I said earlier this week that this game was gonna be good. Well, it completely SHATTERED "good" on its' way to (as Tony the Tiger would say) GRRR-EAT!
The Cardinals and the Steelers took the field in Tampa, and gave us not only a football game, but a show. Complete with a few momentum-changing penalties here and there and some high-drama turnovers, this one went to the wire. And it ended with the Pittsburgh Steelers doing what no team has ever done before: earning the six-pack.
And boy, did they earn it.
The first half was basically all Pittsburgh. After a forgettable first half, Steelers linebacker James Harrison took a 100-yard interception to the house with about .00009 seconds to go before halftime, putting the Steelers up 17-7 and pretty much guaranteeing that the second half would be more of the same. Boy, was I wrong.
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who was pretty much shut down the majority of the game, caught a floater in mid-air for a TD, then took another one to the house and put the Cards on top for the first time in the game, both of which happened in the 4th quarter . And with about 2 minutes to play and Arizona holding on to a slim lead, I really did think it was going to go the other way.
Leave it to Santonio Holmes, the versatile, playmaking Steelers WR and the game's MVP, to change that. The touchdown catch gave Pittsburgh the lead back, and when Cards QB Kurt Warner coughed the ball up with seconds to play, I'm almost certain that's when the celebrations began in the Steel City. Watching Mike Tomlin's postgame speech actually gave me goosebumps.
I have to hand it to the Steelers. I also have to hand it to Arizona, who NOBODY thought would make it this far. They may have lost the game, but by giving the Steelers all they could handle and then some...they won my respect. Hats off to both teams for playing an unforgettable Super Bowl.
In closing...don't get TOO cocky, Pittsburgh. It might be awhile before you bring in "Lucky 7".
Oh yeah...before I forget, I want you, the reader, to tell me which commercial YOU think sucked the most? My vote goes to that CareerBuilder.com commercial with the guy in the blue Speedos. I'm gonna have nightmares now.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Cincinnati not livable? PLEASE!
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Pew Research Center recently did a survey asking folks what city they'd want to live in. And the Queen City didn't do so well, only getting 13% of the mark. Only Cleveland and Detroit did worse than the 'Nati.
To that I say this: BULLSHIT!
Cincinnati is a wonderful city, and those who choose not to see it...are missing out. Yes, I will admit, our city's job market is kinda drab, foreclosures are steady, and there is a good deal of crime, but you have to see the positives. Come on now, where else can you eat Skyline Chili and LaRosa's Pizza? You sure as hell can't do that stuff in New York City or Los Angeles.
Have any of these people been to Clifton Gaslight? What about Mt. Adams? And, despite its' rough reputation, I doubt a single one of them have even set foot in Over-the-Rhine, home to what in my opinion is THE MOST beautiful architecture in the Midwest, as well as the Buckeye State. Also, I know these places are not even in our state (much less, our city), but have any of them visited Newport on the Levee or Covington's Mainstrasse district? I seriously doubt it.
In good news, Mayor Mark Mallory and Ohio governor Ted Strickland are standing up for Cincinnati. In the article, Mayor Mallory says that the results simply can't be true, and he points out that more people are MOVING TO Cincinnati, rather than leaving it (as is the case in the 'D and in C-town). Gov. Strickland, in the same article, points out low cost of living, culture, and history that Ohio as a whole possesses.
To those who voted against Cincinnati...99% of you have probably never even VISITED here, let alone LIVED here. To me, your opinions are worth absolutely nothing. And to those who stand up for the 'Nati...THANK YOU! It's people that are proud of their home and of their city that make this town a wonderful place, no matter how many doubting Thomases there are out there.
On a side note, the Enquirer is running its' own livability poll on its' website, and Cincinnati SLAUGHTERED Minneapolis, Kansas City, Cleveland, and Detroit. STAND UP CINCINNATI...BE PROUD OF YOUR CITY!
Later.
To that I say this: BULLSHIT!
Cincinnati is a wonderful city, and those who choose not to see it...are missing out. Yes, I will admit, our city's job market is kinda drab, foreclosures are steady, and there is a good deal of crime, but you have to see the positives. Come on now, where else can you eat Skyline Chili and LaRosa's Pizza? You sure as hell can't do that stuff in New York City or Los Angeles.
