Chrysler's Patriotic Super Bowl Ad

Sure, this year's Super Bowl ads gave us stripping M&Ms, a return of the Soup Nazi and Jillian Micheals' bedroom eyes, but for my money it was Chrysler's "It's Halftime in America" that stole the night.

Chrysler's spot was filled with inspirational zeal and Clint Eastwood. What's not to love? The message: things have been rough of late for America, but the game isn't over yet. "Yeah, it's halftime, America, and our second half is about to begin."

Now, I love the positive references to the D in the ad (that's "The D" as in "Detroit" for those of you distant from the Motor City) but it's the commercial's message of hope through effort that will keep it in my mind long after the rest of the night's funny pitches are long forgotten . . . well, except maybe Jillian Michaels.

Here is the full Chrysler add courtesy of YouTube.

Evgeni Plushenko: Russian National Insecurity On Ice

I hate writing about Olympic figure skating. I mean, if somebody laces blades to their feet they'd better have a hockey stick or an attitude like Apollo Ohno. However, the gold-medal whining from Russian ice dancer (or whatever they're called) Evgeni Plushenko after losing the Olympic gold to an American has me thinking about current Russian culture in generally -- namely, a culture of national insecurity that grows by the day.

Just in case you were watching actual sports, Russian skate spinner Evgeni Plushenko was slap-fight mad after performing a spinning thing that had more spins than his competition, apparently believing that judging performance in this event should be based solely on the number of spins one does. In a Russian show of class (which fortunately cost fewer lives than their invasion of Georgia), Plushenko actually stepped onto the gold medal podium before descending to his rightful place during the award ceremony. Meanwhile, the American winner, Evan Lysacek, remained gracious.

Without doubt Evgeni Plushenko is a spoiled brat who obviously didn't get taken to the wood shedenv enough, but this story also reflects a growing sense of insecurity within the former super power. Russia's national behavior has grown increasing nasty, pointing missiles at Poland, Claiming international oil regions in the Arctic, invading neighbors, re-engaging the space race, etc, etc, etc. They are a proud nation and their ruling elite is beginning to feel the need to ascend to super power status once again -- by any means necessary. The mentality is trickling to their population and reflecting in their representative, like Evgeni Plushenko. It is a trend America must watch.

Michael Jordan Demonstrates What's Wrong With Sports

In a show of hometown support, Michael Jordan tossed on a Chicago Blackhawks jersey for the NHL team's playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings . . . or did he? It seems that Jordan's hometown pride was altered by his life sponsor: Nike.

Jordan did show up at the game to bestow a royal wave on those in attendance and he did put on a Blackhawks sweater for the event, but would only do so after the Reebok logo was covered over by a red patch. Wait, hasn't he done this before? Well, who could forget that poignant moment when Jordon took the podium in the 1992 Olympics draped with an American flag -- not out of rabid patriotism, but rather because Reebok was the official sponsor and Jordon had to cover up their logo out of loyalty to his brand. Then there was 2007, when he used a white piece of tape to cover an Adidas logo.

Now, I'm sure Jordan's handlers are going to play the ol' "Nike won't let him wear any other gear" card, but are we still buying that crap? Even if it were true, wouldn't the fiasco at the '92 Olympics teach him that people care more about their team than his silly little swoosh? Apparently not when it comes to his airness. Brand above country. Sponsor above city. Nike ueber alles.

Coach Chuck Daly Diagnosed With Cancer

They were more than a championship team.

They were a force.
They were attitude.
They were swagger.
The NBA change their rules to stop them.
They were The Bad Boys.
And Coach Chuck Daly was their leader.

Now Coach Daly has another challenge to face. Yesterday the world found out that the 78 year old is fighting pancreatic cancer, a battle his family learned learned about only 3 weeks earlier.

Daly brought NBA championships to Detroit in 1989 and 1990. He also led the original Dream Team to Olympic gold in 1992. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. His intelligence and heart concerning basketball have been on display for years. Now he and his family need us to display support through prayers.

God bless you and your family, Coach.

Wolverines Lose 8 For The First Time Ever (Fire Rich Rod)

Today Northwestern beat Michigan, giving the Wolverines 8 losses (5 at home) for the first time ever. Today Ann Arbor suffers through the first losing gridiron season in over 40 years. 129 years of football tradition and now we have to witness Northwestern and Toledo victories in the Big House during the same season.

Look what Rich Rod has wrought.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't care if there is a new system in place. I don't care if he lost his entire offense and most of his defense. I don't care if his name is fun to say.

Rich Rod needs to be fired!

Michigan doesn't rebuild. Michigan doesn't have off years. Michigan doesn't lose 5 home games.

Thanks a lot, Les Miles.

Fire Rich Rod!

I don't care if they don't have the right players for his system. I don't care if there are injuries. I don't care if the kicker missed a chip shot.

Michigan should never lose to Toledo, much less in The Big House.

Let me be the first to say it:

FIRE RICH ROD!

Water Wolverines

It was a Gold and Bronze Olympic performance for Wolverine Swim team members Michael Phelps and Peter Vanderkaay in the 200-meter freestyle.

Phelps, of course, has already won three gold medals in Beijing, all in record time. Today's victory was his ninth career gold medal and tied him with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina for the most in Olympic history. With five more events on his Olympic itinerary there's a good chance this University of Michigan product will soon stand alone at the top of the international heap. Makes me proud to be a UM alum.

