Number retiring ceremonies are always a special: they represent a salute to years of hard work and success for a team. They celebrate the commitment that an individual to a team and reward it with a commitment from the team – no one else will wear that number again. Forever will that number be associated with that player like the Chicago Bull’s #23 belonging to Michael Jordan or the New York Yankee’s #3 belonging to the Babe.
However, sometimes teams go overboard when retiring numbers. Recently, Texas University retired the number of Kevin Durant, a one-and-done collegiate mercenary who happened to spend a year at Texas before jumping to the NBA. While not blaming Durant for his decision – seriously, who wouldn’t turn down almost $4.5 million per year salary and a $60 million endorsement deal with Nike – you have to wonder whether one season, no matter how incredible, justifies retiring a number.
As incredible as Durant’s single season was, it was only one season. However, it was just that – one season. Retiring his number for one year is too much. I guess that’s one advantage to going to a school without a rich basketball tradition. Texas has only three Final Fours in its history, and only one since 1947.
The part that’s sadder than Texas’ lack of a national championship is one defense for the retirement of Durant’s number: he’s a good guy who the University wants to be forever linked with it. To the best of my knowledge – thanks A-Rod and others for having me insert that – Durant is a good, clean, upstanding ambassador for anyone he chooses to represent. But for a University to have to sink to idolizing a person who, let’s face it, came just to serve a year in college ball only because he couldn’t enter the draft and really didn’t have any academic ambitions shows the fracture turned chasm between academics and athletics for so-called student-athletes.
Texas has only retired three men’s basketball numbers, but the tradition it’s building is already on shaky footing. Only one athlete played more than one season, and that was Slater Martin back in the 1940s. What if all colleges required that in order to have a number retired, the athlete had to graduate? No, not in four years, not even in consecutive years. If it means ten, twenty, even thirty years from now Durant goes back to Texas to finish his degree, he’s certainly eligible! If Shaquille O’Neil can go back to LSU and get his degree eight years after his college career ended, anyone can! As the the Big Aristotle (or Big Cactus or Big Jabbawockee or whatever he calls himself now) said, he feels like he “can get a real job” as a result of his degree.
However, as crazy as Texas retiring Durant’s number is, the Miami Heat have them beat. The Heat have two retired numbers – take a guess as to which two.
Need a hint? Neither honor an athlete who played for the Heat.
Still stuck? One was already mentioned in this article.
Give up? On April 11, 2008, the Miami Heat retired the # 23 in honor of Michael Jordan. The Heat have also retired Dan Marino’s #13.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tax the big, evil, corporations!
It sounds like a great plan: the government needs more money to help Joe the Plumber get by so it’s going to get that money by raising taxes on I. M. Evil, Inc. Uninformed voters love the plan because their taxes don’t go up and politicians applaud themselves for how government saves the little guy. However, the little guy might be getting raw end of the deal anyway.
Who are corporations more loyal to: shareholders and owners or its employees? Hold up. Since when do corporations have feelings? The “feelings” of a corporation are defined by its board of directors or shareholders. While it’d be idealistic to think that corporations cared more about its laborers than its stock price or dividends, in the end it’s a trick question because the shareholders ARE the corporation and will act in self-interest. Certainly, having productive employees is desirable, but only because it makes good business sense. The more productive the employee, the more profit for the shareholder. However, when decisions must be made on issues where what’s best for Joe the Plumber isn’t necessarily best for Tom the Shareholder, Tom’s usually going to win out.
Increasing taxes on corporations is like trying to negotiate a better deal with a used car salesman. The used car salesman might seem to take a hit when he agrees to compromise by lowering the price of the car by $500, but as he’s dropping that price, he’s already calculating how to make it up by dropping the value of your trade-in by $300 and squeezing an extra $200 out of the financing. Corporations work the same way. When a corporation encounters an additional cost, whether it be demands for higher wages or more benefits, increases in the cost of goods, or rising taxes, it has to figure out how to distribute those costs among the different parts of the company.
But just cut the profits, you say, and no one gets hurt except the company and they can certainly take a hit, right? Wrong. Those profits belong to the shareholders, whether they’re used for reinvestment or dividends. Falling profits hurt Tom the Shareholder. If the company raises prices to cut the drop in profits – assuming they are in an industry where demand allows that – then Joe Plumber is going to spend more of his paycheck, leaving less for him. Or the company can decide to cut costs by reducing compensation or benefits. Then Joe the Plumber has to find a second job and spend his own money to buy his health insurance.
The government won’t let that happen. Workers have rights and we’re going to make sure companies aren’t allowed to do that here in America. Fine, says Evil, Inc. – err, Evil Inc.’s board or directors – instead of building my cars here in America where I have to pay a higher corporate tax rate and hurt my shareholders because I have to take the hit in the profit category, I’ll move to Canada, where I can pay my workers well because I don’t have to deal with the higher corporate tax. When this happens, Joe the Plumber doesn’t have a job at all.
Perhaps I’m too idealistic in believing that most companies aren’t out to take advantage of their employees, but it just doesn’t make good business sense. Between a higher turnover ratio of unhappy workers - a Gallup poll found that “the length of an employee's stay in an organization is largely determined by his relationship with his immediate supervisor,” the training expenses for replacement employees, and the bad publicity for those companies, treating workers well has tangible benefits. However, when those tangible benefits are outweighed by costs imposed by outside forces, the workers lose.
When workers lose, the economy loses. There is no simple fix for our economic crisis, but we should demand better solutions from politicians than pandering for votes based on misinformation, and until voters take the time to study these issues and make informed decisions, shallow policies will continue to win at the ballot box.
Who are corporations more loyal to: shareholders and owners or its employees? Hold up. Since when do corporations have feelings? The “feelings” of a corporation are defined by its board of directors or shareholders. While it’d be idealistic to think that corporations cared more about its laborers than its stock price or dividends, in the end it’s a trick question because the shareholders ARE the corporation and will act in self-interest. Certainly, having productive employees is desirable, but only because it makes good business sense. The more productive the employee, the more profit for the shareholder. However, when decisions must be made on issues where what’s best for Joe the Plumber isn’t necessarily best for Tom the Shareholder, Tom’s usually going to win out.
Increasing taxes on corporations is like trying to negotiate a better deal with a used car salesman. The used car salesman might seem to take a hit when he agrees to compromise by lowering the price of the car by $500, but as he’s dropping that price, he’s already calculating how to make it up by dropping the value of your trade-in by $300 and squeezing an extra $200 out of the financing. Corporations work the same way. When a corporation encounters an additional cost, whether it be demands for higher wages or more benefits, increases in the cost of goods, or rising taxes, it has to figure out how to distribute those costs among the different parts of the company.
But just cut the profits, you say, and no one gets hurt except the company and they can certainly take a hit, right? Wrong. Those profits belong to the shareholders, whether they’re used for reinvestment or dividends. Falling profits hurt Tom the Shareholder. If the company raises prices to cut the drop in profits – assuming they are in an industry where demand allows that – then Joe Plumber is going to spend more of his paycheck, leaving less for him. Or the company can decide to cut costs by reducing compensation or benefits. Then Joe the Plumber has to find a second job and spend his own money to buy his health insurance.
The government won’t let that happen. Workers have rights and we’re going to make sure companies aren’t allowed to do that here in America. Fine, says Evil, Inc. – err, Evil Inc.’s board or directors – instead of building my cars here in America where I have to pay a higher corporate tax rate and hurt my shareholders because I have to take the hit in the profit category, I’ll move to Canada, where I can pay my workers well because I don’t have to deal with the higher corporate tax. When this happens, Joe the Plumber doesn’t have a job at all.
Perhaps I’m too idealistic in believing that most companies aren’t out to take advantage of their employees, but it just doesn’t make good business sense. Between a higher turnover ratio of unhappy workers - a Gallup poll found that “the length of an employee's stay in an organization is largely determined by his relationship with his immediate supervisor,” the training expenses for replacement employees, and the bad publicity for those companies, treating workers well has tangible benefits. However, when those tangible benefits are outweighed by costs imposed by outside forces, the workers lose.