Have any of these people been to Clifton Gaslight? What about Mt. Adams? And, despite its' rough reputation, I doubt a single one of them have even set foot in Over-the-Rhine, home to what in my opinion is THE MOST beautiful architecture in the Midwest, as well as the Buckeye State. Also, I know these places are not even in our state (much less, our city), but have any of them visited Newport on the Levee or Covington's Mainstrasse district? I seriously doubt it.
In good news, Mayor Mark Mallory and Ohio governor Ted Strickland are standing up for Cincinnati. In the article, Mayor Mallory says that the results simply can't be true, and he points out that more people are MOVING TO Cincinnati, rather than leaving it (as is the case in the 'D and in C-town). Gov. Strickland, in the same article, points out low cost of living, culture, and history that Ohio as a whole possesses.
To those who voted against Cincinnati...99% of you have probably never even VISITED here, let alone LIVED here. To me, your opinions are worth absolutely nothing. And to those who stand up for the 'Nati...THANK YOU! It's people that are proud of their home and of their city that make this town a wonderful place, no matter how many doubting Thomases there are out there.
On a side note, the Enquirer is running its' own livability poll on its' website, and Cincinnati SLAUGHTERED Minneapolis, Kansas City, Cleveland, and Detroit. STAND UP CINCINNATI...BE PROUD OF YOUR CITY!
Later.
Dink's World is now on MySpace!
OK kiddies...I really want to get the word out about this blog, not to mention interact with my readers on more of a personal level. So what better way to do that than...you guessed it, MYSPACE?
If you want to join the Dink Army, go to http://www.myspace.com/dinksworldcinci. There you can leave comments, send me love notes/hate mail...well, I'm sure all of you already know how to use MySpace. Hell, a well-trained Black Lab probably knows how to use MySpace.
I'll have a REAL post later on today...I gotta go get my fix of Chinese food first. Later!
If you want to join the Dink Army, go to http://www.myspace.com/dinksworldcinci. There you can leave comments, send me love notes/hate mail...well, I'm sure all of you already know how to use MySpace. Hell, a well-trained Black Lab probably knows how to use MySpace.
I'll have a REAL post later on today...I gotta go get my fix of Chinese food first. Later!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Disciplining the Bengals?
Yes kiddies, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis intends to do just THAT.
According to a Cincinnati Enquirer article, Coach Lewis touched on everything from the quality of play on the field to free agency. The article also states that the Bengals are unsure as to whether or not it will use its' franchise tag, but that they are hoping that they won't have to.
I have this to say: I hope it works. And this Bengals team that went 4-11-1 in '08 and has not reached the playoffs since 2005 is in dire need of it too. In 2008, we suffered through a last-place defense, injury problems, and personnel problems as well (including WR Chad Ocho Cinco being sent home from Pittsburgh due to a tiff with a coach).
These are not just new problems, either. Everyone remembers the 9 Bengals arrested during the 2006 season, and how fans of opposing teams (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers) ate it all up. Of the Infamous 9, Chris Henry's misdeeds left a bad taste in the mouth of Cincinnatians, a taste that is still pungent today. And just about everyone in our small corner of the Upland South is begging Bengals owner Mike Brown to hire a general manager.
Level of play? There was none in 2008, straight and simple. If Coach Lewis wants to get this team off its' ass and rolling again, he has to start with the O-line. We're getting quarterback Carson Palmer back for the '09 campaign, and if all goes well, running back Cedric Benson (unrestricted free agent) will be back too. These are two guys that are important to this team, in my opinion. But these guys need a line to protect them, to allow them to work their magic. The draft and free agency, if used wisely, could get some fresh faces on that offensive line who will make an immediate impact.
Now on to the franchise tag situation: I agree with the Bengals' take on not wanting to use it, if they can help it. But if they have to, they need to play it safe. Receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh will reportedly cost about $10 million to franchise. DON'T DO IT. I love T.J., but for that price, you could get a decent free agent WR for maybe a little more money, and you can get a multi-year deal with that player. In the Enquirer article, placekicker Shayne Graham was also named as a potential franchise recipient. At $2.2 million, that may seem a bit more logical.
With that said, the Cincinnati Bengals NEED to improve their O-line, get the defense going, work on player morale, and use their draft picks wisely. A strong and smart showing in free agency would definitely help as well. And for God's sake, HIRE A GENERAL MANAGER! (As long as it isn't Matt Millen.)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Johnny Cash REMIXED?
