Week 16 Christmas special picks

Oakland
@ Carolina
Pick: Oakland +9.5

New Orleans
@ Dallas
Pick: New Orleans +3.0

Tennessee
@  Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -12.5

Minnesota
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -9.5

Indianapolis
@ Kansas City
Pick: Indianapolis -6.5

Buffalo
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -4.5

San Diego
@ New York
Pick: San Diego +1.0

Washington
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Washington -7.0

Cincinnati
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Cincinnati +4.0

St. Louis
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: St. Louis +3.0

Cleveland
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -13.0

Chicago
@ Arizona
Pick: Chicago -5.5

New York
@ Baltimore
Pick: New York -2.5

San Francisco
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -1.0

Augh!

Atlanta -4.0

Week 15 picks

New York
@ Atlanta
Pick: New York +1.5

Denver
@ Baltimore
Pick: Denver -3.0

Green Bay
@ Chicago
Pick: Green Bay -1.0

Indianapolis
@ Houston
Pick: Indianapolis +10.0

Jacksonville
@ Miami
Pick: Jacksonville +8.0

Tampa Bay
@ New Orleans
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.5

Washington
@ Cleveland
Pick: Washington -1.5

Minnesota
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis -1.0

Detroit
@ Arizona
Pick: Detroit -6.0

Seattle
@ Buffalo
Pick: Seattle -5.5

Carolina
@ San Diego
Pick: Carolina +3.0

Pittsburgh
@ Dallas
Pick: Pittsburgh -1.0

Kansas City
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -3.0

New York
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -1.0

Shit yeah!

Schoooooooool's out for winter!!!!

Cincinnati
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia +5.5

Must-win game for both teams, although Cincy is more likely to make the playoffs with a win than the Eagles are. I predict a close game and considering last week the spread is way too high. Taking points.

Week 14 picks

St. Louis
@ Buffalo
Pick: St. Louis +3.0

Atlanta
@ Carolina
Pick: Atlanta -3.5

Dallas
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -3.5

Kansas City
@ Cleveland
Pick: Kansas City +7.0

Baltimore
@ Washington
Baltimore +1.0

Tennessee
@ Indianapolis
Pick: -4.0

New York
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Jacksonville +2.5

Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Chicago -2.5

San Diego
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -7.5

Philadelphia
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -7.5

Miami
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -10.5

New Orleans
@ New York
Pick: New York -4.5

Arizona
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -10.0

Detroit
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -6.5

TNF

Don't look now, but the Broncos are still in play for the 2nd seed in the AFC. With one Patriots loss and a Denver win against Baltimore they will be sitting home drinking cocoa during wild-card weekend. Peyton has been thorough and his old self the past few weeks and I for one think that they can win out. Starting tonight with the Raiders of Oakland.

Denver
@ Oakland
Pick: Denver -10.5

Week 13 picks

It's the time of year we all dread: papers and finals. On top of this, there is so much non-school stuff to do that is so much more fun, so you can imagine where my concentration is. Fortunately, I managed to consolidate my record and as you can see I've started a comeback of sorts. Let's hope I can keep it up. Some playoff spots up for grabs this Sunday, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Jacksonville
@ Buffalo
Pick: Jacksonville +5.5

Seattle
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -3.5

Indianapolis
@ Detroit
Pick: Indianapolis +6.0

Minnesota
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -8.5

Carolina
@ Kansas City
Pick: Carolina -3.5

Arizona
@ New York
Pick: Arizona +6.0

San Francisco
@ St. Louis
Pick: San Francisco -7.0

Houston
@ Tennessee
Pick: Houston -6.0

Tampa Bay
@ Denver
Pick: Tampa Bay +7.5

Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -7.5

Cleveland
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland +1.5

Cincinnati
@ San Diego
Pick: Cincinnati -1.0

Philadelphia
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -11.0
(I do not feel good about taking Romo giving this much, but then again, I don't feel good about anything about the Eagles, except for Andy Reid's 'stache)

New York
@ Washington
Pick: New York -3.0

Season: 76-78-7

Crunch time

Tonight's Saints-Falcons matchup is probably one of the best TNF games all year. New Orleans is making a push for the playoff in what has been an extraordinary season for them, while Atlanta is clinging to its no. 1 seed in the NFC by the skin of their teeth. Should be an interesting game, and I predict, high-scoring.

New Orleans
@ Atlanta
Pick: New Orleans +3.5

Addicted to that rush

Hi my name is Eddie and I'm and addict.

Quite a revelatory statement, and one that opened my eyes a little bit. Contrary to popular belief (and to the great relief of my mother) I am not an alcoholic. I am not a drug addict. However, I am addicted to social media.

What? I shaved for this? you might say. Social media addiction? Sounds fucking boring and not real and just a way for you to explain why you waste so much time on Facebook. And maybe it is. I think I spend too much time on Facebook (and to some extent, Twitter, although that platform is of greater use to me these days). And even when I am aware of this, I still go on Facebook virtually every time I am on a computer (unless I'm really pressed for time and just printing that one article for class).

