Relatively Minor
Laughter does not have to come from a major source. It could indeed be ... relatively minor.
Football season has officially started as we bid farewell to summer over the Labor Day weekend! Did you know the first footballs were made from inflated pig bladders? That’s why they were called “pigskins”! In ancient times, rival villages would compete by attempting to kick an inflated pig bladder into the balcony of their opponents’ church.
Today, footballs are leather, and although some traditional enthusiasts may argue that “football isn’t just a game or a sport; it’s a religion,” bright yellow goalposts now replace the opposing team’s church balcony.
This past weekend, a vibrant sea of Iowa and Iowa State fans eagerly filled the bleachers at Kinnick Stadium, all gathering with spirited anticipation for the much-awaited Cy-Hawk game in the heart of Iowa City. Before the game’s commencement, faithful followers transformed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 into a moving tapestry of vehicles as the massive wave of enthusiasts embarked on their pilgrimage to the stadium. Amidst this lively procession, police officers, though lacking the traditional striped garb of game referees, took to the highway with watchful eyes, skillfully directing traffic flow. Like referees in their own right, they meticulously flagged down overzealous motorists, guiding the most spirited drivers towards the road’s shoulder as a penalty for their excessive speed.
For those who couldn’t care less about the Cyclones or Hawkeyes battling it out on the field, the actual touchdown is the big game day. It’s not the thrill of the sport that gets them going, but the sheer joy of shopping in peace! Imagine this: roaming through grocery store aisles, spacious as a football field after a winning goal, grabbing that last loaf of bread like the championship trophy, and or landing a seat at your favorite restaurant faster than a quarterback’s sprint without the usual scrimmage line of people. For some, game day is less about scoreboards and more about scoreless shopping and dining triumphs.
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