The Biggest Animal in the World

I haven't been able to go to any fairs in the last few years so I haven't been able to see the largest snake or the largest pig or whatever the freak show is, but luckily in the internet age, youtube exists.

DeShawn Stevenson

What could compel a person to get a face tattoo is beyond me. But DeShawn Stevenson has gone above and beyond the call of duty with this one. First, he got Abraham Lincoln on his neck.  I'm not exactly sure what the 16th President of United States of America means to this individual.  For all I know he could be a descendant.  Stevenson apparently said Lincoln is not enough, I also need to show my support of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that has 17 losing seasons in a row and counting, with a backwards logo near my left eye.  If I was the Washington Wizard's GM, I would cut this guy today and have somebody else deal with this.  It is a train wreck that doesn't stop!

Podcasts

So back in my employed days, instead of listening to silly Rush Linbahhumbug or any other political wingnut. I would focus my listening by using podcasts of people held in much higher esteem  These podcasts are much more focused than the usual radio experience, have no commercials, you can curse, and you can start and stop them and never miss a second if your that focused.  Here is a brief list of what I have podcasts I have been listening to over the past year or so.

The Adam Carolla Podcast - Yeah, everybody has their own opinion about the guy.  But, a radio station in CA cut his radio show so he went to the interweb, guess what, it is now one of the top 5 most popular podcast downloads on iTunes.  He likes to cuss so be careful if attempting to listen at work.


B.S. Report - This is my favorite ESPN writer, Bill Simmons, taking over the podcast world.  Since he started doing podcasts around 2 or 3 years ago, his writing output has decreased dramatically, for better or worse.  In my opinion, he is usually ahead of the curve, first being the first successful internet sports writer without much newspaper experience, now he is trying to take the podcast to be the new radio, since newspapers, magazines and radio are dead.  His topics are typically what he writes about sports, (specifically Boston sports) pop culture, Teen Wolf, Three Ninjas, and gambling.  What more would an unemployed hack like myself want.


NPR Music - They have a lot of good, new artists on there in live concert settings as well as good programs with DJs, its also very easy to to listen to and focus, it has 0 distractions.


Pardon the Interruption - My overall favorite sportswriter, Tony Kornheiser, and Michael Wilbon's TV show in podcast form.  Works really well because most people are not home from work yet when it airs at 5:30pm.


Club Trillion Podcast - A college kid on a large D-1 basketball team that never plays talks about college, basketball, and pop culture.  Still very inexperienced in podcast game and rambles a little too much, but an interesting listen sometimes.


If you have any podcasts to reccomend please leave comments.

Oldie by Goodie

I stumbled upon this track recently and have been listening to a lot. Such a simple song with a hip hop backbeat. Try to get it out of your head.

Old Story but Big News

Tufts you cannot be serious

Saved By The Bell

We have known for a long time that Screech has gone off the deep end. His openly crying for publicity lately has been sickening. He even went as far as self-releasing a sex tape, Screeched! (according to wikipedia, it ends in a dirty sanchez as well as many great quotes)  (plus claims to have had sex with over 2,000 women)  I don't know if any of you ever watched Celebrity Fit Club, which is VH1's way of allowing viewers to laugh at fat people, but Screetch makes another mockery of himself.  Now, the other day, he comes out and calls out Zach Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar) for using steroids in front of Screech.  In his "tell-all" books he calls out A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) as a rapist.  Dustin Diamond claims to not be scared of either of those, check the video.

Breaking News

LFO has broken up! I can't believe it has finally come to this. I had toshed a tear. They will always live on forever in my heart as long as "Summer Girls" never gets nuked. Here is my tribute to my personal favorite boy band of all time.

Its a bird, its a plane.... its a UFO!

I love the area that I live in, every week we get a new crazy story.  Last week we had the karokie beating, a few months ago we had the chimp beating, and now we got UFOs!  Apparently the police responded to multiple calls of aliens in Greenwich, CT. (Where I was today for a job interview)  These UFOs were actually Chinese Lanterns.  Now, I don't know where to find these Lanterns, but I want some of them to set off from my apartment in downtown Stamford and see what people will think.  The big question is, does this prove the point that most rich people are crazy?

