October 12, 2005

The New iPod and iTunes 6

October 12, 2005, 2:22 PM | 0 Comments

So I’ve been paying attention to Engadget & iLounge’s blogs about the Apple keynote that’s going on called ‘One More Thing.’ I have to say that I’m super impressed by the new iPod and iTunes 6. They’re ground breaking, as Apple products always are.

Let’s get right to it. The new iPods are video capable, thinner than the previous iPods, and cost the same amount. They’re available in 30 and 60 GB models in white or black (just like the iPod nano). Because of the video features, they now have a larger screen (2.5 inches, instead of the previous 2 inch screens). It appears that the U2 iPods are now history.

About a month after the launch of iTunes 5, iTunes 6 is now available. The new iTunes music store will launch with 2000 music videos (apprently in mp4 format). But the thing that really catches my attention is Apple’s partnership with ABC/Disney (which will probably include ESPN soon! Yay!) to allow you to download TV shows from the iTunes music store for $2.29 a piece ($1.99 US).

This is a cool feature, and it’s only going to get better as Apple signs agreements with more media outlets that will enable you to watch TV on your iPod. Podcasts of TV shows. Nice.

15,000 songs OR 25,000 photos OR 150 hours of video content.

I said it before, but now I’ll say it again. I want a new iPod!

Posted in: Apple, Technology

NFL Week 6 Predictions

October 12, 2005, 12:37 PM | 2 Comments

Note: Predictions for week 6 of the 2008 NFL season can be found here: NFL Week 6 Predictions.

In last week’s picks I went 7 and 7. I hope to do  much better this week, but last week was a little surprising on many counts.

Who would’ve thought that old man Vinny would lead the Jets to a win over the previously undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not me. Looks like Tampa needs their back back.

I’m so happy that the Packers won last week. Not only did they win, but they won big. Really, the did everything right. Favre led the offense decisively and had his first interception-free game. The defense created lots of opportunities for the offense and did their part by forcing 5 turnovers. Al Harris and Nick Barnett pleased the home crowd with their interception returns for TDs. It was a great game for the Packers who desperately needed a win, and it looked like they took out some of their frustration on New Orleans. The Packers have a bye week this week and a tough schedule ahead, but if they can carry that momentum into their next game against Minnesota in week 7, they could get on a roll and make a run at the playoffs. Plus, the bye week should allow them to get some of their injured starters back. Things are looking up in Green Bay.

ESPN Expert Picks: Last Week | This Week.

Now, my predictions for week 6!

Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-3) - Last week, the Saints were absolutely destroyed by the Packers. They lost 2 fumbles and were intercepted 3 times. Twice for touchdown returns. Atlanta barely lost to New England, even without Michael Vick. The Saints are playing another ‘home’ game this week in San Antonio, but I don’t expect that to be enough to lift them over a good Atlanta team. Pick: Falcons.

Carolina Panthers (3-2) at Detroit Lions (2-2) - So Carolina is now starting to mould themselves into the team that the experts thought they would be before the season. Detroit is still not living up to their talent level and is struggling with inconsistency and lots of injuries. Expect Carolina to jump ahead early and not let up. Pick: Panthers.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-3) - Tough loss for the Bengals last week. They really played hard near the end, but it wasn’t enough to cover for their mistakes. I think they’ll bounce back with a big win this week. Pick: Bengals.

Cleveland Browns (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-3) - Cleveland is surprising me this year. So is Baltimore. The Ravens can’t get it going on offense, and until they can, I don’t think they’re going to win very much. The Browns could win this one. Pick: Browns.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - The Steelers played a great game on Monday night. They may be without Ben Roethlisberger this week, and that could really hurt them. If Roethlisberger plays, my pick is the Steelers. If he doesn’t, I’ll take the Jaguars in a close one. Pick: Jaguars. « Looks like the Steelers will be without Roethlisberger and Hines Ward.

Miami Dolphins (2-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1) - As I said before, Tampa needs their back back. They rely on their running game to set the pace, and without it, they lose to the Jets and a 41 year old QB who hasn’t played since last year. Miami is better than expected thus far this year, but I don’t think they’ll be able to beat the Bucs at home. Pick: Buccaneers.

Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at Chicago Bears (1-3) - Both teams are 1-3. Both are from the NFC North. That means they’re still in the division hunt. As bad as Minnesota has been at times this year, Chicago is worse. Pick: Vikings.

New York Giants (3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-2) - I’m actually pretty surprised that the Cowboys beat the Eagles last week. Good for them! New York is coming off a bye week, and they’ve looked really good this year so far. This is a tough pick, but I’ll take the well-rested Giants Pick: Giants.

Washington Redskins (3-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) - Well, finally someone knocked the Redskins off the undefeated list last week. I don’t think the ‘Skins are as good as their 3-1 record though, and I think that as good as their defense is, it’ll be tough to beat the Chiefs at home. Pick: Chiefs.

New England Patriots (3-2) at Denver Broncos (4-1) - I’m told that Denver is a tough place to play when you’re not used to the altitude. Just ask Kansas City Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil. Last week, the Patriots won on a last minute field goal. Again. This will be another close game, but the Broncos are on a roll. Pick: Broncos.

New York Jets (2-3) at Buffalo Bills (2-3) - If they can beat Tampa Bay by starting a QB who hasn’t played since last year, and was unemployed up until Pennington went down, they can beat Buffalo. Pick: Jets.

San Diego Chargers (2-3) at Oakland Raiders (1-3) - San Diego lost a tough one to Pittsburgh last week, but they played well. Oakland is coming off their bye week and should be well rested. I’ll say it again: give LT the ball! Pick: Chargers.

Houston Texans (0-4) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - The ‘Hawks got a big win last week over the Rams, who they’ve been unable to beat as of late. This week they play a bad Houston team, in Seattle. Pick: Seahawks.

St. Louis Rams (2-3) at Indianapolis Colts (5-0) - Tough week for the Rams. Hopefully Mike Martz has a full recovery and all is well with his heart. Indianapolis is on a roll. Don’t expect that to stop against the Rams on Monday Night. Pick: Colts.

Note: Arizona (1-4), Green Bay (1-4), Philadelphia (3-2) and San Francisco (1-4) have a bye week this week.

Picks Summary

AWAY - HOME - PREDICTION - RESULT
Falcons - Saints - Falcons - Falcons √
Panthers - Lions - Panthers - Panthers √
Bengals - Titans - Bengals - Bengals √
Browns - Ravens - Browns - Ravens Χ
Jaguars - Steelers - Jaguars - Jaguars √
Dolphins - Buccaneers - Buccaneers - Buccaneers √
Vikings - Bears - Vikings - Bears Χ
Giants - Cowboys - Giants - Cowboys Χ
Redskins - Chiefs - Chiefs - Chiefs √
Patriots - Broncos - Broncos - Broncos √
Jets - Bills - Jets - Bills Χ
Chargers - Raiders - Chargers - Chargers √
Texans - Seahawks - Seahawks - Seahawks √
Rams - Colts - Colts - Colts √

UPDATE: 10-4 is a much better week. There were a lot of great, entertaining games this week.
Running total: 50-38.

Posted in: Sports