Bubblicious

Who coined the phrase “On the Bubble”? Where did this start? Does one single person take credit for it? And why has it grown to monumental proportions? These are the things I think about.

It’s not that I don’t understand the metaphor. Bubbles burst eventually and therefore the NCAA Tournament future of teams is “uncertain”. But who started this terminology? Does he/she just sit back every year in March and smile at the phenomenon that is the bubble? I bet he says “I started that!” to everyone he knows and they all just roll their eyes at him thinking there goes crazy uncle Les again…

I always believed bubbles were fun happy things. So logically being on the bubble doesn’t sound negative to me. In fact, it sounds light and fluffy. Little kids play with bubbles at the park. They bring smiles and joy to children. I’m guessing that Arizona State and Virginia Tech will probably not be playing with bubbles outside or taking bubble baths anytime soon. It’s not fair that these bubble-related activities hold no more fun and enjoyment for these people.

So maybe next time bracketology comes around say in ’09, we will replace the phrase “on the bubble” with one of the following options (using UMASS as the example team):

1. UMASS is at the prom waiting to see if they’re gonna get lucky (SHORTENED VERSION: Will UMASS see what’s under that prom dress?)

2. UMASS is like the guy who farted in a crowded elevator; he must keep his cool quiet confidence and hope he gets to his floor next.

3. UMASS is the last brownie at a party, will they get eaten?

4. UMASS desperately wants to make love to a schoolboy.

5. Just like a U.S. Senator in an airport bathroom, UMASS must tap their foot and wait.

Let's make the change before more people are scarred and cannot play with bubbles anymore.