I just wish he could play quarterback.

UPDATE:
Michael Phelps has done it! 8 Gold Medals!
Congrats, Wolverine

Tigers Trade Pudge (or: The Day My Boys Became Yankee Fans)

I've always been a big baseball fan. I remember growing up and watching some of my favorite players step up to the plate with the ole English D bold on their chests. Al Kaline, Norm Cash, Bill Freehan, Willie Horton and when I hit my teens Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. Not all hall-of-famers, but Tigers for life who I came to know and loved to watch them play.

Things have changed.

My two boys are at the beginning of their love for sports so it's little wonder when they turn to baseball they are drawn to the man who became the face of the Detroit Tiger's resurgence. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. Yes, he spent much of his career in Texas, but as far as my kids are concerned he is their Tiger. His poster is in their room, his baseball cards litter their dresser drawers, and there is rare silence in the living room when he comes up to bat. Well, there was silence. Pudge is no longer a Tiger. He was traded to New York and now the boys want to know how they can watch Yankee games.

I grew up in an era when sports free agency was in its infancy and players staying with their teams was the norm. Oh, I know sports has always been a business, but there was something about times past that at least gave the impression of loyalty. Players didn't leave and teams seemed to appreciate them. As an adult I understand that it was a naive impression created by antiquated league rules, but I wish my kids could enjoy baseball with that same naivety. I wish they could watch the same "motor city players" take the field for their team, regardless of whether or not different players would bring better results. I wish, for their sake, that Pudge was still a Detroit Tiger.

Nothing Says NASCAR Like Barack Obama

According to Sports Illustrated, who apparently still publishes more than that annual swimsuit issue, Barack Obama's campaign is considering sponsorship of BAM Racing's No. 49 Sprint Cup car for the Pocono race on August 3.

A BAM spokesperson has revealed the team will hold a press conference July 23 in Miami to reveal the partnership, currently a proposed one-race deal with an option to continue. . . . Obama Racing sources claim one of the options being considered would allow individual campaign donors to get their name on the race car for as little as $100. Obama will also be present for a second private fundraiser on July 30 in Miami, in which team owners Beth Ann and Tony Morgenthau -- staunch Republicans -- will give the Democrat an opportunity to spread his message of change.

If true, Obama would become the first presidential candidate to join Viagra and Valvoline as a major sponsor in a premier NASCAR event. Since the majority of NASCAR fans vote republican, this may seem akin to John McCain playing for tofu in a PETA poker tournament, but I say it's a fantastic move. What better way to show your interest in the American working class by supporting American sports and industry with your name plastered across the hood of a Toyota.

Man Found Guilty Of Planning Super Bowl Slaughter

According to an AP report:

Authorities alleged the 36-year-old [Kurt] Havelock bought an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from the Scottsdale Gun Club on Jan. 30. The documents say Havelock wanted to kill people at the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in Glendale and was armed when he reached a parking lot near University of Phoenix Stadium where pre-game activities were happening. However, Havelock had a change of heart. He called his parents, and they persuaded him to turn himself in to Tempe police.

While it's horrific that somebody would air his grievances by planning a massacre at football's premiere game, at least I know my Detroit Lions will always be far away from any danger involving the Super Bowl.

Mayor Kwami Kilpatrick Booed At The Parade

And this was supposed to be a happy occasion.

The Detroit Red Wings victory parade took them from The Hockeytown Cafe to Hart Plaza in the center of Detroit with thousands lining the streets to cheer on their beloved hockey team. And the cheering only stopped when Detroit mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, to the stage.

Kilpatrick walked up to the microphone and said something that I suspect had to do with the Wings' victory . . . it was hard to tell since the mayor's speech was drowned out by all the booing. I thing I may have also heard hissing, but that could have been somebody letting air out of the tires in Kilpatrick's ever-present mile-long motorcade.

Perhaps the most stunning moment came when the mayor ended his speech with, "Because we're all here together and you're all having a good time, the beer is on me. God bless you. Go Red Wings." Only to be greeted by more boos. Imagine that, hockey fans booing beer, and free beer on top of that. I suppose they were just skeptical that even if the mayor actually did follow through on his promise of free suds, it would end up being just one more thing he would put on the city's tab.

And we already know the spin the mayor will throw on this one. Detroit loves him, it was all those evil suburbanites in the crowd who were making the racket.

The Wings Win Lord Stanley's Cup

The Detroit Red Wings have won their 11th Stanley Cup!!

After losing a nail biter at home, the Wings skated into Mellon Arena and captured hockey's greatest prize by defeating the Penguins 3-2 in game 6. Zetterberg won the Conn Smythe, Lidstrom won his fourth cup, and Hockeytown won its rightful hardware.

Thanks for a great season guys!

Go Wings!

The Redwings Sweep The Avs

The Wings advance to the third round of the playoffs again. Let's hope this time they don't let their minds wander to Floridian links during a couple of future third periods.

Of course, even if they collapse, it was nice to see them play Ike to the Avalanche's Tina again. Even in my love-filled heart that is so often displayed on this blog, I just can find a happy place for the frickin' Avs.

TIGERS WIN! TIGERS WIN! TIGERS WIN!

After an 0-7 start, the second highest paid team in Major League Baseball chalked up their first win, defeating the BoSox 7-2. Gee, I guess the Motorcity Kitties are starting to purr.