Super Bowl? No, the Puppy Bowl!
This Sunday is one of the biggest sport events of the year: the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is the championship game for American football and this year, it is a showdown (final competition) between the New England Patriots (from Massachusetts) and the New York Giants. Many American TVs will be tuned into (watching) the Super Bowl and the show will have among the highest ratings (number of people watching) this year.
Ever since the Super Bowl started being televised (shown on television) 42 years ago, there has been counterprogramming. Counterprogramming is the showing of another type of television show on a different channel to attract viewers who may not want to watch a major television event like the Super Bowl, or to draw away (take away) viewers from that event. Since 2005, one piece of counterprogramming that has attracted a surprising number of viewers is the Puppy Bowl.
The Puppy Bowl is a TV show shown on a cable channel (television channel you can get by paying for a special service) called Animal Planet, which specializes in shows about, well, animals. The Puppy Bowl mimics (imitates; tries to be like, for entertainment) the Super Bowl, but instead of men playing football, the game is played by puppies (young dogs). All of the puppies that play in the Puppy Bowl are from animal shelters, places for animals without homes. Throughout the show, viewers are given information about how to adopt (take home and make a part of their family) a dog from a local shelter.
The first Puppy Bowl was in 2005 and last year’s Puppy Bowl drew (attracted) a total of about 9 million viewers. To be honest, I had never heard of the Puppy Bowl until recently, and after watching a clip (short video) of last year’s Puppy Bowl, I’m not sure I’ll tune in this year. But, if like me, you’re not a football fan and are looking for something to watch this Sunday, this is an alternative (another option). There’s no denying (saying it isn’t true) that these are some very adorable (cute) puppies. Me? I think I’ll just curl up with (get comfortable with) a good book.
~ Lucy
Photo Credit: GoldenRetrieverPuppyDaisyParker from Wikipedia
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Thank you very much, Lucy, for this informative article with a clip which enabled me to have about five minutes of entertainment.
Yes, it was five minutes I spent because I watched the clip twice.
I am sure the Puppy Bowl was a reminiscent of happier times for many people, me included.
Am I right to say that Lucy you have never kept dogs before? You did not seem to enjoy watching the clip showing all the clever puppies having a good time.
It gives out information about puppies which need a good home to go to. Dogs are human’s best friends if we rear and train them properly.
I do not have a TV in my flat in Hong Kong, thus I do not watch any TV programme. However, I think I would rather watch something like this Puppy Bowl than the Super Bowl.
I used to spend lots of time looking after all the dogs and cats in my family when I was little. We do not have any animal in our flat now due to high cost and restrictions of keeping animals in many living accommodations in Hong Kong.
One day, when I am older and when I am richer, I will adopt at least one puppy and give it/them a good life.
Look at the Golden Retriever puppy in the picture, isn’t it adorable? It is a very contented healthy puppy.
Thanks again, Lucy, nice to see you again here.
Betty
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:06 am
Lucy,
It is funny that you are into sports.
Women usually is assosianted with shopping ,or doing their hair ,or nails 24/7.
I know,you once mentioned that you are not into spending hours in malls shopping around.
It is deep into the night ,I m texting you. I woke up early to caram in for the test I will be
Writing in 3 hours.
I figured ,the best way to start a long,troublesome day is drping a line here.
Didn’t get to read The post up there, I will get to it when the time is good
Catch ya
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:34 am
Hi Lucy!
Thanks for the article=) I prefer to go for a walk, I am SO fed up from this TV..I`m beginning to understand what
they said way back..TV is going to change our life.. so I`m trying to get back these good old days, spend some
time listening to a radioprgram instead, or even better, take a walk late evening, watching the stars..and if I`m lucky,
hear the sound of moose and deer..
Betty: Nice to hear that you love dogs..and want to take care of them..we had a Golden Retriever once..still missing her!
Have a great weekend everyone!
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:20 am
I love dogs and cats.
Gatufo is one of the best creatures I have ever met.
Last night, it was an absolutely freezy night, Gatufo went into the bed by his own
will and have stayed between us giving some nice worm calour till the morning.
Congratulations Betty, it is an absolutely miracle that you have not any TV at home.
First time I have heard such a lovely thing……my mouth is still open by the incredulity
and good impression of your family decission.
I have always questioned the TV option, but it seems impossible to adopt such
an option against everybody opinion.
Here we call the Tv. aparatous “The silly box” but everybody has one, two, or even three
Tv. devices at home.
Good for you and your family Betty, the silly box makes silly minds in children, boys, girls
and people in general………..of course that´s is my own opinion.
Nothing against avery one choice, and if Jeff wanted to see the Super Bowl all day from
his coach that is his own problem or delight.
Good for you also Lucy, it seems a nice option for me too just to curl up with a good book
to read.
emiliano
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 am
Lucy,
I have never watched that puppy bowl you mentioned.But,it seems to be as lame as it sounds.
I mean,Please,give me a break ,a show about a bunch of puppies being after a stray ball is not cabble channle worthy.
Are you serious ,people pay to watch the madness. Cable channels are not state channles
I am with you on that ,but I would curl up with learning guid Instead.
