Okay, so here we are, finally: Super Bowl Friday. Have you been good and visited your sportsbook yet? No? Then go and go now, because there’s plenty of Super Bowl props to bet on, Super Bowl lines and Super Bowl odds and everything else you’d come to expect from the most bet-on sports event of the year. Me, I’m gathering up the girls, keeping tabs on my wagers, and going out to our regular downtown pub for some good old-fashioned pint-pounding and yelling at the bar’s widescreens. (This is sort of like our Thanksgiving — all diet bets are off! Bring on the wings and nachos!)

So where did my wager end up going, you ask? Plain and simple: the Steelers.

Troy Polamalu has got some awful hair, it’s true. But when it comes to being absolutely solid out there on the gridiron, this guy’s got it, and combined with the might of Big Ben, you’ve got two major reasons to bet on the Steelers. Take into account Pittsburgh’s great track record when it comes to Super Bowls, and you have a can’t-miss here. (Still, it’ll be nice to see Arizona put up something of a fight…will definitely keep the game interesting! I’ll settle for another blowup courtesy Anquan Boldin)

As for the rest of you at home, have fun, be safe, drink responsibly (or at least don’t drive after drinking irresponsibly), get thinking about how you’re going to handicap Super Bowl 44…cheers to football lovers everywhere — this is our weekend!

(pic from Two Parts Sugar on Flickr)

Ah, Super Bowl season — the time when a young man’s fancy turns to a different sort of, er, tight end. Not so coincidentally, then, do a number of lists emerge around this time of year with “proper instructions” for girlfriend behavior during the Super Bowl (to say nothing for trying to advise him on his sportsbook picks!). And seriously, there’s little more that aggravates me to such an extent — except for possibly the level of misogyny among sports fans, but I suppose that’s a given when the entire culture is 90% male.

But really, let’s take ourselves out of the Stone Age for a second and look at the big picture: girls like sports. Girls like betting on sports. Girls like the whole package in general. Sure, you’re not going to find that prized trait in every girl - nor can you instill it in whatever girl you’re dating at the moment - but it’s becoming more and more common these days to find women give’n ‘er with the lads at the local sports bars.

To that end, a few enterprising women have come up with websites on how to “cope” with Super Bowl weekend. Let’s go over a few of these, shall we?

Super-Bowling Sunday! at Girlfriend Celebrations. Candy-pink layout aside, this isn’t quite a primer for the Super Bowl as it is the idea for ladies to have a “bowling party” on that fated February Sunday instead. There’s a little too much talk here about pink bowling balls and mini-ball bags (insert your own crude joke, hyuk). Not impressed over here. This is the kind of thing that reinforces the idea that all women would rather be doing something, anything else than watch sports, or bet on the Super Bowl, or what have you. Next.

How to Contribute to Your Husband’s Enjoyment of the Super Bowl. Wow. That title there says it all (and really makes me wonder if a man secretly wrote this piece). How to contribute to his enjoyment? What is this, the 1950s? Gender equality is in, honey — never mind the catering to his every whim, only speaking when spoken to, et cetera. Get your ass on the couch and enjoy it with him — and tell him to get his own beer or make his own Super Bowl bet while he’s at it.

What’s a lesbian to do with the NFL? Definitely a neat read, even for us breeders (j/k), especially for the top flowchart graphic alone. Of course, it also sort of reinforces the belief that if you’re a woman who loves football, you’re a lesbian - or, consequently, if you’re a lesbian, you have to love football - but it’s a good look at things from a different perspective, no pink layouts or mozzarella-stick recipes required.

That’s good enough for now, I think. In the meantime, with less than a week to go, why don’t we focus on what we’re going to do for the Super Bowl, no pre-programmed gender roles or defined boxes required? That’ll be a good start.

While America stands on the edge of political history (seriously, I was one of the many trying to keep back tears while streaming the inauguration at my desk), the sports world is on the brink of the biggest Super Bowl betting line in ages — of course, we’re talking about the Steelers vs Cardinals matchup of Super Bowl XLIII odds. And boy howdy, I don’t even know who saw that coming. (Dirty Harry is equally shocked and awed by the Cardinals odds)

Yes, it leaves me feeling pretty sheepish about my last blog entry pick, in which I could’ve sworn on my life that the Eagles would take down Arizona. But as anybody who’s into betting sports could tell you, anything can happen in the wacky world of football. Nothing’s set in stone, which I’m sure is a phrase you still shouldn’t be uttering around any Philly residents. (Hey, you guys got your World Series pennant. Be happy.)