Wow...two posts in one day. Either I'm ridiculously bored, or this weather really sucks.
Anywho...I recently perused the new Johnny Cash Remixed release, and I was appalled, to say the very least. Who in the blue HELL would want to butcher the Man in Black's best recordings? Might I also add: Who in Pete's sake is gonna want to buy this sh*t-shingle of a CD?
I listened to the opening track, a remix of "I Walk the Line", featuring...yep, Snoop Dogg. I'm not taking anything away from Snoop D-O-Double G...as a matter of fact, I love hip-hop music. However, hearing Johnny Cash's lyrics set to a West-Coast rap beat isn't the best combination. I also managed to sit through "Straight A's in Love (Troublemaker Remix), although it wasn't easy. It's not even music, it's a bunch of noise that at times will make you wonder if your CD player is skipping. Possibly the best (and I use that term VERY loosely) track on the whole thing is "Folsom Prison Blues", remixed by Pete Rock.
If Johnny Cash were to hear this CD, he'd probably turn over in his grave. Just listening to it makes ME want to crawl in there with him.
I love Johnny Cash's music. I love techno, dance, and hip-hop music as well. I just don't think the two should have ever crossed paths. Shame on you, Compadre Records.
Anywho...I recently perused the new Johnny Cash Remixed release, and I was appalled, to say the very least. Who in the blue HELL would want to butcher the Man in Black's best recordings? Might I also add: Who in Pete's sake is gonna want to buy this sh*t-shingle of a CD?
I listened to the opening track, a remix of "I Walk the Line", featuring...yep, Snoop Dogg. I'm not taking anything away from Snoop D-O-Double G...as a matter of fact, I love hip-hop music. However, hearing Johnny Cash's lyrics set to a West-Coast rap beat isn't the best combination. I also managed to sit through "Straight A's in Love (Troublemaker Remix), although it wasn't easy. It's not even music, it's a bunch of noise that at times will make you wonder if your CD player is skipping. Possibly the best (and I use that term VERY loosely) track on the whole thing is "Folsom Prison Blues", remixed by Pete Rock.
If Johnny Cash were to hear this CD, he'd probably turn over in his grave. Just listening to it makes ME want to crawl in there with him.
I love Johnny Cash's music. I love techno, dance, and hip-hop music as well. I just don't think the two should have ever crossed paths. Shame on you, Compadre Records.
Steelers vs. Cardinals...This oughta be GOOD!
Never in life did I imagine that the Arizona Cardinals would knock off the likes of the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles to get to the Super Bowl. During the regular season, Arizona played both the Panthers and the Eagles, and lost both games. Although, I kinda gave them the benefit of the doubt in the Wild Card round against Atlanta...but still, the Falcons looked better on paper. At least to me, anyway.
The road the Pittsburgh Steelers took to get here was a little more predictable, in my opinion. They faced off against San Diego (who knocked off Manning and Co. to eliminate the Indianapolis Colts) and Baltimore, and were heavily favored in both games. And, of course, the Steelers prevailed.
Which brings us to the present: Super Bowl XLIII (or 43, for those not keen on Roman numerals). The mighty Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Arizona Cardinals, our decade's version of the Kardiac Kids. And I can't POSSIBLY be any more excited about a football game than I am about this one. The instant favorite versus the obvious underdog? You know there's gonna be some smashmouth, high-energy football played in this one.
Let's take a look at the Steelers. On one side you've got hard-hitting, no-nonsense defense from the likes of Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, and James Harrison. On the other side of the ball, you've got playmakers like Hines Ward, Willie Parker, and Santonio Holmes. Now Holmes, he's a dual-threat. He can beat a corner deep downfield for a big-gainer, or he can punish you on special teams. He's a beast. Despite all of his critics, we can't downplay how important Ben Roethlisberger is to this team, either. Yes, we remember his 22.6 rating in Super Bowl XL, but you know what they say..."past performance does not guarantee future results".
Now, onto the Cards. Kurt Warner, at 37 years young, is playing probably the best football of his career, in my opinion. Sure, he did it ten years or so ago, but he was much younger then. I never thought I'd see him playing for a shot at another ring ten years later. Warner has demonstrated his poise and awareness, even while staring a blitz right in his face. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, both of whom will be playing in Honolulu, are guys that can turn a 5-yard catch into a 25 or 30-yard gain with very little effort. We can't count out Arizona's defense either. One player in particular grabs my attention: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He is a great corner, and he plays with the intensity and discipline that we see 6 or 8-year veterans exhibit. Oh yeah, he's a rookie, by the way. To say nothing of guys like S Adrian Wilson, DE Bertrand Berry, and LB Karlos Dansby, who are productive at their respective positions.