When workers lose, the economy loses. There is no simple fix for our economic crisis, but we should demand better solutions from politicians than pandering for votes based on misinformation, and until voters take the time to study these issues and make informed decisions, shallow policies will continue to win at the ballot box.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Real Rivalries
After watching the Lakers-Celtics overtime game Thursday night, I wondered if there were any sports in which rivalries really mean much anymore. Back in the day, everyone knew about the Celtics led by Larry Bird and the Lakers led by Magic Johnson. Michael Jordan always led the Bulls – well, at least before he retired, the second time. Those teams would always be led by stalwarts, not imports. Not to take anything away from Danny Ainge, but two years ago Kevin Garnett could have cared less about the Celtics.
So what am I looking for? First, rivalries need to attract attention. Not just from those involved, but anyone who follows the sport. Sure, my brother and I might be just as competitive as Peyton and Eli, but nobody cares. Second, rivalries need to be permanent. A war isn’t nearly as intense if people can switch sides whenever they want. Finally, the more compelling rivalries the better. You can’t just have the Celtics or Lakers winning every other year. Or if you do, the Hawks-Sonics game needs to mean something, too. And not just wh0 has the best odds at picking the next Kwame Brown.
The 2006 World Cup final had 715.1 million views making it the most watched sporting event. Not fair, you say, because the World Cup only happens once every four years? This year, the Super Bowl noticed 95.4 million viewers, so even if we round up to 100 million and multiply by four, the Super Bowl only generates 400 million viewers per four year period – just over HALF the World Cup final.
No other sport has such a rich tradition around the world. Soccer has legitimate leagues around the world. Almost every nation in Europe, South America, and Mexico have leagues. Whether the MLS should count or not is debatable. Who else plays American football besides us? The NFL tried expanding into Europe and failed. Sure, Major League Baseball has players from all over the world, and maybe Japan can hold a candle to MLB, but the World Series of Baseball, err, World Baseball Classic, whatever it’s called, it’s not even close. Aramis Ramirez decided he didn’t want to play in it because he wasn’t going to start. Beckham wants to give up Hollywood and for a chance to play in Europe and maybe, just maybe, have a shot at making England’s 2012 roster.
Even America and Mexico have a strong rivalry this isn’t subject to capitalism. Unlike Johnny Damon who impersonated Benedict Arnold for a $52 million payday when he left the Red Sox for their hated enemies the Yankees. No matter how much how much money the Mexican government offers, Landon Donovan can’t decide he wants to play for Mexico. Capitalism does have a role, however. After Radioshack dropped out, U.S.-based Blockbuster is sponsoring a promotion in Mexico City that is giving out voodoo dolls who resemble American players for Mexican fans to prick. Nothing says rivalry like the losing coach being executed for his shortcomings. No coaches have literally walked the plank, but between 1991 and 1997, three Mexican coaches were given pink slips after suffering defeat at the hands of the Americans.
Players must make the best of their situation, no matter what country they’re from. Unlike Manny Ramirez who walks out grounders until he gets his way, Demarcus Beasley can’t jog up and down the pitch until he gets traded to a Germany, Italy, or some other country he believes has a better chance of winning a World Cup. No, it’s not fair that some countries have more natural talent, but that just encourages individuals to push those around them. It’s a similar concept to college football – for the most part, players can’t just up and leave, they have to make the best of their situation. Think Tim Tebow on an international scale. What? Can’t imagine anything bigger? Come on, only 26.767 million people saw the game.
So what am I looking for? First, rivalries need to attract attention. Not just from those involved, but anyone who follows the sport. Sure, my brother and I might be just as competitive as Peyton and Eli, but nobody cares. Second, rivalries need to be permanent. A war isn’t nearly as intense if people can switch sides whenever they want. Finally, the more compelling rivalries the better. You can’t just have the Celtics or Lakers winning every other year. Or if you do, the Hawks-Sonics game needs to mean something, too. And not just wh0 has the best odds at picking the next Kwame Brown.
The 2006 World Cup final had 715.1 million views making it the most watched sporting event. Not fair, you say, because the World Cup only happens once every four years? This year, the Super Bowl noticed 95.4 million viewers, so even if we round up to 100 million and multiply by four, the Super Bowl only generates 400 million viewers per four year period – just over HALF the World Cup final.
No other sport has such a rich tradition around the world. Soccer has legitimate leagues around the world. Almost every nation in Europe, South America, and Mexico have leagues. Whether the MLS should count or not is debatable. Who else plays American football besides us? The NFL tried expanding into Europe and failed. Sure, Major League Baseball has players from all over the world, and maybe Japan can hold a candle to MLB, but the World Series of Baseball, err, World Baseball Classic, whatever it’s called, it’s not even close. Aramis Ramirez decided he didn’t want to play in it because he wasn’t going to start. Beckham wants to give up Hollywood and for a chance to play in Europe and maybe, just maybe, have a shot at making England’s 2012 roster.
Even America and Mexico have a strong rivalry this isn’t subject to capitalism. Unlike Johnny Damon who impersonated Benedict Arnold for a $52 million payday when he left the Red Sox for their hated enemies the Yankees. No matter how much how much money the Mexican government offers, Landon Donovan can’t decide he wants to play for Mexico. Capitalism does have a role, however. After Radioshack dropped out, U.S.-based Blockbuster is sponsoring a promotion in Mexico City that is giving out voodoo dolls who resemble American players for Mexican fans to prick. Nothing says rivalry like the losing coach being executed for his shortcomings. No coaches have literally walked the plank, but between 1991 and 1997, three Mexican coaches were given pink slips after suffering defeat at the hands of the Americans.
Players must make the best of their situation, no matter what country they’re from. Unlike Manny Ramirez who walks out grounders until he gets his way, Demarcus Beasley can’t jog up and down the pitch until he gets traded to a Germany, Italy, or some other country he believes has a better chance of winning a World Cup. No, it’s not fair that some countries have more natural talent, but that just encourages individuals to push those around them. It’s a similar concept to college football – for the most part, players can’t just up and leave, they have to make the best of their situation. Think Tim Tebow on an international scale. What? Can’t imagine anything bigger? Come on, only 26.767 million people saw the game.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Correction: Subdued Dull Sunday
I do my best to write only the truth, but occasionally I do make mistakes, and when I do, I like to correct them. Last week I wrote about how the Super Bowl is no longer the cultural phenomenon that it used to be (Subdued Dull Sunday). I was wrong. No, not about eighth graders, but about most people not having the same enthusiasm for they game that they used to. I forgot about a very important demographic, imprisoned males, who apparently are still incredibly passionate about watching the game. On Sunday, at least eight inmates in Prince George’s County jail picked their locks and stormed out of their cells, furious that they were unable to watch the game (Washington Post Article). Now that’s what I call passion! If I were in jail and could pick a lock, I’d try to escape, not watch a football game.
I can’t believe I didn’t see it – it’s a genius guerilla marketing strategy. Most people would think, “Why in the world would a company target inmates?” Think on the bright side: in a down economy, who’s not becoming unemployed? Criminals! What profession is always open to new employees? Crime! Now, I still don’t claim to be economist, but gaining a strong following among the growing demographic sounds pretty smart to me. Inmates don’t have much purchasing power while in prison – just ask Michael Vick who’s making twelve cents an hour washing dishes. But when they get out, they can make crime pay.
Jail mates share secrets like middle school girls. If they share how to pick locks or avoid drug busts, they’ll certainly share favorite teams. Once inmates are released, the first thing they’ll steal is a TV to watch the game. Television ratings don’t care what kind of TV is tuned to the game – flatscreen or plasma, color or black and white, purchased or stolen – just that its on. It’s a good thing prisoners follow pro football that has an undisputable champion – if they stormed the guards just for the Super Bowl, think how many more brawls there’d be if the NFL used the BCS rankings to determine a winner!
