Super Bowl Picks

by Devan

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The 2011-2012 football season has been anything but boring.  Teams have been dominating against others. The season had a rocky start for many teams but on the other hand it was a steady road for a few.

• AFC East-
  • New England Patriots-
    • Patriots have so far been unstoppable this year with 13 wins and only 3 losses in the past 16 weeks. Looking at the stats and players themselves as well as the team. A few players who truly stand out would be Tom Brady (quarterback) who has thrown over 4,000 yards and has thrown 33 touchdowns this season alone. Danny Woodhead is also another player to view, he has had 6 touchdowns this year 962 yards under his belt this season. Overall the Patriots are looking like a main pick for the Super Bowl.
• AFC North-
  • Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers-
    • These two teams have had a rivalry for years and it will forever continue. Watching both teams it’s hard to pick which one should go to the Super Bowl. Ravens have had an outstanding season with 12-4 as their record at week 16. Steelers with the same record have also been extremely strong. Both look like candidates for the 2012 Super Bowl.
• AFC South-
  • Houston Texans-
    • The AFC South has not had much of a fight for the leader of that division. Houston Texans seem to have this won in the bag. With their 10-6 record they seem to be untouchable right night considering the Titans are in second with a 7-5 record. Houston has clinched the division of the south and could possibly clinch the Super Bowl ring in 2012.
• AFC West-
  • Denver Broncos-
    • Tim Tebow has been leading the Broncos out of last minute losses. Tebow is a huge part of this team and could possibly be the quarter back of the 2012 Super Bowl champions. The Broncos with an 8-8 record in the 16^th week are plowing through with the help of their dependable quarterback.
• NFC East-
  • New York Giants
    • The New York Giants have had an incredible year so far with a 9-7 record in the 16^th week. The upcoming week should be interesting for all giant fans, due to the fact that Big Blue has to get through the 49ers for a ticket to the Super Bowl.
• NFC North-
  • Green Bay Packers-
    • Everyone shocked this year by the Packers are no longer making jokes about Aaron Rodgers and his incredible team. This dynamite team has an outstanding record or 15-1. Being last years Super Bowl champs must have been a motivator going into the 2011 season so strong. After seeing win after win I’d be amazed if they were back in the Super Bowl this year.
• NFC South-
  • New Orleans Saints-
    • Winning the Super Bowl two years ago was a huge accomplishment for the Drew Brees and the Saints. New Orleans had never been to the Super Bowl before until 2010. With a 13-3 record I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 2010 champs back in action at the 2012 Super Bowl.
• NFC West-
  • San Francisco 49ers
    • The 49ers have had an incredible season with a 13-3 record. Seeing the team really pull it together this year I think had lifted a lot of spirits as well as worries for whoever could be facing them in the Super Bowl this year. Clinching the Wild Card is a big deal and they have it. Facing many other teams to get to that big day in February won’t be a problem for the strong willed 49ers.

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Picture from: http://ubethecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/super-bowl-2012-logo.jpg

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An Open Letter to Thanksgiving Feast

by Devan

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Dear Thanksgiving Feast,

I applaud you for your oh-so-deliciousness.  However, I will say shame on you for the feeding frenzy that you create.

Not quite what you see at RFH...

Let’s say we can overlook the line that pours out of the cafeteria doors, seniors eyeballing freshmen and freshmen shaking in the knees.  Maybe even the 2-3 trays loaded with food that each person takes with them to their seat.  Or the awkward silence that ensues during feeding time at the zoo.  The true depravity is after everyone enjoys the turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, biscuit, and pie, all topped off with a healthy slathering of gravy;  they sit, sick and comatose.

All it takes is the news of the Thanksgiving Feast contest where a person attempts to eat as much as humanly possible.  However, the contest itself reduces us to the likes of other barnyard animals, sticking our snouts in the trough.  Thanks for that, Thanksgiving Feast.  Well done.

