Week 16 picks

This all seems very pointless right now. But I guess it's my way of coping. No play on the Patriots, as per usue...

New York +2.5

@Jacksonville -7.0

@Philadelphia -14.5

@Tampa Bay -6.0

Baltimore -3.5

Tennessee +5.0

Detroit +3.5

San Francisco +2.5

Houston -2.5

Indianapolis -3.0 (let's be honest. They have to win out to get in. It's gonna happen.)

@Green Bay -3.0

San Diego -7.5

@Atlanta -2.5 (locking up homefield right here, right now.)

Last week: 6-9

Season 93-100-4

Bluh

Cardinals +7.0

Christmas...not so merry

For those of you who know me, you are already aware I'm not much for religion on my own part. But this absolutely sucks. I don't like this one bit. Stay strong you...

Halfway to seven hundred!

Aaaaand, tiny Christmas eve!

Carolina
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -14.5

Week 15 picks

It's crunch time in the NFL, fantasy football starts its playoff run, and Brett Favre sat out a game for the first time since Velociraptors roamed the streets. Nuvel. I am flying to Norway tomorrow, during the Pats-Packers game (no gamble, obviously) and therefore I will be nail-biting. Regardless, here are your week 15 truths:

New Orleans
@ Baltimore
Pick: New Orleans +1.5

Detroit
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -4.5

Arizona
@ Carolina
Pick: Arizona +2.5

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

Buffalo
@ Miami
Pick: Buffalo +5.5

Houston
@ Tennessee
Pick: Houston +1.5

Andre Johnson
@ Cortland Finnegan
(part deux)
Pick: Andre Johnson -3.5
Definitely taking the U right there.

Jacksonville
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Jacksonville +5.5

Cleveland
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cleveland +1.5

Washington
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -7.0

Philadelphia
@ New York
Pick: New York -2.5

Atlanta
@ Seattle
Pick: Atlanta -6.0

New York
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: New York +5.5

Denver
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -7.5

Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Chicago -7.5

Last week: 6-8-1

Season: 87-91-4

Tidbits

Okay, my pulse is slower and my head is clearer. Although the task at hand tomorrow is kinda fucking difficult.

As a little treat to you, and to myself in the midst of exam-week at Eastern, I have some random stuff, my record updated for week 13 and my regular Thursday night pick.

The Town of Cobalt. Cobalt. Why would you name a town Cobalt unless it's a mining (cobalt is mined, right?) town? I mean, not exactly an exotic or inviting name such as San Antonio or Seattle or Mystic or Baltimore. And yeah, cobalt is mined, but mostly through extraction of other minerals.

There is something seriously wrong with something right now, but I'm not sure what it is. Might be the lack of sleep.

Not upholding the groomin' standards, that's for sure.

I think in week thirteen I went 11-4, which is a new season best. This puts my overall record at 81-83-3. You'll get everything from last week when I post my regular picks on Friday or Saturday.

San Francisco
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -9.0

Astronomy time!

Week 14 picks

Sorry I'm late with these.

Oakland +3.5

Pittsburgh -8.5

Buffalo PK

New York -3.5 (moved to Detroit)

Green Bay -7.0

Tampa Bay -1.0

St. Louis +9.5

San Francisco -5.0

New York -5.0

Denver -4.0

Kansas City +10.0

Philadelphia -4.0

Baltimore -3.0

Stumble

“If she loves you, if she really loves you, you’ll know it. If you can wake up to her staring at you and it’s not even mildly creepy, if you catch her smelling the shoulder of the hooded sweatshirt you lent her for an autumn walk at the beach, and not for B.O., if she makes you a pancake in the shape of a shark, if she calls you drunkenly at four in the morning “to talk,” if she laughs at your jokes when they’re funny and makes fun of you when they’re not, if she keeps her fridge stocked with Guinness tallboys for when you come over, if she tells you how she wishes she were closer to her sister and that her dad makes her sad: She loves you, of course she loves you.” ~Pasha Malla

Last day of classes!

Celebrating this with a Thursday night pick:

Indianapolis
@ Tennessee
Pick: Indianapolis -3.0

My favorite

Thing in the whole world are irrational people. Can't get enough of them.

Week 13 picks

Haha! Getting closer to the end of the line! This season is actually very exciting! No play on the Pats, cause you know the deal...

New Orleans
@ Cincinnati
Pick: New Orleans -6.0

Chicago
@ Detroit
Pick: Detroit +5.0

San Francisco
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -9.5

Jacksonville
@ Tennessee
Pick: Jacksonville +3.0

Denver
@ Kansas City
Pick: Denver +9.5

Cleveland
@ Miami
Pick: Cleveland +4.5

Buffalo
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -6.0

Washington
@ New York
Pick: New York -7.0

Oakland
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -12.5

Atlanta
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Atlanta -3.0

Carolina
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -6.0

St. Louis
@ Arizona
Pick: St. Louis -3.5

Dallas
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis -5.5

Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
Pick: Pittsburgh +3.0

Last week: 5-10

Season: 70-79-3

Thursday night miracles

How the hell did Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan (black Irish) not get suspended after that brawl?

Houston
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Houston +9.5
Taking the points.

Ugh!

How is it possible to fail so miserably, I mean, insanely horrendously miserably, on the design of a car with a cool name and a turbo?

Clicky

That time again

Why is it so hard to get started with something you need to accomplish something you really want? These last weeks are gonna be hell on earth - nay - hell in hell. But I can see some sort of light at the end of the tunnel. December is upon us, we are so close to the carrot.

Week 12 picks

Ah, yet again! It's way too late, so I'm gonna keep it short and sweet.

Tennessee
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -6.5
(see Smith, Rusty)

Pittsburgh
@ Buffalo
Pick: Pittsburgh -6.0

Green Bay
@ Atlanta
Pick: Green Bay +1.5

Minnesota
@ Washington
Pick: Minnesota -1.5

Jacksonville
@ New York
Pick: New York -7.0

Carolina
@ Cleveland
Pick: Cleveland -10.0

Miami
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -2.5

Kansas City
@ Seattle
Pick: Kansas City -1.5

Tampa Bay
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -7.5

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

Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Pick: Philadelphia -3.5

San Diego
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis -2.5

San Francisco
@ Arizona
Pick: San Francisco +1.0

Last week: 10-5

Season: 65-69-3

Thanksgiving specials!

Going for turkey soon, so here are your Thursday goodies. No play on the Pats, as usual.

New Orleans
@ Dallas
Pick: New Orleans -3.5

Cincinnati
@ New York
Pick: New York -7.5

Happy Thanksgiving to all and everyone!

Week 11 picks

We're closing in on the playoffs! Or, soon! Right? Anyways, week 11 NFL picks, presented by John Walker & Sons. As always, no play on the Pats...

Green Bay
@ Minnesota
Pick: Green Bay +3.0

Washington
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -7.0

Arizona
@ Kansas City
Pick: Kansas City -9.0

Buffalo
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -5.0

Detroit
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -6.5
Can't believe I'm actually taking the Cowboys in this one. (Can't believe that I'm saying that when they're home against Detroit).

Baltimore
@ Carolina
Pick: Baltimore -10.0

Cleveland
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Jacksonville +1.0

Houston
@ New York
Pick: New York -7.0

Oakland
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Oakland +9.0
(Right?)

Atlanta
@ St. Louis
Pick: Atlanta -3.0

Tampa Bay
@ San Francisco
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.0

Seattle
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -12.0

New York
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia -3.0

Denver
@ San Diego
Pick: Denver +10.0

Last week: 5-8

Season: 55-64-3

Continuance

Every day I wake up and find myself not in a holding cell or hospital bed is considered a victory.

Must have slipped my mind

I had a very short thing to present to you today, but it slipped my mind on my way home. Nuvel. Always Sunny tonight!