So I was mistaken, the NFL is not headed for financial disaster or obscurity. They have a secret plan to increase profitability centered on incarcerated males, and seeing as the inmates revealed that they can pick their locks just to watch the games, it seems foolproof. Unless, of course, the inmates just wanted to watch the commercials like the rest of us.
I can’t believe I didn’t see it – it’s a genius guerilla marketing strategy. Most people would think, “Why in the world would a company target inmates?” Think on the bright side: in a down economy, who’s not becoming unemployed? Criminals! What profession is always open to new employees? Crime! Now, I still don’t claim to be economist, but gaining a strong following among the growing demographic sounds pretty smart to me. Inmates don’t have much purchasing power while in prison – just ask Michael Vick who’s making twelve cents an hour washing dishes. But when they get out, they can make crime pay.
Jail mates share secrets like middle school girls. If they share how to pick locks or avoid drug busts, they’ll certainly share favorite teams. Once inmates are released, the first thing they’ll steal is a TV to watch the game. Television ratings don’t care what kind of TV is tuned to the game – flatscreen or plasma, color or black and white, purchased or stolen – just that its on. It’s a good thing prisoners follow pro football that has an undisputable champion – if they stormed the guards just for the Super Bowl, think how many more brawls there’d be if the NFL used the BCS rankings to determine a winner!
So I was mistaken, the NFL is not headed for financial disaster or obscurity. They have a secret plan to increase profitability centered on incarcerated males, and seeing as the inmates revealed that they can pick their locks just to watch the games, it seems foolproof. Unless, of course, the inmates just wanted to watch the commercials like the rest of us.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
To Compromise or Patronize: The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Obama named Joshua DuBois to head the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which, among other responsibilities, will lead his efforts to depolarize the debate over abortion. Some point to Obama’s decision to subtly reverse a ban on using U.S. funds overseas for abortions and abortion counseling, rather than making a major statement with it on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The only reason I can see that this would lower the volume of the outcry is because fewer people who would be offended by it would know about it. If you’re going to stab someone, have the guts to do it from the front.
The argument that removing a proposal to expand Medicare to cover contraceptive services from a stimulus bill balances this out rings hollow. Sure, pro-lifers would generally support this, but how is the government spending more money on condoms going to stimulate the economy? Until someone explains this to me, I will only applaud Obama for removing a bum rider from the bill.
I am not cynical enough to claim Obama is intentionally belittling pro-lifers, but his suggested compromises seem aloof to the entire issue. Certainly pro-lifers want fewer abortions, but telling a staunch pro-life advocate to compromise by trying to lower the number abortions but not legally restricting the action is akin to wanting to take steps to reduce the number of murders but not making it against the law. Even Obama’s actions thus far are confusing given his goal of people on both sides of the issue coming together to “try to prevent unwanted pregnancies.” Thus far, Obama has suggested making contraception more readily available, helping pregnant women continue their education, and lowering barriers to adoption.
However, one issue that seems to be completely overlooked in the abortion discussion is why abortion is even an issue in many cases – sex outside of marriage. No, abstinence education will not magically drop the unwanted pregnancy rate to zero. No, it will not suddenly stop people from having sex outside of marriage. But its absence from Obama’s proposals in favor of more contraception is notable. As a culture, we continually try to define “freedom” as the absence of consequences whether it be not paying debts, not accepting the consequences of taking performance-enhancing drugs, or not reserving sex for the bonds of marriage.
“I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning…the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation. The liberation we desired was…liberation from a certain system of morality. We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom,” said Aldous Huxley, atheist and author of Brave New World.
I am not contending that every pregnancy ended by an abortion is the result of a hedonistic orgy. However, the best estimate as what percentage of abortions are cases of rape or incest is about one percent. According to a Pew poll in 2003, only twenty-five percent of Americans support abortion in all circumstances. That number jumps to eighty-five percent when the woman’s life is endangered. The natural middle ground on abortion seems to be limiting the circumstances under which abortion is legal, not obliterating restrictions on abortion like abolishing state laws that offer protection to medical professionals who refuse to participate in abortions and parental notification laws by passing the Freedom of Choice Act.
David Freddoso, author of The Case Against Barack Obama, states that Obama has never voted for any restriction on abortion, ever. If Obama wants to truly compromise on the abortion debate, he will have to tone down his extreme views instead of attempted to bait-and-switch pro-life advocates with his promises to reduce the number of abortions without admitting there is anything wrong with the procedure itself.
The argument that removing a proposal to expand Medicare to cover contraceptive services from a stimulus bill balances this out rings hollow. Sure, pro-lifers would generally support this, but how is the government spending more money on condoms going to stimulate the economy? Until someone explains this to me, I will only applaud Obama for removing a bum rider from the bill.
I am not cynical enough to claim Obama is intentionally belittling pro-lifers, but his suggested compromises seem aloof to the entire issue. Certainly pro-lifers want fewer abortions, but telling a staunch pro-life advocate to compromise by trying to lower the number abortions but not legally restricting the action is akin to wanting to take steps to reduce the number of murders but not making it against the law. Even Obama’s actions thus far are confusing given his goal of people on both sides of the issue coming together to “try to prevent unwanted pregnancies.” Thus far, Obama has suggested making contraception more readily available, helping pregnant women continue their education, and lowering barriers to adoption.
However, one issue that seems to be completely overlooked in the abortion discussion is why abortion is even an issue in many cases – sex outside of marriage. No, abstinence education will not magically drop the unwanted pregnancy rate to zero. No, it will not suddenly stop people from having sex outside of marriage. But its absence from Obama’s proposals in favor of more contraception is notable. As a culture, we continually try to define “freedom” as the absence of consequences whether it be not paying debts, not accepting the consequences of taking performance-enhancing drugs, or not reserving sex for the bonds of marriage.
“I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning…the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation. The liberation we desired was…liberation from a certain system of morality. We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom,” said Aldous Huxley, atheist and author of Brave New World.
I am not contending that every pregnancy ended by an abortion is the result of a hedonistic orgy. However, the best estimate as what percentage of abortions are cases of rape or incest is about one percent. According to a Pew poll in 2003, only twenty-five percent of Americans support abortion in all circumstances. That number jumps to eighty-five percent when the woman’s life is endangered. The natural middle ground on abortion seems to be limiting the circumstances under which abortion is legal, not obliterating restrictions on abortion like abolishing state laws that offer protection to medical professionals who refuse to participate in abortions and parental notification laws by passing the Freedom of Choice Act.
David Freddoso, author of The Case Against Barack Obama, states that Obama has never voted for any restriction on abortion, ever. If Obama wants to truly compromise on the abortion debate, he will have to tone down his extreme views instead of attempted to bait-and-switch pro-life advocates with his promises to reduce the number of abortions without admitting there is anything wrong with the procedure itself.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Down the Pipe
Name as many current NBA players as you can in ten seconds. Lebron, Kobe, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnet, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen…and time.
Name as many current NFL players as you can in ten seconds: Peyton and Eli, Big Ben, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Bouldin, Hightower, Willie Parker, Santonio Holmes...and time. Can you tell the Super Bowl was last weekend?
Name as many swimmers – past, present, or future – as you can in ten seconds. Michael Phelps…umm…all those other guys he beat…wait wait…and time. Wait, Mark, Mark – you know the guy who’s record he beat? Can I at least get half a point for that?
Swimming isn’t a household sport, but right now Phelps has as much star power as any swimmer ever. He’s translated his trips to the podium into advertisement deals with Rosetta Stone, Hilton, Subway, and AT&T, just to name a few. After all, who wouldn’t want the most decorated Olympian endorsing their product?
