IPB's First Peek at the Standings

IPB’s First Peek at the Standings

November 25, 2007 by Pookie

We’ve reflected on the season to date and we’ve handed out grades accordingly. Now it’s time to do something we almost never do this early in the season — look at the numbers. Our conclusions?

You wouldn’t know it from reading this blog but the Devils are 9 points out of first in the East.

You would totally know it from reading this blog that the Devils are 7 points out of last in the League.

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Posted in Bully Pulpit | 297 Comments

297 Responses

on November 25, 2007 at 8:50 pm Pensgirl

Yeah, most of the league is crazy tight this year. Thank goodness!
on November 25, 2007 at 8:52 pm Schnookie

I’m thankful this Thanksgiving weekend for the fact that everyone sucks! :P
on November 25, 2007 at 9:02 pm Pensgirl

I keep wondering, though: if everybody’s losing, who’s winning?
on November 25, 2007 at 9:04 pm Schnookie

I’ve been wondering the same thing! After about four weeks into the season I began to think there have been more losses in the NHL than are mathematically possible. I still stand by this belief.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:08 pm Schnookie

Oh, and Pensgirl — I just got your email… Sorry to be so long in responding!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:10 pm Pookie

Pensgirl, to paraphrase what I said to Beth earlier today — everything said about Sid in “Shattuck Boys” is said with the utmost of love!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:11 pm Pensgirl

I began to think there have been more losses in the NHL than are mathematically possible. I still stand by this belief.

I know, right?

That’s OK about the email. Sometimes cyberspace gets traffic jams too. :)
on November 25, 2007 at 9:15 pm Schnookie

That’s OK about the email. Sometimes cyberspace gets traffic jams too. :)

Riiiiight, that’s what happened! (And sometimes we sit here with our laptops in front of the television and still strangely don’t log into our IPB email account. :D)
on November 25, 2007 at 9:20 pm Caitlin

-Ookies, if I want to read the undoubtedly greatest piece of writing ever, aka “Shattuck Boys”, I just need to e-mail you, correct?

Also, I am stoked for the Stars/Devils game. I secretly root for the Devils now because of you two, unless of course, you’re playing the Stars.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:34 pm Schnookie

Just email interchangeablepartsblog [at] gmail [dot] com, Caitlin, to become Shattuck Boys-enabled. Yes, it is the greatest piece of writing ever! :D

I think a lot more people secretly root for the Devils than care to admit. It’s hockey’s dirty little secret. (I’m also really excited for the Stars game, although I have to remind myself that the Devils are always lousy at home against WC teams. I think Lou, in his single-minded mission to kill hockey [first the trap, then the division-heavy schedule... what next???], forces our boys to play crappy against non-conference teams so he can go to the league and be like, “See? Those games suck! More Rangers games, please!”)
on November 25, 2007 at 9:34 pm Pookie

I secretly root for the Devils now because of you two

Once again, brainwashing works! Bwha-ha-ha! Oh, wait, did I say that out loud? I must admit I’m liking the Stars more thanks to you Untypical Girls and Patty! Although, yeah, on Wednesday night? It’s war!

Oh crap! I just realized that the Dallas game is on Wednesday! I have to work late that night, so we’re going to be watching (and diarizing perhaps) on a 3-hour TiVo delay! This blows!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:34 pm Pensgirl

And sometimes we sit here with our laptops in front of the television and still strangely don’t log into our IPB email account. :D

Or that.

From what I’ve read so far, it’s gonna make for such awesome train reading! People are going to be looking at me funny when I’m cracking up.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:35 pm Schnookie

The other thing tempering my enthusiasm for the Stars game this week is that Pookie is working that night, so we’ll be watching on a lengthy tivo delay.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:36 pm Katebits

After about four weeks into the season I began to think there have been more losses in the NHL than are mathematically possible.

I had the opposite feeling. I felt like everyone except for the Sabres (and the Devils) was constantly winning.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:40 pm Heather B.

I had the opposite feeling. I felt like everyone except for the Sabres (and the Devils) was constantly winning.

Yeah, same here. But now we’re winning AND the rest of the division is losing. Thanks, division!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:42 pm Meg

I felt like everyone except for the Sabres (and the Devils) was constantly winning.

Same here, Kate. Sabres-fan persecution complex? Although I was delighted to return from a hockey-free Thanksgiving to see that they’ve actually put together a nice little winning streak.

As for the closeness of the standings . . . if nothing else it will probably make the end of the season particularly fraught.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:43 pm Heather B.

Sabres-fan persecution complex?

Well, we are Buffalonians.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:44 pm Schnookie

As for the closeness of the standings . . . if nothing else it will probably make the end of the season particularly fraught.

And the middle of the season. Good times!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:45 pm Caitlin

I think a lot more people secretly root for the Devils than care to admit.

I used to really loathe the Devils, but I find them growing on me more and more (mostly thanks to you guys). I find they’re pretty awesome guys compared to teams like the Dreaded Rangers and the Detroit Red Wings (The Most Evil Hockey Team Ever, at least to me).

“See? Those games suck! More Rangers games, please!”

Good Lord! I suppose that’s the downside of the Eastern Conference. I don’t know what I’d do if my guys had to play Avery, Jagr, Gomez and Drury on a regular basis. Lundqvist gets a pass from me, though. However, we do have to battle the Evil Pronger and the Hated Roenick on a regular basis, so there you go.

Oh crap! I just realized that the Dallas game is on Wednesday! I have to work late that night, so we’re going to be watching (and diarizing perhaps) on a 3-hour TiVo delay! This blows!

Oh, we’re on the flip side of the coin over here – because you guys are on the East Coast, it advances our game time. I’m used to having to stay up late, due to the guys having to fly out of our time zone on a regular basis.

When we play Eastern Conference teams though, I’m racing home through rush hour traffic to try and catch the games, because it’s earlier rather than later! I don’t get to leave work until 5:30 tomorrow evening, so hopefully I don’t miss much!
on November 25, 2007 at 9:46 pm alix

OH YEAH!!!!!! Grey Cups rock :)
on November 25, 2007 at 9:47 pm Meg

Well, we are Buffalonians.

That can be used to explain so many things, can’t it?

And yet I’m totally itching to get back to Buffalo now that annual (or so) visit is less than a month away. Is that some sort of weird Stockholm Syndrome? ;)
on November 25, 2007 at 9:48 pm Pookie

alix, your boys won?! Congratulations! Is all of Sask. going nuts?
on November 25, 2007 at 9:49 pm Heather B.

And yet I’m totally itching to get back to Buffalo now that annual (or so) visit is less than a month away. Is that some sort of weird Stockholm Syndrome? ;)

Listen, I’m not even going to pretend I don’t love Buffalo. For better or for worse, it’s gotten to me. Home, sweet, home and all that.

Which is not to say, of course, that Buffalonians aren’t there own flavor of crazy.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:50 pm Schnookie

However, we do have to battle the Evil Pronger and the Hated Roenick on a regular basis, so there you go.

I think anyone would hate having to play their division rivals no matter who they were just from having to play them so often. Although I will posit that the Islanders/Rangers/Devils fanbases are the ones that are most abused by this 8-games-a-year set-up because all three of those teams are broadcast on the same channel. We only get pregame shows if the Rangers are playing, and then we get a combo pregame show for us and for the Rangers. Our pregame, intermission and postgame reports always include updates for the other two teams. We are fed a constant diet of each other anyway, so having to play each other all the time to boot? It’s just adding insult to injury.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:59 pm Patty (in Dallas)

…we’ll be watching on a lengthy tivo delay.

This is actually good for me, because I find my attention drifting if I keep checking here during the game. It’ll be good to watch the game, then hang with y’all while you watch it.

And I’ll work hard not to give any spoilers. I hate spoilers.
on November 25, 2007 at 9:59 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Congratulations, alix!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:03 pm Caitlin

We are fed a constant diet of each other anyway, so having to play each other all the time to boot? It’s just adding insult to injury.

No kidding! I’m glad they’re at least mixing up the schedule for next year so that the Conferences play each other more. It would be nice to be in our home arena and get to see Ovechkin and Crosby play here. If the Devils played here, I know Stars fans would line up like crazy to buy tickets, because you guys have Jamie Langenbrunner!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:12 pm Schnookie

I’m glad they’re at least mixing up the schedule for next year so that the Conferences play each other more. It would be nice to be in our home arena and get to see Ovechkin and Crosby play here.

I’ve actually reached the point where I don’t care what we have to do in order to get a schedule where we don’t play the Rangers and Islanders eight times. I would happily just flat-out give up a few games from the season to get that. I’d be perfectly willing for the Devils to have only 74 games in the year to drop four games against the Rangers and Islanders each. I’m just so fucking tired of them.

If the Devils ever managed to be the reason one of their road games sold out, they’d not know what to do with themselves. That’s unheard-of! :D
on November 25, 2007 at 10:15 pm alix

Thanks Pookie and Patty! Yup, Sask is going nuts. They didn’t play the best game ever but they pulled it off. I probably would be going crazier if it were a Stanley Cup, but it’s stilll pretty damn cool.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:17 pm alix

The Canucks have an amazing division record, so I should like having so many division games, but I still can’t stand it! The games are just too damn repetitive.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:19 pm Caitlin

I’d be perfectly willing for the Devils to have only 74 games in the year to drop four games against the Rangers and Islanders each. I’m just so fucking tired of them.

I know the feeling. Between the Avalanche and the Ducks, this is how I feel a lot.

“Pronger….again? Nooooo!”

If the Devils ever managed to be the reason one of their road games sold out, they’d not know what to do with themselves. That’s unheard-of! :D

I will say this for Stars fans – generally ex-Stars players are still much beloved by the fans, even when they go play for other teams. Nieuwy is still much loved down here, and I’d be willing to bet a lot of people are buying tickets for the Montreal game on Dec. 23rd not just for the Habs, but also because Guy Carbonneau is now their head coach.

I still see Hull jerseys all over the place at games, and the fans generally loved the announcement of Hull as co-interim GM for the Stars, and Hull won a Cup with the Red Wings!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:23 pm Meg

Which is not to say, of course, that Buffalonians aren’t there own flavor of crazy.