How about that ?
The truth is ,I am not a pet person.i don’t see myself take the time to was a dog and pony show.
But,it is just me
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:17 pm
I think it is difficult for Jeff to watch the super bowl
sitting on a “coach”………………..sure it will be more
confortable for him to be relaxed on his couch.
Sorry my dear teacher, you know I could understand
your great pleasure watching the super bowl having
in mind what you said to us in the cafes and in
the blog.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Not to trivialize SuperBowl . But, don’t you think there is toomuch fuss about it.
I know it is all fun and exciting. Still, ..
Ok, ok , I take my words back before getting You guys all riled up.
Oh ,sthelse
I have always been meaning to ask the following question ,but I had never feathered gots to do so up till now.
Dear Lucy,
You and Jeff post sth up there. It is all cool . We read them and learn a lot.then try to come up with some comments.
Has it ever worked the other way around? Totally converse, I mean.
Have you ever come across a word that one of use applied and you didn’t know.j m not saying every week .i m asking juse once since the lunching of Eslpod.?
I have always wanted to know
Some too-out-there word perhaps
For all I know, even you don’t know all the words,do you?
Peace out
February 5th, 2012 at 2:43 am
Hi! Very nice photo. When I was a child I had a white dog not indoor, only outdoors. The dogs must be free. They love the freedom.
We have a lot of problems with the abandoned dogs, with lack of animal shelters. To kill them or not to kill them ?
February 5th, 2012 at 7:18 am
Super Bowl is on today ,
Even here,everybody is psyched about it.
I m invited to aparty in U.S. for watching SuperBowl.
The party my friend and I are going is being held in NewYork. No biggi ,it is a good 6-hour drive.
No sweat ,though, we can make it in time.
I have been down there several times. there is no way that We loose our bearings or get all turn around.
We just drove off. My friemd is driving ,So I navigate.
There is a pool going on. Every body has put a bet on different time for all that may happen during the game.
I want some of that action. I m not into Super Bowl. That way makes it more interesting for me.
Every body will sew to tvs today:)
Ok , guys. I spot a pit stop.
We are pulling up there to get some munching for the road to hold us over(tide us over) till we reach the destination.besides ,we anticipate a big line up at the boarder gate . For all I know, everybody has the same thought when they woke up in the moroning( Thank lucy):)
We need something to keep us occupied ,so we don’t get board out of our minds waiting on line. You know what,boardr officers are very stern and strict. You must do as you are told. They have zero tolerance for fooling around.after all, crossing the boarder line is not a laughing matter. Chances are ,we ende up getting cooped up in the car for hours. Luckily ,I have Eslpod with me.it is a shame that I haven’t signed up for learning guid yet. otherwise, it would be a good opportunity for me to catch up with learning guid.
I regressed
As Jeff sometimes say ,”back to the story.”
I need to get a large double-double (a cup of coffe with two cream and two sugar ) from Timhorton, right on the corner.
The road is quite busy which is not a good sign.
Ok ,guys I must shove off(go) my friend started nagging that as usual I have tuned out my sourrondongs and have gone deep into Jeff stuff. That is what my friend call Eslpod. They call it “Jeff stuff.” charming , isn’t it.
The bet on super bowl rules ,not Super Bowl ,per say.:))))
See ya
February 6th, 2012 at 4:06 am
Neither the Super Bowl nor the Puppy Bowl I have seen.
In times, when they play soccer world championship or the europe soccer championship, it is a plasure to go outside here. Streets are emptier and you find a free table in the café or the ice cream parlor. The zoo has less visitors, so it is the best time for an outdoor counterprogramm.
Best wishes
Nele
February 6th, 2012 at 6:50 am
Hi! Very nice lesson “Animals in a Zoo”. Zoo is a good idea for children, but if we think at their huge desire for freedom…
Maybe we will find from Maya Angelou why the caged bird sings .
“The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
SINGS OF FREEDOM.”
February 6th, 2012 at 6:52 am
Hi! Thank you and for the new phrases for me: to switch place, ringleader, to rise up …
February 6th, 2012 at 6:57 am
Hi! Thank you for the explanation of the phrases:
You look the part.
He’s such a flake.
Beats me!
We’re in for a cold winter.
Get the picture?
Best wishes,
Tania
February 6th, 2012 at 8:21 am
Right Nele, I do think the same like you.
Years ago when I went on the weekends to the countryside with my family to spend a good
time in the mountains near Madrid or to the house of my parents close to a place we
call “La Pedriza” we use to return home just in the moment a soccer was playing and
everyone was wating the tv., the roads were nearly empty and it was easier to go through
Madrid´s streets.
Not liking soccer or other similar games has been a big adventage to
enjoy other activities outdoors.
To me it is like a not understanble mistery how many people..150 millions yesterday
as it has been said by the tv. of Spain….could be so fond to something so ……
well I do not say anything in order of not hurting sport feelings
that are so sacred for lot of friends here, like Jeff´s for instance.
Hi, Jeff, sure you spent a good time from your couch watching the game.