Tyson Documentary

Tyson the new documentary by Nas and company is a definite must see, it received a 10 minute standing ovation at Cannes for goodness sake, even Medellin didn't get that. Trailer below. As Bill Simmons says, anything involving Mike Tyson is always a must see. (Yet I have yet to see the Hangover)  This is all in Tyson's own words, so you spend the first five minutes just trying to figure out his speech impediment.  But from there, he hasn't lost it at all.  He still talks like he did in his mid 80s heyday.  Some of the lines he spits out are pure gold, he legitimately spits hot fire. After viewing I almost got depressed by the sorry state of boxing right now.  Iron Mike: now that guy, had it all, he was insane, killer instinct, trash talk, prison time, rough upbringing, battles with drugs & alcohol.  In the last ten years, I have not seen somebody close to punching as hard or dancing around the ring as well as him.  Lennox Lewis, Klitchitco brothers look like children compared to Tyson.  Since boxing is almost dead, I have been watching UFC lately, and boy that stuff is way too brutal.  I know this has been said before, but I'll say it again, boxing is like dancing.  They move so gracefully, yet hit so violently.  And, yeah talk all you want about the lightweights and featherweights, but come on, the heavyweight division is the only one that really counts.  I am here sitting here praying for a boxing revival.  Who will be the savior of boxing because they sure as hell  need one?

Mike Tyson Documentary [Trailer] / NEW

Treasure Hunting

I found my new calling. Screw this trying to find a civil engineering gig. Treasure hunting is where its at. Apparently not all of it is gone.  Yes, I know I am a week or so late on this story, but I'm flabbergasted why this hasn't gotten more attention.  This is a multimillion dollar treasure chest just found in the ground.  Anybody could have found it with some research.  I already have leads on five other chests in the Fairfield county region alone, granted they Indian treasures but still.  The clip above is purely for comical sake. I watched Austin Powers the other day, and it could be the most dated movie of all time, and that added to the hilarity factor

The WNBA

Why hasn't the WNBA folded already.  A previously scheduled Britney Spears concert is more important to the venues than playoff WNBA games.  I understand the need for equal rights and all that.  But if you put a Mercedes and a Kia in front of me, I am going to take the Mercedes everytime.  The NBA and WNBA are identical sports by name only, the quality of play is what makes the difference.  For some strange reason I always think Diana Taurasi is cute, but I think she may go the other way. At least the WNBA embraces it.

Stamford We Go Hard

On Wednesday I walked to the bar downstairs and saw that the bar next door was packed for karaokie.  Walked over, listened to two people sing and realized that this type of music was not for me.  It must have been Latin Night or something at Bobby Valentine's (yes the former Met manager is from Stamford and has a bar right in downtown)  After reading this, I am happy that I left.  As much as I think my singing sucks, when I go out to do karaokie, I don't expect to get beaten afterwards. (I did a youtube worthy performance of Beasts of Burden last night though)  To add insult to injury, these girls are from my roommates hometown and said they look familiar.  I was wondering why there were so many major news stations outside yesterday.  Come on, The Z Files, the stool, news 7, everybody is reporting on this.  This is real life Stamford right here, call up MTV now.

Football Spread Picks Week 3

Here we are entering week 3 of the regular season.  Has not been a super crazy season so far, Detroit still hasn't won any games and my picks still aren't working out.  Last week was an improvement to 8 out of 16 games, rising me into the 30th percentile according to ESPN dot com.  If you think about it, if you bet against each one of my picks you would make more money, so bet your spaghetti boxes accordingly. On to the goodies. All spreads are from the time I places my bets, they may have moved from there.  And all you Z Filers out there, realize I love you so much that I am holding out watching my Thursday night television trifecta of Parks & Recreation, The Office and Always Sunny to give you something to read on your Friday afternoon workday.