That has to classify as an addiction, right?

This led me to another thought. Are there any non-addicts left in our society? And again, we are talking about mundane things. I know my dad is addicted to coffee, along with a large percentage of the population. My mom might be addicted to exercise. They are both addicted to each other. My roommate is addicted to his videogame. I have a few friends who are addicted to nicotine. I have several friends who are addicted to chocolate. I know people who are addicted to certain types of food, be they avocadoes, mussels or calamari.

Current research has shown that going to AA meetings is itself an addiction in some people on par with alcoholism. Obviously, less liver damage, but you get the idea. Isn't this a bit alarming? That addicts, instead of getting cured, simply swap one addiction for something else? Or is this a result of our society where everything is easy to get and nothing easy to get rid of?

I'm not an expert on this, not at all. Addictions are widespread, and as I said, often we are addicted to mundane things. On the other hand, part of me can't help but think that any addiction is bad for you, be it cocaine or cheddar cheese.

LATE!

Cincinnati -7.5

Cleveland +1.0

Indianapolis -2.0

Denver -10.5

Jacksonville +3.5

Minnesota +6.0

Atlanta -1.0

Seattle -3.0

Baltimore -1.0

New Orleans +2.5

St. Louis +1.0

New York -3.0

Philadelphia +3.0

Thanksgiving football

One of the things that I am thankful for.

Houston
@ Detroit
Pick: Houston -3.0

Washington
@ Dallas
Pick: Washington +3.5

Week 11 picks

From San Francisco! I don't know if that helps at all. Also, happy 55 to both of my parents. I feel like that's my best skill in life. Choosing parents...

Atlanta -9.5
Rebound game

Tampa Bay -1.0

Dallas -7.5

Green Bay -3.5

Houston -15.0

Cincinnati -3.5

New York +3.0

Washington -3.5

New Orleans -4.5

San Diego +7.5

Baltimore -3.0

San Francisco -7.0

Week 10 picks

Oakland
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -8.0

Denver
@ Carolina
Pick: Denver -3.5

New York
@ Cincinnati
Pick: New York -4.0

Tennessee
@ Miami
Pick: Tennessee +6.0

Detroit
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota +2.0

Atlanta
@ New Orleans
Pick: Atlanta -2.0

San Diego
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -3.0

New York
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -6.5

Dallas
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Dallas -1.0

St. Louis
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -11.0

Houston
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -1.0

Kansas City
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -12.0

And since I'm picking from outside of Gillette Stadium, you'll have to wait until later for my updates. Later bitches!

Luck! Gabbert! Whatever!

Things are back to normal here, except for the part where my window is letting cold air through like it's the US-Mexico border.

Indianapolis
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Indianapolis -3.0

Indecision 2012

Considering my status as the worst blogger in the world (albeit quite eloquent) this should be a pleasant surprise to all of you. But I feel this is a moment that requires some analysis nonetheless.

At approximately 23.10 local time (Eastern seaboard, United States), Barack Hussein Obama was declared the winner of the 2012 election and effectively elected for his second term as president of the United States. This comes after years of campaigning and millions (billions, really) of dollars spent in advertising and general campaign funds.

What does this mean? For starters, it means stability. Obama is able to continue his policy from his first term and make sure that his legislation finds a foothold. It means that his foreign policy carries weight. It means that his job programs and road to recovery can continue. But most importantly, it means that this country is on a road to a more equal future.

For all practical purposes, the United States is about as religious as Iran, Pakistan or Israel (exaggerations, yes, but those who know the circumstances will know what I am talking about). It seems unfortunate that US citizens still believe they are gods favorite people (Jim Jefferies is an authority on explaining this, but be warned: he's quite crude in his presentation). Two things that Obama has understood: the constitution is not written with the bible in mind, it is written with humans and citizens in mind. We believe these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal. Doesn't matter if that person likes to have sex with other men or if he's black or native american or doens't own a fucking pick-up. EQUAL. That's it. And the fact that government isn't there to restrict people's right, merely to guide them. If people who are in love aren't allowed to marry simply because they are of the same sex, that's government intevention to the point where mr. Hamilton would roll in his grave.

There is a storm approaching, gentlemen. But it is not a malevolent one. It is one of openness, tolerance and increased civil liberties for ALL people, men and women. It is not about intrusive vaginal ultrasounds or legitimate rape. It is about freedom. It is about liberty. It is about not denying humans their rights granted them through the constitution.

In the words of Gerry Bertier; "Sometimes you just have to roll with it and see what happens."

This is exactly what the Obama campaign is about. Yes, the economic recovery is not even close to where we wanted it to be. Yes, there are foreign policy threats to the country, and the world. But if a nation cannot rally, cannot support the simplest of liberties and rights for its people, then how can they boost economic performance or be a international power?

