Super Bowl Ads - The Good, The Bad, The Brutal

I should mention, this post is sort of a cop-out. I had to write a paper on the ads, but thought it would make a good post too. I edited it pretty heavily though to make it more fun - because I love you.

Tim Tebow – Celebrate Life

This was clearly the most hyped ad of the night.

The ad ended up being nothing. I didn’t know what it was about until I saw Tim, which was with very little time left. Even his presence didn’t help me understand the focus of the ad – except that I already knew the background of the story. I think they tried hard to make some humor out of it by having Tim tackle his mom, but that ad had it’s steam taken away by that Snickers ad that came before it, which featured Betty White being tackled repeatedly. It really stole Tebows thunder.

The ad was talked about almost a month prior to the event. The publicity alone should have made the ad worth the $2+ million that was spent. It will be interesting to see the statistics regarding how many visitors went to the website because of the ad. Overall though, it was a let down in regards to the controversy surrounding the ad, but should not have been pulled by CBS, contrary to other activists groups. At the same time, I’m not exactly sure it conveyed the message that Focus on the Family was trying to achieve in those 30 seconds.

Google – Parisian Love

Wow. Google hit a home run – and as far as I was concerned, the only definite home run of the night. I know a lot of people agree with me on this as well. The ad is able to convey a romantic boy-girl story that at the same time demonstrates the growing and massive power of Google. The best part was that they kept the focus on the Google web site the entire time to truly show Google’s capabilities. It was simple, primitive, and didn’t require any corny or sexual humor to deliver it’s message. I was really blown away by this ad and believe that Google is a huge threat to take over a lot of technological-based industries in the years to come. This is the first in many upcoming ads from Google.

Bud Light – Paradise

I personally thought this ad was funny. It took the concept a very popular show in Lost – without directly referencing the show, and provided a sense of humor that made me laugh. I personally am a LostLost friends were EXTREMELY offended and seriously thought ABC should file a lawsuit against Budweiser. I wasn't that pissed to be honest. fan and was able to enjoy the joke, but some of my

Vizio – Beyonce/Forge

This ad was futuristic, chaotic, and crazy. However it captured the capabilities of what the Vizio televisions claim to be capable of. Based off what I saw – the television looks quite capable and the ad made it look cool. Televisions are starting to evolve with the Internet, but in order to not be replaced by laptops and tablets, they need to make a statement and keep themselves relevant and in the spotlight. I think this ad accomplished that goal, however they may struggle in a few decades from now unless there are drastic changes.

Late Show – Leno, Oprah, and Letterman

I can’t figure this ad out. After all the nonsense that NBC has gone through to get Leno back onto The Tonight Show, why allow him to air with his previous and future direct competitor in Letterman? I understand that the last Super Bowl CBS hosted there was a Letterman and Oprah bit, but I do not see why NBC would allow this. It’s like giving in to your competition – which holds the number one spot in late night television.

Maybe NBC didn’t know about the ad. Maybe it was not a breach in Leno’s contract. Maybe NBC saw it as an opportunity to keep Leno in the spotlight following an incredibly messy situation with Conan O’Brien. I personally don’t agree with how that worked. NBC continues to prove that the executives are incompetent. I really really really don't want to like NBC for anything other than The Office, 30 Rock, and Brian Williams.

NFL – Lift Off

This ad was great, but not perfect. It summarized the intensity and excitement that the NFL has from its fans, and thanked the fans for their continued dedication and never ending passion for the sport. They used one of the leagues better-known (and better image) players in Reggie Bush in a great display of athletic prowess before going into a montage of different fans. The choice of music was excellent as well - who doesn't love that song from Where The Wild Things Are?

Budweiser – Clydesdale Race

The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales seem to be a staple in NFL advertising, representing a classy, All-American image to separate itself from its party twin, Bud Light. After taking a few year hiatus from the Super Bowl, the Clydesdales were back, and I COULDN'T of been happier. They were able to demonstrate a fun, cute, display of America’s favorite football horse. I really like how the Clydesdale series of ads are simple, and typically don’t relate to the product at all. Budweiser has established the connection between the Clydesdales and their beer. Therefore, they can create fun advertisements that do not need product placement within them.

Doritos - Casket

I thought this ad was just so tacky. Doritos had 4 ads in the first half (because owner Pepsi was spending their brand's $$$ on social media - ACTUALLY SMARTER) and only one of them was funny (the little kid slapping his Momma's date.) But the Casket ad was trying to make a joke out of death and really missed the mark. I'm sure they could of come up with something better. The other Dorito ad with the dog and the dog collar was weird as well.

I find it interesting how the landscape of Super Bowl ads have changed. Now they can be re-viewed over and over again on the Internet. It makes the $2.5 million spent per ad worth so much more than it previously was. It's great for companies and the media. Now if only they could make consistantly better ads.

Super Bowl = Football or Party. I can't tell.

I think the Super Bowl has become too big. MOST people don't watch it for the game - they watch it for the commercials. The only reason I like commercials is because it gives me time to go to the bathroom or accomplish quick tasks during my life.