Eh . . . everywhere’s got one kind of crazy or another, I find. NYC is like the Baskin Robbins of crazy–it’s just a matter of finding the flavor that suits you. I have so many things I want to do whenever I go to Buffalo and then I always wind up working for my father and not having enough time to get them all done.

I actually like divisional games for the most part, I just wish they were spread out more. I mean, I have no problem with the Sabres playing Montreal a bunch of times a year, but it would be nice if all those games weren’t in the same two-week span.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:25 pm Heather B.

I’m with you, Meg. I don’t really hate any of the teams in our division enough that I hate seeing them, but I would like to see them spread out. It’s a shame that we’re close to done with Montreal because those are always good games. The only exception is maybe Boston and I don’t even really dislike them, I just find them kind of boring.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:30 pm Schnookie

I have absolutely no problem with playing a billion games against the Pens and Flyers — it’s just the Rangers and Islanders that are driving me batty. The clumping-together of the games is asinine, but what really gets me about it, again, is the fact that our broadcasts are filled with Rangers and Islanders news. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if it was only one division rival I had to share my games with, but two of them? And one of the two actually owns my team’s broadcast rights? It just… too much Rangers.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:31 pm Meg

The only exception is maybe Boston and I don’t even really dislike them, I just find them kind of boring.

Yeah, Boston’s all kinds of boring. So much so that I can’t muster the will to dislike them. They’re just kind of there.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:39 pm Katebits

And one of the two actually owns my team’s broadcast rights? It just… too much Rangers.

I turned on the MSG Sabres game a few minutes early the other day and I was treated to Chris Drury answering the question “Which do you prefer, New York pizza, or Buffalo chicken wings?” The best thing about that stupid interview was that Drury was sitting there with a forced “smile” on his face, and when the interview was over, the announcer guy said somthing like, “Sometimes Chrus Drury’s quietness makes you think that he doesn’t have much of a personality, but you can see by this interview that he really does have a personality.” Heh. No. Your interview proves nothing. He’s a robot who’s been programmed to say he likes pizza.

This was just a very roundabout way of saying, sorry you have to watch so much Devils crap, Ookies. They SUCK SO HARD.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:39 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I think you do have it the worst, Schnookie.

One of the big problems with our division is the time-zone changes. 3 of the 4 teams are two time zones away. So that makes, um….(*attempts some math in her head*) 12 games a season just in the division that start at 9 or 9:30 at night.

That doesn’t include the 10 more that are against the Western Canada teams plus the Avs, plus 4 more with Phoenix that are just an hour later than home games.

Doesn’t bother me too much because I’m usually pretty late to bed.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:40 pm Katebits

I mean, sorry you have to watch so much RANGERS crap! I assume you like the Devils crap.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:41 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I mean, sorry you have to watch so much RANGERS crap! I assume you like the Devils crap.

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

Devils crap is good crap!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:41 pm Meg

This was just a very roundabout way of saying, sorry you have to watch so much Devils crap, Ookies. They SUCK SO HARD.

Hee! (Sorry, Kate, couldn’t help myself.)

But yes, that does suck to be subjected to the Rangers and Islanders so relentlessly.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:42 pm Pookie

Judging from the lack of waves and waves of sympathy, I’m not sure Schnookie adequately explained the dire situation we’re in. Where your teams offer fun pre-game shows filled with analysis and interviews for your team we get, and I am not joking, 30 minutes of Stan Fischler praising Sean Avery and discussing Chris Drury’s contributions to the Rangers. Before a Devils game. In which the Rangers are not also playing.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:42 pm Pookie

Oops, I guess there was a wave of sympathy. Sorry! @@@@@@@ I wrote comment #41 while those others were coming in, sorry!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:43 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I said I agree!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:43 pm Schnookie

I assume you like the Devils crap.

The Devils crap is THE WORST! :D

Patty, the time zone thing is so brutal. I had a much harder time when we were out west dealing with the really early starts than the late ones (like you, I’m always late to bed, too). AZ is on Pacific Time during the summer daylight savings thing (I don’t know which one’s standard and which one’s savings), so the EC playoff games used to start at 4:00. That’s just shitty.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:44 pm Pensgirl

The only plus I can see about the current schedule – and I had to look DEEP to see it – is that if I try really, really hard, I might be able to forget the WC’s assholes (I’m talkin’ to you, Pronger and Roenick) exist.

Considering the assholes in the EC (do I even need to name names?), this is not much of a silver lining.

I’m tired of feeling like the WC plays on an entirely different continent.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:44 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Haha! I figured as much, Pookie.

While it doesn’t happen every time, I kind of know what you mean. Lately they’ve been giving the second half of the post-game show to the fucking Cowboys.

Pardon my French.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:46 pm Caitlin

30 minutes of Stan Fischler praising Sean Avery and discussing Chris Drury’s contributions to the Rangers. Before a Devils game. In which the Rangers are not also playing.

You are far braver souls than me. I would’ve taken cyanide at this point.

Seriously? Drury? Avery? This makes the Baby Hockey Jesus cry.

-Ookies, do you need me to send you a cookie bouquet? Complete with Stolichnaya and Jameson’s, the two preferred alcoholic beverages of Untypical Girl Caitlin?

…I think you might.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:46 pm Heather B.

There’s Pookie, being all calm and rational again :-)

No, you guys definitely get the sucky stuff. I guess that would be like us getting hours of Toronto stuff before our games. Just not good.

He’s a robot who’s been programmed to say he likes pizza.

I.no.long.er.play.in.Buff.a.lo.so.I.must.ans.wer.New.York.piz.za. To.say.oth.er.wise.would.show.a.def.i.nite.o.pin.ion.of.my.own.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:47 pm Pookie

That sucks about the Cowboys, Patty.

Our last “Devils” pre-game show had time given over to showing bonus live footage of the Islanders game that had started 30 minutes before our game time. Hello, fuckwads who run MSG, if I wanted to watch the Islanders game instead of getting Devils analysis, I would have tuned into the Islanders game instead of a Devils pre-game show.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:49 pm Pensgirl

Ew, the Cowboys? EVIL! Even the Steelers don’t dare tread on Penstime, and they OWN Pittsburgh!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:49 pm Katebits

Heather, did you think of a reason that the Sabres are going to beat the Capitals? I can’t think of ANYTHING!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:51 pm Caitlin

Lately they’ve been giving the second half of the post-game show to the fucking Cowboys.

I KNOW.

I haven’t watched the Cowboys since Daryl Johnston retired. Moose, I miss you!

Watching the ‘boys without Moose is….so wrong to me, that I have not watched a full Cowboys game in years. I switched to college football.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:51 pm alix

Awww, poor Kane got hammered into the boards by Kesler(it was a totally clean hit and he was fine) “Welcome to Vancouver, Bitch“ Hehe. Kane was laughing and blushing after. What a cute little button.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:51 pm Pensgirl

Y’know, I really don’t like that some of the robots turned out to be SFWs. I really, really hope they fixed that glitch by the time they got to Sid. So far, so good, but now I’m all scared. Yoinks!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:52 pm Pookie

I.no.long.er.play.in.Buff.a.lo.so.I.must.ans.wer.New.York.piz.za. To.say.oth.er.wise.would.show.a.def.i.nite.o.pin.ion.of.my.own.

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

As for the calm and rational, yes, yes it would be like getting hours of Toronto stuff before every game. But worse. Because imagine you had two big rivals. And Sean Avery and Scott Gomez played on one of the two teams. And Stan Fischler was the studio guy. Is Stan a national phenomenon? Do you non-NY area people know the pain and suffering Stan brings to sane, normal people?

Pookie stomp Stan now!!! STOMP! STOMP!
on November 25, 2007 at 10:52 pm Heather B.

Heather, did you think of a reason that the Sabres are going to beat the Capitals? I can’t think of ANYTHING!

I didn’t think of anything funny or clever like I wanted to, but I did think of something, yes. If you want to know what, you’ll have to read Japer’s Rink tomorrow :-)
on November 25, 2007 at 10:53 pm Schnookie

-Ookies, do you need me to send you a cookie bouquet? Complete with Stolichnaya and Jameson’s, the two preferred alcoholic beverages of Untypical Girl Caitlin?

Hm. That might help ease the pain, just a little. :P

The thing that kills me the most about the MSG pregame crap is that we’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t. If they show us a pregame show we get 5 minutes of Devils content and 17 minutes of Stan Fischler’s “Sean Avery: Great Player or Greatest Player?” crap, but if they don’t show us a pregame show, it’s because the Rangers weren’t playing and, well, fuck us. (Seriously. We thought they only did pregame shows on nights there were multiple local teams playing, but last week the Devils and Islanders both had games at the same time, and there was no pregame. So… they only broadcast one if the Rangers are included too. And then Al Trautwig spends the entire mailbag section unctuously trying to convince us that the Devils and Islanders matter just as much to them as the Rangers. GAH! Schnookie stomp now, too!)
on November 25, 2007 at 10:53 pm Katebits

Y’know, I really don’t like that some of the robots turned out to be SFWs. I really, really hope they fixed that glitch by the time they got to Sid.

I think Mario is in charge of Sid’s programming, so I’m sure you guys will be fine.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:55 pm alix

“Stolichnaya and Jameson’s, the two preferred alcoholic beverages of Untypical Girl Caitlin?“

Mmmm, I LOVE Jameson`s!

“Heather, did you think of a reason that the Sabres are going to beat the Capitals? I can’t think of ANYTHING!“

Max will out super spy Ovie?
on November 25, 2007 at 10:55 pm Katebits

Max will out super spy Ovie?

I wish.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:57 pm Schnookie

The Sabres are going to beat the Caps because the Caps are already tired of that new-coach smell.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:58 pm Meg

Max will out super spy Ovie?

I wish.

Heh . . . tell me about it. On the other hand, while not a better hockey player, Max probably is a better super spy. I mean, after what, 7-or-so years in the league we probably still know less about Max than we do about Ovie. If only super spy skillz translated into goals.
on November 25, 2007 at 10:59 pm Pensgirl

I think Mario is in charge of Sid’s programming, so I’m sure you guys will be fine.