The Republican party has shot itself in the leg several times this election season with comments about women and rape. Such attitudes (they are all widely available on youtube: keywords include Mourdock and Todd Akin) show a contempt for other human beings and a negative attitude towards half of the population. And, only in America would these gentlemen still be in politics.

Obama might not be the greatest president so far in American history. He might not be in the top ten 100 years from now. But he represents a new breed of political leader: one that champions equality and fairness, rights and liberties for all. This election was never about taxation. It was about the worth of human beings. And President Obama showed himself as a worthy protector of those less fortunate in American society, be it from economic or personal or social issues. That's what matters. Because without the people, there will never be a nation.

Week 9 picks

Denver
@ Cincinncati
Pick: Denver -3.5

Baltimore
@ Cleveland
Pick: Baltimore -3.5

Arizona
@ Green Bay
Pick: Arizona +11.0

Buffalo
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -10.0

Miami
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Miami -2.5

Detroit
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Detroit -4.5

Chicago
@ Tennessee
Pick: Chicago -3.5
Who's a hot NFC team right now? Da Bears.

Carolina
@ Washington
Pick: Carolina +3.5

Tampa Bay
@ Oakland
Pick: Tampa Bay +1.0

Minnesota
@ Seattle
Pick: Minnesota +5.0

Pittsburgh
@ New York
Pick: New York -3.5

Dallas
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -4.0

Philadelphia
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -3.5
This was a toss-up for me. I have no idea how this will play out.

Bye: New England, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco

Last week: 5-8
(Week 7 I went fucking 7-3-2!)

Season: 42-60-4

And things

I promise I will catch up this weekend. I PROMISE!

In other news, Sandy really didn't give us all that we bargained for up here, merely some big wind and lots of water/rain. If you are a religious person please keep my friends and family in CT, NY, NJ and the District in your prayers as I know some of them were hit a lot harder.

On top of this, election day is only five days from now, and if you, like me, have foreign friends then your facebook and twitter is all about political posts. I know, it sucks. Rest assured, I think Obama will get reelected, and the latest job numbers released today are quite positive. Always good for a sitting CIC.

Tonight, what might be the worst TNF game of the season so far:

Kansas City
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -7.5
Because if they do not win this one handsomely, we might start thinking about saying 'bye-bye' to Norv Turner.

Week 8 picks

Carolina
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -9.0

San Diego
@ Cleveland
Pick: San Diego -1.0

Seattle
@ Detroit
Pick: Seattle +1.0

Jacksonville
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -14.5

Miami
@ New York
Pick: New York -1.0

Atlanta
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Atlanta +1.0

Washington
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Washington +5.0

Indianapolis
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -3.5

Oakland
@ Kansas City
Pick: Oakland +1.0

New York
@ Dallas
Pick: New York -2.0

New Orleans
@ Denver
Pick: New Orleans +6.0

San Francisco
@ Arizona
Pick: San Francisco -6.5

Bye: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston

Can the weekend start already?

This game couldn't be any more boring if you painted it fifty shades of gray.

Tampa Bay
@ Minnesota
Pick: Tampa Bay +5.5

Week 7 picks

Tennessee
@ Buffalo
Pick: Buffalo -4.0

Dallas
@ Carolina
Pick: Dallas -1.0

Baltimore
@ Houston
Pick: Baltimore +6.5

Cleveland
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis +1.0

Arizona
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -6.5

Washington
@ New York
Pick: Washington +5.5

Green Bay
@ St. Louis
Pick: Green Bay -5.0

New Orleans
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay +1.0

Jacksonville
@ Oakland
Pick: Jacksonville +6.0

Pittsburgh
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Pittsburgh +1.0

Detroit
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -6.0

Bye: Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego

Last week: 5-7

Season: 31-49-2

Wasting my time here

But at least I can provide sound gambling advice. In the form of TNF!

Seattle
@ San Francisco
Pick: Seattle +7.0

Week 6 picks

Oakland
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -9.5
Best team in football right now. By a mile.

Dallas
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -3.5
Second-best team in football. Even with Joe Schmoe Flaccer.

Cincinnati
@ Cleveland
Pick: Cincinnati -1.0

St. Louis
@ Miami
Pick: St. Louis +4.5

Indianapolis
@ New York
Pick: Indianapolis +3.0

Detroit
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia -3.5

Kansas City
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -4.0

Buffalo
@ Arizona
Pick: Arizona -5.0

New York
@ San Francisco
Pick: New York +6.5

Green Bay
@ Houston
Pick: Green Bay +3.5

Denver
@ San Diego
Pick: Denver (pick 'em)

Bye: Carolina, Chicago, Jacksonville, New Orleans

Last week: 5-8

Season: 26-42-2

Thu-hu-hu-hu-hursday!

I'm still not used to these all-season TNF games. It's weird. But I guess it makes the game safer.