Recently, however, a photo of Phelps and a pipe surfaced. While not confessing to inhaling, Phelps did admit the photo is legitimate. Granted, this is not technically a positive test, but in the NFL, the first positive result would result in up to ten tests a month and the second would cost the player four games in salary. Certainly no apology would garner a pat on the back from Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Why should Phelps be treated any differently than Plaxico Burress? Burress now faces charges for carrying concealed weapon without a permit and could receive up to seven years in prison. New York is known for cracking down hard on crime, so it wasn’t seen as a string-up-the-star charge. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has a reputation for cracking down on drug crimes, so it logically follows that – assuming the evidence supports it – he would press charges against Phelps.
Unlike Phelps, Burress is replaceable. Certainly he was an incredible receiver, especially when you consider the injuries he was playing through. However, the NFL also has Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, and many wide receivers to replace him in the hearts of fans. Swimming doesn’t have a number two guy. Not only is Phelps so far ahead in skill, his name recognition alone generates press for Phelps. If Phelps disappears, so does swimming. If swimming disappears, so does Speedo and FINA, so its no surprise these groups issued statements supporting him. For better or worse, Michael Phelps is swimming in America.
More alarming is the continuing trend of immortalizing athletes and then expressing shock that they are indeed human. Eleanor Roosevelt once gave the advice to “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” Yes, it’s a headache to explain t youngsters that their hero is not perfect, but it also presents teaching opportunities. Parents can either bemoan the fact their children idolize athletes who make mistakes, or can use those moments as an entry point for discussions of awkward topics. It won’t make talking about drugs as easy as asking “how was your day?” but it sure beats trying to come up with something out of the blue. This way, the kid doesn’t has as strong a suspicion that the only reason you bring it up is out of fear that they’re using.
What has happened, happened, and no amount of writing, discussing, or blogging will make it disappear. Why not just move on and worry about our own problems and let others do the same?
Name as many current NFL players as you can in ten seconds: Peyton and Eli, Big Ben, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Bouldin, Hightower, Willie Parker, Santonio Holmes...and time. Can you tell the Super Bowl was last weekend?
Name as many swimmers – past, present, or future – as you can in ten seconds. Michael Phelps…umm…all those other guys he beat…wait wait…and time. Wait, Mark, Mark – you know the guy who’s record he beat? Can I at least get half a point for that?
Swimming isn’t a household sport, but right now Phelps has as much star power as any swimmer ever. He’s translated his trips to the podium into advertisement deals with Rosetta Stone, Hilton, Subway, and AT&T, just to name a few. After all, who wouldn’t want the most decorated Olympian endorsing their product?
Recently, however, a photo of Phelps and a pipe surfaced. While not confessing to inhaling, Phelps did admit the photo is legitimate. Granted, this is not technically a positive test, but in the NFL, the first positive result would result in up to ten tests a month and the second would cost the player four games in salary. Certainly no apology would garner a pat on the back from Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Why should Phelps be treated any differently than Plaxico Burress? Burress now faces charges for carrying concealed weapon without a permit and could receive up to seven years in prison. New York is known for cracking down hard on crime, so it wasn’t seen as a string-up-the-star charge. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has a reputation for cracking down on drug crimes, so it logically follows that – assuming the evidence supports it – he would press charges against Phelps.
Unlike Phelps, Burress is replaceable. Certainly he was an incredible receiver, especially when you consider the injuries he was playing through. However, the NFL also has Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, and many wide receivers to replace him in the hearts of fans. Swimming doesn’t have a number two guy. Not only is Phelps so far ahead in skill, his name recognition alone generates press for Phelps. If Phelps disappears, so does swimming. If swimming disappears, so does Speedo and FINA, so its no surprise these groups issued statements supporting him. For better or worse, Michael Phelps is swimming in America.
More alarming is the continuing trend of immortalizing athletes and then expressing shock that they are indeed human. Eleanor Roosevelt once gave the advice to “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” Yes, it’s a headache to explain t youngsters that their hero is not perfect, but it also presents teaching opportunities. Parents can either bemoan the fact their children idolize athletes who make mistakes, or can use those moments as an entry point for discussions of awkward topics. It won’t make talking about drugs as easy as asking “how was your day?” but it sure beats trying to come up with something out of the blue. This way, the kid doesn’t has as strong a suspicion that the only reason you bring it up is out of fear that they’re using.
What has happened, happened, and no amount of writing, discussing, or blogging will make it disappear. Why not just move on and worry about our own problems and let others do the same?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Credit Cards are like Prescription Drugs
In the right hands prescription drugs can do wonders – cure illness, relieve pain, and stop the spread of disease. In the wrong hands, even unqualified hands, it can cause dependence, sickness, and even death. In the same way, credit cards can be an excellent method of securely paying for purchases, keeping track of expenses, building a good credit score and even earning some cash back on everyday expenses. However, careless spending and missed payments can negate those benefits and even lead to financial death – bankruptcy.
Credit cards first came into popular use after World War II and have steadily grown since then. Now, almost everyone carries at least one credit card in their wallet. It offers convenience and security. Yes, cash is still king. I have yet to encounter a store that turns away Lincoln, Jackson, and Franklin, but gas stations that charge two different prices for cash and credit are almost as common as the California condor and I’ve seen as many brick and mortar stores that do the same as I’ve seen dodo birds. More and more people are realizing that when – not if – their wallet is misplaced or stolen, losing a piece of plastic is much easier to rebound from than having Grant get kidnapped. And with the internet becoming the world’s largest shopping mall, credit not just the preferred method but the only method.
How do these credit cards make their money? A portion comes from what amounts to a commission on the sales paid for by credit cards that merchants pay – typically about two percent. The bigger portion comes from consumers who carry over balances or run up fees such as for going over their credit limit. Credit card debt isn’t covered by collateral, like a mortgage, so credit card companies charge very high interest rates – sometimes over 20%. If an investment returned 20% per year, you would double your money in less than four years. Like a prescription drug, once you’re hooked, it’s hard to break the addiction.
So how are credit cards not closer to heroin than penicillin? First, used properly, they’re a great way to build credit. I’ve had a credit card since I was sixteen – yes, my mom cosigned my first one and I rarely used it back then – but I haven’t missed payments or had an other negative effects so now creditors can see that I’ve been able to handle credit for years making my credit score better. No, you don’t get a check just for having a good credit score, but it will mean lower rates on loans and opportunities for more favorable credit cards.
No, not all credit cards are created equal. While I’m sure platinum cards with high annual fees have their uses, I refuse to carry a card that I have to pay for. There are some that can over decent merchandise or travel rewards, but I’ve found the best return is cold hard cash. There are a number of credit cards that offer one percent back on all purchases. With a little searching, you can find cards that offer double, triple, or even centuple that. If you want to get fancy, you can find different cards that give specific benefits for different spending categories. I’ve got one card that I use solely for gas because it gives me five percent back. Another card gives me three percent back on the top three categories I spend in for the month – and then if I wait until I have two hundred dollars in rewards it pays back two hundred fifty, a twenty-five percent increase. Now that’s an investment I like.
It takes management and discipline not to overspend, but a little saving here and there can really add up.
Credit cards first came into popular use after World War II and have steadily grown since then. Now, almost everyone carries at least one credit card in their wallet. It offers convenience and security. Yes, cash is still king. I have yet to encounter a store that turns away Lincoln, Jackson, and Franklin, but gas stations that charge two different prices for cash and credit are almost as common as the California condor and I’ve seen as many brick and mortar stores that do the same as I’ve seen dodo birds. More and more people are realizing that when – not if – their wallet is misplaced or stolen, losing a piece of plastic is much easier to rebound from than having Grant get kidnapped. And with the internet becoming the world’s largest shopping mall, credit not just the preferred method but the only method.
How do these credit cards make their money? A portion comes from what amounts to a commission on the sales paid for by credit cards that merchants pay – typically about two percent. The bigger portion comes from consumers who carry over balances or run up fees such as for going over their credit limit. Credit card debt isn’t covered by collateral, like a mortgage, so credit card companies charge very high interest rates – sometimes over 20%. If an investment returned 20% per year, you would double your money in less than four years. Like a prescription drug, once you’re hooked, it’s hard to break the addiction.
