Reasons We Love Hockey Part 27

July 17, 2007 by Pookie

The 27th in our 118-part series, and 5th in our 6-part mini-series.

February Hockey

February marks the dog-days of hockey, and in honor of its 28 days, we present a truncated reason. The excitement of the All-Star Game has worn off. The fans of cellar-dwelling teams have started focusing on next year. Pesky, nagging injuries have turned from day-to-day to 4-to-6 week surgery affairs. This should make February Hockey pretty dismal but for one thing: the trade deadline. Lou might not ever make big deals, but it sure spices things up to see other teams stock up on rent-a-players in a last ditch effort to become contenders while simultaneously shipping out all their future talent. Who can give in to the Winter doldrums when they’re on tenterhooks to see which GMs keep their soon-to-be-UFAs in the hopes of going all the way, and which cut their losses before the season’s end? Who can grumble about what a pain it is to have to bundle up in coat, scarf, gloves and hat just to get the mail from the mailbox when they’re analyzing every trade rumor from every media source from the most reliable to the most ridiculous? Who can let the gray skies that hint at those elusive snow-days but never deliver get them down when they’re trying desperately to keep up on who went where? February hockey is all about the rumors and innuendo, misdirection and subterfuge, and the ever-increasing intensity as the playoffs loom ever nearer on the horizon.

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Posted in Reasons We Love Hockey | 396 Comments

396 Responses

on July 17, 2007 at 9:06 pm Genna

This should make February Hockey pretty dismal but for one thing: Genna’s Birthday.

I never knew I cheered up the hockey world that much! :P

Who can grumble about what a pain it is to have to bundle up in coat, scarf, gloves and hat just to get the mail from the mailbox when they’re analyzing every trade rumor from every media source from the most reliable to the most ridiculous?

Standard Ithacan winter attire includes: 1 poofy down jacket with fur trimmed hood which makes me look like an Eskimo (usually substituted with normal fleece northface for lack of bulkiness), 1 thermal long-sleeved shirt, 1 normal shirt, 1 sweatshirt (optional), 1 pair of thermal pants, 1 pair of pants (if sweats, thermal pants are usually excluded), 1 pair of socks (sometimes ski socks), 1 pair of glittens and 1 scarf.

Throw in some snow, I’m going to make you tear up, freeze your snot, and/or push you back a couple feet wind, and cold and multiply that by 5. That’s an Ithaca winter starting in November-ish. Buffalo people know what I’m talking about to a more x-treme degree.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:16 pm Schnookie

Genna, it is so your birthday that keeps us all afloat during February! You’re right! And I am endlessly thankful that I only have to deal with Central Jersey winters and nothing more extreme. The old “one week where it’s consistently REALLY effin’ cold” and “one snowfall of 15 inches” for the entire season winter kind of winter.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:20 pm Genna

I love it when I come home for breaks and think the weather is warm here. Even better, I love when it’s like 30-40 degrees out at Ithaca and I think it’s warm/hot-ish. I have to say my first winter there was nowhere near bad, but this past year that snow storm that came on pre-Valentine’s day into V-day got school canceled which hasn’t happened in like 11-13 years. I’m glad I got to experience that one.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:41 pm Earl Sleek

Just for fun, here’s the NHL standings for last February’s games, sorted by win pct. I should have done this every month, maybe, but oh well.

Team W-L-O, Pts, Pct

EAST

OTT 8-1-2, 18, .818
BUF 8-2-1, 17, .779
NJD 10-3-0, 20, .769
NYI 9-2-2, 20 , .769
TBL 9-2-2, 20, .769
PIT 9-3-1, 19, .731
FLA 6-3-3, 15, .625
BOS 8-5-0, 16, .615
TOR 5-4-3, 13, .542
CAR 6-6-1, 13, .500
NYR 5-5-2, 12, .500
PHI 4-5-4, 12, .462
WSH 3-6-4, 10, .385
MTL 5-9-1, 11, .367
ATL 3-7-2, 8, .333

WEST

DAL 8-2-1, 17, .773
DET 8-2-2, 18, .750
MIN 8-2-2, 18, .750
VAN 8-3-1, 17, .708
STL 7-4-1, 15, .625
CGY 7-4-3, 17, .607
LAK 4-2-4, 12, .600
NSH 7-5-1, 15, .577
ANA 5-5-2, 12, .500
CHI 5-6-2, 12, .462
EDM 5-6-2, 12, .462
SJS 5-7-1, 11, .423
COL 5-8-1, 11, .393
PHX 4-7-1, 9, .375
CBJ 3-7-2, 8, .333

February is a good month to marvel a bit at the Ducks’ set of opponents (MIN, VAN, DET, OTT), who went a combined 32-8-7 during the month (.755), scoring 3.26 goals per game.

Against the Ducks in the playoffs, those teams combined for a more modest 5-12-4 (.333), only scoring 2.14 goals per game.

Maybe they should be campaigning for an earlier playoff season, I guess.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:48 pm Pookie

STATBITTY!
on July 17, 2007 at 9:51 pm Katebits

That is some serious stabittilocity. Whoa. I’m drunk on statbits.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:54 pm Earl Sleek

Well, yeah it was statbitty, but it’s tougher than you’d think to be able to get a monthly standings just by searching the internet. So I dunno. Here’s one month, at least.
on July 17, 2007 at 9:57 pm Pookie

Thanks, Earl! It was interesting to see those stats, so thanks for taking the trouble to find them. I refuse to believe the Devils only lost 3 games that month, though. LIES! Damned lies!
on July 17, 2007 at 10:11 pm Sherry

Aww, February was totally Ottawa’s month. It would have been better if it was say…June, but whatever.

Here’s a fun stat, the Senators have I think only lost one game when they play on Valentine’s Day. Best present ever!
on July 17, 2007 at 10:18 pm Gambler

BUF 8-2-1, 17, .779

Whoa, I’m sort of shocked that our record was that good, considering February was a brutal month for injuries. There was a good seven or eight game stretch where we were losing at least one player per. Luckily our farm team is deep, and the Saberks were pretty awesome.

And let me tell you, I had no idea what cold was until I was in Minnesota in January. I’ve lived in western New York all my life, but damn, that shit’s cold out there. Not as much snow, but with the wind-chill it hardly ever gets above zero. February gets a little warmer, but not by much.
on July 17, 2007 at 10:21 pm Pookie

Luckily our farm team is deep, and the Saberks were pretty awesome.

I think you mean, that Staffy in particular was awesome. Staffffffeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
on July 17, 2007 at 10:23 pm Earl Sleek

BUF 8-2-1, 17, .779

Oops. This should say “.773″, I copied it wrong. Anyways…

Luckily our farm team is deep, and the Saberks were pretty awesome.

Heh, you have just added the term “Saberks” to my vocabulary. Awesome.
on July 17, 2007 at 10:27 pm Gambler

I think you mean, that Staffy in particular was awesome.

Well, duh, that’s what I meant. I just didn’t want to hurt any tender Amerk’s pride by naming names.
on July 17, 2007 at 10:32 pm Sherry

[small voice] they still lost to the Bulldogs in the first round though![/sv]
on July 17, 2007 at 10:35 pm Pookie

[small voice] they still lost to the Bulldogs in the first round though![/sv]

Of course they did, because they were reeling from the loss of their best player, their heart and soul, their guiding star, their Staffy. Staffffeeeeee!!!
on July 17, 2007 at 10:36 pm Schnookie

It’s true: Staffy is the star by which we all guide our ships.
on July 17, 2007 at 10:38 pm Sherry

If stars stomped on exploding cows while playing bad-ass-rocking rock songs, you mea :P
on July 17, 2007 at 10:39 pm Schnookie

Yes, Sherry, that is exactly what I meant!
on July 17, 2007 at 10:43 pm Pookie

If stars stomped on exploding cows while playing bad-ass-rocking rock songs, you mea :P

You better believe it! When Staffy left Rochester for Buffalo, the Amerks started kowing to exploding rocks and it all went sideways.
on July 17, 2007 at 10:58 pm Katebits

And let me tell you, I had no idea what cold was until I was in Minnesota in January.

Gambler, I’ve been trying to explain this to people for years! It snows a lot more in Buffalo, but Minnesota is WAY colder. On the other hand, it’s gray outside for six month a year in Buffalo, but it can be 50 below and sparkly blue skied in Minneapolis. I actually prefer Minnesota to Buffalo for that reason. The gray is a real drag around here.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:04 pm Schnookie

Ohhh… I never get tired of gray skies! My best summer ever was spent in Oxford, where it was gray and chilly and damp and dreary every day. There was nothing better, in my book, than having to snuggle up next to my dorm room’s little fireplace space-heater in a cuddly sweater with a mug of hot chocolate… in the middle of July.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:16 pm zot

I didn’t realize it till earlier this year, but gray skies make me gloomy. I need the sunshine. :)
on July 17, 2007 at 11:19 pm Schnookie

Unrelated aside: we’re watching SpongeBob, and he just tortured a toaster. It was terrible to behold.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:21 pm Katebits

I totally can appreciate a good gray day from time to time, but I really enjoy the sparkley, crispy, winter blue too. I think the important thing is variety. Too much gray makes me sad, too much sunshine makes me…..I don’t know….too happy? I guess I pretty much prefer sunshine.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:24 pm zot

I knew there was a reason I never liked SpongeBob. Bryz needs to harness his hero duck mojo and plan a rescue!
on July 17, 2007 at 11:25 pm Pookie

2 years in Phoenix was enough for me to realize sunshine sucks. I like two kinds of sunny day:

1. The first sunny days of early Spring.
2. Crisp sunny days in mid-Fall.

Any other sunny days are nasty. No, but, seriously, you’re right about it being all about variety.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:28 pm Schnookie

I can see how the lack of variety is a problem. I think sunshine was really kind of done to death for me during my tenure in Arizona. What I was thinking moving out there, when I prefer rain and cold to hot sunshine, I don’t know. But there you go. Some of us are really stupid, I guess.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:29 pm Schnookie

I knew there was a reason I never liked SpongeBob. Bryz needs to harness his hero duck mojo and plan a rescue!

Either that, or we need the hockey season to come along to rescue us from having nothing to watch but SpongeBob. :P
on July 17, 2007 at 11:32 pm zot

Yes, hockey season, please come! We’re talking about the weather like there’s nothing else to talk about. Although I’d bet that California sunshine beats Arizona sunshine for a little more variety.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:32 pm Patty

DAL 8-2-1, 17, .773

Woo-hoo! Dallas wins! (The West.) (In February.)
on July 17, 2007 at 11:32 pm Gambler

On the other hand, it’s gray outside for six month a year in Buffalo, but it can be 50 below and sparkly blue skied in Minneapolis. I actually prefer Minnesota to Buffalo for that reason.

Oh, Minnesota winters are such coy, misleading vixens. I would look out of my dorm window every day in the winter and it would be so beautiful and shiny outside, that I was like “Yay! Let’s go play outdoors!” And then I would get out there and immediately regret the decision because my lips were frozen to my teeth. Minnesota winters are definitely prettier, but I have to say that, as a snowboarder, I really miss the Buffalo snow.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:39 pm Gambler

I don’t think I would ever be able to survive in a climate where it’s sunny all the time. Aside from the fact that my skin burns about as easily as newspaper, I’m just accustomed to overcast and gloomy. My family went on vacation to Arizona when I was about 10, and I remember that there a “partly cloudy” forecast meant two itty bitty clouds way off in the distance. Whereas in Buffalo, partly cloudy means you’ll glimpse the sun for maybe three whole minutes.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:40 pm Schnookie

I’m taking solace, looking at Earl’s Column Of Statbittiness up there, that the Devils at least led the league in wins in February. I hope they’re celebrating that heartily this off-season. Every guy gets his own day with those 10 wins, during which they can do whatever they want with them. It’s such a great tradition!
on July 17, 2007 at 11:41 pm zot

Despite my love for sunshine, I do wish sometimes that I had a “real” winter with snow. It may be hard for some of you to believe, but I’ve been in snow maybe twice my whole life.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:42 pm Pookie

We used to laugh about how Phoenix guaranteed 350 sunny days a year. Whenever there was even the tinest cloud we’d say, “Hey! We were promised sunshine!”

On that note, I’m off to bed, to dream of gray skies and snow days. Good night, IPB!
on July 17, 2007 at 11:43 pm Schnookie

It may be hard for some of you to believe, but I’ve been in snow maybe twice my whole life.

We have a set of cousins who grew up in New Orleans. I remember when they came up to visit us one January when they were all tweenagers, there was a dusting of snow and they all wanted to go out sledding and build snowmen and shit. I was gobsmacked that someone that age would never have been in snow before.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:45 pm kms2

Aren’t the Olympics in February? Obviously I care so much about them. But, I do remember back in the late 90s (Nagano Olympics?) when USA and Canada played and my dad and I bought tickets to watch the game live at the Great Western Forum. During an intermission we walked by Jimmy Fox (former Kings player, current broadcaster) and we got our picture taken with the Cup. I think that during the next winter Olympics I’m going to watch Miracle every day that the NHL is on break.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:47 pm zot

Good night, Pookie! We not only get much snow, we don’t get a whole lot of rain, either, so there was this joke about how around here, two inches constitutes a “major storm”.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:47 pm kms2

I was gobsmacked that someone that age would never have been in snow before.