Thursday night, giggles and shits

Sublime is my mood-changer of the day. Why is it so god-damned hard to focus when the end is so near I can smell the sweet of the victory-champagne, the fresh leaves of the crown and the smoke of my 4am scotch? I finally managed to do laundry today, only 2 days late, and I'm actually making some progress on my paper. Now just need someone to revise my expansionist thesis and I'm back in business. Let's see if I can keep it up throughout the night, I'm expecting nothing earlier than a 2am tonight either.

But I'm happy for all of you :)

What you all came for, expert advice:

Chicago
@ Miami (Thursday night (who gets NFL Network anyways?))
Pick: Chicago +1.0
Just because Miami is QB-less, Cry-Baby Jay is playing marginally better and Chicago D is not as awful. Also Devin Hester Kinda rocks.

Warrior round-up

After looking back at the season, here are some things that will be remembered, in list form, in no particular order:

-Drawing a holding penalty on my first defensive play of the year
-Stopped a 2pt-conversion
-Tackles for loss in two different games
-Defensive captain against Southwestern
-Calling the alone for 2 games, and calling plays in the huddle
-Having a blitz called dabble
-Making the umpire laugh pre-snap
-Waiting for the play clock to wind down to call a timeout while standing next to the referee, just like the pros do
-Actually getting a sideline chant going at a halftime
-Getting a W in the worst game I've ever played, but probably the best game called as D coordinator
-Pass-blocking beastly as a tight end

And basically, everything that I'm forgetting, the friendships made, the jokes shared, the respect from teammates and the feeling of being an important part of a rag-tag team, despite horribly unimpressive stats for a linebacker.

Kevin, Jason, James, Brandon, Bryan, Kyle, Nick, Nate, Mike, Juan, Javi, Kevin, Brian, Kadim, Dave, Ken, Josh, Pat, Marc, Mike, Marco, Mike, Jason: I had a great time broing out with you guys.

Warrior Pride!

Week 10 picks

Busy busy week behind and ahead of me. Luckily I get to relax this wee......fuck, I'm going to Philly. I guess I can sleep during christmas break.

Onto the picks, and I did have Atlanta -1.0 over Baltimore. No play on the Pats, as always...

Baltimore
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -1.0 (yay)

Houston
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Houston +1.5

Carolina
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -6.5

Tennessee
@ Miami
Pick: Tennessee -1.0

Cincinnati
@ Indianpolis
Pick: Indianapolis -7.0

New York
@ Cleveland
Pick: New York -3.0

Minnesota
@ Chicago
Pick: Minnesota -1.0

Detroit
@ Buffalo
Pick: Buffalo -3.0

Kansas City
@ Denver
Pick: Kansas City -1.0

St. Louis
@ San Francisco
Pick: St. Louis +6.0

Seattle
@ Arizona
Pick: Arizona -3.0

Dallas
@ New York
Pick: New York -13.5

Philadelphia
@ Washington
Pick: Philadelphia -3.0

Bye: Green Bay, New Orleans, Oakland, San Diego

Last week: 8-4

Season: 50-56-3

Week 9 picks

I do have some stories to tell. But right now, the people need picks!

Chicago
@ Buffalo
Pick: Chicago -2.5

Arizona
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -8.0

San Diego
@ Houston
Pick: Houston +3.0

Miami
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -5.0

New Orleans
@ Carolina
Pick: New Orleans -6.5

New York
@ Detroit
Pick: New York -4.5

Tampa Bay
@ Atlanta
Pick: Tampa Bay +9.0

New York
@ Seattle
Pick: New York -7.0

Indianapolis
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Indianapolis +3.0

Kansas City
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -1.0

Dallas
@ Green Bay
Pick: Dallas +7.5

Pittsburgh
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Pittsburgh -5.0

Bye: Denver, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tennessee, Washington

Last (okay, 2 weeks ago) week: 7-6

Season: 42-52-3

Week 8 picks

I'm supposed to give you gambling advice. But I'm too tired right now. I really don't know what to say.

WARRIOR FOOTBALL!

HaPe

Happy 25th!

Week 7 picks

The waking up way too early after a night of alcohol edition!

Buffalo
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -13.0

San Francisco
@ Carolina
Pick: San Francisco -3.0

Cleveland
@ New Orleans:
Pick: Cleveland +13.5

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

Philadelphia
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -3.0

Washington
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -3.0

Pittsburgh
@ Miami
Pick: Pittsburgh -3.0

Jacksonville
@ Kansas City
Pick: Kansas City -9.0

Cincinnati
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -3.5

Arizona
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -7.0

Oakland
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -8.0

Minnesota
@ Green Bay
Pick: Minnesota +2.5

New York
@ Dallas
Pick: New York +3.0

Bye: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New York

Last week: 4-8-1

Season: 35-46-3

Week 6 picks

Even if you only come here for sound gambling advice, read the previous entry about my night out with Mr. Waters.

Now, same as always, no play on the Pats (I'm going to Foxborough on Sunday btw).

Seattle
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -6.5

Kansas City
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -4.5

Miami
@ Green Bay
Pick: Miami +3.0

Cleveland
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -13.0

New Orleans
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay +4.5

San Diego
@ St. Louis
Pick: San Diego -8.5

Atlanta
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Atlanta +3.0

Detroit
@ New York
Pick: New York -10.0

Oakland
@ San Francisco
Pick: Oakland +6.5

New York
@ Denver
Pick: Denver +3.0

Dallas
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -2.0

Indianapolis
@ Washington
Pick: Indianapolis -3.0

Tennessee
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Tennessee -3.0

Bye: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, Cincinnati

Last week: 9-5

Season: 31-38-2

If I had my way, I'd have all of them shot!

One can say quite a few things about music in the 21st century. Lady Gaga is playing in Oslo this weekend. There is a popular tune these days called "Shots" (the alcohol kind). People who have done absolutely nothing for the advancement of anything except the sale of diamonds and Escalades are making millions of hard currency.

Tonight, I have the pleasure of reporting that all hope is not lost.

The Wall is every bit as majestic, dynamic, driving, political (and politically incorrect) in 2010 as it was in 1980. Venue attended is possibly a bit smaller than most of the other places Waters will visit, but it breeds an enormous sense of intimacy between Waters (and the rest of the band) and the audience. It seems like he is having more fun this time around, without all the stress and arguments of late 70s Floyd. Going cover to cover (wall to wall?), the performers never let up and it is very easy to get suckered in. Waters is an entertainer and wields the machinery with precision (did I mention that the building of the wall and subsequent projection imagery is accurate to a few seconds? Absolutely brilliant use of new technology, and when you realize who they have pictured on the Wall, you get chills down into your shoes. One example: a video of a little girl, she start's clapping and smiling, then goes over into tears as she stands up and runs into the arms of her father walking into the room wearing fatigues. Fucking powerful. I do believe this was during Vera Lynn).

A few moments that stood out to me: the opening sequence, with flags, searchlights, pyro and the famed fighter plane crashing into one side of the Wall; Waters playing Mother while a recording of him from Earl's Court is projected on the screens; Vera Lynn through Comfortably Numb; and obviously the ending as the bricks come tumbling down. I am still fucking wired.

Two shows in Norway April/May. Go get your tickets. Not a suggestion, more of a command.

Week 5 picks

A bit late, sorry!

Atlanta
@ Cleveland
Pick: Atlanta -3.0

St. Louis
@ Detroit
The Rams will get a winning record for the first time in forever!
Pick: St. Louis +3.0

Kansas City
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis -7.0

Green Bay
@ Washington
Pick: Green Bay -2.5

Jacksonville
@ Buffalo
Pick: Jacksonville +2.0

Tampa Bay
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -6.5

Chicago
@ Carolina
Pick: Chicago +2.5

New York
@ Houston
Pick: New York +3.0

Denver
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -7.0

New Orleans
@ Arizona
Pick: New Orleans -7.0

Tennessee
@ Dallas
Pick: Tennessee +6.5

San Diego
@ Oakland
Pick: San Diego -6.0

Philadelphia
@ San Francisco
Pick: Philadelphia +3.5

Minnesota
@ New York
Pick: New York -4.0

Bye: Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle

Last week: 4-9 (atrocious)

Season: 22-33-2 (pretty shitty)

Week 4 picks

Warriors got manhandled today, 49-0. Missing six starters. No excuse, not the best game.

