So, right after the Super Bowl Halftime show, Twitter has been full of excitement and criticism. It really depends on your music taste and music background but what did you think of the show? We are neutral as much as possible here. Yes, we are.

The Black Eyed Peas kicked off the Super Bowl XLV halftime show with their hit from last year, “I Gotta Feeling.” And they started playing “Boom Boom Pow” while the stage was full of amazing lighting. The sound effect was not very good but it was not the performers’ fault anyway.

And Slash emerges from underneath (that’s how he usually appears), performing “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” to which Fergie joined. People had a lot to say regarding this combination (at least on Twitter). But again, it totally depends on your taste, so there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer to admit the combination.

After that, the Black Eyed Peas’ catchy tune “Pump It” started and quickly switched to another famous tune, “Let’s Get It Started.” The Peas generally tend to perform this tune in the beginning of their shows to open up their performance but this time, they performed it in the middle of the halftime show when it has ‘started’ already. However, there was nothing wrong with being in a strange order since the tune definitely helped the show speed up.

When “OMG” started, Usher was coming down to the stage from the above (that’s how he usually shows up onstage too). A camera did not get close to Usher for some reason.

The Peas got together again and performed “Where is the Love.” The song basically talks about unity based on love in the world and it was very touching when they did this song during their The E.N.D. tour last year. (Yes, Blast focused on them at that time.)?The environment of the halftime show was just not a good fit for this. All the people who watched the game were cheering for the biggest NFL game and weren’t necessarily fans of the Peas getting united based on love (or whatever you would have for your favorite musician.) So, there was no wonder people questioned but how they expressed on Twitter was very intense.

Of course they performed their latest single, “The Time (Dirty Bit)” gradually going back into “I Gotta Feeling.”

The show was way different from the last year’s show when The Who performed. But as the Black Eyed Peas were advertising and emphasizing that they would make the show ‘a party,’ the halftime show was quite a party so they fulfilled the promise that they made to people in advance. It was very sad to witness an intense Twitter controversy happening because of music and people’s various music taste but as music is very diversified in general, people’s opinions shouldn’t be the same as well. Fair enough?

For the Super Bowl this Sunday, while Wiz Khalifa, with his tune “Black and Yellow,” will support his Pittsburgh team, Steelers, New Orleans-based Lil Wayne, aka “Weezy,” is about to support the Green Bay Packers by his remix song “Green and Yellow.”

Weezy raps in the tune, “Got a call from my homey, this just in/ The Packers in the Super Bowl and they better win / They call him Big Ben, but he weak, though/ We in Dallas, but we Lambeau Leap, ho/ Long hair, don’t care, Clay Matthews/ We sh–in’ on these fools, no bathroom/ Yeah, got a pocket full of big faces/ Throw it up, touchdown on Ike Taylor.”

This weekend is the Superbowl, the biggest game of the year, but still a dark cloud looms over the NFL, the possibility that there won’t be a 2011-2012 season thanks to a labor dispute between the NFL Players Association and owners.What does that mean for the sports famed gaming series? In a conference call with investors today, EA’s Chief Operating Officer John Schappert assured everyone that yes, there will be a Madden this year.

We, like you, are looking forward to the NFL and the [players] resolving their differences and starting the season on time this year,” said Schappert, “but in terms of a planning assumption … we’ve baked in the most conservative assumption, meaning no season. We’re optimistic it can be better than that, so there’s an upside.”

The possibility of a lockout could mean both good and bad things for the multi million dollar series, as no actual football means that more people will buy the game, but many of the franchise’s key modes are based on actual events each week in the NFL.

By the way, Packers by 10. Take that Guilfoil.

Just a quick one for y’all that are looking for holiday gifts:

Fossil has a series of NFL and college watches out there under their Kaleido collection.

You push the button, and the watch animates and goes from your team’s logo to a mirrored finish and back again.

We got the chance to wear the Steelers and Patriots watches, and they really are cool, because it’s not just a static logo on the watch face. There’s some life to it.

Editor’s note: I’m running this story because our sports duo of Micah and Perry is from Philly, and sometimes they need to be taken down a peg. — John

From our Posterboy sports blog:

If you have ever been down to Strip District and walked into Wholey’s, you know that the owner definitely doesn’t give a shit. Don’t get me wrong, you get the best and freshest seafood, (which is saying something for the city of Pittsburgh because it’s not exactly near the ocean) but they hack it up and dish it out right in front of your face. And now the owner of Wholey’s will be refusing to sell any octopi to Red Wing fans for fear of them throwing it on the ice at the Mellon Arena. From the countless songs to beer specials for shitting on Sienna Miller, Pittsburghers think a little bit differently than other sports fans and Mr. Wholey is just one more example. Here are a few reasons why Pittsburgh is better than some other sports towns:

Philadelphia: Pittsburghers only boo guys named Kordell Stewart.