Having been born and raised in SoCal, the first time I saw snow in person was when I was 18 away at college in St. Louis. All of my friends who grew up in snow were so excited for me to finally see it and run around in it that they were just as excited for the first snowfall of the winter.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:53 pm Patty

It may be hard for some of you to believe, but I’ve been in snow maybe twice my whole life.

there was a dusting of snow and they all wanted to go out sledding and build snowmen and shit

That’s how we were as kids when it snowed that time in Houston. My dad grew up in Kansas so he knew how to make a snowman. He came home from work early and showed us how you roll a snowball around and it grows magically into a giant ball. He pretty much used up all the snow in the yard. It was only deep enough for one pass, so there was a trail around the yard. And the poor snowman had grass and dirt all over him.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:55 pm zot

I think that’s one of the reasons I like hockey. It’s so winter-y with the nice sheet of ice. Oh, and winter olympics. I remember getting up hours before I’d normally get up to watch the hockey and my roommates thought I was nuts.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:57 pm zot

And the poor snowman had grass and dirt all over him.
My first, and only, snowman was like that. I had to eavesdrop on a family near us to figure out the proper technique.
on July 17, 2007 at 11:57 pm Gambler

I remember when they came up to visit us one January when they were all tweenagers, there was a dusting of snow and they all wanted to go out sledding and build snowmen and shit.

My first winter in Minnesota, it snowed about a half an inch overnight in November, and my one of my floormates from Dallas was set on having a snowball fight. When she tried to get me to join I was like, “From the amount of snow I can see from my window, you could probably get one snowball. I think it’ll be a plenty short fight without me.” But honestly, it’s so fun to watch kids from New Mexico and Florida and California totally pommerdoodling about the first snowfall. Brings me back to a more innocent time, before my response to snow was simply, “I have to drive to school through this shit?”
on July 17, 2007 at 11:59 pm Schnookie

Patty, we don’t normally get good snowman snow in Jersey. We’ll generally get one monster snowfall a year, and it’ll be really dry, non-sticky snow from a Nor’easter or something. Every once in a blue moon we get an inch or so of the sticky stuff, and then our entire neighborhood becomes peopled with muddy, grassy snowmen.

I think there’s something wrong with my brain (maybe I’m a little Peter Schaefer-y), but I just can’t ever get myself interested in the Olympic hockey with the NHLers involved. Not that I’m railing against the idea of pros in the Olympics or anything. Just that I find the teams aren’t all that compelling because they’re just like a gang of mercenaries or something. And if I had to hear another damn thing about that stupid fucking Loonie in Salt Lake City…
on July 18, 2007 at 12:03 am Schnookie

Brings me back to a more innocent time, before my response to snow was simply, “I have to drive to school through this shit?”

I pommerdoodled about snow all the way up until the first big storm when I was living on my own. And I discovered I had to shovel 18 inches of icy, wet snow. I honestly thought the township was going to park an ambulance at the foot of my driveway just to be careful. Stately IPB Manor has a massive driveway (not massively long — massively wide, just in case you think it’s some baronial estate with its own tree-lined avenue leading up to it) that we’ve determined takes 12 man-hours of shoveling to clear 6 inches or more. And we won’t use a snowblower because they’re such an ecological disaster. (Running a lawnmower or snowblower engine for one hour creates the same amount of CO2 emissions as driving 10 new cars 250 miles each. In case you were wondering.) Now I’m a lot more ambivalent about snow.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:04 am zot

But honestly, it’s so fun to watch kids from New Mexico and Florida and California totally pommerdoodling

Hee. I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess I was pommerdoodling.

Oh, and totally off-topic, but I was watching Jeopardy earlier and there was a clue about an electric instrument, and I immediately answered “oboe!” and thought of Crunchy.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:06 am Patty

And if I had to hear another damn thing about that stupid fucking Loonie in Salt Lake City…

Oh, my gosh, I’m so with you.

I still watch, though. Last Olympics it was some of the rare HD hockey to see. But I can’t watch figure skating like I used to before I discovered hockey. I used to be glued to the figure skating as a child. I find I’m fascinated by curling, though. I actually TiVo’d a couple of matches last time.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:09 am Meg

Ohhh… I never get tired of gray skies! My best summer ever was spent in Oxford, where it was gray and chilly and damp and dreary every day.

Going back quite a ways here, but I have to say, studying abroad in London actually made me think of Buffalo as having sunny winters in comparison. I don’t think I saw the sun once in November or December while I was there. I like a gray day just fine, but that many in a row was downright oppressive. But at least it’s not cold, I suppose.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:10 am zot

But I can’t watch figure skating like I used to before I discovered hockey. I used to be glued to the figure skating as a child. I find I’m fascinated by curling, though.

I feel the same way, Patty. I wonder why that is?
on July 18, 2007 at 12:18 am Patty

zot, I don’t know. I bet it is for similar reasons that I have kind of lost interest in movie stars.

Skating is judged. I think that’s the other problem. I used to be obsessed with the gymnastics events as a child, too, but ew, I can’t watch them any more. I think part of the reason is that a contest that is based on judging is too subjective. If you think referees can be infuriating, I bet it’s a hundred times worse if you have to please a judge.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:21 am Gambler

I think there’s something wrong with my brain (maybe I’m a little Peter Schaefer-y)

Hee. Earlier, when I was watching the news with my mom, they mentioned the Schaefer trade, and my mom was like “How come we couldn’t get him?” (This is her stock response to any kind of trade or signing news, regardless of the player, because she knows it riles me up.) And I actually said, “But Mom! He’s brain damaged! We don’t want him!” My hockey reasoning skills are clearly broken. I blame Bucky Gleason.

My night of TV watching has just been saved, because the World Series of Pop Culture is on! YES!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:23 am zot

Hmm, that makes a lot of sense about the judging for skating and gymnastics. And while refs can be infuriating, I tend to give them more slack than most, since I used to be one myself.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:26 am Schnookie

I also have no interest in movie stars anymore! I’m glad to hear I’m not alone.

I love the figure skating at the Olympics! I ignore the judging crap (okay, “ignore” isn’t the word. I rail indignantly about it constantly) and watch for the hilarious costumes, ridonkulous choreography and the falls. Last Olympics’ figure skating was really unusually plum, too. There were those crazy Italian ice dancers and their on-ice spat (as well as all the falls during the ice dancing — unheard of!), there was the Chinese pairs skaters who finished their routine after the woman’s leg nearly fell off (I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a little choked up at that), there was stupid bitchface Sasha Cohen gacking hard with the gold medal in her reach — it was fantastic. Fantastic entertainment, that is. Not sport.

And on that note, I’m through deluding myself that I don’t have to wake up for work tomorrow morning. See you later, you Western Conference night owls!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:28 am Patty

Earl, if you’re around, I had a totally hilarious comment to make about your art work (as far as you know), but Blogger is acting all weird so I can’t seem to post it.

Basically, my point was that it’s hilarious as usual.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:31 am Patty

I do kind of like ice dancing, though, because it’s a lot like dancing. Figure skating is just mostly setup for jumps. Ends up being neither artistic nor a sport.

(Not saying they’re not athletes, though, of course.)
on July 18, 2007 at 12:38 am zot

Figure skating, ice dancing, and hockey all boggle my mind because of the necessary coordination needed on the ice.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:39 am zot

Oh, and Patty, how are you holding up with no IPB during the day?
on July 18, 2007 at 12:52 am Patty

Not so well, zot. I can’t let go of the comments I haven’t read. I’m going to try, though. I can’t comment on the convos that are going on while I’m here, because I’m 300 behind. It’s a work in progress. :D
on July 18, 2007 at 12:57 am zot

I know the feeling. I can’t be on IPB all day, but I still don’t want to miss out on all the fun. :P
on July 18, 2007 at 2:15 am Earl Sleek

Unrelated aside: we’re watching SpongeBob, and he just tortured a toaster. It was terrible to behold.

Oh, that explains the outraged Russian howl I heard in the distance tonight.

My dad grew up in Kansas so he knew how to make a snowman. He came home from work early and showed us how you roll a snowball around and it grows magically into a giant ball.

Your dad is the King of all Cosmos? (Thanks for the nice note about the cartoon, too.)

Oh, and other than some childhood skiing about all I can claim to have ever done is stand in snow a couple of times. And I’m fairly comfortable with that arrangement.

And I am very pro-Olympics, but maybe because I am also very anti-Team USA.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:05 am Patty

Your dad is the King of all Cosmos?

Is this a Katamari reference? I don’t think I get it.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:49 am Katebits

I’m with Earl, love LOVE the Olympics, hate U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S,A. Is there anything worse than that damn chant?
on July 18, 2007 at 8:28 am Amy

hate U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S,A. Is there anything worse than that damn chant?

Go Leafs Go, perhaps? Sorry Vinny.

About last night’s snow discussion, the only time I’ve ever been seriously pissed to have snow occurred last October, when Buffalo was hit with our surprise storm. The area was hit with a lot of tree damage, and people went without power for over a week (4 days at my house).
on July 18, 2007 at 8:44 am Katebits

I went five (5) days without electricity. As everyone on IPB knows, I am prone to pondering the state of Buffalo, and I actually think the October Storm really set the tone for the whole year. (For those only marginally aware, almost all of the trees in Buffalo sustained injury when two feet of clingy, wet snow fell before the leaves had fallen off the branches. The freak conditions created a situation where snow was clinging to the leaves and the trees couldn’t hold up under the weight. I am not exaggerating when I say nearly EVERY tree sustained damage. Thousands and thousands of trees were killed.) We spent October-May looking at an amputated tree graveyard. (Now that the leaves are back, even the most damaged tree look better.) The storm brought out the best in us as we all rallied together to clean up and take care of each other in the power outage (nearly all of the powerliines were knocked down by falling branches), but the historical aesthetic of the city took a major blow. It was a very very depressing time for the city. I still get a little weepy thinking about all of those broken trees. The city was just felt broken.

And in the middle of all of THIS, the Sabres were kicking ass and taking names.

I think a large part of our overreaction to losing the captains can be traced back to the Fall of ’06, when the city was literally in chaos, and the Sabres were our sexy, passionate heroes, restoring hope and pride to the battered masses.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:46 am Meg

I’m with Earl, love LOVE the Olympics, hate U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A. Is there anything worse than that damn chant?

I love the Olympics too, although Olympic hockey isn’t my favorite. While theoretically I’m fine with professionals playing, I do think that, particularly with the American and Canadian teams it feels as though it’s a bit of a sideshow. I don’t know how to explain it.

Anyway, I like the skiing and speed skating in the winter and like a bunch of the summer sports but love the swimming. Probably in part because swimming was my sport (comparatively–I wasn’t great at anything) and also because of the relatively good-humoured rivalry between the US and Australia. What I really love about it though is that you sometimes get these people from small desert-like African nations who learned how to swim as adults in 20-yard pools that they had to travel great distances to reach. And there they are in a 50 meter pool, wearing a bathing suit you could get at an average sporting goods store and swimming all alone because everyone else is long finished, even more slowly than I swim, but they’re in the Olympics and they’re damn well going to finish.
on July 18, 2007 at 9:04 am Sherry

Awww, I love the Olympics…only the winter ones. I suppose something about growing up in Canada and realizing we suck in all the sports except the winter ones. And I love the figure skating as well, I wanted to be a figure skater when I was young, heh. I only really like the singles routines though. The pairs routines are only interesting when they’re doing exhibition shows to me.

And I’m definitely pro Team Canada, something about cheering for the little [that's really big] country that could fills me with civic pride.
on July 18, 2007 at 9:08 am Heather B.

Kate, I kept telling my family out of state, “But the trees are all DEAD.” It was very traumatic. Even the pictures I took after the storm don’t do it justice.

I never saw more than a dusting of snow until I moved to Buffalo when I was 22. And even then I’d never seen the snow actually fall from the sky. It just kind of showed up over the course of the night in Alabama. It was very late at night when my first Buffalo snowfall started and I was outside pommerdoodling like crazy in my pajama pants, books, and coat screaming, “It’s sticking! It’s STICKING!” while stomping around through the collected snow. My husband was very amused to say the least.
on July 18, 2007 at 9:09 am Heather B.

Boots not books. Usually I’d ignore the misspelling that creates a totally different picture, you know?
on July 18, 2007 at 9:15 am Sherry

It was very late at night when my first Buffalo snowfall started and I was outside pommerdoodling like crazy in my pajama pants, books, and coat screaming, “It’s sticking! It’s STICKING!” while stomping around through the collected snow. My husband was very amused to say the least.

I love how Pommerdoodling is a verb now.

I honestly can’t remember my first memory of seeing snow. I moved to Canada from Taiwan, a country with sub-tropical temperatures when I was 4 but I can’t remember ever growing up without it. Although thanks to global warming, it’s rare that I see it in these parts for more than two weeks. Christmas just isn’t the same without snow and the Christmas lights together and the awful, awful drivers.

I mean snow is so multi-functional, you can play sports in it, have fights, build forts and snowmen and be buried in it!
on July 18, 2007 at 9:47 am Schnookie

Morning, all!

I also hate the U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! chant. I hate it when the Colbert Report makes fun of it, and I hate it even more when it’s being deployed at actual events. Stupid, stupid, stupid. But I love the Olympics! I enjoy the winter events more, but the summer ones do have, as Meg mentioned, the swimming. Can’t complain about swimming. (Although I miss Ian Thorpe already…) And the Summer Olympics are an interesting sporting event that takes up time during the off-season, so there’s another strong point in its favor.

