No dice

Staying home in January. That's gonna take some getting used to. Oh well, life must go on.

Maybe a list or two later on tonight.

Random travel notes

It's amazing how time flies by when you're reading Jeremy Clarkson.

The 777 I flew from Boston had video monitors in the back of every seat, showing films, TV shows and, flight information such as altitude, temperature, ground speed and so on. I spent an unhealthy portion of my flight looking at the flight info screen, especially when coming in to land at Heathrow.

Nice by BA, giving us the choice of either a Chardonnay or a Bordeaux with the chicken.

Terminal 5 is huuuuuuge!

And very dangerous for a whiskey aficionado like myself - World of Whiskies, part of their duty free area has a nice selection of rare and legendary whiskey, most of them priced from around £150 and up.

The Airbus from London to Oslo was surprisingly smooth when landing. Color me impressed.

Of course, the security check-point at Gardermoen was the slowest one, and the one where I got pulled over and sent something through one extra time.

Nice meeting you again Simon, Happy Holidays!

My Norwegian was really, really bad for a couple days after coming home.

And screw you SAS, for mounting the seats so close together that my knees constantly keep rubbing up against the back of the seat in front of me. Curses!

A bit late, but, hopefully, enjoyable reading. Couple more 'Floyd songs, and I'm off to bed.

...

Happy ChristmaKwanzaaKa everyone!

or, Merry Christmas!

You will have

to excuse my bad manners; I've been quite busy with jet-lag and whiskey this past week. I didn't even make picks. But, it is December twenty-four, those who keep waiting will be getting more...

Ozzy knows

Cause mama
Mama, I'm coming home!

Trondheim in about 23 hours, I'll check in with you from Heathrow if they have Wi-Fi.

God

I hate Joe Buck. No passion, no insight. And a horrible commercial for National Car Rental.

Oh come all ye faithful

Come and get your NFL picks. Not on our beloved Pats, but you knew that. In Fantasy related news, I am in the playoffs in all three of my leagues. Woho!

Green Bay
@ Jacksonville
This is the Super Bowl of disappointing teams in this years NFL. And, it's not Aaron Rodgers' fault that the Pack is missing the play-offs. I'm sorry to say, I believed in this Green Bay squad at the start of the season.
Pick: Green Bay -1.5

San Francisco
@ Miami
San Fran coming of kind of an upset victory over the Jets. If they can beat back-to-back AFC East teams, color me impressed. I think this one is going to be closer than the spread anticipates.
Pick: San Francisco +6.5

Washington
@ Cincinnati
Redskins on the decline, and Cincy is just plain awful. So awful in fact, I think I will take Washington covering.
Pick: Washington -6.5

Detroit
@ Indianapolis
Upset? I do not think so. Colts are gonna walk into the playoffs because of their cupcake final stretch (minus Tennessee, obviously).
Pick: Indianapolis -17.0

Tampa Bay
@ Atlanta
Who'd a thunk that the NFC South is giving us some of the best and most important games (playoffs considered) this season?
Pick: Atlanta -3.0

San Diego
@ Kansas City
Pick: Kansas City +5.5

Tennessee
@ Houston
Pick: Tennessee -3.0

Seattle
@ St. Louis
Pick: Seattle -1.0

Buffalo
@ New York
Buffalo is a riddle this year. I think they need Trent Edwards to win, and they need to make some moves on the defensive side of the ball. And Dick Jauron has to start being more aggressive in his coaching.
Pick: New York -7.0

Minnesota
@ Arizona
Pick: Arizona -3.0

Denver
@ Carolina
Impressive win by Carolina last week. Expect them to run all over the Broncos D.
Pick: Carolina -7.5

Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -3.0

New York
@ Dallas
Pick: New York +3.0

Cleveland
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia -14.0

Last week: 7-8

Season: 97-93-4

Okay, I lied

Only the Thursday night game, at least for now. I'm spending too much time drinking beer. Sorry mom.

New Orleans
@ Chicago
I have no read on this game, although the Saints have been playing good lately. I will stick with the points, and take New Orleans.
Pick: New Orleans +3.0

Thursday, but it's a special one!

Today is the last day of classes here at ECSU, and we all are very excited to be done for the winter. Of course, I'm the only one with no finals, rest of the guys have to stay behind!

I think the way the school system is structured here makes it more interesting, and even though other countries have more concentration on majors, I believe a well rounded and appealing education with many opportunities for different jobs is a better solution, at least for me.

Now, I have to run down to Shafer and finish my 280-project, consisting of a ninja. Wish me luck, and picks later tonight.

O, the weather outside is weather

Last week of classes, 3 more days and I'm OUT! Handed in my art projects and my final paper for poli-sci today, got a paper due tomorrow as well. A lot more writing than I expected. First semester has gone by really, really fast. Feels like it's been two weeks since I got here, not 3 and half months.

Will be leaving from Boston in 8 days almost to the hour, excited to go home! More to come later...

Late night

Picks this week are a day too late. Sue me. No pick on the Pats, even with Junior Seau back in uniform.

Jacksonville
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -6.5

Houston
@ Green Bay
Pick: Pick Green Bay -6.5

Philadelphia
@ New York
Pick: New York -7.0 (anyone notice a pattern here?)

Cleveland
@ Tennessee
Simmons makes a good point about road-teams: there's no such thing as homefield advantage anymore. Still, how can you not pick the Titans here against a hapless Browns team whos starting quarterback this week is Kevin Dorsey? Who? Yes, THE Kevin Dorsey, the one nobody has heard shit about.
Pick: Tennessee -13.5

Atlanta
@ New Orleans
I still don't believe the Saints will make the playoffs. Their division is too strong. Even though they stomped on the Packers. They'll cover 3 points, IF Drew Brees doesn't kill them with a couple badly timed picks.
Pick: New Orleans -3.0

Cincinnati
@ Indianapolis
Cincy sucks, Colts are not their old selves.
Pick: Cincinnati +13.5

Minnesota
@ Detroit
Screw it, I'm taking Minny no matter what. Sorry for the edit guys.
Pick: Minnesota -10.5

Kansas City
@ Denver
KC actually won the first game in this divisional series. Denver beat the Bretts last week. (Pondering) Do I want Jay at home, or do I think their D will stink once again? I think Jay will sling it enough to win it.
Pick: Denver -9.0

Miami
@ Buffalo (Toronto)
Bills are probably the most schizophrenic team in the NFL this year. Miami seems to have found an offense that works, actually...this requieres a coin toss!
The coin says: Miami +1.5

New York
@ San Francisco
Pick: Jets -3.5

Dallas
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -3.0

St. Louis
@ Arizona
My playoff hopes are hanging on the hands of Kurt Warner (or Drew Brees. Haven't decided yet.) And you know that Arizona is unstable this time of the year. Still, the Rams haven't covered since their loss against the Patriots, if my memory serves me right...except for last weekends stinker against the Dolphs.
Pick: Arizona -14.0

Washington
@ Baltimore
I'll take Ed and the resurgent Ray Lewis at home, even though we talked about the lack of good home fields.
Pick: Baltimore -5.0

Tampa Bay
@ Carolina
Game for the division! Goooooood MNF game this weekend, two teams battling for the inside track in the South. Tampa is winning ugly, but still winning. I'll take 'em until they lose.
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.0

Last week: 10-5

Season 90-85-4

Oakland

is getting raped...haha, very funny.

Thursday's pick

Thursday night football is here to stay, so I'm busting out this pick in a hurry to feed the hunger of our gambling friends

Oakland
@ San Diego
Both teams lost shitty games last week, and I don't know if I trust the Chargers to cover here. I'm taking the points and letting her ride. And don't laugh if the Bolts light up the Al Davises at home, okay? Please?
Pick: Oakland +9.5

For those of you

that speak Norwegian: very good read, very good arguments. Makes for a good break between all the writing.

Strings of wire

Editors note: This was written the night of November 29th and published later due to lack of internet connectivity in Vermont. And, I have been in Vermont celebrating Thanksgiving.

The following piece contains spoilers from season 5 of The Wire. If you, like me, are only on the fourth season, do not read this.

Got a proposition for you. Motherfuckers just killed Prop Joe, one of the best characters in The Wire. This big, charismatic, business minded criminal is probably the most sane of the characters portrayed as criminals. I guess it's part of the last season, killing most of the characters. I know I'm a bit behind on season 5, but I have been watching the first 4 episodes from Vermont this weekend. Can't wait to get a hold on the DVD box, and watch the final episodes from probably the best show ever shown on TV.

Week 13 picks

The picks this week is brought to you by Eddie's little brother, Øivind, back in Norway. Eddie is out of town, he is in Vermont and he hasn't got any internet there, so we're talking over the phone as he gives me this weeks picks. Eddie says he is unsure on the Carolina game and on the New Orleans game but he'll give it a go. Also, Eddie says happy hanksgiving to all of you! But here we go, starting with 3 games on Thursday. And as usual, no pick on the Pats game.


Tennessee
@ Detroit
Pick: Titans -10.5

Seattle
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -13

Arizona
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Arizona -3

San Francisco
@ Buffalo
Pick: Buffalo -7

Baltimore
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Baltimore -7

New Orleans
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: New Orleans +4

New York
@ Washington
Pick: New York -3.5

Miami
@ St. Louis
Pick: Miami -7.5

Indianapolis
@ Cleveland
Pick: Indianapolis -5

Carolina
@ Green Bay
Pick: Carolina +3

Atlanta
@ San Diego
Pick: Atlanta +5

Denver
@ New York
Pick: Denver +9

Kansas City
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -3

Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -3.5

Jacksonville
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -3.5

Last week: 8-7

Season: 80-80-4

Live blog, part 4

Moss with 125 yards and 3 TDs on the day, Matt Cassel having his second straight 400+, 3 TD game, and he also ran for a score. Green-Ellis just ran one in on fourth and goal from the 1, inside the 2-minute warning, so this game is over. Good to get a divisional win.