True that – Mario played pretty much without a salary to stay with us! (And since he was the only creditor who came out of the bankruptcy without getting fully paid back, he’s got the Genuinely Loves Pittsburgh thing down pat. That bodes well for Sid’s programming indeed.)

Kane was laughing and blushing after. What a cute little button.

I keep getting the sense that I would just love Kane and Toews, if I ever got to fucking SEE them.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:00 pm Caitlin

The thing that kills me the most about the MSG pregame crap is that we’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t. If they show us a pregame show we get 5 minutes of Devils content and 17 minutes of Stan Fischler’s “Sean Avery: Great Player or Greatest Player?” crap, but if they don’t show us a pregame show, it’s because the Rangers weren’t playing and, well, fuck us.

Dear god!

Okay, okay, TWO bottles of Stolichnaya. And I throw in some of those little chocolate bottles of flavored Stoli, too.

(What? They make a bad day great.)
on November 25, 2007 at 11:01 pm Heather B.

Max’s super spy skillz are definitely more finely tuned than Ovie’s. I love that he pretends to not be dating the girl he’s been with for years who we all know he’s seeing.

Here’s what I said:

Why the Sabres will beat the Caps: Because Thomas Vanek has started taking over games and controlling play, even when he’s not on the scoresheet. Because the penalty kill just held the top PP in the league to 1/9 over the course of two nights. And because the young guys are finally starting play like they really believe they don’t need Drury and Briere instead of just saying it.

(I threw in the PK bit for two reasons: 1. It’s pretty impressive. 2. A quick scanning of Caps’ blogs revealed that every was excited by how good their PP has been the last couple of games.)
on November 25, 2007 at 11:03 pm alix

Well I never get to see Sid and Ovie and Kovalchuk and Staffy etc. Stupid EC/WC split.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:03 pm Caitlin

Mmmm, I LOVE Jameson`s!

Ooh, I love kindred Jameson’s spirits! I refuse to drink any other Irish whiskey. If I’m cheap, I’ll go with Jack and a mixer, but Jameson’s is your best bet on whiskey, IMO. On the rocks, preferably.

The Sabres are going to beat the Caps because the Caps are already tired of that new-coach smell.

:^:::::::::
on November 25, 2007 at 11:04 pm Schnookie

2. A quick scanning of Caps’ blogs revealed that every was excited by how good their PP has been the last couple of games.

Look at you, doing your homework! I would probably have been like, “Well, it all depends on what Crunchy’s career numbers are against Dale Hunter. Hunter’s still a Cap, right?”

Okay, okay, TWO bottles of Stolichnaya. And I throw in some of those little chocolate bottles of flavored Stoli, too.

It’s getting closer and closer to maybe feeling better… :D
on November 25, 2007 at 11:05 pm Heather B.

Patrick Kane is perfectly described by “cute little button.” He appears to be an extremely talented six-year-old. He was adamant before the draft that he was playing in Buffalo so hopefully in five or six years we can woo him away.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:06 pm Heather B.

Look at you, doing your homework!

Well, this is the big-time, baby! I didn’t want to blow it :-)
on November 25, 2007 at 11:06 pm Katebits

Oooooh. That’s fancy Heather! Nice one!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:07 pm Schnookie

Well I never get to see Sid and Ovie and Kovalchuk and Staffy etc. Stupid EC/WC split.

Pookie just barked with laughter, “Which of these things is not like the other?”
on November 25, 2007 at 11:07 pm alix

“I refuse to drink any other Irish whiskey. If I’m cheap, I’ll go with Jack and a mixer, but Jameson’s is your best bet on whiskey, IMO. On the rocks, preferably.”

Occasionally I have Crown Royal(Canadian), but yeah nothing beats Jameson’s. (Especially on the rocks)
on November 25, 2007 at 11:08 pm Pookie

Great answer, Heather! And doing your homework! Wowza! I’m with Schnookie. Only I wouldn’t have remembered Dale Hunter. I’d be like, “It depends on Crunchy’s career numbers against Steve Konowalchuk. Kono’s still a Cap, right?”
on November 25, 2007 at 11:10 pm Heather B.

Oooooh. That’s fancy Heather! Nice one!

Thanks! I thought it sounded a little more positive than, “In the battle for last place, you’re just a little bit worse!”

Ookies, you both did better than I did. I couldn’t name a former Cap to save my life other than Jagr. Sad.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:10 pm Meg

He was adamant before the draft that he was playing in Buffalo so hopefully in five or six years we can woo him away.

Fingers crossed right. Coming to play for his hometown would totally exempt him from any slag-faced whoredom in my mind. (note: this is only applicable to Buffalo natives coming to play for their hometown ;))
on November 25, 2007 at 11:10 pm alix

“Pookie just barked with laughter, “Which of these things is not like the other?”

Hee hee! I know. I added Staffy on with a laugh. But still, I do enjoy Staffy :p
on November 25, 2007 at 11:12 pm alix

Gah! That was such a beautiful Sedin/Nazzy play and then Danny Sedin shot it wide. That’s so annoying.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:13 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Ugh. Stan Fischler is awful. Awful!

I only know him because of the year or two I watched the Devils when Nieuwy was traded there. I don’t know if most people know him. He does appear to think that he is a national icon, but I bet it’s just local.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:13 pm Heather B.

Pookie just barked with laughter, “Which of these things is not like the other?”

I almost made exactly the same joke – SERIOUSLY – but I was afraid to offend the Staffy lovers in the crowd. Hive mind!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:14 pm Heather B.

(note: this is only applicable to Buffalo natives coming to play for their hometown ;))

Meg, of course! I assumed that went without saying :-) If, for example, Crunchy ever signs on with the Red Wings? Slag-faced whole all the way!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:15 pm Meg

Ugh. Stan Fischler is awful. Awful!

Last year he predicted that the Rangers would sweep the Sabres. On my personal list of worthwhile hockey commentators he’s one of very few below Bucky Gleason.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:15 pm Caitlin

Occasionally I have Crown Royal(Canadian), but yeah nothing beats Jameson’s. (Especially on the rocks)

Hee! Awww, Crown Royal and those fun, velvety bags!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:16 pm Pookie

Yeah, I always assumed Stan was a national icon on a par with Don Cherry, since he’s always been so present in my hockey fandom from day one, but just tonight I thought, “Hey, I bet there are people who don’t know Stan from a hole in the wall!”
on November 25, 2007 at 11:17 pm Katebits

If, for example, Crunchy ever signs on with the Red Wings?……

This might be my greatest fear in life.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:17 pm alix

The bag just makes it ten times better haha.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:18 pm Patty (in Dallas)

If I’m cheap, I’ll go with Jack and a mixer

Around here, we mix our Jack with water. And call it the Jack Two Oh. :D
on November 25, 2007 at 11:18 pm Meg

“Hey, I bet there are people who don’t know Stan from a hole in the wall!”

Hey, I bet most of the people in New York don’t know Stan from a hole in the wall. I feel like even non-hockey fans in Canada know who he is. Fischler . . . not so much (in NY that is).
on November 25, 2007 at 11:19 pm alix

I have no idea who Stan is, but if he’s one yogurt covered raisin like Don Cherry, I feel bad for you.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:19 pm Patty (in Dallas)

“Hey, I bet there are people who don’t know Stan from a hole in the wall!”

I was one of those people once. *sigh*
on November 25, 2007 at 11:19 pm Heather B.

This might be my greatest fear in life.

Kate, it was strictly used for example purposes. Crunchy is NOT a slag-faced whore, I just no it. Look at how perplexed and hurt he was by Drury and Briere leaving. He’ll never want to put poor little Pommerdoodle and Roy-Z in the same position!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:20 pm Caitlin

Around here, we mix our Jack with water. And call it the Jack Two Oh. :D

Awww….but I so love Jack & Dr. Pepper!

The bag just makes it ten times better haha.

Cat & I laughed our butts off the other night because there was this huge Crown Royal truck at the Stars game. I was tempted to go up and ask for some of those super awesome bags!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:24 pm alix

“Cat & I laughed our butts off the other night because there was this huge Crown Royal truck at the Stars game. I was tempted to go up and ask for some of those super awesome bags!“

Ha ha.That would have been cook!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:29 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Did I mention that we’re 2nd in the Western Conference standings? Sure, everybody else is tied for third, but we’re second!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:30 pm Schnookie

That’s awesome, Patty! And if the playoffs started today, we’d be in. Of course, I’d be devastated that the season ended in November, but still. It’s the thought that counts.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:31 pm Caitlin

Did I mention that we’re 2nd in the Western Conference standings? Sure, everybody else is tied for third, but we’re second!

I KNOW! I know! They talked about it today during the game, and my family was so confused as to why I was excited!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I saw a quote from a Toronto journalist that said, basically, that Dallas, a team that never misses the playoffs and gets 100 points a season and were above .500 early had fired their GM. Then he said, it just shows that some teams have higher standards than others.

Very thinly veiled dig at the Leafs, I took it.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:32 pm alix

“Did I mention that we’re 2nd in the Western Conference standings? Sure, everybody else is tied for third, but we’re second!

Yeah I think we’re tied for third with that whole crowd. Damn you and your second :p Kidding! Awwwww, three guys are in the box for protecting Louie. Sure we’re going to get raped on the power play, but it’s nice they have his back.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:33 pm Heather B.

Very thinly veiled dig at the Leafs, I took it.

Oh, yeah. Toronto’s in kind of a tizzy right now. Evidently they didn’t take to getting abused by the Coyotes very well.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:38 pm Meg

It’s always fun when Toronto’s in a tizzy over their teams losing ways.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:41 pm Schnookie

Very thinly veiled dig at the Leafs, I took it.

Everything anyone says up in Toronto these days is a very thinly veiled dig at the Leafs.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:41 pm Heather B.

It’s always fun when Toronto’s in a tizzy over their teams losing ways.

I read something today that along the lines of, “We’re tired of losing and we’re going to do something about it! Really! This time we mean it! We’re totally serious!”
on November 25, 2007 at 11:42 pm alix

Oh Toronto. What a total gong show that whole organization is.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:42 pm Caitlin

It was funny what the Coyotes did to Toronto. (Not funny when they did it to us, of course.)

