Thursday, March 6, 2008

Super Bowl Preview

Its been a while since weve seen the Steelers in a super Bowl (10 years). And weve never seen the Seahawks in the big game. Both teams have two weeks to prepare and come off relatively easy wins in the championship games. This game is at a neutral site indoors (Detroit), but does anything stand out as far as how these teams fared on the road this season? The Steelers are playing their best football at the right time of the year, riding a 7-0 SU, 6-1 ats run the last 7 games. most impressive is that they were the No. 6 seed in the AFC and come off wins against the Bengals, Colts and Broncos all on the road! That makes Pittsburgh 8-2 SU/ATS on the road this season! Seattle is only 5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS on the road, although they did average an impressive 27 ppg away from home. Edge to the Steelers.

Philosophically, both teams are similar. Coaches Bill Cowher and Mike Holmgren are veteran coaches whove taken their teams to the super Bowl before. Holmgren makes his third trip, winning once and losing once with the Packers. Both coaches have built their teams with a philosophy around ball control and balanced offenses. Each team has a bruising running back and strong offensive line play.

It was interesting that the last few weeks both teams didnt play conservative, which has been their reputation. Pittsburgh came out throwing the ball often against the Colts and Broncos, and threw several trick plays at the Bengals. In the past, Cowher has leaned more toward running the football, critics say too much, but that hasnt been the case in this playoffs. Dont be surprised if both teams come out throwing the ball and mixing up the plays. The difference this season for Pittsburgh is probably that Cowher has a talented young quarterback who is an excellent decision-maker. Cowher clearly has trust in letting big Ben Roethlisberger throw the football. That wasnt the case over the last ten years when he was stuck with below-average QBs such as Bubby Brister and Kordell Stewart.

Think back to last years super Bowl when two fine QBs squared off in Donovan McNabb and tom Brady. Brady was calm the whole game because he was playing in his third super Bowl in four years. McNabb, on the other hand, was erratic, especially early on, overthrowing several receivers and tossing too many lollipop passes, one of which Rodney Harrison intercepted in the end zone in the first quarter. Nerves can get to QBs playing in their first super Bowl with the whole world watching!

The fact that the game is indoors is probably a wash, favoring neither team. Experience is another factor to consider. Even though neither team has super Bowl experience of late, Id give an edge to the Steelers. Pittsburgh was 16-2 last season and hosted the AFC championship game, losing to the Patriots. That experience factor has helped this postseason, especially since they played three games on the road in hostile environments in Cincinnati, Indy and Denver. And they played smart, mistake-free football. Seattlemade the playoffs last season, but flamed out in the first round against the Rams. Then, this year, they had an edge with home field, but played two playoff games against teams with several flaws in Washington (little offense) and carolina (too many injuries, down to their third string back). Also, Seattle doesnt have a lot of big-game experience away from home.

Looking back on this season, Seattle barely won on the road at St. louis and Tennessee. And the Seahawks lost 23-17 at green Bay (their last road game), 20-17 at Washington and 26-14 at Jacksonville to open the season. Also note that Seattles defense allowed 21 ppg on the road where they are 7-1 'Over' the total. Pittsburgh has opened up the offense more in the second half of the season and carries a 5-2-1 run 'Over' the total into the super Bowl. The Steelers also have more experience playing indoors: since Thanksgiving, theyve played three games indoors, one at minnesota and two at Indianapolis, going 2-1 SU/ATS.

Finally, games are often won and lost via turnovers and in the trenches. I cant predict turnovers, but I can point out that in the trenches, both teams were outstanding at stopping the run this season, and each ranked in the Top 5 in the nfl. On paper, its a wash in the trenches, which possibly means turnovers will be the la difference, as the french say! super Bowl 40 should be a fun one to dissect over the next two weeks and watch. Good luck as always...Al McMordie.

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Euro Tail Lights: An Awesome Mod!

car manufacturers over the years have developed some radical looking tail light designs for their vehicles. The 65 era Thunderbirds, for one, featured sequential tail lights and, years later, Chevy introduced the 90 Lumina van with monster-sized, cant miss tail lights. Today, tail lights on many cars simply do the job, but leave little to the imagination. Fortunately, after market operators have jumped in and developed some awesome looking mods - some call them Euro tail lights -- that even your Granny can install.

What are Euro tail lights? For starters, there is some disagreement on the name but essentially they are also known as Alteeza tail lights, the name of a popular manufacturer of this style of tail light. Others prefer terms such as clear tail lights or red tail lights but in any case they are mods that change the appearance of stock tail lights. In short, you are installing crystal clear or red lenses that go over bullet-style taillight and turn signal lenses. The new lenses, coupled with style rings and platings, help to accentuate the light emitting from auto tail lights and turn signals thereby giving the vehicle a unique look far removed from the original design.

Euro tail lights are marketed in a variety of styles and bezel colors including chrome, carbon fiber, black, etc.; some styles are paintable for a customized look. In addition, new LED or light emitting diode tail lights are also catching on. This particular mod features the installation of new bulbs that light faster and brighter than stock tail light bulbs; they contain no filament and can withstand rough road conditions better than the standard bulbs. Eventually, all cars will likely have LEDs as standard equipment, however you dont have to wait that long.