I'm sure MOST people aren't even watching the game. It's really just a reason to party. I personally was planning on watching the game, but it definitely took a backseat to hanging out with my friends, the food, and alcoholic beverages.

My biggest problem with the Super Bowl is how the game isn't the biggest event going on Super Bowl week. There's so many parties and events building up to the game, but the game isn't even really the focus. It's, again, just another reason to party. The game feels to be more out of necessity than want. Which is really too bad, because this was one of the better games in recent memory.

I wasn't really feeling the ads from last night. I saw most of them live and then watched most of them again this morning, and it really didn't connect with me. I think that's another problem with the Super Bowl; because EVERYONE watches it, it's hard to market it to everyone. We've become so narrow in our advertisements that an event like the Super Bowl goes against popular thought. Very few events get the attention that the Super Bowl does, so it makes it hard to create an ad that all 100 million will enjoy. And then to have the ads be dissected for the next week, it's not the norm at all.

I really enjoyed the Super Bowl last night - the game was great and I was with great company. That's what it is supposed to be about. Unfortunately though, the event is bigger than the game.

P.S. So happy the Saints won, what a great situation for Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, and the entire city of New Orleans. This win made the city relevant again.

LOST - Season Premiere Reactions/Theories/Hopes/Dreams

DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T CARE OR DON'T WANT TO KNOW SPOILERS

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What happened last night? There was so much going on so fast, it's hard for me to wrap my head around any of it, let alone ALL of it.

My current thoughts/theories:
1) The original "Others" were a servant of Jacob. Protectors of the island and thankful for his blessing. Only a select few were chosen to live behind the Temple wall. Ben was determined not worthy of ever seeing Jacob/Temple because he had to be healed by Jacob as a child to live.

What this does NOT answer is how the Smoke Monster was affiliated with the Temple for Rousseau's team. Ben was never actually in the Temple when he was "judged." Flocke cut him of before he could get to the real Temple.

2) Sayid - two potential plots here

Sayid is either the Smoke Monster or Jacob. I'm leaning towards the Monster, mainly because: The water Sayid was submerged in was dark. They said that it used to be light. By Smokey using Sayid's body, he is already inside the Temple, as the others try to protect it wish ash. Smokey went into the body of Jacob to talk to Hurley, which took Sayid to the Temple, so now Smokey is inside.

The Jacob that Hurley saw also could legitimately be Jacob, and Jacob could be using Sayid's body or had the healing power to save Sayid.

Both these ideas break my typical stance that these two entities can only inhabit people who have died prior to coming to the island. But anything is possible. Just like Kevin Garnett.

Not to read too much into color good/versus - but Sayid's shirt is black.

3) The Alternate Timeline

I think what we're seeing right now is the "What if they never crashed" and the "They did detonate the bomb but their job isn't finished," also known as the "whatever happened, happened" timelines.

It's still very complex coming out of the Time Traveling season. Faraday had too many thoughts and not enough clearly decisive visions for us to figure it out.

WHAT I AM THINKING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW (SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN 2 MINUTES): The Island in 2004 is underwater because of the detonation. The 1977 Losties only thought about how detonation corrected THEIR timeline, but not how it would affect everyone else. The detonation may have sort of inverted the electromagnatism that kept the island visible/afloat whatever. Dharma died in 1977. The island died. But because they were ALREADY on the island, the Losties have to finish what they started in terms of the Jacob/Smokey conflict.

This also ran through my head though - Partially because I'm a huge Pirates of the Carribean nut - but in the concept of the island being underwater doesn't mean it's gone. In the third Pirates there's an alternate universe - for the dead - on the 'other side' of the water. Could be a similar circumstance here. Doubtful. The only reason that could work is the ABC/Disney connection. Longshot.

It is very interesting to note the differences between the original Losties in Season 1 vs the Reset Timeline. Hurley is lucky. Charlie believes he was meant to die. Shannon is happy with a man. Kate is still a fugitive, but apparently she didn't kill her father. Jack believes that nothing is irreversible. Locke believes his condition is. Lots of interesting changes in moods/attitudes/situations. Is it because the island doesn't exist anymore?

This also provides us with the theory that these people are still MEANT to come together. Locke and Jack. Sawyer and Kate. Somehow the alternate timelines come together.

4) Smoke Monster/Flocke "Going Home"

It's either the Temple or off the island. I doubt it's to "The rest of the world" to destroy everyone. Maybe like a mythical heaven or underworld. But first he will probably like to seek revenge on everyone on the Island who has held him prisoner - mainly on the Temple.

5) Christian's Coffin

Where is it? The Island didn't 'steal' it. Is there a chance that it never was on the plane originally? His body was never found in season 1. Yet in Season 6 Locke's dead body is found.

That's what I've got right now. I'm sure between now and next Tuesday I'll have entirely new theories. Maybe another post. This show sucks my life away.