On top of that, you cause endless migraines for the lunch ladies and teachers who drew the short straw and have lunch duty. The thing about you is that people don’t just freak out…they obsess and it becomes World War III. You are the reason why students can’t make it through their afternoon classes without an emergent trip to the bathroom.

Seniors have enjoyed “the feast” four long years of their lives.  Freshmen, however, have heard about the events but have never witnessed them first hand…until now. “I can’t wait to get Thanksgiving feast today my mom gave me ten dollars and I’m so excited.”  Interesting, very interesting.  A clear case of “monkey see, monkey do.”

“Well you’re going to have to wait, fresh meat,” growls the mountain of a senior while pushing the Freshmen out of the way to gorge their faces with nine yards of Thanksgiving.  Speaking of which…maybe I’d better hurry or they won’t have enough pieces of pumpkin pie…out of my way!

Kind Regards,

Stuffed

Spring Sports Recap

by Devan Cappelli

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It’s the end of the year and we all know that the last group of sports has just finished another fantastic season full of broken records and individual and team success. This spring a few teams have taken part in the spring record making, such as….

• Boys Baseball: The varsity team, coached by Mr. James, had a successful season leaving the crowd-pleasing with the record 10-10. Many seniors contributed to the overall success of the team, as well as their playoff run.

• Girls Softball: Led by Mr. Herkimer, this year the softball team rebuilt, starting a young yet talented team.  Their final record at 3-16. Paige Stanley and Marissa Stefanelli were stand-out batters with top team performances this season.

• Boys Lacrosse: Coached by Mr. Barbiere and Mr. Beatty, this year’s lacrosse team was filled with fierce competitors.  This years landed the at 15-4 and ranked #16 in the state. The had also won the Shore Conference.  Congratulations, coach.

• Girls Lacrosse: Girls had a tremendous season this year, making it far into the playoffs.  Many girls will be continuing their athletic careers in college.

• Boys Golf: With an extremely exciting year for the golf team coached by Mr. Margolis they finished strong with Bulldawg pride at 22-0.  Wall Invitational, Monmouth County Tournament, and Overall Group II State Champions were also accomplishments for the golf team.

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Summer Concerts: The Places to Be

by Devan Cappelli

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Its summer time out here in the New Jersey-New York area and we all know what that means, don’t we?   It’s concert time!  Knowing that Jersey and New York are known for the best time for concerts, here are a few previews of the shows coming up this summer:

• Drake, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifia, Chris Brown, Young Money, Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Flame, Faboulous, Lloyd Banks and Dipset
  • Date: June 5^th
    • East Rutherford, NJ
• Katy Perry- June 17^th
  • Rihanna- July 19^th
    • Nassau Coliseum, NY
• Taylor Swift- July 19^th,20^th, 23^rd & 24^th
  • Katy Perry-June 19^th
    • Prudential Center, NY
• The Script- August 3^rd
  • Michael Buble- August 11^th
    • Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
• Miranda Lambert w/ Justin Moore & Josh Kelley- August 10^th
  • Kid Rock- August 18^th
    • Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, NJ
• Dave Matthews-August 24^th Bader Field, Atlantic City, NJ
• Def Leppard w/ Heart- August 26^th
  • Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
• Rihanna- July 21^st
  • IZOD Center
• 50 Cent- June 25^th
  • House of Blues. NY
• O.A.R- July 9^th
  • Brad Paisely-July 15^th
  • Ke$ha-August 19^th
    • PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

I hope that reading this article has inspired you to get out there and support the bands and artists you love! For any more details search the venues provided and enjoy a summer full of music!

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An Open Letter to Rebecca Black

by Devan Cappelli

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Dear Rebecca Black (and by extension, Ark Music Factory),

Oh, the humanity!

Just because you post a music video on YouTube doesn’t mean you are going to end up like Justin Bieber.  Looking at the video, which I’ve had the misfortune of watching over and over again since it has gone viral, I happened to notice that you have a whopping 109,291,371 views.  However, off these views, I also noticed that over half of them are ‘dislikes.’  This, by the way, is exponentially more than ustin Bieber’s “Baby” video.  And I can’t say I disagree with the vast majority.  Listening to your new song “Friday” quite frankly makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall.

