How much do you enjoy the Super Bowl?

Well it’s finally that time again. The time when every American with a pulse crowds around the television set. No, I’m not talking about the finale of American Idol. I’m talking about the Super Bowl. Aka: The most watched sporting event in the USA. It’s Super Bowl week, so let the hype begin. Every sports talking head in the country has some angle they are pushing. There is a “new”, “breaking” story every 15 minutes. Basically the whole lead up to the event is way, way overhyped. But that leads to a question - how much do you enjoy the Super Bowl?

Is watching the Super Bowl something you truly enjoy? Or do you watch it because everyone else is watching it? To determine just how much you enjoy the Super Bowl, I listed 3 related activities below. List in order which you would most prefer to do. Here are my answers:

* Watch the Lingerie Bowl.

* Watch the Super Bowl (game only, no commercials)

* Watch the commercials from the Super Bowl

The proper way to make sure you are honest with yourself as you answer this question is to imagine the following. You are sitting at home with nothing going on. Someone hands you 3 DVDs with the following titles:
* 2008 Super Bowl Game
* 2008 Lingerie Bowl
* Commercials from the 2008 Super Bowl
Which would you watch first if given the choice?

For me it’s a no brainer. The Lingerie Bowl probably gets watched 2 or 3 times before anything else. Then I probably slip through the commercials to see what was funny. And only then would I put in the game…and I’d still probably fast forward through a lot of the slow parts.

Not sure what this says about me, because I am a huge sports fan. But the Super Bowl just doesn’t live up to the ungodly hype it receives. I think unless you have a dog in the fight (Pats fan or Giants fan), it’s just not that interesting.

Now test yourself. Which would you watch first? Is the Super Bowl most important to you?

Sports Predictions for 2008

A few random thoughts on the upcoming year in sports:

* Patriots win the Super Bowl. I know it’s not a very original prediction, but damn if they just look too good right now. And as much as I’ve got no reason to like the Pats, I’m just not a fan. Although I will say I’m a fan of Tom Brady & Randy Moss. Both of those guys are at the top of their game, so I’ve got to give them the respect their due. Who could screw up this prediction: NY Giants. If the Jints make it to Arizona I expect a repeat of their week 16 game, so I think anything could happen.

* Memphis cuts down the nets at the Final 4. I think a great PG is the difference in the NCAA tourney, and Rose is a great one for Memphis. I think they’ll come into the tourney with 1 or 2 losses, and then run the table as a #1 seed. I think it’s a big advantage to them that they get to return to San Antonio for the 2008 Final Four. Last year they lost a close game to Ohio State in the Regional Finals in San Antonio. Who could screw up this prediction: UNC has a strong team across the board, and Roy knows how to win a championship. Indiana has got a tenacious coach in Sampson and superstar in Eric Gordon. I see Gordon taking his team on his back, like Dwayne Wade did for Marquette. Also, don’t forget about DJ White. I also Texas (strong PG) and Tennessee (Lofton’s sharpshooting) could be contenders.

* Tiger Woods wins 3 out of 4 majors. He’s due at Augusta and I think he’ll make quick work of Torrey Pines. So that leaves him to win a 3rd at either Royal Birksdale or Oakland Hills. And I’m not shocked if he wins both of those and completes the Grand Slam. The last couple of years have brought huge changes in Tiger’s personal life, so I think the relative quiet of 2008 is going to get him winning big again.

* US team wins the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. I think the recent President’s Cup showed some good pairings for the US squad, so they’ll be ready to roll in Louisville. Coach is the resident golf guru, so he’ll probably have more educated thoughts on these last two prediction.

* I like the Suns over the Pistons in the NBA Finals. Phoenix is a great team and has been oh so close for the last few years. I think this year they catch a few breaks in the playoffs and get to the Finals. The Celts are the trendy pick in the East, but I’m just not sold on their big 3 in the playoffs. Will their D and PG hold up during the pressure of the playoffs? I say no. Who could bust up this prediction: Spurs are obviously still the class of the West, and Utah & Dallas cannot be overlooked. In the East, you’ve still got to consider King James a contender in any series. But I think the Suns get it done.