So how are credit cards not closer to heroin than penicillin? First, used properly, they’re a great way to build credit. I’ve had a credit card since I was sixteen – yes, my mom cosigned my first one and I rarely used it back then – but I haven’t missed payments or had an other negative effects so now creditors can see that I’ve been able to handle credit for years making my credit score better. No, you don’t get a check just for having a good credit score, but it will mean lower rates on loans and opportunities for more favorable credit cards.
No, not all credit cards are created equal. While I’m sure platinum cards with high annual fees have their uses, I refuse to carry a card that I have to pay for. There are some that can over decent merchandise or travel rewards, but I’ve found the best return is cold hard cash. There are a number of credit cards that offer one percent back on all purchases. With a little searching, you can find cards that offer double, triple, or even centuple that. If you want to get fancy, you can find different cards that give specific benefits for different spending categories. I’ve got one card that I use solely for gas because it gives me five percent back. Another card gives me three percent back on the top three categories I spend in for the month – and then if I wait until I have two hundred dollars in rewards it pays back two hundred fifty, a twenty-five percent increase. Now that’s an investment I like.
It takes management and discipline not to overspend, but a little saving here and there can really add up.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Saving for a Rainy Day in the Middle of a Thunderstorm
Sun Trust has an ad showing now that says some people woke up and stopped trying to keep up with the Joneses, stopped wanting flashy and started wanting solid.
Thanks for the heads up Sun Trust. Oh wait, it’s not foresight, it’s hindsight.
It seems that as long as people aren’t content to have an average amount of wealth, the economy is always going to be cyclical. And it seems that the best time to have money to spend is during a recession because everyone’s lowering prices. To most Americans, this is a paradox – how can someone have money to spend during a recession? Well, it starts by saving money during more prosperous times.
For those of who don’t know what I’m talking about when I talk about “savings”, don’t feel bad because you’re not alone. “Savings” refers to money that is put aside for future use, whether it be for a large future purchase, emergency, unemployment, or retirement. A survey released in 2008 by the American Savings Education Council and America Saves revealed that only 62% of people have “a savings plan with specific goals” while 47% of Americans save less than 5% of their incomes but only 43% thought that they weren’t saving enough for retirement.
So that means the 4% of the US thinks less than a sub-5% percent savings rate was sufficient for retirement. But I’m sure that 4% are the richest 4% who are still saving millions even though it reflects a small portion of their income. NOT. The study also shows that the higher your income the more likely you are to save, and save at higher rates. So the rich get richer – not only because they make more money, but they also save more money – and the poor get poorer.
In the end, at lot of it comes down to education. Typically, the better educated you are the more money you make. It should come as no surprise then that the individuals with the highest incomes save the most. In fact, education is likely to be the confounding variable. Certainly saving more money is easier with a larger income, but it is both possible to do with a smaller income and not to do with a large income. While not all professional athletes are stereotypical dumb jocks, many are not scholars either, and about 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retirement.
Not only does a better education teach people to save to prepare for the future, but it also prevents them for falling for budget-breaking scams – both legal and illegal. Predatory lending obviously preys on the uneducated, but so do payday loans and even the lottery. The lottery is a horrible investment – if you can even call it an investment. A typical return on the Mega Millions lottery is about $0.50 per $1 you spend; see http://www.durangobill.com/MegaMillionsOdds.html for all the math. How many people knowingly make an investment that is EXPECTED to lose 50% of it value? Personally, it’s great for me that other people are making charitable donations to the government so I have to pay less in direct taxes, at least until the government has to pay unemployment and welfare. And then everyone is forced to foot the bill.
So start saving for the next recession now so when the price of your dream home, car, or even flat-screen TV drops, you’ll be ready to buy – with cash, not credit.
Thanks for the heads up Sun Trust. Oh wait, it’s not foresight, it’s hindsight.
It seems that as long as people aren’t content to have an average amount of wealth, the economy is always going to be cyclical. And it seems that the best time to have money to spend is during a recession because everyone’s lowering prices. To most Americans, this is a paradox – how can someone have money to spend during a recession? Well, it starts by saving money during more prosperous times.
For those of who don’t know what I’m talking about when I talk about “savings”, don’t feel bad because you’re not alone. “Savings” refers to money that is put aside for future use, whether it be for a large future purchase, emergency, unemployment, or retirement. A survey released in 2008 by the American Savings Education Council and America Saves revealed that only 62% of people have “a savings plan with specific goals” while 47% of Americans save less than 5% of their incomes but only 43% thought that they weren’t saving enough for retirement.
So that means the 4% of the US thinks less than a sub-5% percent savings rate was sufficient for retirement. But I’m sure that 4% are the richest 4% who are still saving millions even though it reflects a small portion of their income. NOT. The study also shows that the higher your income the more likely you are to save, and save at higher rates. So the rich get richer – not only because they make more money, but they also save more money – and the poor get poorer.
In the end, at lot of it comes down to education. Typically, the better educated you are the more money you make. It should come as no surprise then that the individuals with the highest incomes save the most. In fact, education is likely to be the confounding variable. Certainly saving more money is easier with a larger income, but it is both possible to do with a smaller income and not to do with a large income. While not all professional athletes are stereotypical dumb jocks, many are not scholars either, and about 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retirement.
Not only does a better education teach people to save to prepare for the future, but it also prevents them for falling for budget-breaking scams – both legal and illegal. Predatory lending obviously preys on the uneducated, but so do payday loans and even the lottery. The lottery is a horrible investment – if you can even call it an investment. A typical return on the Mega Millions lottery is about $0.50 per $1 you spend; see http://www.durangobill.com/MegaMillionsOdds.html for all the math. How many people knowingly make an investment that is EXPECTED to lose 50% of it value? Personally, it’s great for me that other people are making charitable donations to the government so I have to pay less in direct taxes, at least until the government has to pay unemployment and welfare. And then everyone is forced to foot the bill.
So start saving for the next recession now so when the price of your dream home, car, or even flat-screen TV drops, you’ll be ready to buy – with cash, not credit.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl Commericals (Fourth Quarter)
Coke Zero - Repeat: Eh - not quite deserving of its predecessor. Coke Zero commercials were never that funny to begin with. At least give the kid the suit jacket - who wants a ripped shirt?
Cash4Gold.com - MC Hammer: Much better anticipated than when I first saw it was going to be a cash for gold commercial. MC Hammer seems to be the default old guy for cheap commercials every super bowl.
Taco Bell - Call me sometime: Old. Was funny the first time but gets old really fast.
GE - Smartgrid Technology: Why does the vast majority of America need to know about smart electrical grids? It's not like we have a choice for which energy company we use. Cute touch with the Wizard of Oz though. Still, someone please tell me why we need to know about this.
Hulu: See commercials anytime: It only softens the brain. Probably very true and people are still going to watch commercials over and over online...
Finally getting dinner...
GE - Wind Power: Another pretty good commercial from GE but the question still remains: Why does most of America need to know GE is building windmills? Can I buy one for my backyard to reduce my electric bill? No? Then why do I care? Do they want me to donate to them or something?
Pepsi - MacGruber: Umm....Yes, I get the reference. However, what does MacGruber stand for? Obviously not resourcefulness, he's not a hero, he's just a corporate sellout who even changes his name because a company pays him. So which Pepsi person thought it'd be a great idea to portray your company as the one promoting sellouts? What happened to individuality? Not to mention the result of said selling out is getting blown up?
There's been surprisingly few commercials this quarter. The Cardinals just scored but it didn't go to commercials. Is it possible that not only has NBC had to run crummy ads multiple times to fill airspace but has also simply run out of ads? As cool as an overtime game would be, I don't know if I can take too many more crummy commercials. (For the record, I will take an overtime game even if I have to look away
Bud Light Lime: Doesn't make me want to try it. Maybe Bud Light figured most people would be too drunk at this point in the game to realized that simply carrying Bud Light Lime doesn't equal girls and sunshine.