Boston: Pittsburghers aren’t self-loathing and don’t want to slit their wrists after every loss.

New York: Pittsburgh news outlets do not report anything bad about the athletes, and lead broadcasts with player vacations to their homeland.

Dallas: Pittsburgh teams have a little respect for the game rather than bringing in guys like T.O. and Pac Man. Also, three more words, No Jerry Jones.

Oakland: Do not dress up like the Legion of Doom or have an owner that resembles a character from a movie based on a Roald Dahl book.

Baltimore: Pittsburgh has a hockey team, a quarterback and a football team that isn’t purple.

Cleveland: Pittsburgh has won a title in the past 50 years, and doesn’t lose franchises.

Everyone else: Jesus is on Pittsburgh’s side.

Myron Cope, the 35-year color commentary man for the Pittsburgh Steelers died Wednesday morning in a nursing home in Mt. Lebanon, Pa. Cope had been struggling with his health since leaving the broadcast booth after the 2004 season.

Before joining the Steelers family, Cope was a widely read freelancer for Sports Illustrated reporting on such iconic figures as Howard Cosell and Roberto Clemente. He later moved onto to television at the request of a station manager, before being hired by a franchise that had not yet seen much success in a nearly 50-year history.

Cope along with a certain fair haired quarterback from Louisana Tech made their respective debuts with the Steelers on September 20, 1970, and it took only two seasons before the once pride less team became arguably the greatest dynasty in professional football history.

During this time Cope developed a relationship with the fans of Pittsburgh that rivaled none, delighting fans with his “yinzer” accent and quirky catchphrases that only he could get away with using. His countless “yoi’s” and “double yoi’s” as well as his classic music video will live on throughout the history of the Steelers as the turning point. A turning point from a baseball town to a football town, it was a turning point that gave the city and fans an identity.

“I guess sometimes in the football business we all take ourselves too seriously and Myron never let anybody do that, so he had that knack for sort of reminding us of what business we were in,” Art Rooney once said of the 5’4″ broadcasting icon.

His contributions also ranged to five books, none entirely about the Steelers, the prevalence of the term “the Immaculate Reception” and most of all his creation of the “Terrible Towel.” The towel was original and has not been done better in more than 30 years, but the truly significant fact about this favorite dish rag is that in 1996, Cope donated his ownership of the trademarks to the Allegheny Valley School. Over $1 million has been raised to support this institution caring for over 900 physically and mentally disabled children.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but expect nothing short of a remembrance rivaling the man who hired him, Art Rooney. Steeler nation will genuinely mourn grieve after this loss and reminisce as this is the end of an era. In Pittsburgh his passing will be taken as a loss of royalty because when it comes to the Steel City, Myron Cope is as close as you can come to being a king.

Super Bowl Sunday is coming and you are hosting a big party. You’ve got your HDTV all set up and your huge Houston Texans #1 foam finger ready to go (because you are a Texans fan and don’t really have a rooting interest in the game. Hey, we can’t all make it this far).

But what should you serve your friends? The beverages are easy — a ton of beer and a small box of wine for that one friend who doesn’t like the taste of beer.

Well, Jerome Bettis is here to help with the food. He is working with cardiologist Dr. Richard Collins to help provide healthy Super Bowl food options. They are hosting a Cardio Kick-Off Party that will break the Guinness World’s record for World’s Largest Food Spread.

Hopefully, “The Bus” doesn’t eat the whole thing.

Here are four sorta-can’t-miss recipes that are easy to make and pretty healthy to eat. Now, you can make the case that your friends should fend for themselves because they are a bunch of mooches who never pay for anything, in which case, simply email them this story and have them make these and bring them over.

Let’s discuss.

The Turkey and Black Bean Super Nachos will be a hit for sure. If you are afraid of the ground turkey as opposed to beef, don’t be. You don’t even have to mention anything to your guests. I’ll bet they won’t notice. And if they do, kick them out.

Buffalo Chicken Bites? I’ll eat Buffalo anything.

