footnotes

Such arcane phrases as zone blitz, play action, lateral pursuit, end zone, third down efficiency, flea-flicker, tight end and nickel package have begun to pepper conversations in lunchrooms everywhere. Don’t feel left out. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Football Like a Pro” by former Washington Redskins quarterback and TV commentator Joe Theismann and “Football for Dummies” by former Los Angeles Raiders defensive lineman and TV commentator Howie Long, are available to help you understand what they’re all saying.

Los Angeles may not have a professional football team anymore, but it’s not lacking for big-time football. Collegiate teams UCLA (www.bruingold.com) and USC (www.usctrojans.com) are ranked among the top 25 teams nationwide. This Saturday, the Bruins (1-1) play Fresno State at the Rose Bowl, while the Trojans (1-0) meet San Diego State at the Coliseum. The Trojans and the Bruins will battle for local bragging rights Nov. 20 at the Coliseum.

The National Football League’s Rams called Los Angeles home for more than 40 years and left many die-hard fans behind when they moved to St. Louis after the 1994 season. The Rams, who have not had a winning season since 1989, won their opener last Sunday. Rams fans get to savor that winning feeling a bit longer than usual, since the Rams don’t play this weekend.

And just in time for football season, La-Z-Boy Furniture has unveiled Oasis, the first recliner to have an electric cooler built into the arm of the chair. Besides holding up to six 12-ounce cans of your favorite beverage, the Oasis also offers heated massage and a built-in telephone with caller ID, so you can really relax and not be bothered by those unimportant phone calls while the game is on. Prices start at about $800. Check out www.lazboy.com.