* Roger Federer wins the US Open and at Wimbledon…and a bunch of other tournaments. Bond’s the tennis guru, so I’ll leave any deeper analysis to him.

* I like the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series. I think they already had all of the pieces, and adding Willis and Cabrera just put them over the top. Plus, they’ve got the postseason experience. Who could blow this prediction: You can never count out the Red Sox, and I think the Yankees will finally play strong in the postseason.

* I think the Texas Longhorns hoast the trophy in college football. Mack looks serious heading into 2008, hiring Will Muschamp away from Auburn to energize the D. Also Colt McCoy comes back from a up/down 2007 season. And UT will play a tough schedule that’ll get them ready for the Orange Bowl. Who could rain on my precition: USC is going to be really strong. Their QB position will be solid with both Sanchez & Mustain fighting for the alpha dog spot. Their defense is stout, especially at the LB spots. So I expect them to make it to Miami as well.

* I think Roger Clemens finally retires. And proof comes out that he was a steriod user.
* I think Barry Bonds finally gets cleared of charges.
* I think Michael Phelps wins 6 gold medals in the Olympics.
* I think I watch of sports in 2008.

What are your bold sports predictions for 2008?

NFL Conference Championship Picks

Well, I stunk it up again last week.  I’ve gone cold.  But I can still be of use.  I promise…

San Diego at New England -14 (47) - Over

You don’t think Belicheck is gonna throw the house at a gimpy Rivers.  And, sorry, I’m not sold on Volek.  San Diego is just happy to be there.  It’s gonna be cold.  New England rolls.  Big.

Giants +7.5 at Green Bay (41) - Over

The match up of teams I always go against and get burned.  I guess I’ll take the points.  I do like the over.

 Prepare yourself to be absolutely bombarded by the Favre/perfect record hype the next two weeks.

Does Billy Ray Cyrus sleep at night?

So I watched 10 minutes of a Hollywood show on E television last night. The first story was about Miley Cyrus (aka: Hannah Montana). She talked about her mega hot tour and denied rumors that she’s in love with a Jonas Brother. They showed the Jonas Brothers, otherwise I wouldn’t have known what a ‘Jonas Brother’ was. She seemed like a nice, well grounded kid..and yes, I say kid (eventhough she’s already made more money than all of us combined) because she’s under 18.

The next story that comes on is about Britney Spear’s latest exploits. Apparently she’s dating a papparazzi, who already is talking in the media about selling naked pics of Britney…and is rumored to have filmed a sex tape with Brit. Anyway, Britney and this guy are being filmed in a drug store shopping for pregnancy tests. Only the whole thing turns out to be a hoax. I’m sure a lot of you are aware of this story, especially if you are a regular reader of PerezHilton like Bond. But the point isn’t this particular story, it’s just that Britney Spears life keeps getting more and more bazaar. I mean sure it was likely that she’d wind up ‘white trash’ since she grew up in Louisiana. But when she made all of that money early in her career with her squeeky clean teen pop, I figured maybe she had saved herself from a normal wt chick’s life of booze, menthol cigarettes, belly button rings, lower back tats, waitressing, and multiple kids with different Dads. But look how crazy Britney is now…it really is startling.

So if you are the father of the current queen of teen pop, Miley Cyrus. Do you think Billy Ray Mullet gets even a wink of sleep at night? Does he stay up worrying about whether Miley will follow the path of Britney, Paris & Nicole? Or does he sleep like a baby after counting all of the money that his daughter is bringing in?

Billy Ray Cyrus and his teen daughter Miley Cyrus

Hey Billy Ray, pay attention. This is what Britney Spears used to look like when she was sweet & innocent.

This is Britney in 2007.