Pittsburgh (-4.5) over CINCINNATI :  DA BURG was just playing with all you last week, they still got it and Carson Palmer doesn't

DETROIT (+6.5) over Washington : This is the classic case of two of the worst teams in the league going head to head.  The law of averages (which is the worst logic ever to use gamblign) is telling me that Detroit will finally win a game.

Green Bay (-6.5) over ST LOUIS : I don't trust this bet at all or Aaron Rodgers.

San Francisco (+7.5) over MINNESOTA : I think the 49ers are actually pretty good. Plus, for the only time this team the Peterson factor may be equalized by Gore.  The Vikings are the most difficult gambling team of all time, first you have Favre who you know is going to throw picks, second it's just so hard to bet again a team with Peterson on it.

Atlanta (+4.5) over NEW ENGLAND : Let me just say this, I think the Falcons are better team overall

TENNESSEE (+2.5) over Jets : Okay, I'll admit, the Jets have a very very good defense, I am skeptical about their offense still.  They never make Sanchez take any risks, but then again neither did Bill Belicheck when Tom Brady was coming up.  This is a must win for the Titans, easy game to pick.

Kansas City (+9.5) over PHILLY : The Chiefs are not a playoff team, but I think they can hang with good teams.  Its unbelievable to me that Philly has 4 proven to semi-proven quarterbacks on one team.  In this instance, I think it works against them.

TAMPA BAY (+7.5) over Giants : The Giants did not impress me last week against the Cowboys.

BALTIMORE (-13.5) over Cleveland : So hard to bet with such a big spread, it always tells me to go against it, but I think the Ravens are that good and the Browns are that bad, especially with Myloplex Quinn at QB.

HOUSTON (-2.5) over Jacksonville : The Texans are at home, simple as that.

Chicago (-1.5) over SEATTLE : Do not trust Seattle without Hasselbeck.  Thinking about it, I don't really trust Cutler either.

New Orleans (-5.5) over Buffalo : The coming out party for Buffalo is going to have to wait another week.  The Saints offensive explosion is too impressive.

Denver (+1.5) over OAKLAND : The Raiders have shown 0 reason why they should be favored, even if by so little.

Miami (+5.5) over SAN DIEGO : The Dolphins did impressive me on Monday Night against the Colts.  I think they will finally be able to make a 3rd down stop this week.

Indy (+1.5) over ARIZONA : Everybody in America knew that Peyton Manning was going to lead his team to the winning touchdown on Monday night.  Is anybody willing to bet against him this week?

Carolina (+9.5) over DALLAS : Every week I keep thinking the Panthers are not as bad as they have been playing. I think this is the week they actually prove it.  The new funhouse in Dallas goes another week without a win.

BEST BETS : The Titans no questions (overall 2-4)

Something to Hold you Over

Here is a lovely video of a track meet gone wrong. I am trying to work on getting my NFL picks and another two posts up today, but no guarantees. As the Black Eyed Peas say, tonights gonna be a good good night! Already set up two interviews!


Female Runner Faceplants Right Before Finish - Watch more Funny Videos

Major Lazer

Well, I am sure you have all heard of Diplo and Switch's new attempt to play dancehall/reggae, genre-mashing mayhem.  But, have you seen the videos behind the music.If that little photo was not enough for you, there is plenty more where that came from. Look at all the fun Major Lazer is having below.

Major Lazer "Pon De Floor" ft. Vybz Kartel and Afro Jack

If that doesn't do it for you, here is my favorite track off the album, Guns Don't Kill People.....Lazers Do

It is also on the DJ Benzi-Get Right Radio mixtape that I also recommend. Link below to download track.

Major Lazer - Keep it Going Louder

One of the Most Forward Thinking Acts of There

I don't know why or how, but these guys are at least attempting to take ODBs place. Everything they do or rap about is funny. Have you ever seen their show "Adventures in Hollyhood"? Absolutely hilarious. They truly need to put out more stuff like this, instead of that whack Grammy award winning stuff.

Maybe Kanye was right

Even the babies love it!