Live blog, part 3

Kevin Faulk, on a 21 yard scamper to end the quarter, give the Pats a 31-21 lead. Good drive by Cassel, although he missed a screen to Moss. Fourth quarter coming up.

Live blog, part 2

Randy just scored his second of the game, looked like a seven yard fade to the back of the end zone. Pats back in front, 24-21.

Live blog, part 1

Miami just took the lead on a pass from Pennington to Cramer. His first ever. They should have covered him better, but they probably disregarded him because he never has scored before.

Hobbs just returned to the 20. TV timeout.

Kinda?

Halftime in the New England @ Miami contest, Pats up 17-14. I should make a burger or something to eat, but there are dishes in the sink, and they are certainly not my responsibility. Random thoughts from the first half:

Good to see Randy Moss lowering his shoulder and running through the DB for a TD in the second quarter.

Wes Welker: at least 6 catches in every game this season. Every game! The little guy never seizes to amaze me.

Third down D gotta step up.

Same for the pass coverage.


Second half just started.

Aftermath

Welfare aid has said
Enough is enough
Kids ain't been to school in weeks
Crystal meth in the bathtub
Blood splattered in the sink

Half Life

Something was just brought to my attention, by myself. November 19, 1998, one of the best computer/video games ever was released. Little known developer Valve, together with publisher Sierra, released the first chapter in what has now become the Gordon Freeman saga.

I am, of course, talking about Half Life. A first-person shooter without cutscenes, Half Life revolutionized storytelling in games. Graphics wise, it does not hold up at all, but as a game, Half Life is maybe one of the most important titles ever, and certainly from the last decade.

It has spurred sequels (Half Life 2, Episode 1&2), spin-offs (Blue Shift & Opposing Force, and later, Portal) and the most popular multiplayer game for PC ever, Counter Strike, plus dozens of other minor (and major) mods. It paved the road for games like Halo, Far Cry and Gears of War. It changed the way we play games, the way games are made.

Tonight, we drink to a orange-clad scientist with square glasses and a red crowbar. All hail the Freeman.

Week 12 picks

The playoff race is tightening up, and some teams have to step it up if they want to play come January. If the playoffs started today, from the NFC: Giants, Cardinals, Packers, Panthers, with the Bucs and the Cowboys as Wild Cards. Redskins and Falcons are tied for that last Wild card spot with the Cowboys. The Eagles are half a game behind, while the Bears, Vikes and the Saints are a full game out of it. The next month and a half is going to be awesome for us football fans.

Over in the AFC, Jets, Broncos, Steelers and Titans would host a game each, with the Dolphins, Patriots, Ravens and Colts being tied for the two WC spots. And the Bills are only one game out of WC contention too.

Anyways, let's get this show on the road, Thursday night game tonight. No pick on the Pats game.

Cincinnati
@ Pittsburgh
Chad Ocho Cinco is not playing tonight because of a suspension for violating a team rule. I still think Pittsburgh will win, regardless of his status. The Bengals can be happy about themselves though, the first tie in the NFL since 2002. Round of applause.
Pick: Pittsburgh -10.5

Houston
@ Cleveland
Houston should have won. Cleveland should have lost. Brady Quinn has a broken finger. Sage Rosenfels is...well, Sage Rosenfels. I really like the Texans running game this season, Steve Slaton is doing a good job toting the rock, and Ahman Green is a nice veteran to spell him. Andre Johnson, one of the five best receivers in the league. Too bad he's never had a top five QB...
Pick: Houston +3.0

Buffalo
@ Kansas City
The Bills need this game like Shakira needs a decent song writer. They should have won last week, but, alas, the NFL works in mysterious ways. Look for Marshawn Lynch to have a good game against a fragile KC D.
Pick: Buffalo -3.0

Philadelphia
@ Baltimore
No no no no no no no.
Pick: Baltimore -1.5

San Francisco
@ Dallas
Coin toss. Cause I don't like the game at all. Dallas is too shaky, Niners too...something.
Coin says: San Francisco +10.0

New York
@ Tennessee
Do I root for New York to end Tennessee's bid for a perfect season? Or do I root for the Titans to help the Pats in the division? Playoffs > only perfect 16-game regular season. At five points, I'll take Tennessee any day.
Pick: Tennessee -5.0

Tampa Bay
@ Detroit
Tampa Bay is kinda flying under the radar I feel, but they are playing solid football and have the inside track on the fifth seed in the NFC. They should be able to roll against Detroit, even without Earnest Graham.
Pick: Tampa Bay -8.0

Chicago
@ St. Louis
Rams stink. Bears got manhandled by Green Bay. St. Louis failed me two weeks in a row now, so we're taking Chicago.
Pick: Chicago -8.5

Minnesota
@ Jacksonville
Both picked to be in the hunt for the division crown at the start of the season, Minny is tied for first with Green Bay and Chicago, while Jacksonville is relegated to third, behind the Colts and the Titans. Jacksonville is not making the playoffs. Minnesota might sneak in, but they will probably have to win five of the last six. None of these teams are showing me enough to pick either of them, but I'll take my chances on Jacksonville this week.
Pick: Jacksonville -2.5

Oakland
@ Denver
Denver atop the West with six to play. Who'd a thunk? The Chargers stink this year, and that is probably why Denver will get a home playoff game come January. And Oakland? Coming around, but still missing a lot of pieces to even be an 8-8 team.
Pick: Denver -9.5

New York
@ Arizona
Props to Zona for only getting 3 against the defending champs. But their defense have to step up big if they are to have any chance of pulling this one off. I think the G-men will prevail.
Pick: New York -3.0

Washington
@ Seattle
Pick: Washington -3.5

Carolina
@ Atlanta
Atlanta will be lagging in the WC race if they loose here, and the Panthers can tighten their grip on the division with a win. Both teams are playing good ball, but the Panthers are getting a few more breaks along the way.
Pick: Carolina +1.0

Indianapolis
@ San Diego
Can we trust the Chargers? No. Colts look they are aiming for one of those WC slots. I say Colts in a close one.
Pick: Indianapolis +2.5

Green Bay
@ New Orleans
Packers: 5-5, tied atop NFC North. Saints: 5-5, last place in NFC South. Green Bay has a better D than the Saints, that's why I think they will win on Monday night. Though Drew Brees might still throw for 400yds.
Pick: Green Bay +3.0

Last week: 7-8

Season: 72-73-4

Thursday!

That means picks in about half an hour. Woho! We're having a Thanksgiving dinner today, probably gonne be close to 15-20 people in our spacious apartment. Right now, they're playing NA pong on the abnormally long kitchen table setup, while Chris is crushing Nazi's on his Xbox. This is written to the tunes of The Clash and Drive-by Truckers. Stay tuned for picks!

Anyone can stand up and say, but it takes a man to say it right!

We finished our intramural league last night, with a victory by forfeit. The other team only sported three players. Sucks, cause I was in the mood for some good, hard fought football. Anyway, I thought I should share with you my career stats for "Skadoosh". All numbers approx:

Offense
Passing: 3/5, 40yds, 1 INT
Receiving: 6 catches, 40yds, 1 1pt conversion

Defense
2 sacks
2 pass defended
10 tackles (not really tackles, more like stops. Flag football sucks)

Skadoosh's record: 3-5, no playoffs. I can't wait to play some real ball again...

To each his own, something

I have noticed something over the 3 Patriot games I have attended this fall:

They cut out the first part of AC/DCs "Thunderstruck".

Why this need for censorship? My guess is, that they cut it short just to get to the "Thunderstruck" part in time for the kick off. But that is not the case with another song that caught my attention:

Kid Rock has this "Sweet home Alabama" cover out, called "All summer long", with a different text to it. The chorus, as in the original version:

And we were trying different things
We were smoking funny things
Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking bout tomorrow
Singing sweet home Alabama all summer long (x2)

At Gillette Stadium, they cut out the second line and basically play the first one twice in a row. Not allowing offensive signs, I can relate. But to censor out the chorus of a song, and the chorus doesn't contain a single curse word, that is beyond me. Smoking funny things? It happens! This is another sign of over sensitivity from Americans, and the "need to protect" the children. God damn conservatives in charge. Really, a curse word won't kill a kid. And if he/she is raised properly, they will know that you don't have to use them. Violence is very okay around here, and alot of gory stuff gets rated PG-13 but as soon as someone drops two "fuck you's" in one movie, it gets an R rating. I am not condoning swearing, but I think it is stupid to edit pieces of art because of their language. Art depicts reality, and the reality is, people do smoke funny things, people do swear.

Now, for the Chicago @ Green Bay debacle, I think I want to go with Chicago, because I think it is going to be a close game. The Pack must win this one if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Pick: Chicago +3.5

Week 11 picks

I am going to Gillette tonight! It's going to be awesome, rain or no rain! Leaving in about an hour and thirty, so we're getting the picks out now. No play on tonights game, but it is going to be fun watching Brett Favre for the first time. On to the games...