The entire -ookie family was born in California, and we moved to Long Island when I was 4, so there was a time when I, too, had never seen snow. We have a cute picture somewhere of us 3 sisters, ages 2, 4 and 6, all bundled up in snowsuits and sledding for the first time.

I’d rail against global warming and a new lack of snow in New Jersey, but it was always pretty rare to get tons of snow during the winter. I’ve never seen a white Christmas; we normally get our snow in two big storms, one generally well before Christmas, and one in March when you’re really ready for Spring.
on July 18, 2007 at 10:04 am Pookie

Ugh, stupid U-S-A chant. As my nutty coworker would say, “Bloggggggggg.”

Schnookie and I took a trip to Boston the second March we were living in Phoenix. While we were there it started snowing and we were poomerdoodling about how great it felt to be back on the East Coast. Meanwhile everyone in Boston was like, “Just shoot us. We are so ready for Spring and it’s freain’ snowing.”
on July 18, 2007 at 10:33 am Schnookie

Hmmm.

Nobody here but us crickets.

Chirp. Chirp.
on July 18, 2007 at 10:37 am Earl Sleek

I went five (5) days without electricity.

Katebits, I do like how you made this point clearly for people who don’t know how to spell out number names. So lawyerish!
on July 18, 2007 at 10:37 am Schnookie

Of course, it’s true — the dazzling conversation about the weather isn’t much a lure to hang out here… COME BACK, HOCKEY! WE NEED YOU!!!!
on July 18, 2007 at 10:40 am Schnookie

I do like how you made this point clearly for people who don’t know how to spell out number names. So lawyerish!

It really drives home the point, doesn’t it? For a musician, she’s very good at the legalese…
on July 18, 2007 at 11:06 am Earl Sleek

Boy it is really dead in here, isn’t it? Is it worth pointing out that since my Tigers adoption, they have now become the best team in baseball? If only baseball could hold my attention in September and October, then maybe this could end on an epic scale.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:08 am Sherry

I’m here! Well, I kind of got shifted because my computer is officially kaput and my other office is locked and I don’t have a key [does it still count as 'my' office then?]

But luckily we have a millon computers in here [all ancient] and I am now on a Linux computer from about 9 years ago.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:09 am Schnookie

I would be so impressed, Earl, if a) you managed to make the Tigers win the World Series, and b) you managed to stay interested in them after hockey started again.

I think it’s just your lucky birthday. Everything you touch during this calendar year will turn to sports championship gold.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:09 am Pookie

It’s not worth it, Earl! It’s baseball!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:10 am Schnookie

Sherry, no, it does not count as “your” office if you don’t have the key! :P
on July 18, 2007 at 11:12 am Sherry

I think what I love about the Jays is that I know they’re not going to make the playoffs playing in the same division as Pure Evil and the Red Sox so there’s no point in me paying attention to them in September anyways.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:13 am Earl Sleek

That’s true, but I think it’s a passive enough sports obsession, in that I never actually watch baseball (the one Tigers game I saw some of they lost), I rarely ever look at the standings, and on most days I’m not even really aware whether Detroit won or lost.

That said, even the flightiest of baseball fancies will have to take a back seat as soon as anything hockeyish happens. The Tigers really need to start campaigning for a shortened season and an early playoffs, I’d think.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:14 am Schnookie

Pure Evil and the Red Sox

I just want to point out, not because I’m some raging fan or anything, that the Red Sox have been just as bad as the Yankees over the last five years. They won their World Series by spending tons of money and have had a payroll right up there with the Yankees all this time. They are just as evil, but with less to show for it over their history.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:14 am Meg

I’m here too now (and freezing cold–what is with my office today). The baseball talk is (kind of) taking my mind off my frostbitten fingers.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:16 am Sherry

I’m sorry Schnookie, I just figured if I wrote “Pure Evil” and “Not-As-Blatant Evil” nobody would have any idea who I was referring to.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:18 am Schnookie

The Tigers really need to start campaigning for a shortened season and an early playoffs, I’d think.

You know, looking at your Column Of Statbits up at the top of this thread, I am all over this as a viable option for some teams. Namely: the Devils. Let’s get the playoffs started before Marty runs himself into the ground chasing the single-season wins record…

There is no question, though, that the Tigers would really benefit by a quick start to the playoffs right about now. I mean, I even read in Bill Simmons’ chat transcript on ESPN last week that he’s picking PitchyCrunchy as a great sleeper fantasy pick. There is something amazing and powerful at play here, and the Tigers would be foolish to try their luck at a playoffs without the support of Sleek.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:21 am Schnookie

and freezing cold–what is with my office today

Your office and mine seem to be on the same wavelength, Meg. I’m bundled up in my sweater right now, while getting emails from a friend who’s at home in her non-air conditioned house about how awful it is outside today. Meanwhile my teeth are chattering and my fingers are turning blue.

I just figured if I wrote “Pure Evil” and “Not-As-Blatant Evil” nobody would have any idea who I was referring to.

Sherry, I appreciate that. Just as long as we’re calling a spade a spade as far as the Red Sox are concerned! :P
on July 18, 2007 at 11:29 am andrew

Morning gang,

Funny that everyone’s talking about weather, it’s raining here! in July! I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw rain in July. It’s kinda freaky actually.

Hey, did anyone see? Heather B got a mad shoutout from bfloblog. Kevin said she’s probably writing the best Sabres blog around right now. I thought that was pretty cook.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:30 am Schnookie

Oh wow! That’s AWESOME for Heather! I have to go check this out now…

(And I’m a little freaked out. It seems IPB has the power [or at least Earl does] to make the Tigers good, and now we can make it rain in July in California. What next?)
on July 18, 2007 at 11:32 am Meg

Hey, did anyone see? Heather B got a mad shoutout from bfloblog. Kevin said she’s probably writing the best Sabres blog around right now.

Wow, that hadn’t shown up on my blog reader yet. Way to go Heather!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:34 am Amy

Congrats, Heather!

Add me to the list of people living in freezing offices. I swear that our AC runs at night, because by 3pm its pretty warm in here.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:36 am Oil-of-Affairs

Ok…so you all don’t know cold until you spend a winter in the Yukon Territory. Freeze your nose boogers to solid ice kinda cold. It some times warms up to 40 below. Living in Seattle is a different ball game. It snows one inch and madness occurs. Seriously, people will start abandoning their cars on the side of I-5 and/or putting chains on. I hate it when it snows here, mostly because of the other people. However, I have lived in Hawaii as well and I was ok with the sunny weather all the time, but I attribute that to the trade winds that kept it the perfect temp. However, it was very difficult to have the perfect lazy day there, it was never cold and gloomy where you could justify sweats a blanket and a good book and not move from your spot on the couch all day (I am not saying I didn’t do this, but it was had to justify it).
on July 18, 2007 at 11:36 am Gambler

During the October storm, my parents were stuck at the airport for about a bajillion hours because they were just unlucky enough to be trying to fly out to Minnesota and visit me when it hit. They were on the plane for six hours, waiting and waiting and waiting for takeoff, and my mom says it was a good thing she had packed some Halloween candy to bring me, otherwise she didn’t know what she and my dad would have eaten. And then when it was obvious they weren’t going anywhere, it took my sister another four hours to drive to the airport and pick them up. Luckily, we live in the south towns, so we only lost power for a few hours, but yeah, I was glad to be in snowless Saint Paul.

And the broken trees are really so sad!

Hey, did anyone see? Heather B got a mad shoutout from bfloblog. Kevin said she’s probably writing the best Sabres blog around right now.

Heather, that’s awesome! I’m so proud to be a regular reader of the best Sabres blog there is!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:37 am Sherry

Congrats Heather! I’m inclined to agree with their assessment!

With all the division the Red Sox and the Yankees cause, I think everybody should just cheer for the Jays. They’re Canadian and non-offense!

Except I’m beginning to think all of our personnel issues [see Lily, Ted and Hillenbrand, Shea] are just a way to get the club more publicity cause otherwise nobody would even know who exist.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:38 am Pookie

Congratulations, Heather! You’re a superstar!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:40 am Schnookie

My officle’s heating and cooling is tied into my boss’s office next door. So when his office gets cold, the heat comes on in both of our spaces. My old boss had a contraband space heater in there, and when it got really chilly in the winter he’d close his door and turn on the space heater that he wasn’t allowed to have. And my officle would just get colder and colder and colder because his was all toasty warm. I used to have to work in my overcoat and gloves.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:44 am Meg

Schnookie, that sucks so bad. I had to take a class in overcoat and gloves in college and I maintain that it is impossible to work or concentrate in such conditions.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:45 am Schnookie

I think everybody should just cheer for the Jays.

I can’t cheer for the Blue Jays because of the way they’re being branded away from the color blue. What with the way whichever company it is that owns them (I can’t remember who they are…) is branded with red, and their corporate rival is iconically blue, so they insist on calling them just the “Jays”, and they’ve added more and more red to their unis and logos… That’s just so chintzy.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:48 am Schnookie

I had to take a class in overcoat and gloves in college and I maintain that it is impossible to work or concentrate in such conditions.

It’s so true! I had several classes in college like that. And they were generally followed by classes in rooms that were like saunas. So I couldn’t even just bundle up hugely for the cold class, because I had to take into account that I wouldn’t want to be lugging around 15 layers of sweaters and shirts and stuff when I headed off to my sweltering class next. Why is climate control so difficult, people?? I just don’t get it!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:49 am Sherry

Haha, it’s the Rogers company. They’re basically a telecommunications company who also own the stadium and a couple of TV channels [most nostably Sportsnet]

I do know they dropped the “Blue” from their name which I find stupid but everybody still calls them the Blue Jays. Because just ‘The Jays’ sounds kind of dumb and most people I know still call the Rogers Centre ‘Skydome’.

I actually haven’t seen the red they’ve added to their new unis and logos. If anything I think they re-designed the logo so it was more sleek and had more silver/black in it. The old logo from the early ’90s had the red maple leaf in it which they got rid of.
on July 18, 2007 at 11:50 am Schnookie

I think they re-designed the logo so it was more sleek and had more silver/black in it.

And less blue. I just have a hard time watching a team like that when I’m so busy rolling my eyes all the time! :P
on July 18, 2007 at 11:52 am Sherry

It’s just a colour, Schnookie!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:54 am Earl Sleek

It’s just a colour, Schnookie!

Aah, the patented Bryzgalov defense. Nicely played.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:03 pm Schnookie

It’s just a colour, Schnookie!

Don’t let them fool you! It’s insidious corporate branding trying to infiltrate your subconscious through your team’s logo and its very name. Is nothing sacred?

(I’ll be honest, I only know anything about this because of Uni Watch. My real reason why I don’t watch the BLUE Jays is because they’re in the AL. Actually, that’s my biggest issue right now with baseball — I like the Yankees best [this is not saying much, mind you], but I hate the DH, so I can’t watch them. I need to find an NL team, and maybe then my summers won’t be so slow. Of course that would require the NL to play at something approximating major-league caliber, and that doesn’t seem likely to happen any time soon.)
on July 18, 2007 at 12:25 pm Earl Sleek

Well, in further Sleek drinky lore, I’ve been chatting with Finny from Girl With a Puck, who went and met with Eric McErlain the night after I did.

I guess the reputation lives on, though. According to her, the first thing that Eric told her was “Man, that Sleek can sure drink, can’t he?” And she gave a good “Err, yeah, he sure can.”

Legitimization, here I come!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:25 pm Schnookie

Earl, I think that’s something to be really proud of!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:28 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Earl we are all so proud of you.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:29 pm MrFrisby

Be careful, Earl. When I hit your age, my beer gut started exponentially expanding.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:30 pm andrew

Don’t let MrFrisby scare you Earl. I have cultivated my beer gut into a beautiful thing. Y’know, for the ladies.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:33 pm Sherry

Ugh, guys! I’ve been busy lecturing Sleek about becoming an alcoholic and why he should cut back. Stop encouraging it!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:33 pm Earl Sleek

Yeah, this is exciting. I’m kind of hoping that whenever they do write up a blogger code of conduct, there are sections that are specifically directed at me.

As for the beer gut, it’s not a big concern yet. Fortunately or not, I’ve kind of developed a distaste for beer as a regular drinking option (unless I’m at a game or something). 4 times out of 5 (including McErlain night), liquor is the preferred beverage of choice, usually centered around a guy named Jack.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:35 pm Schnookie

I’ve been busy lecturing Sleek about becoming an alcoholic and why he should cut back.

Sherry, I have no idea where your mother’s getting her ideas about you. I mean, you’re clearly perfect wife material! You already nag so well! :P
on July 18, 2007 at 12:38 pm andrew

Sherry, I don’t encourage anyone else to become an alcoholic, but it works for me!

Earl, beer is good. I don’t drink much Jack, unless there’s not much else around. I’ll drink the shit out of some Jameson’s though. Now that is good whiskey!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:39 pm Sherry

You already nag so well! :P

I learn from the best. MamaScarlett is the master of nagging. Just when you think there’s nothing she could possibly nag to you about, she magically finds something and she has the amazing ability to make it seem like a legitimate gripe.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:39 pm Earl Sleek

Plus, lecturing Sleek might mean that you have a future with the California DMV.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:39 pm Schnookie

beer is good.

Amen, brother.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:41 pm Sherry

Plus, lecturing Sleek might mean that you have a future with the California DMV.

Oh joy. How did you know that was my life dream? I mean, Patty and Selma just make it seem so glamorous.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:42 pm andrew

Some days, we don’t let the line move at all.