No kidding, especially now that McCabe has firmly entrenched himself on my “Dead To Caitlin Forever” list.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:43 pm Patty (in Dallas)

It was funny what the Coyotes did to Toronto. (Not funny when they did it to us, of course.)
on November 25, 2007 at 11:53 pm Heather B.

Well, I finally finished my post for today (is it December yet?) so good night to anyone who’s still here!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:55 pm Meg

Night, Heather.
on November 25, 2007 at 11:55 pm alix

Good night, Heather!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:56 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Bye Heather!
on November 25, 2007 at 11:58 pm Caitlin

Bye Heather!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:02 am Cat

Cat & I laughed our butts off the other night because there was this huge Crown Royal truck at the Stars game. I was tempted to go up and ask for some of those super awesome bags!

Dude. I was going to go up and ask for a bottle. Forget the bag. I need the whiskey.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:05 am alix

These refs are KILLING me this year! We just had a goal waived off that was totally in after the goalie dropped it. Horrible call.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:16 am Caitlin

These refs are KILLING me this year! We just had a goal waived off that was totally in after the goalie dropped it. Horrible call.

Was it McGeough? I’ve seen him call about four phantom calls on the same player in a row. Every time I find out he’s working a game the Stars are playing, I kind of die a little inside.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:17 am Cat

McGeough and Fraser win for “Worst Refs in the NHL”. And also, “People I Wouldn’t Mind Meeting in a Dark Alley”.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:20 am Pookie

Is anyone else here watching the Chicago-Canucks game on the Chicago feed? I was just beginning to wonder why I was still sitting up and I just found out — I needed to stay up in order to see that Jimmy Johns commercial with the submarine. Holy crap, that was awesome!

And now that I’ve seen it, I think I should probably go to bed. Stupid work. The way this weekend’s gone I really had gotten into the midset that I never had to go to work ever again!

Good night, everyone!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:21 am Pookie

(Oh, before I go, I’ll pull a Patty here and add something else all while insisting I am actually going to bed:)

Don’t get Schnookie started about Fraser! As the ruling priest class of Pandonation she’s got some strong, strong opinions on him!

(And now I’m leaving! Really!)
on November 26, 2007 at 12:24 am alix

Haha, I hate those too. But it was some guy I didn’t recognize. Oh well, we’re still in the lead I guess so I shouldn’t bitch.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:24 am alix

Night, Pookie!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:26 am alix

That’ll do it. Nuckies win! I do love this Blackhawks team though. They’re cute and hardworking and scrappy! Good night everybody.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:41 am Schnookie

I’m off to bed now, too. I was going to say something about Fraser and the 2003 ECF, but my head exploded. See you all tomorrow!
on November 26, 2007 at 8:26 am Amy

Happy Monday, everyone!

He was adamant before the draft that he was playing in Buffalo so hopefully in five or six years we can woo him away.

It was said on WGR that the Sabres allegedly offered Vanek, Roy, a prospect and a draft pick to Chicago for the #1 pick (Kane). I’m not sure how serious this was, but it could have happened.
on November 26, 2007 at 9:34 am Schnookie

Happy Monday, indeed!
on November 26, 2007 at 9:47 am Pensgirl

OK, I read too fast. I got through SB on the way into work this morning (and can I just say after my initial annoyance with Apple, I now love my iPhone for letting me read it without having to print it out?)…love it!

And Sid should always be allowed ice time. :) I have these visions that after he moves out of Mario’s he’s just going to build a rink that has a bedroom and a kitchen. The whole place would be on ice so he’d never have to take his skates off.
on November 26, 2007 at 10:10 am Pookie

It was said on WGR that the Sabres allegedly offered Vanek, Roy, a prospect and a draft pick to Chicago for the #1 pick (Kane).

Wowza!

I got through SB on the way into work this morning

My one regret with starting IPB is that Schnookie doesn’t write on this anymore. She used to stay up late on weekends writing it, so when I got up there’d be 2 fresh chapters to read. It was like a serialized novel!

So I’m cranky. I barely slept at all and then first thing this morning a woman calls and asks for the names and phone numbers of everyone who lives on a specific block in Brooklyn. For what purpose could someone need that that isn’t creepy?
on November 26, 2007 at 10:33 am Schnookie

I’m so glad you enjoyed SB, Pensgirl! My one regret about starting blogging is that I don’t have time to spend with the boys anymore. I miss the seasons at Shattuck. (I guess I have about 5,000 words a day in me, and I’m spending them all here now instead of on my magnum opus.) Anyway, I sometimes get a hankering to work some more on it — I’m slowly coming to grips with which of the boys has to die at the end, and I think once I can let go, maybe I’ll be able to finish it off. :D

For what purpose could someone need that that isn’t creepy?

I totally thought I made that request sound normal. I guess not.
on November 26, 2007 at 10:47 am Amy

For what purpose could someone need that that isn’t creepy?

If she’s spam mailing her neighbors (I’m assuming its a neighbor for this example.) Say she’s an Avon lady and wants to personalize her catalog mailings to the people in the house instead of doing a blind catalog drop addressed to “resident.”

Irregardless, its still creepy.

The whole place would be on ice so he’d never have to take his skates off.

Then he could both live and work in an Igloo.
on November 26, 2007 at 10:50 am Caitlin

OK, I read too fast. I got through SB on the way into work this morning (and can I just say after my initial annoyance with Apple, I now love my iPhone for letting me read it without having to print it out?)…love it!

I stayed up late last night to finish reading it and it was SO WORTH IT. Also envious that Pensgirl has an iPhone, bugs and all.

I laughed so hard at SB. I don’t know how I’m going to get through Wednesday’s game without cracking up constantly.

I barely slept at all and then first thing this morning a woman calls and asks for the names and phone numbers of everyone who lives on a specific block in Brooklyn. For what purpose could someone need that that isn’t creepy?

You should see some of the phone calls I have gotten/get on a daily basis that bother me for a good long while.

Pookie, maybe that lady just really thinks some people in Brooklyn need some random acts of kindness! …Or she’s just a total freakshow. Probably Option B, but we can always hope for the best.

Happy Monday, indeed!

Normally, I loathe Mondays, but I have just been informed by the good people at UPS that my Sergei Zubov jersey is en route to my house! It’s a Happy Monday, for sure.
on November 26, 2007 at 11:05 am Schnookie

I have just been informed by the good people at UPS that my Sergei Zubov jersey is en route to my house! It’s a Happy Monday, for sure.

That can certainly buoy a girl! How exciting!

I laughed so hard at SB. I don’t know how I’m going to get through Wednesday’s game without cracking up constantly.

Hee! Mission accomplished. And yes, Pookie and I spend all of our time cracking up at ALL our games. This is why we don’t want to ever get press credentials — how could we POSSIBLY gain any good from actually interviewing these guys?
on November 26, 2007 at 11:10 am Caitlin

This is why we don’t want to ever get press credentials — how could we POSSIBLY gain any good from actually interviewing these guys?

Hee! This is true. Now I’ll just watch Parise and think, “I say, I say, good sir!” or something to that effect and laugh my head off.

Although I’d pay good money to see you two interview Devils players. It would be so freakin’ awesome words cannot describe.
on November 26, 2007 at 11:15 am Pensgirl

I can see it now.

Ookies: “How has Boxyworthy’s influence helped your play?”

Zach: Blank stare
on November 26, 2007 at 11:22 am Schnookie

We’d totally end up trying to stage a carefrontation.

IPB: “Zach, can you tell Paulie how it makes you feel when he uses your turtle as a pancake mule?”

Zach and Paulie: “Security!”
on November 26, 2007 at 11:54 am Pensgirl

Don’t you mean: “I say, Security!” :P
on November 26, 2007 at 11:57 am Schnookie

Don’t you mean: “I say, Security!”

Hee!

The moment I most wish we’d been blogging for during last season was a game in October when Zach crashed into a guy at the end boards (I have no idea what team or what player it was) and the way the collision happened made it look on TV like the other guy had crumpled, lifeless, to the ice, and Zach was standing over him, looking down in stunned horror. And Pookie just said, totally perfectly in the moment, “I killed a man in the ring tonight, Boxworthy.” That’s the Zach comment we make most often now when watching games. (That, and constant, escalating stories of Zach’s pathetic attempts to retain Travis as his BFF.)
on November 26, 2007 at 12:04 pm Pensgirl

“I killed a man in the ring tonight, Boxworthy.”

Hee! But poor Zach. And that’s why he’s not like Shattuck Parise at all…that kid would love for someone to end up motionless.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:04 pm Caitlin

We’d totally end up trying to stage a carefrontation.

:^:::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 12:08 pm Amy

And that’s why he’s not like Shattuck Parise at all…that kid would love for someone to end up motionless.

And would probably love if Staffy stomped him, so Parise’s hands could remain clean.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:12 pm Pensgirl

Oh, right on, Amy! Exactly!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:22 pm andrew

“Jameson’s is your best bet on whiskey, IMO. On the rocks, preferably.”

Amen sister! Best. Whiskey. Evar.

Happy Monday-after-Thanksgiving everybody!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:25 pm Schnookie

Hey andrew! How was your weekend? Did the cooking all work out?
on November 26, 2007 at 12:33 pm andrew

“How was your weekend? Did the cooking all work out?”

It was great! Very mellow. Had my brother and his family over, we also had a good friend over (his family is way far away).

The cooking was good! My turkey turned out phenomenal! I also roasted up a bunch of root vegetables with fennel and squash thrown in for good measure. I will say that I started drinking a little too early, so I was fairly tipsy by the time we ate.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:35 pm andrew

How was the IPB turkeyday?
on November 26, 2007 at 12:40 pm Pookie

How was the IPB turkeyday?

Fantastic! We ate our dinner on the couch in front of the Pens-Sens! It doesn’t get much better than that! Schnookie made a hell of a dinner and the dessert was out of this world!
on November 26, 2007 at 12:41 pm Pookie

Here’s a picture of the dessert –

YUMMY CHEESECAKES
on November 26, 2007 at 12:43 pm Heather B.

It was said on WGR that the Sabres allegedly offered Vanek, Roy, a prospect and a draft pick to Chicago for the #1 pick (Kane). I’m not sure how serious this was, but it could have happened.

