TV SIZE?
How can TV manufacturers be allowed to list their TV size by the longer diagonal measurement, round up, and count the plastic frame on top? Shouldn’t they be required to give actual viewing size in height and width?
3D GLASSES?
If an advertiser is going to broadcast their $3 million commercial spots in 3D, shouldn’t the cable company send every viewer at least one pair of 3D glasses by mail in advance? Our local Publix grocery store which was the distributor of the 3D glasses in our neighborhood said they were out of the glasses within minutes of receiving them, just two weeks before the game. Having no way to view these splend-ific commercials, I decided to leave the room when they aired (great time for a make-more-snacks break!) I have no idea what was even being advertised.
If an advertiser is going to broadcast their $3 million commercial spots in 3D, shouldn’t the cable company send every viewer at least one pair of 3D glasses by mail in advance? Our local Publix grocery store which was the distributor of the 3D glasses in our neighborhood said they were out of the glasses within minutes of receiving them, just two weeks before the game. Having no way to view these splend-ific commercials, I decided to leave the room when they aired (great time for a make-more-snacks break!) I have no idea what was even being advertised.
FOOD?
Speaking of Publix grocery stores: Why are they listed under the “FOOD” category on the blue traveler restaurant signs along I-4 in Orlando? What a disappointment for all those out-of-towners driving to and from Tampa for the game. Seriously, if a grocery store deli doesn’t have a place for diners to sit down; doesn’t serve their ready-to-eat deli food on plates with utensils; doesn’t sell ready to drink beverages; doesn’t have rest rooms, a dedicated cashier, and door directly into their eatery; how can they be classified as a restaurant? I certainly wouldn’t put them in the same category as Starbucks or Chick Filet! If the Florida State D.O.T. is going to expand the “FOOD” signs to include deli departments in grocery stores, they’re also going to have to include 7-11, who serves ready to eat hot dogs right out the front door.
Speaking of Publix grocery stores: Why are they listed under the “FOOD” category on the blue traveler restaurant signs along I-4 in Orlando? What a disappointment for all those out-of-towners driving to and from Tampa for the game. Seriously, if a grocery store deli doesn’t have a place for diners to sit down; doesn’t serve their ready-to-eat deli food on plates with utensils; doesn’t sell ready to drink beverages; doesn’t have rest rooms, a dedicated cashier, and door directly into their eatery; how can they be classified as a restaurant? I certainly wouldn’t put them in the same category as Starbucks or Chick Filet! If the Florida State D.O.T. is going to expand the “FOOD” signs to include deli departments in grocery stores, they’re also going to have to include 7-11, who serves ready to eat hot dogs right out the front door.
CALLING ME NOW?
Friends do not call friends during the Superbowl. It’s one game a year, dear. Unless, of course, you’re expected to attend a party at their house and are calling to offer to pick up supplies and ask, “Can I pick up some beer? Chips? Salsa?”
But, seriously…
TWO FEET CATCHING, TWO FEET CARRYING
Perhaps it’s time to institute a “two feet over the goal line” rule for touchdowns, whether catching or carrying the ball into the end zone. Only five minutes into the game, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Justin Hartwig (62) meant well when he pulled fallen teammate Roethlisberger (7) over the goal line on top of Arizona Cardinal linebacker, Monty Beisel (52) in an effort to make a touchdown. However, it just didn’t seem right to get a touchdown that way. Although his knee didn’t technically appear to be down, referees reversed the touchdown after a Cardinal’s challenge.
In my opinion, players should run or walk both feet over the line for a touchdown to count. Players are already required to have two feet down in the end zone for a caught pass to count.
THE BIGGER, THE BETTER? THE SCARIER!
I believe it’s also time to institute weight and size restrictions in professional football. Coaches do their best to recruit the largest possible defensive players to increase their odds for wrestling smaller offensive players to the ground. Is this really an ideal situation? Football, after all, is a contact sport and players are frequently maimed for life. If we institute weight classes for wrestling and boxing, shouldn’t we do the same for American football? It pains me to watch such carnage. Are we no more civilized than the Romans?
The Thursday before the Superbowl, a fundraiser was held in Tampa to raise funds and awareness to help disabled retired NFL players cover costs for healthcare. Brighthouse news reported: “Guys get knocked on their [butt] pretty regularly, and sometimes it hurts,” said former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka. “You're going to get injured, and sometimes those injuries have long-term effects.”
The Brighthouse article continues to report the escalating violence of football: Most of the men said that modern football has become even more “vicious” than in years past.
Is it really fair to match the Cardinal’s Michael Adams at 181 lbs. against Steeler’s Max Starks who weighs 345 lbs.? Or the Steeler’s 185 lb. Nate Washington against the Cardinal’s Brandon Keith at 343 lbs.? No wonder professional football players are sometimes killed in the line of duty.
Sometimes it seems the bigger the players, the better the team. Even the Steeler’s offensive players seemed HUGE! I was impressed with the Cardinals offensive strategy to keep their smaller players from being injured: throw, catch, drop and roll… It was a bit like watching a circus performer training camp on how to correctly fall off an elephant.
The facts back up my theory. The Pittsburgh Steelers 65 active players average 254 lbs each (ESPN Pittsburgh roster). This year’s worst team in the league, the Detroit Lions, have 73 active players who average only 242 lbs. each. (ESPN Detroit roster)
The Steelers also had 65 active players compared to the Cardinal’s 56 active players for who average 251 lbs. each. (ESPN Arizona roster)
Whatever the excuse, it’s time we took a more civilized approach to our entertainment.