We call those ‘weekdays’.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:44 pm Sherry

Some days, we don’t let the line move at all.

We call those ‘weekdays’

On the other hand, if I did work at the DMV I could just pass myself so I won’t have to do the stupid stupid driving exam again.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:45 pm andrew

“…if I did work at the DMV…”

No one deserves that fate, Sherry. No one.
on July 18, 2007 at 12:49 pm Sherry

Aww, well thanks…I think?

anyhoos Top 30 time, see you guys later!
on July 18, 2007 at 12:50 pm Schnookie

Have fun, Sherry!

(And I’m doing my Patty and Selma laugh right now, but none of you can hear me. Sorry.)
on July 18, 2007 at 12:57 pm Heather B.

Hey, did anyone see? Heather B got a mad shoutout from bfloblog. Kevin said she’s probably writing the best Sabres blog around right now.

!!! Ummm… I’ll be right back.

(I’m the certain of attention for a few minutes and of course I miss it. I hate jobs!)
on July 18, 2007 at 1:12 pm Heather B.

I’m back but it appears I’ve chased everyone away? I guess I’ll go back to bed? (I was kidding about jobs. I totally bailed today! Ha!)
on July 18, 2007 at 1:15 pm Schnookie

I’m here, Heather, but humbled to be in your presence! Hee hee! Seriously, though, congrats!

And way to go on the bailing on work.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:18 pm Heather B.

I’m here, Heather, but humbled to be in your presence! Hee hee!

I certainly hope you’re pommerdooding about my sudden appearance :-)

And I spent much of the night in the ER with my ashtma attacking husband (the astham attacking him, not the other way around) so it wasn’t the most pleasant of reasons to skip work today. But hey, it works!
on July 18, 2007 at 1:20 pm Schnookie

Oh dear! That’s awful! Is your husband okay? (I would have been very impressed if he’d attacked the athsma…)

And I am pommerdoodling even more than usual. I’m in a kind of constant state of pommerdoodle these days, since our kitchen is very nearly done. But having you around now is like the icing on the cake!
on July 18, 2007 at 1:25 pm Heather B.

Oh, yeah, he’s fine and now sleeping like a baby. I was a little freaked because he’s never really had an attack since we’ve been together – he has a preventitive inhaler that usually does the trick – and perhaps overreactive but I was a little surprised to come home last night and find a barely breathing husband. His allergies have been wicked this year so I don’t think that’s helped.

Very exciting news on the kitchen! I can’t wait to own a house so I can rip things up too! (Seriously!) For now I’m stuck with off-white walls and a kitchen with exactly one drawer.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:25 pm Meg

And I spent much of the night in the ER with my ashtma attacking husband (the astham attacking him, not the other way around) so it wasn’t the most pleasant of reasons to skip work today. But hey, it works!

Yikes, I hope he’s feeling ok now. You’ll have to find out if it makes him feel better that his wife is a sabres blogging celebrity.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:27 pm Schnookie

I was a little surprised to come home last night and find a barely breathing husband.

I can see how that might be a bit distressing.

And I love ripping things up at stately IPB Manor. Of course, then I realize I have to actually pay for the improvements, and then I get a little less enthusiastic. Because I am by no stretch of the imagination anything close to being a DIYer.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:28 pm Heather B.

Meg, would you believe he doesn’t even know I have a blog? He doesn’t really read any sports blogs and I’ve never pointed it out. Don’t ask me why. I guess I’ll have to now though. It is one of the best Sabres blogs on the internet after all ;-)
on July 18, 2007 at 1:33 pm Schnookie

It is one of the best Sabres blogs on the internet after all

“One of”?? I believe it is “the best” on the internet.

Are you serious that he doesn’t know about your blog? IPB is the only thing I ever talk about anymore. Literally every single person who speaks to me — about anything — hears about IPB. Telemarketers. My kitchen contractor. People who work in my building but aren’t really in my department. EVERYONE. How do you not talk incessantly about your blog? (Am I the blogger equivalent of those people who email too many pictures of their babies?)
on July 18, 2007 at 1:37 pm Pookie

Heather, I’m so glad to hear your husband’s doing ok now. But I have to agree with Schnookie, how can you not talk about your blog all the time?! I practically wear a button that says, “Ask me about my blog! It rocks!” And then when they ask, I hand them a card that says, “This card certifies I have spoken to the one and only Pookie of IPB.” I can’t figure out why no one talks to me anymore…
on July 18, 2007 at 1:40 pm Meg

Are you serious that he doesn’t know about your blog? IPB is the only thing I ever talk about anymore. Literally every single person who speaks to me — about anything — hears about IPB.

I’m amazed too, because my roommate has to hear about the blogs I read. I don’t even have a hockey blog and yet she has to listen to me talk about hockey blogs. She refers to you guys as, “The Pookie & Schnookie Blog,” because she finds that easier to remember than “IPB.”
on July 18, 2007 at 1:42 pm Heather B.

I dunno. I felt a little silly when I started it because I still feel like I really don’t know what I’m talking about and that I’m just talking out of my ass. Which is probably really what a blog is for but still… And now it seems weird to say, “Hey, I’ve been writing this blog for three months” although I think he and his brothers would get a kick out of it. Maybe one of you should send him an anonymous email about his wife having THE best Sabres blog on the internet? ;-)
on July 18, 2007 at 1:43 pm Pookie

As long as it’s the “Pookie & Schnookie Blog” and not the “Schnookie & Pookie Blog” that’s fine with me.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:43 pm Heather B.

I’m amazed too, because my roommate has to hear about the blogs I read.

I talk about other blogs. I’m always talking about things I read on Bfloblog or Sabre Rattling. But he doesn’t read them for some reason. I don’t really know why now that you mention it. He sticks to message boards and being irate with the Buffalo News writers.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:44 pm Schnookie

Because IPB is the center of or universe and we don’t ever stop talking about it, Boomer knows all of you guys now, even though she doesn’t read the site ever. She actually even refers to Kate The Great as “Our Kate” now that Katebits has supplanted our own sister as the more-talked-about Kate at stately IPB Manor.

And I’m thrilled to hear IPB is referred to as “The Pookie & Schnookie Blog”. We occasionally get variations on that as a search term and it delights me every time.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:45 pm Meg

As long as it’s the “Pookie & Schnookie Blog” and not the “Schnookie & Pookie Blog” that’s fine with me.

Yup, because that’s the order you guys are in on your header.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:46 pm Heather B.

Yeah, the Kate the Great/Katebits thing mixed me up for a while until I finally remembered that there was another IBP sister.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:48 pm Schnookie

I still feel like I really don’t know what I’m talking about and that I’m just talking out of my ass.

Do I ever know that feeling! Why do you think we just run game diaries? I mean, we haven’t written a single post about the signings the Devils have had this summer — nothing about Zubrus (despite the fact that we have strong opinions about that) and nothing about Sutter (um, probably because we know nothing about him). What a kick-ass, high-quality Devils blog we are!

But the way I see it, a blog is just an opportunity to listen to yourself talk. If there are people who want to join in and make it into an actual conversation, all the better. And if there are people who really know their shit who think you rock, well that’s even MORE the better!
on July 18, 2007 at 1:49 pm Schnookie

Yup, because that’s the order you guys are in on your header.

See, this is what happens when I let the younger, lesser sister put the blog together in the first place. I get second billing. Well, I just want it stated for the record that I do all the game diary writing! I’m the driving force here!! I want more recognition, dammit!!! Pookie, that’s it. I quit.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:54 pm Pookie

Holy cow. I just read an article written by Larry Brooks of the NY Post. He’s not quite at Bucky level (he can actually write) but he’s never really been right about anything. Anyway, he wrote this and I’m just dying imagining how this would have gone down:

With Lamoriello attending to administrative duties and therefore absent from his usual perch at the rink, one of the veterans intentionally shot a puck at Julien during a drill to test how the coach would respond. The story goes that when Julien refused to confront the athlete or even acknowledge the overt act of disrespect, the players concluded that the head coach would have to go, and essentially fired him.

I’m really hoping it was Madden and Pando spent the whole time going, “I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Maddog…” while Gomez laughed that stupid laugh of his and mused about how, since it was his idea, he had truly taken coach killing to a new height. Meanwhile, Patty was off attending to the administrative duties of making sure there were enough foecal oysters on the training table. I can only assume Zach promptly tattled to Lou.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:55 pm Pookie

Pookie, that’s it. I quit.

You can’t quit! I fire you!

Wait, I mean, you can’t quit, who would write the game diaries? My bon mots would land on deaf ears and would never make it to the blogosphere. How sad. Let me make it up to you.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:56 pm Pookie

There, I made it up to you. Feel better now?
on July 18, 2007 at 1:57 pm Meg

That story seems absurd, Pookie…I hope it’s not true, because that seems like a bizarre way to handle personnel issues.

Also, I’m now amusing myself by thinking of what would happen if a player intentionally shot a puck at Ruff.
on July 18, 2007 at 1:58 pm Heather B.

And if there are people who really know their shit who think you rock, well that’s even MORE the better!

Yeah, this is why I was genuinely tickled that Kevin gave me such high props. HE knows what he’s talking about! So maybe I do too! Sometimes! And he linked to a post that had actual Sabres content (what I think the lines/pairings should be next season) and while writing that post I clearly remember thinking, “Does this sound stupid? Probably!”

Uh-oh. IBP fight!
on July 18, 2007 at 1:58 pm Schnookie

Holy.

Flirking.

Schnitt.

I like that he specifies it was a veteran, otherwise we’d all be able to shrug the story off as it just being Oduya, typically incapable of controlling where the puck is going after it leaves his stick. (That same principle actually rules out all the defensemen, as none of them have good enough stick-skills to be able to aim that well. It wasn’t Gionta, because he would have shot wide. Langer was probably too busy just flat-out smirking at Julien for it to cross his mind to shoot a puck at him. Oh! I bet it was Dowd! He wanted to prove to Lou how much a True Devil he is by taking the team concept of coach-killing as seriously as he could.)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:00 pm Heather B.

Also, I’m now amusing myself by thinking of what would happen if a player intentionally shot a puck at Ruff.

Ruff would kick his ass and then tell him to pack his bags. Or he’d just make him go through an EXTRA extra practice for the next few game days. He wouldn’t laugh it off, that’s for sure.

Awww, Pookie changed the header.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:01 pm Schnookie

There, I made it up to you. Feel better now?

Thanks. But it looks strange that way. Isn’t it weird that when we’re being called by our -ookie names you come first, but when we’re being called by our human names I come first? That makes no sense to me.

I love the thought of someone shooting a puck at Ruff. The fallout would be amazing to behold. (And I completely 100% believe the Devils would have done that. I mean, they drove Larry Robinson insane. I honestly think Lou is doing coaches a favor when he fires them. They have to be the most functional uncoachable group of professional athletes in the history of all sport.)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:03 pm Meg

Ruff would kick his ass and then tell him to pack his bags. Or he’d just make him go through an EXTRA extra practice for the next few game days. He wouldn’t laugh it off, that’s for sure.

Yeah, that’s pretty much what I was thinking.

And Heather, your lines weren’t stupid at all. They’re similar (though not exactly the same as) what I’m thinking I might like to see.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:05 pm Schnookie

Who are we kidding? We all know it was Marty who fired that puck at Julien.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:05 pm MrFrisby

If it said Julein was hit in the shins, I would think it was Rafalski.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:06 pm Meg

Who are we kidding? We all know it was Marty who fired that puck at Julien.

Well, he probably does have the best aim on the team. :)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:10 pm Schnookie

If it said Julein was hit in the shins, I would think it was Rafalski.

Hee hee! You’re right! And I think we just found the reason why Lou didn’t sign Souray — he was afraid having a guy who’s capable of shooting the puck hard and at head-height would lead to some legal liability issues for the team once the players started in on next year’s round of Lou-mandated “shoot the puck at the head coach” drills. Since everyone else on the roster has a shot that tops out at 35-40 mph, it’s a pretty harmless drill.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:10 pm Heather B.

Hmm… I’d never given it much though but “Pookie and Schnookie” does look and sound better than the reverse.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:10 pm Pookie

Mr Frisby, you’re so right about Rafalski! Oh, Steph, heh heh, didn’t see you there. No really, you’ll love Raffie!

I bet it was Patty and when he missed Julien he stood there and rolled his eyes to the heavens.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:12 pm Schnookie

Well, he probably does have the best aim on the team. :)

I think during the one year the Devils had a SuperSkills that the fans were allowed to watch, it was conclusively proven that Marty has the hardest shot on the team. I’d bet he’s the most accurate, too.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:17 pm Schnookie

I bet it was Patty and when he missed Julien he stood there and rolled his eyes to the heavens.

I bet the initial shot at Julien missed and the entire forward corps collapsed in around him, chipping away at the puck and no one managing to connect. I mean, the obvious fabrication in Larry Brooks’ story is that someone hit him on purpose. These are the Devils, Larry. Come on.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:18 pm MrFrisby

I bet it was Patty and when he missed Julien he stood there and rolled his eyes to the heavens.

In St. Patty’s defense, he thought Gomez was going to shoot it and was taken by surprise when the puck got passed back to him.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:18 pm Heather B.

You guys should just give Marty free reign to jump to forward if and when he wants. He handles the puck well too, right? Hey, why not? I was beginning to feel like Crunchy needed to just score his own goals in the playoffs.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:21 pm Schnookie

In St. Patty’s defense, he thought Gomez was going to shoot it and was taken by surprise when the puck got passed back to him.