Friday Night Lights

One of my favorite, and actually well written, television shows on network TV over the past couple of years has been the television adaptation of Friday Night Lights for NBC.  This show began in 2006-07 in my last year of college and sucked me in immediately.  First of all, the lead female is Lyla Garridy, also known as Derek Jeter's recent fiancee Minka Kelly, is absolutely stunning and somehow pulls off playing a high school girl at age 28 in real life.  Second, the character of Tim Riggins, played by Taylor Kitsch who also starred in some hits such as Snakes on a Plane

I have had it with these motherfuckin' snakes on this motherfuckin' plane! sound bite    The very well written script as well as very relatable experiences in high schools throughout the country make this show a must watch for both males and females.  It does have a soap opera like plot, but it always comes back and revolves around football.  At one point, it was cancelled by NBC, but because of overwhelming fan demand they brought it back for a second season.  For the third season, they allowed direct TV to air the episodes around 4-6 months before they aired on NBC if they would share the cost to produce the series.  I think this is the first show for this to ever happen to, it is interesting to see if this will happen to more shows in the future that are on the cusp of getting the axe.  

Don't Know How I Missed This

A few weeks ago, the world was abuzz about Kanye interupting Taylor Swift.  Now, finally I have dug up this gem from a few years ago featuring one of my favorite names in the business. I am kinda mad I did not find this one earlier.  This man is a legend, and his antics are greatly missed.  RIP Big Baby Jesus, The Man of All Rainbows, Dirt Mc Girt, Hasaan, Russell Jones, Prince Delight, Osiris the Father, Freeloading Rusty, Joe Bananas, The Professor, Ol' Dirt Schultz, Ill Irving the Murderer, Peanut the Kidnapper, The Drunken Master Styles, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ason Unique, The Bebop Specialist,  RJ Tha Mad Specialist, and Rain Man

Googly Eyes

 I am shocked I don't see googly eyes in more places. Whenever I see them, I almost fall down laughing.  I am definitely not the only one, here is masterful blog showcasing googly eyes everywhere.  Also, there is a "The Googly Eyes Project" trying to capture all the Googly Eyes in the world, but apparently it has not been updated in a while, but does contain some great photos.

Look, even Gisele looks good with Googly Eyes!!

Operation Repo

Lately every Monday night, I been watching or DVR (when MNF is on) this relatively new show Operation Repo on tru TV (formerly Court TV)  This show involves a bunch of fat/large reposessors.  It follows them around California picking up deadbeat's cars, trucks, or planes.  Usually the people are not too pleased when their possessions get taken away, so obviously there is continous fighting and cursing, all great things for television.  To me it's like a Pringles can, once you pop you just cant stop.  The best part on Monday is they run four episodes back to back from 9 until 11 EST.   After doing some research while putting this together, I found out that most of it is fake, and that fact doesn't bother me at all, because it still makes compelling television.  Everyone of these alleged repo men never held a license to repossess vehicles in California or anywhere else. Plus, every other reality television show is fake as well, so as long as I enjoy it, I don't care how its made.

My Goodness Gracious!

This video had me laughing the whole way through. It's worth the whole 4 minutes.

WRONG HOLE with DJ Lubel, Taryn Southern and Scott Baio from Scott Baio

Car Radios

So, as I walk through the Streets of Stamford, some noises have come to my attention.  I can't walk anywhere in Stamford without hearing the Blueprint 3, and its not any song in partiular.  I have heard D.O.A., Run This Town, On to the Next One, Empire State of Mind, Forever Young, and more almost the whole track listing.  I started to think, this makes sense, it is the most I have heard from one artist since Tha Carter III came out, and these are the two biggest heavyweights in the game.  My thoughts about the Blueprint 3 are still changing, I am liking the songs I liked more and more, but still hating the songs, I originally hated more and more, I dont know if that makes this a good record or what.

Football Spread Picks

Well, last week did not go so hot, I lost a few boxes of spaghetti.  I went 5-16, for the 10% percentile according to ESPN.  But this week I'm coming back die hard with a vengence style (more so than the lowly Jets)  In other news, this blog is taking on a life of its own, I have surpassed the 1000 click barrier and earned a little cash on the side as a professional blogger.  As usual spreads from sportsbook and home team in CAPS

Carolina (+6.5) over ATLANTA : Jake the Snake finally gets his act together enough to save his job.  I do not think the Panthers will actually win, I just think it will be closer than the spread says.

