Happy Super Bowl Week. Can’t wait for football to resume after a weekend off… What’s that? They played the Pro Bowl yesterday? Seriously? Oh…

Anyway, get your popcorn ready…and your burgers, hot dogs, beef brisket, Doritos, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Beer, and anything else you consume on Super Bowl Sunday. The match-up between the Colts and Saints should be a good one.

Here are this week’s links:

• Here is Adweek’s official Super Bowl ad coverage.
• Ever wonder how the “Punch Bug” or “Slug Bug” game started? Volkswagen answers.
• A really bad Charles Barkley Taco Bell campaign launched…
• Here is Ad Age’s Super Bowl coverage.
• BrandFreak: Naming experts split on whether ‘iPad’ is a terrible name or not
• Beyonce took home a record-breaking six Grammy’s last night. (Or so I’m told.)
• By the way, Avatar won the box office, again, for a seventh-consecutive session. No big deal.
• NBC has renewed “Parks and Recreation” for a third season. I, for one, am glad. This show is extremely underrated and has only improved since it’s first season.
• Netflix has added about 300 indie films for on-demand streaming.
• And, in case you haven’t heard, “Jersey Shore” is returning for a second season with it’s original cast members. Our country is going down the tubes, because of the tube, but it’s never been so much fun.

Brian Laesch compiled these links for Eleventh Hour’s “beyond the world of recruiting” blog.

Michael Oher may not be a well known name around the Hollywood movie types but as of this weekend, his story will be told.  “The Blind Side” to be released this Friday is based on the book authored by Michael Lewis titled “Moneyball” and describes the struggles of a homeless teenager who is transformed by being taking in by a nurturing Memphis family, played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.

Despite his lack of education and football knowledge, Oher was blessed with the makeup of a offensive lineman with his large frame and strength.  Finding a actor to play the role of  Michael Oher was not an easy match.  After a searching nationwide for an actor with similar stature, writer-director John Lee Hancock chose 6′7″ 360-pound Quinton Aaron, who didn’t have a lot of acting experience but did have the soft teddy bear quality.  Unfortunately Aaron was able to sympathize with Oher because Aaron never met his father and lost his mother prior to being cast for the part.  Although Oher is the largest physical character in the movie, Bullock plays the biggest role as the voice of reasoning and direction in the movie.

Leigh Ann Tuohy played by Bullock is a tough nosed mother not letting anything stop her and who takes Oher under her wing and treats him as her own son.  Bullock wasn’t sold on the character until she was able to meet the real Mrs. Tuohy.  A daughter of a U.S. Marshal, Tuohy’s persona is strictly straight forward, leaving nothing to the imagination.  This attitude is evident through Bullock’s portrayal, letting the audience know she is in control in any situation.

Oher, now a rookie offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens got his taste of the spotlight on Monday Night Football last night blanking the Cleveland Browns 16-0.  When asked what people can take away from the story Oher replied, “The thing that people can take from this … reach out and lend a hand. I know so many people that have more talent than I have, that … didn’t get that opportunity that I got.”

If you are still not sold on this family flick mixed with a sports theme, check out Sandra kicking it with the Today crew.

Matt Suttner and Eleventh Hour are sold on “The Blind Side.”

Eleventh Hour is here on Monday to give you some quick-hitters about news that is catching our eye.

• Jay-Z will warm up the Yankee Stadium crowd for Game 1 of the World Series this Wednesday with his hit, “Empire State of Mind.”  Along with JZ’s recent release of “The Blueprint 3,” he is also promoting “DJ Hero” video game with Eminem.
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• Paul Michael from Wise Bread lends a hand to list the 47 simple ways to waste money.  Paul’s sarcasm might be the best way to reach those who are committing one of these faux pas.
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• Charles Barkley is looking forward to getting the opportunity to become a NBA GM.  The Hall of Fame player isn’t in a hurry to gamble with just any team, rather find a team that would suit him best.
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• New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez enjoyed a hot dog during the 38-0 thumping of the Oakland Raiders.  It is unsure if  “Mr. Sanchise” will receive a dog endorsement or a slap on the wrist League.  Check out his postgame apology.
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• Iceland say no more to Big Mac’s as fallen profit are causing existing three McDonald’s restaurants to close.  Doubling costs due to importing costs and falling currency mean no more “Golden Arches” for Icelandic island.
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• Adage.com looks at NBC’s attempt to rebrand primetime TV with “Top 10 Lessons to Learn From Failing Leno Strategy.”  By banking so much on the single Leno brand, NBC has disappointed both viewers and advertisers.