Creamy Spinach and Hearts of Palm dip. This is the one the host has to start selling to the guests in the fourth quarter. “Hey guys, don’t forget we’ve got plenty of spinach and hearts of palm dip left. Jerry, you want to try this dip? Mark, did you try the spinach dip? There is plenty left. Jack, please don’t tell me you haven’t tried the dip.”

Hearty Game Day Potato Skins. Why the “hearty” and “game day” in the title? Can’t go wrong with these. Potato skins are marvelous.

So if you get stuck with greasy pizza, you can’t blame Bettis.

Turkey and Black Bean Super Nachos

12 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes — Cook Time: 15 minutes

2 Tbsp. Promise Buttery Spread
1 cup finely chopped orange or red bell pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces ground turkey
1 can (15.5 oz.) black beans beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 bag (12.5 oz.) baked white corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.)
1 large tomato, chopped

In 12-inch skillet, melt Promise Buttery Spread over medium heat and cook orange pepper and onion, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until tender. Add turkey, beans and chili powder and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon cilantro.

On oven-safe platter or pizza pan, arrange chips. Top with turkey mixture, then sprinkle with cheese and tomato. Broil until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

Nutrition Information per serving: Calories 230, Calories From Fat 60, Saturated Fat 1.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 7g, Cholesterol 10mg, Sodium 500mg, Total Carbohydrate 29g, Sugars 2g, Dietary Fiber 4g, Protein 12g, Vitamin A 15 percent, Vitamin C 30 percent, Calcium 10 percent, Iron 10 percent

Buffalo Chicken Bites

36 skewers

Prep Time: 20 minutes — Cook Time: 8 minutes

2 Tbsp. Promise Buttery Spread
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded 1/4-inch thick (about 2 breasts)
2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper sauce
12 ribs celery, sliced into 2-inch pieces (36 pieces)
36 cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup Wish-Bone Fat Free! Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon Promise Buttery Spread over medium heat and cook chicken, turning once, 8 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked; cut into 3/4-inch pieces and keep warm.

In medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave remaining Spread with cayenne pepper sauce 15 seconds at HIGH or until melted. Add chicken; toss to coat.

On 36 wooden skewers, alternately thread celery, tomatoes and chicken. On serving platter, arrange skewers and serve with Dressing.

Nutrition Information per serving: Calories 90, Calories From Fat 20, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 2g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 240mg, Total Carbohydrate 7g, Sugars 2g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 10g, Vitamin A 10 percent, Vitamin C 20 percent, Calcium 4 percent, Iron 4 percent

Creamy spinach and hearts of palm dip

4-3/4 cups dip

Prep Time: 20 minutes — Cook Time: 10 minutes

2 Tbsp. Promise Buttery Spread
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 bag (10 oz.) baby spinach leaves
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 package (8 oz.) fat free cream cheese, softened
1 cup nonfat sour cream
1 can (7.75 oz.) hearts of palm, rinsed, drained and finely chopped
1/2 cup fat free mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 loaves (12 oz. ea.) French baguettes, sliced

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt Promise Buttery Spread over medium-high heat and cook onion, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until onion is tender and golden. Stir in spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until wilted. Stir in garlic powder and let cool.

In large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, hearts of palm and cheeses. Stir in spinach mixture. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Nutrition Information per 4 tablespoon serving including bread: Calories 150, Calories From Fat 25, Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 5g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 400mg, Total Carbohydrate 23g, Sugars 2g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A 15 percent, Vitamin C 6 percent, Calcium 10 percent, Iron 10 percent

Hearty Game day Potato Skins

24 servings

Prep Time: 1 hour — Cook Time: 17 minutes

6 large baking potatoes (about 3-3/4 lbs), unpeeled and baked
3 Tbsp. Promise Buttery Spread
3/4 cup low fat cheddar cheese (about 3 oz.)
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 large green onions, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 425.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Remove about 1/3 of the potato pulp, leaving 1/2-inch shell (save pulp for another use). Generously brush inside each potato half with Promise Buttery Spread.

On baking sheet, arrange potatoes. Bake 15 minutes or until potatoes are crisp. Evenly top with cheese and tomatoes. Broil 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream, then sprinkle with green onions.

Nutrition Information per serving: Calories 70, Calories From Fat 15, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 40mg, Total Carbohydrate 10g, Sugars 1g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 2g, Vitamin A 6 percent, Vitamin C 8 percent, Calcium 4 percent, Iron 2 percent