Vikings (-9.5) over DETROIT : The Lions are hideous, and as much as I hate Brett Favre and never want to bet in his favor, I cannot stop the presence that is Adrian Peterson, especially against the lowly Lions, who are showing no sign of making another win this year.

PACKERS (-9.5) over Cincinnati : The ten point spread is scaring me, but what is scaring me more is betting on the Hard Knocks team as well as this game is at Lambeau, which is always a hard place to play.

TENNESSEE (-7.5) over Houston: Well, since everybody is jumping off the Texans bandwagon after one week, I will too. Plus the Titans played very well against Da Burg last week and I feel with roll over the Texans at home.

Oakland (+3.5) over KANSAS CITY : I thought Oakland played much better than they have in past years, their defense is still pretty shaky but luckily KC's offense isnt any good, Cassell or not.

Patriots (+5.5) over JETS : As anybody who watched the game would have known, in the first half Tom Brady was just working off the rust.  The second half was vintage with the assistance of one of the dumbest fumbles I have ever seen.  With only a 5.5 pt spread, its impossible to bet against the Patriots, especially with all the trash the Jets are talking.

New Orleans (+1.5) over PHILLY : As the Saints showed against the lowly Lions last week, they are not a team to be reckoned with.  Obviously this game will be much closer, but with a shaky maybe injured McNabb, I will gladly take Brees.

WASHINGTON (-10.5) over St. Louis : I don't know why St. Louis is not getting as much hate as the Lions after last weeks performance.  The Skins played okay against the G Men last week but just like the Seahawks rolled, so will the Redskins.

Arizona (+3.5) over JACKSONVILLE : The defending NFC champs are not as bad as they showed last week against the upstart Niners.

Seattle (+1.5) over SAN FRAN : It is difficult betting against all these home teams, but as shown from the last few seasons, as more corporates sponsors continue to get involved, the home stadiums no longer provide the advantage they used to.

Tampa Bay (+4.5) over BUFFALO : If Buffalo taught us anything last week, it is that they know how to give up a lead.

Pittsburgh (-2.5) over CHICAGO : Did anybody else watch Cutler last week, also did anybody watch the Steelers D?

DENVER (-3.5) over Cleveland : I don't fully understand why everybody is against the Broncos, sure they have a shaky QB and a new coach and did not play well last week, but somehow they showed everybody they know how to wins games, but a fluke win is a win in my book.

Baltimore (+4.5) over SAN DIEGO : LDT proved last week that he is washed up, not helping my fantasy season by any means.  Baltimore played really well last week, picking up where they left off from last year, I think these teams are going in two different directions.

Giants (+2.5) over DALLAS : I have no trust in the Cowboys at all, and the Giants have proved over the past few years that they are an elite team and the Cowboys are not.

Indy (-3.5) over MIAMI : Don't trust the Dolphins enough to take them here.

BEST BETS : Baltimore & Pittsburg (last week 1-3, but I guarantee improvement)

Outburt Weekend

 

In a weekend filled with the start of the NFL season, there were two other events that stole the show and everybody is talking about.  Let me tell you, as I watched Kanye steal and mic and poor little Taylor Swift's thunder I honestly felt bad, Kanye once again demanding the spotlight. But enough with him, his outburst does not compare to the brilliance of Serena Williams.

"I'm going to shove this ball down your f------ throat"    Any rational person who was getting screwed over as much as Serena would have said something along these lines.  The foot fault was way too close to call like that.  On the bright side, she got to attend the VMAs after that because she no longer had any tennis to play.  I wish that every weekend would have outbursts like this on large stages, it makes for great entertainment.