Be scared Billy Ray…very, very afraid. You might consider locking the doors at night to make sure Miley doesn’t get out.

Election 2008 - which candidate do you want for President?

Mitt Romney won the Michigan primary thrusting the Republicans into a close race between Romney, Mike Huckabee and John McClain. I think the smart money is probably on Romney or Huckabee, but it’s hard to count out McCain. While on the Democratic side it looks too close to call between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. And that doesn’t even mention other popular candidates like John Edwards, Rudy Guiliani and Fred Thompson. So who are going to be the candidates in 2008? And which way should you cast your vote for President in 2008?

Not my business to say. As I live by the rule that you should never discuss religion or politics in mixed company. But I am here to help.

This fun link, courtesy of WQAD in Moline, to help you pick the right Presidential candidate for you.

Good luck in ‘08…for all of us, I hope we pick the right guy/gal for the job.

Divisional Playoffs - The Picks

2-6 on wildcard weekend.  Ouch.  I’m undaunted.  And quite excited about the second round…

Seattle +8 at Green Bay (43) - Over

I love Seattle here.  Granted, all season long I’ve been going against Green Bay when they give over a touchdown and I’ve been burned just about every time.  No matter.  If you can have a trap game in the playoffs, this is it for the Packers.  The whole world is looking ahead to next weekend - which could be the greatest conference championship weekend ever.  I have a feeling the Pack might lose outright.  I liked the over a lot more at 40.5.  Not sure why it opened that low.  Somebody got fired for that.

Seattle = Ralph Macchio  Green Bay = Kobra Kai

Jacksonville at New England -13 (49.5) - Over

Way too trendy to hop on the Jags.  New England is well rested and they’re at home and they’ve been here before and they will be a machine Saturday night.  I see this getting out of hand early.   To quote the great Chuck D:

Don’t believe the hype.

San Diego at Indy -9 (46) - Under

Nobody is talking about Indy, the defending champs.  It’s all Favre and Brady and Romo and Jessica.  Dungy likes this.  So does Manning.  And I cannot wait for the AFC Conference Championship.  Talk about intense.  San Diego is gonna fold up like a soggy west coast burrito.

Giants at Dallas -7.5 (46.5) - Over

I refuse to believe in the Giants.  Refuse.  Owens will play.  The Cowboys will dance.  And Eli will catch flies.

He’s got a mouthful of ‘em.

Alessandra takes her cleavage to ‘Rolling Stone’ Brazil…

Wow.

Is Alessandra Ambrosio too thin?

It’s no secret around here about my Everest-sized crush on the Brazilian beauty.  Take a look at these pics though.   What do you think?

While her face is undeniably sexy, her arms are looking like twigs.  Not hot.
I think I can get by it though.  In fact, I think I’m already over it.  The one from behind is my favorite.  What an ass!

How does a girl that thin have such amazing (real) cleavage?

Who is Sam Walker? And why do you care?

Normally you shouldn’t, but if you are a golf fan then this might interest you. Because Sam Walker carries the unique distinction of having carded the highest single round total on the PGA tour in 2007. At the 2007 US Open at Oakmont Sam Walker recorded an 89 in the 2nd round. An 89? Wow, that’s called not having a great day. One more yip and he would have fallen into the ignoble position of being the only PGA tour golfer to card a 90.

And many other PGA golfers tried to card that coveted 90 in 2007. Ross Marcano made a few runs at it, finishing as high as 87. And Clint Avret, Ted Purdy and Casey Watabu all matched Marcano’s 87. Heck, even major winners DIII and Ben Curtis threw up the high score of the week at a couple of tournaments they played, both shooting 81. But it was Sam Walker at the US Open who finally claimed his place in the PGA records for 2007, shooting an 89 in round 2.

So who is Sam Walker? And why have you never heard of this golfing deity?

Photo of golfer Sam Walker from 2007 US Open.