Matt Suttner agress with #36 on best way to waste money.  “Don’t take the time to read street signs. I got myself a lovely $25 parking ticket recently because I thought the road was meter-free. It wasn’t. The meters had been replaced by one parking fee booth about 20ft down the road.”  California will teach you that one fast.

Nuggets is a funny word…

Anyway, I was going to write about Michael Vick’s return to football with the Philadelphia Eagles in yesterday’s preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. I was going to call it, “Vick’s return: The shuffle pass heard round the world.” But then I realized, besides his pass to the new star of VH1’s Kendra, Hank Baskett, who my college friends and I randomly partied with on spring break years ago, that’s all Vick really did.  One completed pass (which looked great). One completed shuffle pass (which worked). Sure, this was to be expected, but I can’t wait to see more (which I’m sure I will, next preseason game).

Jared Allen thought the word “schism” was an STD.

Jerry Jones gets to keep his giant video screen at the new Cowboys Stadium…for now. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is letting him keep it for the 2009 season, but there is no guarantee for the 2010 season. I can’t get over this stadium. How does a multi-billion dollar stadium, primarily constructed for Dallas Cowboys football, make a mistake where a kick can actual hit and deflect off the scoreboard? How is that possible?

Dante Culpepper will start the third Detroit Lions preseason game. (I forgot he was still in the league.)

Does LA have a pro team yet? (Not that it needs one, with all the transplant fans.)

Brandon Marshall has been suspended until September 5th by the Denver Broncos. Oops…

And to make that weirder, the recently-departed Bronco and current Bears QB (which is great for me), Jay Cutler, has some kind words for his former Broncos coach.

I saw a new trailer via The Rundown today for an interesting new NFL culture-inspired film, Big Fans.

Michael Vick jerseys on backorder?

And, in closing, here is a very entertaining “vlogger” and his take on Michael Vick’s release. This guy talks so fast, it took me two minutes to realize he’s holding a fire extinguisher. What the “fudge” is that all about?

Brian Laesch is one of two resident sports bloggers at Eleventh Hour.

In case you haven’t heard, Michael Vick has been reinstated in the NFL and, in a somewhat surprising move, has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to pair up (somehow) with current quarterback Donovan McNabb.

While most of the country argues over whether or not he deserves a second chance (and PETA releases statements absolutely opposing the decision), and some argue whether this is Vick’s second chance or whether it’s his third or fourth, media-types, like Advertising Age, are asking how Vick’s signing will affect the media and advertising angle. While it’s pretty much a no-brainer that Michael Vick won’t be receiving individual endorsement deals any time soon, what about the corporate sponsors of the Philadelphia Eagles? Or the companies that buy airtime during Philadelphia Eagles football games? How will they react?

The general consensus of those interviewed on the AdAge article is that it will have little impact, especially if the Eagles win. And while I totally understand that statement…I still wonder. There is something so inherently wrong with what Michael Vick did that it’s tough, even two years later, for people to get over it–especially dog lovers.

While Kobe Bryant’s sexual promiscuity (since he was acquitted of rape) eventually faded away, and countless other athletes/celebrities have reemerged from personal problems to once again shine, Vick seems different. As bad as it sounds, Dante Stallworth’s crime, while absolutely horrible and inexcusable, still was an accident. It wasn’t premeditated (arguably). I’m definitely not belittling Stallworth’s crime, but Vick’s crime seems so much more evil. It’s evil to the core. And that is why I believe sponsors will go along with it for now, but they will never forget. And let’s forget about sponsors and media–people won’t forget.

