I do not know how important football was to Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and all the other computer pioneers in 1967. But today’s Super Bowl fan can’t help but appreciate the communication abilities we take for granted 45 years later and the footprint they helped create.Vince Lombardi, the man who the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl’s trophy is named after, winning coach of the first and second events, probably would have been astonished by the effect this game — of just determining which American football team was the best — would impact the globe today. He probably would find it hard to believe how important this game has become to so many people, football fans or not.

In a pinch? Don't panic. Four of Columbia River Reader's most popular columnists offer last-minute tips. Just pick the interest area that best fits . . .

The dispute is mostly over money and contracts, like most labor disputes. The ones who will lose the most are the fans, the support staff, and surrounding service industries. . .

As summer comes to an end and we head into fall, we thought we should take a moment to reminisce about the highlights of the summer and look forward to upcoming sporting events.