For starters, the song is awful.  A four year old child could write better lyrics.  Rebecca, no one cares which seat you want to sit in. We understand that you are very confused about where you should sit but WE DON’T CARE!  Not to mention, how old are you, anyway?  Should your friends really be driving?

Another point I’d like to make is everyone knows that Friday comes before Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards. You’re not some rocket scientist who’s spouting secrets of the universe.  And Rebecca, one of your friend’s hands is a dolphin–just thought you should tell him so he can get that checked out.

Completely unsafe...and absurd.

But it’s alright, Rebecca, because you’re not the only one to blame.  The president of Ark Music Factory is truly the biggest con artist I’ve ever heard of. You allow 12-year-old girls to make music videos and embarrass themselves in front of millions of people.  It’s interesting to me that this type of humiliation goes for about $2,000.  For this small lump sum, you  produce it and write a song for them. In other words, this travesty is YOUR FAULT.

I mean, that’s pretty shallow considering your company is just getting its name besmirched because of this ONE song. Imagine all the others you allow to be written and produced. The only thing this is truly bringing you is bad publicity and tons of money, which while not a totally bad deal is a relatively dishonorable one.  If I were you I’d appreciate the satisfaction of good publicity and no money so maybe just maybe some celebrities would think about partnering with you.

Rebecca, you are one in a million, truly. I wish the best to you, that creepy rapper who shows up for about 10 seconds during your song, and your ailing friend with the dolphin hand…

Best of Wishes,

Devan Cappelli

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Pictures from:

http://cache.ohinternet.com/images/7/7a/Rebecca-Black-Wallpapers.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPKz2ifhwUQ/Ta2ssArr-ZI/AAAAAAAAABg/TYX6xR6pzuQ/s1600/rebecca-black-friday.jpg

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The Demon Barber Comes to RFH

by Devan Cappelli

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This year, the Tower Players performed Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street during the last weekend of March.  Hailed as one of the best and most interesting of musical selections, the show was decidedly a success for those who participated and watched.

The Players practice their positioning during rehearsal

The cast and crew were full of many talented and dedicated individuals.  For months, the actors rehearsed 3 and 4 days a week, memorizing lines, choreographing their movements on stage, and learning difficult music.  Behind the scenes, the stage and tech crew worked to seamlessly create the dark and dreary world of Sweeney Todd, including the elaborate and terrifying barber’s chair.

The show went off without a hitch, but let’s take a look at some of the work done prior to the show’s opening night.  The set in progress and the practices in motion show the cast and crew were more than ecstatic. Glancing around the room I noticed many of the cast members shine with energy. Mrs. Sweeney, play director and English teacher, is the woman who makes these performances possible. With her artistic personality and dramatic knowledge, each musical is a success.

What will make this play very popular is the fact that there are many talented cast members this year.  The cast featured Austin Ryan (senior) as Sweeney Todd, Kevin Karol (senior) as The Judge, Emma Loughran (junior) as Mrs. Lovett, Jack Newsome (freshman) as Toby.  Many of the performers have been working hard for a moment like this their whole lives.

Loughran and Ryan rehearse a scene

“I became interested in drama at an early age. I was brought up with classic Broadway music. I also hope to go to college and work on acting and performing,” said Austin Ryan.  Ryan continued to discuss the audition process, stating, “I was really hoping for Sweeney Todd or The Judge since it’s my senior year. But I would have been happy to have any role.”

Kevin Karol also had much to say: “In 5^th grade with Mr. Talmage at Knollwood, I got to perform in The Wizard of Oz. I hope to go on later in life performing for community theater, but nothing professional.”

While this year’s Tower Players performance is over, there are many other competitive opportunities for this group of talented actors, musicians, and tech crew members.  We wish them the best of luck as they compete against other drama clubs in the area.