So now we’re left with the Herculean task of breaking down Super Bowl odds for 2009. Or, maybe not so Herculean — after all, Pittsburgh has been the bookmakers’ favorite to win for months now, and even now, the Steelers are favored by 6.5 over the Cardinals in the point spread. Yet the wise bettor will point out that the odds have been wrong before, and so it’s best to keep an open mind in these last few crucial weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. An open mind, that is, as well as a bookmark right here to this blog — I’ll be doling out plenty of info, lists and fun stuff over the next 12 days!

You know you love me. xoxo

Yes, yes, I know I’m overloading on the NFL posts, and I know I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: If you’re looking to get into betting sports, look no further than a healthy start this weekend. The entirety of North America is in a deep freeze, you’re in a post-holiday January slump, so what better weekend activity than watching the 2008-09 NFL season come down on the line? February 1st ain’t too far away, folks.

Sure, most of this weekend’s buzz is going towards Ravens vs Steelers odds - and how can you resist when the preview commercials have coaches screaming at their teams while the voiceovers intone “grudge matches” and “brutal rivalries”? - but I think I’m a little more partial to the Eagles vs Cardinals line. I mean, here’s two crazy underdog teams that hardly anybody thought would have a shot at the Super Bowl…fighting for a shot at the Super Bowl. Trust me, the Super Bowl XLIII line is gonna be going crazy because of this one.

So let’s take a look at the matchup: You have Donovan McNabb finally coming through for the Eagles in a big way. Even though the big man still looks a little shaky at times, it’s easy to tell that Philly is putting most of their hopes on him, and he ought to be able to carry them through. Kurt Warner looks stellar for the Cards right now, but I just don’t think it’s going to be enough to keep Arizona above the Philly defense. Bet on the Eagles for the NFC win.

Also - and I’m not sure how I missed this the other day - Frito Pie. That’s all I really need to say. Frito Pie. Wow.

Welcome back, dear readers! In this edition of High Heels & High Stakes, we’re going to be looking at different recipes for a Super Bowl classic dish: chili. Get yer bookmarking ready because these are three of my favorites to whip up for my BF and his buddies when the biggest game of the year rolls around.

om nom chili nom.

But first, a preview of the Super Bowl XLIII betting line: it’s a tight race at the moment, but right now, odds are taking a chance on Giants (+300) vs Steelers (+360) for a prime Super Bowl pick. I would have thought that the Titans were a sure lock on a playoff spot, but these days it’s the Steelers who have the Bowl in their sights. Keep an eye on Philly, though — the Eagles might just make a good comeback. Cardinals? Nah.

If you want to keep things interesting as far as sportsbook action is concerned, check out 1001 Ways to Bet the Super Bowl; also, keep an eye on Super Bowl Odds for fun stuff and articles as the day gets closer.

Now, the piece de resistance: chili recipes!

Super Bowl super chili (via AllRecipes) - Start here as your primer for all things classic Super Bowl chili. Plenty of good tips to be found, including which types of meat are commonly used, the best way to handle chili spices, and prime cooking temperatures. Also: best toppings! (I’m a guacamole girl, so it’s cilantro and mashed avocado all the way for me)

Boilermaker Tailgate Chili (via Meals Matter) - Not for the faint of heart, this chili combines several of the manly man’s favorites — multiple meats (ground beef, sausage, bacon), beer, chili peppers and plenty of spices. Topping it with Fritos and shredded cheese makes it 1. like nachos and 2. like a heart attack in a bowl. Do it up for your Super Bowl party guests (the non-vegetarian, non-Weight Watchers ones) and watch it disappear.

Barack Obama’s Chili (via Serious Eats) - Now this is what I love — a president-elect with a good appetite and a taste for easy, satisfying recipes. I haven’t had the chance to try this one yet myself, but the usage of turmeric and red wine vinegar on top of rice(!) has me waiting for the perfect chance –which may just be Super Bowl XLIII. Cook up some tasty chili? Yes we can!

Flu-Fighting Chili (via Men’s Health) - A vegetarian option that I really love, with just enough kick from the combination of chili powder and hot sauce (Tabasco, mmmm). I use Mexican veggie ground round rather than tofu to make this one, and it turns out perfect every time. And hey, if you’re going to be chowing down on chili for Super Bowl, why not pick one that will keep you healthy during February’s nasty cold-and-flu season? All the better for you to grab a football and go scrimmage outside with your buddies.