Detroit
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -14.5

Cincinnati
@ Cleveland
Pick: Cincinnati -3.0

New York
@ Buffalo
Pick: New York -6.0

San Francisco
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -6.5

Baltimore
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -2.5

Carolina
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -13.0

Seattle
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis +1.0

Denver
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -6.5

Houston
@ Oakland
Pick: Houston -3.0

Indianapolis
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Indianapolis -7.0

Washington
@ Philadelphia
Pick: -5.5

Arizona
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -7.0

Chicago
@ New York
Pick: Chicago +4.0

Bye: Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay

Last week: 7-8

Season: 18-24-2

Warrior ball

Lost again today, but we're putting points on the board and only giving up 6 points on D. Final score: Warriors 8-18 Terriers. Starting at OLB is a mother and a half though, much kudos to my boys at home that have done that for years. Day off tomorrow, and then project on Monday!

Warriors on 3!

Week 3 picks

San Francisco
@ Kansas City
Pick: Kansas City +2.5

Detroit
@ Minnesota
Pick: Detroit +10.5

Atlanta
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -4.0

Cincinnati
@ Carolina
Pick: Cincinnati -3.0

Cleveland
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -10.5

Tennessee
@ New York
Pick: Tennessee +3.0

Pittsburgh
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Pittsburgh -2.5

Dallas
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -3.0

Washington
@ St. Louis
Pick: Washington -3.5

Philadelphia
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Philadelphia -3.0

Oakland
@ Arizona
Pick: Oakland +4.5

Indianapolis
@ Denver
Pick: Indianapolis -5.5

San Diego
@ Seattle
Pick: San Diego -5.5

New York
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -1.5

Green Bay
@ Chicago
Pick: Green Bay -3.0

Last week: 7-8

Season: 11-16-2

Week 2 picks

Week one did provide us with some useless information, and this will not be accounted for when doing week 2. On a side note, I play my first game for the Warriors tonight.

Chicago
@ Dallas
Pick: Chicago +7.5

Kansas City
@ Cleveland
Pick: Kansas City +2.5

Philadelphia
@ Detroit
Pick: Philadelphia -6.0

Arizona
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -6.5

Baltimore
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Baltimore -2.5

Buffalo
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -12.5

Miami
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -5.5

Pittsburgh
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -5.0

Tampa Bay
@ Carolina
Pick: Carolina -3.5

St. Louis
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -3.5

Seattle
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -3.5

Houston
@ Washington
Pick: Houston -2.5

Jacksonville
@ San Diego
Pick: Jacksonville +7.0

New York
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis -5.0

New Orleans
@ San Francisco
Pick: New Orleans -5.5

Last week: 4-8-2

Week 1 picks

WE! ARE! BACK!

Carolina
@ New York
Pick: Carolina +6.5

Detroit
@ Chicago
Pick: Detroit +7.0

Cleveland
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -3.0

Indianapolis
@ Houston
Pick: Indianapolis -2.0

Atlanta
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh +2.0

Denver
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Denver +3.0

Miami
@ Buffalo
Pick: Miami -3.0

Oakland
@ Tennessee
Pick: Oakland +6.5

Arizona
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis +4.0

San Francisco
@ Seattle
Pick: San Francisco -3.0

Green Bay
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Green Bay +3.0

Dallas
@ Washington
Pick: -3.5

Baltimore
@ New York
Pick: New York -2.5

San Diego
@ Kansas City
Pick: San Diego -4.5

Specials for week 1:
Green Bay to win NFC North
San Francisco to win NFC West
Baltimore to win AFC North

Good luck!

Back on track

First football practice went decently well. I seem to be on top of both routes and coverages, but not sure if the knee can hold up. Posted a really shitty 40-time but when the pads come on I'll be front and center.

I haven't missed being around Americans as much. The drama is still the same, the egos are inflated as always and the conversations still revolve around what I did or do. I as in the American. To expect anything else from such a individualistic society would be idiotic, but one can always hope. Since fall starts tomorrow, you guys should get some gambling advice before 6pm eastern.

Rico and raiders, warriors and wailers

On the flight from CPH to EWR, I had the lovely 26H. Wing, but good view from the window. Nice lady next to me. But the god damn video screen would not function. The only entertainment I had was Tetris, but after 30 minutes I tired of that too. So I was left with the moving map/flight info screen. Yay.

It is good to be back though, I do admit to such. I've already reaquainted myself with most of the crew, I guess I'll see the rest tomorrow or Tuesday.

Some people should not be allowed in public places. Dead serious. We were watching "The Expendables" on Thursday, and these two characters roll in 10 minutes late, phones ringing and talking loud. Then they start eating nachos, which is fine. Except for when you chew down on it to make it extra audible! Anger! I almost flipped out, but then I remembered it was a kick-ass movie. Really worth your watch, best gung-ho action flick in a long time.

Fishtar

Strike yesterday was a gigantic disaster of epic proportions. Staging were unorganized and were bad on communication. And the rest of the paid "stagehands" (who claimed to have worked before, courtesy of Timo Aune) didn't know what the fuck they were doing. I mean, walking away from a task cause you're tired of doing it, cause no one else is doing it? When did that become professional behavior? This was the smallest stage I have tore down this summer, and it took us the longest time not to complete it. Too small a crew and not enough experience or work ethic among the ones who were there. Utter disaster. But, I have made decent bank this summer, so I guess I cannot complain. Actually, fuck yeah I can. Working with those amateurs made me miss a Rosenborg-game, and it robbed me of my entire Sunday evening. Has anyone ever walked away because of poor working conditions?

On a happier note, thanks to Rogz and the Rein's for showing me an awesome, awesome time in Haugesund. Good vacation, no matter how short it was.

The dog days of summer in Trondheim are indeed upon us, and I have no time at all to do my stuff. That ain't true, I have some time. But not alot.

Bergen has been quite nice to us this year, and it seems as if they want us to come back for the 2011 campaign! This is pretty brilliant, I would say. From all this travelling I still get fucking annoyed by people crowding the belt for luggage after they disembark the plane. Take one god damn step back so that the rest of us can access our bags when they arrive! Tourists.

Also, I have a new laptop! Love it!

Can I?

For a man who prides himself with his writing, I sure ain't writing alot! We can blame it on too much work, not enough inspiration, too nice a summer, the BP oil-spil, malaria, you know, whatever you want to blame it on! But truth is I just plainly suck at writing these days. I don't think I'm able to transcribe my thoughts any more, at least not for now. My muse is gone. Or possibly still on holiday.

Three weeks left of la aventura de Noruegica for this time, and I'll be spending most of it on the road, in the respective order; Oslo, Bergen, Haugesund. Home for a solid week, then you know how lucky I (are) am!!! If you get that song reference, then you are most likely my dad.

Off to pack, shower and bed, leaving bright and earlye in the morning. Adios!

We will be victorious

Once again, rain at scaff, sunny at strike. But we are not complaining. Had a great time in Bergen but damn it's good to be back. Haven't posted anything for too long, been without a computer for over a week. Muse put on a great concert, probably the best one i've seen so far this summer. Full go from the start and never a dull moment. Plus I got to toss balloons into the crowd. Which was pretty awesome.

Stabæk-Rosenborg in 5, talk to you later!

Great success!

Perfect day after, sunny outside and not a care in the world. Last night we partied at Daniel's place, but aside from my colleagues there were way too many kids there. Fucking slick young punks thinking they are hot stuff, when they have no concept of reality or how the world works. And bad taste in women. And booze. Really gets on my nerves.