Pittsburgh

@ Tennessee

Pick: Pittsburgh -5.5

Animals

Recently, I have found myself enjoying my time away from other people more than normal. I have long disliked people, but I think in the past month or so this feeling has gotten to the point where I shake my head and curse under my breath when I see or experience utter incompetence from my fellow humans. It can be as benign as not having any clue what to wear or being incredulous as to how much alcohol one can handle, to lack of driving skills and generally disturbing attitudes on certain topics.

I'm not about to go postal on anyone, far from it. I need people in my life. Some of my best friends are people. But there are so many wasteful interactions everyday - and not just interactions, but people who just pop into my life for a few minutes on my daily commute - that I just find it incomprehensible that this society actually functions (to a certain degree).

From up here on my high horse it is easy to pass judgment on people like this. And I am well aware that I have many flaws, some glaring, some less so. But if I'm not allowed to be mad at people for being stupid, oblivious, brainwashed or retarded (not the mental illness. I mean actual, dumb retardation) then who the fuck am I allowed to be mad at?

Week 5 picks

Finally, a timely submitted one!

Miami
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -3.5

Green Bay
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Green Bay -7.0

Baltimore
@ Kansas City
Pick: Baltimore -6.0
Riding this team like I'm in a western.

Cleveland
@ New York
Pick: Cleveland +9.5

Philadelphia
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -3.5
For the life of me, I can't understand either of these teams this season. It's just, crazy.

Atlanta
@ Washington
Pick: Atlanta -3.0
Atlanta looking a lot like a Super Bowl contender up in this mother...

Seattle
@ Carolina
Pick: Seattle +3.0

Chicago
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Chicago -5.5

Tennessee
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -5.5

Buffalo
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -9.5

San Diego
@ New Orleans
Pick: San Diego +4.0
These chargers are like Pittsburgh or Philly: can't decide what the fuck they are.

Houston
@ New York
Pick: Houson -9.0
You know you have a bad situation when the owner starts mulling about starting the backup QB after handing his starter a $40 million extension in the offseason. Someone tell me why I am not running an NFL franchise?

Bye: Dallas, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay

Last week: 4-10

Season: 21-36-2

Meh

I had severe plans on writing more on this thing. Legitimate stuff. But cutting down on alcohol coupled with some chronic sleep issues has left me a bit, well, not in good standing. The plan is to change this over the next few weeks, so hopefully I can stick with that.

For tonights game, who'da thunk that this would be kind of exciting? Cards v Rams, a serious matchup in the NFC West. Kolb has been doing work (lest we forget the Arizona D which has been tremendous) and St. Louis have eeked out a few dubs themselves. Still, I think that Arizona is going to win this one.

Arizona
@ St. Louis
Pick: Arizona -1.0

Week 3: 6-9

Season: 17-26-2

(Clearing the backlog this week)

REFS! ARE! BACK!

TNF! REAL REFS! RAY RICE RUTGERS RAVENS RUNNINGBACK!

Cleveland
@ Baltimore
Baltimore -12.0

Week 2: 5-8-2

Season: 11-17-2

(backlogged, sorry)

Week 3 picks

Yesh, way too late. But I do not know any scores.

Chicago -7.0

Tampa bay +7.5

San Francisco -7.0

Detroit -4.0

Cincinnati +3.0

Miami +2.5

New Orleans -8.5

Buffalo -3.0

Indianapolis -3.0

Philadelphia -3.0

Atlanta +3.0

Houston -2.0

Pittsburgh -3.5

Green Bay -3.0

Week 2 picks

Kansas City
@ Buffalo
Pick: Kansas City +3.5

New Orleans
@ Carolina
Pick: New Orleans -1.0

Cleveland
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -7.0

Minnesota
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Minnesota -3.0

Houston
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Houston -7.0

Oakland
@ Miami
Pick: Miami +1.0

Tampa Bay
@ New York
Pick: Tampa Bay +9.0

Baltimore
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Baltimore +1.0

Dallas
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle +3.0

New York
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: New York +5.5

Washington
@ St. Louis
Pick: Washington -3.5

Tennessee
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -6.0

Detroit
@ San Francisco
Pick: Detroit +6.5

Denver
@ Atlanta
Pick: Denver +3.0

Last week: 6-9

Thursday Night Football? All season?

Chicago
@ Green Bay
Pick: Chicago +6.0

I just can't have Green Bay cover after they managed all of 15 points against San Francisco. Chicago's D is pretty stout as well, so I expect this to be closer than six points. For the sake of the division, I do hope Green Bay wins, just so they can stay in the race with Da Bears.

Are you reaaaaady for some....foooooootbaaaaall!

The moment we have been waiting for since February* is finally here. NFL is back and us religious people finally have a congregation to attend every Sunday. The excitement is through the roof as always, and apart from a concern that I might run out of beer tomorrow everything is quite peachy. Last season showed a sub-par performance by yours truly, so if you expect anything better this year you're crazy. I guess by NFL analysis is suffering from all my school work. Anyhoo, let's get down to business. (*Rams and Colts fans have been waiting since October.)

