Another two weeks. I'm not even ashamed.

Since learning a couple of weeks ago that I will be graduating in May, I've realized a few things. A) Senior year of college is not nearly as easy as senior year of high school and B) I wish that my senior year of college was as easy as my senior year of high school. This is more or less (mainly more) a segway into another excuse for delayed blog-postings. So let's just move on.

It's no secret that I get bored on Fridays. Especially at work when I see maybe six people after 4 p.m. And I'm here 'til 6 p.m. It's hard to find things to do to occupy my time. There is only so much reading that a man can do. I think I should just give in and get myself a PSP. I don't know how everybody would feel about that though. Plus, I love this company too much to ever let them down. So, I suppose that won't happen. I am however planning to get a laptop, bring it in here, and play poker and watch movies. I hope they don't mind that.

You can change my environment, but I'm still gonna be the same guy at heart. Just a online poker-playin', movie-watchin', son-of-a-gun.

But seriously, who doesn't like poker and movies?

I'm absolutely thrilled about this week's NFL match-ups. I don't see why everyone keeps pickin' the Vikes to beat the Bears this weekend. It has to be out of spite. It just doesn't make any sense. The Bears are the real deal this year. Their D was the real deal last year. I guess we don't know if Rex is the real deal yet, but we'll find out in about 12 more games. I'm not saying that the Vikes won't catch the Bears sleeping and pass all over the field (what else can they do?). I'm just saying that there is a strong bias against anything positive the Bears are doing. Just wanted to point that out.

I hope the Bengals crush the Steelers, and the same can be said about the Cardinals taking care of the Rams. I hate the Rams. Always have, most likely always will. I think the only time I liked the Rams was when Nelly was rockin' a backwards Orlando Pace jersey in his grimey debut video (my favorite debut video of all-time). That's the only time where I thought, "you know what, the Rams ain't that bad." Which was quickly followed by, "what am I saying?? I hate the Rams." This is my reality.

Anyways, I copped the new Lupe Fiasco joint today. That record is off the proverbial hook, chain, hinges, whatever. It's off of something. In all seriousness, that record is on-point like a laser beam. I had an hour to kill before work, and didn't have enough time to catch a movie or run back home. So I went to Best Buy, and immediately went back out to my car to throw it in the changer. Forty-five minutes later, I realized I had just heard the best hip-hop cd of the year. Hands down. Keep in mind that if Hov drops in November like he's supposed to, that might change all that 'cause everyone knows I have a strong pro-Jay bias, just as much as Fox News is right like a muhfugga. Anyways, the point is, Lupe's new compact disc will assuredly change my life for a number of weeks. And for that I am thankful.

I hate to brag (no I don't, but it's the right thing to say) but I said that Lupe's skills were bananas since he dropped that verse on 'Ye's "Touch The Sky." Don't get me wrong, 'Ye is cool with me, but in terms of substance, Lupe is just as strong. And based on flow and delivery, there's no question he blows Kanye out of the water. He could work on his whole image, but then again, that wouldn't be so Lupe now would it?

He's definitely exceeded even my wildest expectations for a debut album. And please don't read this and download his songs -- go buy his album. He deserves every penny for this classic. He's really what the game's been missin.' And, no, I don't get down with Dipset. And, no, I don't get anything for giving Lupe a rave review.

(Warning: this cd is strictly for hip-hop heads so if you're looking for a bunch of catchy showtunes, you won't find it here; this is real music, hip-hop or not)

Signing off, the Eternal President of the Lupe Fiasco Fan-Club.

Enjoy the weekend, and as always, cheers.

Another two+ weeks went by without a post?

I would say that sort of thing is not excusable but come on, the only thing that's been going on is baseball season. I only care about the baseball playoffs. And even then, both college and pro football get first priority on my list of sports-world concerns.

Anyways, if that sounds like a perfectly lame excuse not to write for a few weeks, then so be it. I still blame it on the notion that sports are non-existent as a form of captivating, competitive entertainment unless football or basketball is in-season.

There's too much to write about the football season. In fact, I've already missed the first game. To be honest, I thought Daunte would carry the 'Fins but Charlie Batch showed some brilliance (okay, he played well). Over a 120.0 QB rating? I thought that was a typo this morning when I was watching Cold Pizza. I never get sick of the split-screen player comparisons. Never.