Vista was lifeless, but ended up at The Family. Bit too crowded for my head, but met alot of people there. Which I guess is okay, until they leave their own house instead of joining me for the afterparty. Really not sure what happened there, and, today, I can't get a hold of anyone.

About to go crash in the sun, peace!

Not a toilet

This thing is going around down in South Africa. This WC thing. It seems as if several nations are competing in some mundane sport. Oh well. There's been enough written about it already, so I won't.

Second day of work at Burger Shot today, and got Muse confirmed. Should be a decent summer. Which is why I'm not writing anything. My sincere apologies. Should pick up come August. If I remember.

Tour de France kicked off today, and as you know I am stoked about that event. It is probably going to occupy most of my day for the next three weeks, so at least I have an excuse for not doing anything with my days.

Big shout to Dingus who's Germans won their quarter today and are sure to win the tourney after a spectacular 4-0 defeat of Argentina.

If they had a brain

Insurance companies are truly there just to steal your money. I've been arguing with them for over a month now, they still need "more documentation" and "it is economically feasible to spend almost 9000kr repairing a 3 year old laptop with an insurance value of 17000 that was repaired less than 14 months ago". I wonder if you need less than a brain to work as a consultant for some of these companies. Jeez.

Will there ever me piece?

Shit is kinda shitty, with a fucked up knee, not enough money for fun and lack of summer sun. But why complain?

Eidsvoll yet again on Saturday, awesome road trip in the making. Just got Muse confirmed as a gig in Bergen mid-late July, so pretty excited about that.

World Cup going semi-accordingly to plan with US, Ghana and Japan advancing. Should make for some interesting quarter finals when we get there.

Remarkable how quiet everything about the Gaza Flotilla has been the last few weeks...good job, mainstream media!

Beautiful...Friday?

Two days off! Two whole days off! Heeeeeeeell fuckin' yeaaaah! I've done absolutely nothing but relaxtion since Thursday morning, and there's nothing more going on tonight either. We play our last regular season game tomrrow, at Eidsvoll. Leaving at 6.15am, bluh! Good news is I have Sunday off aswell, before I hit the burger business again on Monday morning. Still keeping fingers crossed for that Muse gig.

Today's shout goes to mom who baked the bestest cake ever for my birthday. Thanks a mill, mom :)

Rain and sun and rock and roll

Bergen started off wetter than the front row at Sea World. We looked like North Sea riggers, dressed in all orange under our equipment. Luckily, the sun came out after lunch on Saturday, so the conditions were livable after that.

Organization was non-existent. No word on what hotel we were staying at, hard to find the people responsible for booking. Come Monday, they didn't have enough riggers and we were asked multiple times to help out. What was supposed to be a 12 hour shift turned into almost 17. Same thing happened show day, and we ended up working a 6 hour load-out, sleeping for two hours, and then back to another 10 hour shift.

I did eventually go home yesterday, thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and for hanging out with me. Good times!

Game 7 tonight, we need it!

Crazy days!

Kiss went well, finished strong with back-to-back 19 and 14 hour shifts with only 4 hours of sleep in between. This is the shit!

Short one, I'm off to Bergen tomorrow. Nother town, nother gig. I'll try and catch up with you while I'm still 22. Good night Cleveland!

Almost killed no one today

The bolt hit the ground right next to my tower. Nobody within 10m, all good. Just ate dinner and gonna jump in the shower really quickly, but thought I'd leave you with this:

I watched 'The Hurt Locker' this past week. You know, the one with all the Oscar nominations and wins. I gotta tell ya, for winning best picture and best director, I was disappointed. Jeremy Renner is good, great even, but not legendary. Ralph Fiennes was actually my favorite, although he dies pretty quickly. The movie is very linear, and it seems like it wants to portray character depth but doesn't know how to do it. Script is great, and with a little tweaking it could've been even better. But all in all a disappointing best picture winner. Not saying it didn't deserve it, but 'Up in the Air' was pretty fantastic as well.

PS: Look out for Evangeline Lilly in a small cameo near the end.

08282

There's a radio station that let's you call their "Variation Hotline!" if you have any musical requests. I'm driving down town today, and this lady reminds us to call if we have any songs in mind. 'Comfortably numb' crosses my thoughts, and for 4 seconds I consider calling. But there is no time, because the next song being played is the Pink Floyd masterpiece!

Does shit like that ever happen to you?

Time for things to end

Some of you may have seen the TV-show Lost. Almost six years ago, this strange-looking show with beaches and ocean and smoke and polar bears premiered on ABC. Just over a week ago, the final episode aired.

The show itself is one of the biggest network dramas ever. Almost 120 episodes, a huge cast and massive production costs: the pilot alone cost between $10-$14 million, the average pilot is around $4 million.

Many questions arose early, and few answers were provided. Communities and messageboards popped up for fans to debate, discuss and try to find answers. The show grew out of itself, people became obsessed and looked for clues and mysteries. Numbers became a big thing. New characters were introduced, others left. Michelle Rodriguez got fired.

It is a very complex and big show, and now it's over. Questions are still unanswered. Some people got closure, some people didn't. Like the Sopranos ending (the famous cut-to-black), the choice by the producers here is cause for debate. Since I just finished watching tonight, I'm still on the fence, leaning towards liking the end.

A few issues I do have: Sayid did not get a fair ending on the island. He became MIB's henchman and then all of a sudden turned after talking to Desmond. Coincidentally, they are two of my four favorite characters, next to Ben and Sawyer. I think Ben and Desmond share the top spot.

I also would have liked to know more about the Dharma Initiative, and how they knew what to do on the island, in example, what experiments to do. I also didn't like for Jacob to die, but I guess that was a necessity for facilitate a battle between our hero and the evil in the face of John Locke.

I do believe I got the closure I needed.

Once you

Being around people can be an ordeal. They don't look the way you want them to, they don't have the same opinions as you, they eat your food. Basically, they are different, and you have to adjust yourself to that. Unless you're me. Those of you that know me well enough, also know that I think people are the most useless thing on the planet.

You go out of your way to be upfront with people. You make a real effort to be honest. And then when shit hits the fan, like you told them it would, they are still in proximity, and they blame you for them not walking out the front door. You think you know where you have someone. You think you have them figured out. Next thing you know there's a television set in your face and curses and namecalling and not talking to you anymore. What good does it bring?

Now don't get me wrong, I value friendship. Maybe more so than romance and family. But I hate wasting my time on someone that's only there for a short time, and then leave without proper warning, and then blames me for it. That's not right.

I don't waste my time on negative people. My energy goes toward positive actions, positive characters in my life. So this is settled. There's no coming back. I'm glad we had this conversation.

How do you deal with stupidity and immaturity?

This! Is! Spartaaaa!

In case you didn't know, this is post number 300. So there should be something awesome in it. Right? Like, flying elephants, free candy and the sequel to 'Avatar'. At least.

So let's kick off with saying that it is still fucking awesome being home! Past week, practice, game, partying, friends, and yesterday, 'Iron Man 2'. Home cooking is epic as always.

A shout out to my friends in the Eastern class of 2010 is appropriate, as they held commencement this weekend. Kim, Chris, Vacla, Bocca, Ian, Bitel, Carm, Charlie, if I forgot anyone, I'm sorry. Congratulations!

Luke's coming to town today, let's see if our D can shut down the Bergen on Saturday.

Pretty awful post, I know, but I'm still reeling from all the papers I had to write and hand in, so sorry.

Armco

They are really quick at cleaning the track in Monaco. You know, in case you didn't hear him the first 4 times. But it is a lovely day in Trondheim, and if you are an avid reader here you will know that I have been in Norway since Friday morning. Great to be back!

Played against Eidsvoll yesterday, really really close game. Lost 22-6 eventually. We should've won. I had two kick-offs and 3 or 4 punts I believe. Hope to see some action at corner next weekend.

My computer quit on me. I'm sad. And not done with my papers. Which I think I have backups of. I think.

G's up, hose down!