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Pictures courtesy of Jeanne Johnson

Lady GaGa Goes Big at the Grammy’s

by Devan Cappelli

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The 2011 Grammy’s were nothing new to the Hollywood spotlight. Looking back at the red carpet event, you saw beautiful actresses and handsome actors up and down the runway.  However, at the very end of the line, you may have also seen something a little different…and it may have looked like an egg.  And without any surprise, it was what Lady GaGa arrived in.

The egg...

While watching the red carpet on the bottom of the screen, Tweets were shown from Snooki from The Jersey Shore as well as “The Situation” saying “Lady GaGa just waved to me from her egg!”  After the red carpet awe, Mother Monster herself was in the egg until her grand performance at the actual 53^rd Grammy’s show.

Just around nine o’ clock everyone got to hear the brand new single, “Born This Way.”  Placing the egg on stage, the dancers prepared themselves for a thrilling performance with the most anticipated performer of the night. Opening the egg, GaGa came out full blast with her new single.  The single is surrounded by controversy, sounding like multiple Madonna songs such as “Express Yourself,” which is known as the homosexual anthem of the late 80’s.

Looking back at the performance there was singing, dancing and an in interesting set that included an organ with sculptures of the singer’s head. Proudly belting her new single, the artist left her mark the night of the 2011 Grammy’s in downtown Los Angeles at the Staples Center.

After her rousing performance, the artist released the new single with a video that spoke her mind.  She said, “don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set, I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”

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Picture from:

http://cdn.thefrisky.com/images/uploads/lady_gaga_grammys2011_m.jpg

Holiday Traveling and the Winter Blues

by Devan Cappelli

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Tropical button downs, cargo shorts and big straw hats….gee I wonder where they’re going for the holidays.  I bet its grandma’s…no, wait, I know.  Florida,   maybe even California.

Is this you every holiday season?

Are you one of these people who shows up at the airport on Christmas morning in shorts and flip flops?  Well, then that goes to show how much you love the holidays and winter.  Instead of your own snow at your own home with your own Christmas tree, you’d rather go away to some other place that isn’t comfortable, containing the perfect tree you have picked than decorated all with love and care.

“Showing up to the Four Seasons is just what the doctor ordered” is what you are probably thinking as you lay on the neatly made bed with the towel animal loyally waiting for you. All while you’re looking out your window at the beautiful view of the pool, accompanied with hundreds of little children running, screaming and splashing in it.

Ahhh, relaxing. But where's the snow?

Ahhh relaxing.  Later you’re going to hit the beach and only put one layer of sunscreen on, then slowly fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. Then you wake up about an  hour later to discover you are the color of a tomato. Fantastic!

Hobbling back to your hotel room, you look for a good restaurant that doesn’t cost a boatload of money.  Instead, you enter your room with the floral wallpaper and tiny fridge containing $5.00 peanuts.  Don’t eat them.  In fact, don’t even touch them…or look at them.  So you pick up the phone and call room service. Forty-five minutes later, you get a knock that says, “I don’t want to be working on the holidays serving your lazy butt just for a cheap tip.” After the food is placed where you want it you open the tin lid and find a nice, cold burger with the side of stale fries and room temperature soda.  Delicious.

Later that night you decide that a shower seems like a good idea. You start the water, trying to get it at a reasonable temperature, but of course that’s impossible with everyone else in the hotel showering at the same time.  Once you’ve found a worthy temperature you go to wash your hair…and oh, look!  A convenient tiny bottle of shampoo and body wash.  Exiting the shower you now grab the towel about the size of you hand to dry off…wonderful!

Checking out that morning is always the best part, when you are behind everyone in the world waiting for the same one checkout counter.   Then you wait again for a taxi to the airport.  Finally landing back home,  don’t you feel relaxed!  Hope you have a great time next year traveling for the holidays…Maybe next year you’ll wizen up and stay at home!