Denver
@ Atlanta
I don't trust Denver. Not one bit. And this Atlanta team is really starting to look like a viable contender for a first-round bye come January. Their defense is playing solid, and Matt Ryan is starting to look like a real NFL quarterback.
Pick: Atlanta -6.0

Minnesota
@ Tampa Bay
Great win by the Vikings last week. Travelling to Tampa could pose a similar scenario, and the Bucs are rested after their bye. Take Minny and the points, just because I like Adrian Peterson and the Vikes run D.
Pick: Minnesota +3.5

Houston
@ Indianapolis
Colts looking like the Peyton Posse of old lately...and the Texans...well. I'm taking the points here, only because these teams have been too unstable for gambling purposes this season. and because I hate the Colts.
Pick: Houston +8.5

Oakland
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -10.0

Philadelphia
@ Cincinnati
What to make of these teams? I don't think either will be playing past December. I guess Philly has the most upside, but are they covering nine? I think it's too high, so take the points.
Pick: Cincinnati +9.0

Baltimore
@ New York
Good game. Should be entertaining enough to warrant priority viewing. Is it gonna be close? I think so.
Pick: Baltimore +6.5

New Orleans
@ Kansas City
Drew Brees: Fantasy monster. New Orleans Saints: Staying home for the playoffs. Mark my words.
Pick: New Orleans -5.0

Detroit
@ Carolina
How bad did the Panthers play last week? And still cover? Turns out, Oakland is the worst team in the league. Not if Detroit has anything to say about it! Let's hope Jake can pull the cats together and keep themselves atop the South. Cause you know that Falcon is growing in the mirror...And how wrong was I that last weeks Panthers-Raiders game was a dream matchup for fantasy purposes, if you had Carolina players? Sheesh.
Pick: Detroit +14.0

Arizona
@ Seattle
Three points? Thank you! Seriously, the Seahawks haven't done shit to convince me that they are better than the Cardinals. I like the Arizona offense, so that's what we're playing!
Pick: Arizona -3.0

St. Louis
@ San Francisco
How horrible were the Rams last week? Kicking a field goal down 40-0? Are you f***ing kidding me? Needless to say, I think they will lose this week. By how much, you ask? Good question.
Pick: St. Louis +6.5 (honestly, I have no idea about this game. Stay away)

Tennessee
@ Jacksonville
Undefeated versus Jacksonville. Titans win it, and cover.
Pick: Tennessee -2.5

San Diego
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: San Diego +4.5

Dallas
@ Washington
Pick: Washington +1.0

Cleveland
@ Buffalo
Buffalo started off pretty good. Now they are tied for 3rd in the East. They can't lose any more ground if they want to play in January. Me thinks they will beat Cleveland.
Pick: Buffalo -4.5

Last week: 7-6

Season: 65-65-4

Paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper paper

Still working on this shit, but I tell you, it's gonna be great! I'll post parts of it later, for your enjoyment. Sleeping in a short while, see you guys tomorrow.

Extra pickings

Indianapolis
@ Pittsburgh
I guess Roethlisberger is playing.
Pick: Pittsburgh -4.5

NB

Just a quick note to everybody, vote for Nidaros Domers at this link. It is a giveaway from one of the newspapers back home, cash prizes. Vote your asses off!

http://www.dagbladet.no/klubben/stem/index.html?id=16010408&fylke=16

NFL, now available on Thursdays!

Bitter loss to the Colts last week...and somehow, I can't whine about it. It was a competetive game. We played good. We lost, yes, but there was a lot of positives to build upon. I'm just hoping they can keep it up against the Bills this week, in a crucial division game. By now, ya'll know the drill, Week 10 (!) picks sponsored by Longman Publishing:

Denver
@ Cleveland
Thursday night football, exclusively on NFL Network, exclusively on one providers channel list. Brady Quinn will be under center for the Browns this game, as Derek Anderson got benched by the relatively slim Romeo Crennel. And Mike Shanahan seems to be having trouble with everything he didn't have trouble with in the past. Odd. Might be a good game.
Pick: Cleveland -3.0

New Orleans
@ Atlanta
Fresh off their bye-week, the Saints travel to Georgia to battle within the division. I'll take Drew Brees over Matt Ryan in this one, simply because I think New Orleans can outscore the Falcons.
Pick: New Orleans +1.0

Seattle
@ Miami
Seems like Miami is picking up some steam, huh? Roggen must be pleased. Seattle is a team in distress, but this has the feeling of one of those games that will be closer than the spread suggests. Let me take Miami in this one, but I would not put money on it.
Pick: Miami -8.5

Baltimore
@ Houston
Baltimore's D over Houston's O.
Pick: Baltimore -1.0

Green Bay
@ Minnesota
The pack better start getting their shit together if they want to play January ball. Minny had a good win last week, if they can keep it up, they'll be in good shape come tiebreaking procedure time.
Pick: Green Bay +2.5

St. Louis
@ New York
The Rams aren't that bad, and the Jets, well, the jury is still out on them. Show of hands, who had Steven Jackson go in the first round of their fantasy draft? And my congratulations to mr. Favre, 300 interceptions, and still throwing it up for grabs. You sir, are a true American! In Wrangler jeans.
Pick: St. Louis +8.0

Tennessee
@ Chicago
I think someone is getting a lot of credit in this game, and it's not the Titans. This will be a real test for the Bears, and if they can pull this off, well, color me surprised.
Pick: Tennessee -3.0

Jacksonville
@ Detroit
Six-and-a-half for JJ on the road, after their two lackluster performances against shitty teams? Hm. Smells like a grinder. Or a turd. Can't tell the difference at this point. I need a drink. And, I don't like this game, so we'll ask our old friend, the Euro:
The coin says: Jackonsville -6.5

Carolina
@ Oakland
PLAY ANY CAROLINA PLAYER YOU CAN! For fantasy purposes, this is a dream matchup. The Al Davises got shut out last week against the Falcons. How about that? But, we all saw this coming when he stopped taking his meds. Carolina is one of those teams that seems to be flying under the radar, not making too much noise, playing solid football. I know one thing, the NFC Wild Card picture is going to be insane come mid December.
Pick: Carolina -9.5

Kansas City
@ San Diego
Will the Chiefs cover? That is the only question for this game. My hunch, yes they will.
Pick: Kansas City +15.0

No line available for Pittsburgh-Indianapolis yet, probably because of Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder.

New York
@ Philadelphia
Does anybody think New York can repeat?
Pick: New York +3.0

San Francisco
@ Arizona
You guys know I love them Cardinals any time they play division rivals. And Monday Night! Kurt Warner is having an MVP-candidate season, and he will be fighting with Drew Brees for the start in the Pro Bowl. Will we see both of them come January? Arizona has the easiest divison, and might get to the playoffs with an 8-8, while New Orleans is in one of the most competetive divisions in football. Still, Arizona at home.
Pick: Arizona -9.5

Bye: Cincinnati, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington

Last week: 5-8

Season: 58-59-4

Rock the vote #3

I've been drinking since the result came in. Barack Obama is the next president. Wow. Means I don't have to move to Canada. And I still feel like I won, even though I'm not a citizen and I didn't vote. Shit. Good night to be a student, to be part of something like this.

I still got a research topic proposal to do for tomorrow, but I might get it over with within half an hour. Still revved about the election! Wo-friggin-ho!

Rock the vote #2

We were watching a shitty movie, when all of a sudden there are loud screams outside. Not understanding what happened first, we suddenly realised, Barack Obama is the next president of the United States. People were actually happy for this outcome. History has been made !

Rock the vote #1

Lot's of people voting today, do you guys know what's going on? I'm playing a game tonight at 8, and then there should be election updates for you guys until I'm guessing 1 or 2 in the morning. Be sure to check in with Zip City before you go to work or class Wednesday morning!

Outside in the November evening

Kyle managed to set off the fire alarm while cooking chicken. That bastard is loud! The fire alarm, that is.

Election eve here in the States, John McCain and Barack Obama will make an appearance on MNF tonight. Should be strawdinary! Not going to say anything about the Pats game tonight, saving it for Thursday. Looking forward, regular week of classes and work, as I FINALLY got my SSN. Time to make money! See you guys later, maybe tomorrow, as the result of the election will come ticking in in the wee hours...

Red 70 Blackstar! Red 70 Blackstar!

That's right, we're calling an audible and giving you guys a special Halloween edition of the picks! Knute Rockne just turned in his grave.

As said last week, I spent a better part of Sunday in Foxboro, and I had pretty good seats, as the picture below will tell you. Right at the 45 yard-line! Rest of the week has been pretty busy, I've had multiple presentations, I went to see "The Women" on Tuesday, and I have taken it upon myself to put together this lightbox for use at the final exam in my theatre tech class.

Today is, as we all know, Halloween, and I have no idea what costume I'm going to wear. No idea. Going to buckland later on, will find something there, I hope.

But, the reason you are all here, the Week 9 picks, sponsored by Skittles. As always, no pick on the Pats game, which this week is going to be a good game, no matter who's winning.

Arizona
@ St. Louis
Three good games in a row by the Rams, after the firing of Scott Linehan. The Birds of Prey had a good outing with Carolina last week, but ultimately lost. Kurt Warner should be able to exploit the Rams questionable pass defense for a win here.
Pick: Arizona -3.0

New York
@ Buffalo
Tough game to predict. Which Bills offense will show up? Which Brett Favre will show up? I think Buffalo rights the ship after last weeks horrendous loss to the Dolphins.
Pick: Buffalo -5.5

Tampa Bay
@ Kansas City
Trap game potential? You tell me. Tampa is coming off a close loss to the Cowboys, while the Chiefs have looked miserable all year except for that win over Denver. The Bucs will have to step it up this game if they want to be considered for the South crown in the NFC.
Pick: Tampa Bay -8.5

Jacksonville
@ Cincinnati
Them Jags lost to Cleveland last week. Impossible to predict this season, though I will say this: if the Jaguars drop this game, they do not deserve to mentioned as one of the top 6 teams in the AFC.
Pick: Jacksonville -7.0

Baltimore
@ Cleveland
What to make of Baltimore? What to make of Cleveland? The Browns have won two games they had no business winning, Baltimore is sniffing on a Wild-Card spot right now. I say this is a toss up, especially with the Ravens getting one and a half on the road.
Pick: Baltimore +1.5

Houston
@ Minnesota
Pick: Houston +4.0

Detroit
@ Chicago
Am I taking the points in this one? Hell no! Detroit looks awful and the Bears seem to have recovered their swagger, sitting atop the North tied with Green Bay. I think the Bears will continue to roll at home against a team that is in a bigger mess than the American economy.
Pick: Chicago -12.5