:^::::::::::::::::::::

There’s a “Comment That Made Schnookie Laugh Out Loud The Hardest” Award for MrFrisby!
on July 18, 2007 at 2:21 pm Meg

I was beginning to feel like Crunchy needed to just score his own goals in the playoffs.

No kidding. Which makes it somewhat unfortunate that he’s more of an everyone-cringe-when-he-tries-to-stickhandle goalie.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:22 pm Sandra

Like Emery (with help from Phillips) did Heather?
on July 18, 2007 at 2:23 pm Heather B.

I bet the initial shot at Julien missed and the entire forward corps collapsed in around him, chipping away at the puck and no one managing to connect.

Hee! Funny!
on July 18, 2007 at 2:24 pm Heather B.

Meg, you can tell when Crunchy is wandering out of the crease, with or without the puck, by the screaming coming from my house.

Sandra, yes, but ideally at the other end of the ice :-)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:24 pm Schnookie

You guys should just give Marty free reign to jump to forward if and when he wants. He handles the puck well too, right? Hey, why not?

He’s also one of the Devils’ best skaters, too. I’d say you’re on to something there, Heather, but after a quick refresher about who’s on our blue line, I think we’ll just have to keep Marty on a short leash…

(And poor, poor Crunchy. I kept expecting him to go all Chechmanek on the rest of the Sabres during the playoffs. Just skating out of his crease during play to scream unintelligably at his own bench.)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:26 pm Sandra

okay… can someone answer this please….(thinking about how Crunchy has become the successive leader in the dressing room)… why can’t goalies be captains?
on July 18, 2007 at 2:28 pm Meg

why can’t goalies be captains?

Because they have to (or is it used to have to?) stay in a certain area of the ice, so they can’t go and talk to the ref wherever he is the way a captain needs to.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:28 pm Heather B.

Sandra, I think it has something to do with how time-consuming it is for the goalie to be constantly skating up and down the ice to chat with the refs. Something like that?
on July 18, 2007 at 2:28 pm Sandra

is that like ‘why is the sky blue’ or ‘mommy, what’s that dog doing to her leg?’…. just because, that’s the way it is?
on July 18, 2007 at 2:30 pm Heather B.

I will say though that I don’t think there’s any doubt that Crunchy will absolutely be a leader on the team next year if not THE leader. He just can’t handle any of the interactions with the refs, that’s all. He’ll definitely been in his teammates ears.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:32 pm Sandra

aha… here it is, what was life without Google?
Goaltenders may not be designated as captains or alternate captains because of the logistical challenges of having the goaltender relay rules discussions between referees and coaches and then return to the crease. The last goaltender who served as team captain was Bill Durnan of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1947-1948 season.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:33 pm Heather B.

Oh, good! So I wasn’t totally making that up! Guys, I think I’m actually learning stuff!
on July 18, 2007 at 2:34 pm Gambler

Meg, you can tell when Crunchy is wandering out of the crease, with or without the puck, by the screaming coming from my house.

Heh, mine, too. Curiously enough, my sister and I have a tradition of yelling “You’re killing me, Smalls!” whenever he goes behind the net to handle the puck. I don’t know how or why the Sandlot reference got in there, but it did, and we just roll with it.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:37 pm Sandra

It would be nice to see ‘C’ on Crunchy though… even if it simply represents his IPB moniker
on July 18, 2007 at 2:50 pm Schnookie

Okay, the more I think about the whole “shooting the puck at Julien” thing, the more I’ve decided it wasn’t Gomez who did it. As MrFrisby pointed out, he’d totally opt to pass instead, and he clearly lacks the leadership skills to do anything more than ride on someone else’s coach-killing coattails. (One more reason I don’t see things working out in NY. I mean, who there is a bona fide coach killer? Besides Slats?)
on July 18, 2007 at 2:55 pm Amy

Also, I’m now amusing myself by thinking of what would happen if a player intentionally shot a puck at Ruff.

You’d probably be able to hear the f-bomb laden conversation anywhere in the 8 county Western New York area. Not to mention what would happen when a leader like Crunchy got a hold of the offender. There would probably be a death stare and then a comment about how antics like that do not show a player striving to be the best professional hockey player they can be.

All this talk of goalies leaving the crease to score goals just has me thinking of the Mighty Ducks movie (don’t ask me which one it was) where they did a trick play, swapping out the goalie for one of their forwards.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:56 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Amy sadly enough I think that was the Mighty Ducks 2. If my memory serves me correctly.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:56 pm Heather B.

Sandra, some of us have developed the theory that Crunchy will have a C stitched on his undershirt to represent his Secret Captaincy.

Gambler, I find that “You’re killing me, Smalls!” as a very versatile phrase. I use it with my students all the time.
on July 18, 2007 at 2:57 pm Schnookie

There would probably be a death stare and then a comment about how antics like that do not show a player striving to be the best professional hockey player they can be.

I was about to suggest that it would be fascinating to see who would win if it was Crunchy shooting the puck, but then I remembered the Silver Fox commenting that Crunchy’s weapons of choice are more of the knife or rope oeuvre.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:01 pm Heather B.

You’d probably be able to hear the f-bomb laden conversation anywhere in the 8 county Western New York area.

We were sad that Lindy wasn’t involved in any of the press conferences with Regier and Quinn because I don’t think he would’ve taken Bucky’s shit. That vein in his forehead would’ve started pulsing and it would’ve all been over for the Buckster.

Lindy vs. Crunchy would be a tough call, but if it gets physical, my money is on Lindy. Crunchy is more talented with facial expressions and stinging, backhanded comments. I’m sure he fights dirty but he is a little string bean of a guy. Lindy is a man of action. And swearing.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:04 pm Oil-of-Affairs

I know, I can’t picture for the life of me Crunchy swearing.

Big words and condecending tones yes…….
on July 18, 2007 at 3:08 pm Sherry

Mighty Ducks movie (don’t ask me which one it was) where they did a trick play, swapping out the goalie for one of their forwards.

It was the 2nd one I think, haha. They made Goldberg play as a forward or something and everybody was like “Whoa!”

I know these movies way too well than what is deemed healthy.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:09 pm Sandra

Crunchy’s response to Ruff Swearing is not about use of bad words, it’s about deploying them in utterances having conventional understandings as oaths, imprecations, or tabooed expostulations
on July 18, 2007 at 3:14 pm Earl Sleek

Well, sorry I’ve been silent for a while, but I’ve been pulling stats in preparation for my Selanne post (next couple of days, I imagine–still gotta make a picture). Anyway, I’m trying to make the point that since the lockout, there have been very few goal scorers on par with Teemu.

At any rate, here’s the top 30 goal scorers in 2 seasons since the lockout (ranked by total goals, regular season and playoffs).

NAME, age, games played, total goals

1. D. HEATLEY, 26, 194 gp, 110 goals
2. J. CHEECHOO, 27, 180 gp, 100 goals
3. T. SELANNE, 37, 199 gp, 99 goals
4. A. OVECHKIN, 21, 163 gp, 98 goals
5. I. KOVALCHUK, 24, 164 gp, 95 goals
6. V. LECAVALIER, 27, 173 gp, 93 goals
7. S. GAGNE, 27, 154 gp, 91 goals
8. J. JAGR, 35, 177 gp, 89 goals
9. D. ALFREDSSON, 34, 184 gp, 88 goals
10. B. GIONTA, 28, 164 gp, 84 goals
11. H. ZETTERBERG, 26, 164 gp, 84 goals
12. E. STAAL, 22, 189 gp, 84 goals
13. C. DRURY, 30, 192 gp, 84 goals
14. M. HOSSA, 28, 166 gp, 82 goals
15. J. IGINLA, 30, 165 gp, 81 goals
16. M. ST. LOUIS, 32, 173 gp, 81 goals
17. R. SMYTH, 31, 175 gp, 80 goals
18. S. CROSBY, 19, 165 gp, 78 goals
19. P. MARLEAU, 27, 181 gp, 78 goals
20. O. JOKINEN, 28, 164 gp, 77 goals
21. T. VANEK, 23, 189 gp, 76 goals
22. B. SHANAHAN, 38, 165 gp, 75 goals
23. A. MCDONALD, 29, 201 gp, 73 goals
24. J. SAKIC, 38, 173 gp, 72 goals
25. M. GABORIK, 25, 118 gp, 71 goals
26. J. WILLIAMS, 25, 189 gp, 71 goals
27. J. BLAKE, 33, 163 gp, 69 goals
28. R. BRIND’AMOUR, 36, 181 gp, 69 goals
29. D. BRIERE, 29, 163 gp, 68 goals
30. B. ROLSTON, 34, 165 gp, 66 goals

If you’re into this sort of stuff, enjoy! If not, ignore it.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:15 pm Schnookie

I’m sure he fights dirty but he is a little string bean of a guy. Lindy is a man of action. And swearing.

Eh, I have no doubt Crunchy can swear with the best of them. And that would be interesting because it would be an unstoppable force/immovable object situation, long-tenured head coach v. franchise goalie.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:17 pm Schnookie

Earl, I am absolutely STAGGERED to see Gionta on that list. I mean, yeah, he had 48 the year before last, but… still. Gionta? Her?
on July 18, 2007 at 3:19 pm Sherry

Go Heater! And Alfie!

I can imagine this will make Heatley more expensive to keep. Come on, Uncle Eugene, I know you can open up that wallet. Who else is Spezza going to be BFF with?
on July 18, 2007 at 3:19 pm Meg

And that would be interesting because it would be an unstoppable force/immovable object situation, long-tenured head coach v. franchise goalie.

Heh…well in the unlikely event that Ruff and Crunchy had a real-life, we can’t work together anymore blowout…Ruff wins unless Regier’s no longer the GM. So we’re fortunate that I really can’t imagine it happening.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:21 pm Meg

Earl, that’s good stuff. When you do your stats do you also break things down into goals/60 min played and separate powerplay from even strength like the super-statbitty bloggers?
on July 18, 2007 at 3:24 pm Heather B.

Ruff wins unless Regier’s no longer the GM. So we’re fortunate that I really can’t imagine it happening.

Yeah, if anything I can see Lindy and Crunchy vs. Someone Else. In which case it’s all over for Someone Else.

Earl, I find that list fascinating. I’m going to ignore Drury (who had a career year in there) and celebrate Thomas Vanek’s presence. And I totally thought of you while watching a Seinfeld rerun last night.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:26 pm Sandra

Personally, I’d like to see Ruff v. Quinn/Regier at a news conference – Pierre McGuire would have a field-day doing the colour on that one.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:29 pm MrFrisby

Earl, I am absolutely STAGGERED to see Gionta on that list.

I’m staggered to see any Devil on that list.

As far as who fired the puck at Julien, I think I figured it out. It was White, Colin freakin White. There was no master plan to get Julien fired, it was just another one of White’s episodes.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:30 pm andrew

CHEEEEECHOOOOO!!

Sharks we smart to lock him up for so long and for so cheap!!
on July 18, 2007 at 3:31 pm Earl Sleek

When you do your stats do you also break things down into goals/60 min played and separate powerplay from even strength like the super-statbitty bloggers?

Well, I have all that data for the Ducks this year, but didn’t pull it for the league as a whole. Still, this being 30 players (2 of which are Ducks), it shouldn’t be that tough to pull.

Mainly, my points in that list were (a) not many players make the list who are 35 or older, and (b) Teemu’s the only guy on this list even contemplating retirement.

Glad you liked it.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:32 pm Schnookie

There was no master plan to get Julien fired, it was just another one of White’s episodes.

Frisby, you’re on fire today!

I love the thought (okay, “love” is a strong word) of Whitey having “episodes”. Like, his eyes start rolling around in his head, his breathing becomes labored, and then it all goes black for him. Then he wakes up the next morning with Lou behind the bench and no idea how he got there.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:34 pm Schnookie

Teemu’s the only guy on this list even contemplating retirement.

And that’s the part that hurts the most, considering Jagr and Shanahan both being on there.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:35 pm Sandra

Like, his eyes start rolling around in his head, his breathing becomes labored, and then it all goes black for him. Then he wakes up the next morning with Lou behind the bench and no idea how he got there.

reads like an entry in Sutter’s diary?
on July 18, 2007 at 3:35 pm Meg

Mainly, my points in that list were (a) not many players make the list who are 35 or older, and (b) Teemu’s the only guy on this list even contemplating retirement.

Yeah, he certainly wouldn’t be accused of waiting too long to retire. And there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be an effective player next season as well. I figure good for him either way.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:36 pm Pookie

How did Brian Rolston get on that list?!
on July 18, 2007 at 3:37 pm Schnookie

How did Brian Rolston get on that list?!

It just shows how not very good the rest of the NHL is. (Or how not very hard it is to get on Earl’s list! :P)
on July 18, 2007 at 3:43 pm Earl Sleek

How did Brian Rolston get on that list?!

By scoring one more goal over a two-season span than Spezza or Holmstrom. :P

Maybe one of the bigger surprises also is that if you sorted this by goals-per-game, the guy who jumps to the top of the list is Marian Gaborik. Only 11 players were able to manage half-a-goal-per-game from this list, in order:

Gaborik, Ovechkin, Gagne, Kovalchuk, Heatley, Cheechoo, Lecavalier, Gionta, Zetterberg, Jagr, and Selanne.