The FCC needs to stop the "committee hearings." There's no reason for that.
And still no more commercials. Either NBC is completely out of commercials or they're idiots. If I had anyone will to pay anything close to what a Super Bowl ad goes for, take the money and run! It's like an empty hotel room - even if the hotel doesn't get 100% of its target price, it's not like it can save it for tomorrow to see if the price goes up. Once the Super Bowl is over, it's over!
And now the Super Bowl IS over. And we're still not going to commercials.
Cash4Gold.com - MC Hammer: Much better anticipated than when I first saw it was going to be a cash for gold commercial. MC Hammer seems to be the default old guy for cheap commercials every super bowl.
Taco Bell - Call me sometime: Old. Was funny the first time but gets old really fast.
GE - Smartgrid Technology: Why does the vast majority of America need to know about smart electrical grids? It's not like we have a choice for which energy company we use. Cute touch with the Wizard of Oz though. Still, someone please tell me why we need to know about this.
Hulu: See commercials anytime: It only softens the brain. Probably very true and people are still going to watch commercials over and over online...
Finally getting dinner...
GE - Wind Power: Another pretty good commercial from GE but the question still remains: Why does most of America need to know GE is building windmills? Can I buy one for my backyard to reduce my electric bill? No? Then why do I care? Do they want me to donate to them or something?
Pepsi - MacGruber: Umm....Yes, I get the reference. However, what does MacGruber stand for? Obviously not resourcefulness, he's not a hero, he's just a corporate sellout who even changes his name because a company pays him. So which Pepsi person thought it'd be a great idea to portray your company as the one promoting sellouts? What happened to individuality? Not to mention the result of said selling out is getting blown up?
There's been surprisingly few commercials this quarter. The Cardinals just scored but it didn't go to commercials. Is it possible that not only has NBC had to run crummy ads multiple times to fill airspace but has also simply run out of ads? As cool as an overtime game would be, I don't know if I can take too many more crummy commercials. (For the record, I will take an overtime game even if I have to look away
Bud Light Lime: Doesn't make me want to try it. Maybe Bud Light figured most people would be too drunk at this point in the game to realized that simply carrying Bud Light Lime doesn't equal girls and sunshine.
The FCC needs to stop the "committee hearings." There's no reason for that.
And still no more commercials. Either NBC is completely out of commercials or they're idiots. If I had anyone will to pay anything close to what a Super Bowl ad goes for, take the money and run! It's like an empty hotel room - even if the hotel doesn't get 100% of its target price, it's not like it can save it for tomorrow to see if the price goes up. Once the Super Bowl is over, it's over!
And now the Super Bowl IS over. And we're still not going to commercials.
Super Bowl Commericals (Third Quarter)
Ok second half. I'm expecting improvements from both the ads and the Cardinals. And from dinner. I can't believe I'm actually going to start making food while the game's going rather than during a commercial...
Coca Cola - not sure how to describe it: Boring. Next.
Bridgestone - Spacemen "Jump Around": After the Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, I expected more. Really didn't see the connection to tires...but maybe I'm just getting tired.
Denny's - Mobsters: Not bad until the end. Start with the mobsters talking about putting a hit out on someone but keeps getting interrupted by whipped cream being sprayed on the pancakes. Ends promising a gland slam breakfast to everyone in America. Sweet. I will be trying to find where the closest Denny's is.
Monster.com - Moose Body: Slightly better than average. Gets the point across but is rather boring. Knowing the potential for job sites - especially given the large newly unemployed target audience - I expected more.
Budweiser - Irish Clydesdale: This is going to be sweet. As soon as I heard the Irish accent and saw the horse, I got excited. Great fake jobs - the racehorse especially. Even an appeal to patriotism. But still, not quite sure how horses equate to buying beer.
Race to Witch Mountain: Not on my list to see.
The Office: Three guest stars - doesn't really amuse me. White guy yelling "Barack is president!" to try to revive a black guy - slightly amusing.
Finally going to put food in the microwave...
Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen: I'm biased because I really liked the first one. Otherwise I would have thought it was just a special effects show with absolutely no plot. When special effects were truly groundbreaking, you could sell a movie with just special effects - I can't tell you the plot of Independence Day, but I can tell you a lot of buildings looked really cool blowing up. Not anymore. If I don't see a better trailer with some semblance of a plot it's off my list. And they better have a plausible explanation for
I didn't notice who the ad was for - If you hate going to work, it may be time: I was about to completely blast this ad until the koala got punched. That was kind of cute. Otherwise, how many people are seriously thinking about leaving their job right now? And the repetition was just annoying.
Coca-Cola - Animals Stealing Bottle: Better than the earlier attempts, bright colors, kinda cute computer generated animals...can you tell I'm stretching to complement here?
Frosted Flakes - New baseball field: Did anyone mention to Kellog that the Super Bowl is a football game? Not a baseball game?
Usama Young - Snow Cone Vendor: Haha. Actually was amusing. Especially the end about being in the super bowl.
Unnamed security company (I refuse to give you more publicity than you deserve) did you seriously waste a SECOND ad slot with the guy getting stuck in the door? This is one company that obviously doesn't need a bailout.
Hangintherejack.com: Umm...at least that other not to be named website thought they could attract views by an attractive woman potentially naked in the shower. As bad as that is, it's probably going to get a lot more traffic than some egghead mascot who just got hit by a bus.
I think that was the third local newscast commercial I've seen tonight. NBC must be really desperate. If this can't get the Republicans and Democrats together to pass a stimulus bill I don't know what will.
Chuck in 1-D: Another dumb waste of a repeat.
Speaking of wastes, that security company just ran the SAME BAD AD a THIRD TIME! And now the fee pig is back! These two companies should be financing a bailout because the obviously have too much free money. Or perhaps they should spend some of it on a better marketing department.
And a FOURTH local news ad. I knew they were having a little trouble with ads, but this is nuts.
Coca Cola - not sure how to describe it: Boring. Next.
Bridgestone - Spacemen "Jump Around": After the Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, I expected more. Really didn't see the connection to tires...but maybe I'm just getting tired.
Denny's - Mobsters: Not bad until the end. Start with the mobsters talking about putting a hit out on someone but keeps getting interrupted by whipped cream being sprayed on the pancakes. Ends promising a gland slam breakfast to everyone in America. Sweet. I will be trying to find where the closest Denny's is.
Monster.com - Moose Body: Slightly better than average. Gets the point across but is rather boring. Knowing the potential for job sites - especially given the large newly unemployed target audience - I expected more.
Budweiser - Irish Clydesdale: This is going to be sweet. As soon as I heard the Irish accent and saw the horse, I got excited. Great fake jobs - the racehorse especially. Even an appeal to patriotism. But still, not quite sure how horses equate to buying beer.
Race to Witch Mountain: Not on my list to see.
The Office: Three guest stars - doesn't really amuse me. White guy yelling "Barack is president!" to try to revive a black guy - slightly amusing.
Finally going to put food in the microwave...
Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen: I'm biased because I really liked the first one. Otherwise I would have thought it was just a special effects show with absolutely no plot. When special effects were truly groundbreaking, you could sell a movie with just special effects - I can't tell you the plot of Independence Day, but I can tell you a lot of buildings looked really cool blowing up. Not anymore. If I don't see a better trailer with some semblance of a plot it's off my list. And they better have a plausible explanation for
I didn't notice who the ad was for - If you hate going to work, it may be time: I was about to completely blast this ad until the koala got punched. That was kind of cute. Otherwise, how many people are seriously thinking about leaving their job right now? And the repetition was just annoying.
Coca-Cola - Animals Stealing Bottle: Better than the earlier attempts, bright colors, kinda cute computer generated animals...can you tell I'm stretching to complement here?
Frosted Flakes - New baseball field: Did anyone mention to Kellog that the Super Bowl is a football game? Not a baseball game?