I’ve heard that too, Amy. I don’t think I believe it. It would’ve been pretty stupid IMO. I like Kane but he’s one guy and he doesn’t have Van’s size.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:52 pm andrew

Wow, that’s an impressive looking dessert!

Not having much of a sweet tooth myself, dessert around our house usually has to be brought over.

Sounds like you all had a good time! PJs and hockey is a good day no matter how you slice it.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:52 pm alix

Hey everybody. Happy Monday.
on November 26, 2007 at 12:55 pm Schnookie

PJs and hockey is a good day no matter how you slice it.

Pretty much! (And it kind of describes every day at IPB Manor, come to think of it. Man, life is really good.)

Those root vegetables sound delicious. Fennel is really the key to an extraordinarily good root vegetable roast, I think.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:01 pm andrew

“Hey everybody. Happy Monday.”

Hey alix! Happy Monday to you as well!

“Fennel is really the key to an extraordinarily good root vegetable roast, I think.”

Yeah, it turned out good. I roasted up turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, potatos, shallots, fennel, and squash all tossed in olive oil with some dried herbs. The best part was that I made way too much. So I took all of it (except the fennel, too strong a flavor) and diced it up when it came time to make the turkey stew. They added a wonderful texture and flavor to the stew.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:05 pm Schnookie

So I took all of it (except the fennel, too strong a flavor) and diced it up when it came time to make the turkey stew. They added a wonderful texture and flavor to the stew.

Look at you, Mr. Fancypants leftovers! I just made everyone make their own sandwiches with our leftovers. No stew at IPB Manor, although that sounds wicked good.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

We had about a tablespoon of turkey left over. I think we wouldn’t even have had that, if we weren’t a family full of overly polite people who think it’s rude to take the last piece.

I should have counted each of my teenage nephews twice, when I was determining turkey size.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:09 pm Pensgirl

Fantastic! We ate our dinner on the couch in front of the Pens-Sens! It doesn’t get much better than that! Schnookie made a hell of a dinner and the dessert was out of this world!

Plus, the Pens actually won! That was the sweetest dessert I had all day. :P
on November 26, 2007 at 1:10 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Next year, andrew and Ookies, I’m going to use one of your recipes to take to whoever is hosting it. We need something new.

Over the last couple of years, about half the family has gone anti-gluten. So I have a TON of stuffing and cake and pie left over.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:12 pm andrew

“I just made everyone make their own sandwiches with our leftovers.”

Oh man, I’ve been eating turkey sandwiches twice a day since Friday morning. Love them! The stew is just from the turkey that’s all over the bones, the stuff that’s too hard to carve off.

“We had about a tablespoon of turkey left over.”

We had a total of 24 lbs of turkey for 5 adults and 2 small kids. we had so many leftovers, it was unreal.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:14 pm Pensgirl

I should have counted each of my teenage nephews twice, when I was determining turkey size.

Nah, sounds like you did it perfectly! I hate leftovers and whine incessantly about it, so it’s totally a good thing to have so little. Back when Mutt of Pensgirl was still alive (all 17 happy, healthy years), he’d have been given that little scrap in his dinner.

No leftovers was definitely a big upside to going out. No drying out turkey and mashed potatoes or limp green beans sitting sadly in the refridgerator, no three pieces of extra pie for four people to fight over. Good times.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:16 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’m kind of wasteful. I do have some dark meat left over, but I don’t see myself ever eating it. And we just tossed the carcass. That might be part of the problem, too.

We had 7 adults and 5 kids and I think I got an 18-lb turkey. Could that be right?
on November 26, 2007 at 1:17 pm Pensgirl

D’oh! Refrigerator. Or fridge. Not a mashup!
on November 26, 2007 at 1:19 pm andrew

“Over the last couple of years, about half the family has gone anti-gluten.”

we’re in mostly the same boat. My nephew has autism that is primarily gluten-allergy induced, and it’s a trigger food for my wife’s migraines. So this year, there was no stuffing to be found and the gravy, pie, and bread were all gluten free.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:21 pm andrew

“We had 7 adults and 5 kids and I think I got an 18-lb turkey. Could that be right?”

They say a lb. per person as a guide…so with two teenage boys factor in about 2 lbs each for them….yeah, I’d say you were pretty much right on the money!
on November 26, 2007 at 1:24 pm Schnookie

An anti-gluten Thanksgiving… there but for the grace of God go I. I’m so impressed at you guys being all gluten-free. The stuffing is the linchpin of my Thanksgiving, and is the only leftover I really like eating.

I’m using my turkey carcass to make stock, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. I didn’t have enough onions for that this weekend, and wasn’t about to leave the house to buy any.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:30 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’m so impressed at you guys being all gluten-free.

Oh, it’s not me. I should be, but I haven’t jumped yet. It’s really cleared up a ton of problems my mom had, though. One sister’s family is totally off it and the other sister’s family isn’t.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

We had gluten-free gravy and one of the pies was, so those went fast.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:32 pm Meg

Having to go gluten-free would make me very sad. That said, my family’s leftovers lasted until lunch time the next day. Of course there were nearly the same number of us on Friday as there were on Saturday so that probably explains it.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:32 pm alix

Yay! I’m not in the Amazing League basement anymore. I hate losing. If anyone wants to pick up a d-man, Sami Salo is back in the lineup. He’s new and improved with his half metal face. I’m sure he has to have met his injury quota by now (Knock on Wood)
on November 26, 2007 at 1:34 pm alix

Mmmmm, I can’t wait for Christmas now with all this stuffing and pie talk.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:34 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I have Salo on my team and I’m still deciding. Is he a collector of stats normally?
on November 26, 2007 at 1:35 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I never got around to making a pecan pie (and not too many missed it), so I might make one this week. Just for fun. I have a ton of pecans to get rid of and I tend to just eat them by the handful until they’re gone. Not sure a pie is a better way, but I need the practice.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:37 pm andrew

“Having to go gluten-free would make me very sad.”

Having to learn to cook without it was actually not that bad. Rice flour, tapioca flour, you can almost always find a substitute to work pretty well.

“He’s new and improved with his half metal face”

Poor Sami. He’s had it rough this year.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:38 pm Schnookie

Yay! I’m not in the Amazing League basement anymore. I hate losing.

At the rate the Marauders are going, I wouldn’t be surprised to get an update from Yahoo informing me that my team bus drove into a telephone pole.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:39 pm Meg

Having to learn to cook without it was actually not that bad. Rice flour, tapioca flour, you can almost always find a substitute to work pretty well.

Ah, see, as a non-cooker I would have to find places that cook gluten-free for me and I feel like that would be more difficult.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:41 pm Meg

At the rate the Marauders are going, I wouldn’t be surprised to get an update from Yahoo informing me that my team bus drove into a telephone pole.

The Chinchillas are on a downward spiral I think . . . they’ll be fur coats in no time.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:45 pm Amy

At the rate the Marauders are going, I wouldn’t be surprised to get an update from Yahoo informing me that my team bus drove into a telephone pole.

So funny, yet so wrong.

Somehow, the Mother Puckers made it into 3rd place, after being in 8th last week.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:47 pm andrew

“I would have to find places that cook gluten-free for me and I feel like that would be more difficult.”

That does prove to be a little more difficult! But it just ends being an issue of avoiding certain foods completely.

“Yay! I’m not in the Amazing League basement anymore. I hate losing.”

The Statbitty Avengers made a huge power move over Thanksgiving week, jumped from 8th to 3rd!! Woot!
on November 26, 2007 at 1:47 pm Pookie

The Chinchillas are on a downward spiral I think . . . they’ll be fur coats in no time.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 1:52 pm alix

Sami has had it rough for sure. Patty, he had 37 pts last year and was a plus 21 if that helps. 14 G, 23 A.

“The Chinchillas are on a downward spiral I think . . . they’ll be fur coats in no time.”

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 1:53 pm alix

“Somehow, the Mother Puckers made it into 3rd place, after being in 8th last week.”

You have Nazzy and one of the Sedins right? It was probably his hat trick that did it :p
on November 26, 2007 at 1:56 pm Schnookie

Poor Chinchillas! If it’s any help at all, the misery surrounding the Marauders is reaching a fever pitch. Fiche and Youppi! proposed a trade to Sherry and the Keyboe Soloists, and when the local sports radio got wind of it, all the little children of Marauderville wrote letters to Santa asking for Getzlaf sweaters for Christmas. Of course, now there isn’t going to be a Christmas in Marauderville, because Sherry hates Santa, the holiday altogether, and the cherubic youths of our fine burgh.
on November 26, 2007 at 1:56 pm Pookie

You have Nazzy and one of the Sedins right? It was probably his hat trick that did it :p

I got hat tricks from Jokinen and Sharp recently, and I still didn’t seem to get any better. I think all my oponents are cheating!
on November 26, 2007 at 1:57 pm Amy

You have Nazzy and one of the Sedins right? It was probably his hat trick that did it

Yes. Darned if I can remember what Sedin it is.

Schnookie,

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 2:00 pm alix

:^:::::::::::::::::::: What a painful story you have to tell, Schnookie. Ok. I’m off to lunch. If I’m not back later this afternoon I’ve died from the cold. It’s -23C right now. Have a good afternoon everybody!
on November 26, 2007 at 2:02 pm Schnookie

Darned if I can remember what Sedin it is.

It’s okay, though. I mean, they can’t tell themselves apart either.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:03 pm andrew

“If I’m not back later this afternoon I’ve died from the cold. It’s -23C right now.”

Holy shit! That’s like, a billion degrees below zero, Fahrenheit! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced weather that cold.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:12 pm Katebits

The F-Bits lost 1-8-1 to vinny this week! The Fancy Bits fanbase is freaking out!
on November 26, 2007 at 2:15 pm Schnookie

The F-Bits lost 1-8-1 to vinny this week! The Fancy Bits fanbase is freaking out!

Yeah, but the Marauders got an 18-man oven and all stuck their heads into it. (It’s like the 12-man hot tub at UND, but more tragic.)
on November 26, 2007 at 2:24 pm Mags

But Schnookie, I only beat you 8-0-2…
on November 26, 2007 at 2:25 pm Patty (in Dallas)

The Wives are sinking like stones. But my Sno-Cones are climbing slowly.