Thinking about all the things that could potentially happen in the NFL this year, I was overwhelmed. Everyone is trying to pick the sleeper, the breakout performer, the star, the player most likely to fail - it's sort of depressing isn't it? Imagine making it into one of the toughest leagues on the planet, making millions, and still being picked to fail. Irony at its finest. Anyways, I figured instead of committing the eternal jinx of picking the playoff teams, the AFC/NFC champs and all that, I'd just settle for a few interesting and fun picks to make. And of course, in order to cut down the need for two separate introductions, I've consolidated my NCAA and NFL picks. These are in no order, and as always, in a jumbled fashion. Enjoy.

The only four teams that can possibly win the Superbowl: Indy, Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Seattle

NFL sleeper (I couldn't resist making this pick): Tampa Bay - And about that . . . does anyone else agree that Chris Simms is possibly the best young quarterback in the league? 'Cause I do. You gotta love Cadillac Williams. What a dope nickname. He's so smooth, just like a Caddy.

NFL shock of the year: T.O. and Bledsoe manage to get along, put up solid individual efforts, and the Cowboys even win 10 games.

Second biggest shock of the year: Jake the Snake plays his ass off for Denver and surprises everyone in the media. And all the haters as well. Give me a break, I'm a Sun Devil for life.

Third biggest shock of the year: Vince Young does some damage, with his ARM and his legs by week 12. The Titans realize why they drafted him. And so does everyone else who is already writing him off because of . . . wait a minute . . . there is no reason to write the guy off. He's the colored Steve Young. Plays on raw emotion and reaction. Don't tell me Steve Young was any smarter than Vince Young.

NFL Player that the media shouldn't have written-off: Brett Favre. For obvious reasons. I'm not saying the Pack' are good, just saying that Brett Favre is great.

NCAA Champions: Ohio State

NCAA Runner-Up: Auburn

NCAA, Third place: LSU

Heisman Winner: Brady Quinn (this one is almost too easy). He may not completely deserve it, but ain't no group of sportswriters gonna refrain from voting for this guy unless he ends up with more INTs than TDs (think Steve Nash in the NBA, it's just the fun pick for writers). Which can't really happen in Chuck Weiss's offense. Close second: Someone from Ohio State, either Ginn, Jr. or Troy Smith. (This has less of a chance of happening then someone beating out Steve Nash for three in a row. I'm boycotting the NBA if that really comes to fruition. And I don't joke about stuff like that, especially when it comes to the NBA)

Oh, and by the way, the Pats will miss the playoffs this year. Either that, or make a first-round exit. I'm saying this almost entirely because I want to read the Sports Guy's column in which he makes excuses for his team post-NFL season.

That's all the picks I'm willing to make right now. I do a majority of things in life based on passion and impulse, and right now, I have very little of each in order to make more picks that will most likely fail to stand the test of time, anyhow. But I figure these few picks will make me seem either extremely smart or extremely stupid. Frankly, I'm willing to take the chance. Plus, this sort of stuff is fun for me.

I can't wait for this weekend. So much football, so little time. I'm gettin' giddy, which means it's time to stop writing.

Cheers.

P.S. ASU over Nevada, 38 - 17.

For some reason, I thought I had left a pre-Europe post. I guess not.

In any case, I went, I saw, I didn't really conquer but I had a wonderful time. I should probably leave Caesar's words alone, but my Europe experience was as interesting, fun and educational as it was breathtakingly beautiful.

They always say that traveling changes a person. Maybe not for better or worse, but just in general. I think I understand what "they" mean. Europe is a different animal. There is so much history and culture there - from Paris, to Berlin, to Rome, to London - they're all uniquely different and captivating.

Here's a few running thoughts on my trip.

Paris is gorgeous. In all honesty, I see why it is considered to be the most romantic city in the world. It's difficult to describe because there is so much to say about a city like Paris. It's enchanting and historic. But at the same time, it's current and exciting. The energy in Paris is similar to the energy in San Francisco. Although, the French feed into the stereotype of being quite "uppity." Don't attempt to speak French unless you are fluent - they just hate it. Most of the time, they just cut you off because they can't bear to hear foreigners murder their romantic language. Also, the night life in Paris is classy. Just like the women.

Berlin is a tale of two cities. 70% of the city has been rebuilt due to the destruction from World War II. This makes the majority of the city very, very modern and technologically advanced. If you think Berlin is a dated city, you couldn't be more wrong. They have everything in Berlin. From trendy boutiques, to internet cafes, to swanky department stores and restaurants. The other 30% of the city that is older is still quite beautiful. From giant churches to war museums and handsome government builidings, Berlin is slated to become an increasingly tourist-friendly city. Most Germans, in my slight experience, are a bit rude and somewhat apprehensive to help out tourists with questions etc., but it can't be any worse than how tourists are treated in NYC or San Fran. People have to live their lives. No love lost, enjoyed the city regardless.