Spicy Vegetarian Chili (via Simply Recipes) - Another vegetarian chili for those of us who are watching our post-holiday waistlines (plus remember, Valentine’s Day is only a couple weeks after Super Bowl, so keep chocolate-goody splurges in mind). I’d omit the fennel seeds if you can’t find ‘em, but be sure to add in those jalapenos - watch when you’re cutting them, they burn like fire! - and the eggplant and zucchini for extra texture/flavor.

And now, to keep the heat on, here’s a bevvy of hot shirtless NFL stars for your ogling pleasure. You’re welcome.

Tom Brady

Brady Quinn

Eli Manning

Matt Leinart (damn you, t-shirt!)

Wednesday. Hump Day. Usually a relief to many, as the week is half-over. Probably not as much of a relief for Penguins fans nor sportsbook bettors, as the Capitals vs Penguins is happening tomorrow night and, unlike various players on both teams, it ain’t gonna be pretty.

(Well, okay, we can make an exception for drunk Alex. Vampire with a unibrow, lol)

Now look, here’s the big question, via article posted by my dear friend Anna: Why does Crosby play second fiddle? Unlike Anna, who’s a Malkin fangirl for some strange reason (though she and I DID meet through a Penguins forum years ago), I’m a Crosby girl through and through, and believe me, it’s been painful few weeks watching our dear Pens go down in flames.

But I know the Penguins still have it in them - even if the majority of Pittsburgh’s attention is on the Ravens vs Steelers line - and the sportsbook odds agree — with Gonchar returning and the Penguins fired up over their current losing streak, they should have enough juice left in ‘em to win over the Caps tomorrow. Let’s just hope we get a battle between Semin (boo!) and Crosby along with it. Sid will let Semin know where he can stick his wussy girly slaps.

There’s nothing like a chilly winter weekend to make you want to curl up at home under a nice, warm blanket, log on to your sportsbook of choice, maybe bake some cookies (if you’re so inclined — but I at least make sure I’m listening to some punk rock or metal at the time, especially if the baked good of choice is cupcakes) and hunker down with an entire weekend full of football. I mean, really, if you’re not gonna leave your house anyway because it’s so cold it feels like your face is turning inside out, then why not spend Saturday and Sunday with the NFL? Your boyfriend will thank you for it, trust me.

(Bonding over sports is a DO.)

Not to mention we’re gearing up for the most exciting time in the National Football League, which means that it shouldn’t be hard at all to get involved. Super Bowl XLIII is looming on the horizon, and so we’re coming down the line for the final teams to play. There’s a good mix of games on this weekend, such as:

Cardinals vs Panthers odds on Saturday: The Cards have been unspeakably awful in road games this season. Pick the Panthers at -10 in their line.

Titans vs Ravens odds on Saturday: Normally I’d go for the Titans here, but going head to head with the Ravens means that Baltimore has a chance to keep their record of wins against Tennessee going.

Eagles vs Giants odds on Sunday: Get right out of church and go bet on the Giants to win this matchup. Best record in the NFC? I won’t bet against it.

Chargers vs Steelers odds on Sunday: Still going after that last game? Go and pick the Steelers for this match — the Chargers have been shining lately but Pittsburgh’s D is just destructive.

Now, go forth and enjoy the end zone action!

I have a confession to make: When I’m not ashamedly peeking in on reality TV odds, one of my favorite shows is Doctor Who. It’s quirky sci-fi fun, plus David Tennant’s got the looks — I’m a sucker for the British. (The accents, not the teeth.) So I was sorta ripped up to hear that his tenure as the good Doctor was almost at a close, though the entertainment wasn’t over yet: the Brits do love their oddsmaking, and so the chase was on to find out who the replacement Time Lord would be — and who could make some nice coin by betting on the right pick.

Here’s who we ended up with: Matt Smith. Not bad, sorta dorky but I’ll take it, despite the almost-fake sounding name. But wait, check THIS out: According to the Telegraph, betting odds on the new Doctor may have been fixed. Apparently, the BBC may or may not have leaked info to the bookmakers, who then adjusted Matt Smith’s line accordingly from 33/1 to a 1/3 favorite. That’s a pretty significant difference, people. Enough to make the betting-mad community over the pond take notice.

What’s the truth here? Was there a leak of info at the last minute? Can the Beeb go more than two weeks without scandals? I dunno about the rest of you, but I’m going to calm it down with some Golden Globes odds — and some choice pics of Mr. Tennant.