What is the equivalent F of -23C? I don’t think there is one!
on November 26, 2007 at 2:26 pm Schnookie

But Schnookie, I only beat you 8-0-2…

It wasn’t you Mags. It was the three straight weeks like that. You’re just one in a long string of people smacking us down.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:26 pm andrew

“What is the equivalent F of -23C?”

I’ll tell you what the equivalent is: ass cold.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:27 pm Amy

What is the equivalent F of -23C? I don’t think there is one!

I think its like -9F or something.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:28 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Is Saskatoon anywhere near the Klondike?
on November 26, 2007 at 2:28 pm Mags

What is the equivalent F of -23C?

Like -9 or -10 or something.

It wasn’t you Mags.

Oh good. I was getting all guilted-up thinking I was responsible for an entire team’s suicidal thoughts.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:32 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Hey, I don’t feel a bit sorry for the Marauders. They way over-celebrated putting the Wives in the basement. They’re getting what they deserve now.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:33 pm Patty (in Dallas)

And I guess I won’t try to impress everybody with how cold it is here. :D
on November 26, 2007 at 2:35 pm Schnookie

They way over-celebrated putting the Wives in the basement. They’re getting what they deserve now.

SHUT UP! We are NOT like the Senators in last year’s SCF! We’re not like that AT ALL!
on November 26, 2007 at 2:44 pm Mags

Speaking of raccoons. Check out what was up on ICHCB a few days ago. I nearly bust a gut laughing
on November 26, 2007 at 2:47 pm Pensgirl

Boxworthy!
on November 26, 2007 at 2:48 pm Schnookie

I had no idea Boxworthy was getting stuck babysitting for the Pandolfos.
on November 26, 2007 at 2:51 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I had no idea Boxworthy was getting stuck babysitting for the Pandolfos.

:^:::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 2:55 pm Amy

I had no idea Boxworthy was getting stuck babysitting for the Pandolfos.

Looks like Boxworthy’s going to need combat pay if Pando Jr. keeps manhandling him like that.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:01 pm Schnookie

Looks like Boxworthy’s going to need combat pay if Pando Jr. keeps manhandling him like that.

Poor Boxworthy! And what he’s saying that whole time is, “I believe you will find there is no ‘D’ in ‘turtle’.”
on November 26, 2007 at 3:03 pm Caitlin

I’ll tell you what the equivalent is: ass cold.

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

Thank you for making my day infinitely better.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:04 pm Pookie

And what he’s saying that whole time is, “I believe you will find there is no ‘D’ in ‘turtle’.”

Travis: I think you’ll find that– that there is.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:10 pm Mags

And what he’s saying that whole time is, “I believe you will find there is no ‘D’ in ‘turtle’.”

Travis: I think you’ll find that– that there is.

They’re starting to sounds suspiciously like characters from The Age of Innocence…
on November 26, 2007 at 3:19 pm Heather B.

The F-Bits lost 1-8-1 to vinny this week! The Fancy Bits fanbase is freaking out!

Kate, tell the F-Bits to ignore all local press. Those guys are idiots, I hear.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:36 pm Schnookie

Travis: I think you’ll find that– that there is.

BURN! (And :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Poor Travis. So the guy has trouble saying the word “turtle”. Is that so wrong? I mean, he’s probably been traumatized after all those failed revenge schemes Boxworthy’s carried out against him.)
on November 26, 2007 at 3:37 pm Cat

Oof, I slept too long. So, a belated happy Monday!
on November 26, 2007 at 3:41 pm alix

If the Devils had a spelling bee both Acorns and Paulie would be out after having to spell turtle.

Acorns: T-U-R-D-L-E

Paulie: P-A-N-C-A-K-E M-U-L-E
on November 26, 2007 at 3:42 pm alix

“I’ll tell you what the equivalent is: ass cold.“

Hee! That is a very good description actually.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:43 pm Pensgirl

If the Devils had a spelling bee both Acorns and Paulie would be out after having to spell turtle.

Acorns: T-U-R-D-L-E

Paulie: P-A-N-C-A-K-E M-U-L-E

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 3:44 pm Amy

I mean, he’s probably been traumatized after all those failed revenge schemes Boxworthy’s carried out against him.)

Which then led to Travis to try a revenge scheme of his own. Back in college, he put Boxworthy in the UND 12-man hot-tub while a raucous, debaucherous hot tub party was going on. He could get rid of the turtle and annoy Zack all in one fell swoop. It was a good plan, except for one thing. Dear, sweet Travis forgot that turtles are water animals and Boxworthy could swim.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:46 pm Mags

Acorns: T-U-R-D-L-E

Paulie: P-A-N-C-A-K-E M-U-L-E

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

I think I’ll make someone make pancakes for me to use in Boxworthy’s pictures…
on November 26, 2007 at 3:48 pm Schnookie

Acorns: T-U-R-D-L-E

Paulie: P-A-N-C-A-K-E M-U-L-E

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

Dear, sweet Travis forgot that turtles are water animals and Boxworthy could swim.

Travis did a bad job paying attention to his zoology lessons at the Waldorf school. He much peferred macrame.

I’ll tell you what the equivalent is: ass cold.

I meant to say earlier that I used to work with a woman who had taught for a year in the Thunder Bay area. She said once it got down to 40-below (Celsius), and there were all these warnings not to go outside and stuff. So she decided to venture out, just so she could say she’d stood in air that cold. She reported it hurt like a bitch just to breathe, and it was insanely loud because all the trees were cracking from freezing. Meanwhile I’m all whimpery when it gets down to 30 (Fahrenheit).
on November 26, 2007 at 3:54 pm Pookie

This Boxworthy stuff is awesome! You all are cracking me up! I have to admit, the Boxworthy + Hot Tub made me think Mock Turtle Soup. It was very upsetting until I realized you were going for a more gentle conclusion.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:57 pm Cat

Meanwhile I’m all whimpery when it gets down to 30 (Fahrenheit).
That’s about the temperature I get whimpery at. It generally doesn’t STAY that cold here, thankfully.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:58 pm Pensgirl

She said once it got down to 40-below (Celsius), and there were all these warnings not to go outside and stuff. So she decided to venture out, just so she could say she’d stood in air that cold. She reported it hurt like a bitch just to breathe, and it was insanely loud because all the trees were cracking from freezing.

Pensboy had a hockey tournament in Barrie in March 1994. The whole family went. I remember snow piles over my head, and freezing my tuchus.

I don’t recommend it.

Nova Scotia had me so in love that I nearly forgot my Barrie experience. Then, as we discussed going on a real estate hunt, I remembered Barrie and realized I’d really only want to be Canadian in the summers. I don’t know what difference the ocean makes for Maritime winters over Ontarian ones, but I’m not too keen to find out.
on November 26, 2007 at 3:59 pm Amy

It was very upsetting until I realized you were going for a more gentle conclusion.

I would never try to kill Boxworthy. He’s Boxworthy, for goodness sake!
on November 26, 2007 at 3:59 pm mara in pdx

Anyone need a totally random article about MyPaulie’s (Goose to the rest of you) mother’s PE classes “walking” from Oregon to Buffalo?

Sure you do.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:00 pm MOPG

Perhaps someone from IPB should contact Reebok and ask them for a re-do on the Devils unis: turtleneck sweaters.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:01 pm MOPG

Pensgirl – it was JANUARY in Barrie near Pensboy’s BD and they had the coldest and snowiest weather in over 20 years.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:01 pm Schnookie

Cat, when I lived in Arizona, I got whimpery at 50. I used the heated seats in my Saab a lot more there than I did here. (Of course, now I have a Prius, and if it had heated seats I’d never turn them on out of fear they’d adversely affect my gas mileage. I’m always loathe to turn on, like, the defroster, because I’m like, “Running parts! Blowing air! It’s drawing power away from the mileage! ABORT! ABORT!” I, um, don’t really understand how cars work.)
on November 26, 2007 at 4:06 pm Pensgirl

Anyone need a totally random article about MyPaulie’s (Goose to the rest of you) mother’s PE classes “walking” from Oregon to Buffalo?

Sure you do.

Boy, they really wanted the heck out of Oregon! :P

Pensgirl – it was JANUARY in Barrie near Pensboy’s BD and they had the coldest and snowiest weather in over 20 years.

It was MARCH. I had to skip musical practice, and no such thing existed in January. And Best Friend of Pensgirl was my physics lab partner at the time, which didn’t happen ’til the final grading period.

You’re really trusting your memory over mine? Seriously?
on November 26, 2007 at 4:07 pm Amy

Mara, if I didn’t adore Goose before that article, I think that would make me a fan. Not only is he concerned about the kids literary health (the infamous “books are the foundation of reading” commercial) but he’s working with them on healthy life habits and getting in shape! Love it.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:08 pm Pensgirl

Of course, now I have a Prius, and if it had heated seats I’d never turn them on out of fear they’d adversely affect my gas mileage. I’m always loathe to turn on, like, the defroster, because I’m like, “Running parts! Blowing air! It’s drawing power away from the mileage! ABORT! ABORT!” I, um, don’t really understand how cars work.

There are many studies that show running other things, even a/c, has very little effect on gas mileage. Other studies say it’s a huge draw.

So it’s like eggs. Eat ‘em, don’t eat ‘em, who knows?
on November 26, 2007 at 4:09 pm Cat

I’m always loathe to turn on, like, the defroster, because I’m like, “Running parts! Blowing air! It’s drawing power away from the mileage! ABORT! ABORT!”

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

Now I want heated seats in my car…
on November 26, 2007 at 4:11 pm Schnookie

Now I want heated seats in my car…

Well, it feels like you’ve peed in your seat, and then all of a sudden you find yourself shouting, “My biscuits are burnin’!” (or at least I did, specifically with Saab’s heated seats. Maybe other cars do a better job with them?), but all of that aside, it’s a great luxury! :D
on November 26, 2007 at 4:12 pm MOPG

(private discussion) PG Barrie was JANUARY. March was Toronto.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:12 pm Pensgirl

Now I want heated seats in my car…

Heated seats are WONDERFUL. Dear Departed Volvo of Pensfamily (“The Tank”) had them.

