The ratings are in and Super Bowl XLIV is the most watched event in U.S. television history. 106.5 million people watched, passing the MASH finale and the debut of Jersey Shore.
But I call bullshit on those numbers. Forget about how the numbers compare to each other, that’s impossible to debate because things have changed so much in the past 27 years.
But to say only 106 million people watched the Super Bowl seems awfully low to me.
Here’s why:
There are roughly 325 million people in U.S.
4 million babies are born each year, so if no children under 2 watched, that’s 8 million, throw in another 2 million random kids and that’s 10 million kids not watching.
I’d say 20 million elderly are unable to watch due to age or infirmity.
About 10 million people across the country were probably at work, at jobs where they couldn’t watch the game.
There are about 15 million gays, about a million of whom probably watched. And another 15 million lesbians, about 14 million of whom probably watched.
And I will give you another 50 million women and men who didn’t watch the game due to lack of interest.
That’s 105 million people not watching.
Which means about 220 million were watching, more than double what Nielsen said.
And if you disagree with my numbers here’s what you need to do, think about everyone you know, from infants to infirm and see if you get a number less than one-third of whom watched at least some of the game.
Note: I know it’s impossible to measure how many people are watching at parties, restaurants and bars, but to charge people for this service and to be that far off, it just doesn’t make any sense for this company to even exist if this is the quality of their estimate.
Showing posts with label super bowl xliv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label super bowl xliv. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Football's Answer to Anthony Mason
Super Bowl hero Tracy Porter who returned Peyton Manning's interception for the game-clinching touchdown was sporting a special haircut beneath his helmet during Super Bowl XLIV. Crafted into his hair was "SB 44" along with the Superdome and the Lombardi Trophy.
I guess Porter's hair grows pretty fast because two weeks ago he had the ghosts from Pac-man, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.
Nothing will ever beat Anthony Mason's "In God's Hands" though, a spiritual message and a hairstyle.
I guess Porter's hair grows pretty fast because two weeks ago he had the ghosts from Pac-man, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.
Nothing will ever beat Anthony Mason's "In God's Hands" though, a spiritual message and a hairstyle.
Monday, February 08, 2010
How the Super Bowl Was Won
“You gotta have balls baby!”
The late great Amir Vahedi uttered those famous words during the 2003 World Series of Poker. Sean Payton is the coach of the Super Bowl Champions right now because he made aggressive calls to take the game away from the Colts.
Payton went for it on 4th down and goal late in the second quarter, and though he missed it was the proper risk to take. The play-calling may have been suspect but the Colts didn’t score and the Saints got that field goal anyway.
Maybe that decision emboldened Payton at halftime to decide to start the second half with an onside kick. I thought this was a great move because an unexpectedly high number of surprise onside kicks are recovered by the kicking team. It was a good chance to take because the reward is incredibly high and the risk is only about 30 yards of field position, which is significant but not back-breaking.
And even worse for Payton if these moves had backfired the same people who are praising his stones this morning would be ripping him to shreds had the Saints lost.
For having the guts to make what might have been a crucial mistake, Sean Payton is waking up a Super Bowl Champion this morning.
The late great Amir Vahedi uttered those famous words during the 2003 World Series of Poker. Sean Payton is the coach of the Super Bowl Champions right now because he made aggressive calls to take the game away from the Colts.
Payton went for it on 4th down and goal late in the second quarter, and though he missed it was the proper risk to take. The play-calling may have been suspect but the Colts didn’t score and the Saints got that field goal anyway.
Maybe that decision emboldened Payton at halftime to decide to start the second half with an onside kick. I thought this was a great move because an unexpectedly high number of surprise onside kicks are recovered by the kicking team. It was a good chance to take because the reward is incredibly high and the risk is only about 30 yards of field position, which is significant but not back-breaking.
And even worse for Payton if these moves had backfired the same people who are praising his stones this morning would be ripping him to shreds had the Saints lost.
For having the guts to make what might have been a crucial mistake, Sean Payton is waking up a Super Bowl Champion this morning.
Super Bowl Ads
I thought the Super Bowl ads as a whole were lackluster this year but here are a few we enjoyed
Starting with my personal favorite, Doritos dog collar:
Bud Light T-Pain, did you know there are iPhone apps that do this to your voice:
Motorola Megan Fox Sexting. I love the ad genius who came up with this one, let's put Megan Fox in a bathtub sending naked pictures of herself. Really hard to come up with that idea:
Hyundai Brett Favre 2020. At least he's self-deprecating, sort of:
Boost Mobile Shuffle. I didn't find this funny at all, only including it because Billy loved it:
The original 7-minute long "Super Bowl Shuffle" was much funnier.