Rome is mind-boggling. Not only because the city is so historically significant, or that it served as the city of the uber-advanced Romans, but because of the sheer magnitude of the ancient structures and sites that exist. I was standing in front of the Colisseum in awe. I don't know if I was able to comprehend the incredible piece of architecture I was looking at, the history behind it, and everything that went on inside and around the structure thousands of years ago. Oh yeah, and I also saw the Pope. I still can't get over that one. Rome was everything I thought it would be (but with a bit more graffiti than I pictured). And the food was spectacular.

London. London was nothing short of incredible. I loved everything about it. The multi-ethnic citizens, the abundance of Indian restaurants, the well-engineered and efficient public transportation systems, the pubs, the people, the parks, the gardens, the castles, the shopping - everything. London is not really home to anyone. It seems like it's home to everyone. And I really mean that. The people who live there seem like they are all cultured and educated beyond the norm. After having a conversation with an Australian art student living in London (he had lived in the city for 10 years), I realized that London was my kind of city. I wouldn't mind taking some classes there next summer. Or maybe even living there for a couple years. London is my favorite. Did I mention the Indian food? Oh, and yes, the girls are great too.

Anyways, I suppose the whole point of this is to pass this along: for anyone who is interested in seeing Europe, just do it. You will learn a lot, and maybe even gain some new perspectives on certain things. It's an experience that you will really be glad you had. And I think it's an experience that I was very fortunate to have. Hooray for Europe.

Here's to London, and all of Europe's fascinating cities. Cheers.

It's hot outside, I stayed out a bit too late last night, I was forced to go to class at an unruly hour this morning, I had to come into work a couple of hours early and yet . . . I'm still having a good day. And 'why' you ask? 'Cause it's Friday, peeps. Y'all know how I do.

If you've ever read any of the junk I post on here you'll realize two things: 1) this blog has about as much substance as a VH1 "Which Celeb Just Paid $800 for a Cheeseburger" special and 2) I love Fridays. It's the only running theme I have, people. Sad, and yet, true.

Interesting thought: the first NBA Summer Camp was held in Vegas, and the second one is being held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Not a big deal, right? Yeah, sure, if you're Shawn Bradley. I'm not quite sure if different teams go exclusively to one camp, or if teams can and do play in both camps but can you imagine the night-and-day difference between the two camps? I can see all the guys in Vegas having a blast, playing ball during the day and roaming the famous strip at night. And I can see all the guys in Utah, playing ball during the day and going to bed by 10 p.m. I only wish I was kidding.

I've been to Salt Lake City, it's an average town, nice people, good light-rail system (maybe the coolest feature of the town), but it's definitely not somewhere you want to spend your summers if you're a young, rich athlete.

I remember one of the nights my buddy and I were in Salt Lake, we decided to catch a Jazz game (Lebron was in town with his Cavs, rookie year, 'nuff said) . . .

Anyway, we get off the train and we're in the middle of the city, literally. It's Saturday night and it's eerily quiet outside. Okay, not a huge deal, we figured everyone was in the arena waiting for the game to start. And then my buddy and I began to notice a few quips - for one, people didn't really feel well about college-aged kids actually showing some enthusiasm during the game. It was like we were supposed to act like we were watching Cats on Broadway or something. We also notice that this particular sporting event rivals all other sporting events either of us had ever been to because of the amount of alcohol that wasn't being consumed. It was unusual for obvious reasons. I'm used to being at a game and at least having two or three run-ins with an overweight, middle-aged drunk guy. It's like that person didn't even exist in that arena. Befuddling to say the least.

All things considered and quips aside, it was a great game. Lebron put up some huge numbers (what else is new?), it went into overtime, all that good stuff. At this point, a few things were just a bit odd about Salt Lake City but nothing too bizarre.

After the game ended we just thought we'd bum around the city and hang out. Wrong. After the game ended everyone was on the first rail-car back to their homes. No partying, no drunken mischief, nothing. Just orderly conduct all the way around. We didn't even have any alternative hang-out options. In fact, despite being Saturday, everything was closed in the city outside of a few small restaurants. And even then, most of them were getting ready to close shop. Did I mention it was Saturday night?

The point of all this nonsensical story-telling is this: there ain't nothing to do in Salt Lake! I just can't imagine being a young rookie and knowing that I'm going to Salt Lake for Summer Camp while the other plane is heading for Vegas.

Vegas is like a Hollywood bombshell, and comparatively, Salt Lake City is like your grandmother.