Indianapolis
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -9.5
Andy Luck is going to need a few games before he can start winning games, especially against a D as solid as Da Bears.

Philadelphia
@ Cleveland
Pick: Philadelphia -7.5
Those of you who have talked to me before the season know my concerns about Philadelphia. Those of you who have even a remote interest in the NFL know the Browns. Let's just say that lack of talent/skill trumps my concerns this week.

St. Louis
@ Detroit
Pick: Detroit -8.0
Stafford to Johnson, all day err day.

Miami
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -10.5
Line seems high, but I am not sure who I can trust on this Dolphins team. Tannehill to Bess for a TD, sure, and perhaps Reginald Bush can put one. But Houston seems hell-bent on improving from last years playoff-campaign. I like Tannehill('s wife) but as with Luck, I think he needs time to get into the speed of the NFL. 

Atlanta
@ Kansas City
Pick: Atlanta -2.0
Only two points. Lay.

Jacksonville
@ Minnesota
Pick: Jacksonville +4.0

Washington
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -9.0

Buffalo
@ New York
Pick: Buffalo +3.0
Jets couldn't score even if Rex Ryan's wife's feet depended on it.

Seattle
@ Arizona
Pick: Seattle -2.5

San Francisco
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -5.5
I seem to be the only one who thinks that the Niners' season last year was more against the norm than in line with it. Yes, they added Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and LaMichael James (all three of which are players yours truly enjoy, especially James when he played for Oregon). Yes, their defense is back. But they still have Alex Smith throwing the ball. For all practical purposes this is the same team that lost the NFC Championship to a Giants team who, judging by their play in that game, did not want to play in the Super Bowl. I mean, Eli Manning TRIED losing that game. So no, I'm not on the SF bandwagon until I see them hang with Rodgers and the Discount Double-checkers.

Carolina
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Carolina -1.0
In Cam we trust.

Pittsburgh
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -1.0
Peyton Manning is back! I mean, both on TV and on the field!

Cincinnati
@ Baltimore
Pick: Cincinnati +7.0

San Diego
@ Oakland
Pick: San Diego +1.0

Fooball!

I failed miserably not posting a pick for tonight's season opener between the Jints and the Boys. I'm sorry. I'll come back stronger before the weekend and provide you sound advice and expertise for the rest of the season.

I got kidnapped tonight. Not your regular going away just doing my thang kidnapped. I'm talking taxi driver kidnapped. Let me set the scene for you. Me, myself and Kevin are on our way to Winge's. We stop, right outside (which happens to be the address I gave the cabby). Kevin jumps out, and I tell him: go stop Winge, I saw him walking down the street! Now, at this point in time, I am still in the taxi. I have not made any sudden moves and I have not tried to get out of the car. The cab driver, however, decides that I am trying to skip on my tab and that I am jumping ship (or car, depending on your prerogative). Now. I find myself in the back of a Mercedes van, with the right door open, yelling at the cabbie. Who by the way, is still convinced that I'm not paying for the ride. The fucker drives me back downtown, to where I started (this, it appears, is policy). I get another cab to where I was going. I'm still just flabbergasted. As to why the cabbie thought that I was not paying just because Kevin jumped out of the car. Like seriously? I know I'm intoxicated writing this shit, and I know I have a lot of friends driving in this town. But this is some fucking bullshit. Like seriously?

Title!

Blogspot has a new design. Oh well. To the eventual executor of my will: It is hereby proclaimed that the tombstone of the owner of this blog shall read "Challenge Complete".

I think I am doing this just to avoid my homework. Seriously. I wanted to talk to you guys about art today. Yeah, I know, what I have been smoking/snorting/injecting? Right? For real though, I wanted to talk about self portraits as an art form. Not photographs. Photographs are honest (unless they are Photoshopped). Photographs convey a message from one particular moment in time. They show the world, or the world of the subject, as it was, at that exact moment. I like photographs. I wanted to talk about self portraits that are not photographs. Paintings. Sculptures. Whatevers. For some reason, I find them to be a wishful personification of the artist themselves, or just a very narcissistic. As in, why do artists need to create an abstract, or a concrete image of themselves for display? Is a signature on the piece itself not enough? A tastefully crafted photograph? I get the need to express oneself, after all, that is what I am doing here (and I am aware that this blog, the blog format itself (not to mention Twitter) is inherently narcissistic and self-centered). But to display an image of yourself, crafted in your own mind to the way you want it to look and then expect it to provoke emotion in other people? That's like me saying that I think everyone should feel a certain emotion when they see me. Not just the people that know me. I mean everyone. The bum outside of Beantown. The security guard at Ashburton. The baseball jocks in the gym. The TSA employee at Logan. Does that make sense? I don't know, I'm tired, hot and rambling.

We're not young....anymore?