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Probably because the tunnel is dark, and it is nine-thirty in the morning. But I digest.

Only three days left before reading weekend and finals roll around. And I'm fucking ready to get out of here. Granted, since spring break, semester has been moving faster than a free-falling monkey, but I am DONE! I need to get home, pop a Dahls, eat some home-cooking and just chill out. Vacation! Or at least, relaxation. And football.

Hunting

I just need to thank my parents for everything. Couldn't have done it without you. Heat up the grill, I'm coming home!

Giddy with excitement

Clicky!

Where it's at

I love those website ads that lets you interact. Just found one on www.adressa.no that lets you control a paint brush with your mouse and change the color of the ad. Such a sucker for those.

The end is near, got final confirmation on my exam today, I have started to plan out my eating so that I don't buy excess food or anything, and I am putting a lot of time into finishing everything. Unfortunately, my ankle and back have been bothering me since Monday, so I haven't gymmed in a few days. I expect to be back into it either tomorrow or Thursday.

Domers going against the Trolls this weekend, after a 17-2 away win in Bergen. Always a physical matchup against Vålerengen.

My Alt Gr button doesn't work anymore.

Dilemma

You are talking to your friend. It's not your best friend, but definitely someone you would invite for a party. Topic gets political. And biased. And you feel your friend is uninformed, not rationalizing his or her arguments - generally speaking, being kinda stupid.

Now, this conversation is not happening in private. And you all know me, I don't like to tote my own horn, but I can really disprove what this person is saying. Which will result in awkwardness on the other persons part. And make me seem like a liberal ass.

Is it my responsibility to argue with Americans over their domestic policies? Should I correct them when they make uneducated statements about bills, acts or taxation? If I don't, will someone else?

Do you embarrass your friends if they are wrong?

You're not helping!

No suggestions! I feel more isolated than North Korea. Good news is, papers coming around quite nicely. Now if I only could feel motivated to finish the other one too...

Domers have another game this weekend, away against Hordaland Storm (?), in Bergen. Since I do not have any idea how busy this week will be, I'll send my good lucks now and expect to hear about a great victory by the men in green!

Domers pride!

Man! Man!

Everything is still irie, but I no longer have the dramatic urge to return to Jamaica. Right now I just want to get home to Trondheim. It's amazing what a month back in the US will do. Nevertheless, memories are still good!

I need to come up with a project for my Antropology of Violence class, so if you have any great ideas, please let me know! The preliminary one is gun violence in the United States versus Norway. Still have a week to prepare, so if you have any suggestions, hit me up!

Who dey!

We're fucking dey! Our makeshit team of washed-up, beaten kids and Sam (who hadn't played since high school and is afraid of big guys) beat the team of players from varsity last night. Well, I was the only one washed up. But, 3-1 in the final against varsity! Hell yeah!

Did not go to Uconn last night, undecided about today. But I am going to WeHa soon.

Ankle hurts like a ruptured spleen, rolled it in the second game last night, then got stepped on by one of the soccer guys (upon which i cursed him out in Norwegian) and then I walked from Watson st. all the way home. Good times!

Down for the count

We have officially switched from months to weeks! Less than a month left, I'm fucking excited!

Soccer tournament tonight with my boys Ronaldo and Carlos. Spring weekend at Uconn is underways tonight, and I'm undecided as wether to go or not. I'm leaning towards not. Too much work to finish up.

Today I saw one of those fishes that christians slap on their cars, you know, bumper sticker. But the one that I saw today said Cthulu instead of jesus or whatever. Made me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Also, there's a radical, fundamentalist, psychotic, hating, christian conservative walking around campus spreading hate. I will not interfere with your religion, but when you are completely wrong about shit, and you offend people, I think it's time to leave.

Snoop Doggy Dogg

Free concert for me tonight! Wooooo! Gotta go check on the cats soon, then come back and gangsta it up.

The research conference yesterday went pretty good, my presentation was okay, but people said it was interesting. I gotta believe it. Dr. Salka murdered me on his question/comment, but I did get some good ideas as to how to progress from here on.

And HELL YEAH, semester is almost over! Can't wait to get home!

Busted

I didn't last past 9.30 today. My stomach was hurting, I was fucking hungry, so I ended up eating two bagels for breakfast with my cousins. It feels good eating again though. And as for the weight, I lost about 1 pound from Sunday night till Thursday afternoon. It made me sleepy, not as much fun as always, and constantly hungry. But it will be a good experience. Now for some gin!

Day 3

Is basically over. Now, I have faced a dilemma: per the rules, I am allowed to eat food that people offer me, but not purchased for me. Tonight, I got offered 5 chicken wings from Ryan after he finished eating, and hungry and rice-sick as I was, accepted. I still think I will keep going on tomorrow, but I'm not sure I will last another day. I am really craving a full meal. The eggs are not filling me up, the rice is just shallow and pedantic and the veggies don't taste like veggies at all. Wasa's good though. Time to bed, talk to you tomorrow!

Day 2 done

Yup, I have survived 2 days of my experiment. Today I have eaten 3 pieces of Wasa, veggies, 2 eggs and rice. And more rice. Props to Ballard for giving me a couple of Shock Tops, they were great! Tomorrow is yet another long-ass day. But the semester is coming to and end, only 4 more weeks before finals start!

Poverty

Last week I learned from a lovely elderly lady that an insane amount of people survive on less than $2 a day. With that, I decided to try for myself, if it is possible.

My starting weight today was 200 lbs, or right around 90 kgs. The rules are as follows: I may consume as much water as I like, which I already drink around 3-4 liters of every day. I can take whatever spices I want from the spice rack. If people straight up offers me a bite of their food, I am allowed to eat it, but I cannot ask for charitable donations. We have not decided whether people are allowed to buy me food, so we will see how the progression goes. My own guess is that I won't last past Wednesday.

This is what I'm allowed to eat:

One pack of Wasa Mulitgrain, three cans of mixed vegetables, 12 eggs, one can of corn and a huge pot of rice. Total price: 9 dollars, 81 cents (tax not included).

Wish me luck!

Commando

Why did I not discover the free Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer until tonight? I could've stayed in all weekend and entertained myself!

Luckily, I got around to doing some homework now, we'll see how late a night this will be. I kind of want to pull an all nighter, but Mondays are pretty long. Hmmmm.

Also, 3-1 against Odd today!

Five-O!

The second time the cops rolled in last night (yes, they showed up twice), the officer tells me "next time we bust you, you're going to jail". So that means only two or three more parties this semester. Still, party was great fun, and it was good seeing people suiting up. Props to Dan for taking the first one last night.

We had about a week of summer-style weather, and today it started raining again. Then again, gives me an excuse to sit inside and do homework. Right?

Warmer weather makes it better

Hot days in Willi! And my phone is finally online again. Too bad I have to much writing to do in this fine weather. Really sucks that it gets nice as my spare time plummits.

Skin(ned) and bones

I have been having these weird dreams lately - apparently I'm selling weed to a few of my friends at school. It can't be lucrative, cause I'm still living at Walnut.

Beautiful days here in Connecticut, shorts and t weather. Got invited to Diana's Pool tomorrow, but Wednesday is the longest day of the week, so no dice. Game 2 of the first Sox-Yankees series is on tonight, hoping to catch the last three innings after the gym.

Shout out to Jeff who is an awesome drinking buddy, and a plug: Suit Up-party on Thursday. Yih!

Apologies

Sorry for the lack of Jamaica part three, but I went to New York City over the weekend, and they have no interwebs there. Weird. Will try and get to it tomorrow.

Opening night, Yankees v. Red Sox in 3 hours!!!