Green Bay
@ Tennessee
Good game! Kerry Collins rolled to another victory on Monday, keeping them as the only undefeated team in the NFL. This could be a statement game for Green Bay, and you know they would love to dethrone Tennessee. And, for some reason, I like the Pack in this game. Maybe it's the five and a half on the road? I do not know, but I'm still taking it!
Pick: Green Bay +5.5

Miami
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -3.5

Dallas
@ New York
Ooooooh, this one's going to be fun! And then we remember Brad Johnson is QBing the Romo-Simpson less Cowboys. I still think they will cover, but they are not going to win.
Pick: Dallas +8.0

Atlanta
@ Oakland
Pick: Atlanta -2.5

Philadelphia
@ Seattle
I am not sold on Philly, even though they burned me last week. And Seattle is still without Matt Hasselbeck and Deion "Show me the money" Branch. Should be Philly in a blowout.
Pick: Philadelphia -6.5

Pittsburgh
@ Washington
Good Mondag night game, both teams coming of Ws. I still think Washington is a good team, and they should make the playoffs. The Steelers should run away with their own divison, unless they suffer a setback in the Gigli range down the stretch. Anyway, I'm taking the Skins at home.
Pick: Washington -2.0

Bye: Carolina, New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco

Last week: 6-6-1

Season: 53-51-4

26 de Octubre

I am up at 7am on a Sunday, headed to Foxboro in about 40 minutes. The wind has calmed down considerably since last night, and it appears that the rain has stopped too.

I would like to congratulate my brother on his 23rd birthday today. If you know him, give him a shout. Congrats H! You're an inspiration to a lot of people, including myself.

Week 8 picks

We have a great batch of games coming up this weekend, highlighted by the Saints-Chargers debacle in London, England. Last week included its fair share of fun too, I of course loved that the Pats were able to overcome 6 sacks to put a stomping on the Broncos. I managed to get a ticket for the game this weekend, so there will be no writing until late on Sunday. On to the action, and as always, no pick on the Pats game.

Tampa Bay
@ Dallas
Nice loss by the Cowboys last week. Jerry Jones should stick to business, and let them Boys play! That being said, good choice to trade for Roy Williams, since Roy Williams went out with a season ending injury. That leaves only one Roy Williams on the roster, wich probably makes it a lot easier for Jessica Simpson to keep track of whom Tony Romo should be throwing to. Should we take Tampa Bay here? Yes we should.
Pick: Tampa Bay +2.5

San Diego
vs. New Orleans @ Wembley
This is a home game for New Orleans, which makes sense, right? Both teams lost kinda hard last week. We hate the Chargers and their pass defence sucks. Trap game warning.
Pick: New Orleans +3.0

Buffalo
@ Miami
The Dolphins looked awful against Baltimore. The Bills looked good against the aforementioned Chargers. And giving only 2 points on the road in the East? Easy money.
Pick: Buffalo -2.0

Oakland
@ Baltimore
Really? Only 7 points for the anemic offense of the Al Davises?
Pick: Baltimore -7.0

Kansas City
@ New York
And the Bretts are getting thirteen on them Chiefs. Can they cover? I want to say yes, but I remember the lackluster performance against Oakland last week. Plus their starting receiver is out. Don't you just love it when I'm way off my predictions? Like me saying the Jets were gonna cover easily last week. If I pick the Chiefs, and the Jets run all over them, I'm an ass. If I pick the Jets, and the Chiefs cover, I'm an idiot for riding Bretts bandtractor. It's gonna be mad fun though, watching Tyler and Brett wing it....yeah.
Pick: Kansas City +13.0

Atlanta
@ Philadelphia
Go Matt go! Philly has struggled of late, and Atlanta, well, I don't know bout them either. But they are looking better than what anyone could have thought. Let's give them a chance against Philly.
Pick: Atlanta +9.0

Arizona
@ Carolina
I really like Arizona this year, and by saying that I probably killed off their 3 fans by jinxing their season. Sorry guys. Meanwhile, Carolina has been up and down like Kevin Bacon's career. We'll take Carolina just to see if they are for real.
Pick: Carolina -4.0

Washington
@ Detroit
Don't you feel like Detroit is in for one of those upset-specials? Or are they just shitty this season? I can't tell which one it is. And Washington have played 2 bad games in a row, nearly going into OT against the Browns. Jason Campbell SHOULD shred the defense with the help of Clinton Portis. Should.
Pick: Washington -7.5

Cleveland
@ Jacksonville
So, which one of you guys will step up in this game? Distance yourself from the losers? Jacksonville? My fantasy team is looking for a good game from Maurice Jones-Drew, which means they'll probably throw downfield every single down. And lose.
Pick: Jacksonville -7.0

Cincinnati
@ Houston
The Texans didn't cover against a winless team last week. So they are giving a full point extra this week? That makes sense. Right? (By the way, I really really don't like this game. I have no feeling about it, whatsoever.)
Pick: Cincinnati +9.5

Seattle
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -4.5

New York
@ Pittsburgh
God I hate New York. But they are getting 3 on the road.
Pick: New York +3.0

Indianapolis
@ Tennessee
Anybody else feel like the Titans are one bad Kerry Collins game away from their first loss? Me too. That being said, 3 or 4 weeks ago I did tell Roggen that I felt he was the QB doing the best job in the league right now. And it's true. He's been consistently average. He hasn't cost his team a game yet. That's good enough for me!
Pick: Tennessee -4.0

Bye: Chicago, Denver, Green Bay, Minnesota (whos idea was it to have 3 of 4 NFC North teams on a bye the same week?)

Last week: 6-6-1

Season: 47-45-3

Good times...

This week is packed with homework and projects and possibly some work too. And, I can get cheap tickets to the Pats game, if I want to go. Mom and dad are going to London tomorrow, wish them a safe flight!

Having a bit of trouble with my fantasy lineup this week, help me choose 2 of the following wide receivers: Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish, Lance Moore and Nate Washington. Moore and Parrish are currently on my roster, but the other two are available on waivers.

Why do people use their phones in the middle of class? This is like middle school all over again. Grow up!!

Tired, and it's not even 8pm. See you tomorrow!

Topic sentence

Last night came with mixed feelings. Most of the games in the NFL went the way I wanted them to (Note: I might pick a game different than what I hope for, simply because of the odds), Rosenborg only played to a draw, Stabæk won the National Championship and the Sox lost game 7. Needless to say, the last part was tough to swallow, but at least now we can hope Philadelphia has it's first title since nineteen-doesanybodyknow.

Had a great weekend, with lots of good food, courtesy of my family's friends. Got to watch part of the Sarah Palin skit on SNL, and the rap was really hilarious. If you haven't seen it, it's available at nbc.com I believe.

Played Game 2 in the intramural league last night, I think we lost 27-13. Again, I played mostly o-line and cornerback, but I had a short stint at QB once the game was out of reach. It was bloody cold though, I don't think I've ever played a game before in that temperature. Gotta run, shipments are waiting. Go Pats!

Yessss!

And we're tied at 3! Papelbon just tied up the series with a flawless ninth, so we will have game seven tomorrow. I should be heading to bed real soon.

Congratulations to the Lerkendal Lions for taking home their 3rd DFL championship, this time, unfortunately, without me. The annual Domers MVP-party was held tonight back home, I'll try to bring you guys some info on who won, but I'd really like to take the time to thank everyone in the organization, players, coaches, alumni and everyone else that helped out during the season. I had major fun playing and it was good to see that we can overcome obstacles and still compete at a high level. Kjetil and Billy deserve special recognition for their contributions. We really couldn't have played this season without you. Thanks guys, enjoy the scotch :)

Boston f-ing Red Sox!

Just got back from the bar, and I'll tell you, the roof was popping when Drew got that last hit. Down 7-0, we come back and win it, 8-7. Ho-ly shit!

But, as I promised, here are your week 7 picks, minus the Pats game, presented by watery American beer:

San Diego
@ Buffalo
Boy, the Chargers sure put a stompin' on the Pats last week. And they are favored against the Bills. As much as I hate the Bolts, I have to pick them in this game.
Pick: San Diego -1.0

San Francisco
@ New York
Everytime I pick someone to cover a huge spread, they barely eek out a victory or they loose. So what are we to do with this game, with a double-digit spread? My advice: take the points, and hope Eli has another default day at the office.
Pick: San Francisco

Minnesota
@ Chicago
Well, last time we picked Minny because of Winge, and they didn't cover. This week, they are given 3 against Chicago. I'll let last week slide, and be nice to the Purple People.
Pick: Minnesota

Pittsburgh
@ Cincinnati
Nine points is alot for this Steelers team, but the Bungels have looked like crap through the first weeks of the season. I'm not playing this game, but if you have to, the Steelers are your bet.
Pick: Pittsburgh -9.0

Tennessee
@ Kansas City
Do we know who's playing QB for KC? Tyler? Damon?
Pick: Tennessee -9.0

Baltimore
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -3.0

Dallas
@ St. Louis
Good win for the Rams and my brother last week. Good loss for the Cowboys (I hate them). Let's see if they both can keep it up with Tony Romo Simpson out for a couple of weeks. (He want's to play, but he's hurt)
Pick: St. Louis +7.0

New Orleans
@ Carolina
Saints are getting 3 on the road with an explosive offense. Carolina got manhandled last week. Potential trap game though, watch out for the Saints shaky D.
Pick: New Orleans +3.0

Detroit
@ Houston
Eight and a half? To me, this line is way too high, considering how the Texans how played. Then I remember, the team on the other side just traded their best player, and they played like shit WITH him on the field.
Pick: Houston -8.5

Cleveland
@ Washington
Impressing win by the Browns Monday night. Not a good game for the Skins against the Rams. Not sold on either of these teams after last week, so let's take the points and see what happens.
Pick: Cleveland +7.0

New York
@ Oakland
Hate the Bretts. They're still gonna win this one relatively easy.
Pick: New York -3.0

Indianapolis
@ Green Bay
Difficult game. D-I-FF-I-CULT GAME! Really not sure where the Colts are headed, and I'm definetely not sure about the Packers after that outing two weeks ago. Let's make a coin toss: heads, it's the Pack. Tails, it's the Colts.
Pick: Green Bay +1.0

Seattle
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay

Bye: Arizona, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Philadelphia

Last week: 6-7

Season: 41-39-2

Picture experiment

A couple of photos from the Mets game I attended earlier this fall. (I know, they're very, very late) It was a really boring game that the Mets eventually lost. The game was part of a double-header, in which Pedro was pitching the second one, but of course we didn't get to stay for the late game.This first picture is taken from my seat, over to the new Citi Stadium that's replacing Shea next year.This picture is taken the other way, down towards a Mets at-bat. I really can't tell who's pitching or hitting, but the Mets did not score until the 7th I think, and this is earlier. All pictures taken on a Nokia N76 camera, which isn't all that bad it turns out.This last one is of Johan Santana pitching. He had a pretty decent game, I think he only gave up one run before they pulled him in the eighth.