Of these 11, only Jagr and Selanne are above the age of 28.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:49 pm Sandra

Hey Earl… I have a photo that my co-worker recently gave me. It’s Selanne on the golf course two days after Ducks won the cup. You want it? In the photo is my co-worker’s brother (who works for New Era) and Selanne.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:51 pm Earl Sleek

Um, if it’s electronic, you can sent it to me at earlsleek (at) gmail (dot) com, it might be a nice start to a good retirement graphic.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:52 pm Sherry

This is completely unrelated to anything we’ve been talking about but I think guys and girls alike should participate in this tonight:

http://hlog.blogspot.com/2007/07/when-working-day-is-done-girls-they.html

Now I just have to find out where the heck I’m supposed to get this movie from.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:52 pm Sandra

HA! comin’ attchya
on July 18, 2007 at 3:52 pm Schnookie

I still find it extremely suspect that Gionta is on the big list and on the goals-per-game list. None of the other guys suprise me, nor does the order they land on it, but Gio? I think there’s something wrong with those numbers.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:53 pm Sandra

Sherry… I read that… goes at 9 right? what was the movie? Cutting Edge or something like that?
on July 18, 2007 at 3:54 pm Schnookie

I want to know which person decided WEDNESDAY NIGHT was a good time for an international, online group screening of The Cutting Edge. Hm? I guess the -ookies just aren’t considered important participants.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:54 pm Earl Sleek

Yeah, Gionta looks a bit hot and cold, but don’t forget he did miss 20 regular season games this past year (helps his goals-per-game), and did score 8 goals in 11 playoff games.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:55 pm Sherry

Schnookie! I swear it wasn’t me, it was Jordi’s idea. Take it up with her!

Sandra – It is indeed The Cutting Edge [shamed hockey player meets hot figure skater] and it’s 9pm EST
on July 18, 2007 at 3:56 pm Schnookie

[shamed hockey player meets hot figure skater]

He is not shamed! He’s injured!

Ah yes, Earl. The 20 games missed to injury. I keep forgetting that, but probably because 20 games with him out of the lineup looked an awful lot like the 62 games with him in it.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:57 pm Sandra

hmmmm.. romance in a hockey movie? I dont know if I can do that. There’s too much romance on the ice between players. (noting yesterday’s discussion on goal celebrations). I’ll stick with Mystery, Alaska as my hockey movie.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:57 pm Sherry

Sorry! I’ve never seen the movie before. I guess I’ll find out :P
on July 18, 2007 at 3:57 pm Earl Sleek

Don’t worry, Schnookie, I’m not watching that thing tonight either. Even if that movie were sitting in my DVD player right now ready-to-play, I’m just not that deep into the offseason depression yet where I’m ready for a D.B. Sweeney mini-fix.

Plus, it’s not anywhere near my DVD player or even my house, and I don’t feel like solving that problem by 6.
on July 18, 2007 at 3:59 pm Sherry

Guys, you’re making me feel like I shouldn’t watch it. Plus I’ve got like 5 hours to figure out where I’m supposed to land myself a copy.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:01 pm Schnookie

Okay, Earl, you just won the CTMSLOLTH Award. I guess the warm afterglow of winning the Cup makes the off-season easier to bear though. I mean, to not be far enough gone yet to need some Cutting Edge? That’s impressive.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:02 pm Sandra

Sherry…Rogers has it
on July 18, 2007 at 4:03 pm Sandra

Hamilton: 1550 Upper James St. (905) 318-1600
Hamilton: 550 Fennell Avenue East (905) 388-4849
Hamilton: 640 Mohawk Rd. W, #29 (905) 388-5556
on July 18, 2007 at 4:03 pm Sherry

I don’t think I have any Rogers anywhere close to where I live and am alas car-less. Hopping on a bus to the nearest Blockbuster just feels like a lot of work, although I did promise myself I do have to watch this thing one of these days [it's required viewing, after all]
on July 18, 2007 at 4:03 pm Schnookie

Guys, you’re making me feel like I shouldn’t watch it. Plus I’ve got like 5 hours to figure out where I’m supposed to land myself a copy.

If you haven’t seen it yet, Sherry, you are doing yourself a favor to watch it. Although I’d not really call it a “hockey movie”, per se. It’s, um… well… really it’s kind of undefinable. But since I don’t like any of the actual official hockey movies, this one will have to do.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:03 pm Pookie

I am so sad I’m missing the Cutting Edge-a-thon tonight. I love that movie. Completey and utterly. I’m not sure I’d be able to handle it if I hadn’t seen it before I became a hockey fan.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:04 pm Schnookie

Oh, I’m not sure I’d ride on a bus after work just to see The Cutting Edge.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:04 pm Sherry

Well I’ll see how I feel like going about searching for it after i get home. I’ll see you lot later :)
on July 18, 2007 at 4:04 pm Heather B.

I’m with the Ookies, a little warning would’ve been nice. Besides it’s Top Chef night! Maybe another time.

(Seriously, it’s an awesome idea and I’m a little sad I’ll be missing it.)
on July 18, 2007 at 4:07 pm Oil-of-Affairs

I am very sad I am missing it, but with a GIANT spider bite on my leg and the triple dose of Benedryl I just took, suffice to say…..I think I will be unable to keep my eyes open or my comments sane if I attempted to do that. Another time….another time…..
on July 18, 2007 at 4:07 pm Earl Sleek

Guys, you’re making me feel like I shouldn’t watch it.

Oh Sherry, where’s your defiance? You don’t hear me whining about how you make me feel like I shouldn’t drink so much.

I don’t think I have any Rogers anywhere close to where I live and am alas car-less.

Try to use your five (5) hours wisely then. Maybe devote the first three (3) hours to purchasing a (1) car.

Katebits talk is fun!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:07 pm Schnookie

a little warning would’ve been nice.

Exactly!

And even if we were going to be settled in front of the TV tonight at stately IPB Manor, it’s 15 To Remember night. Devils games — even lousy ones we’ve seen before — take precendence every single time. Hell, any hockey game would take precedence.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:09 pm Sandra

anyone care to join me Sept 18th at the Sens / Flyers inhibition game? You get here and I’ll buy your ticket!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:11 pm Earl Sleek

An inhibition game sounds intriguing. I’ll be dressed as “fear of public speaking”.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:12 pm Oil-of-Affairs

An inhibition game sounds intriguing. I’ll be dressed as “fear of public speaking”.

Hi, My name is Earl and I am a JACKASS.

For the love of God, she was being nice!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:13 pm Schnookie

An inhibition game sounds intriguing. I’ll be dressed as “fear of public speaking”.

Since my inhibitions are mostly all of the “meeting new people” and “socializing” variety, I’ll have to pass.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:14 pm Sandra

OOA…. not being nice to Earl anymore – Earl, I want my Teemu picture back.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:14 pm Pookie

Earl, I’ll be dressed as “wearing a bathing suit”.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:14 pm Meg

Although I’d not really call it a “hockey movie”, per se. It’s, um… well… really it’s kind of undefinable.

I don’t know…I think I’d be pretty comfortable defining it as a figure skating movie.

I’m with those who needed more warning. No time to Netflix it now.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:14 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Stay strong Sandra. Stay strong.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:15 pm Sandra

Earl, I’ll be dressed as “wearing a bathing suit”.

Preferable to Earl, I’ll be dressed as “not wearing a bathing suit”
on July 18, 2007 at 4:16 pm Pookie

But it’s so much more than a figure skating movie, Meg! It’s a work of art. A work of art about the human condition, love, war, early 90′s clothes and fantastic music cues.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:16 pm Heather B.

Earl, no alcohol allowed. It’s known to reduce inhibition you know.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:17 pm Oil-of-Affairs

HEY….where is KATEBITS TODAY?
on July 18, 2007 at 4:17 pm Sandra

S’okay… I know the city Cop that heads up security on Special Events (he’s actually Corry Perry’s uncle). I intend on using him to gain access to Briere (if he’s present) and ask him a few questions.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:17 pm Schnookie

I don’t know…I think I’d be pretty comfortable defining it as a figure skating movie.

But it has that super-realistic hockey sequence at the beginning!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:18 pm Pookie

Earl, no alcohol allowed.

It’s a prohibition game now?
on July 18, 2007 at 4:18 pm Sandra

HA! Pookie – u are waaay too quick.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:19 pm Schnookie

Earl, no alcohol allowed. It’s known to reduce inhibition you know.

NICE ONE! (There’s another CTMSLOLTH Award. You guys are rocking today.)
on July 18, 2007 at 4:19 pm Sandra

gak… i gotta go before the 4:30 underground parking exedus. Catchya’all tomorrow
on July 18, 2007 at 4:20 pm Earl Sleek

Hi, My name is Earl and I am a JACKASS.

Hey, my jackassery keeps the Bailey’s liquor industry in the black!

OOA…. not being nice to Earl anymore – Earl, I want my Teemu picture back.

Hey, this is progress. Some commenters aren’t nice to Earl ever.

(he’s actually Corey Perry’s uncle)

The one that taught him to dive?

It’s a prohibition game now?

Nicely done, Pookie.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:28 pm Schnookie

The one that taught him to dive?

I thought that said “The one that taught him to drive”. I was like, “Um, zing?”
on July 18, 2007 at 4:31 pm Pookie

The one that taught him to dive?

I thought that said “The one that taught him to drive”. I was like, “Um, zing?”

I was thinking the same thing. I was like, “Huh, I guess Perry really like learning to drive that he would make it common knowledge that his uncle was the one who taught him to do it.”
on July 18, 2007 at 4:33 pm Schnookie

It makes a lot more sense when you realize it says “dive”. Just in case anyone was wondering.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:34 pm Earl Sleek

Preferable to Earl, I’ll be dressed as “not wearing a bathing suit”

Hmm, this makes me think that I might want to fly cross-country for a game after all. Please send some pictures of this concept costume over and I’ll gladly return the Teemu one.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:35 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Earl you aren’t quite old enough yet to be our dirty old man.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:36 pm Meg

HEY….where is KATEBITS TODAY?

Hmm…don’t think she said. Maybe she’s actually busy? What’s that all about?
on July 18, 2007 at 4:38 pm Earl Sleek

Earl you aren’t quite old enough yet to be our dirty old man.

I’m glad that dirtiness or manliness were never in question.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:39 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Um, you don’t want me to get started on the Manliness….remember…I do have seldom seen CIA level Sleek photographs….
on July 18, 2007 at 4:41 pm Katebits

HEY….where is KATEBITS TODAY?

I’m back, and I’m better than ever. The thing about my job is that when it’s time to work, no computer. Sad. I started reading IPB during a slow time orchestra-wise, so I have gotten used to being able to hang out here all day. I HATE that you all have been having fun without me.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:45 pm Earl Sleek

OK, OK, I’m just dirty. Dirty for hockey.

Hi, Katebits! Sorry about the work/computer situation!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:45 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Well it hasn’t been the same without you. Trust me.

Oh and Earl….will be in Orange in October……bring the Jack.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:47 pm Oil-of-Affairs

I miss Katebits…she reminds of me of first love…of hockey that is. When it is pure and unjaded. Pre-Lowe hockey……makes me remember why I love this sport….and she gives me someone to gently taunt to turn her to the dark side of hockey… :)

Nice to have you back.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm Oil-of-Affairs

I am so sorry people, clearly vicodin and benedryl are NOT the combo of pills to be ingested.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm Earl Sleek

Jack in October, huzzah!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm Katebits

Hey, thanks Oil! I am glad to remind you of innocent hockey times.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:49 pm Oil-of-Affairs

yes…..all innocence must be shattered…yours lasted all the way until July 1st. Pretty good when you think about it.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:49 pm Sherry

You don’t hear me whining about how you make me feel like I shouldn’t drink so much.

That’s cause you know I’m right.

Sandra, I would love to join you for the game were I not a poor starving student, sigh.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:50 pm Katebits

Yeah. Chris Drury ruined me in so many ways….
on July 18, 2007 at 4:51 pm Heather B.

Hey, Kate, did you get the memo? I’m the best Sabres blogger on the Internet! (And I’m sure there are more than three of us, right? Right?)
on July 18, 2007 at 4:51 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Sandra…can I just send PP? She flies solo all the time…….
on July 18, 2007 at 4:56 pm Katebits

Heather YOU ARE A STAR! I’m so proud of you!
on July 18, 2007 at 4:57 pm Katebits

Does this mean I can’t whine about my S,PW and swoon over Crunchy on your HIGHLY RESPECTED Sabres blog? Do I have to pretend to be legit?…..cause i don’t think I can.
on July 18, 2007 at 4:58 pm Schnookie

Woo hoo! It’s time to go home! I’ll be back in a few minutes, for those of you on tenterhooks waiting for my return…
on July 18, 2007 at 4:59 pm Earl Sleek

That’s cause you know I’m right.

Hey, I’m right about Cutting Edge, too!

I’m the best Sabres blogger on the Internet!

It’s true. You didn’t see how quickly I had to update BoC’s linkbar. “Oh crap, I didn’t link to the best Sabres blogger on the Internet?!”

That’s the kind of lazy frantic updating we strive for at BoC.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:00 pm Katebits

Bye Schnookie!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:01 pm Heather B.

Kate, I’d never ask you to change. The whining and swooning give the place its charm, I think.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:08 pm Katebits

Okay, good. But now I’ll live in fear of Kevin asking me, “What does S,PW stand for?” I’m kind of smitten with BfloBlog. You are such a super star!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:28 pm Heather B.