His GolfDigest bio says he was born in 1978. He is from Birmingham, England. And he debuted on the pro tour in 1998. He has reportedly earned a little over $700K during his golf career.

According to the PGA Tour web site, the US Open was the only PGA event that Sam played in 2007. Sam’s 2-round card at the US Open included 18 bogeys, 4 double-bogeys, 1 triple bogey and 2 birdies. Walker finished 27 over at the 2007 US Open, tied for 152nd place.

Perhaps what is even more ironic about Sam’s score at the US Open, is that he started out as an early leader (very early). In fact, one publication from the UK was quick to jump on the Sam Walker early lead story. Maybe that was part of the jinx that made him throw up an 89 the following day.

So if you are reading this, Sam, then I say congratulations! Sure, it’s probably not the record you most covet. But it is a unique distinction…and may someday be the answer to a trivia question.

So good luck in 2008, Sam. Sure I razzed you a little bit here…but I respect any golfer who tees it up on the pro tour (except maybe Rory & Sergio). So I wish you genuine good luck in 2008. I hope you come back and compete in the US Open. And here’s hoping some golfer comes along and tops your record by shooting 90+ in a PGA tour tournament in 2008.

Which golfer would you most enjoy watching shoot 90 in a PGA tournament? For me, I’m going with Rory Sabatini. And I’m hoping he would do it while playing in a group with Tiger & J. Daly.

NFL - Wildcard Playoff Picks

15-17 last week.  Brings the regular season to a close at 239-215-38.  At $100 per game, you’d be out exactly $130.  Less than $10 a week to bet every side and every total for every regular season game.  What a bargain.  Things I learned:

1.  It’s a bitch making picks every week.  Especially if you’re out of the country or your router breaks or if the game is meangingless and both teams stink.  Excuses, excuses.

2.  It’s a lot easier to make picks when actual money isn’t on the line.  Sunday mornings, as I lined up my actual bets, I’d look back over my picks and cringe at the thought of actually betting on the Dolphins or the Panthers or the Rams.

Now they all matter.  To the picks…

Washington +3.5 at Seattle (40.5) - Under

Washington has some serious mojo going.  And Seattle’s not as tough at home as they used to be.  Three and a half is such a creepy number.  21-17 or 17-14 - that half point comes in to play more than you think.  I’ll be honest.  I don’t love this game.  I’m taking an unproven quarterback (Collins - below) on the road in the playoffs in a hostile environment.  Five minutes before I typed this, I had Seattle and the over.  Don’t bet with confidence.

Could you pick him out of a lineup?  I couldn’t, but I’m taking the points.

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh +2.5 (40) - Over

Crazy to think Pittsburgh is getting points at home.  But Jacksonville has had success at Heinz Field, winning the past two times they’ve played there.  I’m playing Pittsburgh on principle and the fact that they’re “due.”  This is a very dangerous thing to do.  I am confident in the total play.  Roethlisberger has been there and done that.  As you can see here:

I’m jealous for all sorts of reasons.

Giants at Tampa Bay -2.5 (39.5) - Over

This line and total haven’t moved an inch since they opened.  I’m not sold on either team.  Tampa has been burning me all season and Jeff Garcia should be relatively fit.  I have a mental picture of Eli on the sideline with flies buzzing in and out of his mouth after he just threw his second pick-six in the first quarter.  That’s what I’m betting on. 

Take away the beer, the sports jacket, and the girl and this is what you’ll see Sunday afternoon.

Vince and the Titans +10.5 at San Diego (40) - Over

Everything, I mean everything, points to a San Diego blow out.  Vince and Albert Haynesworth, far and away the two most valuable players for the Titans, aren’t healthy.  San Diego has been a cover machine the past few weeks, regardless of the line.  The Titans could barely handle Indy’s second team.  But I’m sticking to my guns.  Vince lives for situations like this.  He’s been doubted the majority of his college and pro career.   Keep doubting him.  It makes Coach money.

Wish I could have found a bigger picture.