Usama Young - Snow Cone Vendor: Haha. Actually was amusing. Especially the end about being in the super bowl.
Unnamed security company (I refuse to give you more publicity than you deserve) did you seriously waste a SECOND ad slot with the guy getting stuck in the door? This is one company that obviously doesn't need a bailout.
Hangintherejack.com: Umm...at least that other not to be named website thought they could attract views by an attractive woman potentially naked in the shower. As bad as that is, it's probably going to get a lot more traffic than some egghead mascot who just got hit by a bus.
I think that was the third local newscast commercial I've seen tonight. NBC must be really desperate. If this can't get the Republicans and Democrats together to pass a stimulus bill I don't know what will.
Chuck in 1-D: Another dumb waste of a repeat.
Speaking of wastes, that security company just ran the SAME BAD AD a THIRD TIME! And now the fee pig is back! These two companies should be financing a bailout because the obviously have too much free money. Or perhaps they should spend some of it on a better marketing department.
And a FOURTH local news ad. I knew they were having a little trouble with ads, but this is nuts.
Super Bowl Commericals (Halftime)
Nextel – Roadies running the airport: Sorry, but as much as I loved that commercial the first time I can’t give it the major props as I would have loved to have seen a really funny new one of roadies running the world. I guess technically I still shouldn’t give it major props because it’s not a new series (see Bud Light ad commentary) but I was looking forward to a new set or roadies running the world commercials.
NFL Network – Darren McFadden: Darren who? I haven’t heard from this guy since he was in college. Why in the world does he get a Super Bowl ad? Well, why would anyone be featured? Here’s what I can think of: 1) Star power: Someone everyone recognizes and wants to watch on TV. Not McFadden. 2) Star team or at least major market: Nope. The scariest thing about the hapless Oakland Raiders is owner Al Davis’ face. 3) Great personal story: Nope. Not that I know of and certainly not that the commercial shows. 4) It’s Darren McFadden: Check! Ok, this isn’t really a reason, but I can’t think of any other justification for this ad.
Heroes – Hall of Famers vs. Heroes: Sweet. Finally a TV show commercial that does more than just show clips from the upcoming episode. NBC finally did well working in all of the powers of the characters in a reasonable manner. Forgive the lack of names as I don’t watch the show, but the cheerleader surviving a major hit, the dude flying on a crossing route, and the Asian guy stopping time to grab the ball away from a defender worked well. Cute line to tell Jerry Rice he’s going to need some help on offense and major props for picking a football player to have super powers to make it unique to the show. Not sure John Elway was the most practical to have be able to fly, but it works.
Bruce Springsteen just told me turn my tv. So I switched to ABC’s Wipeout. That wasn’t all he said? He said to turn it up? Opps. And changing back…just in time to see him slide hips first into the center of my HD screen. Back to wipeout.
The ref calling delay of game was the best part of the halftime show. Can the FCC suspend the Super Bowl halftime should for disrespecting the officials?
Toyota: Another letdown.
Priceline – The Negotiator: This commercial really wasn’t that funny the first time it came out – a long time ago. It’s certainly not funny now.
Overstock.com – Carlos Boozer: Confusion overrides minor amusement.
LMAO: Not too bad, but there was a minimal connection to the shows. I think 30 Rock is on the night they were talking about, but I certainly can’t tell you what time.
CPI Security: Burglar Gets Trapped: Old line, really not that funny. Even fails to get the point across because if the burglar gets stuck, why do you even need a security system? He’ll be right there waiting for you. He doesn’t even break the door. If I’m going to spend my money, you better protect me from something scary. Like Al Davis. Maybe my next job should be in the CPI marketing department…
Charlotte Metro Credit Union – Fee Pig: This can’t be a national commercial, can it? Not only is it boring, it’s got to be at least three months old. Where is the stimulus package?
Nextel – Garbage Truck Holds Truck Hostage: Slightly funny the first time – but old. I expected more.
High Life – One Second: Not bad. Would have been funnier unannounced.
NFL Network – Darren McFadden: Darren who? I haven’t heard from this guy since he was in college. Why in the world does he get a Super Bowl ad? Well, why would anyone be featured? Here’s what I can think of: 1) Star power: Someone everyone recognizes and wants to watch on TV. Not McFadden. 2) Star team or at least major market: Nope. The scariest thing about the hapless Oakland Raiders is owner Al Davis’ face. 3) Great personal story: Nope. Not that I know of and certainly not that the commercial shows. 4) It’s Darren McFadden: Check! Ok, this isn’t really a reason, but I can’t think of any other justification for this ad.
Heroes – Hall of Famers vs. Heroes: Sweet. Finally a TV show commercial that does more than just show clips from the upcoming episode. NBC finally did well working in all of the powers of the characters in a reasonable manner. Forgive the lack of names as I don’t watch the show, but the cheerleader surviving a major hit, the dude flying on a crossing route, and the Asian guy stopping time to grab the ball away from a defender worked well. Cute line to tell Jerry Rice he’s going to need some help on offense and major props for picking a football player to have super powers to make it unique to the show. Not sure John Elway was the most practical to have be able to fly, but it works.
Bruce Springsteen just told me turn my tv. So I switched to ABC’s Wipeout. That wasn’t all he said? He said to turn it up? Opps. And changing back…just in time to see him slide hips first into the center of my HD screen. Back to wipeout.
The ref calling delay of game was the best part of the halftime show. Can the FCC suspend the Super Bowl halftime should for disrespecting the officials?
Toyota: Another letdown.
Priceline – The Negotiator: This commercial really wasn’t that funny the first time it came out – a long time ago. It’s certainly not funny now.
Overstock.com – Carlos Boozer: Confusion overrides minor amusement.
LMAO: Not too bad, but there was a minimal connection to the shows. I think 30 Rock is on the night they were talking about, but I certainly can’t tell you what time.
CPI Security: Burglar Gets Trapped: Old line, really not that funny. Even fails to get the point across because if the burglar gets stuck, why do you even need a security system? He’ll be right there waiting for you. He doesn’t even break the door. If I’m going to spend my money, you better protect me from something scary. Like Al Davis. Maybe my next job should be in the CPI marketing department…
Charlotte Metro Credit Union – Fee Pig: This can’t be a national commercial, can it? Not only is it boring, it’s got to be at least three months old. Where is the stimulus package?
Nextel – Garbage Truck Holds Truck Hostage: Slightly funny the first time – but old. I expected more.
High Life – One Second: Not bad. Would have been funnier unannounced.
Super Bowl Commericals (First Half)
So to the best of my knowledge, the Super Bowl ads have sold out (see my blog from two days ago for details). For my blog today I’ll have a running commentary on the commercials.
Doritos – Snow globe predicts the future: Pretty well done. Not quite sure how it makes me want to eat Doritos more but that failure to properly use phony technology is almost always going to garner a few laughs. Promotion possible for the creators of this ad.
Budweiser – Weird actor does dumb commercial: Slightly amusing but not Super Bowl worthy. I mean, you’ve got to come up with something better than a weird Swedish commercial shown in Times Square for the big game.
Halftime Show Ad: Ok, maybe NBC didn’t sell out all of the ads. Why in the world would you waste valuable ad time telling about the halftime show when you can have your announcers do that? Oh, wait, they did that about seconds later. Sorry NBC but I’m seriously considering watching ABC’s “Wipeout” during halftime. Can we get someone my generation has heard of for the big show at the big game? And please, I know its asking a lot, lets not make an awful mix like we suffered through with NSYNC/Aerosmith. On their own they would have been fine. Think less is more.
Bridgestone – Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head: Amusing AND product related. Who hasn’t had a blabber mouth that your stuck with (not necessarily a wife) and wanted a way to make them zip it? Or at least had to slam on the breaks and hope your car can stop in time?
Side note: do they still make potato head dolls?
Not even going to mention the name of the company that always seems to think attractive females make men want a website. Garbage.