I love BfloBlog and I admit, I’m ridiculously excited that Kevin would say such kind things about my blog. I mean, that seriously made my day. I’m pretty pathetic.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:29 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Even cooler that he reads it. At least on a semi-regular reader.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:38 pm Earl Sleek

Heather B., I am still amazed that you write a blog without any knowledge of your husband. How do you keep such a thing a secret? Amazing!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:40 pm Pookie

I mean, that seriously made my day. I’m pretty pathetic.

That’s not pathetic! You should be thrilled!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:47 pm Heather B.

Earl, I dunno. Maybe our relationship isn’t as good as I think it is? I do write in the middle of the night a lot so he’s often in bed. Wait until I hit with the double whammy of not only writing a blog but writing The Best Sabres Blog on the Internet!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:52 pm Katebits

I mean, that seriously made my day. I’m pretty pathetic.

Heather, I don’t think you are pathetic AT ALL. Hell, I’m pommerdoodling on your behalf. This is very exciting. And I would imagine your husband (mark?) will be super proud! I mean, he is married to the author of The Best Sabres Blog on the Internet. Geez, think of all the extra income you’ll have rolling in! The paparazzi! The interviews with the players! Your whole world is about to get about twelve millions time MORE GLAMOROUS!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:55 pm Gambler

Heather, if it makes you feel any better, I haven’t told any of my family about my blog, either. Mostly because I’m afraid of the looks I would get if they actually read it. Luckily I’m a night-owl college student with no real job, so I can get away with writing and game diarizing at two in the morning.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:57 pm Heather B.

Kate, very good, it is Mark!

I’m anxiously awaiting my phone call from Crunchy and quite frankly have been since I wrote him my love letter after the playoffs. Maybe now he’ll realize who exactly he’s dealing with here. When we got to practice, I’ll march up to the glass and announce, “I’m Heather B!” and I’m sure we’ll immediately be welcomed to the ice.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:57 pm Earl Sleek

Wait until I hit him with the double whammy of not only writing a blog but writing The Best Sabres Blog on the Internet!

Yeah, I guess I’m more surprised that the blog doesn’t dominate your everyday conversation. My poor roommate, for example, knows quite precisely and frequently the latest status of BoC, and he doesn’t even care that much. I just can’t help it–without intending to, the things I just naturally bring up in conversation will either center around what I wrote about in my last post or what I’ll write about in my next post.

I’m the pathetic one.
on July 18, 2007 at 5:59 pm Schnookie

Earl, if that makes you pathetic, then I guess I am, too. (Although I knew that even before I started blogging…)

Heather, I am titillated at the thought of you spending three months coming up with excuses why you needed to boot up the computer and type away for any length of time after Sabres games. I mean, all those posts where you’re saying, “We just got back from the game…” Were you telling him you had to put in a few extra minutes at the office? An unexpected business trip came up and you’d be out of town for the next half hour? This is fascinating to me!
on July 18, 2007 at 5:59 pm Pookie

Our whole family has found out about our blog and have all checked it out — a prospect I initially found a little troubling. But they all seemed to enjoy it, so I guess it’s all good. I don’t they’re reading far enough into the comments to get to the pissporn stuff. And if they did? Well, I can’t imagine they haven’t figured out that our minds are in the gutter by now.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:04 pm Heather B.

Schnookie, we’re both internet junkies anyway so I guess I didn’t suddenly start spending more time on the computer than I was before. I just started spending it in different places which he would never know. And most of my real life friends don’t care about hockey so I guess that’s how I avoid talking to them about it. He doesn’t know about HLoG either.

I don’t know, now I’m wondering if I should wait and spring it on him when Sports Illustrated comes calling?
on July 18, 2007 at 6:05 pm Earl Sleek

Yeah, my secret was out of the bag when my mom decided to put BoC in her annual Christmas letter. Fortunately, people on that mailing list find hockey so unappealing that other than a few one-time check-it-out instances, I have largely been left alone by the family-and-their-friends.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:05 pm Pookie

Also fascinating? The idea that right now we’re Kate Mosley and Heather is Doug Dorsey. “No, I’m dying to tell him!”
on July 18, 2007 at 6:07 pm Schnookie

Ohhh… nice Cutting Edge reference!

I thought we were getting just cursory “yes, I checked out the blog” views from our family, but apparently our uncles and cousins actually read a bit of it when they stopped by. I’m not sure any of them came back, but at least they all know I’m certifiable now.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:08 pm Pookie

So Mark’s going to be really surprised when you come home wearing that HLOG t-shirt that says, “HLOG, where there’s never too many men on the ice”?
on July 18, 2007 at 6:11 pm Heather B.

My little brother knows about it, reads, and occasionally comments even though he doesn’t really see much hockey. But I think that’s it family-wise.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:13 pm Schnookie

Heather, your little brother reads and comments on your blog and your own husband, who is a rabid Sabres fan, knows nothing about it??? This is amazing!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:14 pm Katebits

Holy crap, I am a total blog whore. I’ll tell ANYONE about Oh For Fun. I am fascinated by your stealthiness, Heather! And Crunchy is SO going to kiss your ass at the home opener (and mine by association, although I obviously don’t have your credentials).

I think you have to tell Mark about Top Shelf if only so you have an explanation for who the hell the crazy girl who calls herself “Katebits” is. What is he going to think when I start speaking in S,PW/Crunchy/Pommerdoodles tongue? And how are you going to explain my constant presence in your hockey lives? :D

And how are you going to explain why the players are suddenly approaching you all deferentially at the games? When Lindy calls the house to find out what you think of his lines, what are you going to tell Mark? What about when Goose calls to get young adult fiction recommendations? You have to think about these things now. You’re famous.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:14 pm Earl Sleek

I dunno, I could really see Mark catching on in some sort of scenario where he tries to explain some defensive pairing to Heather or something, and she just explodes: “Don’t you think I know that?! I write the best damn Sabres blog on the internet, after all!”
on July 18, 2007 at 6:16 pm Heather B.

So Mark’s going to be really surprised when you come home wearing that HLOG t-shirt that says, “HLOG, where there’s never too many men on the ice”?

Yes. And I’ll say, “Oh, it’s just this website I go to,” and leave it at that. For some inexplicable reason, I’m a little embarassed by the whole blog thing. I have no idea why.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:18 pm Pookie

I think it’s time you get un-embarrassed! Blogs are a force of good. They have democratized publishing, brought people together, wrested hockey coverage away from the clutches of the evil MSM. Celebrate it! Don’t hide from it!

I think you need to make Top Shelf the homepage on his computer and see how long it takes for him to notice.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:19 pm Heather B.

Heather, your little brother reads and comments on your blog and your own husband, who is a rabid Sabres fan, knows nothing about it???

That is correct.

And how are you going to explain why the players are suddenly approaching you all deferentially at the games? When Lindy calls the house to find out what you think of his lines, what are you going to tell Mark? What about when Goose calls to get young adult fiction recommendations? You have to think about these things now. You’re famous.

Hee!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:20 pm Heather B.

I think you need to make Top Shelf the homepage on his computer and see how long it takes for him to notice.

That’s a good idea! I’ll tell him, “Hey, I found this great alternative to Bucky Gleason. It’s the new homepage. Check it out when you get a chance.”
on July 18, 2007 at 6:20 pm Earl Sleek

I think you need to make Top Shelf the homepage on his computer and see how long it takes for him to notice.

I second this motion.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:22 pm Schnookie

I am all over the “Top Shelf as Homepage” experiment!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:24 pm Pookie

Do it, Heather! Do it! Make it the homepage. And if he hasn’t commented on it after a week, write a post titled “HEY MARK! HEATHER B SAYS HI!”
on July 18, 2007 at 6:27 pm Heather B.

And if he hasn’t commented on it after a week, write a post titled “HEY MARK! HEATHER B SAYS HI!”

You guys are killing me. All right, I’m going to set it up before I go to bed tonight. Should I also set up a video camera? Do you guys need to see his reaction?
on July 18, 2007 at 6:27 pm Katebits

Heather, in all seriousness, your blog is something to be very proud of. Really. I understand feeling bashful (actually, I don’t, but I’m trying to imagine), but Top Shelf is simply wonderful. Flaunt it!

Also, from a Buffalonian perspective, I actually think blogs like yours can serve a very valuable service to the community. No, I’m not kidding. The town is just seeped in negativity. Our local media is completely (TOTALLY) unacceptable. I know I rant a lot about The Buffalo News, but I really truly believe that they hurt Buffalo, on a very fundamental level, with every Bucky Gleason column. The reason I started reading BfloBlog is because at the time, Kevin offered the best sports alternative. He covers the Sabres in a sensible and honest way. Blogs like Top Shelf and BfloBlog are really important for a city like Buffalo. Those of us in town who chose to think on the bright side need to band together, and gather whatever positivity we can find in Buffalo, and channel it for good! I know it sounds stupid, but I believe this passionately. Buffalo NEEDS bloggers like you!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:28 pm Katebits

Woooo-hooooo!

Project Top Shelf Home Page!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:32 pm Heather B.

Buffalo NEEDS bloggers like you!

Damn right it does! That’s it! I’m taking out ads in the paper! I’m buying advertising time during Sabres games! I’m passing out flyers at open practices! I’m painting the side of my car! Top Shelf is going to take over the world!

(You guys are so nice.)
on July 18, 2007 at 6:32 pm Earl Sleek

Also, from a Buffalonian perspective,

I was going to say, it’s about time we got some Buffalonian perspective here. These comments almost started to sound self-confident!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:36 pm Katebits

These comments almost started to sound self-confident!

Listen Earl, this is only an inhibition thread. We are saving our most dire moaning for when the season starts.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:38 pm Schnookie

I was going to say, it’s about time we got some Buffalonian perspective here. These comments almost started to sound self-confident!

I often find myself here wondering what Buffalonians think… :-)

And I second the “Be proud of who you are!” sentiment, Heather. Your blog rocks.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:38 pm Katebits

Damn right it does! That’s it! I’m taking out ads in the paper! I’m buying advertising time during Sabres games! I’m passing out flyers at open practices! I’m painting the side of my car! Top Shelf is going to take over the world!

Atta girl! You’ll save Buffalo, one post at a time.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:39 pm Heather B.

All right, I have to run before my husband realizes what I’m doing in here :-) Maybe I’ll be back later. Thanks again for all the kind words!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:40 pm Katebits

I often find myself here wondering what Buffalonians think… :-)

I know! You guys know nothing of our trials and tribulations! Man, I won’t bore you now, but I could tell you a thing or two about our fair city…….

:D
on July 18, 2007 at 6:40 pm Katebits

Bye Heather!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:43 pm Earl Sleek

I know! You guys know nothing of our trials and tribulations! Man, I won’t bore you now, but I could tell you a thing or two about our fair city…….

Have they passed that resolution to change the city name to “Poor Buffalo” yet?
on July 18, 2007 at 6:44 pm Pookie

Have they passed that resolution to change the city name to “Poor Buffalo” yet?

Nah, everyone was feeling too sorry for themselves to get out to vote.

(Just kidding! I kid because I love!)
on July 18, 2007 at 6:47 pm Meg

I often find myself here wondering what Buffalonians think… :-)

I know! You guys know nothing of our trials and tribulations! Man, I won’t bore you now, but I could tell you a thing or two about our fair city…….

I was about to say, we’re so retiring and uncommunicative that no one knows our opinions on anything. :)

Although I suppose I’m not technically a Buffalonian these days although I still find myself thinking that I am.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:48 pm Schnookie

Bye Heather!

Have they passed that resolution to change the city name to “Poor Buffalo” yet?

Nah, everyone was feeling too sorry for themselves to get out to vote.

Hee hee! Oh, I mean, guys! That’s mean!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm Katebits

Have they passed that resolution to change the city name to “Poor Buffalo” yet?

Nah, everyone was feeling too sorry for themselves to get out to vote.

Oh, now you guys are just being jealous. Just because we Buffalonians are SUPER COOL, doesn’t mean you are pretty okay yourselves. Buck up!
on July 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm Earl Sleek

Although I suppose I’m not technically a Buffalonian these days although I still find myself thinking that I am.

Yeah, my cousin suffered constantly from it until he got his self-pity gland removed.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:52 pm Katebits

Just because we Buffalonians are SUPER COOL, doesn’t mean you are pretty okay yourselves. Buck up!

….doesn’t mean you aren’t pretty okay yourselves.

I was trying to help you feel better about not being Buffalonians, since you are clearly hurting inside. (ahem, EARL)
on July 18, 2007 at 6:53 pm Meg

Yeah, my cousin suffered constantly from it until he got his self-pity gland removed.

I think living in NYC has counteracted that. All the self-aggrandizement. I’m telling you, the mood swings are like whoa.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:54 pm Earl Sleek

since you are clearly hurting inside. (ahem, EARL)

Is this another Sherry-spurred knock at the wobbly state of my liver?
on July 18, 2007 at 6:57 pm Earl Sleek

OK, with that, I am departing! (Just like everyone not named Vanek!)
on July 18, 2007 at 6:59 pm Schnookie

I think living in NYC has counteracted that. All the self-aggrandizement. I’m telling you, the mood swings are like whoa.

It must be really unhealthy to go from the one city to the other really quickly, like how it’s hard on your body to go from severe air conditioning to very hot weather outside.
on July 18, 2007 at 6:59 pm Schnookie

Bye Earl! (And ZING!)
on July 18, 2007 at 7:00 pm Katebits

Is this another Sherry-spurred knock at the wobbly state of my liver?