Yahman! (part 2)

It was time to say goodbye to Rusea high school and set our course towards Treasure Beach. On the way in our trusty Toyota van however, we hear some noise, and this is the sight that meets us outside the car:

On our way, we decided to stop for 5 Jamaican minutes (20 minutes or so in Norwegian/US terms). There was a shack by the road that sold us cold Heineken, and the view from the wall was quite beautiful:

After yet another night of heavy drinking, we met for breakfast at Chris', a local shack down the road. Notice there are a few 'Champion Breakfasts' on the table:

The first excursion of the day consisted of a boat ride up the Black River, which inhabits crocodiles. We were to move far up the river, take a short breather and swim at a nice location, and then roll back down to meet up with our drivers at approximately noon. Some pictures from the boat:

The thing in the water to the right is actually a spear fisher. Swimming in crocodile infested water.

It wasn't until we were about to pull in to the pier again that we actually saw crocs, three of them in total. Here's the first one we spotted:

There was one hiding just under the surface right next to that one, but this is the real treat right here:

After saying 'in a while', we left for YS Falls. This is a series of waterfalls located on the property of a ranch/farm maybe an hour from Black River. For a small fee, water-craving tourists as myself can go swimming in the delicious waters of this astonishing site. This picture is taken from the middle of the falls looking towards the top:

This is shot from the bottom of the falls, looking towards the top:

In the transport on our way back to the parking lot, we had another wheel mishap:


Having been moving around all day, we were scheduled to eat at a local cook shop called Howie's Truck Stop. Without leaving blame or telling you not to visit, this might have been the place of my food poisoning/not fun night. Jeffrey-man in a known posture:

Liz, Veronica et al. waiting to leave for the hotel:


That night also ended in copious amounts of alcohol, but the following morning was not as fun. This concludes part 2 of Jamaica, the rest should be out tomorrow!

Pissed off

How many college kids does it take to flush a fucking urinal? All of them, apparently.

Yahman! (part 1)

I got back into CT yesterday, and it is fucking freezing here. Well, no. It's hovering around the freezing point, which usually is not a problem. But approximately since St. Patrick's Day we have had 65+ every day! Thursday and Friday in CT were warm, Boston on Saturday was a good 70, and then Jamaica has averaged somewhere in the 300,000 range I think.

Nuvel.

I have decided to try and recap the trip with a few words and a few pictures. Bear with me please, this might be a long one (note: pictures have been shot at an infrequent rate at no particular point in time every day. Whatever was found interesting or not interesting is documented. What you are about to see is merely a fraction of the 400+ photos taken. Enjoy).

After landing in Montego Bay Sunday afternoon, we shuttled to Toby's Resort, not 5 minutes from the airport. After some beach time where Iggy was the designated shooter, we ventured back for some dinner. Before chow however, we did some rinsing off in the pool and some shots at the pool bar. Already a good trip.

Two of the energy kids that came with us, Alicia and Jeff:


Our teachers did not want us to post any pictures of us drinking alcohol, but I doubt any of them are reading. And if they are, I don't care!

After two rounds of pool in which Jeff beat me pretty badly, we wandered off into the night to check out what kind of nightlife Montego Bay had to offer. Instead, people kept running back and forth, some buying "shoes" and others buying alcohol for the next day. This led to Iggy being very unhappy:

After a short stint out and about followed by a rum-drinking session on Jeff and Justin's balcony, we went to bed around 2.30.

Next morning, early breakfast and it's time to learn! We were scheduled to visit the Western Society for the Upliftment of Children. This is a non-profit organization that works with street kids or kids that are in danger of becoming one. They school them, let them access computers, engage in theatre and put them in a safe environment during the day. We were visiting both of their campuses, the second one is still under construction:

After finishing with the WSUC, we hopped on another bus and drove to Global Villa, which is a small guest house outside of Lucea. In keeping with the theme, we hit the beach promptly, Red Stripe and rum in hand. After a shower, some food and more red stripe, things escalated, and the second night of shenanigans was a fact.

Tuesday was one of the days I had most looked forward to; we were putting up a wind turbine at a nearby high school. Arriving at the school at 8.30am, everyone was happy and lively:

After a lot of delays, some inaccurate measurements and, finally, logical reasoning by a few of us, we got to digging the holes for the cable anchors. After Clive Brown (the school janitor) dug up alpha almost all by himself, I decided to do a little work on both Bravo and Delta (I was in a good mood, so I decided to name the dig sites A, B, D, E, with the location of the turbine in the middle would be Z). After a short while, Councilman Edwards showed up, and he was eager to give me a breather from swinging the pick axe:

After lunch, me, Alicia and Veronica decided we should start assembling the turbine itself, becasue most of us were just standing around anyways:

Base of the assembly:

Top of the assembly, without the turbine. Note the cable hook-up point:


Instead of posting 60 pictures of yet another night of partying, here's a closeup of the upright and completed turbine from the morning after:


The turbine generates about 400w max, and it is hooked up to 4 6v batteries that are placed at the base of the assembly. The idea is that the wind energy will be used to power one of the schools buildings.

This was part one of the trip, rest will come shortly!

Spring Break!

Can I get a 'Hell Yeah!' from the crowd?

Anyways, I'm leaving for Boston tomorrow with a few of the usual suspects and the plan is to spend the day enjoying the fine New England weather we have experienced the last few days. Then Sunday morning it's off to Jamaica where everytin be irie man! I'm not bringing my laptop, and internet is not in place everywhere we are going, but if I find some fiber, I'll try to give a few signs of life. US phone will be off, Norwegian one will be ready should you need to contact me.

Adios!

Belated St. Patrick's

I feel alot better today!

War Pigs

Having several friends who have done military duty, and quite a few of them having combat deployments on their resume, I get to hear stories of both the good and the bad, the insane and the humane, the atrocities and the (sometimes lack of) policies that occupy a war zone. In talking with several active and veteran US military personnel, and especially the Marines, it becomes clear that these people are something out of the ordinary.

The Marine Corps is said to be older than the United states itself, "it's mother and M-16 and it's father the devil." Living in a country where military background is such and integral part of your place in society, the warrior culture, the amount of guns in circulation, it has led me to have an entirely different view on the American way of life, the Second Ammendment, war itself, and most importantly the men and women who actually do battle (and die) for their flag.

Alot of people around the globe were frustrated and angry when the Americans attacked Iraq in 2003. Some of this anger got channeled against the troops on the ground. Some of these troops were left behind by their government, either through lack of respect when dead, unfair treatment after being wounded, and sometimes even on the battlefield. These men and women signed up to protect the country from enemies, foreign and domestic. As the hierarchical structure goes, they have to obey orders. As the case was in 2003, those orders were to go in and overthrow Saddam Hussein. Now, I am not the defending the way it happened, the reasoning, or the aftermath. But the troops have done their job, and thousands of enlisted have died in the process. Even if it was for an unjust cause in the first place, these men and women did what their country told them to do.

There are many things wrong with this country. I should know. I've lived here for a good fourteen months now, over the past year and a half. But one group of people that will have my respect (I might not like all of them, but that's a different issue) is the active soldiers and the veterans of the United States armed forces.

I am not turning patriotic on behalf of the US. I am not defending the Iraq war. I'm simply paying tribute to my friends that have been (and some of them will be, again) deployed and served their country, be it American or Norwegian.

Morten, Aleks, Brian, Edward, Ryan, Brian, Rob.

Expletive

You all know how much I hate the Yankees. Turns out my gas company, Yankeegas is causing me more problems these days. I pay my full balance in February, 120 something dollars. Then they bill me AGAIN, for 360 USD. I mean, what the fuck? This is just ridiculous! And to top it off? When I call customer service, I get an answering machine that sounds like Paris Hilton mixed with Mark Wahlberg. ANNOYING!

Keanu

And what about Keanu Reeves? I can't even believe what he's saying when presenting The Hurt Locker for Best film nominations. Has he done ANYTHING worth mentioning since The Matrix? You know what, I'm actually curious. Let me Imdb.com that.

(intermission)

Answer: A Scanner Darkly, and The Replacements.

Btw, I'm happy for Christoph Waltz, getting his Oscar for the role SS Colonel Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds. He deserved it.

