The halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVIII featured Jessica Simpson, Nelly, P. Diddy, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. We all know what happened with the "wardrobe malfunction," but lately it looks like the controversy was not only detrimental to CBS's pockets and Janet's career, but also to young urban NFL fans. Since the incident in 2004, Super Bowl halftime shows have targeted the older, mostly white baby boomer crowd.
Despite having Prince offer up probably the best Super Bowl halftime show since Michael Jackson's 1993 performance, halftime during the Super Bowl has been lackluster as of late.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Since Janet's incident, we've had Paul McCartney (2005), The Rolling Stones (2006), Prince (2007), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (2008), and this year, we have Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Except for when Prince performed, did anyone under the age of 40 stick around to watch these shows? I'm sure folks like Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, Beyonce, Ne-Yo, Usher, T.I., Leona Lewis and too many others to list aren't too busy on Sunday. How come no one is calling them? Looks like halftime will be the best time to use the bathroom during this year's Super Bowl.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (87)
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By: Rossia on 2/01/2009 1:31PM
Diana Ross' Superbowl in 1996 was the biggest ratings grabber and one of the best. The Diva left sitting on a helicopter ledge flying "HIGHER" above the city
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By: AutumnNatae on 2/01/2009 11:32PM
I agree tottally, its gotten more boring as the years gone by. I was thinking this just before the game. That is why I dont watch the games anymore, not that they arent entertaining;but just not as fun to watch. I bet you they lost millions of viewers between the halff-time shows.
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By: Real on 2/02/2009 12:23AM
Are u kidding me? I thought that this was over a long time ago, they both are at fault and thats it.
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By: Joolz68 on 2/02/2009 1:27AM
To be more exact:
Janet apologized "to anyone that was OFFENDED" by the incident, but not for it happening. Then on Oprah, she said she regretted the apology.
Janet claimed the decision to have the 'costume reveal' was made at final rehearsals. Final rehearsals are usually done on the day of the performance so they can do sound checks. So did she have her designer flown in? Perhaps she keeps a taylor on call for outfit repairs? That person maybe made an adjustment to the leather garment to facilitate Justin tearing off the bodice. Perhaps a Velcro flap? Metal snaps all around?
Well Justin must be one SINEWY fellow. To have muscles capable of exerting such a great physical force as to grasp the fabric of her bra, through a tight, body-conscious, leather outfit, in a split-second. And rip it CLEAN OFF... it's mind-boggling!
Just try to get a grip on the side of a bra cup through a top. Ask a female friend to help. Not tear it, just grasp it. Through a tight top. In a split-second. On purpose. Without breaking the skin. Or leave a bruise from the pinch.
Hell, try it through a loose top. Try it with NO TOP.
I'll wait...
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By: Princesslea923 on 2/02/2009 12:16PM
I'm not sure what the author means by lackluster, but I thoroughly enjoyed this year's halftime show. Not everyone wants to see the Gyrating and Breasts hanging out during the Super Bowl...
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By: djrj on 3/08/2009 7:32PM
WOW.. I can't believe Black Voices is putting Janet out there like that. This is precisely why her music and her career continues to suffer. You choose to look at it from the same narrow minded way that mainstream media has done. Instead of supporting Janet you chose to drag her name in the mud again for what? You want hits on your blog? You want to again throw an old issue up? Why is it that everyone has fully embraced Justin Timberlake like he had nothing to do with it? Why don't we ask the question.. Did Justin tearing off Janet's top ruin it for black artists at the halftime? He pulled the top off not Janet. Yet black artists are continually collaborating with him to get a hit. I know I am only one person but I am sick of Janet being black listed by media and radio. She is a much better artist than the media, including this Black Voices, is giving her credit for. If you are going to report on this maybe you should report the incident for what is was and for once and for all leave it in the past. Let this woman move on with her career. I hope she gets back now that she is back to working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They brought out the best in each other. I am sad to say but this might just be the last time I check out something that Black Voices has to say thanks to this bogus and totally irresponsible article.
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By: scott on 3/10/2009 5:52PM
hahahaha, people are ridiculous, this is just what they needed to get rid of the urban form of an artist during the superbowl halftime, show, if it had been madonna do you think that they would only go with black performers from then on? NO, its ashame but true, yes she kinda did ruin it, but they used it as an opportunity, and it should not be that way. Dammn shame!!!!!
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