Hee.

Don’t try to disguise your non-Buffalonian inferiority complex with a joke about your drinking problem, Earl. You drink because you’re jealous…..of Buffalo, and our fabulocity. Oh, sure you sit out there in California with your sunshine and your Stanley Cup, but I can see your hurt, Earl. I can see it and so can everyone at IPB. We are here for you. When you are ready to admit you have a problem (that problem being that you really wish you were as cool as Buffalo) than we will be here for you. You simply have to take the first step, Earl.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:06 pm Schnookie

Katebits, was that a care-frontation?
on July 18, 2007 at 7:10 pm Katebits

That was textbook care-frontation. I should know, as I’m a trained care-frontation counselor.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:11 pm Pookie

Care is the foundation of care-frontations. I know because Goose told me so.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:11 pm Schnookie

Goose says, “Give a hoot. Care.”
on July 18, 2007 at 7:24 pm Katebits

Aww. Goose is such a sweetie.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:25 pm Schnookie

And so bespectacled. That helps a lot.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:26 pm Meg

Yes, it does.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:30 pm Katebits

Goose can be tough, as well as learned. Delightfully so.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:31 pm Schnookie

Well, it’s not like he’s Rod Brind’Amour under those glasses, of course. But they go a long way to improving the care-frontation expert look he’s rocking.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:35 pm Gambler

Goose says, “Give a hoot. Care.”

Aw, I love when Goose reads aloud from his thesaurus!
on July 18, 2007 at 7:36 pm Schnookie

Aw, I love when Goose reads aloud from his thesaurus!

And when he makes clumsy “Give a hoot. Read a book” Simpsons references! (He liked it much better when it sounded like he was reading the thesaurus.)
on July 18, 2007 at 7:37 pm Amy

Aw, I love when Goose reads aloud from his thesaurus!

Just wait until he reads aloud from the phone book.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:40 pm Katebits

When Goose grabs your hand, looks deep into your eyes, and asks you to “give a hoot.”

Wow. Powerful stuff.

Goose is really expanding the boundaries of the entire care-frontation movement. You should see everything Goose has done for Crunchy. Without Goose, no way Crunchy could have posed for that picture with BabyC and the Cup. Goose had to talk him through it…with love.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:42 pm Schnookie

I’m impressed at Goose’s capacity for care-fronting. I mean, to get Crunchy to be that calm… just, wow. That is a deeply moving “Give a hoot” he’s got. His “Give a hoot”-ocity is off the charts.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:51 pm Katebits

Goose is a Crunchy whisperer.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:52 pm Gambler

If the illiteracy trend in this country continues, I think for his next reading PSA, Goose should steer clear of the “Give a hoot”s and go in a different direction. Perhaps more like this direction (Click Read a Book Nuh). Although that’s more tough love than care-frontational. Maybe he should let Peters handle that.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:54 pm Pookie

Crunchy’s been giving so many hoots, he has barely a hoot left to give.
on July 18, 2007 at 7:57 pm Katebits

Oh. My. God. THE ILL SEED! Oh, Andrew Peters could totally sell this in a pre-game video. Maybe Goose could just stand in the back, looking sensitive and concerned.

THIS SONG IS AWESOME! It keeps getting better and better!
on July 18, 2007 at 7:59 pm Katebits

You guys, please go listen to “Read a Book Nuh”, RIGHT AWAY. You won’t be sorry! Gambler, this is incredible.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:01 pm Amy

Gambler, how did you find that link? That song is pretty brilliant!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:02 pm Schnookie

HOLY SHIT. THIS IS THE FUNNIEST THING EVER!!!!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:04 pm Pookie

I want to hear it! But something tells me, from the reports Schnookie is IMing me, that despite the subject matter, it might not be the best thing for me to crank up here at the Ref desk.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:04 pm Katebits

I have listened to it four times already. This is the best song in the WORLD.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:06 pm Gambler

My absolute favorite part: “Your body needs water, so drink that shit!”

I’m glad you guys find it as hilarious as I do. I don’t think I stopped laughing for about a month after I first heard it.

Amy, one of my friends shared the link with me a long time ago, and I’d almost forgotten about it until all this reading talk came up. Thanks for getting me to remember it!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:07 pm Katebits

Oh, Pookie, it would be PERFECT for the library!

I personally like the “brush your teeth, brush your teeth, brush your goddamn teeth” verse. Also, do you guys realize Beethoven 5th is running through the entire song? This is brilliant on so many levels.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:10 pm Sandra

song is too funny,…… i can picture Peters in a Ray Emery suit sauntering through the local mall…
on July 18, 2007 at 8:10 pm Schnookie

My absolute favorite part: “Your body needs water, so drink that shit!”

That was the part where I switched up from gently laughing with delight to almost puking for how hysterically I was laughing. TOO FUCKING FUNNY.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:14 pm Gambler

But, Pookie! It has such a healthy message for all the little kiddies who are no doubt skipping merrily about the library right now! (Seriously, any kids who are sheltered enough to be spending the eight-o’clock hour at the library are not only deserving but desperately in need of hearing a few “motherfucking”s.) But I don’t want you to get fired, so yeah, you should probably wait until you get home.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:14 pm Pookie

I haven’t heard the song yet but hearing about it has made me get “The Friendship Song” rap from Stella stuck in my head.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:17 pm Schnookie

It’s about on that level, musically, Pookie. But the presentation is a little less Stella-y.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:18 pm Pookie

(Seriously, any kids who are sheltered enough to be spending the eight-o’clock hour at the library are not only deserving but desperately in need of hearing a few “motherfucking”s.)

I thought that too, until I started working at this particular library. I learn a new swear word every day. You must have missed, in the early days of IPB, when I reported there was a gang fight at the library. Things have been relatively quiet so far, and no bodily harm has been done, so I’m counting it a sucessful evening for now.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:19 pm Sandra

hmmm… it also includes hygiene instrux for my teenage son… This is gonna get played every morning from now until September in my home.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:22 pm Katebits

Sandra, if I were you I would just play this on repeat. Hell, I’m doing that right now, and I don’t even have a smelly teenager.

I just emailed this link to everyone I know, including a special email to my friend who’s father passed away last night. I think there is no one, no matter what stage of life they are in, who could not benefit from “Read a Book Nuh”.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:24 pm Katebits

What’s the Friendship rap? Isn’t Stella a movie with Whoopie Goldberg and Ray Liotta?
on July 18, 2007 at 8:25 pm Pookie

Wow, this customer just came up and, on his way out of the library, said, “Thank you for being here.” When I just smiled he felt the need to clarify that he always says that to anyone who “waits on him” so they feel appreciated. Just as I was about to say, “that’s sweet” he said, “I’m a store manager for Sears.” It’s only because I’m distracted by IPB that I didn’t respond with an angry, “Oh Sears, eh? The same Sears that sold me a fridge that’s broken 4 times in 6 weeks? The same Sears that claimed it ordered a part for said broken fridge a week ago, which I have since heard nothing about?! The same Sears that’s ruined my otherwise perfect kitchen remodel?!?”
on July 18, 2007 at 8:26 pm Sandra

Katebits… sympathies to your friend…

When Denver gets home I will hear this a few dozen more times I’m sure. It’s right up his alley, even though it does have personal care instructions in it. (And the books he looks at now are from Summer school, so they dont have alot of appeal)
on July 18, 2007 at 8:27 pm Sandra

Pookie, then you could have thanked him for being there
on July 18, 2007 at 8:29 pm Pookie

Stella might be a movie with Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg, but it’s also a comedy troupe with some guys from the State. They had a series on Comedy Central, which I’m beginning to think Schnookie and I are the only ones who watched. They did a routine where some mean gang-ish kids try to beat them up, so they do a ridiculously nerdy rap about friendship.

LINK
on July 18, 2007 at 8:31 pm Schnookie

I think there is no one, no matter what stage of life they are in, who could not benefit from “Read a Book Nuh”.

That is SO TRUE. I know I would have appreciated it probably even more than I did today if someone had played it for me after my dad died.

“Stella” is a comedy troupe featuring three of the guys from “The State”. They had a show on Comedy Central two years ago. Pookie and I were apparently the only two people who watched it.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:32 pm Gambler

Things have been relatively quiet so far, and no bodily harm has been done, so I’m counting it a sucessful evening for now.

Whoa. Well in the case of your library, Pookie, I think the Illseed would just stir the pot. Best to keep it for later.

It boggles me why Speed Stick hasn’t latched onto “It’s called Speed Stick! (Bitch!) It’s not expensive! (Bitch!)” for its slogan. I mean, who wouldn’t buy that?

Pookie, then you could have thanked him for being there

Yes, “Thank you for being here instead of fixing my effing fridge like you should be!” I’m sorry you have to deal with that, Ookies, Sears sucks.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:32 pm Katebits

What the HELL is up with your fridge?! I thought Sears was supposed to be a reputable appliance store. Why the fuck don’t they just give you a new fridge? What’s with all the dilly-dallying around with parts? Eff you, SEARS!

Here’s a blog for you, SEARS.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:36 pm Schnookie

Katebits, that is the most wonderful blog since Slag-Faced Whores. I love it.

Apparently we have to have THREE part failures in our fridge before they declare it a lemon. The fact that we’ve had one part fail four times seems not to count. But we’re being kind of passive about it because we’re getting a built-in Liebherr monster fridge probably next week.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:36 pm Gambler

Hah! That Friendship song is hilarious! I vaguely remember hearing about Stella, and I’m sorry I didn’t watch it, because Michael Ian Black is so my comedian husband.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:36 pm Pookie

That blog makes me feel so much better, Katebits! Thanks!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:37 pm Pookie

Gambler, if you love Michael Ian Black, get thee to the Stella DVDs. They must be available through Netflix or something.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:38 pm Sandra

Schnookie.. you could dastardly make a couple more parts fail and then tell them you want a new fridge anyway. Say for beer or something.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:39 pm Sandra

gak… Denver’s home and I have to relinquish his computer… catchya’all later.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:41 pm Sandra

and… i’m so behind the times… I took him to Read-a-book and he already heard it. *sigh* cya!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:42 pm Pookie

It’s finally time for me to leave! Everyone who’s watching the Cutting Edge tonight, enjoy! Good night, IPB!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:42 pm Katebits

WOW! The Friendship Song is wonderful! Now that you’ve jogged my memory I totally remember the commercials for that show, way back when. Also, can I just say how much I love it when people point a video camera at their television and then post it on YouTube? There is something so retardedly charming about that.

Glad you like your blog.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:43 pm Katebits

Bye Pookie!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:43 pm Sandra

ACK … and there’s a video!!! set to a cartoon – go here:
http://emuse.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/27630
on July 18, 2007 at 8:43 pm Schnookie

Yes, videos of people’s tv’s crack me up. It makes me feel like I’m watching pirated Chinese DVDs, but of funny TV clips!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:46 pm Sandra

i think i’m caught in the spaminizer – read-a-book as a video!! but I cant post the website here…. can you tell me how?
on July 18, 2007 at 8:49 pm Schnookie

I retrieved it from Senor Spam — comment 378.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:50 pm Sandra

thanks Schnookie… this adds a whole new dimension!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:50 pm Katebits

Sandra, probably the easiest thing is just to copy and paste the address of the website directly into a comment. It’s really hard to explain how to make a link. We’ve tried it before. It goes no where, fast.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:50 pm Katebits

Oh! Never mind. You totally know what you are doing!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:51 pm Sandra

Thanks Katebits… many moons ago I used to write webpages in html, But, alas, I have forgotten how.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:55 pm Katebits

Aww. It looks like IPB was the last to learn about Read a Book Nuh!
on July 18, 2007 at 8:56 pm Schnookie

It wouldn’t be the first time I was the last one to a party.
on July 18, 2007 at 8:57 pm Sandra

It’s still funny… we need to add another verse or five tho.

Anyway, I have to go separate the boy from his girlfriend.
Toodles
on July 18, 2007 at 9:04 pm Katebits

Toodle-ooh, Sandra.
on July 18, 2007 at 9:05 pm Schnookie

Have a great night, Sandra.

On that note, I think I need to go get dinner started. I’m such a good housewife, always with a hot meal for Pookie when she comes in the door…
on July 18, 2007 at 9:10 pm Patty

At any rate, here’s the top 30 goal scorers in 2 seasons since the lockout (ranked by total goals, regular season and playoffs).

Woo hoo! Dallas loses!

So loses.
on July 18, 2007 at 9:18 pm Patty

This is an old topic, but Cutting Edge was very educational for me, besides being awesome.

I saw it many times back before I started watching hockey, but one thing that movie taught me was that hockey skates are different from figure skates. (The scene where they hand him skates and he says, Hey! These are figure skates!)

I remember watching it the first time and thinking, “Huh. That’s interesting.”
on July 18, 2007 at 9:20 pm Sherry

Haha, unfortunately I couldn’t find the movie in time to view it with the other ladies but I’m sure it’ll make for a very interesting Saturday night one of these days. I did find it online through the magic of the Internet but it didn’t finish it didn’t finish in time for the 9pm showtime :P. Oh well, guess it’ll make the day when I actually watch it so much sweeter.
on July 18, 2007 at 10:02 pm Katebits

Toe pick!
on July 18, 2007 at 11:59 pm Earl Sleek

That. Video. Is. Awesome.
on July 19, 2007 at 12:20 pm Oil-of-Affairs

Tops to Kate for the music and Denver (I am assuming it is him) for finding the cartoon!