Aughaughaugh

I did not know Molly Ringwald and Matthew Broderick were still considered celebrities. Did I not get the memo?

Uncle!

Tonight the something annual Academy Awards are being held at the Kodak Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Dresses, tuxes, limos and horrible champagne (yes, I mean 'Cristal') will occupy the screen. Everyone will be debating wether 'Avatar' or 'Up!' should win the award for best film, two of the nominees for best supporting actress come from the same movie and Alec Baldwin is co-hosting with Steve Martin, which I think will be worth the price of admissions itself.

As I have not seen all of the movies on the list, here are some totally awesome and unfounded predictions:

The Hurt Locker for Best film
George Clooney for Best Actor
James cameron for Best Director

Also, first day of the year barbequeing.

Leo! LEEEEOOOOOO!

Saw 'Shutter Island' this evening, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as federal Marshall Teddy Daniels in a pretty exciting thriller. The trailer for the movie is not at all descriptive of the actual plot, but the movie itself is very good. Lot of plot twists. Surprising ending.

Sorry for the short post.

Big Seven-Five

I do believe the Patriots showed Vince Wilfork the money this evening, as he signed a 5-year, $40 million extension with twenty-five of those millions guaranteed, ESPNBoston.com reports. This makes Wilfork the highest paid 3-4 nose tackle in history, and it also keeps a vital piece of that 30 front intact. Scouts and coaches alike always rave on about the importance of a good nose in the 3-4, and Wilfork is among the top 5 in the NFL.

Let's see if the Pats can keep this up.

Show me the money!

Free agency is underway, and for geeks like myself, this is just as exciting as training camp or the pre-season. Looking at free agent, possible landing spots and hoping to some higher power that the Patriots do something right this year. Giddy with everything!

Peppers to Bears, Cromartie to Jets, TBC re-signed by the Pats. So far.

Relic from the Cold War

I think I passed Andy Warhol on campus today.

Hi, I'm Tom Tucker

As promised, I have news:

I am as of last Wednesday the vice president for the Eastern Connecticut State University Tackle Football Club, or as we hope to call it; Warrior Football. There are still some budgetary issues, so donations would be welcome! But finally there's football at Eastern!

British Columbia

Favorite parts of the closing ceremony, except for the Norwegian national anthem: Michael J. Fox receiving a standing ovation and looking better than ever having a short monologue, the Russian choir singing their national anthem in anticipation for the 2014 games and Neil Young performing underneath the Olympic fire. All in all a solid closing ceremony where they even managed to make fun of themselves for not having everything working on the opening night.

Now, I have to go to bed, as there is work in the morning and afternoon. Good night!

Barneskirenn!

The Northug got the gold after an epic finish on the mens 50 kilometer classic today. Canada won the hockey-final, so there's now an abundance of curses in the US tonight. Closing ceremony on its way!

When the going gets going

Did go the way i feared for the curlers. Still, silver is pretty good, and we are fourth overall in the medal race. Looking forward to the 50km classic tomorrow, and of course, mens hockey final.

Got some hot news for you all next week, tell your friends!

Jerry curles

Exciting gold medal final, but we are behind by three...I'm not sure if they can pull it off, as the Norwegian team seems to have been a bit off today. More later.

Another dump

The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to cut ties with one of the best all-round backs in football, perhaps second only to Marshall Faulk. Brian Westbrook was cut earlier this week, after having battled injuries the last few years. Ever since I started following the NFL, Westbrook has been the best dual-threat back in the league: fast and shifty out of the backfield, but also an excellent receiver. The Eagles probably feel that LeSean McCoy can take over most of the responsibility. As with LDT, I think there are teams out there that might pursue Westbrook, but primarily as a 3rd down back or second-stringer. He might get an incentive-laden deal for one year, to prove if he still got what it takes to compete in the NFL.

Acthung, baby

Some of you might have caught on to the debate about a set of "rules" for bloggers, similar to the one that the press has to obide by. Personally, I think this is bullshit. It defies the entire point of the blog. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad or take offence to what I write (maybe except for Minnesota-fans), but at the same time I should be able to put down what's on my mind, since this is something done on my own initiative.

Also, Gin-Tonics today!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

Mom, you'll be so proud. I got up at 7.45 today, to go swimming.

If the minimum wage is $8, then the company will pay 8$ for labour. Per supply-demand curve/law/thingy, if the minimum wage climbs to $10, then the company will hire less workers. But what if the company already could afford to pay $10, but paid $8 because that was the minimum? Wouldn't they retain their work force, even at a higher cost, if they could afford it? Prof. confuses me sometimes.

Ex-MVP

It probably wasn't that big of a surprise for us NFL-insiders, but you ordinary people might have been shocked today when San Diego announced the release of the 2006 NFL MVP, running back LaDainian Tomlinson. After winning the MVP-award in 2006 with a 113.4 ypg average and scoring 31 touchdowns, his career has been steadily declining when last year he registered a paltry 730 yards through 14 games and a miserable 3.3 yards per carry.

Still, he has been (maybe still is?) one of the best running backs of this milennia and if he wasn't such a fucking cry baby, I would have loved to see him on the Patriots next year. Teams that might look into acquiring Tomlinson include Cleveland, Buffalo, Seattle, Chicago and Tampa Bay.

Olympic games

There's some stuff happening in Vancouver, I don't know if you have heard...go Norway!

Listaciousness

Things you can do in America without state ID:

Buy alcohol
Buy tobacco
Drink said alcohol
Smoke said tobacco
Get into the bar/the club
Play craps
Drive
Get on-campus job
Shoot guns
Get prescription medication
Take said medication

Things you cannot do in America without state ID:

Rent movies at Blockbuster. Fuckers.

Lucky linky!

Dagbladet
Unbelievably sloppy by the Institute, getting caught on camera like that.

You've got to understand, we must remain

Americans really can't drive in the snow. Not even if their life depended on it. It is insanely frustrating; 1) watching them go 10mph below what is possible in the conditions; 2) observing that not one driver knows how to use foglamps or high-beams properly; 3) being stuck behind someone who has no idea how to maneuver through bends or up hills. And no one has winter tires.

I'm shipping up to Boston!

Heeeee-eeeey-o!

There's nothing like it

Snow day! Which means anything from 2cm of snow and up. Gives me time to write papers. But totally ridiculous if you ask me.

Timeline

Is it okay that me and my (hypothetical) girlfriend are not expecting a baby? I mean, with all the people I knew from my younger years getting kids, and getting more kids, and then maybe another kid, I feel almost left out, you know? I have nothing to talk about with these people!

Don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful that people copulate and (hopefully) contribute to the prosperity and evolution of mankind. And if you are mid-to-late twenties, living together for a while, sure. But 20 years old? Not even out of college? I would never, ever be able to live like that.

I'm not trying to say that it is wrong to have an out-of-wedlock child when you're just done with your teenage years, but is it healthy to have that strong of a maternal instinct? You're still a child yourself, almost. I will not judge, but I feel that maybe some of your youth gets "stolen" away from you by this (awesome) third person in your relationship (let's face it, you're still young at 20-22).

The lesson, as always: contraceptives!

Edit: I don't mean to offend anyone, but this is my point of view. I'm happy for all the families out there, and I know you are all doing great. But I would not.

Hah!

http://vgd.no/sport/amerikanske-idretter/tema/1546170/tittel/super-bowl-xlivv

Can't get my link-thingy to work, but read it!

Last week of....forever?

The rings have been handed out, some are going to the White House and Disneyland while others have hope for the following year.

Good thing to have the Pro Bowl to wager on the last week of the season! Now, the AFC team is favored by 4.5 going into the game, probably because of Dwight Freeney's ankle injury. If he was 100% the line would probably be at least a point higher. The NFC team has been good all year, Drew Brees has been tremendous and he has so many receivers to throw it to, you can't cover them all (Joe Buck).