 

Not to be outdone, Lil Mama jumps on stage and tries to steal Alicia Keys and Jay-Zs thunder. They were doing a very good performance of Empire State of Mind and she just shows up and really doesnt do anything except look like a clown.  I would have to say having the VMAs live really gave it a spark that it needed and got everybody talking about it.  It may have been more enjoyable than all the football games this weekend minus the Broncos win.

 

Matt S***** : Victim of Violent Crime

The man featured in these archival photos, Matthew D S****** (name witheld by request legally) was the victim of an unprovoked act of aggression in the friendly confines of Foxwoods Resort & Casino.  While he was casually sitting and minding to a delicious budweiser, he was attacked by the unknown assailant with a 6" knife that penetrated his stomach.  He bleed all over the bar and lost close to a gallon of blood.  Taken away in an amublence to the hospital for emergency surgery. I hope this man gets better quick, so he can go back to the being the ugly clown he is.   Luckily the assaliant has been caught and is currently in a holding cell awaiting attempted murder charges.  The lesson to all you Z File followers out there: don't get stabbed.

Ken Jennings

Not only is this guy a genius in the Jeopardy sense, he is also street smart

Miike Snow

 

 I just stumbled upon this remix by Mark Ronson of Animal and really like the reggae feel to it.

All systems go to try to see these guys and Kickdrums on Tuesday at Mercury Lounge. I am in the market for tickets so if any of you snitches out there know of any let me.

Whale Wars

 

I just sat down and watched a marathon of this show on Animal Planet called Whale Wars.  It follows this group of environmentalist that are too extreme for Greenpeace and got kicked out and now started their own group called the Sea Shepards.  Now, I don't know much about sea warfare and this is the closest I can come learning about it without actual people dieing.  The Sea Shepards are aboard a boat called the Steve Irwin, named after the late great Crocodile Hunter (funny link) trying to deter Japanese Whaling Ships from bringing aboard whales on ships labeled "research."  So, I have watched a few episodes of this show with some guys that have spent long periods of time on the water and went to maritime schools.  Their analysis of this show is that the Sea Shepards are fools and are breaking many international maritime laws while putting both ships in harms way and should not be allowed to fly the Dutch flag.  When the Sea Shepards start throwing these gas on board the Japanese ships to try to get the crew off the deck or have the whale meat spoil, it is incredibly funny because the Japanese are much more prepared and have many more resources.  The Japanese have huge water cannons as well as the LRAD which shoots loud audio that can make people disoriented.  I would highly reccommend watching this show if you like/hate whales and enjoy seeing nautical positioning without deadly weapons.

When people stop being polite and start being real

Say what you want, "I'm immature for watching Real World when im older than every character or this and that," but this show continuously brings great drama. Primarily because there are always characters or experiences that you can relate too. Real World Cancun, just wrapped up it season on MTV, and I was shocked to find out this was the first time that Cancun was used as a setting, especially after there was a movie entitles "Real World : Cancun" that tried to bank on the reality tv craze of the early 2000s.  Initally I thought MTV did mess up on the casting up but after it was all said and done, I think they did an okay job.  They never meshed as a unit and never had huge blood-boiling feuds but it worked.  This season had everything you would want: people getting kicked off the show, fights, police intervention, people kicked out of the hotel, inter-house hook-ups, broken relationships and "Canada's best DJ".  First lets start about the girls, every girl on this show was a complete drama queen.  All were cute yet not smokeshows, yet some did not hook up on the show, intriguing ploy because they didnt have boyfriends and alcohol and cancun was involved.  (EDIT: HERE) The girls never really became friends and were always fighting over the silliest things especially by my girl Emilee (who I saw at Hooters in Saugus and is really pretty in person).  (Also Emilee used to be cover girl for Barstool Sports.) The guys on the other hand never had any problems with each other and were really carefree which isnt always good for TV.  Finally, the threesomes.  Aayia (pictured above) who was involved in both of them, could have been the strangest cast member in a long time, the viewers did not know if she was gay or straight or in a relationship or not in a relationship. Luckily she made up for everything in the last episode with her drama.  Overall, this season of Real World was much better than the previous Real Worlds for many reasons, MTV casted them to have fun instead of push awkard agendas such as trannies and child abuse. 

