent, and the challenges of navigating sex and relationships with various disabilities. It shines a light on the broader societal changes needed to foster a more inclusive understanding of dating with a disability.

"Dateable" is the book I wish I had when I was younger, coming to terms with my body, its limitations, and what it would mean for my life in the dating space. It’s a book that every disabled person should read, regardless of where they are in their dating journey. It reminds us that our disability makes us just as human, dateable, and desirable as anyone else. Our dating lives may be more complicated, but we deserve to be represented, talked about, and yes, sexualized. We date, we love, we break up, we struggle just like everybody else, and this book puts all of that front and center unapologetically.

Thank you, Jessica and Caroline, for putting this book into the world. It was so needed and could not have come at a more perfect time.

‘Artificial Intelligence Will Steal My Job!’ Fears Service Dog

In the mood for a chuckle today?

I am absolutely thrilled to share that I have been featured in the The Squeaky Wheel. Well, technically I need to thank Canine Companions® Pico for letting me have the byline. We've been matched for nearly a decade and with the rise of A.I., he had a lot to say.

‘Artificial Intelligence Will Steal My Job!’ Fears Service Dog