Picks will be with you guys shortly, stay tuned!

Football (and stuff)

But this time, I was playing myself! Skadoosh, which is my team ran over the other guys for a 20-12 victory in the first game of this year's intramural tournament. I had a good enough day as cornerback and a decent outing as center, but the most important thing is we won! Sipping on a cold one now, will be going to bed soon.

Domers are throwing their annual MVP-party this Saturday at Rick's Café in Trondheim. I envy all of you who are going, wish I could be there with you guys.

Picks coming tomorrow! In the meantime, sit back and enjoy The Rising, courtesy of The Boss and his E-Street Band...

...

How I wish
How I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish-bowl
Year after year
Running over the same old ground
What have we found
The same old fears
Wish you were here...

I removed

the song one, wasn't happy with it. Will check back with you tomorrow, good night!

Machines and machetes

Had my first mid-term on Thursday, it went pretty well, despite a topic that smelled like donkey shit. More of these coming up the next two weeks, and as we all know, mid-terms are a great American tradition, along with Thanksgiving, and O.J. Simpson trials.

Got a pretty decent team going for the flag football tournament starting next week. Our captain named us "Skadoosh", I don't know what it means, but it has a nice ring to it. We'll probably get uniforms within a week or so, to complete the look.

I feel like I am the only one from Norway feeling the impact of the economic collapse, simply because the Norwegian market decided to go die BEFORE I got my loan. Thanks a lot, SELF! Seriously, would it kill you guys to maybe adjust the amount paid out, to deal with stuff like inflation or foreign currency for us studying abroad? And all the paperwork! It's like filling out a complete medical self-exam, with all the extra checks that you get once a decade. They have really managed to piss me off this time, I can't believe how incompetent they are. No communication skills, no global economic skills, and apparently, no clue on deadlines!

Done with the rant, at least for now. I'm looking to maybe do something special for you guys this month, maybe a guest writer, a live-blog event or something. We'll see what I can come up with, in terms of time and availability. For now, this is Eddie at WZC 92.1 saying good bye. Here's Mark Knopfler, Sucker Row...

Week 6 picks

How I managed to NOT make a pick on the Atlanta-Green Bay game last week, I don't know. Momentary insanity maybe? Anyhoo, here's this weeks picks, minus New England of course. Should be a non-football update shortly. PS: The Coin did pretty good last week, so we might have it back for a guest performance later this season.

Cincinnati
@ New York
New York Bretts, looking pretty good. Cincinnati Bungels, looking for first win. They won't get it this week either. The Bretts offense is putting up points like crazy, and the Cincinnati defense ain't exactly the Bears of '85.
Pick: New york -5.5

Detroit
@ Minnesota
Winge has been bustin' balls about me not picking Minnesota once this season (I haven't checked if this is correct, someone let me know). So, in honor of the feeble attempt at pro-football that is the Detroit Lions, we will pick them to loose this game.
Pick: Minnesota -13.0

Miami
@ Houston
Sage Rosenfels gave away last weeks game. Miami knocked of last years Conference title game teams in back-to-back week. Roggen must be proud. I'm taking Miami and the points in this one, but this is a potential trap game.
Pick: Miami +3.0

Carolina
@ Tampa Bay
Big Divison game in the south! Carolina blanked KC last week in a pretty impressive showing. Tampa Bay walked the Broncos to the door in a close one. Should make for an interesting showdown.
Pick: Carolina +1.0

Oakland
@ New Orleans
Al Davis is full of s**t. I would probably work for him if he offered me the head coaching position, but I would only do it for the money. I really can't understand why anyone would work for him when he undermines his coaches decisions and talks trash in front of the players when the coach is not there. New Orleans actually cost me a victory in the Domers League this weekend, I lost with 1 point, because of Drew Brees' last interception. They should still be able to right the ship against the silver and black.
Pick: New Orleans -7.5

St. Louis
@ Washington
The 'Skins have been playing good ball since their Week 1 loss. The Rams have not played good ball since...can anyone remember?
Pick: Washington -13.0

Chicago
@ Atlanta
Surprise surprise! Two teams in waaaaay better shape than anyone would have thought at the beginning of the season. How the Falcons can handle the pressure from Chicago's front will tell you how many wins they'll get this season. (No scientific formula here, I just think we'll see Matt Ryan under more pressure than in any game earlier)(By the way, I am very in doubt about this game, so if you don't have a good feeling about any of the teams, stay away)
Pick: Chicago -2.5

Baltimore
@ Indianapolis
The Colts are two opposing-QB-giving-away-the-game fourth quarters from being 0-4. Ho-ly mackerell. And this Baltimore team is not stable enough yet, some weeks they're awesome, the next, they stink. This line is a couple points too high for me, but you might want to take the points.
Pick: Baltimore +4.5

Jacksonville
@ Denver
Pick: Jacksonville +3.5

Green Bay
@ Seattle
The Pack really need this win, if they wan't to stay in the hunt for the Division title. No no, they need it. Bad. And I don't think Seattle is going to be too difficult. Not at this spread at least.
Pick: Green Bay +2.5

Dallas
@ Arizona
Did Dallas struggle against the Bengals last week? Did I miss something?
Pick: Arizona +5.0

Philadelphia
@ San Francisco
Both these teams lost last week, and none of them really seemed to have any comeback ready when they fell behind. This is a tough game to predict, but I think I will take the Niners, because they are at home and getting four and a half.
Pick San Francisco +4.5

New York
@ Cleveland
Pick: New York -7.5

Bye: Buffalo, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Tennessee

Last week: 7-3-2

Season: 35-32-2

If your

teacher doesn't show up at the time he or she is supposed to be there, you get the class off. However, you must wait, 10 minutes for a regular teacher, 15 minutes for a Dr, before you can leave.

Bob Wischusen

Bob has said "3rd down and a mile" twice today, both on 3rd & 19. Coincidental?

Warning:

The following stunts are performed by professionals in a safe environment, under the supervision of no-one. Do not try this at home.

What the statement above refers to, is a bold experiment. After four weeks of NFL-action, nothing is the way it's supposed to be. Therefore, to prove that it is impossible to predict games at the moment, this weeks picks are being brought to you by a coin. A €2, to be precise. Home teams will be heads, which is the bird-looking figure on one side, and visitors will be tails, the European map on the other side. Edit: The reason for this week being decided by a coin is because I went 5-8 last week. Let's see if a coin can do better than me...

Edit#2: Obviously, no pick on the Patriots game.

Seattle
@ New York
Exciting game. It will be interesting to see if New York can bounce back from that awful showing against Cincy. I wonder when Matt Hasselbeck can throw to a real receiver again...
The coin says: Seattle +7.0

Kansas City
@ Carolina
The Chiefs beat Denver last week. Huge upset. If they can knock of Carolina too, they might have something going.
The coin says: Carolina -9.5

Indianapolis
@ Houston
Must win for Peyton's Posse. They can not afford to drop to 1-3, 0-2 in the division, not with Tennessee looking sharp over the first four weeks. This line is probably the lowest the Texans have gotten against the Colts, ever.
The coin says: Indianapolis -3.0

San Diego
@ Miami
San Diego is not playing up to it's standards, Miami overachieved in one game. How this will play out, I have no idea, but if you forced me to pick, I would leave the answer to the coin.
The coin says: Miami +6.5

Washington
@ Philadelphia
Huge game for Philly, they can not afford to drop another divisional game if they want to contend for a playoff spot. The Redskins looked pretty good against Dallas, and I don't think the game was as close as the final score.
The coin says: Washington +5.5

Chicago
@ Detroit
The coin says: Chicago -3.5

Tennessee
@ Baltimore
The Ravens came o-so close to defeating Pittsburgh last week. The Titans should be a greater challenge, but now that I have disrespected Ray Lewis, he'll probably use that as motivation.
The coin says: Tennessee -3.0

Tampa Bay
@ Denver
Good win for Tampa Bay last week. Horrendous loss for Denver. If Tampa Bay wins this one, they'll establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. If Denver loses, well, they'll be back in the pack.
The coin says: Denver -3.0

Buffalo
@ Arizona
Kurt Warner threw for 470 yards, Brett Favre had six TDs. Fantasy game all over the place. Buffalo is one of three undefeated teams, and they should be able to continue the streak against the Cards, even though I like Arizona.
The coin says: Arizona -1.0

Cincinnati
@ Dallas
Wow! The Bungels must really suck, 'cause they're getting 17 points on the road. I think that is the biggest spread we've seen all year. Dallas looks like they could be imploding before our very eyes if they lose one or two more games. Getcha popcorn ready!
The coin says: Dallas -17.0

Pittsburgh
@ Jacksonville
The coin says: Pittsburgh +4.0

Minnesota
@ New Orleans
The coin says: New Orleans -3.0

Bye: Cleveland, New York, Oakland, St. Louis.