My first year in my masters program is coming to an end and as I always do at the beginning of summer, I take stock of what I have and sometimes what I don't (this last part can be a bit self-destructive and is advisable only to professional optimists and/or cynics: nevertheless, it's something I do not do often). I find that this is a good way for myself to reflect on the things I have gained, both material (yeah, right!) and abstract (knowledge, skills, networks etc.) and provide me with a reference point.

I can honestly say that one of my classes this year, while entertaining and educational, has not been to my expectations. Bluntly put, the professor teaching it is not the right person for the course. Nothing against the person, I like him/her very much as a teacher and person, but not for that particular class.

But my biggest gain this year has been the intangible knowledge I have accumulated: tales from fellow students and teachers about their current or previous work situations, employment opportunities, and the fact that I can talk my way into a lot of good situations if I just put my professional face on. Moreover, I feel I am starting to plot out a possible career for myself after graduate school. Most of you have heard me talk about what I want to do and where I want to do it, but I really feel like I'm steering myself down a path (less traveled, I hope!) that can lead me to where I want to be and what I want to do. I hope. (Cynical optimism or optimistic cynicism?)

Also, I am sunburned.

Tonight. We are young.

So it has come to my attention that I might literally be the worst blogger in the world. Literally.

Apart from all the self-deprecating shit and destructive thoughts here on Friday the 13th (April at that, whaddayaknow!), I want to talk about something that is near and dear to me.

Music.

Today, specifically about music in advertisement.

We have all heard the rather awkward jingles on the radio, selling everything from tires, cars, chocolate milkshakes and hamburgers to spa days, shampoo and pet supplies. But one thing I have noticed is that new music is more frequent in advertising on American television than it is in Norway. It appears that up-and-coming American musical acts utilize the commercials of brand names to spread their music. Two examples: this video was used in a commercial for an evil conglomerate named Apple. Quite a catchy tune if you ask me. One might even sing along.

This here video was used in a commercial for an automobile maker, and I have to admit, I absolutely love it. LOVE. IT. It might be my favorite song this year. And this is a song that I probably never would have known existed if it wasn't for the medium of the commercial during sporting events (these make up the bulk of my TV time).

My question is, is this a useful marketing strategy? Or do bands run the risk of having their songs labeled "that Apple commercial" or "that awesome car commercial?"

...

Clicky

Versace

My updates are highly sporadic these days, owed to the fact that there is so much fun school work to be done! Also, I may have been busy having a little bit of some awesome times these past weeks. Nuvel.

Boston is walking briskly towards summer, some days the pace is so ferocious that the wind out here is unbearable. This is obviously no problem as jackets are meant to remedy such a thing. But I feel entitled to one weather-rant now and then. In other news, the Scandinavian labor movement does not exactly produce a ton of scholarly material: assignment proving difficult.

I do have a lot of stories from Philadelphia, some of them fun, some of them hilarious and some of them just...interesting. But it's getting late. So cross your fingers that I will remember to write something later this week.

Peace!

To vote or not to vote

Channeling my inner Shakespeare on what he would most certainly call a summer's day here in Connecticut: 20+ and sunny. I wish I brought some shorts with me for spring break.

As the informed reader will know, it is election year and season of the primary here in the U.S. and A. As my main man, Barack Obamadeus (borrowed that one from Munroe: XKCD), is currently stationed in the White House, he does not need to prove himself in a primary election this year. This amuses me, myself and political bloggers, reporters and informed people across the nation as there is nothing more entertaining than watching 4 old white men self-destruct through a series of debates, TV ads and interviews/press conferences. The 30-second run-down on the candidates, brought to you in part by Statens Lånekasse:

Newt Gingrich: this former Speaker of the House is one angry son of a bitch. He is famous, among other things, for having an affair with his then third wife to be while publicly berating President Clinton for having an affair with Monica Lewinsky. He is also willing to grant statehood to the moon, provided that 10,000 Americans live there. That's like flipping a huge middle finger at Washington, D.C. Moreover, Gingrich has proved unwilling to reason in debates and he comes off as a spoiled brat in terms of how he conducts himself in response to criticism.

Ron Paul: the self-proclaimed libertarian in the race, and someone who bears a resemblance to Gollum, mr. Paul has envisioned a highly protectionist policy for the United States should he be elected. He even talked about "building a wall around America", for some reason. While his protectionism-babble is the stuff of crazy people, Paul actually has some good, moderate ideas on his mind and he is not to idiotically conservative on social issues like some of the other candidates.

Rick Santorum: speaking of idiotically conservative, Santy baby! This devout conservative catholic has publicly stated that rape-babies are a blessing, on par with his anti-abortion campaign. However, he is also anti-contraception. He believes, per the bible (although I do not know where it says), that man and woman should not lay until married. Noble stance, and one that I can easily respect. The problem is, he should not be the one deciding this for people. But then again, he is not. In a country that prides itself on the separation of state and church, and has explicitly stated so in its constitution (the most sacred document to most Americans), mr. Santorum believes that Americans should answer to god when it comes to political decisions. Not only does this go against the constitution, but it also go against any form of reasoning: as soon as you involve your religion into politics, you are not making decisions based on rationale, logic or sanity any more. And that can be dangerous to a country. (I would have a religious discussion, but I just don't feel like it. It alienates people, makes them angry at me and ends with me getting angry and using bad words). This is all coming from a guy who has a JD and an MBA...you would think that smart people would be smarter.