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Pictures:

http://s57.radikal.ru/i155/0903/7a/f3d12871414c.jpg

http://anniescostumes.com/fo57373.jpg

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Top 20 Songs of 2010

by Devan Cappelli

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#1  ”What’s my name?”

Rihanna's hot single

Rihanna ft. Drake
Loud

With her 5^th studio album Loud, Rihanna has hit #1 for the eighth time in her career. But she did have help from a very well known rapper known as Drake…

#2  ”Like a G6″
Far East Movement ft. Gataras & Dex
Like a G6 [Live from the Cherrytree House]

They’re poppin’ more than bottles but now they are poppin’ the Top 20 Chart as #2 the Far East Movement with Like a G6.

#3  Just The Way You Are
Bruno Mars
Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Ladies, he loves you just the way you are…and gentlemen, you might want to watch out for the charmer Bruno Mars, at #3.

#4  ”Only Girl (In The World)”
Rihanna
Only Girl (In The world)

She wants to be treated like the only girl in the world, and it’s hard to ignore her with her fiery personality and red hair.

K$sha

#5  ”We R Who We R”
Ke$ha
Cannibal

Hope you know how to party and can handle glitter all over you, because Ke$ha is partying her way to #5 on the chart.

#6  ”Just A Dream”
Nelly
Just A Dream

He was thinkin’ about him, and he was thinkin’ about her but was he thinkin’ that he made it to #6 on the charts with “Just a Dream?”  By your favorite boy, Nelly.

#7  ”Raise Your Glass”
P!nk
Greatest Hits…So Far

She’s raising her glass to her greatest hits; P!nk and her underdogs are doing just fine at #7.

"Bottoms Up"

#8  ”Bottoms Up”
Trey Songz ft. Niki Minaj
Passion, Pain & Pleasure

He loves to watch them girls “shake it in them jeans,” but I think Trey Songz rather watch his new hit “Bottoms Up” ft. Niki Minaj shake it up further then #8 on the chart.

#9  ”DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”
Usher ft. Pitbull
DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love

He’s more than a zombie come back to life!  Usher is back on the charts at #9!   Ft. Pitbull and the DJ sure has us fallin’ in love with his new hit.

#10  ”Firework”

Katy Perry's "Firework"

Katy Perry
Teenage Dream

Katy Perry is a new breakthrough artist, acting just like her new song “Firework” at #10.

#11 “Dynamite”
Taio Cruz
Rokstarr

He’s had everyone throwing their hands up saying Ayoo!! At #11 Taio Cruz is definitely exploding like his new song “Dynamite.”

#12 “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry
Teenage Dream

Russell Brand is making this 26-year-old pop singer feel like a Teenager all over again. Katy Perry at #12 with “Teenage Dream.”

#13 “Whip My Hair”
Willow
Whip My Hair

So how are you at flipping your hair? I’m sure Will Smith wishes he could, but it’s not him!   It’s his little hip hop daughter, Willow Smith, whipping her hair back and forth at #13.

#14 “Club Can’t Handle Me”
Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
Step Up 3D (Original Soundtrack)

The club isn’t the only thing that can’t handle Flo Rida; the charts can’t either, but they are trying to keep him tame at #14.

Neon Trees are animals

#15 “Animal”
Neon Trees
Habits

There is an animal inside Neon Trees; all they want to do is get on the chart, and they did at #15.

#16 “Mine”
Taylor Swift
Mine

All Taylor Swift wanted was the boy of her dreams to be hers, but along with that she also got her song “Mine” on the chart at #16.

#17 “Please Don’t Go”
Mike Posner
31  Minutes to Takeoff

“Please Don’t Go” is all Mike Posner is asking, and hopefully his song listens and stays on the charts at #17.

#18 “I Like It”
Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull
Euphoria

Enrique Iglesias is liking it along with Pitbull .  Both are proud to keep their single I Like It at #18 on the chart.