Actually, for anyone who lives in cold climates, Volvos are great cars. True to their Swedish roots, they seem to start up BETTER in the very kind of nasty cold weather that turns other cars into whimpering little babies. The whole Pensfamily loved The Tank, and I’m pretty sure I had “friends” in high school who only hung out with me so they could ride in it.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:13 pm Mags

Now I want heated seats in my car…

If you ever get them, don’t turn them up to high. I remember A.Oil telling me she’d burned her butt (through her jeans apparerntly) with the heaters in her little VW bug.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:13 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Now I want heated seats in my car…

I want cooled seats in my car.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:15 pm mara in pdx

Boy, they really wanted the heck out of Oregon!

Maybe they wanted to see what a White Christmas looked like. (I’ve lived here for 24 years and it hasn’t happened yet.)
on November 26, 2007 at 4:15 pm Mags

Actually, for anyone who lives in cold climates, Volvos are great cars.

Feh. My dad’s Volvo is a big old whiny bitch if it gets below 5C. Given that it’s that cold from November to March, it’s a pain in the ass.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:16 pm Mags

And Mara’sPaulie? Is awesome :D
on November 26, 2007 at 4:18 pm Schnookie

I want cooled seats in my car.

That was my biggest complaint about my Saab. I mean, the heated seats were nice, but cooled seats would have been much, much nicer. :D
on November 26, 2007 at 4:18 pm Pensgirl

(private discussion) PG Barrie was JANUARY. March was Toronto.

MARCH. There was only one trip and we hit both cities.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:18 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I think heated seats are weird. I’ve never really needed them before, though, so I’m not a good judge.

Once, years ago, I was in Breckenridge, CO, and went on a snowmobile ride. I LOVED it. But at the beginning I thought something was wrong with my snowmobile because the handlebars were hot. I figured there was a short it in that was going to cause the bike to catch on fire and they’d have to LifeFlight me out of there. I was too shy to say anything, though, and I’m glad I was, because it turns out they were heated handlebars. To keep your hands warm. On purpose.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:20 pm Pensgirl

Feh. My dad’s Volvo is a big old whiny bitch if it gets below 5C. Given that it’s that cold from November to March, it’s a pain in the ass.

I guess they don’t make ‘em like they used to. Natch.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:20 pm Schnookie

I was too shy to say anything, though, and I’m glad I was, because it turns out they were heated handlebars. To keep your hands warm. On purpose.

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on November 26, 2007 at 4:22 pm Pensgirl

they were heated handlebars. To keep your hands warm. On purpose.

Now that’s kinda weird. I get it, but I don’t think I’d like it.

When I marched in Macy’s it was frigid. I used those little hand packs they make for hunters to keep warm, but then after we actually started the parade I got too hot. I was able to work the ones in my gloves out, but there was nothing I could do about the ones in my socks. My feet got SO hot.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:22 pm Cat

Heated handlebars? That’s insane, man.

Also, cooled seats would be nice here in Dallas in the summer.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:24 pm mara in pdx

because it turns out they were heated handlebars. To keep your hands warm.

I never knew they had those. Of course, the only snowmobile I’ve ever been on was a ski patrol snowmobile when my dad took me down a run that was too hard for me at Northstar at Tahoe when I was a kid and I had to get a ride down because the resort was closing for the night.

Seems like snowmobiles could have those little plastic hand shields like motorcycles have sometimes and it would use less energy.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:24 pm Mags

Also, cooled seats would be nice here in Dallas in the summer.

But you already have A/C…
on November 26, 2007 at 4:25 pm MOPG

(private argument) WRONG> Barrie was a separate trip in freakin WINTER -locals were happy casue they coudl go skiing except the roads were closed. We made three trips to Canada: one nonhockey to Toronto that included the awful weather at Niagara Falls & the great Science Museum. The Barrie tournie with Dennis et al which was great fun. Toronto was so-so with the older guys-we “babysat them” while all the other parents took off. Some of the older guys got in trouble casue a young coach bought them booze.

I KNOW Barrie was around Pensboy’s BD. We thought Dennis was NUTS to schedule it at that time but it was MLK weekend and we had an extra day. I forget what year but Pensboy will recall. There was a blizzard that began in Erie and stayed with us the whole freakin’ time. The Blevins’ turned around in Buffalo- the worst was done by then… When we went to Toronto it was March and with the older HS kids ( recall that kid on Pensboy’s team who liked you?) – you and I saw Phantom at the Phantages Theater and we did the HHOF before we left for home. That was the time we heard the curling announcer burp on national Canadian TV for the finals of the curling tournie and totally fell on the floor luaghing our asses off. What professionalism. No “excuse me,” no nothing – just BLAHRGH right on TV. Ask Pensboy.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:26 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Once I realized the handlebars were supposed to be hot, I kind of liked them. When you’re riding a snowmobile, your hands can get really cold out there in front of you like that. Gloves are okay, but they’re fighting an uphill battle.

I’m a snowmobile-riding expert. What with my one 45-minute ride with a guide and 20 other tourists, you know.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:28 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Also, cooled seats would be nice here in Dallas in the summer.

But you already have A/C…

You already have heat, too, don’t you?
on November 26, 2007 at 4:29 pm Pookie

I’m a snowmobile-riding expert. What with my one 45-minute ride with a guide and 20 other tourists, you know.

Oh, of course! That’s why you go on those tours! To become an expert for life. That’s why I took an hour-long cow roping class. I now have on my resume: Cow Roper, Expert.

(For the record, roping cows? Hard.)

And on that note, I’m outta here! Have a delightful afternoon, IPBers! I’d say I’m excited for the Sabres and Caps but I’ve read so many convincing arguments on Japers Rink about why the Sabres can’t lose, so now I feel like it’s a forgone conclusion! :)
on November 26, 2007 at 4:29 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Pensgirl and MOPG are funny. :D
on November 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm Pookie

(Oh, one last comment — MOPG and Pensgirl, split the difference! From now on Barrie was February.)
on November 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm Mags

You already have heat, too, don’t you?

Yeah, but I don’t have heated seats in my car either.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm Schnookie

But you already have A/C…

You already have heat, too, don’t you?

Heh. And seriously, in the Southwest, by the time the A/C’s got your car cool, it’s too late for the seat — your flesh has already fused to the material. I was always stunned, every single day, at how hot the inside of my car got during the April-October stretch of furnace-hot weather.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm Patty (in Dallas)

If you get bored, Pookie, check out the Stars vs. the Butthead-captained Islanders!
on November 26, 2007 at 4:31 pm Pookie

You already have heat, too, don’t you?

Yeah, but I don’t have heated seats in my car either.

OK, one more last comment — heat and heated seats are very difference beasts. So I am with you Patty, having cooling seats and A/C would be deeeelightful!

Alright, now I’m outta here!
on November 26, 2007 at 4:31 pm Mags

Bye Pookie! If I ever need help roping cows, I’ll remember to contact you :D
on November 26, 2007 at 4:31 pm Pensgirl

You already have heat, too, don’t you?

Zing!
on November 26, 2007 at 4:32 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Yeah, but I don’t have heated seats in my car either.

Oh, I don’t either. I have neither.

I never liked heated seats much, because it feels like somebody just got up from there. Know what I mean? I never wanted a heated toilet seat for the same reason.

What I really want is one of those cars with the remote ignition so I can get the A/C started before I get to the car.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:34 pm Pensgirl

I was always stunned, every single day, at how hot the inside of my car got during the April-October stretch of furnace-hot weather.

Whenever anybody says the West is more bearable than the East because “it’s a dry heat,” DOPG says either “so’s an oven” or “so’s a blowtorch.”
on November 26, 2007 at 4:34 pm Mags

I guess your heat is different from Asia heat. I don’t remember our car in HK ever getting super hot.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:34 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I was always stunned, every single day, at how hot the inside of my car got during the April-October stretch of furnace-hot weather.

If I have to park outside for any length of time, I end up having to steer with my fingernails for the first ten minutes, until the A/C has cooled the wheel to a less searing temp.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:38 pm Caitlin

But you already have A/C…

When I was in high school, we had two to three months of continuous triple digit weather here. My car got so hot, I put my hand on the steering wheel and my hand sizzled. I’m sure, had other drivers not been dying from the insane heat and humidity, they would’ve laughed at the teenager driving her itty bitty car with her palms, with Wendy’s napkins between the steering wheel and her hands as buffers.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:38 pm mara in pdx

My car’s got heat-reflective window tinting on the backseat and rear windows (it’s a small SUV). I was skeptical until the first stretch of really sunny weather. Between the dark windows and keeping the sunroof tilted open, it never gets too hot to touch the steering wheel or seatbelts.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:39 pm Schnookie

If I have to park outside for any length of time, I end up having to steer with my fingernails for the first ten minutes, until the A/C has cooled the wheel to a less searing temp.

Exactly! I mean, you can actually get blistery burns from touching the surfaces inside your car, and woe to the poor soul who accidentally touches the metal part of the seatbelt clip! There’s a huge difference, Mags, between the Southwest heat and a more humid heat — I mean, I moved from Jersey’s fetid, swampy summers thinking, “Hey, hot and humid sucks, and so does hotter and dry. They’re BOTH bad!” And yes, they are both bad. But hot and humid doesn’t do to the inside of your car what hotter and dry does. :D

And on that note, I’m outta here too. Off to the grocery store! Whee!
on November 26, 2007 at 4:42 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I guess your heat is different from Asia heat. I don’t remember our car in HK ever getting super hot.

Also, even the slightest bit of shade makes a big difference. We have some blazing sun.

When I worked at a place with no garage, I used one of those sunshades over the dash and it made a big difference. I have a parking garage at work and a garage at home, so now I tend to forget to be careful when I park at the mall all day or something.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:42 pm Pensgirl

Man, mara, that sounds nice! Too bad Maryland prohibits window tinting beyond a shade that’s probably too light to be effective at repelling heat.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:43 pm Patty (in Dallas)

And, like mara says, window-tint is a big help, too. I don’t have any on my cheapie car, but it does make a big difference.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:46 pm Mags

If I have to park outside for any length of time, I end up having to steer with my fingernails for the first ten minutes, until the A/C has cooled the wheel to a less searing temp.

the teenager driving her itty bitty car with her palms, with Wendy’s napkins between the steering wheel and her hands as buffers.