Last week: 5-8

Season: 28-29

Just a little...

Couple thoughts before Thursday's main event:

VP "debate" tonight, 9pm eastern. I recommend everyone to watch it, even though it's going to be real late/early for some of you. Should be entertaining, considereing Palin is as dumb as a fork and Biden is known for putting his foot in his mouth. I will also be doing a paper on them for Monday. Joy.

More mudball last night, more people, more scoring. I haven't had that much fun playing since the semi-finals this summer. My thigh and my back hurts today, but I don't mind. No pain, no gain. (My team won, and we were outnumbered for almost the entire match.)

Isn't it amazing how people can sue someone for not letting them know that the content of a coffee cup is hot?

Updates! Updates! Glorious updates!

Last couple days have actually been quite fun, filled with different kinds of activities. We took advantage of the hurricane aftermath and played real mudball one evening. Friggin' awesome! Full tackle, head-first slides through puddles, throwing mud at each other. Gotta love it!

Chris and I went to Wooster St. out by Uconn last night to all you can eat wings and pizza. Pizza was okay, wings were really really good. I also went with one of my friends back to his farm to test shoot a .22 rifle. Wasn't as loud as expected, but it was great to get some target practice with a low-power gun. It still amazes me, however, how easy it is to get guns and ammo in this country.

Did my programming for the Express 125 yesterday, polished it after class today. I have to say, it is the easiest console I have ever touched, and some of you may know that we used a 12-channel Zero88 for the first years. Also, got an A+ on my dimmer project, which I'm kind of satisfied with.

Now, lots of homework this week, so there might not be another entry before Thursday's picks are posted. As always, be safe...

NFL Sunday

As you may have noticed, my picks this week are not holding up at all. Great game at the Meadowlands though, lots of action, lots of points.

Update: Anquan Boldin was just carted off after an insane helmet-to-helmet blow...the replay looked scary. We are hoping for the best, and that the ambulance was just a precaution. More later...

Paul Newman

Just read on a website that legendary actor and Academy Award Winner Paul Newman died after battling cancer. One of the finest actors ever to have lived.

Week 4 picks

Zip City Week 4 Picks, brought to you by 2 half-pound blue-cheese burgers from WholeFoods. Wow. Meaty. Full.

This is the first week of the season with teams not playing (not counting the involuntary bye week of the Texans and Ravens in Week 2) so there will be fewer games to pick, fewer games to bet on. I am trying something different this week, with the spread being written just next to the team I'm picking, since the spread is always the same both ways, either with a plus or a minus. if you don't like it, let me know and we'll go back to ye olde sweet style. Here goes...

Arizona
@ New York
The second east-coaster in a week for Kurt Warner and co. Brett Favre is limping and I am definetely not sold on this Jet defence. This has gunslinging written all over it, so be careful. I'm taking the points in this matchup.
Pick: Arizona +1.5

Green Bay
@ Tampa Bay
Should be a pretty interesting game with both teams fighting for first place in their respective divisions. Green Bay's defence looked flat against the Cowboys, but Joey Galloway is very questionable for the second week in a row.
Pick: Green Bay +1.0

Minnesota
@ Tennessee
Not playing this one. Nu-uh. No way.
Pick: Tennessee -3.0

Cleveland
@ Cincinnati
The winner will be 1-3. The loser, 0-4. Last year they ripped each other for nearly a thousand yards of offence in the first game. Cincinnati had a decent showing against NYG last week, and the feeling is that they can continue to build upon that.
Pick: Cincinnati -3.5

Atlanta
@ Carolina
(Note: I originally posted this pick the other way around, but decided to change it after 5 minutes or so. Carolina lost to the Vikings last week.) The battle for NFC South supremacy! Wow! Shocking! Atlanta is resting neatly next to Carolina with a 2-1 record. Still, the Falcons beat two lousy teams, Carolina actually upset San Diego 3 weeks ago. We'll see if this Panthers team can handle a inferior divisional foe at home.
Pick: Atlanta +7.0

Houston
@ Jacksonville
What an ending to the Colts-Jax game last week! Jacksonville, literally, with their season on the line (well, 0-3 means that you still can go 13-3, but you can never bet on a 13-game win-streak. Like the Pats last year, that was an anomaly). Now, the Jaguars can gain ground on Tennessee by beating two teams from their division in back-to-back weeks. And Houston has looked awful so far. I was never quite sold on them, but to be honest, I did not expect them to be this bad by Week 4.
Pick: Jacksonville -7.5

Denver
@ Kansas
Pick: Denver -9.5

San Francisco
@ New Orleans
To quote mr. Simmons: Do we like JT? I'm not sure, but I don't think the Saints can cover here.
Pick: San Francisco +5.5

Buffalo
@ St. Louis
Pick: Buffalo -8.5

San Diego
@ Oakland
Must-win last week for the Bolts too. They should be able to keep the train going this week against Oakland, where Al Davis and Lane Kiffin haven't spoken in almost a year. By the way, and I missed this a couple weeks ago; good choice by Shawne Merriman to have knee surgery. I don't like him, but I respect his talents and I would hate to see him not being able to play any more because of a busted knee.
Pick: San Diego -7.0

Washington
@ Dallas
Please don't let me down now, Jason Campbell. I believe in you!
Pick: Washington +10.5

Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Pick: Philadelphia -3.0

Baltimore
@ Pittsburgh
Flacco is getting five-and-a-half on the road. Take the points and hope he doesn't throw to many interceptions.
Pick: Baltimore +5.5

Bye: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, New York, Seattle

Last week: 6-9

Season: 23-21

Water!

I just realized I haven't had a workout in weeks! That 10 minutes of running nearly killed me. I gots to get back into shape. But it's good to get started at least. Tomorrow we're doing exercises for strength, wish me luck.

September is really nice here in Willi, today was yet another bright and sunny day, and I could easily have done my running in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Yesterday was Tuesday, officially known as "25cent Wing-day" (that's a joke for you, Christian!) at Blarneys. Chris, Brian and me went down with some of Brian's friends and we rocked the place with our pitchers and good looks. And, I didn't miss class today either! I got my Monty Python DVDs last week, so lonely evenings are gonna be a bit more fun. Well, four of them anyway.

No picks today, we'll save them for tomorrow's entry.

Gone runnin'

Got to get some movement in this old body. I'll check back later tonight, maybe with this weeks picks. Haven't decided yet if they are due today or tomorrow.

Crimson

I think it's safe to say that Sunday didn't turn out the way we wanted it to. I am now stuck with a ridiculous sunburn and a bad experience combined with a great one. The loss was obviously not what we wanted. But we had fun driving up to Foxboro, tailgating, having GREAT seats, and more tailgating afterwards. All that was missing was a W for our boys. Buffalo now leads the division at 3-0. Needless to say, I'm still pretty pissed, but I would like to thank the rest of the guys, we were eight in total. Loved tailgating and bitching about the game with you guys.

In other news, my art class today consisted of cutting paper, then folding it in half and cutting patterns. Fold it out again and et voilá! We have a symmetrical shape-thingy. You then glue said thingy to a piece of white paper. Instant art, just add scissors and paper and glue! Kinda made me feel like I was back in kindergarten.

The reason for the heading on this post is because I was listening to the theme from Crimson Tide whilst writing. And because I can't think of anything else to put there. For the record, I am now listening to Waltzing Matilda. Love that song.

Gotta go write journal entries, later!

Contest!

"She's built like a steak house, but she drives like a bistro!"

Where o where is this marvellous quote from? Know the answer? Send me an email and you can win a spectacular prize!

Week 3 Picks

Just what you have been waiting for all week long:

Arizona +3.0
@ Washington -3.0
I like this Cardinals team, but Jason Campbell did a nice job against New Orleans last week. Take the points and Kurt Warner.
Pick: Arizona

Cincinnati +13.0
@ New York -13.0
Poor Cincinnati. 0-2, going on a third straight loss. Carson Palmer is not his self from 3 years ago, Chad Ocho Cinco couldn't score in the Red Light district and their defence is a mess.
Pick: New York

Oakland +9.5
@ Buffalo -9.5
Them Bills are looking pretty good. I'm putting this down now, Buffalo will make the playoffs.
Pick: Buffalo

Kansas City +5.0
@ Atlanta -5.0
Pick: Atlanta

Houston +5.0
@ Tennessee -5.0
The Kerry Collins experiment is working down in Nashville, and Houston had an involuntary bye-week. Chris Johnson will run all over Houston, but Matt Schaub may be able to sling it enough to make it close.
Pick: Houston

Tampa Bay +3.0
@ Chicago -3.0
Pick: Tampa Bay

Carolina +3.5
@ Minnesota -3.5
The Vikings benched Tarvaris Jackson for Gus Frerotte. Carolina moves to 3-0, while the Vikings, a sexy pick before the season, is in the dreaded hole of 1-2-ness.
Pick: Carolina.