#19 “Deuces”
Chris Brown ft. Tyga & Kevin McCall
Deuces

A great combo

Chris Brown ft. Tyga and Kevin McCall are still on the chart with “Deuces” at #19.

#20 “Love The Way You Lie”
Eminem ft. Rihanna
Recovery

Rihanna isn’t very happy about the way Eminem is lying, but he’s working his way back being #20 on the Top 20 Chart of 2010.

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Pictures:

http://www.musicartikel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Rihanna-Whats-My-Name-300×300.jpg

http://musicsparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Katy-Perry-Fireworks-FanMade1.png

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsFzGVGljYE/TDzIDVxq-4I/AAAAAAAABZE/kcymoC3WZTw/s1600/trey-songz-bottoms-up-artwork-490×490.jpg

http://meviomusic.mevio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Kesha-We-R-Who-We-R-298×300.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wBa7Q-Vbuuc/S5L_-wDToFI/AAAAAAAAH0U/ApGBXYdSclc/s320/Neon%2BTrees.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mupIVJbjvuU/TCJqtSRwE2I/AAAAAAAAD5E/u3QZJaHm6E8/s1600/Eminem+-+Love+The+Way+You+Lie+(FanMade+Single+Cover)+Made+by+VINNY.jpg

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A Decade of Super Bowl Performances

by Devan Cappelli

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2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Ingelsias, Toni Braxton, Edward James Olmos

• 

  This Mickey Mouse Club star made it big.

  Many of these performers are well known for being notorious or just having catchy tune. The talented Christina Aguilera is now back in the media’s lime light for a few things: scandalous photos on the internet, getting a divorce with her husband but she has redeemed herself with the movie Burlesque. On the other hand Enrique is working his way back on the charts with ”I Like It” ft. Pitbull and “Tonight I’m Loving You” ft. Ludacris.

2001 – Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Aerosmith, ‘Nsync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly

• Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler both kept on trucking after this performance, but for ‘Nsync and Britney Spears…not so much. ‘Nsync broke up and well Britney Spears cracked up…

2002 – U2

• Other than being an old VH1 rock band, U2 has been quiet since their big performance at the SuperBowl after their tour in ’08.

2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting

• Shania Twain is still singing her country songs on the radio while No Doubt went on tour.  And Sting?  Well, I think he went back to the 80’s after his performance…

2004 – Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock and Justin Timberlake

The infamous "wardrobe malfunction"

• Puff Daddy.  Well, he was calling himself Puff Daddy and rapping while Kid Rock was rocking his long hair.  We had the Janet Jackson’s famous wardrobe malfunction ft. Justin Timberlake; shocked.

2005 –Paul McCartney

• The star Beatle Mr. McCartney performed at the SuperBowl Half time show.  And yes, he’s still got it.

2006 –The Rolling Stones

• The band from 1962 made a huge appearance at the 2006 SuperBowl Halftime show, 49 years after they first assembled.

2007 –Prince

• Making an incredible appearance at the Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.  Prince marked his legacy in the SuperBowl Half Time show performances with numerous guitars and swooning women.

2008 –Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

• First together in 1976, the Super Bowl was a good choice.  They played hits like  ”American Girl” at  the SuperBowl in 2008.

New Jersey's Bruce

2009 –Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

• One of our very own Jersey boys, Bruce Springsteen hit the stage and left audiences amazed at SuperBowl XLII.

2010 –The Who

• Who performed at SuperBowl XLIV.  The British band featured the one and only Pete Townshed.

2011 –The Black Eyed Peas

• The Black Eyed Peas, a band since 1995, has morphed from  pop to techno. They will be the first pop group to appear since the Janet Jackson wardrobe issue…

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Pictures:

http://www.mtv.com/shared/promoimages/news/j/jackson_janet/superbowl_halftime/281×211.jpg

http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/Christina-Aguilera-btb07.jpg

http://www.yorkblog.com/flipside/bruce-springsteen-super-bowl-half-time.jpg

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