Budweiser: Clydesdales playing fetch: Ok, I’m impartial because in college I was a “Clydesdale” on the cross country team, but still a sweet commercial. Again, a lack of product/commercial connection, but who doesn’t love Clydesdales showing up the Dalmatian?
Budweiser – Clydesdale Romeo: I’m starting to wonder if its possible to make a bad Clydesdale commercial, especially when the Clydesdale is the underdog. America loves an underdog, and the underdog Cardinals are certainly not looking like they’ll satisfy that love tonight.
Cars.com – child prodigy grows up: Another well done commercial. Amusing set up and then great product placement. Sucks in the businessman (pie chart at 3), ladies man (asking out the older girl prior to 4th grade), genius (applies for dean of Princeton), professional (open heart surgery), and person who fears making the wrong big investment (almost everyone), then provides a simple solution that attracts even the tech geek as he uses his blackberry to go to cars.com.
Not a commercial, but people always look funnier in slow motion. Take Santonio Holmes: Roders-Cromartie deflects the ball and it hits Holmes in the head. At full speed it doesn’t look bad but when you slow it down you can see his head bobbling all over the place as he tried to locate the ball.
Hyundai – everyone knows how to say it now: Is that how you even spell it? The only other recognizable company in the commercial was BMW – and honestly that was the most memorable part.
Pixar – Up: Is this seriously a movie? I mean really. How much can go wrong with an old man and a young boy stuck in a house? Michael Jackson do NOT answer that.
Bud Light – Skiing: Nice use of an ongoing campaign with the drawings. But the super Bowl really isn’t the place for ongoing campaigns. This is where you go big or go home and while it’s not the worst commercial by any means, this one can go home.
Another commercial for the halftime show? Seriously. Obama better get the economy going so we can start watching better ads…
H&R Block - Death: Ok. I guess it works, but not that great. Would have been better if it used “I’ll see you in eight days” as the closing line rather than “Can you validate my parking?”
Telefora – Send Live Flowers: Harsh words from the dead flowers in the box. Needs a little more memorable name. If I didn’t write it down at the start of the review, I would have forgotten it before I started typing this last sentence.
Please tell me the blue car is not going to be a Viagra ad…hmm, its not. Just some type of ad for NBC. Call an emergency session of congress and pass a stimulus bill now!! Please!!!
Cheetos – Pigeons: Eh, the other one was funnier. Sure this woman’s kinda annoying but it didn’t make me crack up when she got swarmed by pigeons. I know pigeons are brave, but why would one fly on her bag on the table right in front of her when the food is on the ground? Poor technical research.
Ok my friend just asked me what the halftime show is going to be. So not only are the halftime show ads annoying they’re also useless. Well done NBC.
Incredible return by Harrison. And now he's completely out of breath. I see a future commercial using him lying flat on the ground, totally sapped, and then is given Gatorade, Vitamin water, Powerade, heck even an oxygen tank company, and then show him dominating the second half. Bailout package to the company that comes up with the best commercial!
And great sideline reporting: "Coach, you were about to score and then they did. What happened from your perspective?" "Well, since I was on the near sideline, the ball started out to my left, made its way right in front of me, and then kept going to my right."
Monsters vs. Aliens: Seriously?
Sobe - Aliens and weird guys trying to dance: Why would I want a product that makes me dress in all white? Or dances like that? Or turns me into one of those ugly aliens? That's all.
Doritos – Snow globe predicts the future: Pretty well done. Not quite sure how it makes me want to eat Doritos more but that failure to properly use phony technology is almost always going to garner a few laughs. Promotion possible for the creators of this ad.
Budweiser – Weird actor does dumb commercial: Slightly amusing but not Super Bowl worthy. I mean, you’ve got to come up with something better than a weird Swedish commercial shown in Times Square for the big game.
Halftime Show Ad: Ok, maybe NBC didn’t sell out all of the ads. Why in the world would you waste valuable ad time telling about the halftime show when you can have your announcers do that? Oh, wait, they did that about seconds later. Sorry NBC but I’m seriously considering watching ABC’s “Wipeout” during halftime. Can we get someone my generation has heard of for the big show at the big game? And please, I know its asking a lot, lets not make an awful mix like we suffered through with NSYNC/Aerosmith. On their own they would have been fine. Think less is more.
Bridgestone – Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head: Amusing AND product related. Who hasn’t had a blabber mouth that your stuck with (not necessarily a wife) and wanted a way to make them zip it? Or at least had to slam on the breaks and hope your car can stop in time?
Side note: do they still make potato head dolls?
Not even going to mention the name of the company that always seems to think attractive females make men want a website. Garbage.
Budweiser: Clydesdales playing fetch: Ok, I’m impartial because in college I was a “Clydesdale” on the cross country team, but still a sweet commercial. Again, a lack of product/commercial connection, but who doesn’t love Clydesdales showing up the Dalmatian?
Budweiser – Clydesdale Romeo: I’m starting to wonder if its possible to make a bad Clydesdale commercial, especially when the Clydesdale is the underdog. America loves an underdog, and the underdog Cardinals are certainly not looking like they’ll satisfy that love tonight.
Cars.com – child prodigy grows up: Another well done commercial. Amusing set up and then great product placement. Sucks in the businessman (pie chart at 3), ladies man (asking out the older girl prior to 4th grade), genius (applies for dean of Princeton), professional (open heart surgery), and person who fears making the wrong big investment (almost everyone), then provides a simple solution that attracts even the tech geek as he uses his blackberry to go to cars.com.
Not a commercial, but people always look funnier in slow motion. Take Santonio Holmes: Roders-Cromartie deflects the ball and it hits Holmes in the head. At full speed it doesn’t look bad but when you slow it down you can see his head bobbling all over the place as he tried to locate the ball.
Hyundai – everyone knows how to say it now: Is that how you even spell it? The only other recognizable company in the commercial was BMW – and honestly that was the most memorable part.
Pixar – Up: Is this seriously a movie? I mean really. How much can go wrong with an old man and a young boy stuck in a house? Michael Jackson do NOT answer that.
Bud Light – Skiing: Nice use of an ongoing campaign with the drawings. But the super Bowl really isn’t the place for ongoing campaigns. This is where you go big or go home and while it’s not the worst commercial by any means, this one can go home.
Another commercial for the halftime show? Seriously. Obama better get the economy going so we can start watching better ads…
H&R Block - Death: Ok. I guess it works, but not that great. Would have been better if it used “I’ll see you in eight days” as the closing line rather than “Can you validate my parking?”
Telefora – Send Live Flowers: Harsh words from the dead flowers in the box. Needs a little more memorable name. If I didn’t write it down at the start of the review, I would have forgotten it before I started typing this last sentence.
Please tell me the blue car is not going to be a Viagra ad…hmm, its not. Just some type of ad for NBC. Call an emergency session of congress and pass a stimulus bill now!! Please!!!
Cheetos – Pigeons: Eh, the other one was funnier. Sure this woman’s kinda annoying but it didn’t make me crack up when she got swarmed by pigeons. I know pigeons are brave, but why would one fly on her bag on the table right in front of her when the food is on the ground? Poor technical research.
Ok my friend just asked me what the halftime show is going to be. So not only are the halftime show ads annoying they’re also useless. Well done NBC.
Incredible return by Harrison. And now he's completely out of breath. I see a future commercial using him lying flat on the ground, totally sapped, and then is given Gatorade, Vitamin water, Powerade, heck even an oxygen tank company, and then show him dominating the second half. Bailout package to the company that comes up with the best commercial!
And great sideline reporting: "Coach, you were about to score and then they did. What happened from your perspective?" "Well, since I was on the near sideline, the ball started out to my left, made its way right in front of me, and then kept going to my right."
Monsters vs. Aliens: Seriously?
Sobe - Aliens and weird guys trying to dance: Why would I want a product that makes me dress in all white? Or dances like that? Or turns me into one of those ugly aliens? That's all.
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