Of course, if you already own a European make automobile you are likely satisfied with the stock design. Your BMW tail light assembly or Audi tail light assembly is the basis for many of these mods. Still, if you want to squeeze a little extra style out of these types of vehicles there are mods for them as well.

So, are Euro tail lights street legal? They certainly are and they are Department of Transportation (DOT) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) approved. No worries about being pulled over by the law unless you modify the mod illegally!

Yes, you can upgrade your Ford, Kia, Mercedes tail light or virtually any other automotive tail light legally and quickly. Some makers boast that mods can be completed in as little 15 minutes, so you will break hardly a sweat and have a cool upgrade on your vehicle in no time. Blink! Blink!

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The Top Ten Xbox 360 Games for Teens

When the Xbox 360 was first released there were a large number of individuals who waited for hours in hopes of being able to purchase one. In fact, Xbox 360s are so popular that is likely that you have one inside your home right now. No matter how old you are it is always fun to play video games on an Xbox 360.

Despite the fact that individuals of all ages play Xbox 360 games, the majority of players are teenagers. Teenagers love video games and the Xbox 360 is one of the most popular ways to play those games. Many teens and parents of teenagers wonder which Xbox games they should purchase. Below is a list and summary of ten of the most popular Xbox 360 games for teens.

1. The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion is the sequel to The Elder Scrolls III: morrowind. The third game in the series won multiple awards and it is apparent with Oblivion's popularity that the fourth installment is just as good, if not better. The Elder Scrolls is role playing at its best. This one player game allows players to choose exactly who they want to be, whether it be good or evil.

2. Tom Clancy's ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Set in the future, Tom Clancy's ghost Recon Advanced allows teen players to use new weapons to avoid the traps that are set for soldiers. Standard Xbox 360 setup allows one to four players, but Tom Clancy's ghost Recon Advanced Warfighters is also compatible with Xbox Live. Xbox Live makes it possible for up to sixteen players to play a game together, even when they are located on opposite sides of the world.

3. call of duty 2

call of Duty 2, the sequel to the original call of duty, is an amazing war game with outstanding visuals. The game is based around world War II and players must overcome enemies and other obstacles. Due to a split screen feature, call of Duty 2 can be a multiplayer game. Up to eight players can play together via Xbox Live.

4. EA sports: Fight Night Round 3

sports fans will enjoy playing the popular game from EA sports that is titled Fight Night Round 3. Fight Night Round 3 allows players to become their favorite boxer. Boxers can be customized and fights from the past can be reenacted with changed outcomes. EA sports: Fight Night Round 3 is designed for one or two players; however, it is also compatible with Xbox Live.

5. project Gotham Racing 3

Unlike the above mentioned Xbox 360 games, project Gotham Racing 3 is not rated T for Teen. The game is rated E for Everyone, but it still has teenagers in mind and is a great alternative for those who dislike fighting games. Players are able to select and customize their own cars to race around the world in multiple race settings. project Gotham Racing 3 is a one or two player game, but it also works with Xbox Live. In addition to more players, Xbox Live also introduces new racing challenges that are not available offline.

6. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

In Battlefield 2 Modern Combat players are literally dropped into the middle of disaster. Players must decide which side they want to be on and then fight to win. The game is designed for one player, but additional players can be added with the use of Xbox Live. In fact, up to twenty-four players can compete with or against each other online.

7. Burnout Revenge

A large number of teenagers are unable to drive, but even if they were there are some things that you just can't do in a car that is unless you are playing Burnout Revenge. In Burnout Revenge players select the car of their choice and set up car crashes. With Xbox Live four drivers can pit their cars against each other and with offline play up to two players can compete. Burnout Revenge is rated E for Everyone.

8. Kameo: Elements of Power

Kameo: Elements of Power is a game that combines action, adventure, and fantasy all into one. Players become Kameo. The goal of the game is to help save her family from an evil troll king. Players can change their character in to multiple monsters to defeat enemies. Kameo: Elements of Power is a one or two player game that can be played on or offline.

9. nba 2K6

nba 2K6 is rated E for Everyone, but it is a game that is highly popular among teenagers. At first glance, nba 2K6 appears to be another sports game, but the reality is that it is so much more. In addition to playing basketball, it is the player's responsibility to generate extra income through product endorsements. Once money is made players can use to it purchase new items for their homes. nba 2K6 can be played with one or two players.

10. Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie

Players, whether they enjoyed the King Kong movie or not, are sure to love playing Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. When playing the game, players are able to be the human character, Jack, or the gorilla, Kong. Whichever player a character chooses to be there is excitement, battles, and enemies waiting on the other side. Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie is a one player Xbox 360 game.

All of the above mentioned Xbox 360 games are highly rated among teenage gamers. Do you need a gift for a teenager or do want to purchase a game yourself? If so, then check out the large collection of Xbox 360 games designed for teens.

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