Talk about night-and-day differences.

Hold your collective heads, future pros. You'll make it out alive. Eventually.

All for now. Cheers.

The countdown shall begin.

Right now you are probably thinking, "what the hell is this guy talking about?"

The countdown, people. The countdown . . .

The countdown (the current one) represents the third or fourth biggest countdown of my life. The biggest countdown of my life was the countdown to my driver's license (solely because I waited a solid 16+ years of my life for the first tanglible and actual right I received as a human being). Needless to say, that countdown respresented all that was good in this world . . . "First you get the money, then you get the car, then you get the chicks." That's brilliant.

The second biggest countdown of my life was the countdown to my 21st birthday. I don't think I even need to elaborate on this.

And the third, was (although arguably) my 18th birthday. I didn't get a driver's license or a new car, and I didn't get free drinks and some birthday "TLC" but I did earn the right to vote. Oh yeah, and I got to buy ciggarettes for people. Plus, I kind of felt like a man at 18. Until later in my senior year of high school when I realized my parents could still punish me by doing things like taking my car away.

In any case, this fourth biggest countdown rivals the third - the countdown to Europe.

I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thirteen days, four presumably great cities, a few pieces of light luggage, my brother, and hopefully an experience I won't ever forget.

Europe has been lingering in my mind since the day my dad and I decided this would be a great summer to tour various cities, get out of this desert heat, and have a little fun. Until now, I really just kept it in the back of my mind, almost as a preventive measure not to get too worked up about it. But then it finally started to hit me in the last couple of days . . . I'm really going to Europe.

I've always wanted to see the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower, always wanted to drink German beer in Germany, always wanted to see the Sistine Chapel in Rome (among numerous other sites), and I've always wanted to see what all the talk of London's charm is all about. It's hard to believe that these things will come to fruition. It's hard to believe I'll be touring so many cities with rich culture and history. It's all so exciting.

I had to get these feelings of aniticipation out in the open. And now that I have, I feel well . . . almost prepared. I think I'm actually ready for the countdown now.

8 days 'til I hit the other side of that water.

To England!

Cheers.

Read it and weep:

http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=228739&GT1=7703

Yes, it's true, Lance Bass from N'Sync is gay.

I could make a million jokes here or I could be cruel and intolerant, however, I've decided to look at this from a different perspective instead. Follow my train of thought, if you will . . .

So, a member from an immensely popular boy band has publicly revealed his sexuality, and at the risk of being completely pig-headed let me say this: why doesn't this ever happen with immensely popular girl bands? I mean, wouldn't it be great if someone like the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls or Baby Spice was to come out and say she was a lesbian? Even if it was years from now, why do we only seem to get these things out of the guys post-stardom? The only types of famous girls that end up coming out are Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen. The females seemed to like Lance a lot back in the day, yet, we (meaning men) can't seem to catch a break with the girls that are publicly coming out. There needs to be some type of public revolution of hot, female lesbians. Or at least one famous lesbian should be semi-tolerable and semi-attractive. I hate to be the one to say it, but I had to say it.

I'm waiting for the revolution.

Cheers.

I can smell it. No, not the post-"it rained last night" smell, but the other smell . . . the beginning of football season smell.

Okay, we're not quite there yet but the training camps have begun - and frankly, that's good enough for me.

This season is truly going to be fantastic. So many big moves (via trades and pick-ups) in the offseason - Brees, Culpepper, The Edge, Ty Law, John Abraham, Willie McGinest, Aaron Brooks, the list goes on. And also, one 'back that should be interesting to watch as the season moves along: Reggie Bush.

I know it's a bit early for solid predictions, so I'm not going to make any quite yet, but I will provide a few thoughts on the season. Even though it's still July.

Break-Out Teams of the Year:

The 'Fins, Chiefs, 'Skins, and Cowboys

Teams that were in contention last year, and will remain so:

The Panthers, Colts, Broncos, Bears, Seahawks and Bengals

(and yes, I know the Bengals are having more legal problems than Bobby Brown and Robert Downey Jr.)

Teams that won't do well despite wishful thinking:

The Eagles, The Chargers

Teams that are on the fence for a playoff berth:

The Cardinals, Giants, and Saints

The Most Unpredictable Team:

The Ravens

The Early Superbowl Pick:

The Redskins

That's all the categories I could think of at the moment. But as you can see, I'm already starting to talk about football. That tells me one thing: the NFL is going to have an even better year in terms of excitement, anticipation, and entertainment than it did last year.

I love you, NFL.

And I can't wait to see what it has in store for us this season.

Here's to football. Cheers.