(Podcast length - 4:35 mins)
Steer clear from a flare-up at the Thanksgiving table by avoiding these conversation minefields and diverting to safer (and dare we say sportier?) ground.
Transcript
For any conversation involving politics
Plenty of political and Hollywood icons once ran the sidelines. Samuel L. Jackson, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Meryl Streep and four former US Presidents (Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Reagan and George W. Bush) had the cheerleader spirit. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the marching band. In college, you would've found Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Alan Greenspan and Lionel Richie entertaining you in formation at halftime. Much safer than venturing into the political minefield at the dinner table.
Or, if you're feeling like taking a walk on the wild side, share something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a career in politics.
If anyone brings up the disaster that was the Taylor Swift ticket on sale.
Do you want a disaster? Let's talk about the World Cup in Qatar. From the country's reversal of the decision to allow alcohol at matches to the Frye Festival-like accommodations to the long list of human rights violations in the country's preparation for the world's biggest sporting event.
On the positive side, Stadium 974 in Qatar is the world's first transportable soccer arena. The temporary stadium is made of repurposed shipping containers and can be completely dismantled, transported to another country and put back together like your Legos. Stepping on one of the said Legos likely evokes more swear words than the TS on-sale. WEIRD BUT F-ING BEAUTIFUL
When grandma asks you why you're not married…for the 10th time, that day.
Tell grandma that a long-lasting marriage isn't a sure bet, but you know what is? The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys (NFL - National Football League) taking the field on Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving tradition started for the Lions in 1934 and in 1966 for the Cowboys. So regardless of which team you're cheering for, you can count on these teams to play while you nap off your meal. EVERLASTING LOVE
When everyone wants to take family photos, but you just ate ten days' worth of calories.
Be thankful you don't have to pass a post-meal jiggle test. Some NFL team's cheer coaches conduct "jiggle tests" to assess the firmness of the cheerleaders' bodies during the season, and if they don't pass the test, they're benched. With practices, appearances and games, they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season, but most are required to have a full-time job elsewhere. When it's all said and done, on average, they make the same amount as the lifeguard at the community pool.
Want more? Check out five things you never knew about NFL cheerleaders.
For that relative who will drive 14 hours because they're afraid to fly
It's the first Thanksgiving without NFL broadcaster John Madden, a man who is synonymous with Thanksgiving football. Hall of Fame broadcaster Madden refused to fly because he was claustrophobic, so he adopted the now iconic Madden Cruiser bus for his cross-country adventures to games. The NFL is honoring Madden this year with a "Madden Player of the Game," as the best player in each game will get $10,000 towards their choice of high school football programs. Other areas include a "John Madden Thanksgiving" logo on the fields and helmets, as well as a Madden NFL 23 competition. AN HONOR
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
