SuperBowl XLIV Reflections & Favorite Ads

I wasn’t too impressed with the SuperBowl this year. While it was a clean game with only one interception (if I recall correctly, and it was the big one), it just didn’t get me. I’m not big on football anyway, but this didn’t blow me away. I think what ruined it even more for me was the non-football factor — the commercials did not deliver this year. Probably because we had it good last year?

Anyway, sad to see Manning lose, although I’m happy the Saints and Reggie Bush did win the big one. Good for them. From the beginning it became obvious it will be a game of one error, as in whoever makes the first mistake will suffer the consequence. And that’s how it played out, ultimately.

While E-Trade struck again with the “milka-what?!” baby commercial, my favorite two spots were actuallyt he Leno/Letterman/Oprah ad for The Late Show and the Google ad. Here are the links for your viewing pleasure on YouTube (while they’re still up!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU (Parisian Love — Google ad)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcEx767TIas (Leno/Letterman/Oprah ad)

Cowboys Rid of T.O.; Manny Stays in L.A.

Well, after a few months of speculation, Manny Ramirez and the closest human being (Scott Boras) to the devil finally inked a deal with the Dodgers. It’s a two-year agreement worth $45 million, and Manny has the option to opt-out of the contract in his second year, which is the clause the two sides couldn’t agree on for a few days.

I saw this coming. The Dodgers had no choice but to sign Manny. With all the moves they made over winter, and with the way the roster looked before Spring Training, it was obvious a big name was on the way, and management was saving up for Manny. Ramirez turned the Dodgers around with his unique positive persona, laid-back approach, and strong bat. It’s funny how something like a “laid-back approach” can actually be thought of as a positive to keep a player and pay him so much money, but that really is the case here. It was after Manny’s arrival in L.A. that the other players on the team calmed down. They needed to relax. They needed to calm their nerves and focus on playing — the Dodgers’ only problem before Manny’s arrival was their weird lack of focus and stagger. That all changed when the slugger showed his face at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles is also the perfect destination for Ramirez, who has become a quick hit with the fans here. His persona matches the city, and history shows that keeping Manny happy usually makes your team a title contender.

Things weren’t as positive for Terrel Owens, as the Dallas Cowboys gave him the boot a couple of days ago. Today, T.O. finds himself playing for the Bills, as the two sides agreed on a one-year, $6.5 million deal. While football is not one of my top three favorite sports, I enjoy the Cowboys. I think this is a positive move for them. Having in mind all the negativity that has surrounded the team in the last few seasons, it really is time for a change. From the injury troubles to “Pacman” Jones, all we’ve seen as of late from the Cowboys is drama, ego, and lack of desire. They definitely need a makeover. I think that getting rid of Owens was a great start, but being realistic, I also know no change is coming anytime soon with this team. Ah, one can always hope!