New Orleans +5.5
@ Denver -5.5
Should be a good game, hopefully it will be a close one. These teams both have issues on the defensive side of the ball, so I'm going to go with the points on this one, and hope that the Saints D steps it up a notch.
Pick: New Orleans

Detroit +4.0
@ San Francisco -4.0
This is a dangerous game. On one side, we have the 49ers, the team that beat Seattle a week ago, but still gave up almost 30 points. On the other hand, you have Detroit, the nearly-come-from-behind-victory 2 weeks in a row. I am not sold on either team, so I will not put money on this one.
Pick: San Francisco

St. Louis +9.5
@ Seattle -9.5
Divisional matchup in the crappiest division.
Pick: St. Louis

Pittsburgh +3.5
@ Philadelphia -3.5
Pick: Philadelphia

Cleveland +2.5
@ Baltimore -2.5
The Browns looked like that (get it?) against Dallas, and a bit better against Pittsburgh. Baltimore played solid against the hopeless Bungels so we won't know about them yet. Clevelands defence is still a mess, so take the Ravens at home.
Pick: Baltimore

Jacksonville +5.0
@ Indianapolis -5.0
Pick: Indianapolis

Dallas -3.0
@ Green Bay +3.0
The Battle for NFC-supremacy? Maybe. It's gonna be a great game no matter what. I'm not sure who to pick here, but I like Green Bay's defence enough to make it a close one.
Pick: Green Bay

New York +9.0
@ San Diego -9.0
Which of these teams do I hate the least? Hard to say, but San Diego is in deep, deep trouble if they lose this game. I don't know which unit is worst: the Charger defence or the Jet offence.
Pick: New York

Last week: 8-6

Season: 17-12

My first A

Classes are coming along great, pciking up some speed and diving more into different topics. I got an A on my adapter-cable for theatre class, which I'm pretty satisfied with. Today we started with the dimmer project, and that will be finished next week. I'm trying to catch up on some journal-entries for HPE, as I think I am missing one or two. Shouldn't be a problem though.

As you all know, St. Patrick's day is the 17. of March. So last night I went to Halfway to St. Patrick's at Blarneys. Chris and myself bought a couple of pitchers of green beer and, well, it was hard getting up this morning, but I didn't miss class! Proud of me mom? :)

I will be attending this weeks Patriot game at Gillette, so there will be no halftime updates this Sunday. Picks for Week 3 are due a bit later today, but probably not before 11pm CEST.

Tell me why! I don't like Mondays?

As most of you know by now, the Houston vs. Baltimore game has been postponed until November, so that game is off the picks for this round.

Had my first real art class today, and I think I'm going to struggle mightily with this one. The instructor is okay, but I've never had a hand for drawing, so I might have to work my ass off for the C- in this course. I'm learning new stuff though, which is what university is all about, right?

If there are any loyal readers here, I would like to hear from you, what you want to read about in this little typo of mine. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Leave a comment or send me a message. Yours humbly, Eddie.

Richard Wright

Mr. Wright died today at the age 65. He will be dearly missed by fans all across the globe..."and after all, we're only ordinary men"...

First half

I do not know what to make of the first half of the Pats@Jets game. There were some good, some not so good, and some bad. We'll see what BB can cook up during halftime.

New Yahhk

I'm supposed to go on this trip to see a Met game in about 30 minutes or so. Pedro was pitching, but since they postponed last night, I'm not sure how they play it. Should be fun though, going to NYC for the first time.

Me and Brian went over to one of his friends house last night, and if you ever play beer pong with me, be advised. Apparently, I suck at beer pong. Still, we had a blast, and thanks to that, I'm running a little late now. Gotta go!

The last line

I stole the line from Bill Simmons of espn.com fame, just so that I could finish this today. And by the way, I was totaly wrong on the line going in favor of Baltimore. Anyway:

Baltimore +4.5
@ Houston -4.5
Simmons took the Ravens and the points, and I must say that I am tempted to do the same. But you never know with the Texans either. Plus, I like Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.
Pick: Ravens

Ball

That's what we had last night, starting with some 100 proof and then going to the watery, see-through beverage known as American lager. Blarneys wasn't as packed as last time, and it only took me about 5 minutes to get my drink, which is not to bad. Music selection was solid, and I met a couple more friends inside. It was real hard getting up for 140 this morning, I'll tell you that.

So I'm taking this art class as part of the LAC, and I just came back with some of my supplies. I like the LAC, I think some Norwegian universities should incorporate it too, but the big downside is you have to buy books and supplies that you will only use for one semester. You can always sell your books, but I think it is difficult to sell a pad of Bristol paper that's half full...

Week 2 picks

Well I was out on a dive last night, so the Week 2 picks will be presented in Friday mode. Odds courtesy of expekt.com:

Chicago +3.5
@ Carolina -3.5
Carolina impressed me by beating the Chargers in San Diego last week, but the Kyle Orton Experiment actually worked in Chicago as the bears knocked off Peyton and the Pantsies. I think this line is a bit high as I think this game will be close.
Pick: Carolina

Indianapolis -1.0
@ Minnesota +1.0
Both these teams are coming off loses in Week 1, and this is probably why this line is so low. Had the Colts won against Chicago, the line would be more like +7.0 for the Vikings, who many picked to win the North this year (idiots, the Packers are still the team to beat, and I will be surprised if the Vikes make it past the Wild Card round). Peyton's Posse will take this one on the road and move up to 1-1.
Pick: Indianapolis

Oakland +3.5
@ Kansas City -3.5
Pick: Kansas City

Green Bay -3.0
@ Detroit +3.0
The Lions looked awful against the rebuilding Falcons, while Aaron Rodgers got his W against division rival Minnesota. The line is too low for this game, so this is probably this weeks lock for me.
Pick: Green Bay

Buffalo +5.5
@ Jacksonville -5.5
Intriguing matchup, as everyone (including me) thought the Jags were going to unseat Peyton this year. Now they are both 0-1, and Buffalo, surprisingly, beat the Seattle pretty good in Week 1. If the Bills can come away with a victory on the road against the Jaguars, they will be a serious contender in the AFC, while Jacksonville will be stuck in an 0-2 hole.
Pick: Buffalo

New York -7.5
@ St. Louis +7.5
As I checked my fantasy rosters today, I was happy to see that there are no Rams players on any of my teams.
Pick: New York

New Orleans -1.0
@ Washington +1.0
Pick: New Orleans

Tennessee +1.0
@ Cincinnati -1.0
How can you favor the Bungels after their below-lackluster performance in Week 1? The Titans may have lost VY for a couple weeks, but this will be an easy W for them against Ocho Cinco's crapfest of a football team.
Pick: Tennessee

Atlanta +7.0
@ Tampa Bay -7.0
This line is way too high for me to even consider playing. Michael Turner had a career day against Detroit, but Tampa's defense will not be that easy. Look for Brian Griese to out-gun Matt Ryan in this divisional meeting.
Pick: Atlanta

San Francisco +7.0
@ Seattle -7.0
Boring.
Pick: San Francisco

Miami +6.5
@ Arizona -6.5
I have always liked Arizona, and Miami still has Chad Pennington at the controls. Miami will be able to run the football, but they must sling it to win it.
Pick: Arizona

San Diego -1.5
@ Denver +1.5
When are the Chargers going to get their act together and play up to their potential? Maybe this week against division rival Denver, who ran over Oakland last week. I think this will be a good game, close to the end.
Pick: San Diego

Pittsburgh -6.0
@ Cleveland +6.0
If Cleveland can fix either their offensive or defensive side of the ball this week, then they might be able to beat Pittsburgh. Might be able to.
Pick: Pittsburgh

Philadelphia +7.0
@ Dallas -7.0
Line is of the charts, so I won't touch this one either. Should be a good game though, with a healthy McNabb slingin' it against Tony Romo Simpson. I hope the Eagles win, just because I hate the Cowboys more. But it's going to be close no matter who gets the W.
Pick: Philadelphia

The Baltimore-Houston game has been moved to Monday night, so there were no lines available at expekt.com. I will try to get that line in by tomorrow, but I'm thinking it will be around 3.5 in favor of Baltimore.

Last week: 9-6

Season: 9-6

Still going strong

Had my presentation today, in HPE-class, together with Adriana and Emily, and I think we did pretty good. I was a little skeptical at first, but Sara liked our presentation and we didn't read off cue cards or anything, which is good. We'll see how the grade turns out.

We hung around, doing nothing last night, which is no problem with kick-ass roommates. Haven't met alot of people yet, but it looks like we're all starting to get to know each other for real. I will say this, I feel I am in a lot of classes with people that are 3 or 4 years younger than me, so we'll see how that works out.

Picks for Week 2 will be in a bit later tonight!

Thoughts on week 1

I am listening to BBs press conference, and it is just confirmed that Tom Terrific will miss the rest of the 2008 season with a knee injury. There are no plans to bring in a veteran QB to compete for the starting job, so I guess this will be Matt Cassels team for the 2008 campaign. It really hurts to see someone on your favorite team go down like that, but we have to move on and keep our focus on the New York Bretts, whom we play this weekend.

In other NFL news, the team to beat this year is the Dallas Cowboys. They did not play a flawless game against Cleveland, but they still managed to win by 18. I also think that Buffalo played a great game yesterday, so it's possible it will be a three-horse race for the AFC East crown.

Not that...

I mind the Colts losing obviously...but they were supposed to run wild over Chicago. I'll have to get back to you on this...

WTF

The Colts just lost. The season opener. Against the Chicago Bears. At home. With Kyle Orton Qbing the Bears. WHAT THE F**K IS HAPPENING TODAY?

Pain and agony?

Multiple news outlets, including nfl.com is reporting that Tom Brady is done for the season with a torn ACL. Chris Simms is scheduled to visit Foxboro tomorrow morning. Shit.

Hurricanes and weekends

So we are suppose to experience the aftermath of Hanna this weekend. We had thunder and lots of rain last night, and now it is really humid outside. Just had brunch, and I will do some homework before going in to Hartford tonight.