The Bud Light House, I haven't heard too much buzz about this one but I found it subtly clever:
Doritos Keep Your Hands off my Mama, it is kind of funny but aren't we past the precocious wise-cracking black child already?
Career Builder Casual Fridays. The new guy at work whom I now call "Work Smist" loved this one. That explains it:
Snickers Betty White and Abe Vigoda. Two classic comedians in the twilight of their careers joining forces for an hilarious commercial.
Starting with my personal favorite, Doritos dog collar:
Bud Light T-Pain, did you know there are iPhone apps that do this to your voice:
Motorola Megan Fox Sexting. I love the ad genius who came up with this one, let's put Megan Fox in a bathtub sending naked pictures of herself. Really hard to come up with that idea:
Hyundai Brett Favre 2020. At least he's self-deprecating, sort of:
Boost Mobile Shuffle. I didn't find this funny at all, only including it because Billy loved it:
The original 7-minute long "Super Bowl Shuffle" was much funnier.
The Bud Light House, I haven't heard too much buzz about this one but I found it subtly clever:
Doritos Keep Your Hands off my Mama, it is kind of funny but aren't we past the precocious wise-cracking black child already?
Career Builder Casual Fridays. The new guy at work whom I now call "Work Smist" loved this one. That explains it:
Snickers Betty White and Abe Vigoda. Two classic comedians in the twilight of their careers joining forces for an hilarious commercial.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Weekly Picks
This horrible season has finally come to an end. I have one last chance to salvage something.
BEST BET
Indianapolis -5 New Orleans
Both teams can put up points, this much we know. Neither team has much of a running game so this game will come down to the quarterbacks. As good as Drew Brees is, I would take Peyton Manning (who has definitely shed his early-career choker label) over just about anyone of all time. The other thing is, I think the Colts have a better defense than New Orleans. Even without Dwight Freeney (who will try to play but probably won't be very effective) I trust Indy to get more pressure on the quarterback than the Saints. But as I always say, the biggest thing that determines games in turnovers, and that unpredictability is why games are so hard to pick. If the Saints get a couple or three fumbles, the announcers will remind us ad nauseum that they practice stripping the ball, and they will win. But I think the Colts will control the ball and get the win.
Indianapolis Colts 31 New Orleans Saints 24
Last week: 1-1 (2 points)
Season: 40-55 (38 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (9-11)
Home Favorites: 1-1 (9-15)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (1-2)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (16-16)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (14-21)
Road Pickem: 0-0 (0-1)
BEST BET
Indianapolis -5 New Orleans
Both teams can put up points, this much we know. Neither team has much of a running game so this game will come down to the quarterbacks. As good as Drew Brees is, I would take Peyton Manning (who has definitely shed his early-career choker label) over just about anyone of all time. The other thing is, I think the Colts have a better defense than New Orleans. Even without Dwight Freeney (who will try to play but probably won't be very effective) I trust Indy to get more pressure on the quarterback than the Saints. But as I always say, the biggest thing that determines games in turnovers, and that unpredictability is why games are so hard to pick. If the Saints get a couple or three fumbles, the announcers will remind us ad nauseum that they practice stripping the ball, and they will win. But I think the Colts will control the ball and get the win.
Indianapolis Colts 31 New Orleans Saints 24
Last week: 1-1 (2 points)
Season: 40-55 (38 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (9-11)
Home Favorites: 1-1 (9-15)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (1-2)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (16-16)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (14-21)
Road Pickem: 0-0 (0-1)
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Super Bowl Prop Bets
Why pick the spread and the over/under when so much more is available for the Super Bowl? Here's the best bets from the long list of prop bets available from bodog.
The first 1st down in the game will happen on a Pass or Run play?
Passing Play (First 1st Down) -180
Rushing Play (First 1st Down) +150
Both of these teams will come out passing and stay passing. The first first down of the game will likely come on the first play, Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark for 12 yards.
What will be the result of the first coaches challenge in the game?
Play Overturned -115
Play Stands -115
Way fewer than half of challenges are overturned. I can't believe we are getting even money for this.
Total number of pass interceptions made in the game by both teams
Over/Under (Total Pass Interceptions) 2½
Over +160
Under -200
The odds are rightfully against a high number of interceptions here but too many times we see great quarterbacks have bad games. We could even see both guys play well and still combine for three interceptions. The extra juice makes the over attractive.
Will there be a lead change in the second half
Yes (Lead Change 2H) +140
No (Lead Change 2H) -170
I think this will be a close game so I'm expecting the lead to change hands in the second half, probably more than once.