Mitt Romney: the flip-flop master, former governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a rich motherfucker, mr. Romney is perceived as the candidate that can take the most votes from Obama in a general election. The problem: he does not resonate well with Republicans. More problems: mr. Romney is one rich asshole. With a networth of around $250 million and a taxable income in 2011 of about $42 million, he does not exactly appeal to the blue-collar workers he so desperately wants. In recent weeks, he has stated that the auto industry is important to him personally because his wife drives "a couple Cadillacs" (paraphrased), and that he is not a huge fan of NASCAR but some of his "close friends are team owners". Not exactly something that is fathomable to the 99%.

If you want my advice, Obama is going to win the general election in November. The alternatives are ghastly, and frankly, they act stupid. As I have not visited the bible-belt I cannot say what the feel is for any of these four outside of the North-East. But it seems that Republicans are longing for the days of H.W. and McCain, just as much as I am.

This little house

It's been four weeks since the Super Bowl, and I'm still not over it. For someone who reads ESPN.com several times a day it's been quite a transformation not looking at that website at all.

Nuvel. The weather in Boston is equally messed up compared to Trondheim. We have snow and 10-15 degree days inbetween each other. Confusing as hell.

I have no ranting or yelling for you today, just wanted to check in and say hi!

Just to be on the safe side

Since I do not have a written will and testament laying around, let it be known to the three of you that from time to time visit this blog that if anyone tries to have themselves baptized on my behalf posthumously the remainder of my estate will go to the first person who rips one of their eyes out.

I'm not kidding. I think the mormon practice of baptizing someone after they have died is absolutely horrendous. It is disgusting and a misuse of religious freedom. While I may no longer observe the practices of any particular religion, I was once baptized by my parents before I could voice my own opinion on the matter. I don't see any problem with that: if it really bothers you just leave your church later in life. But after I'm gone? Hell no (pun intended).

The only thing people I leave behind are allowed to do is walk up to my grave on my birthday and share a shot with me of my finest single malt scotch. Honor the dead the way they lived.

Fuck Eli Manning

Before I start, I'm sorry for the profanity in the headline. But right now, there is really not much else to say. The Patriots had the game, with a drive starting inside their own 10 with around 9 minutes to play. The problem with this drive is that it took around 5 minutes off the clock, but it only get them to the 50 or so. This left around 4 minutes for the Giants offense to drive down and score (and on the scoring play, the Patriots let Bradshaw walk in. Great moment in coaching, but not great enough).

I can probably write 4 pages on what actually happened in the fourth quarter, but right now, I really do not want to. Both teams were deserving of a win. Brady threw an ill-timed interception, and the Giants recovered two of their fumbles. These are the ways football is, and these are the reasons we love the game. Right now though, I am at the absolute low. This was the Patriots game to win. No one can argue against that. No one with a slight hint of football IQ can say they played a worse game than the Giants. Giants had a few lucky bounces, and better execution during the last 9 minutes. The Patriots drop to many passes and throws too many interceptions. End of story.

On hiatus until whenever.

Gameday pt. 1

I have received correspondence from all my experts, and the results have evened out a little bit.

Billy: 34-31 Giants
Kristian: 31-28 Giants
Viktor: 24-20 Pats
Winge: 31-24 Giants
Einar: 34-31 Pats
Roggen: 34-33
Ruby: 27-13 Pats
Jay: 35-24 Pats
Kevin: 28-24 Pats
Justin: 27-24 Giants
Eivind: 27-24 Pats
Magnus: 31-24 Pats
Plato: 45-7 Pats

Will picked the Pats to win, Aleks still have the Giants by 4.

Average: Patriots 28-24.9 Giants

Are you ready for some football???

Super Bowl weekend

We have finally reached the end of the 2011-2012 NFL season, and it is a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, New York vs. New England. Played in the house that Peyton built. Nearly two weeks ago the Patriots were favored by 3.5 points and the over lay at a cool 55.5. Since then, lot of money on New York to move both lines a full point down. As of 4.45pm ET it is New England -2.5 and o/u 54.5.

New England have not lost since week 9, coincidentally to New York, in Foxborough. New York, on the other hand, have won 5 straight, basically elimination games. Their last loss was an ugly stinker of a game in which they lost by double digits to the Washington Redskins.

A lot has been said, written and yelled about the awful nature of New Englands defense: ranked 31st in yards given. New York only slightly better, at 27th, giving up 35 yards fewer per game. However, this is the shittiest use of stats to rank a football team. Points scored vs. points given are the only two things that matter. If we use those numbers, the tale is a little bit different: New England gave up just over three touchdowns per game, at 21.4 points. New York let opponents score an even 25 points a game.