Those are such strange images. It’s totally not funny, but I’m laughing anyway. I’m sorry!

I guess here, it gets so cold I have to bundle up just to walk the 12 feet to get the mail in the morning. And breathing hurts, and not wearing some sort glasses will make you cry from the cold wind.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:50 pm Caitlin

Those are such strange images. It’s totally not funny, but I’m laughing anyway. I’m sorry!

I guess here, it gets so cold I have to bundle up just to walk the 12 feet to get the mail in the morning. And breathing hurts, and not wearing some sort glasses will make you cry from the cold wind.

Oh, it’s okay! Laugh away!

Cold I cannot handle, so you have my enduring respect to survive that. For many years, I have wanted to take a vacation to Russia, but have always been stopped by my fear of cold temperatures. It gets below 60 F and I’m like, “I’m dying! I have hypothermia! Get me warm blankets, stat!”
on November 26, 2007 at 4:53 pm Pensgirl

The beauty of Pittsburgh, Blacksburg, and Baltimore has been in each place I have experienced both the searing-hot steering wheel and the freeze-your-fingers off cold one. Probably not as hot or as cold as those of you in the more extreme climes, but most definitely no fun.
on November 26, 2007 at 4:59 pm Mags

Caitlin, you could go to Russia in the summer. Moscow gets mad hot (like, tarmac melts hot… is your hot that hot? I don’t know).

I love the cold. I’ve always said I’m going to end up living in the Yukon or something, but I suffer from fairly serious SAD, so the lack of light would probably do me in.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:07 pm Cat

It gets below 60 F and I’m like, “I’m dying! I have hypothermia! Get me warm blankets, stat!”

Wimp. ;)

My friend’s Russian husband says that where he’s from (I have no idea where he’s from, other than “Russia”, which doesn’t really narrow it down), it’s a lot like here, with hot summers and not super-cold winters. You could always go there.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:08 pm Patty (in Dallas)

(like, tarmac melts hot… is your hot that hot? I don’t know).

There are times in the height of summer where your shoes stick to the tar.

Back in the cassette days, all my cassette cases were all melted into crazy shapes because I kept leaving them on the back seat of the car. Sometimes they’d stick to the vinyl seats pretty tightly.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:09 pm Caitlin

Caitlin, you could go to Russia in the summer. Moscow gets mad hot (like, tarmac melts hot… is your hot that hot? I don’t know).

Yes, that is my hot! I promised the entire country of Finland I’d visit first, then Mother Russia is up next. Eventually. Someday. I will take the Trans-Siberian Express before I die!

I love the cold. I’ve always said I’m going to end up living in the Yukon or something,

I think my dislike of cold is from never being exposed to it – ever. I think I’ve only ever seen an inch of snow on the ground. Extreme cold and winter weather probably weirds me out because I never deal with it (save for some icy roads).
on November 26, 2007 at 5:11 pm Patty (in Dallas)

My Russian friend at work says the same thing.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:12 pm Caitlin

My Russian friend at work says the same thing.

…How is it that everyone knows Russians save for me? You’d think with as much as I love that country, I’d have one or two, you know, just hanging around.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:16 pm Cat

I think my dislike of cold is from never being exposed to it – ever.

We’ll have to mentally prepare before we go to Finland, I think. It’ll be, like, in the 40s there when we go. Maybe even the 30s. I don’t know, I’ve never been to Finland.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:18 pm Caitlin

I don’t know, I’ve never been to Finland.

Is that why they’re so sauna-crazy? The cold?
on November 26, 2007 at 5:18 pm Mags

Hmmm, Finland. They talk… odd. Their language is almost like music.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:19 pm Mags

Is that why they’re so sauna-crazy? The cold?

Then why do they insist on jumping into freezing water after a sauna?
on November 26, 2007 at 5:24 pm Cat

Then why do they insist on jumping into freezing water after a sauna?

That’s the part that confuses me the most. That, and the sitting outside on the deck drinking a cold beer after the sauna, when it’s FREEZING outside.

Oh, Finns.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:29 pm Mags

the sitting outside on the deck drinking a cold beer after the sauna, when it’s FREEZING outside.

The Swiss do that too, and I will never understand why. Why go zooming down a mountain on two planks of wood (well, not wood anymore, more composite these days), working up a sweat, only to take off half your clothes (but leave on the uncomfortable shoes) to sit outside a chalet and drink warm, herb-infused wine? Why?
on November 26, 2007 at 5:30 pm Pensgirl

Why go zooming down a mountain on two planks of wood (well, not wood anymore, more composite these days), working up a sweat, only to take off half your clothes (but leave on the uncomfortable shoes) to sit outside a chalet and drink warm, herb-infused wine? Why?

That is what cold does to your brain!
on November 26, 2007 at 5:31 pm Mags

That is what cold does to your brain!

I guess I must be doing it wrong then.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:36 pm Pensgirl

I guess I must be doing it wrong then.

The cold mostly makes me want to stay in bed, so I really don’t understand it myself. But I figure there’s a point at which cold just makes you snap.

This is your brain on Winter….
on November 26, 2007 at 5:37 pm mara in pdx

I’d much rather be in cold weather than hot. At least you can put on clothes. If it’s too hot, you’re just screwed.

Hottest I ever experienced was 117F (47C) in Vegas. Dry heat, my ass.

My dad and I are trying to plan a trip to Egypt in 2009, and we’re considering going in the summer because it’s quite a bit less expensive (and less crowded)…but the tradeoff is that you’re in freaking Africa in the summer.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:39 pm mara in pdx

Why go zooming down a mountain on two planks of wood (well, not wood anymore, more composite these days), working up a sweat, only to take off half your clothes (but leave on the uncomfortable shoes) to sit outside a chalet and drink warm, herb-infused wine? Why?

…. that sounds pretty awesome to me. I love spring ski season when maybe the snow isn’t the greatest, but you can have beer and BBQ on the lodge deck in the sun at lunchtime. As long as the wind isn’t blowing, you can strip a lot of layers off and be perfectly comfortable.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:46 pm Caitlin

Hmmm, Finland. They talk… odd. Their language is almost like music.

All the vowels and umlauts hurt me. I can remember three or four words in Finnish and that’s it. Anything over that and my head explodes.
on November 26, 2007 at 5:46 pm Mags

I’d much rather be in cold weather than hot. At least you can put on clothes. If it’s too hot, you’re just screwed.

Exactly!

As long as the wind isn’t blowing, you can strip a lot of layers off and be perfectly comfortable.

Oh I know, it’s just that I don’t understand WHY. It’s the leaving on of the ski-boots that really gets me though. I guess that one day I need to go skiing with friends instead of my parents, and they’ll take me to a proper apres-ski (which I suspect I may not enjoy, because I’m not so much with the whole getting falling down drunk and walking home in crappy shoes over a icy roads. But at least I’ll have had the experience)
on November 26, 2007 at 6:01 pm Mags

I’ve killed it. Again. I’m sorry. (it’s ok, the murderess is going to bed now. It’s safe to come out)
on November 26, 2007 at 6:06 pm Caitlin

I’ve killed it. Again. I’m sorry.

Awww!

they’ll take me to a proper apres-ski

The very idea of skiing makes me kind of sick to my stomach. Very terrifying-looking.
on November 26, 2007 at 6:10 pm Patty (in Dallas)

It’s not you, Mags! Usually, about 4:30, I start to actually work…in hopes of getting to leave by 5:30. You’d think I’d learn that if I worked all day, I could leave at a decent time. Plus, get work done.

I’m kind of a slacker.
on November 26, 2007 at 6:14 pm Caitlin

I’m kind of a slacker.

I’m sitting here just counting the minutes until 5:30. Almost there…almost there….so close!

I got tied up on the phone with a client…bah.
on November 26, 2007 at 6:34 pm mara in pdx

Guess what I get to do tomorrow, guys! I get to go to the childrens hospital with the Winter Hawk players to deliver stuffed animals to the kids. The toys (20,372 total) were tossed on the ice in Saturday’s Teddy Bear Toss promotion. For six years I’ve wanted to actually go on one of the delivery trips and this year I get to! (I have to call in sick to work to go, though. Bad Mara.)
on November 26, 2007 at 6:41 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Wow! That’s sounds fun, mara!
on November 26, 2007 at 6:44 pm alix

Awwww, that sounds adorable, Mara! Have fun!
on November 26, 2007 at 6:53 pm Pookie

I guess here, it gets so cold I have to bundle up just to walk the 12 feet to get the mail in the morning. And breathing hurts, and not wearing some sort glasses will make you cry from the cold wind.

Where are you in Holland again? My coworker went all over the country last year and before she went we all looked up the weather for the places she was going. All the information we found suggested it was, well, a pretty mild place! Are you in a particularly arctic region or something?
on November 26, 2007 at 7:04 pm Cat

That sounds great, Mara! Have fun!
on November 26, 2007 at 7:42 pm mara in pdx

They’re doing 3 days of deliveries to the different hospitals, and tomorrow is to the Shriners hospital, which is a non-paying hospital that does mostly orthopedics. So, kids with defects who can’t afford the surgeries. It should be fun but it could also be really sad, too. (I will tell myself that these are the lucky kids, who are getting the surgery they need, and so I shouldn’t be sad.)
on November 27, 2007 at 1:55 am Mags

Pookie, it depends where you are in the country, and it’s the never ending wind and rain/snow that do it. I live in the south, next to Germany and it gets fricking cold here (not NS cold by any stretch of the imagination though, but like -5C to -10C plus crazy wind for 4 months), but my parents live right by the coast and I don’t think it’s been below freezing more than 2 weeks a year since we got here. Which is a good thing, because I don’t think Amsterdammers would know how to deal with snow. “Fun” fact: where I live holds the distinction of being the only place in the country that’s had natural ice that was safe to skate on in the past decade.

All that said, right now it’s a spectacular… 4C and raining. *sigh*
on November 27, 2007 at 12:49 pm Schnookie

I live in the south, next to Germany and it gets fricking cold here (not NS cold by any stretch of the imagination though, but like -5C to -10C plus crazy wind for 4 months)

That sounds just like the winters here! You’re such a wimp! :P (I say that while fully putting forth that I, too, am a wimp.)
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