I Really Love The Beanpot and College Sports

I originally passed on going to the opening round of the Beanpot last night - Between work 9-5 and then class 6-? (usually about a hour and a half but could of gone until 9) I figured I would of been too busy/tired. Class got out at 6:45, and BU's game was planned to start at 8. So with no ticket I went down to the Garden.

It was a potential waste of time, but I wanted to try to go scalp a seat anyway. Somehow there were still seats available. I am SO glad I went.

The Beanpot may only be a local Boston event, but it means so much to the four schools. It's a rare (although annual) opportunity for the schools to play at the TD Garden and for the fans of each school to come cheer on their school against others. Usually, the home team has the dominance, but at the Beanpot, it's literally one side yelling against another. It brings so much more energy than a pro hockey game.

Last night for the BU game, the Northeastern crowd, who was surprisingly well-supported, were seated right next to BU. That corner of the arena was LOUD. Energetic, thrilling, it was a great atmosphere. The Pro game doesn't have that energy anymore because the passionate fans can't afford the games and are more spread out than having an official "student section." Most of the pro games are attended by corporate/business types.

The BC-Harvard game was a snoozer. 6-0 BC. But BU-NU put on a great game and matched by great fans. The Beanpot tournament has been better than any pro-hockey game I've attended.

College sports in general are so much more fun because of the passion of the students. The atmosphere for a typical college hockey game can only be matched in the pros when its the playoffs (based off of my experiences at Boston & Philly regular season/playoff games.) Same for basketball, football, etc. Maybe it's just that the college kids are more drunk than the adults at a pro game, but it makes for an exciting, communal event (not the alcohol, the cheering.)

One of the things I like the best is the level of competition. The ages are relatively the same (18-24ish) as opposed to in the pros, where players can be competing against anyone aged 18-40+. The difference in age/experience/body type can really determine how successful a player is. In college it's more even. Plus, the college system only allows for 5 years, after that, they move on. It keeps for new and exciting players to come along every year.

Of course I should mention that that this really applies for the top-NCAA schools. The atmosphere at a Temple football game sucks. Totally different story at Penn State. BU's basketball isn't quite the same as at North Carolina. Maybe that's part of it. No one is going to be excited at a Florida Panthers game - but no one goes. Go to a Red Wings game and they MIGHT be more enthused. I doubt it though - not during a regular season.

So now that next week's championship game will be BU and BC, the biggest college hockey rivalry, I'm expecting an even better atmosphere matched by just as great of a hockey game. I really want to soak it all in seeing as this will be my last Beanpot as a student. Should be an exciting game!

More Than Just A Game

It's really nice when the top two teams in the NFL actually make it to the Super Bowl. This year we have that luxury, and they both happen to be REALLY good.

What's really great is that the Saints are here. I don't want to talk too much about the Katrina devastation, but the Saints provided that incredible positive energy that the city needed in 2006. When they first came back to the Superdome in 2006 while U2 and Green Day were playing a cover of "The Saints are Coming", it was one of the best moments in sports that I can remember - on the same level as the 2001 World Series. The city and team bonded as one to overcome and make a statement regarding their city.



When people are struck by tragedy and shock, they need something familiar and welcoming to keep their spirits high. Unfortunately it feels like that happens all too often. Sports fits that mold to give a sense of calm in a time of crisis in a communal fashion. Everyone is in it together. It's a reminder of all that is good, fun, and innocent. It's times like these when I really love sports. Watching those videos I linked gives me goosebumps and makes me feel great. (And then there's the George W. Bush First Pitch - another figure giving Americans a feeling of normalcy after tragedy)

Sure, there's A LOT of problems wrong with sports. Players are paid WAY too much. Most players are selfish pre-madonnas. It's corrupt. The Oakland Raiders. I can keep going. That's not my point however. My point is that there's so many moments where sports go beyond a game and really can change someone's mood.

Think about how Michael Phelps captured EVERYONE'S ATTENTION in Summer 2008. It went just beyond the Olympic Games - Phelps had become a national hero (until he had too much fun at a college party - even that hasn't stopped him really) and if swimming was more popular/frequent, he would be on the same level as Tiger Woods (pre-November 2009.)



My personal story was the 2003 ALCS between the Red Sox and the Yankees. It was October 2003, and my dog had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and we would have to put him down very soon. I remember sitting on my sofa with him on his last night - Game 3. Honestly it was one of the saddest nights ever. The only thing that kept me sane was the Red Sox continuing to play. It didn't end well (I hate Aaron Boone) but I really believe it helped me in the grieving process.

Other Moments that Go Beyond the Game:
Brett Favre after his father passed away
Tiger Woods' first Major victory after his father passed away
Mario Lemieux' comeback from cancer
Lance Armstrong. Everything about him. Except Sharyl Crow.
1980 Miracle On Ice
The 2004 Red Sox - Everything that they meant to New England - really well captured in this commercial.
The 1998 Home Run Chase. Even if it they were juicing. The country was swept away.

I could keep going, but that's just a few. My point is to some people, sports really is a safe-haven, and sometimes it really does provide all the security and entertainment we need. It brings people together to share and enjoy moments - together. It's a beautiful thing.