BONUS : Emilee has a video blog clearing up things about the episodes

Inaugural Football Spread Bets

Week 1 of the NFL regular season, the most wide open betting weekend of the year.  I have been waiting weeks for this. This is the start of a running feature on the Z Files.  Starting today, I am going to teach the world how to get rich quick. All you have to do is follow a few simple suggestions listed here. Without further ado, here are my picks: (Home team in CAPS) (Lines taken from sportsbook dot com at time of publishing)

STEELERS (-5.5) over Titans : Da Burg has almost the whole team from last year returning and needs to stand tall in game one.  Bonus: Kerry Collins is Tennessee's quarterback

Broncos (+3.5) over BENGALS : This is the classic tale of the Hard Knocks curse.  When everybody in America thinks they know everything about the team, they really know nothing.  Bonus: Josh McDaniels has some things to prove immediately

BROWNS (+3.5) over Vikings : Brady Quinn has been waiting two years for this while Brett Farve has been with the team two weeks. Peterson is a bust in game one. Bonus: Brad Childress looks like Tony Kornheiser

COLTS (-6.5) over Jaguars : One of the hardest picks on the ledger this week. Hard to bet against Colts at home.  Maurice Jones-Drew is more hurt than anybody is saying.

Cowboys (-3.5) over BUCS : Could not take the Bucs because I don't know who their quarterback is.

Dolphins (+4.5) over FALCONS : Too much pressure on Matt Ryan and none on Chad Pennington.

SAINTS (-11.5) over Lions : Lions went winless last season and now have a new QB?

RAVENS (-8.5) over Chiefs : People keep forgetting that the Ravens took Da Burg to the final whistle in the AFC Championship.  Also, Matt Cassell is injured and the Chiefs traded Tony Gonzo, whats left there.

TEXANS (-4.5) over Jets : I know this is the trendy pick of the week but who could bet on an away rookie QB .

Eagles (+0.5) over CAROLINA : I know Carolina has a great running game, but look at who you have handing off the ball, Delohme has turned into Joey Harrington.  I thought Philly would get more press about how good they are after signing the Dog Mauler, but that hasnt happened yet.

GIANTS (-6.5) over Redskins : The G Men are coming to prove that David Tyree wasn't a fluke.

Rams (+8.5) over SEAHAWKS : Have nothing against Seattle, just think the spread is too big and St. Louis has improved a lot from last year.

CARDINALS (-6.5) over 49ers : Kurt Warner is healthy for the first game, the rest of the season is a toss-up.

PACKERS (-3.5) over Bears : Tough call here, went with home team with very solid defense.

PATRIOTS (-10.5) over Bills : Is this spread too low? Do the Bills have any offense? The welcome back Tom Brady party is now.

Chargers (-6.5) over RAIDERS : Is the spread too low?  If their was a AAA football league the Raiders could join.

BEST BETS : New England, Philly, Baltimore, and San Diego

The Blueprint 3

Well, I have been waiting a week to make this post. And after around 15 listens front to back, I still can't figure this album out.  Lets start off by getting this clear, this is no Reasonable Doubt, Blueprint, or Black Album.  But it's not Kingdom Come either. It starts off great with the first 6 or 7 tracks, minus Young Jeezy whose voice forces me to skip it almost ever time. It has both Run This Town and Empire State of Mind which are directly aimed at the z100 crowd, as much as Hov says "this aint for the z100 crowd...this is for hot 97."  Either the tracklisting was chosen incorrectly or the producers didnt match, but there is no flow in the second half of the record at all.  Beyond that, sometimes I forget whose album I am listening to because there are so many cameos who take up over half the track.  As I was listening, I could not find one song really that could be a club-banger so to say (On to the Next One is the only thing that comes close)  But overall, I will not say this is a bad album or a good album I need more time to evaluate it, but I am interested to see what single Jay-Z will choose next after D.O.A. and Run This Town.  I do think On to the Next One could work for Hot 97, although it gets pretty repetitive.  This blog post is definitely subject to change based on more I listen to it, but I have never before had to listen to a rap album this many times to get a feeling for it.