So for what my word is worth (spare change through Google Adsense,  hey-oh!), I hope that Michael Vick does come back from this and really commit to being a valuable member of society. I hope he turns his life around, and his career, with the help of newfound mentor Tony Dungy. I truly hope he does. But with the track record of Vick, the track record of his younger brother Marcus Vick, and everything that came to light during the trial, it will take me some time to believe that to be possible. Apparently, sponsors and media will take the same approach–except with their chips in the pile.

Brian Laesch cannot forgive Michael Vick for his actions, because he doesn’t know him personally and doesn’t have to, but he believes that Michael Vick has paid his debts and deserves one more chance.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh also mispronounced as TJ “Houshyamomma” during a fantasy football commercial a couple years back has announced that he is boycotting playing Madden 10.  Eleventh Hour has learned that Houshmandzadeh spoke with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio and claimed that he would not be playing the 2010 version of the game due to the fact he thought he was short changed with his rating.

“I understand I averaged 10 yards a catch, but it’s the offense, not me,” Houshmandzadeh said, via Mike Sando of ESPN.com.  “I’m not playing Madden no more until they get my rating right. . . .  I used to be the best in the world at Madden.  I’m going to miss not playing it, but until they do me right, I’m not playing it any more.”

The best part of Houshmandzadeh’s gripe is that he was given the sixth best rating of receivers in the NFC.  The rankings are out of 100 and T.J. received a 91 rating behind only five of the best wide outs in the laegue (Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, Roddy White and Calvin Johnson).  Unfortunately Houshyamomma’s ego has blown up to extreme proportions and is NOT making him look very intelligent.

“I just want to let everyone know that Matt Hasselbeck and I will be leading the Seahawks to the playoffs this season,” Houshmandzadeh preaches.  “And we’ll be going to the Pro Bowl as a tandem.  We’re both going to have top five seasons:  He’ll have a top five quarterback season, and I’ll have a top five receiving season.  I’ll put up stats I’ve never had before yardswise because they’re allowing me to be a complete receiver.”

Houshmandzadeh needs to understand the fine line between confidence and foolishness.  All his top five receiver mumbo jumbo and Pro Bowl talk could have been left unsaid and just let his play do the talking.

Matt Suttner doesn’t cheer against players but you can tell some of Ocho Cinco’s conceededness has rubbed off on him.

Football season is here again.  And if you’re a Chicago Bears fan like me (or any team not expected to make a run), you’re more excited about your fantasy team than your real team.

Which brings up a good question: Where would professional football be without the emergence of fantasy football as a staple American pastime?  As great as it is without it, it’s undeniably much better, and more marketable with it.  With fantasy football, even the most obscure, meaningless game can become an instant classic…if it helps your fantasy team.  Fantasy football is basically the glue that fills in the cracks between the NFL, the fans and DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket.

Now I may be stating the obvious, but I started thinking to myself and wondering, when I get excited about the upcoming season, if it’s more so because I can login to Yahoo! and check one of my four fantasy teams and potentially win money.  Before fantasy football, if the Bears sucked, I barely paid attention until the playoffs, and Superbowl.  And I considered myself a pretty big sports fan then.  Now, I’m locked in all year, no matter what. (And the Bears aren’t looking too promising.)

Who knows what America, let alone sports, let alone football, would be like without fantasy football.  Of course, that’s kind of like asking what the world would be like without the internet.  Still, it’s an interesting question.  It would be a different America (I’d say “world”…but the majority of the rest of the world doesn’t care about American football.  Maybe that’s why our economy is struggling: fantasy football is taking away from productivity.  Maybe the government should enforce a one team limit.)

Anyway, just something to ponder on a Thursday afternoon.  I’d finish this blog, but I’ve got to go check my Yahoo, ESPN.com, NFL.com, CBS Sportsline, and Fox Sports fantasy teams.

Brian Laesch thinks way too much about fantasy football.  He also fantasy football, and fantasy football.