For those of you who absolutely MUST know what my starting lineup is this weekend, I'll let you look at this:

QB
Drew Brees
WR
Randy Moss
Greg Jennings
Jabar Gaffney
RB
Maurice Jones-Drew
Earnest Graham
TE
Owen Daniels
K
Kris Brown
DEF
Jacksonville
D-players
Shaun Phillips
Rodney Harrison
Justin Tuck

Changes may occur, but for now, this is my team. I thought about playing Devin Hester instead of Gaffney, but I don't like the returners QB or the defence he's playing against. Plus Gaffney will get single-coverage the entire game. I chose Shaun Phillips over Jared Allen because I like GBs line better than Carolinas.

I'm sorry guys

I was too tired to do the picks on Monday, and yesterday I forgot. Todays picks are brought to you by expekt.com, my favorite site for online sports betting. I was hoping to a write-up on each pick, but I am not sure if I have the time. For this week at least, you will have to settle for the correct answers and no reasons. One last thing; I don't make picks for Patriot games.

Washington +4.5
@ New York -4.5
Pick: Giants

New York -3.0
@ Miami +3.0
Pick: Jets

Houston +6.5
@ Pittsburgh -6.5
Pick: Houston

St. Louis +7.5
@ Philadelphia -7.5
Pick: Philadelphia

Seattle +1.0
@ Buffalo -1.0
Pick: Seattle

Detroit -3.0
@ Atlanta +3.0
Pick: Detroit

Jacksonville -3.0
@ Tennessee +3.0
Pick: Jacksonville

Tampa Bay +3.5
@ New Orleans -3.5
Pick: New Orleans

Cincinnati -1.5
@ Baltimore +1.5
Pick: Cincinnati

Carolina +9.0
@ San Diego -9.0
Pick: Carolina

Dallas -4.5
@ Cleveland +4.5
Pick: Dallas

Arizona -2.5
@ San Francisco +2.5
Pick: Arizona

Chicago +9.5
@ Indianapolis -9.5
Pick: Indianapolis

Minnesota +2.5
@ Green Bay -2.5
Pick: Green Bay

Denver -3.0
@ Oakland +3.0
Pick: Denver

Tropic Thunder

Went to see Tropic Thunder last night at the Showcase Cinema in Lowell, Mass. with some friends and family, and I gotta tell you, you really shouldn't see that film.

You must see that film. The plot is intricate enough, so I won't go into detail, but it's about different kinds of actors that come together to do a film based on a book about the Vietnam war. Ben Stiller leads and directs, but it was Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise that stole the show. Downey's character is a five-time Academy Award winner from Australia, named Kirk Lazarus. In a controversial move, he was handed one of the lead roles in the film being made, but, his character in that film is black. To accomodate that, he goes through a skin pigmentation process, and now, he looks like a black dude. Him and Ben Stiller's character (Tugg Speedman) have a really funny discussion about retards on film, and Kirk's lines are probably the best of the year; I don't read the script, the script reads me.

The script and the characters are really well written, Tom Cruise wears a fat-suit as Hollywood exec Les Grossman and Stiller does a great job directing and being his regular half-stupid character. Downey Jr. convinces and the jokes are well timed and outrageously funny. I haven't laughed as heartily since I saw Borat for the first time. An easy 6-of-6 stars.

Freshmen moving in

All of the freshmen at Eastern moved in today. My first thought at convo was "what a bunch of kids". Maybe I'm getting old. Luckily, no freshmen in my apartment. I am reporting from an undisclosed location in West Hartford, and I will head north in the morning, before returning to school on Sunday.

The last couple days have been packed with orientation and information, and it looks like I will be able to study now. Still waiting for a reply from the SELF, I hope they can speed up, so that I can pay my tuition.

Coming this Monday, I will present to you the picks for the first week of NFL action. These will not include New England Patriot games, as I am a bit superstitious regarding sports. The picks will probably be done at Wednesdays the rest of the season, but I've got this Monday of, so, there you go. I will also try to provide a small season forecast for every team, if I have the time. On that note, I'll say goodnight and go watch a preseason game.

Placing the placements in their right place

I'm up early today, just for my Norwegian audience! That, and I have a couple of placement tests in an hour, one in English and one in maths. After that, I've got the day off, so I might go down to the city centre and see if I can find a few items. And my room definitely needs a poster or 4. If you want to make a donation to the "Poor Norwegians in New England college fund", feel free to contact me and I will happily provide you with an account number. Breakfast now, I'll catch you later.

Checking in from the 'D'

It's quite nice here in 635 D. The walls are white, the floor is carpeted and the furniture is green and made mostly out of metal, which makes it heavier than Ingars mom. I'm almost done arranging all my stuff, but I'm not sure what to do with my jackets, as there are no coat hangers near the front door, and the ones in my room fall off if I stress them with more than a t-shirt. We may have to collect a few items come tomorrow, if we find the time.

As I promised yesterday, I will list this summers best concerts. Sadly, last night saw me fall asleep minutes after the Bills-Colts game, so I guess we'll have to do the list now. In descending order:

1: Drive-by Truckers, Storås
I may be biased because they are my favorite band, but I thought this was a really great concert. They started off strong, and maintained the pace through-out the set, which due to this being at a festival, only lasted one hour. Patterson did an OK job of interacting with the crowd, but since they're not a well known band in Norway, only about a 1000 showed up. Still a great show to remember. Higlights: Zip City, Homefield Advantage, Dimes Down

2: Animal Alpha, Storås
Playing in the rain at festival in the middle of nowhere can cause artists to whine and complain. I haven't spent much time listening to AA until I saw this concert, and their energy blew me away. The lead singer took control of the audience and she seemed like she enjoyed herself on stage, despite a smaller crowd than DBT, and the aforementioned rain. This was one of those shows that makes you think "maybe I should buy their CD".

3: Deep Purple, Steinkjer
Steve Morse is in his mid-fifties and the youngest of the five that make up Deep Purple. Still, they manage to deliever heavy rock in its original package: cool bass play, hard-hitting drum play, epic guitaring and screaming vocals. The new material, particulary the songs from "Rapture of the Deep" can hold its own against classics like "Smoke on the Water" and "Fireball", and when Roger Glover does the bass-intro to "Black Night" you know you've gotten your moneys worth! Yours truly would have liked to hear both "Child in Time" and "Burn", but it was still a very good show, even without those two. Highlights: Perfect Strangers, Highway Star

4: Bruce Springsteen, Valle Hovin
The Boss entered the stage at 8pm and didn't leave until 11. A three hour Tour de Force by probably the biggest rock star alive, Springsteen manages to make a stadium rock show as intimate as your regular club concert. The E Street Band is holding up, and you feel like you are part of something special, when you are hanging with Bruce. Few (of 40,000) hardcore fans makes the concert seem like somewhat of a football game, with beer and small-talk, and Bruce had to struggle to get the crowd going on several occasions. Highlights: Atlantic City, Glory Days, The Rising

5: Iron Maiden, Lerkendal
I came to hear "Run to the Hills", and I got much more. The vocal of Bruce Dickinson really suites Iron Maidens music, and he is an excellent entertainer as well, knowing when to tell stories about Smith not catching any fish while they were there and when to jump up and down. This was actually a working gig for me, so I had to leave FOH around 10.15pm, just when "Run to the Hills" started. The rest of the show was observed from the backstage area, but it was still a great experience. Majestic sound and a great audience created the kind of atmosphere you would want at a show.

...and the worst concert I attended this summer:

WE, Steinkjer
This metal-band from Oslo played before Deep Purple, so I only caught their last 6 or 7 songs, but it felt like an eternity. The lead singer could not get the crowd going (they were there for Deep Purple anyway), when he spoke to the crowd he sounded like he played the oboe or some other classical instrument (nothing against the oboe, but this was supposed to be a rock show) and he tried to balance the microphone stand in his hand, making him look like a complete jerk. And you know you've come to the wrong show when we start comparing the skill of the musicians to that of those in Sex Pistols. Highlights: It ended, so that DP could enter stage.

This was kind of a long post, but I guess you deserved it, after me falling asleep last night. I have gotten myself a cellular now, so if you feel like you need my American number, let me know and I will share it with you. (For obvious reasons, I'm not posting it here.) I will go and put sheets on my bed now, I'll see you guys after my placement tests tomorrow. Good night!

The calm before...

I'm sitting here on Plato's wireless now, we have been at their house in Vermont since last night, but now we are in their CT home. I'm moving in at school tomorrow morning, the only thing happening before that is phone-purchasing. (AT&T closed at 5pm, bastards) I'm surprisingly awake today, I actually got up before 8am.

The flight from Amsterdam was not too bad, I caught a few hours on the eye in between all the snacking, and I got an extra cup of ice cream. Score!

I will try and provide you guys with some more entertaining reading later on, and if I have the time to night, I will give you a list over this summers best concerts, and maybe a few more travel notes.

Icecreams

So our fantasy draft just ended, and I think I'm pretty satisfied with my team. I may have some injury concerns, but let's cross our fingers for the misters Leinart and Galloway. For your information, we are starting 1 QB, 3 WR, 2 RB, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 DEF, 1 D, 1 DB and 1 DL. Our bench is seven players deep.

Your 2008 Icecreams:

QB:
Drew Brees
Matt Leinart
Kurt Warner
WR:
Randy Moss
Greg Jennings
Joey Galloway
Bobby Engram
Devin Hester
Kevin Walter
RB:
Maurice Jones-Drew
Earnest Graham
Warrick Dunn
Julius Jones
TE:
Owen Daniels
K:
Kris Brown
DEF:
Jacksonville
DB:
Rodney Harrison
DL:
Jared Allen
Justin Tuck

Zip City

So we're up and running, in English, as I hope to reach some of my fellow students at Eastern as well as those sitting at home in Norway. I haven't moved quite yet, but I'm definitely close to leaving. Not done packing yet either, so I should probably get to that as well. I'll try to report later today, as we are holding the Third Annual Domers Fantasy Football Leage Fantasy Draft today at noon eastern time. Yours truly is repeating as League Commissioner and looking to claim his second title in three years. Stay tuned...