I'm like a Catholic who only goes to church on Christmas. I only care about football one day a year, and that's Super Bowl Sunday. I know what time the game starts, and how long it will be on.

Whether Super Bowl Sunday causes a rise in domestic violence against women is a discussion that's come up every year since a 1993 public service announcement on the subject. Some claim it is a myth. If Super Bowl Sunday doesn't have a particularly high incidence of battering, that's only because there is so much violence against women every day of the year.

Chickens are certainly slaughtered in high numbers for the event. "Wings" are reported as the favored snack of the day.

These issues are real to me, and still, I've always been pretty darn happy on Super Bowl Sundays. Here's why: On this one day a year, for these few hours, public spaces are noticeably vacant of the most macho, the most swaggering, and the drunkest of our citizens.*

Without these particular personalities around, there's so much e x t r a s p a c e. I've spent the day as the sole person in the gym, free to use every single machine. I've ridden my bike through the empty streets, with no fear of speeding cars. It's a great day for parks and movies and libraries and restaurants. When i was [much] younger, my friends and I threw anti-superbowl parties, and traded clothes and danced to Bronski Beat and Strawberry Switchblade records while revved on Jolt Cola. I'm thrilled every year when I hear this day is coming. (No, I'm not a lesbian separatist, but one day off sure is nice.)

I don't think the bodies of women and chickens are a fair trade for this joy of mine. So whether you're watching the game or not, whether you're a human or a different kind of animal, I hope today brings YOU some space and happiness.

Here's the PSA part of the program:
- If you ever feel like hurting someone you love, call 1-800-799-SAFE.
- Every day is a great day to spare the life of a bird, but if you are team-oriented and need the support of your peers, try going meat-free for MeatOut 2008, March 20th.

*Not meant to imply that there aren't some lovely, gentle people who ALSO choose to watch this football game!