Billy Joel
Only in Miami
By MARC TOPKIN
Published February 2, 2007
Only in Miami
The Super Bowl is big business throughout South Florida, from hotels, bars and restaurants to limo services, private airports and marinas. And don't forget the gentlemen's clubs, which expect bustling business through the weekend. Tootsie's Cabaret is billing itself as Super Bowl headquarters, touting its room for 2,200 (with 40,000 square feet, having taken over a former discount warehouse store) and a variety of activities on themed streets and storefronts. "The experience is to make the visitor feel as if they stepped into another universe," co-owner Richard Stanton told the Miami Herald. "It's a real adult Disney World."
He said it
"My party is going to be like me - big and sexy."
Shaquille O'Neal, above, on his Thursday night soiree at the Versace mansion that was to include Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Kelly Rowland and Mark Wahlberg
Party time
ESPN The Magazine doesn't do anything subtle, so no surprise its party looked to be the biggest of the weekend, with more than 5,000 tickets distributed for tonight's gathering in the Miami Design District. The VIP area alone will hold 3,000, and the highlight - at least that's what the news release says - will be the Benihana Grill-Off between Indianapolis' Antoine Bethea and Bears legend William "The Refrigerator" Perry. The two will see who can chop and grill better, presumably without cutting off any body parts.
Kickin' with
Legendary musician/anthem singer
How's it feel to be the first performer to sing the Super Bowl anthem twice (also 1989)?
I don't know - I haven't done it yet. I think it will be fun. I'm just doing the anthem - I ain't doing the halftime show.
What about the anthem?
It's a tough song. It's not the greatest song ever written. What it represents is a terrific thing, but America the Beautiful is actually a better song. ... It was written early in the 19th century, and that's the vernacular that's used in the song. Nobody remembers the lyrics because they really don't know what they mean. The melody is difficult. Everyone drops out on the high notes. It's kind of a slog, actually.
Any plans for a new album?
I don't know. If I feel like writing an album, I write an album. Today I don't feel like writing one.
What goes through your mind when you're singing?
Don't forget the words.
Do you know there's talk about how long your rendition will be and even a betting line on the over/under (1:44)?
I heard about that. The NFL has a choreography, so I have to try and follow their exact timing. Last time I did it in Super Bowl XXIII it came in about 1:27. But I don't really know, and I'm only saying that because I might be betting myself.
eBay item of the day
You too can start the game off with a coin toss by buying the Highland Mint's "exact replica" of the official coin, made of silver plate with gold highlights, featuring the dueling helmets on one side and the Super Bowl logo on the other. The Buy It Now price is $69.95.
Web site of the day
In an emotional bid to help former NFL players who are struggling with health and financial problems, Mike Ditka, Jerry Kramer and other big names are organizing a fundraising auction on JerryKramer.com that features some spectacularly unique items such as Ditka's 1975 NFC Championship ring, a hand-drawn Vince Lombardi play and a gold bracelet Joe DeLamielleure got from O.J. Simpson. The auction runs through Feb. 13.
Headline we don't expect to see
Prince quits music, will teach public speaking
We want more ...
Of Maya and Nandy.
We want less ...
Long, boring recaps of past Super Bowls that have absolutely nothing to do with this game.
Compiled by Times staff writer Marc Topkin with information from Times wires
Numbers game
53 Words spoken at the news conference by halftime entertainer Prince, left, who instead of talking (and backed by the stunning Australian dancing twins Maya and Nandy and a seven-piece band) ripped through three rocking songs: Johnny B. Goode, Anotherloverholenyohead and Get on the Boat.