With that in mind, the outcome of this game suddenly doesn't become so apparent. I know many people are picking the Steelers early on...which might be a mistake. Consider the obstacles Arizona had standing in their way prior to this, and the fact that they beat a Panthers team IN Charlotte, where they lost during Week 8. And also, the late-game heroics during the NFC Championship game against Philly. With all that behind them, Arizona is focused on one goal: hoisting that Vince Lombardi Trophy high and proud in the Tampa sky.
But that does not mean the Steelers will make it easy. Anyone living between Steubenville and Altoona will tell you that this Pittsburgh defense is arguably the best this league has ever seen. Not just because they're part of Steeler Nation, but because it's the TRUTH. As mentioned earlier, Kurt Warner is very good at reading and avoiding a blitz, and he's definitely going to be put to the test in this one. In addition, I believe Arizona's D is overmatched when it comes to the Steelers' offensive unit.
My take? This game could go either way, and I'm not picking a winner. One thing I WILL say: Fasten your seat belts...this is going to be a HELL of a ride!
The road the Pittsburgh Steelers took to get here was a little more predictable, in my opinion. They faced off against San Diego (who knocked off Manning and Co. to eliminate the Indianapolis Colts) and Baltimore, and were heavily favored in both games. And, of course, the Steelers prevailed.
Which brings us to the present: Super Bowl XLIII (or 43, for those not keen on Roman numerals). The mighty Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Arizona Cardinals, our decade's version of the Kardiac Kids. And I can't POSSIBLY be any more excited about a football game than I am about this one. The instant favorite versus the obvious underdog? You know there's gonna be some smashmouth, high-energy football played in this one.
Let's take a look at the Steelers. On one side you've got hard-hitting, no-nonsense defense from the likes of Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, and James Harrison. On the other side of the ball, you've got playmakers like Hines Ward, Willie Parker, and Santonio Holmes. Now Holmes, he's a dual-threat. He can beat a corner deep downfield for a big-gainer, or he can punish you on special teams. He's a beast. Despite all of his critics, we can't downplay how important Ben Roethlisberger is to this team, either. Yes, we remember his 22.6 rating in Super Bowl XL, but you know what they say..."past performance does not guarantee future results".
Now, onto the Cards. Kurt Warner, at 37 years young, is playing probably the best football of his career, in my opinion. Sure, he did it ten years or so ago, but he was much younger then. I never thought I'd see him playing for a shot at another ring ten years later. Warner has demonstrated his poise and awareness, even while staring a blitz right in his face. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, both of whom will be playing in Honolulu, are guys that can turn a 5-yard catch into a 25 or 30-yard gain with very little effort. We can't count out Arizona's defense either. One player in particular grabs my attention: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He is a great corner, and he plays with the intensity and discipline that we see 6 or 8-year veterans exhibit. Oh yeah, he's a rookie, by the way. To say nothing of guys like S Adrian Wilson, DE Bertrand Berry, and LB Karlos Dansby, who are productive at their respective positions.
With that in mind, the outcome of this game suddenly doesn't become so apparent. I know many people are picking the Steelers early on...which might be a mistake. Consider the obstacles Arizona had standing in their way prior to this, and the fact that they beat a Panthers team IN Charlotte, where they lost during Week 8. And also, the late-game heroics during the NFC Championship game against Philly. With all that behind them, Arizona is focused on one goal: hoisting that Vince Lombardi Trophy high and proud in the Tampa sky.
But that does not mean the Steelers will make it easy. Anyone living between Steubenville and Altoona will tell you that this Pittsburgh defense is arguably the best this league has ever seen. Not just because they're part of Steeler Nation, but because it's the TRUTH. As mentioned earlier, Kurt Warner is very good at reading and avoiding a blitz, and he's definitely going to be put to the test in this one. In addition, I believe Arizona's D is overmatched when it comes to the Steelers' offensive unit.
My take? This game could go either way, and I'm not picking a winner. One thing I WILL say: Fasten your seat belts...this is going to be a HELL of a ride!
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