Total points scored by both teams
0-7 Points (Both Teams) 500/1
8-14 Points (Both Teams) 100/1
15-20 Points (Both Teams) 40/1
21-25 Points (Both Teams) 30/1
26-30 Points (Both Teams) 18/1
31-35 Points (Both Teams) 12/1
36-40 Points (Both Teams) 10/1
41-45 Points (Both Teams) 7/1
46-50 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
51-55 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
56-60 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
61-65 Points (Both Teams) 7/1
66-70 Points (Both Teams) 8/1
71-75 Points (Both Teams) 12/1
76-80 Points (Both Teams) 15/1
81 or more Points (Both Teams) 5/1
I think the chances are excellent this game will be in the 50s. So I am taking both 51-55 and 56-60 at 6 to 1 each.
Will the Game Total Be Odd or Even
Odd (Game Total) -135
Even (Game Total) +105
Not sure why odd seems more likely but I'll take even.
How long will it take Carrie Underwood to sing the National Anthem? Clock starts as soon as Underwood sings first Note and Stops when she sings her last note.
Over 1 Minute and 42 Seconds EVEN
Under 1 Minute and 42 Seconds -130
She just doesn't seem like the type to drag out her moment with long oversung notes. I expect a cool efficient performance from Ms. Underwood. And I also expect excessive promotion of her upcoming appearance on "How I Met Your Mother" from Jim Nantz who recently did a guest spot of his own.
What Color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?
Lime Green 10/1
Yellow 5/6
Orange 11/2
Red 8/1
Blue 25/2
Clear/Water 37/20
Yellow is the safe bet here but as the odds-on favorite its not worth the risk. Taking into account the odds you have to go with orange here.
Who will the Super Bowl MVP of the Game thank first? Wager is on Interview done with the Super Bowl MVP on field during the Trophy Presentation only.
God 3/2
Family 8/1
Teammates 1/1
Coach 12/1
Does not Thank Anyone 23/10
Drew Brees and Peyton Manning aren't Jesus people so God doesn't seem likely here. I'm betting on family but I could see other options (Brees - New Orleans fans, Manning - teammates) or if some wildcard MVP is selected we don't know what he will say. Plus couldn't God just take action on God then give someone the strength to win the MVP? And what if it's Jesus, does that count as God, or is he someone else entirely?
How Many Times will CBS announcers fully mention Hurricane Katrina during the game? Wager is on the number of times announcers specifically say - Hurricane Katrina - during the Game (from kick off until final whistle).
Over/Under 2 1/2
Over -190
Under +155
I don't think the oddsmakers considered that Jim Nantz is doing this game and he loves cheesy shit like this. Plus with Nantz I don't think we are at risk of him saying "Katrina" he's the type of tightass who will say Hurricane Katrina every time.
How Many Times will CBS show Kim Kardashian on TV during the Game? Wager is on the number of times Kim Kardashian will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only, Any Taped Pictures or Past Video does not count towards wager.
Over/Under 2 1/2
Over -125
Under -105
If Reggie Bush scores we will see at least three distinct shots of Kim Kardashian. Sometimes they tone this type of thing down for the Super Bowl so this is iffy but I am going over.
Note: you can also bet on the number of times they will show Archie Manning, Eli Manning or Tony Dungy.
What color top will Kim Kardashian be wearing at the Super Bowl? Wager is on color of top and not on jacket if seperate top and jacket are shown.
Black 4/7
White 13/4
Any Other Color 7/4
I think there is a good chance of her going with a black jacket and white top and since the odds are favorable for white, I'll bet on white. Plus, we know she loves black in her bottom, not in her top.
Will they show a replay of Tom Benson celebrating the missed field goal against Tampa Bay from the regular season?
Yes +250
No -325
No TV producer worth his salt would pass up the chance to show this awesome video to 150 million people.
The first 1st down in the game will happen on a Pass or Run play?
Passing Play (First 1st Down) -180
Rushing Play (First 1st Down) +150
Both of these teams will come out passing and stay passing. The first first down of the game will likely come on the first play, Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark for 12 yards.
What will be the result of the first coaches challenge in the game?
Play Overturned -115
Play Stands -115
Way fewer than half of challenges are overturned. I can't believe we are getting even money for this.
Total number of pass interceptions made in the game by both teams
Over/Under (Total Pass Interceptions) 2½
Over +160
Under -200
The odds are rightfully against a high number of interceptions here but too many times we see great quarterbacks have bad games. We could even see both guys play well and still combine for three interceptions. The extra juice makes the over attractive.
Will there be a lead change in the second half
Yes (Lead Change 2H) +140
No (Lead Change 2H) -170
I think this will be a close game so I'm expecting the lead to change hands in the second half, probably more than once.