Biggest Question about this Album:
Is Young Forever needed on this album?  Come on, we all love forever young and Hov raps over it pretty smoothly, but could it just be on a soundtrack or something?

Z Book Review #4

Jack Kerouac - Big Sur

Big Sur is the second to last book in the Duluoz Legend series, which is basically a running autobiography with fictional names (for copywrite purposes) split into different books from between the years 1922 to 1965, he passed away before he was able to offically put it out as a collection of works.  Big Sur showcases Kerouac's need for the bottle and his neverending battle with alcoholism and fame.  He runs into the woods of Big Sur, California to avoid the kids trying to find the "King of the Beats." While he is out there he writes a short story containing what he thinks the ocean is saying to him, its full of gibberish and makes no sense.  His alcoholism makes him go completely insane, turning him into a complete recluse. We meet with Dean Moriarty again, but it's now ten years after we first visit with him in On the Road.  Dean Moriarty is named Cody Pomeray in this novel. (His true life name is Neal Cassady)  Cody now has a wife and a life and no longer is the character we know from On the Road.  Kerouac continues to try to force him to go back to the old lifestyle that Kerouac cannot live behind, but Cody refuses every advance.  This has to have been one of the hardest books I have ever read for pleasure. It has taken me close to three weeks to finish it.  Kerouac's rambling and non-sensical style doesnt leave you hanging on the next page, but overall I enjoyed it but would only reccommend it if you know Kerouac and know what you're getting yourself into.

Amazon dot com

 

Today, I was browsing Amazon dot com and found some very enticing items. First, was a steal at $38.50, it is a fresh whole rabbit.  This rabbit even comes skinned.  I am hoping it comes refrigerated as well.   Amazon even gives this product description, "Rabbit meat is lightly flavored and has a nutty aftertaste that is unique to this animal. It is a low fat meat, low in cholesterol, and a nutritious source of proteins. Excellent with a mustard sauce or stewed slowly with onions."  I think this could be a very healthy alternative to chicken or cow.

When I saw Tropic Thunder, first thing I thought was, where can I get some of that Booty Sweat.  Like all things in movies, I didnt think it existed...until today! Booty Sweat is $44.99 of a 24 pack.

This is a steal! Who would want a Red Bull for $2.50 a can when Booty Sweat is only $1.88!! The only other acceptable alternative would be Red Balls. (see video below)

Most Undervalued

The spork has to be the most underutilized utensil of all time. Granted, I know I'm not the first to say it, or the last, but come on, every time you use it you feel like "wow, I wish I used this thing more, it works really well." Sporks bring people joy in everyday life. Think about it, it's perfect for eating yogurt, I always fail to reach at least one piece of fruit at the bottom of the cup. To my knowledge, the only remaining place in the nation where sporks are used is at KFC with their mashed potatoes. KFC's mashed potatoes and sporks: perfect combination. If anybody else can find a location where sporks can be obtained please leave that info in the comments.

Continue this trend...

Could be potentially best video on youtube. Can somebody argue against Tom Brady having the best life?

Country Music is for lovers

Sorry everybody, been away for a while on a mini-vacation. Actually haven't been back to my apartment in Stamford since Tuesday of last week and doesn't look like I'll make it back til Labor Day. Currently I am on a pit stop at the home I grew up at. But, never the less after spending less than a week in the boonies of Maine, I have rekindled my enjoyment of country music. Living down in Stamford where there is no country music radio stations, television station or no country music scene in new york to my knowledge, I had forgot all about it. The area of Maine where I stayed only had two types of radio stations, country or pop. So to be completely honest, I fell in love with both again. Found tons of new songs (the side links have been updated) And also found out through multiple sources that country music is where the beautiful blonde girls go to have a good time (via CountryFest '09 in Foxborough) Beyond the fact that country music has a beautiful looking crowd, many of the female artists in country are also beautiful, as evidenced by photo above. Granted all the songs may be about booze, women, USA, and death, but come on three of the four are some of my favorite things.