Am I writing this to make myself feel better? Bet your balls I am! I have been watching/reading ESPN all week and I am super nervous for this game. I mean, frightened. It is awful.

On offense, the disparity is even greater. I'm not even going to talk about the yards there, just points. New York averaged 24.6 points per game. Wait a minute...New York, on average, lost every game this season by 0.4 points? They had negative scoring this season? New England on the other hand, scored a hefty 32.1 points per game, good for 3rd in the league, trailing only the record-setting Drew BreesOrleans and the Green Bay Doublechecks. Another paragraph just to calm myself? Fuck yeah.

For all the talk about Tom Brady's passing skills, this game is going to come down to New England's ability to run the ball against the Giants' D. Put Brady in the shotgun, 4 wide with Law Firm on his side and run draws until the linebackers creep up and they are forced to put someone bigger in the middle than one of their talented and fast pass rushers. My point is, I see this as a close game that is going to come down to who can run the ball, and who can get a good game from their special teams. Field position is going to be key. Moreso than ever.

Since I do not gamble on Patriots games, I have called upon my personal panel of experts to predict the game for you. I am still missing a fair portion of the picks I requested, however, I will give you what I have. Because you're worth it.

Billy: 34-31 Giants
Øivind: 24-20 Patriots
Ruby: 27-13 Patriots
Jay: 35-24 Patriots
Justin: 27-24 Giants
Eivind: 27-24 Patriots
Magnus: 31-24 Patriots
Plato: 45-7 Patriots

Average scores:
Giants: 21.63
Patriots: 30.5 (this is highly skewed as Plato predicted a 45-7 Pats victory)

Aleks also bet on the Giants, but he only predicted margin of victory to be 4 points.

Should more picks come in before game time, I will update this accordingly. For now, I'll leave you with two non-QB key players for the game: Julian Edelman and Mario Manningham.

(And I'm still nervous as shit. No wonder people get heart attacks)

Championship Carnage

As my Pats are playing this weekend, you only get one pick!

New York
@ San Francisco
Pick: New York +2.5 (I have no clue about this game)

Last week: 2-1

Playoffs: 3-4

Divisional Days

After a spectacular 1-3 performance last week, I'm hoping for the 0-fer this time around! Going to Gilette tonight, and as always no pick on the Pats.

New Orleans
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco +3.5

Houston
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -9.0

New York
@ Green Bay
Pick: New York +7.5

Last week: 1-3

Playoffs: 1-3

Wild Card Weekend

And my last week in Norway is underway! Expect lots of fun and lots of whisky. As the regular season closed out last week, there are only 11 games left. But it's the playoffs! and the stakes are higher. Just ask Tebow. Anyhoo, round 1...

Cincinnati
@ Houston
Didn't like this at all. Simmons loves the Texans here, but personally I think Red Rifle and ROTY candidate AJ Green can wreck some havoc on Houston's decent D. For this reason I have to take the points.
Pick: Cincinnati +3.0

Detroit
@ New Orleans
Stafford is good, Megatron is a beast...and that's really all you can say about these Lions. Shootout warning, but I think the Saints are going to make the Lions chase them all day, and with the skill players at Brees' disposal, even the mighty Megatron will fall short. I'm not crazy about this pick because we all saw what happened last year when Marshawn Lynch went Beastmode on the Saints. And 11 points is a mother and a half in terms of spreads. I'm still debating whether this is the right choice, and I probably will be doubting myself until the game ends. I did hit the over on this one, even at a solid 59 points. Straight up I think the Saints take it, but the extra point here allows me to go Lions where they can cover even if they are losing by ten.
Pick: Detroit +11.0

Atlanta
@ New York
Ugh. Sheli wins.
Pick: New York -3.0

Pittsburgh
@ Tebow
The Steelers are hurting. Tebow has been God awful (heh, get it?) the last three games and Denver literally backed into the playoffs. They should be happy just to be here. But stranger things have happened. I am going Pittsburgh here, but this is the one that I have no idea about.
Pick: Pittsburgh -9.0

Last week: 3-10-2 (ugh)

Season: 109-118-13

Week 17 picks

Happy new year!

New York
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -3.0

Indianapolis
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Indianapolis +3.5

San Francisco
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis +10.5

Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -1.0

Detroit
@ Green Bay
Pick: Detroit -4.5

Carolina
@ New Orleans
Pick: Carolina +9.0

Washington
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Washington +9.0

Tennessee
@ Houston
Pick: Houston +1.0

Seattle
@ Arizona
Pick: Seattle +3.0

San Diego
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -2.5

Kansas City
@ Denver
Pick: Kansas city +3.5

Tampa Bay
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -10.5

Baltimore
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati +1.5

Pittsburgh
@ Cleveland
Pick: Pittsburgh -7.0

Dallas
@ New York
Pick: Dallas +3.0

Last week: 7-7-1

Season: 106-108-11