I miss football already and some other rants

I know, I know, there's still the Super Bowl this weekend. But when you really don't care about the two teams playing, it just isn't much fun to watch. Not even sure who I want to win.... maybe the Saints, so we can get them a Super Bowl, and everyone will feel all giddy inside for the state that's had so much pain and suffering in the past few years. Would certainly be a better party than if Indy won. You ever hear of a great party in Indianapolis? I haven't.

Thank heaven for hockey. Football season ends at just about the time that hockey gets cranked up. 2 more months until the hockey playoffs start, so the teams are cranking it up to position themselves as best they can. I've watched three hockey games on TV this year, and all three have gone to a shoot-out to decide the winner. Plus, as hard as these guys play, it's almost like watching football. You get all the excitement and hitting of football, with much better announcers to listen to.

NASCAR is right around the corner too. Seems the rule-makers in NASCAR have decided to open things up a bit and let the drivers get back to driving. No more silly bump-drafting laws. Bigger restrictor plates for better throttle response. Should make Daytona and Talladega quite fun to watch this year.

Silly season is about over for awards shows. At least, I hope it is. Can someone tell me why they're still calling the category Album of the Year? When was the last time someone saw a new release on an album? How about calling it CD of the Year? Then they make things even more confusing by having a category of Record of the Year. Huh? Isn't an album and a record the same thing? Maybe I'm showing my age a bit too much complaining about this. Anyone else remember 8 Track tapes? Is there really any reason in the world to have SO MANY awards shows? Isn't the huge amounts of money they're making enough of an award for these folks? (Movie stars, not musicians...I hear all musicians are poor.) Anyway, most of these folks spend all year complaining about always being in the spotlight, never having any privacy... then they spend a month out of the year going out of their way to get as much publicity as possible. Just saying it seems odd to me.

Apple finally unveiled it's newest creation. The iPad seems to be a pretty slick little device. I've seen hundreds of stories on it the past week, and it amazes me how many people can complain about a product when they haven't even had the opportunity to see it, touch it, or use it. Yet, invariably, all the techno wizards out there start spouting their wisdom on the drawbacks and poor judgement of the manufacturer and they haven't even seen the product.

I have seen a few reviews by people that actually got to use the device, and all were impressed by the design, function, speed and beauty of the iPad. While there are a few things that were left out of the product, most felt that what was missing wouldn't impact the normal everyday user. Also, it's a first try at this for Apple, so of course there will bumps and bruises along the way. Anyone remember the first iPhone? The first iPod? Both had glitches and hitches, but now look how many people can't live without them.

I guess I just wish that people that have yet to even touch and use a product would complain less, as they really have no idea what they're talking about. I can't write a scathing review of say, Cialis, as I've never used the product. I can make fun of the commercials (and I do), but I have no right to say anything about a product I've never used before.

Anyway, time to get off my stump, and get back to some real work. 'Til next time...