It is my belief however, the NFC needs a special teams or defensive score to be able to pull out the upset this time. Peyton Manning is just too good, and even without a running game, the AFC All-Stars should be able to pull out the win. It is, possibly stupid, but nevertheless tempting, to pick the NFC to cover the spread, but have the AFC winning by a figgie.

NFC
@ AFC
(neutral cite, Miami, FL)
Pick: NFC +4.5

Now if I remember where I put my glove

So I am sick, in a cold kind of way. Class in thirty-five minutes. Goddamn this American weather!

This past weekend was awesome, we celebrated Michelle and Caroline at the casino, Brian was up for Saturday and Sunday and we discovered that you can put your homefries IN the omelet. How sweet is that?

The Country of Double-Standards never disappoints. Gambling is illegal in 48 or 49 states (not 100% sure) but if you are native-American, build a casino! I mean, it is nice of the government to let them have this revenue stream, but it is sad to see the old ladies sitting at the penny-slots at 4 in the morning. Two things you'll never see at a casino: windows and clocks. I swear, I think we spent an hour at the craps table, but it felt like 20 minutes (me and Caroline walked away with winnings by the way).

I should probably eat something before class.

Far away

I really don't care. Why would I? Good night Norway!

Greatly

4-0 lifetime in MarioKart 64 at nachspiels.

A-okay?

I feel I'm hitting a dry spell here. Cable guy did not show up at designated time, so I'm still without connectivity at home. After coming back, I feel like football is already over, it almost seems as if the Super Bowl bears no meaning this year. I guess it does for Saints fans though.

I'll try and make more sense later.

There's nobody home

Finally back in the US, getting back to the grind today. Currently hanging at the Intercultural Center, rejoicing over the best possible Super Bowl matchup after New England got knocked out.

Apartment is looking rather nice, but I still need a riser for my bed, as I have some bags to store. People are invited over for tomorrow, looking forward to seeing everyone and act stupid.

Thank you to everyone back home, I had a an awesome vacation and huge amounts of good times. See ya'll in May!

All over the place

I don't think I got my New York Times Headlines email today. Everybody else get theirs?

I'm on my last couple of days in Norway now, leaving Saturday morning. Spent Sunday, Monday and half of Tuesday in Oslo, got to see some friends before I leave and went to my cousins baptising. We provided him with some deep literature and saved him from awkwardness later in life by starting off his music collection with 'The Dark Side of the Moon'. Brilliant.

What was your first CD?

Divisional round

After finishing a decent regular season, I managed to go 0-3 in the Wild Card round last weekend. Can you spell 'failure'?

Anyways, I'm back for more as we have four games in the Divisional Round this weekend. Do you think the Sanchize is for real? Can Baltimore win another one with Flacco posting a QB-rating lower than the number of pints I'm consuming tonight? (For the record, Flacco posted a 10.0 rating against the Pats. Fuck it all.) Are we gonna witness the rebirth of the Manning-face? Will LaDainian Tomlinson cry after yet another playoff loss? Is Brett Favre going to give us vintage magic or vintage crap? Anyways, let's get on with it...

Arizona
@ New Orleans
Pick: Arizona +7.0

Baltimore
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Indianapolis +6.5

Dallas
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -2.5

New York
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -7.0

Last week: 0-3

Playoffs: 0-3

We really appreciate your loyalty

Thanks to a good friend of mine, I got to see 'Up in the air' today at a pre-premiere screening. I did not know what to expect, as I've heard good stuff about it, but never saw the trailer or read any plot or story lines.

Turns out it's pretty fucking awesome! George Clooney travels the land (United States, obviously) and fires people. Not a funny job. But Clooney portrays this guy as someone you would like, someone you could like. Reitman-favorites J.K. Simmons and Jason Bateman have smaller parts but play them to a perfection. The real star of the show is Anna Kendrick, the up-and-coming hot-shot of the company, who joins Clooney's character on the road to learn the ropes of the business. Good actress with lots of potential. As for All-Star Clooney, he nails his character to perfection without it being unrealistic (I guess that's what good actors do?).

Definetely worth the price of admission, and a movie that is both funny, thoughtful and (unfortunately) very current in its topic. Go see.

End of and era

And end of a dynasty. Just a lackluster performance, especially the first quarter. And we were supposed to be prepared and everything. Jeez.

Playoffs! Playoffs? Playoffs

Ah, the temperature is below chill, the stadium lights are on and Wes Welker is lost for the season (damnit). We are down to the final 12!

I will continue to do picks for the playoff games as well, and, every week I will look at the team that looks the best. First up in this years playoff are the Green Bay Packers (and now I probably jinxed their playoff hopes. Sorry). The Pack have a good quarterback that can throw the long ball (if you look at some older posts, you will see that Rodgers was rated as the best QB in our fantasy league) and he has receivers who can catch them - Driver had a better season but Jennings caught fire in the last few weeks. Ryan Grant has been good for the second half and their defense is young, fast and hard-hitting. Their biggest woes is probably on special teams, most notably covering punts and kick-offs.

Still, I like the Pack this week. That makes the round 1 playoff picks look like this:

New York
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -2.5

Philadelphia
@ Dallas
Pick: Philadelphia +4.0

Green Bay
@ Arizona
Pick: Green Bay +1.0

Last week: 9-4-2

Season: 123-110-6

Unusual

I went to bed at 11 last night. Ele-ven. I'm supposed to be able to stay awake late, and I'm going to bed before grandmas and new-borns. What is going on?

Good thing about this is I wake up pretty early every morning. Today, for instance, I've been awake since around 7.30 and I got up at 9. Just finished listening to Simmons' mega playoff podcast, I have read all of the newspapers on the table and eaten the biggest breakfast this side of Dennis Green.

What should I do with the rest of my day?

Agag!

When did I become a dumpster for whiny comments from people I barely know? Don't you guys have real friends to talk to?

Anyways, this post is going to turn to the bright side right now, because I am happy to announce (drumroll) that the Domers Fantasy Football League Champion of 2009 are the Icecreams! (Which you should know, is my team)

This marks my second trophy in the league since I first joined in 2006. Key players helping me were Aaron Rodgers, DeSean Jackson, Chris Johnson and Randy Moss, all of whom finished in the top 4 in points for their respective positions (Johnson and Rodgers finished #1, Rodgers also finished #1 overall). Honorable mention goes to Stephen Gostkowski who should have been in the Pro Bowl over Nate Kaeding. Bastard.

2010, part deux

My picks were part 1, remember?

I think 'Zombieland' lucked out that I did not see 'Avatar' until last night, cause that would definetely have been the movie of the year. It is just such an insanely well crafted epic, with actors perfect for their parts, a huge story inspired by both 'Planet of the Apes' and 'Dances with Wolves', a good musical score (although during one scene I wanted to sing out a piece by Enya (I think it is. I do not know what it's called, but I know it when I hear it) and amazing special effects. Vampires, take a seat. There's a new sheriff in town, and he's 9 feet-two. And blue.

Week 17 picks

The final week of the regular season is upon us, and there are still two playoff spots up for grabs, and some seeds to be determined. I'm already excited for next week!

New York
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -9.0

Pittsburgh
@ Miami
Pick: Pittsburgh -3.0

Indianapolis
@ Buffalo
Pick: Indianapolis +9.0

Jacksonville
@ Cleveland
Pick: Cleveland -1.0

Chicago
@ Detroit
Pick: Chicago -3.0

Atlanta
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Atlanta -1.5

New Orleans
@ Carolina
Pick: Carolina -7.0

San Francisco
@ St. Louis
Pick: San Francisco -7.5

Green Bay
@ Arizona
Pick: Arizona -3.0

Kansas City
@ Denver
Pick: Kansas City +11.0

Tennessee
@ Seattle
Pick: Tennessee -4.0

Baltimore
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland +10.5

Washington
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -3.0

Philadelphia
@ Dallas
Pick: Philadelphia +3.0

Cincinnati
@ New York
Pick: Cincinnati +10.0

Last week: 8-6-1

Season: 114-106-4