Well, I would like to have watched “Madona” instead of the big men who where
playing such a super bowl, but sorry Jeff this evening I have seen that the
super bowl it is “Rugby football” instead of “Baseball” that is the play you like more.
Sorry, sorrry….sorry.
I am an absolute sport´s analphabet that is my great fault.
emiliano
February 6th, 2012 at 9:37 am
Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone, “Madonna” is going to be 54 years old next august?
Wathing her dancing and singing in the super bowl feast, yes I have seen her by youtube, it is
absolutely incredible.
What a big form and what an incredible show..
Madonna have been such a lot of years being a pop super star artist? Too much merit
for her.
Well, I think this woman has a brillian mind to stand up so long time in the cuspidate
of the pop music singers.
I like her from the begining when my daughters were young girls and sung her
songs.
The new album seems to be good too, good for her and for us olds enough to follow
her evolution.
emiliano
February 6th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
I have no interest in foot ball at all… so i would rather curl up with something eles.
Since i don’t really like football, i don’t even know the rules. I have tired to learn it but it didn’t work out well…
February 7th, 2012 at 11:37 am
Is anybody there?
Very quiet here!
Everyone gone to Super Bowl?
I thought Super Bowl has finished. Surely it is time to come back to practice writing English.
Well, according to guardian news online:
“The Super Bowl set a US television ratings record for the third year running on Sunday night, with an average of 111.3 million viewers watching the New York Giants’ last-gasp victory over the New England Patriots.
Madonna’s half-time performance did even better, attracting 114 million viewers, while the average audience for the three-hour finale to the American football season was 111.3 million on US network NBC”.
I have never watched a full session of Madonna’s performance before. Not that I did not want to, I just did not have a chance.
However, I read a lot about her from the Wikipedia because she has a strong connection with Britain. I actually admire her as a woman tougher than steel. Although the Vatican did not seem to approve of her, and even her adoption of children from Malawi turned into a battle with the court, I have no doubt at all that this woman is a woman to watch for.
Anyway, how did I spend my Sunday? Did I watch Super Bowl? No way!
It was the day for my Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (English). I knew Hong Kong has a Half Marathon in the morning, but I did not know that a lots of the bus routes near the exam centre had to be changed because of the Half Marathon.
It was good that there was the underground (MTR, Mass Transit Railway) which would not be affected by the Marathon. I took the MTR and then a mini bus to the exam centre.
I met some other candidates there. They were students from the (PGDE) Postgraduate Diploma in Education of the Hong Kong University.
Now I know, what Jeff, Lucy and Warren have been teaching me is as good as a Postgraduate Diploma course in English Language Education. Thank you so much, I do find this year’s exam a lot easier than last time (whether I will pass it with flying colour is another matter).
Just one more person I would like to thank before I disappear. It is “Yossarian the Grammarian, also called Mr Thoth”. I failed the “Grammar” part of my assessment twice before, so I had to take it more serious and try to learn the Grammar more properly.
I found this good gentleman with a heart of gold when I searched all over the World Wide Web to find some English Grammar to help me pass my assessment.
Thank you again, all my teachers here, you have made Learning English much easier for me.
Betty
February 7th, 2012 at 11:51 am
Sorry, error in my post above:
“I have no doubt at all that this woman is a woman to watch for”.
I should have said: “I have no doubt at all that this woman is a woman to watch”.
February 7th, 2012 at 11:20 pm
I’m not a big fan of American foot ball and the pet show. However, only on the day of Super bowl is held, I enjoyed watching the game even though I don’t have any favorite team. I just focus on the game rule (because I still don’t know game rule) as I’m watching the game. And I was overwhelming when I was told that the companies pay three hundred million dollars for the thirty second advertisement between the games. That makes me to think how American considers the Super Bowl as a best sports event than any others.
February 8th, 2012 at 4:05 am
Hi Betty,
it sounds not so bad, when you find that this year’s exam is a lot easier than last year’s one. I´ll keep my fingers crossed!
This evening I will look who Yossarian the Grammarian is. Thanks for the tip.
You wrote that you will disappear? I hope you meant not that you will completely disappear from this blog?
Best wishes
Nele
February 11th, 2012 at 8:30 am
Hi Nele
Thank you very much indeed for leaving me a message.
No, I am not “disappearing” from this blog. Perhaps I should have used another word.
I need to keep writing to stop my English regressing. Here seems to be a good place for me to write.
Thank you very much for your kind words. I did feel a lot more comfortable with the exam this time. I think my persistent writing here has helped me in
writing as well as in thinking.
BTW, did you enjoy Yossarian the Grammarian?
The sound and picture quality are not good at all – just like a real lecture. At least it is better than a live lecture because I can repeat listening to the lecture until I am satisfied that I understand it.
Best Regards
Betty
February 12th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Hi Betty,
I´m pleased that you will stay. It´s a pleasure to read your posts.
I found Yossarian the Grammarian and looked one video until now, the verb. I don´t like to practice grammer. It is more my line to read, read, read and listen, listen, listen to learn english. But, how you have said, some grammatical rules will help.
I will see, perhaps Yossarian the Grammarian will help me.
Best regards
Nele