The state of play, on the field and in D.C.

I have a confession here. My expertise in Roman numerology goes to about 20 - once we go beyond XX, I have no idea what number we're talking about, so I couldn't tell you how many Super Bowls today's game will make.

But like a good part of America, I'll be watching this one - at least off and on. (I have been known to nod off in front of the TV on a Sunday evening, so I may miss a play or two.)

I've always thought that the benefit of sports is that no matter how passionate we become about our favorite team, none of it really matters. Today's game will have no impact on the price of bread or the search for a cancer cure.

But it does give us a break - we can put aside worries about things that DO matter and focus on something that DOESN'T. Doctors say that's good for us - changing the subject rests the brain and recharges the batteries.

Trouble is, sports are no longer the only option to worry about something that doesn't matter. As I've been watching the breakdown in our political system, congress inability to do anything and the growing disconnect between our campaigns and the country's real problems, I have to wonder: Once all this is over, will any of it matter any more than who wins the Super Bowl?

There is one difference. The state of our politics still keeps me up nights. By the time the Super Bowl is over, I'm usually sound asleep!