Some things never change. And no, I’m not talking about the 11th album of the progressive rock band known as Supertramp, which was released in 1997, with the hit track “Live to Love you”, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Things_Never_Change) I’m talking about most fan’s reactions to the annual NFL all-star game: The infamous Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl is known for including incredible weather, half-speed effort by players, and is almost always played AFTER the Super Bowl….until this year! That’s right ladies and gents, for the first time ever the Pro Bowl was played the week BEFORE the Super Bowl at this year’s SB site, Miami, Florida. The move was not very well received by the players, who usually expect to be “chillin” in Hawaii if they are selected to go, however I’m in agreement that from a fan perspective, the move was well worth it. This year’s attendance: 70,697, 2nd most all-time for a Pro Bowl and largest since the game was played in LA in 1959. (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20100131_NFC@AFC/afc-victorious-over-nfc-in-pro-bowl-schaub-named-mvp) Both teams also combined for over 400 passing yards, I believe breaking a record, which is definitely not shocking considering the current NFL trend of “airing it out” coupled with the always constant “I’ll go half-speed…..tops, but definitely not exert any more effort than that” attitude by the Pro Bowlers. Well……at least half-speed on defense, those offensive guys like to do what they do. Anyway, I think it was a success, with the AFC beating the NFC 41-34, brining the series record to a standstill at 20-20…..man, we are in for a real treat next season to see who takes control of this exciting matchup....I can’t wait! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_Bowl#AFC.E2.80.93NFC_Pro_Bowls_.281971.E2.80.93present.29)
As a fan, we were able to see explosive offenses (or lack of defense) as well as able to fill in the week before the Super Bowl with at least a semi-meaningful game. Success! I don’t really care how the players feel; this game is for the fans (me and you…and maybe some other people who like to think they are fans). It’s worth noting however that through all of the injuries and players that couldn’t participate due to the Super Bowl, nearly 40% of the original players selected weren’t able to play, which paved the way for some other guys that were arguably “supposed” to be there, or “not supposed” to, which again I felt was good for the League. The average fan probably still feels the Pro Bowl is a waste of time, but in response to that, it appears the NFL is attempting to make the game more exciting/meaningful. I think the next step is to add some competitions, like a Punt, Pass, Catch sort of thing, and model it as close to the successful NBA all-star game as possible. But I mean who am I to suggest such things?
"Courage is fear that has had it's prayers answered" - Ancient Proverb
Current Music Selection
Albums I've listened to recently:
The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights
If you like the White Stripes, you'll enjoy this live album of them. At times, Jack is on point and his lyrics flow smoothly with what's going on. At other times, the combination sounds a bit raw and distorted....but is still cool. My favorites are "Blue Orchid", "Icky Thump", "Jolene" and "I'm Slowly Turning Into You". Buy this, it's good.
The Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Another awesome album if you like their stuff. FYI though, this isn't Demon Days part 2, it's a new album with a new sound that I find pretty sick. "Empire Ants", "Glitter Freeze", "Plastic Beach", and even "Welcome to The World of Plastic Beach (ft. Snoop Dogg and his green hat) are all great tracks that get after it.
Jimi Hendrix - Valleys Of Neptune
This man is currently dead, however he still continues to rock out from the grave. How very........Tupac Shakur of him. Anyway, I'm a huge Hendrix fan as you are all aware, and this new unreleased album is pretty solid and uses blues as it's backbone. "Valleys of Neptune" is a good track as well and you can hear what kind of direction Jimi was heading in musically at the time. It's a must own for any Hendrix fan, because anything by this man is absolutely incredible.
The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights
If you like the White Stripes, you'll enjoy this live album of them. At times, Jack is on point and his lyrics flow smoothly with what's going on. At other times, the combination sounds a bit raw and distorted....but is still cool. My favorites are "Blue Orchid", "Icky Thump", "Jolene" and "I'm Slowly Turning Into You". Buy this, it's good.
The Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Another awesome album if you like their stuff. FYI though, this isn't Demon Days part 2, it's a new album with a new sound that I find pretty sick. "Empire Ants", "Glitter Freeze", "Plastic Beach", and even "Welcome to The World of Plastic Beach (ft. Snoop Dogg and his green hat) are all great tracks that get after it.
Jimi Hendrix - Valleys Of Neptune
This man is currently dead, however he still continues to rock out from the grave. How very........Tupac Shakur of him. Anyway, I'm a huge Hendrix fan as you are all aware, and this new unreleased album is pretty solid and uses blues as it's backbone. "Valleys of Neptune" is a good track as well and you can hear what kind of direction Jimi was heading in musically at the time. It's a must own for any Hendrix fan, because anything by this man is absolutely incredible.
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