Total points scored by both teams
0-7 Points (Both Teams) 500/1
8-14 Points (Both Teams) 100/1
15-20 Points (Both Teams) 40/1
21-25 Points (Both Teams) 30/1
26-30 Points (Both Teams) 18/1
31-35 Points (Both Teams) 12/1
36-40 Points (Both Teams) 10/1
41-45 Points (Both Teams) 7/1
46-50 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
51-55 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
56-60 Points (Both Teams) 6/1
61-65 Points (Both Teams) 7/1
66-70 Points (Both Teams) 8/1
71-75 Points (Both Teams) 12/1
76-80 Points (Both Teams) 15/1
81 or more Points (Both Teams) 5/1
I think the chances are excellent this game will be in the 50s. So I am taking both 51-55 and 56-60 at 6 to 1 each.
Will the Game Total Be Odd or Even
Odd (Game Total) -135
Even (Game Total) +105
Not sure why odd seems more likely but I'll take even.
How long will it take Carrie Underwood to sing the National Anthem? Clock starts as soon as Underwood sings first Note and Stops when she sings her last note.
Over 1 Minute and 42 Seconds EVEN
Under 1 Minute and 42 Seconds -130
She just doesn't seem like the type to drag out her moment with long oversung notes. I expect a cool efficient performance from Ms. Underwood. And I also expect excessive promotion of her upcoming appearance on "How I Met Your Mother" from Jim Nantz who recently did a guest spot of his own.
What Color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?
Lime Green 10/1
Yellow 5/6
Orange 11/2
Red 8/1
Blue 25/2
Clear/Water 37/20
Yellow is the safe bet here but as the odds-on favorite its not worth the risk. Taking into account the odds you have to go with orange here.
Who will the Super Bowl MVP of the Game thank first? Wager is on Interview done with the Super Bowl MVP on field during the Trophy Presentation only.
God 3/2
Family 8/1
Teammates 1/1
Coach 12/1
Does not Thank Anyone 23/10
Drew Brees and Peyton Manning aren't Jesus people so God doesn't seem likely here. I'm betting on family but I could see other options (Brees - New Orleans fans, Manning - teammates) or if some wildcard MVP is selected we don't know what he will say. Plus couldn't God just take action on God then give someone the strength to win the MVP? And what if it's Jesus, does that count as God, or is he someone else entirely?
How Many Times will CBS announcers fully mention Hurricane Katrina during the game? Wager is on the number of times announcers specifically say - Hurricane Katrina - during the Game (from kick off until final whistle).
Over/Under 2 1/2
Over -190
Under +155
I don't think the oddsmakers considered that Jim Nantz is doing this game and he loves cheesy shit like this. Plus with Nantz I don't think we are at risk of him saying "Katrina" he's the type of tightass who will say Hurricane Katrina every time.
How Many Times will CBS show Kim Kardashian on TV during the Game? Wager is on the number of times Kim Kardashian will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only, Any Taped Pictures or Past Video does not count towards wager.
Over/Under 2 1/2
Over -125
Under -105
If Reggie Bush scores we will see at least three distinct shots of Kim Kardashian. Sometimes they tone this type of thing down for the Super Bowl so this is iffy but I am going over.
Note: you can also bet on the number of times they will show Archie Manning, Eli Manning or Tony Dungy.
What color top will Kim Kardashian be wearing at the Super Bowl? Wager is on color of top and not on jacket if seperate top and jacket are shown.
Black 4/7
White 13/4
Any Other Color 7/4
I think there is a good chance of her going with a black jacket and white top and since the odds are favorable for white, I'll bet on white. Plus, we know she loves black in her bottom, not in her top.
Will they show a replay of Tom Benson celebrating the missed field goal against Tampa Bay from the regular season?
Yes +250
No -325
No TV producer worth his salt would pass up the chance to show this awesome video to 150 million people.
Friday, February 05, 2010
An Ad You Won't See During the Super Bowl
A gay dating website, mancrunch.com, had its ad rejected by CBS.
CBS said its standards and practices department rejected the ad. Gay groups are claiming discrimination but CBS also says it has very few ad slots left and it couldn't verify Mancrunch's financial status.
While I disagree with this decision because it seems like it was made because the ad shows two guys kissing, I also doubt Mancrunch's motives. I know a lot of gay men will watch the Super Bowl, but for the relative dollars it seems like Mancrunch would be better off advertising on the Oscars. I think they knew this ad would get rejected which allowed them to claim discrimination and get their ad out there without paying a dime.
CBS said its standards and practices department rejected the ad. Gay groups are claiming discrimination but CBS also says it has very few ad slots left and it couldn't verify Mancrunch's financial status.
While I disagree with this decision because it seems like it was made because the ad shows two guys kissing, I also doubt Mancrunch's motives. I know a lot of gay men will watch the Super Bowl, but for the relative dollars it seems like Mancrunch would be better off advertising on the Oscars. I think they knew this ad would get rejected which allowed them to claim discrimination and get their ad out there without paying a dime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)